Shopping Vintage Etsy

Last week I decided that I wanted new teapot and more and more if find myself turning to Etsy for my vintage purchases.
The one I use right now is very small, but only holds about 1 2/2 cups and I really wanted one that would hold about 3ish.
I also wanted it to to be kinda atomic or mid century modern.
I ended up buying the teapot pictured above from EPOCA ECLECTIC , I know, awesome.

While shopping I also ran across these other vintage teapots/coffee pots I liked (a couple have already sold) and a Nosferatu Vinyl Wall Art.
Seriously.
Creepy, but awesome:
You know you want one.

I also liked this vintage Pyrex tea/coffee pot:


and this incredible Arn Jacobsen Tea Set:


and this small Atomic Star Pitcher:



(and DAMN YOU whoever bought that Schaffer Beer Clock!!! I went back to buy it and it had sold the day before. Arrrrrggggghhhh. I would never have shown it if I had thought I might get a nice run of sales so I could buy it for my kitchen. Very sad.)

That's My President

Great speech.
"

That large-heartedness – that concern and regard for the plight of others – is not a partisan feeling. It is not a Republican or a Democratic feeling. It, too, is part of the American character. Our ability to stand in other people’s shoes. A recognition that we are all in this together; that when fortune turns against one of us, others are there to lend a helping hand. A belief that in this country, hard work and responsibility should be rewarded by some measure of security and fair play; and an acknowledgement that sometimes government has to step in to help deliver on that promise.

This has always been the history of our progress. In 1933, when over half of our seniors could not support themselves and millions had seen their savings wiped away, there were those who argued that Social Security would lead to socialism. But the men and women of Congress stood fast, and we are all the better for it. In 1965, when some argued that Medicare represented a government takeover of health care, members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, did not back down. They joined together so that all of us could enter our golden years with some basic peace of mind.

You see, our predecessors understood that government could not, and should not, solve every problem. They understood that there are instances when the gains in security from government action are not worth the added constraints on our freedom. But they also understood that the danger of too much government is matched by the perils of too little; that without the leavening hand of wise policy, markets can crash, monopolies can stifle competition, and the vulnerable can be exploited. And they knew that when any government measure, no matter how carefully crafted or beneficial, is subject to scorn; when any efforts to help people in need are attacked as un-American; when facts and reason are thrown overboard and only timidity passes for wisdom, and we can no longer even engage in a civil conversation with each other over the things that truly matter – that at that point we don’t merely lose our capacity to solve big challenges. We lose something essential about ourselves.

What was true then remains true today. I understand how difficult this health care debate has been. I know that many in this country are deeply skeptical that government is looking out for them. I understand that the politically safe move would be to kick the can further down the road – to defer reform one more year, or one more election, or one more term.

But that’s not what the moment calls for. That’s not what we came here to do. We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it. I still believe we can act even when it’s hard. I still believe we can replace acrimony with civility, and gridlock with progress. I still believe we can do great things, and that here and now we will meet history’s test.

Because that is who we are. That is our calling. That is our character. Thank you, God Bless You, and may God Bless the United States of America.

"

And that is what is great about America.

I did not watch the Republican response (we all know what they were going to say anyway) since FOX did not carry the speech tonight we went from Obama to GLEE y'all. I love that show.

WTH? Mosaic makers on Etsy?

No seriously, what the hell is the matter with you people?
Cutting vintage teacups in half and selling them for "crafts" or making them into nightlights.
Why does this bother me?
A. I was looking for a couple of Franciscan Starburst teacups/coffee cups and found the one cut in half along with that great Temporama pattern. I actually clicked on to buy the 2 because it was just what I was looking for except it is JUST HALF of the fucking teacups.
and
B. I just hate useful things that are still in good shape being cut up, broken up and basically ruined to become supplies for someones craft/art.

God and don't get me started on the mosaic tiles that used to be vintage plates.....

Arrrgggghhhh....

New Purse

When I was in high school 79' to 81' (we are great, we are fun, we're the class of 81'....cheeeeesy I know) my BFF (no long BFFs and it has been over 20 years since we spoke, but I did stalk her on the internet and find our she lives in Phoenix and is a Senior Project Manager for a huge construction company and works with Habitat for Humanity) Theresa Schultz was everything cool.
Scary smart, pretty, skinny and she had an Aigner* purse and shoes.
Dear GOD I wanted some Aigner of my own.
You need to remember that at that time among those of us with a bit of taste Aigner was ALL THAT and a slice of cheese.
It was not to be.
My mom would not spend "that kind of money" on a purse.
I'll tell you all of this because the other day I decided I was finally going to get my Aigner purse.
So I went shopping and bought one on Etsy from thecherrychic. (it looks like vintage linens and such are her thing with a lot of kitsch thrown in.)

I'm so happy.
Perfect size, super soft leather in great shape and very fast shipping.

In my quest for the perfect everyday purse I have come close, like the 80's blue leather bucket bag with gold bunnies and poodles (which is like crack to me) that I got from Dorothea's Closet, but still not right.
And I have a bunch of vintage 40's, 50's and 60's purses that I use if the spirit moves me, but i am VERY hard on purses so I try to use them sparingly so this will be a great purse for the next year or so.

*I've always thought the quality of Aigner leather to be superior to a lot of what passes for "quality" handbags these days. The prices were reasonable and are very reasonable now for a vintage one. I think for the summer I'll get one of the woven straw and leather handbags.
Though I must say that what they are putting out now, if the website is any indication, is just ass. I like the classic stuff.

What's For Dinner This Week

Tonight it is homemade bread and cheesy potato soup.

Sun: BBQ Pork Steaks
Slaw
Corn

Mon: Meatloaf
Mashed Potatoes

Tues: Pizza (pizza hut?)
Salad

Wed: Burritos
Spanish Rice
Salad

Thurs: Baked Ital Sausage with Onions and Potatoes (hmmmm I sense a theme this week)

Weekend Sale at Damn Good Vintage

Vintage 1950's Polished Cotton Dress
From L'Anglion with Blue and Purple Roses

Was: $115
Now: $57.50

Sew Vintage Patterns

Pattern Blog.
What I like and what has been listed in the last week at Sew-Retro.
Done.

Vintage Swimwear Interview

Collectors Weekly has a new interview they just posted with vintage swimwear collector, Pam of GlamourSurf. "Pam talks about the evolution of vintage swimwear from the 1920s through the 1980s. She discusses the changing styles, famous designers, and the various materials that were used."
Go take a look.

Sexy, Curvy Vintage

Lord have mercy these gals are hot!

(Rockabilly Fashion Show put on by Senorita Hollywood and blogged by Pam from GlamourSurf. BTW, a little bird told me that Senorita Hollywood will have a booth at the upcoming Rockabilly Rave USA in New Orleans this October.)

Other People's Vintage

That I like. 1940's big shoulder green gabardine coat and 50's Vintage Silk Print Dress by Claire McCardel from Denisebrain.



1940's Plus sized dress with fun print from Dorothea's Closet.

CHECKERBOARD Vintage 1950s Penney's DOLMAN Cardigan from Fast Eddie's.

Dior and More

Just a quick look at what vintage I have coming soon to Damn Good Vintage:

A Dior Ultrasuede Coat

Early 50's Purple Rockabilly Dress


Cute 40's Day Dress (look at the buttons and the hidden pockets on the hips)

Vintage Etsy or YOU KNOW YOU WANT THAT CLOCK

When my son comes home from work he throws his crap all over the kitchen counter that sticks out in the living room and collects our crap.
Once my Wellbutrin runs out for the day and turns ugly I may yell about his crap all over my counter and might throw it on the ground or maybe at him.
The other day I decided to set this great MCM metal trash can, black with silver deer on it, on the washstand my the counter and have him throw everything in there.
It looks pretty good, but it is a bit tall so I spent some time trolling Etsy trying to find a type of atomic container or planter or large bowl to use. I did not find anything I wanted, but I found some great atomic housewares I want, but do not need.
Here are a few:
Atomic Starburst Vintage Glasbake Casserole or Cake Pan (actually I might NEED this more then I thought)

Amoeba atomic vintage pitcher

Ameoba Boomerang Glasses Atomic Federal Red Black Turquoise Eames

SCHAEFER ATOMIC CLOCK
I really love this beer advertising clock, but man I do not need it.

If you love Mid Century Modern and Atomic vintage you should check out Kim on Tuesday for her Atomic Tuesday roundup and No Pattern Required.

Green Fields of France

War is so glorious y'all.....



Green Fields of France is my favorite anti-war song....






Please don't forget the troops dying.
45 in July and already 40 in August...there will never be enough bodies for Afghanistan.

Music for an Irish American's Passing

In Teddy's honor.

Mmmmmm, Raspberry

No, not raspberries to eat, but this amazing raspberry silk HATTIE CARNEGIE gown at Dorothea's Closet.

Strapless gown has fantastic seaming along front and off-set pleats to side of center waist, drapes dramatically to the floor. Supported by self crinoline, has RIGHT metal zipper suggesting it was custom made for a left handed wearer! Stole wraps around shoulders, seams create lift, straps pull under arms.

Carnegie was in business from 1909 until her death in the 50's but her business continued until the late 70's. From the Vintage Fashion Guild Listing:

It was said that a lady could be dressed from "Hat to hem" at Hattie Carnegie (the one item she did not have being shoes!) By the 1940s, Carnegie's store was actually a department store. There was a handbag shop, where a customer could order a bag to match an outfit or hat, the fur salon which was next to the Custom Salon, a millinary shop and a ready-to-wear hat shop, her jewelry department, an antique shop that sold furniture, china and glass, a cosmetic and perfumes department, the Jeune Fille shop which sold Spectator Sports and ready-to-wear from other design houses.

To see more of this great dress go here and for more information on Hattie Carnegie check out the entry for her on the Vintage Fashion Guild.

Liberal Lion

This is how I will remember him.
Fighting the good fight for the regular guy.


The good stuff is around min 3:35....




TeddyCare.
In lieu of flowers, let's pass health care reform.

Statesman

“The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.”

Requiescat in Pace

New Life for Vintage

My views on taking perfectly good vintage and hacking it up to make "trendy" garments that for the most part are NOT well made is well known.
But in the hands of a talented seamstress and designer a piece of vintage clothing that is damaged and has outlived its usefulness can be a thing of beauty.

This brings me to re:couture a line of designs now being offered at Shrimpton Couture (a site that is everything I want to be when I grow up)....

"re:couture is a new label from designer Tallulah Charlotte and is exclusively available through Shrimpton Couture. Tallulah is a long time vintage devotee who chooses to work with damaged vintage and restores or re-works it to make pieces wearable once again while adding her own unique vision to each piece."

(Tallulah. I love that name. I hope that is her real name. If I had had a girl I would have named her Tallulah. It is a name that you don't mess with. Powerful.)

These are just lovely designs that stay true to their original eras.

I would even argue that this delicious design (really, it is just lovely) is a step up from the "originally a maxi length vest that was ruined beyond repair near the hem" it stated out as, because maxi length vests should never had existed in the first place.
Except maybe as garments for Maude or Mame, no one else could pull these off without giving off a real "crazy cat lady drinking highballs at lunch" vibe.



Another wonderful design.
Respect paid to its 50's base with an added modern twist.

re:couture.
Re-making vintage done right.

Shitty Movie Blog

If you like movies you might want to check out Shitty Movie Blog.
It's no Pajiba and the author is one foul mouth dude (takes one to know one, right?) and our household TOTALLY disagrees with his review of Inglorious Bastards (though Quinten could be more generous with his editing and I am tired of the black hole that is the Tarantino ego) but still, there is some good fun writing there.
Go check him out.

WWBW? (what would Betty wear?)

If you don't watch Mad Men (why not?) then you won't get this.
This is what Betty would wear:

Betty would wear this* after the baby and then tell Don that she has a headache.
Forever.
Because Don is a cad.
He's hot.
But he's a cad.

*"This" is a vintage 50's Vanity Fair Peignoir set in aqua that you can find here at Damn Good Vintage.

Sadness Abounds

Tonight we found out that a wonderful "online" friend, Mary Catherine Lamb, passed away last night.
My heart is heavy with grief.
After a good cry I went looking for an old post I did on MC and her crazy sock monkey quilt.
Here tis:

I know that Sock Monkeys have their fans.
So do clowns...and those creepy "dolls" that crazy ladies display
in glass cases.

I am NOT a Sock Monkey lover.
I think they are creepy and probably plan to take over the world,
but when Sock Monkeys are added to a quilt and created out of
vintage Bark Cloth fabric, well, then that might equal love.

I give you "Sock Monkey Jamboree"

That makes even me smile with glee.

The quilt has been aquired The University of Nebraska's
International Quilt Study Center along with other quilts created by
the extremely talented and creative Mary Catherine Lamb including a
quilt titled THE FOUR HORSEMAN OF THE freaking APOCALYPSE(!).

From their website: "The INTERNATIONAL QUILT STUDY CENTER at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln houses one of the largest publicly owned collections in the world. The quilts range from outstanding early examples of American quilts to contemporary and international quilts. The International Quilt Study Center's comprehensive collection now numbers more than 2300 quilts from seventeen countries, dating from the early 1700s to the present."

Of course this begs the question what will she create next?
I think there is only one way to go after using the Four Horsemen and
Evil Sock Monkeys.
That would be to place all of the Evil Overlords List on a quilt.

I'm sure this is all some evil plan to bring about the APOCALYPSE
and install Sock Monkeys as our Evil Overlords....hopefully they
won't read the list.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also you can enjoy this video of her and her work that Oregon Public Broadcasting produced.

Requiescat in Pace

Sand and Light

Watch this amazing video of a performance artist who uses sand and light and music to tell a story of WW2.



You can read more about Kseniya Simonova here.

Weekend Sale at Damn Good Vintage

Vintage 50s 60s Pink Linen Shirtwaist Dress
Was $75
Now $37


Vintage 50s Vogue Special Design Box Jacket Suit with Shell
Was $24
Now $12

Aloha

Great article on the Honolulu Star Bulletin's website:
50's Years of Hawaii Fashion on View
via Fashion Tribe twitter.....

LOL

Tomato Pie

Last week I made Paula Dean's Tomato Pie recipe.*
Last week my husband and I ate the whole damn thing.
It was just that good.
This week I made a larger one (just dbl the recipe and made it in a 9X13 dish instead of a regular pie pan) so I could have leftovers today.
Just as good this week as last except The Teen who hates tomatoes said "ok, you were right mom, this is really good". So much for leftovers.

Great recipe for this time of year when you have all those tomatoes sitting around and wondering who you have not given some to.
The first time I just used a pre-made pie shell, but this time made my own pie crust.
Really pie crust is easy folks, especially if you use a food processor.

Yum.
and Yum.
Oh, Yum.

Tonight it is fried pork chops with gravy and mashed taters and probably cantaloupe.

*You need to peel the tomatoes. To do this you make an X into the bottom of your tomato, drop it into boiling water for a min or two (just to the point where you see the skin begin to peel away at your X) the drop them in cold water for a min. You can now just slide the skin off.

Weekend Bonus Sale at Damn Good Vintage

From Damn Good Vintage and Sew-Retro this weekend.

Vintage 40s New Look Nipped Waist Suit Quitted and Beaded Peplum XS B32


Was $150
This Weekend Only $75

Vintage 60s Pattern Spadea Suzy Perette Fly Away Panel Tunic Dress with Skirt Factory Folds NS-217 B35


Was $20
This Weekend Only $10

90's Revival

Who knew?
It seems there is already a "revival" of 90's fashions.
My guess is that it has to do with the overabundance of 90's clothes at the thrifts and yard sales and the fact that you really can't label something made in the 1990's vintage.

Here's a bit of real vintage clothes:

Vintage 40's Blue Tweed Jacket

Vintage 40's Purple Plaid Swing Dress

Vintage 60's Serbin Day Dress


Vintage 50's Red Wiggle Dress


Crazy Fred Perlberg Party dress.
I love this dress in a "Sharon Stone in Casino would
look so awesome in it" kinda way.

Morning Glory and Disappointment

I did finally hear back from my Doctor.
The scans did not really show any real issues with the parathyroids, but they might have seen something with my thyroids.
Sigh.
Getting an ultrasound on Friday.
The problem is that my Dr. took off on vacation today (no I do think re deserves a holiday, he's a nice guy) so I could only talk to his nurse. Nice lady, but she was just setting up the time and trying to explain what was going on.
Ultrasound on Friday, results at the beginning of the week with a visit to see Dr. Mayfield.
I've gone down the thyroid road before and nothing has ever come from it.
So this is all probably an exercise in futility and a waste of money and I'm just disappointed because it would have been nice, for once, to have a cut and dried "this is what is wrong and it will fix what is wrong with you" ending.


Pretty.
Morning glories are one of those vintage flowers I love. Old style, vibrant colors and a bit chaotic.
The ones pictures are going on the sunny side of the back deck.

Weekend Bonus Sale at Damn Good Vintage

This week.
LS Ayres knitted wool shell covered with crazy discs.
Was $80, this weekend $40

Vintage 60's Jacques Heim Coat Dress Pattern from Vogue
Was $45, this weekend $22.50