Thriftin'

Not much in the way of garage or estate sales
lately, but I did hit one today.
Look at the cute vintage fish I got!

The little one is too sweet.

Oscar Tag...goodtimes

Jesus.
Ang over at eVintage Society's blog Vintage or Bust has
tagged me, she obviously has not noted my distaste for:
A. Inspirational Jesus Emails
B. Joke Emails
C. OK, any kind of forwarded email except LOLcats
D. "Tag Your It" blog thingees

Its blog tag time! eVintage will kick it off with some questions about the Oscar awards (fashions, not the awards themselves….who was paying attention to THAT part?)….

~sigh~ Remember, I spent the night in a haze of temperature induced hallucinations (so who knows WHAT I really saw) and various flu/cold meds.*

1) FAVORITE GOWN OF THE NIGHT & WHY?

Really, for me it was a tie between Mrs. Seal (Hedi Klum) and La Mirren (whom it can be said even my 15 year old thinks is hot)...they made the rest of the ladies look like sad little Haus Fraus.

2) WHAT ERA DO YOU THINK IT REPRESENTED BEST?
The body conscious designs of the late 50's and early 60's like those William Travilla made for Marilyn Monroe.

3) LEAST FAVORITE GOWN OF THE NIGHT & WHY?

I thought Cameron Diez (whom my kid also thinks is hot) was a hot mess. What is it with her and her "I just got in from the beach" hairstyles and makeup? Plus her dress did just not work for me and needed a good steaming.
I would add Daniel Day Lewis' wife's dress except they (as a couple) are much like Tim Burton and Helena Bonhem Carter in the wearing of the strangely goth evening wear that shows much boozums so this was par for the course for them....at least the hubby is yummy and it still is no swan dress.

4) WHAT ERA DO YOU THINK IT REPRESENTED BEST (or worst, as it were)?
The same as #2 except done wrong and it looked like it was too tight and her ass looked huge.

6) TILDA SWINTON, FASHION SCORE OR SCARE?
Score.
I really liked it, for Tilda (you have seen what she has worn before, right?) it was avant garde while still being very classic. Lux fabric, great cut....my only problem is the neckline which would look better cut bateau instead of scoop.

WHAT DID YOU EAT WHILE WATCHING THE SHOW?
7-up and crackers.

And let me just add that there is NOTHING sexier in the world then guys who bring their mom with them to an awards show instead of some starlet. Props to Colin Ferrell (even if you still looked a bit skeevy) and Javier Bardem for loving their mums.

So I will pass this bit o' torture fun on to Carol over at Jersey Girl/Dandelion Vintage.

*I'm feeling better, thankyouverymuch, and while there were a few misses on the red carpet, all in all the gowns were just lovely to behold and there was nothing truly crazy. I miss Cher and Bjork.

Obligatory Vintage Oscar Dress/Drinking Game Post

This would be my obligatory vintage Oscar dress post…..
if I was not down with The Crud.

Not the flu, but The Crud.

I feel yucky….but not OMG! Kill Me Now sick.

Just, ~meh~ I need to go back to bed and sleep.

I have done nothing for 3 days. Mr. Vintage Goddess has been a trooper. Made dinner for 3 days, cleaned the kitchen, did the laundry and cuddled with me last night when I got the chills from my temp.

That is why we get married ladies, so that someone is there a 12 midnight when you are cold or to make sure you did not fall asleep in the bath and drowned.

So here is Liz Taylor in a great dress from Edith Head in 1969. Here is a paperdoll of Liz Taylor and her hair from Fancy Ephemera:

Fancy Ephemera Paper Dolls features Brenda Sneathen Mattox's original art.
Paper Dolls include: literary heroines, royalty, Hollywood costume, classic movie stars, Victorian ladies, historical fashion, and vintage brides!

There are tons of cool links and information on her site go by and take a look around and buy some paperdolls.

I will not be taking part in the Oscar Drinking Game (which basically is a shot every time you say “OMG!”, “What was she thinking.”, “Who let her out looking like that?” and “It is called a fucking bra Gwyneth.” ) since the meds already make me feel dunk.

What I will do is begin writing down my impressions of the cracktastic Oscar fashions I see as long as I can stay awake.

Enjoy the show and I’ll get back with you later….

Please Don't Eat Jebus's Head

I've have always marveled at the crap religious stuff that is out there in "bible book stores".
It all seems slightly creepy to have Christian mints with bible passages or little Mass kits for kids to play with.

As always the folks over at Cracked.com have taken my shudder meter and made me laugh with the list is of 20 Tacky Religious Products Guaranteed to Anger God.

The list is has such gems as Grow Your Own Buddha, Teen Witch Kit and the Ten Plagues of Egypt Toy.

#14 is just wrong:

#1 is a dog nativity set:

As you're no doubt aware, the most common complaint about nativity scenes is they're too prejudiced against non humans. After all, who are the dogs supposed to pray to?

Luckily, some intrepid inventor out there took a stand and made the Dog Nativity Scene featuring Mary, Joseph, some wise men and the Messiah Himself, all as partially clothed canines. It's blaspheming fun for the whole family, assuming your family enjoys dodging angry thunderbolts and plagues.

I think eating a chocolate Jesus this Easter just might cross that "piss off God" line.
Good Times....

Yes, It is a Poddle Purse

Scans of my favorite vintage purses from my calendar for the month....so far.

Beaded Poodle Clutch, 1950
How fucking cute is this?
Comeonyouknowyouwantone!


Floral Plastic Box Baguette, Early 1950

Velvet Heart Purse, Elizabeth Arden, 1930's

Seriously, I would be happy to have any of these vintage purses to carry around.
How awesome would it have been to go out to dinner last Thursday with that 30's heart purse.

Princess Puffy Sleeves

Via Carol over at Life of a Jersey Girl.


"her dress is a hot mess"
Say what you will about him, the boy has talent.

Rom Com

Valentine's day brings out the romantic comedies on TV.
Most suck.
‘Tis the truth.
Except for High Fidelity, I really love that movie.
Not really sure why.
Of course they really don't make Rom Coms like they used too.

I think my favorites are the Thin Man movies.
I know they are not really considered romantic comedies, but they are funny with tons of witty banter.
Myrna Loy and William Powell infuses the couple, created by Dashiell Hammett, with an adoration that is romantic without being overly sweet.
Nick and Nora Charles are funny, quirky, and elegant.

Just fun movies full of smart dialogue and fabulous frocks.
Nora really dressed well....very, very well.
Oh and there is copious amounts of alcohol.

Hey CNN, Fuck Off!

Wow, Chez over at Dues Ex Malcontent got fired from his job at CNN because of his blog.

S'rly.
Hell, I had no idea he even worked for them since he never named his employer, all I know is he is a man after my own heart.

I wake up every morning baffled as to why America hasn't thrown George Bush and Dick Cheney in prison, Hollywood hasn't stopped trying to convince me that Sarah Jessica Parker is attractive, gullible soccer moms haven't realized that they share absolutely no kinship with Oprah, and Fox canceled Firefly.

Firefly, sigh....that alone makes him awesome, but you can read here and here* to see why I read
him everyday.

Not sure why CNN cared that he had a blog since for the most part no one knew who he worked for.
I've pretty much given up on CNN since they hired that douche bag Glenn Beck so it is no skin off my nose removing them from the satellite "favorites" list.
It will protect me from being traumatized by Wolf Blitzer.

I guess it is a good thing I work for myself.

*I mean really, who isn't sick to death of The Oprah and that %^&%%$^(*((*)#@ Ann Coulter?

Vintage on the Runway

Project Rungay has a post about Kors's new collection.

Micheal Kors is all about vintage ala Mad Men for Fall 2008.
I am in love.
If I had the bod and the money I'd buy the whole collection.
Of course we all know that we can find the look on any number of vintage websites like Damn Good Vintage.
Here are a couple of my favorite looks:
And you can watch the show too:

It is That Time Again

Fashion week.
So far nothing has really struck me except Vera Wang's show.
And it is not the clothing, but the models makeup.
Or lack there of.
Or maybe the idea really was to send those lovely designs down
the runway on walking corpses.
Who's idea of beauty is this?
Dracula's?



Why would anyone want to make this lovely 12 yr old look like she was dead?

Or at least like she had stayed out too late partying after the Hanna Montana concert.

I guess this is the "fashion is serious business" look.
Ah well, you can see the rest of Wang's show here.

You Can't Save Them All

One of the things I love about buying and selling vintage clothing is being able to take a garment that you think is beyond any hope of saving due to years or neglect and bring it back to life.
In unfortunately there is a flip side to this when something you
have fallen in love with is just beyond saving.
Case in point these two awesome dresses.
They both look wonderful and lovely in these pictures, don't they?
Looks can be deceiving.
Both came in together and both had the same issue.
Dark water and mildew stains all over, but really
concentrated at the hem.

The 40's chiffon evening gown cleaned up like a dream, the
stains just melted away.
I was so happy...giddy even.
The slight shift from pale, pale pink to creamy yellow became more
apparent like a pastel sunrise.
Then I touched it.
The chiffon tore anywhere I moved it.
Sigh....dry rot had taken its tool.
The stitching has begun to tear too.
Whaaaaa!!!

The early 60's evening gown on the other hand is strong and totally wearable, BUT I cannot get a single stain to move.
The same stains that just disappeared on the chiffon are locked in on the acetate taffeta. They will not move. I have used EVERYTHING I have in the way of stain removal equipment short of setting it on fire.
I love the color combination.
I really wanted to save this one.

What can be done? Neither can be altered.

Both would be good "display garments".
In the end the 60's might be good for costume use and the chiffon could live one more time as a dead prom queen on Halloween night.
I think the fabric of the green and brown would be wonderful pillows.

They may become a couple of little girl’s favorite dress-up gowns for a season.

Let this be a lesson to those of you that either collect vintage clothing or are hording your past garments. Make sure you properly store them so they can live again in the future.

And other vintage dealers will be spared the pain and sorrow of not being able to save all the vintage dresses.

More Vintage Purse Scans

Here are 3 scans of my favorite vintage
purses of the past week from my purse calender.
Cushion-top boudoir bag.
1988-89.
Not really sure why one would need a bag in
the boudoir (sex toys, maybe?) but it sure is pretty.


Pouch purse in velvet with decorative cameo. Europe. 1900's.

Satin handbag with poodle clasp, 1960's.

'cause its a purse, with a poodle on it.

Cloverfield

Am I the only one who hopes that the Cloverfield Monster
is The Stay Puft Marshmallow Man?


Just asking....

Coming Soon

I know I took a week off, but I am back!
How about some vintage dresses and a bit of shameless self promotion?

Coming soon to Damn Good Vintage.
This great vintage 70's dress from Frank Usher.
How awesome it that bodice?


These 40's dresses, very noir looking, one a black crepe with sequined
flowers on the shoulder and the other with a great sculptured peplum .


I love this vintage 50's patio dress from Alex Cloeman.


Last a pretty, pretty new look dress.

I'd Like to Thank the Academy...

It is time for the Bloggies Awards.
You know you want to vote for me.
Go ahead.
Where?
I have no idea.
Just go vote.

Caturday Purse

I take part in a Secret Santa each year and this Christmas I
bought my SS recipient this purse calender.
I liked it so much I bought one for myself too.
Oh, there are some great purses.
Some are vintage and some are not.
I've decided to scan my favorite purses as I come to them.

The scan above is of
"Harle" calico cat bag with thread "hair" and
applique from Priscilla Snyder, 2005.
Yes, that is a purse.

Vintage champagne-bucket evening
bag in black suede by Anne Marie of France, mid 1940's.



Waving "Quelle Idole" (what a doll) Kelly Bag. Hermes, 2000.

A Man Got To Have A Code

I loves me some Omar.

And this Sunday I'll get to begin enjoying him and his code
when The Wire begins it's 5th and final season on HBO.

The truth is this just maybe the best show ever to air on American TV.
If you are not watching it, you should be.
It is a sin it has been completely overlooked by The Emmys for so many years.
(I'm not saying that the folks who vote for the Emmys are racist, but ya gotta wonder why a show that is this well written and this well acted does not ever get a nod except that it is about an American inner city and alot of the time all the faces you see are black.)

If you have HBO take a look.
If not grab the DVDs and begin watching.

I'll Love you Forever

Just a hint.
If by some small chance of fate you decide to clean out all the old cassettes you have in the wardrobe and you come across a tape that has all the lullabies you sang to your teen when they were itty bitty.
Don't listen to it.
In particular don't listen to "I'll Love You Forever" which you sang every night to said teen from day one till about age 7 or 8 when they requested that you stop singing to them.

If you do you will melt into a mess of blubbering, sobbing mommy goo.
I'm just warning you.

Pretty

How much do I love this website?
Polyvore
Go play.

Everything Should Taste Like Bacon

"Everything Should Taste Like Bacon"...that is the motto of the folks
over at J&D's Bacon Salt.
And except for The Boy's "everything is better with pie" there
really have been no truer words.
This is some good shit.
Bacon flavor without the calories.
So far we have used it on smoked turkey sandwiches,
omelets, in potato soup,
on baked potatoes, cheese fries,
Rhamen Noodles and hot dogs.
So far, so good.
The Boy likes the peppered better, I like the original.
They even have a blog with recipes and updates.

Fab But Flawed

Over on Zuberbia the writer has a post on Dec. 21st discussing the value of vintage clothing with flaws.
Finding beauty in imperfection, Wabi Sabi.

Wabi Sabi is the Japanese art of finding beauty in imperfection. Instead of shunning decay from time, weather, love and age, it celebrates it. And for a vintage fashionista, that means learning to embrace frayed edges, subtle color fading, minor snags and other imperfections.

It is a lovely way to live your life.
It is also a great way to buy and wear vintage.
Not only because you will stop worrying about the chance you might get a spot on that mint condition vintage dress, but also you will spend less on it.

The 40's suit above is a great example. Lovely color, sharp Noir lines, but it has flaws.
I would wear it in a minute if it fit me.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

Here is what I'm doing.

Sent The Boy and Mr. Goddess off to Mass at the Cathedral.
I am home with a Vodka Cran, tons of presents to wrap
and A Christmas Story on the TV.


Before


and after!


"Deck the Halls with brows of Howrey, ra ra ra ra ra rarara....."

Buddy Christ

I've taken pictures of Buddy Christ all over the place.
He likes to travel....don't judge me.....
The newest image is him sitting on top of my signed copy of American Gods by Neil Gaiman next to my Cardinal Ratzinger Fan Club mug (yes he is now the Pope, but I've had it since he was just a Cardinal in charge if the Office of the Inquisition) "putting the smackdown on heresy since 1981". Three of my most treasured "stuff".
The things I would grab if the house was on fire.

Good Times.
This was also a reason to try out my early Christmas present a Cannon, PowerShot A570 IS. It has this thing called "image stabilizer" that really makes taking pictures inside without a flash so much easier.

Kitties!

I'm not sure what Nico did to piss off Mr. Kitty, but he spent the evening with his back turned to the rest of us.


Kitty loaves.

Drunk Actors

The Golden Globes will air Jan 15Th.
If the writers strike is still on there will be no script.
This is like a gift from the gods.

Drunk actors on TV trying to not act drunk and show their asses.
This could be one of those golden moments that will go down in history.

I can't wait.
Good times.

If you are in the least bit interested in the strike Deadline Hollywood Daily
is a good industry blog to read. A lot of the folks leaving comments are writers and others
involved in the business.

Dear Abby Approves

Guess what?
Even Dear Abby knows the value of a good vintage dress:

Dear Abby: I go to church with a woman who is generous and means well, but she likes to give away her old hand-me-down clothing. Recently she gave me two old dresses that fit me, but I wouldn't be caught dead in. I'm 15, and she doesn't understand that.

I didn't want to hurt her feelings, so when she asked if I liked them, I told her they were pretty.

My mom is planning to donate the dresses to charity. But now the woman is saying she wants to give me more of her old dresses. I don't know how to handle this.

-- Second-hand Teen

Dear Second-hand Teen: Your neighbor is both kind-hearted and generous. She also appears to be into recycling, which is a good thing.

Before you turn your nose up at what she is offering, please consider that vintage clothing can be valuable. Some of it is "classic" and can be worn regardless of what the current fad may be. Members of the Hollywood crowd, as well as fashionable members of New York society, already know this. I often see their photos in magazines wearing some of the marvelous items they have collected. However, if your neighbor's dresses are really not your style, then you should be honest and graciously tell your neighbor that they're not for you.

So there you go.
Wear VINTAGE, Dear Abby said so.
And where are these old ladies who like to give away their vintage clothes?
I need one of them in my life.

New Look vintage dress shown above is here at Damn Good Vintage.