thom browne pre fall 2015

I don't post very often about current womenswear collections.  I do like fashion, am often frustrated by it, and by no means do I follow it closely.  But this collection by Thom Browne (for Pre-Fall 2015) caught my eye.  It is based on the concept of the uniform, and apparently that's something I like (see my somewhat confused love for the Fall 2013 Jil Sander collection, here).  After wearing a Catholic grade school uniform as a child, and rebelling against it ever since, I'm unsure why the concept appeals to me so much.  One thing is certain, though:  the mix of patterns/prints and textures here gives the collection an eclectic feel and really makes the simple shapes used seem less like a uniform.

What else I know I love is the menswear tailoring (and ties!), the short trousers, the coats, and the interesting layers.  Oh, and the accessories--big bags, oxfords, sleek ankle boots, and fun socks.

You can look at the full collection here at WWD.com.

xo

K

shop preview: lots of Pendleton, wool coats, and a unique 1940s dress

It's frigid here, and this week's shop preview reflects that:  Pendleton wool pants (and shorts!), a fantastic pair of 1970s does 1940s wide leg trousers, a Pendleton plaid skirt, a cozy sweater in gorgeous natural tones, and a couple of fabulous wool coats.  Plus a unique, heavily-trimmed 1940s silk dress, and a 1980s rock t-shirt (just to mix it up a little more)--all arriving in the shop, starting today!

1940s Madame X silk damask dress trimmed in cord, mesh, and fringe.

1950s Pendleton red plaid full skirt.

1960s tan and terracotta knit dress.

1960s sand and sage mohair cardigan.

1960s wool plaid pants, by Pendleton.

1970s gray flannel wide leg trousers, by Modern Juniors.

1982 Journey Escape tour t-shirt.

1960s bright plaid wool and mohair Hudson's Bay coat.

1960s red and gray plaid Pendleton shorts.

1960s emerald green loden coat, made in West Germany.

xo

K

shop preview: rugged, classic, and sharp menswear

We're starting out the new year with a great collection of vintage menswear--rugged wool plaid shirts, a sharp leather jacket, 1950s denim workwear, and a classic Harris Tweed overcoat!  All items arriving in the shop starting this week.

1950s red plaid heavy wool shirt, by Lumber King.

1970s red plaid Pendleton shirt.

1970s Nordic collared cardigan, by Jantzen.

1960s brown leather Brooks cafe racer motorcycle jacket.

1970s windowpane plaid Woolrich shirt.

1970s green and blue wool plaid Pendleton shirt jacket.

1960s gray and red snowflake sweater, by Kingsport.

1950s Harris Tweed overcoat.

1950s denim coveralls.

xo

K

house of charm and distinction: small update

I just want to share this wonderful photo that was sent to me (thank you, Karen!) of the staff of the House of Charm and Distinction in the 1940s.  I posted about this Grand Rapids dress company last August, after we acquired some World War II era sales/marketing pieces from the company.

The woman who kindly sent me this photo said her mother worked here in the 1940s.  I assume that some (if not all) of these women are wearing C&D designs.  If you look closely, you can see that three women are wearing the same fantastic plaid set, and two are wearing dresses with large dots on the bodice.

I love this photo for the all the ladies in their great dresses, but also for the beautiful signage on the building.

I still know very little about this company, and can't recall our ever finding a dress with a House of Charm and Distinction or C&D Company label.  However, there is currently a beauty of a dress on Etsy from the company!

This dress is from FireflyVintage on Etsy, and according to the listing, the label reads "The C And D Company, Paris, New York, Grand Rapids."

When and if I find out more about the House of Charm and Distinction, I'll be certain to post here about it.

xo

K

last shop preview of 2014 + happy new year!

It's the very last shop preview of 2014.  Here's to a happy, healthy, and beautiful new year, full of fantastic vintage finds!

The first dress is already in the shop, and all the other items will begin appearing later today.

1950s No Angel black crepe and chiffon dress (in the shop).

1970s taupe wool women's pea coat, by Mackintosh of New England.

1950s flower embroidered charcoal gray wool dress, by Jerry Gilden.

1950s Cerulean Emba Natural Blue Mutation Mink wrap.

Deadstock 1970s satin and velvet maxi dress, by Toni Todd.

1950s wool coat with fur collar, by Forstmann.

1950s pale peach ribbon knit dress, by Westover.

1960s bright hand knit fair isle cardigan.

1970s cowl neck dress with floral border print.

1980s oversize cats sweater.

1950s black accordion pleat skirt and jacket set, by Leslie Fay.

1970s black and gray wool skirt.

1970s bohemian cotton Krist Gudnason dress.

xo

K

shop preview: 1930s daisies, a cheetah print, and a girl on a bicycle

1930s daisies + excellent sweaters + a red dress set with a touch of the wild = a small but eye-catching shop preview!  These items will be arriving in the shop starting today.

1930s daisy embroidered tulle dress.

1970s snowflake sweater.

1960s mod black and white striped dress.

Deadstock 1980s girl on a bicycle sweater.  (Note her three-dimensional yarn pigtail!)

1950s red dress and jacket set, with cheetah print lining and scarf.

1960s red and white checkerboard stripe hand knit ski sweater.

xo

K

shop accessories preview: 1940s heels, kidskin gloves, and cool shades

A swell selection of leather gloves, beaded and satin bags, cool sunglasses, and shoes ranging from casual sneakers to fancy heels--all on its way to to the shop, starting today!

Green and red Christmas Converse, made in USA.

1950s black patent stiletto heels.

1950s brown penny loafers with white contrast stitching, Chippewa Chief by Mason Shoe Co.

1980s tan and white spectator flats, by Connie.

1940s black suede peeptoe and eyelet heels.

1940s black fabric purse with brass handle, by Koret.

1920s floral beaded round bag, made in Belgium.

1960s beaded purse.

1950s black satin purse with crystal clasp.

1950s black leather gloves with floral ribbon cuffs, by Capretto.

1940s suede finish kid leather opera gloves.

1940s brown leather gloves with button decorations.

1950s cat eye Cool Ray Polaroid sunglasses.

1950s black and gold sunglasses with green lenses.

Brass cross country skiing belt buckle.

xo

K