shop preview: folkloric prints, floating chiffon, lovely beadwork and more flowers

What's coming to the shop?  Some fantastic folkloric prints, lightweight pastel chiffon and cotton dresses, and of course, more florals!  The first three items are already in the shop; the rest will arriving shortly.

1970s Night in the Jungle animal print lounge dress (in the shop!).

1950s Fancy Folk novelty print shirtwaist dress (in the shop!).

1950s Bramble Bloom cotton print blouse, by Shapely Classic (in the shop!).

1950s Folk Heart print cotton sundress.

1950s beaded pink orlon cardigan, by Kerrybrooke.

1960s beaded rose pink linen dress.

1950s lilac smocked cotton full skirt, by Bobbie Brooks.

1950s heart and bird print cotton dress with rhinestone buttons, by Betty Barclay.

1950s palest pink sleeveless blouse with nautical collar detail.

1950s sheer pintucked chiffon dress.

1960s chocolate brown blouse by Ship 'n Shore.

1960s floral print brocade dress by Haymaker.

1970s purple and green tulip print wrap skirt.

1950s gray floral knit dress with grosgrain ribbon trim and bow at waist.

1960s floral print chiffon sleeveless blouse.

1950s embroidered sky blue cotton dress by Kay Windsor.

1970s pink and mint paisley print puff sleeve blouse by Joyce.

xo

K

i spy: dark florals, ladies of mystery, and glowing nighttime scenes

Spring is in full swing here, and the flowers are blooming . . . but I prefer my flowers against a dark background.  Just like I love a small glowing light illuminating a darkened room.  And mystery!

See more by following me on Pinterest and Tumblr.

clockwise, l-r:

*After Van Dongen, photo by Norman Parkinson of Adele Collins wearing an Otto Lucas toque.  Photo was inspired by the 1919 painting "The Corn Poppy" by Dutch artist Kees Van Dongen. | normanparkinson.com

*Polaroid, 2003, Berlin-Mitte, Germany, photo by Sibylle Bergemann | Ostkreuz

*1946 Mallinson Fabrics ad | My Vintage Vogue

*decorated farmhouses of Hälsingland, Sweden (swoon!) | Hälsingegårdar

*Großer Blumenstrauss in einem Holzgefäß (Big floral bouquet in a wooden vessel), by Jan Brueghel, ca 1606-1607 | Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

clockwise, l-r:

*Beim Sekt, photograph by YVA (Else Simon-Neuländer), 1936. | source

*Saint Christopher decorates an archway over a cobblestone street in Bavaria, Germany, March 1974.  Photograph by George F. Mobley, National Geographic | NatGeoFound

*Nächtliches Bankett (“Nocturnal Banquet”) by Wolfgang Heimbach, dated 1640. | Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

*Patricia Highsmith, author of the Ripley books, which I recently read and loved.  I need to read more Highsmith! | Vintage & Anchor Books Tumblr

*Setting for a Fairy Tale, box construction by Joseph Cornell, 1942. | Guggenheim

xo

K

shop preview: striped cotton, bright florals and op art silk

Everything is at last bursting into bloom in Michigan, and the shop is also filling up with bright stripes, colorful florals, light and floating voiles and silks!  All items arriving in the shop starting...yesterday!

1950s Travemünde Strand striped shagbark cotton sundress (in the shop!).

1950s striped red Gal Friday dress, by Justin McCarty.

1950s The Derby equestrian cardigan, by Lee Herman.

1960s floral print linen skirt and blouse set, by Crazy Horse.

1960s sage green voile accordion pleat full skirt, by Miss Pat.

1960s flower embroidered dress with ascot collar and lilac velvet belt, by Lisa Cobb for Serbin.

1960s blue floral print cotton blouse with Peter Pan collar, by Aileen.

1920s-1930s red daisy print cotton day dress.

1970s batik print halter top.

1950s op art print silk dress with scarf collar and black velvet belt.

1950s ticking stripe cotton pleated full skirt.

1950s Alfred Shaheen ikat novelty print tunic dress with high slits at the sides.

xo

K

a frank lloyd wright home

The Meyer May house, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is a Grand Rapids jewel.

   

It can be toured for free, photographs are allowed, and the docents are fantastic.  When my dad visited us recently, I took my fifth or sixth tour of the house.  I never get tired of visiting it.

The home was commissioned by prominent local clothing store owner, Meyer May, and his wife Sophie.  The Mays were clearly forward-thinking people.  The natural tones and low, horizontal profile of the May house are in great contrast to the grand, vertical profiles and bright colors of the neighborhood's surrounding Victorian homes.

Strips of iridescent gold glass between the fireplace bricks glow in the sunlight.

The carpets and rugs of the house are magnificent.  They have three sets that they alternate between to keep wear even (visitors are allowed to walk anywhere--without booties!).

The docent claimed this doll, which belonged to the Mays' daughter, was haunted.

Unfortunately, the flowers hadn't yet been planted when we visited.  I'm hoping to go back soon to see how everything looks in full bloom.  If you're in or visiting Grand Rapids and are interested in visiting the Meyer May home, you can find information here.

xo

K

shop preview: rosette lace, watercolor tulips, plaid cotton

A pretty little shop preview with rosette window cut-outs, watercolor tulips, cotton plaid, and a shirt for Deadheads!  All coming to the shop starting today.

1960s Strasbourg Rosette linen dress, by Paul Parnes.

1960s pink and yellow floral print crop top with bow at waist.

1970s watercolor tulips wrap style dress with flutter sleeves.

1980s pink plaid cotton skirt with pockets.

1950s Carnival Midway dress.

1982 Grateful Dead t-shirt.

1940s cotton abstract print dress with faceted buttons, by Kerrybrooke.

1960s red and pink carnation print top.

xo

K