fancy that vintage

A Woman on the Go: Jackie O Style

2012-02-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

This just in: Presidents wear incredibly boring outfits! In fact, the presidential sartorial scale seems to range from Eww -> Bland. Because of this, I hereby see Presidents Day as a suitable time to "ooh" and "ahh" over some good ol' Jackie O shots. Personally, I prefer the former First Lady's post-White House style. It's not that the Chanel suits and pillbox hats don't make me smile. It's just that after her time as a First Lady, she seemed to let loose a little bit. The longer haired Jackie with the effortless trench coats, turtleneck tops, huge sunglasses, and kooky headscarves has always been a style icon of mine. The grace and elegance of her White House years are still there, but she seems a little more relaxed and fun. The fact that she's whizzing by the camera in about 90% of the shots you'll find from this time period makes her seem less like a paper doll and more like a real woman with things to do and places to be which is always a plus in my book.

An Anonymous Love Affair with Last Tango in Paris

2012-02-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

As I sat on my couch writing out some valentines for my girlfriends, I realized that I needed a little background noise so I brought up Netflix and what did I find but Last Tango in Paris. I hadn't seen it since I was 15, and jumped at the opportunity to revisit the film as an adult. Let me just mention that you should be an adult to view this movie. As a kid, I worked at our local library re-shelving books. This library was small and run by an amazingly sweet and mostly conservative group of middle aged women. I only mention this because their video section was basically wrought with scandalous movies which they unknowingly labeled as "romance". This is also how I wound up watching Blue Velvet while eating a caramel apple cross legged on my living room floor in forth grade, but I digress. Last Tango in Paris is a love story, yes, but it is a brutal one. It's angry and shockingly pornographic. It was even banned in Italy for 20 years, for god's sakes. Despite this fact, it's equally lush and even romantic at times which, in my opinion, makes for a strangely touching experience.

The most lovely thing about this movie are the many shots of actress Maria Schneider, most of which seem to have been filmed through various doors and windows. When she's not getting naked with a slightly bloated Marlon Brando, she's meandering about in some of the best seventies get ups I've ever seen.

Anger, sex, loss, love, and gorgeous clothes: basically the perfect Valentine's Day movie! All pseudo kidding aside though, if you find yourself alone with a spare two hours, are not prudish in any way, and have a fondness for the beautifully strange and uncomfortable, I definitely recommend finding this one. If you don't have a Netflix account, check your local library.

I'm a Girl Watcher... Here Comes One Now!

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

Image Source: Copyright 1959 by Bonanza Publishing Co., Inc

It's officially February, people! In honor of the month of romance, I'm offering up some of my favorite vintage smut, Girl Watcher Magazine. Okay, so it's not real smut. It's more like a super sexualized Mad Magazine, with text so offensive and perverted that it's comical. I laughed my ass off the first time I saw the cover of the issue above, and promptly made it my desktop background at the office where I used to work. Unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion that Volume II might actually be the last published issue which is a total bummer because I'd love to own a copy. I'm the type of person that hopes it will rain hard enough to rinse off my car so that I don't have to pay $10 to wash it, but I would totally drop too much money outbidding a bunch of other weirdos on eBay for a copy of this. A girl can dream.

How to Thrift: Part Six

2012-01-25T15:30:00.000-08:00

We've finally come to my final tip regarding how to score big at the thrift store. Of course, that's not to say I won't think of six more the minute I post this. Regardless, here it goes.

BE PICKY!

I know, I know... I've made this all sound like so much work, and now I'm telling you to be choosey about things. Hear me out. In the beginning, I thought that anything I found from the 1960's was a done deal. That, my friend, is how you end up filling your pantry with polyester dresses because your closet is already full of rick rack trimmed jumpsuits and ill fitting fur coats. It's important to evaluate the pieces you find which is why I spent approximately twenty full minutes creating what might be the most poorly designed flow chart ever in order to help you out in your time of need. (You're welcome.)

It looks like that's that! I hope that you've all enjoyed this little series! Please let me know if you feel I've skipped over anything or if you have any tips of your own! I'm always open to new tricks of the trade!

Corsets, Ribbons, and Lace: Picnic at Hanging Rock

2012-01-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend, I saw a movie that's sure to stick with me for a long time. Picnic at Hanging Rock is an Australian film about a small group of school girls who mysteriously disappear from a class picnic on Valentine's Day in 1901. This isn't just any Edwardian period piece, though. Think 1975 does 1901- all high necked white lace dresses and acid induced shot overlays set to a soundtrack that's part classical Mozart, part pan flute solo. The result sounds cringe-inducing, but it's actually quite lovely in all its weirdness.

Every shot looks like a John William Waterhouse painting come to life. The girls seem to float through scene after scene driven only by their own intense, unspoken curiosity. Every expression seems distant, and regardless of where they're headed, you're compelled to stick around just to see what it is off camera that seduces them to move forward, however slowly it may be.

Everything about this movie is undoubtedly feminine and yet quietly sinister. It's as if Alice fell straight through the rabbit hole and into The Virgin Suicides. I guess that's the best part about the film. It has such a distinct look about it that you'll find yourself using the phrase, "Oh, that's so Hanging Rock," on a surprisingly regular basis... and who doesn't want to be that person?

Regardless of whether you need pretentious conversation fodder or you're just mesmerized by pretty girls with princess-grade flowing hair, Picnic at Hanging Rock is definitely worth checking out. The fact that it's basically vintage clothing porn doesn't hurt, either.

Clockwise from Top Left: Swan Teapot, Parasol with Beaded Fringe, 1970s Edwardian Style Maxi Dress, Kara Ross Pocket Watch Pendant, Liberty Tea Set, Magnifying Glass, Edwardian Hair Comb, Cadolle Victoria Corset

Taking the Plunge: Bianca Jagger Style Inspiration

2012-01-12T15:58:00.000-08:00

Winter makes me want to do crazy things. There is a below zero wind chill outside, and I suddenly have an extreme urge to throw away all of my sweaters, scarves, and heavy coats in favor of cut-down-to-there anything. Unfortunately, January 2012 in Indiana is not January 1978 in Studio 54, and I am not Bianca Jagger. I can't call Roy Halston Frowick up on the phone for a custom made jumpsuit, although it is taking every fiber of my being not to click "bid now" on a white YSL suit, cover my body in bronzer, and ride a white horse all the way to a warmer climate.

Oh Bianca... so gorgeous, so smart, so stylish. Why Mick two timed you with Jerry Hall, I have no idea. What an gigantic dummy.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

Image Source: Bobbins and Bombshells

First of all, I hope that you aren't nursing the worst hangover of the year and that you all had a wonderful time last night saying goodbye to 2011. I spent the night dancing my sequined ass off to some sweet, sweet sixties jams with some of my favorite people. It's probably the first year that my New Years Eve celebration has lived up to the hype, and I woke up this morning...err... afternoon with a craving for fajitas and the feeling that this is going to be a great year!

I'm not typically one for yearly resolutions. I tend to break things down into more plausible monthly and weekly goals, but this year, I'll make an exception. In fact, I'll even type them out here so that when/if I utterly fail at achieving these goals, you can all publicly shame me. Ready?

The first has to do with you, reader. I've been a bad blogger in these recent months. There are no excuses other than I got busy and stressed, and this site suffered because of it which is silly because I love writing here. Regardless of how many people read my posts, writing them gives me a sense of creative fulfillment and satisfaction. If you haven't noticed, I've done a little preemptive remodeling around here. With an embarrassingly large chunk of days spent designing, tinkering, and cursing at my computer screen, things are a little more colorful and hopefully a little more easy to navigate. I've learned so much in such a small amount of time all because of this little puppy. I will stop neglecting it. Pinky promise.

The second one is even more exciting to me, and I hope to achieve it soon. I'm going to work like crazy on the shop so that I reach and maintain an inventory of over 200 lovely and amazing vintage pieces. Running a vintage shop full time is my dream, you could say, and 2012 seems as good a year as ever.

So that's that, ladies and gentlemen! Again, I hope that you are having a great start to 2012! If you have any resolutions or ideas for this blog for the new year, comment away! I'd love to hear them!

How to Thrift: Part Five

2011-12-02T18:23:00.000-08:00

This holiday season has me so overwhelmed with things that this blog has been left sitting the dusty corner of my hall closet with my old leaky rain boots and broken cuckoo clocks. (Yes, I have multiple broken cuckoo clocks.) Well, I'm back from the dead, and ready to add blogging back to my To-Do list along with the wrapping, baking, and candlestick making. So yes, on with it, then, yeah? Tip number five:

LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED.

So maybe you looked through the dresses, and you found diddly squat. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t something even more amazing hiding somewhere else. Look. Through. Everything. Look through the men’s section. Awesome dress shirts and concert tees might await you! Look through the children’s section. I recently found a scandalous roller disco worthy romper in with the kids’ clothes. Sometimes great things come in tiny packages, and are organized as such. Check the ends of the aisles and the fitting room area (if such a thing exits). People like to stick good things in convenient places if they decide against them or have to run out to use the bathroom because they didn’t read Tip #3. Scoop these things up! If it’s not claimed, it’s fair game! Think of it like an Easter egg hunt except instead of candy-filled eggs, you’re looking for yummy fashions, and instead of grass, you’re sifting through old, discolored golf shirts and stretched out pantyhose. Fun!

"Holy bejeezus! Behind that pile of dog crap! It's a 1940s fox fur stole! Score!"
Image source: LIFE Magazine

How to Thrift: Part Four

2011-11-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy that you guys are having a good time reading this little series! I've been having just as much fun writing it. Just the thought of thrifting makes my heart do a little dance. Is that weird? I think it's just the idea that there's something amazing out there waiting to be rescued from it's hiding spot, and given a new life that makes me so excited. Maybe I'm being a little dramatic, but that's kind of how I view vintage clothing in general. Finding things, and giving them a second (or third or fourth) life is exhilarating to me. Show me an estate sale sign, and I'll show you my Christmas morning face. This week's tip has to do with taking a breath, and overcoming that holy-crap-this-place-is-full-of-stuff feeling. Are you ready?

SHOP SMART.

So you found a store, you’re wearing your best rummaging uniform, you have all your supplies, and now… you’re totally overwhelmed. Don’t fret! I like to shop in sections starting with my highest priorities. For me, that’s always the shoe section. Because I have gigantic Sasquatch feet, any shoes that are cute and fit me will cause squeals of excitement, and make everything else I find emit a sunshine-y glow of awesomeness. If you really want a cool trench or could use a new skirt, head to that section, and dig in!

This happy lady is obviously in on how to thrift! Don't wind up like those jealous biotches to her left!

Image Source: Los Angeles Public Library

How to Thrift: Part Three

2011-11-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

We're three weeks into this series, and I feel like we're really getting down to business now. There are some thrifting tricks that most people could figure out on their own, but some just come from simple experience. This is one of those tricks:

BE PREPARED.

A lot of thrift stores and antique malls don’t have fitting rooms. Because of this, you need to dress accordingly. I like to wear clothing that allows me to try things on without flashing everyone the good china. That means clothing that you can pull things over or under without much fuss. I tend to wear slip on flats because I’m lazy about lacing and unlacing and layers because I’m always freezing. I try to make the bottom-most layer something fairly form-fitting like a cami or a tank. That way, after I have an armload of stuff, I can find a mirror, peel off a few layers, and get down to business.

Be careful with things that seem tight. The last thing you need is to get stuck in some 1980s cocktail dress, and have to ask the old guy stocking mugs if he can help you. This is where a buddy comes in handy. If all of this just seems like too much work, bring measuring tape so that you can check measurements, and know right off the bat whether or not something will fit. While you’re at it, you might also want to bring some hand sanitizer if you’re the type that hovers over toilet seats and doesn’t eat things you drop on the floor. The items you’ll be touching are usually unwashed and have been sitting in someone’s basement for years. Oh, and use the bathroom BEFORE you go, bring cash, and don’t forget your game face!

Man Day Monday: Vincent Price

2011-10-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

Image Source: Dr. Macro's High Quality Movie Scans

Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday. What's not to love about a day when dramatic clothing and makeup take center stage, and you're basically expected to eat massive quantities of junk food? Because of this, I felt like Man Day Monday should be a little spooky. I racked my brain trying to come up with vintage horror hunks, and was coming up with nada when all of a sudden, "Hello! Vincent Price!" my brain practically screamed in astonished embarrassment. I can't believe I managed to go so long without thinking of him, as Mr. Price practically breathed horror in the best, most serio-comedic way there was!

The man spent the 1940's and 1950's starring in a ton of horror flicks including The Invisible Man Returns, House of Wax, The Fly, The Return of the Fly, House on Haunted Hill, and I Am Legend. With a sinister commanding voice and an amazing dramatic look, Price became synonymous with scare, and spent the rest of his life having as much fun as possible with it. He appeared on Hollywood Squares, Alice Cooper: The Nightmare, The Muppet Show, and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Not only that, the man voiced the main character in the Tim Burton short Vincent, and performed that bad ass spoken segment in Michael Jackson's Thriller. I mean, how much cooler can you get, really?

“It's as much fun to scare as to be scared.” ― Vincent Price

Oh, the Horror: Scream Queen Style

2011-10-26T11:45:00.000-07:00

Scary movies... well, they scare me. When I find myself curled up in a ball, hands over face, something strange happens. I start focusing on the clothing, uttering things like, "I love that skirt!" between appropriate reactions like "Oh!" and "No! No! Ewww!" Halloween is upon us, my darlings. Time to hit up the library for some good old fashioned horror flicks. If you're like me, and require a dash of style with your screams, I suggest you start here:

1. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

First and foremost, I present to you Ms. Teri McMinn as the lovely Pam in Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Clever enough to beat the awful Texas heat by rocking a backless bathing suit under a pair of hot pants, but not enough to stay away from that creepy old house. That kind of stuff will get you meat hooked, and shoved in a freezer.

2. Psycho (1960)

Next up, Ms. Janet Leigh as scheming secretary Marion Crane in Psycho. Watch your figure, dress to impress, and be sure to leave behind a beautiful corpse. Oh, and if you encounter any weirdos with obvious mommy issues, just stay out of it.

3. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)

Up next, Ms. Susan Sarandon as Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. From white cotton undies to running-makeup-rise-from-the-water-can-can-dancing-sex-machine, dammit, Janet, I love you.

4. King Kong (1933)

I have to mention Ms. Fay Wray as Ann Darrow in the original King Kong. Ms. Wray recorded every one of her screams for the film in just one day, deeming her the original "Scream Queen". The directors chose her because of her ability to pull off a blonde wig. Kong chose her because of her gorgeous attire.

5. Carrie (1976)

Next up, the wonderful Ms. Sissy Spacek as social outcast Carrie White in Carrie. Your mom's a religious nut job, you're the favorite target of just about every popular girl in school, and finally, FINALLY you get asked to the prom. Radiant blonde curls and a pretty pink slip gown, all topped off by a bucket a pig's blood. A word to the wise: be kind to the geeky girls in high school because it will be a little too late when you finally realize they're gorgeous... and telekinetic.

6. Repulsion (1965)

Next, we have Catherine Deneuve as Carol in Repulsion. Sure she may be a psychotic paranoid with a severe abhorrence for men. Yeah, she might be suffering from some gruesome hallucinations. She might even slice you with a straight razor, but man, oh, man, she'll look good doing it! Floaty nightgowns and fabulous sixties hairstyles? Killer.

7. Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Here we have a bewigged Elsa Lanchester as the Bride of Frankenstein. She's alive! ALIVE! It might be the leftover electrical charge, but she's also smokin' hot. The finger waved bouffant is so amazing, you almost don't notice the fact that her face is sewn on. She makes those bandages look like couture. A high class lady, that one. So high class that she immediately left the monster for the doctor.

8. The Amityville Horror (1979)

Here in the near buff we have Margot Kidder as Kathy Lutz in The Amityville Horror. Can a lady not do her topless dance exercises without worrying about flies landing on every square inch of space or creepy ghost voices screaming "Get out!"? I mean, seriously. It's like you finally find a cute old farmhouse where you can raise your kids, and there's an evil pig monster in your attic.

9. The Birds (1963)

Next up, we have Ms. Tippi Hedren as super classy Melanie Daniels in The Birds. The woman drives a rented boat across Bodega Bay in what I can only describe as a "smart" wool skirt suit, dress gloves, heels, and what appears to be a mink coat. Of course she arrives perfectly made up and manicured as if she just stepped out of a high class beauty salon. Rough waters, sea spray, and not a hair out of place. Only severe avian attacks are capable of mussing that perfect coif, and even then, it looks better than my own hair on most days.

10. Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Last but not least, there's Mia Farrow as Rosemary Woodhouse in Rosemary's Baby. If carrying the son of the Antichrist leads to this kind of exquisite grace, sign me up! Delicate features and adorable close-cropped hair, not to mention the ability to make gigantic house mu-mus look gorgeous... yes, please! Now to find a way around that whole date-raped-by-the-devil thing.

If nothing else, any one of these ladies would make for a fabulous Halloween costume! It's coming up faster than you think! Why not go for something classic rather than the expected sexy (insert noun here) option?

How to Thrift: Part Two

2011-10-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

Another week, another tip on how to thrift! This one is important, as I've found that the thing that makes most people take on the notion that it's impossible to find great things in second hand stores is that they tried once, and didn't find much. There's one way to fix that!

MAKE IT A HABIT.

Once you’ve established your favorite thrifting destinations, you’ll want to go often. Most second hand stores rely on donations. You never know when Old Aunt Mildred might decide to make more space for crocheted Kleenex boxes by donating her old prom dresses. Just because you didn’t find much one day doesn’t mean you won’t be swimming in amazing stuff the next. Don’t get discouraged!

Image Source: http://chuckmanchicagonostalgia.wordpress.com

How to Thrift: Part One

2011-10-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

Whenever I tell people that I sell vintage clothing, they almost always ask me how I find the items in my shop. When I tell them that I spend a lot of time thrifting, a puzzled look comes over their faces not unlike my own when someone tells me that they love to run in their spare time. Because of this, I thought it might be nice to do a little series in which I share some helpful tips on how to find vintage goodies in your own town. So without further ado, I give you tip number one:

FIND SOME HAUNTS

Original Image Source: Los Angeles Public Library Image Archives

Start off by looking in the phone book. That’s right. Remember that big, flimsy yellow paged thing that fell behind your fridge last year? Aside from the monsters like Goodwill or Salvation Army, most of these stores will be tiny, and the people working there will probably not even have e-mail accounts, let alone websites. Call them, find out their hours, and go! A weird looking little store in the basement of a church might not seem like anything special to the average bear, but those are the places that usually hold the most amazing finds. The best part is that “vintage treasure” to us, usually reads as “old musty crap” to them which means they won’t be charging you an arm and a leg.

There you have it! Be sure to stay tuned for more!

Fancy Feet

2011-10-12T10:34:00.000-07:00

I spend a lot of time on Etsy. A LOT OF TIME. More time than I even want to think about. Because of this, I feel like I've become sort of numb to the many lovely items that are offered on the site, much like I'm numb to the many cute separates that come in at the boutique where I work. "Another cute shirt! Another adorable bag! Oh, the malaise!" It's rare that I find something that really peaks my interest, but this morning, I stumbled onto Roni Kantor Vintage. The product photos are so whimsical and fun, and the products, vintage inspired heels and flats, are all just so perfect in their edited fabulocity. They seem to be the type of shoes that you would wear for years. Not too trendy, not too boring, not too wacky... just wonderful. *Drool*

Please, Mr. Postman

2011-10-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

Fedora: Pitaya
Necklace: The Blue Balloon
Top: H&M
Skirt: Ezra
Belt: Thrifted
Mossimo Flats: Thrifted
Doctor Bag: Birthday Gift from Aya

Something bizarre is happening in my life right now. The post office that I've stood in line at at least once a week for the past six years is closing. Apparently their 1940's era lease is up, and they're being forced to pick up shop and mosey on down the way. I'm going to miss it, honestly. It's somewhat small and cramped. There are long lines and the roof is sagging, but I love that it's within walking distance of just about everything and it's such a mid century style building. It's a full block long and low to the ground. The Southern Indiana limestone slabs make it look like someone just decided to build a post office one day, and started stacking blocks up in order to do so. Plus, it has these odd green pane windows that I just can't get enough of. I hate to think of them getting knocked in to make room for something new... so it goes, I guess.

In other news, my Riviera kick is obviously still in full swing, and it's over 80 degrees out! I'm spending the day sipping coffee outside on the porch, and editing photos so that I can list a whole heap of new vintage items in the shop. I hope it's just as beautiful out where you are!

Ice Cream for Lunch

2011-10-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

Silk Scarf: Thrifted
Cat Eye Sunglasses, Belt, & Necklaces: Pitaya
Top: Thrifted 1980s Vintage
Jeans: Levi's
Mossimo Flats: Thrifted

It's been SO BEAUTIFUL these past few days! Nearly eighty degrees and blue skies which is bizarre for October in Indiana. It's so nice that after I got off work, I hoofed it over to our local ice cream place for a gigantic hot fudge sundae with hand whipped cream. How can something so good be "bad"? I obviously feel the same way about black and white stripes. The weather has had me dressing like I'm on vacation on the French Riviera. If only it could stay like this all year. A girl can dream.

Man Day Monday: Jim Morrison

2011-10-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Man Day Monday, everyone! It's a beautiful day out today so why not make it even more beautiful by feasting your eyes on wild child, wanna be shaman Jim Morrison? A man has never looked so hot in a peasant blouse, that's for damn sure! Is it hot in here? I'm suddenly sweating...

Image Source: Tumblr

Skip to 0:24 for maximum babe-itude.

Preparing for Take Off: 1960s Stewardess Style

2011-09-26T19:36:00.000-07:00

I don't know if any of you tuned into the pilot of the new television show Pan Am, but it seems somewhat promising. At first I was worried that it would be all style and no content, but I like that the female characters seem to be the main focus while the males act as the cock pit decorations for a change. Much like Mad Men, I'm sure it will inspire a resurgence of interest in the 1960s. Who knows how many bobbed, mini skirted flight attendants will be wandering around come October 31st. Because of this, I thought now would serve as the perfect time to look back at the ladies who were really there during a time when flying was a classy experience and people dressed as such.

Without further ado, please make sure that your table tray is in the upright position and that your seat belt is securely fastened.

Image Source: Aviation Explorer Cruise Line History Breaking Curfew

Wedding Belles

2011-09-19T21:40:00.000-07:00

Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, 1958

Man, it seems like everyone I know is married or getting married! I guess that starts happening when you hit your mid-twenties, and honestly, that's fine by me. Give me a reason to dress up, dance, drink, and eat, and I'm there! This Saturday my awesome new gal pal Anya is tying the knot so in her honor, I thought I'd do a little vintage wedding post featuring some of my favorite, most stylish nuptials of the past.

Mary Pickford, 1920 She and actor husband Douglas Fairbanks became Hollywood's first celebrity couple

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, 1939

Lucille Ball and Dezi Arnaz, 1940

Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, 1945

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, 1955

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, 1958

Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, 1958

Brigitte Bardot and Jacques Charrier, 1959

Anna Karina and Jean-Luc Godard, 1961

Priscilla Wagner and Elvis Presley, 1967

Johnny Cash and June Carter, 1968

John Lennon and Yoko Ono, 1968

Bianca Pérez Morena de Macias and Mick Jagger, 1971

Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner, 1957 AND 1972

Queen of Quirk: Kate Bush

2011-09-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

There are some days when I feel like no matter how much I accomplish, there is always a huge pile left on my plate taunting my efforts. The only way I can describe it is by referencing the Running Up That Hill music video. There's Kate Bush, desperately attempting and continuously failing to push her way through never ending sea of grey drones. I feel ya, Kate.

Enough about me, though. Kate Bush is amazing. It's like Stevie Nicks and Glenda the Good Witch had some kind of magnificent red-headed love child with the voice of a bizarre alien songbird. Perpetually gorgeous and perpetually pulling off things at which I would typically roll my eyes. Dramatic interpretive dance? Check. Floaty gowns and spandex? Check. Big, feathery bangs? Check. The first time I saw the video for Wuthering Heights, I spent hours... literally hours searching the internet for the perfect red chiffon maxi dress. It's as if the woman is made of magic. She's a fashion fairytale in and of herself, and I, for one, remain under her spell.

Man Day Monday: Kris Kristofferson

2011-09-11T21:24:00.000-07:00

Meet Kris. Kris spent most of the 1960's and 1970's writing songs so good that they'd be recorded by over 500 different artists including Johnny Cash, Janis Joplin, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Not only that, they weren't just your average radio fare. Kris basically did for country what Dylan did for pop, that is he brought a serious personal element and a political edge to the mainstream without sounding too cheesy. That Masters in Literature from Oxford probably helped him sharpen his writing skills... or maybe it was his stint as a Captain in the U.S. Army flying helicopters that gave him a unique perspective... or maybe it was his place on his college rugby, track, and football teams that gave him his abs... err... wait.

Let's just get to the point. Did I mention that Kris is a total babe? He's so hunky that I had to put the images after the text so that you wouldn't get distracted... so hunky that I might have an album of his framed solely for my own visual delight... so hunky that he makes the movie A Star is Born more than watchable. Oh yeah, did I not mention he's an actor, too?

What more could you want really?

Image Sources: Pride & Dignity, American Roots Publishing, album cover scans

Fringe with Benefits: An Ode to Bangs

2011-09-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me recently that I basically have the exact same haircut I had when I was five... and seven... and sixteen... and twenty-one. You get the point. It's not a conscious decision, this constant return to the fringe. I'm not one to be overly attached to my hair, and have had just about every version of a pixie cut and a bob I can think of over the years. It just seems that as soon as I get bored with my options, the Fiskers come out, and voila! Bangs. Always bangs. They're like a little security blanket for my forehead, there to make my lack of effort look purposefully effortless.

So in honor of the hairstyle that's stood the test of my 25 years, I give you my favorite fringed females. My personal hair icons, just a little too busy being fabulous to manage a daily curl and shellac routine. Here's to you, ladies!

1. Jane Birkin 2. Marianne Faithfull 3. Francoise Hardy 4. Jean Shrimpton 5. Louise Brooks 6. Linda Ronstadt 7. Joni Mitchell 8. Anna Karina 9. Nico

How To Make (Easy) Delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

2011-09-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

Let me start this off by saying that I hate cooking. It would almost be pathetic if I hadn't grown so accepting of the fact. Seriously, leave me to my own devices, and I'll eat a bowl of popcorn for dinner seven days straight before I even touch a stove. For some reason, though, cupcakes are different. I. Love. Cupcakes. They are just about the cheeriest. most adorable food I can think of... so cute that even I, the Kitchen Grinch, will notice my heart growing three times its size at the sight. It is for this reason that I'm trumping the general vintage theme of this blog to bring you the most amazing, clever little cupcakes I've ever made. I hope you like peanut butter...

The best part about these is that they involve a lot of those ultra yummy mini Reese's peanut butter cups. Before you even start, get a bag from the candy isle in the grocery store, take them home, and throw them in the freezer. You won't want them to be melty when you bring them back out later.

First, mix up some chocolate cake batter. You can make it yourself, or you can buy the box kind and lie about it. I won't tell. The first time I made these, I used a dark chocolate batter, but I've found that a milk chocolate batter tastes best. Once you have your batter mixed up, you should probably test some to make sure it's not poisonous. If you have to test it a couple times, that's fine. Better safe than sorry.

Next, you're going to line a cupcake tray with cupcake papers, and fill them about 1/4 of the way up. Now, place one peanut butter cup upside down in each well of batter. Genius, right? My mom came up with that.

Fill the papers with your remaining batter until they're about 3/4 full, and throw them into the oven at 350 degrees. I bake mine for about 18 minutes, give or take. At this point, you can stick your remaining peanut butter cups in the freezer.

Once your cupcakes have cooled off, it's time for the icing! Now, don't just go slopping it on! There's a little trick here. Stir it with a knife for about 15 seconds until it looks nice and fluffy. This will maximize it's cuteness outside of the container.

Now, just scoop some onto a cooled cupcake, hold the knife down about a half inch from the top, and turn the cupcake in a circle under the knife. This should make a nice little swirl.

Next, you can remove the rest of your peanut butter cups, place them on a cutting board, and dice them as best you can without losing a finger. Now, just sprinkle your shavings... err... small chunks onto your iced cupcakes for a delicious topping!

There you have it, folks! Make these before seeing any large group of people, and you'll be the belle of the ball!

100 Years of London Style

2011-09-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

My fabulous gal pal Isabelle sent me this video, and I couldn't help but share it. How awesome is this? I would love to meet the person who put together all of those outfits... or be the person who put together all of those outfits! So much fun!

Not Too Pure to Be Pink: The Ladies of Grease

2011-08-22T21:10:00.000-07:00

I'm a firm believer in the idea that you are not a true American girl unless the movie Grease is embedded in your psyche. As a kid, I watched the 1978 film at least twelve times a month for several years straight. The soundtrack was one of the first CD's I ever owned, and tucked into the back of the jewel case was a picture of my best friend Kelsey with whom I spent many an hour attempting the dance moves in the National Bandstand scene. I even remember going to see another childhood friend's older sister play Cha Cha DiGregorio at her school's production.

Image source: Clothes on Film

I was in love. I was in love with the clothes. I was in love with the dancing. I was in love with the music, and more than anything, I was in love with Rizzo. I couldn't care less about Sandy and Danny and their respective identity crises. I was much too entranced by that ballsy pixie haired spitfire with the quick one liners, the super tight outfits, and the "vulgar movements". I still admire her no nonsense approach to dressing. A girl can't climb out of a second story window in a crinoline and heels, no sir. Of course, she's not as tough as she acts, and we get to see a more vulnerable, sweet side of the girl with the bad reputation.

I've come to realize that not everyone shares this opinion, and that's part of why the movie is so great. Ask your friends who their favorite Pink Lady is, and you'll get a different answer every time with a set of reasons just as definite and thought out as mine above. Sandy, Marty, Jan, Frenchie, and Rizzo: five girls with five very different styles and personalities that come together to paint such a timeless portrait of female adolescence.

Lucky me, I found a guy sweet enough to sit through an outdoor sing along screening with me last week, and you better believe I was chang chang chang-it-ty chang shoo-bop-ing along with every other lady on the lawn. It's a good thing, too, because I've exhausted this movie to the point that "John Revolta" incurs some serious eye rolling and faux retching from my entire family. Someday, I'm sure I'll have a child who will act out some sort of karmic retribution, but in the meantime, I'll continue to love this film with all of my heart.

The Way of Nature & the Way of Grace

2011-08-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to see The Tree of Life, and it was literally breathtaking. Yes, I mean "literally". I'm not typically one to get worked up at movies, but I found myself quietly choking at the sheer beauty of what I was seeing. There really is too much to say about this one, and I could go on and on. After watching it 20 more times, I could still go on and on. A two hour opus focused on the grandeur of the universe and the beauty of seemingly insignificant life can do that to you, I guess. Because of this, I'll spare you, and focus on one aspect that I know you'll like.

Holy 1950s day dresses, Batman!

Silly me, I had never heard of Jessica Chastain, a woman so ethereal that I became fully convinced that if I glanced away for just one moment, she might just float away into some beautiful cloud break. Again and again, I was just stunned at how lovely she looked in every single frame... and possibly how lovely her wardrobe would look in my closet. Feast your eyes.

Image source: Global Entertainment News

I wish that I would have sneaked in my camera so that I could show you more. Wait. What? I would never do such a thing... *cough* All I can say is that there's more where this came from. So, so, so much more.

Fashion Picanteria

2011-07-27T11:10:00.000-07:00

I'm in the process of moving into a new place which means that I'm in the process of purging half of my still bulging closet which means that I'm in the process of procrastinating by looking at random street style blogs for inspiration regarding how to pair up what I have left in new ways. Phew! What a sentence! Anyhow, I've found quite a few young ladies overseas who have what I feel is a fabulous sense of put together-ness with just the right amount of quirk. From one, I find another... and another... and another. This follow the leader style of stalking led me to Fashion Picanteria. I found the 22 year old on Lookbook, and have since fallen in love with her blog. She resides in the Czech Republic, but even though I can't understand most of the text, the pictures tell their own stories. I highly recommend you czech it out... sorry, I had to.

And the Livin' is Easy...

2011-07-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

Photos by Thom Lennon Photography

It has been hot as hell here in the Midwest these last few weeks, and honestly, I don't mind it. Obviously, my fabulous gal pal Aya of Strawberry Koi doesn't either since taking photos in the middle of nowhere on a 114 degree day seemed like a wonderful idea to both of us. It has me wondering whether my future might lie somewhere south of Indiana. Visions of porch swings and sweet tea cocktails dance in my head...

We had been talking about doing a shoot together for quite awhile, and I'm happy we finally did! Sometimes I feel a little awkward in front of the camera, and start to get awkward senior picture flashbacks. I have to say, though, it was really fun! Plus, it's always nice to have someone to tell you whether or not your bangs look sweaty or when your bra strap is showing. Hey, what are friends for?

Aya: Dress: vintage, Shoes: Target, Belt: vintage, Ring: antique
Kara: Hat: thrifted, Dress: Pitaya, Shoes: Old Navy, Antique Locket: gift from Mom, Looking glass necklace: handmade

Acid & Baby & Dove

2011-07-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

MAC Pigments Chartreuse, Clear Blue Sky

I'm very much a neutral color person when it comes to getting dressed. My closet consists of a whole lot of black and grey, some white, and a sprinkling of the ever so daring military green. It might just be that it's summer, but lately I've been jonesing for some color. Of course, it can't just be any color. It has to be a palette that goes beyond wrong, and settles in that somehow right territory. So here it is. Let me introduce you to my new friends: baby blue, acid green, and dove grey. It kind of just... works. What's your favorite color combination this summer?

Clockwise from top right: Lark Vintage $99, Pinguim $75, Small and Mousey $34, Bless That Dress $28, The Aurora Vintage $26

I won't be an old maid! Not in Kansas!

2011-07-12T21:38:00.000-07:00

The guy and I continued our accidental Satan-themed movie extravaganza last night with the 1943 picture Heaven Can Wait. It was everything I could ever want from an old movie: intense emotions, a quirky plot line, witty humor that had me laughing out loud over and over again, and last, but certainly not least, gorgeous dramatic clothes with enough fur lined sleeves to sink a warship.

Of course, it wasn't just the costuming that was beautiful. The film stars the sunning Gene Tierney with her adorable overbite (That's right. Those words can go together!) opposite the amazingly handsome Don Ameche who manages to exude that dangerous combination of rascally, quick witted, and charming as all get out. It doesn't hurt that he reminds me of a 1940's David Duchovny, all puppy dog eyes and mischievous smiles. *swoon*

The movie starts with Henry Van Cleve (Amech) meeting the devil himself in what appears to be a very chic and spacious mid century office to discuss his placement in the afterlife. Through a series of vignettes, his relationships with the women in his life unfold in what I found to be a fairly hilarious and imaginative way. Of course, there's always that misogynistic overtone, but, hey, it was 1943. If you can get past it, it's definitely worth it! If nothing else, it's highly quotable, and there's a hilarious grandfather character. Who can say no to that?

On the Fringe

2011-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Last night the guy and I stayed in and watched Bedazzled (1967) on Netflix Instant. I was a bit leery at first due to that awful remake featuring one floppy haired Brendan Fraser. Fortunately, I gave it a chance, and not only was I totally charmed by Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, I was awestruck by a certain fringed bikini worn by the always uber-sexy Raquel Welch. Welch plays a minor part with a terrible accent, but due to the sparkly waterfall cascading from her nether regions, she pretty much stole the show in my mind.

Over the Moon

2011-07-04T16:50:00.000-07:00

Dior Haute Couture 2011, Joseph Brinon

I just stumbled upon this image from this year's Dior Haute Couture show, and couldn't help but spend the next hour of my life searching through all of the various paper moon shots that I've saved to my computer over the years.

This set-up was very popular in the late 1800's and early 1900's, and people would often get their portraits taken perched in their own little galaxy, sometimes in various states of undress (ooh la la!).

Image sources: Found photograph, Vintage postcard, Flickr, Philosophy of Science

If you couldn't tell from my logo, I'm quite fond of the idea. I've been smitten with it ever since I watched the Tonight, Tonight music video on MTV at my best friend's house as a kid.

If I ever get married, I'll be sure to recruit my poor friends to help me create a whimsical lunar photo booth where I will force everyone to sit and have their pictures taken... hopefully clothed. If you're as infatuated with these sweet little images as I am, I encourage you to check out the It's Only a Paper Moon group on Flickr! Very cool!

Man Day Monday: Hello, Sailor!

2011-06-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

Image Source: found in an old book

I need a time machine because I believe I've found the Rickie Vasquez to my Angela Chase. Don't worry, baby. If boys break your heart, I'll throw beer on them and say things about their mothers.

Shop Update

2011-06-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

After a short stint with an injury that kept me from the computer, I'm very happy to be able to list a bunch of fun new items in the shop! When I was going through everything, I noticed that I had quite the groovy little collection of 1960s mod pieces. It's a happening, baby...

I Want, I Need: All About Eve

2011-06-16T21:36:00.000-07:00

Confession: I have a hard time not talking during movies... about clothes. Honestly, I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut in general, and I really do try not to be one of those people who whispers things in the movie theater. Really, I do. Somehow I manage to keep all of my opinions crammed down inside until, out of nowhere, I just have to blurt out to whoever is near me, "I need that (insert random article of clothing/pair of shoes here)."

It happened just yesterday while I was hanging out with one of my most awesome gal pals, Aya of Strawberry Koi. We were lounging about, eating pie, and talking about blog stuff. We had All About Eve playing in the background. I was bouncing her adorable son on my knee, and then, out of the corner of my eye, this happened:

I've seen this movie so many times, and yet, I'd somehow missed this. I'm pretty sure I interrupted her just to blurt out something along the lines of, "Oh my god! That dress! I need it! And the gllllovvvvvessss..." The flow of our conversation was further broken by the sighing and cooing that followed. Honestly, though, the dress. The dress. I would wrestle a young Bette Davis myself for that dress... and she looks tough. Those transparent sleeves... and the seamed opera gloves... ugh. I'm dying.

Arched Rivals

2011-06-13T00:09:00.000-07:00

It occurred to me the other day that they just don't make eyebrows like they used to. While flipping through my collection of photos of Hollywood starlets, it became increasingly apparent that the ones that stuck out most to me had gorgeous sets of brows. Some lent a sense of distinguishment, some a certain flirtatiousness. Meanwhile, others looked as if they could cut you if you weren't careful.

People don't comment on ladies' brows much these days, maybe because every starlet on the cover of US Weekly seems to have the same unoffensive, delicate (eh hem, boring)shape going on. Because of this, I thought it might be a good time to do a little tribute to this oft overlooked feature. Some have been meticulously plucked, purposely gelled, or oh so carefully drawn on, but each and every pair is unique and beautiful in its own way. Whether you like the intense sharpened look of the 1930s or the drama of an extra thick pair, they're all here.

Left to Right: Audrey Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Sophia Lauren, Dorothy Lamour, Anita Ekberg, Hedy Lamar, Gina Lollobrigida, Carole Lombard, Jane Russell, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, Grace Kelly, Vivien Leigh, Elizabeth Taylor, Clara Bow
Image Source: Dr. Macro

Man Day Monday: Paul Newman

2011-06-06T18:16:00.000-07:00

While trying to think of an appropriate way to kick this thing off, I thought, why not offer up a hunky guy to please the masses? Nothing helps make the start of the work week a little more bearable than pictures of smokin' hot dudes with good hair, am I right? So here it is: the first installment of Man Day Monday. Internet, I give you Paul Newman.

A scan of a magazine page I had tacked in my kitchen

Not only was this guy a stone cold fox, he was an incredibly talented actor and director. If you haven't seen Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, please do yourself a favor. Mr. Newman might be the only man hot enough to believably deny Elizabeth Taylor anything.

Image Source: Dr. Macro

As if that wasn't enough to make you melt, once he retired from working in film, he dedicated his time to caring for his children and wife of 50 years, speaking out about gay rights, driving race cars, and building an empire of delicious Newman's Own salad dressings which would raise over $250 million for charity.

Image source: Dr. Macro

So there you have it. The top of the pops. The leader of the pack. Unless I find out that Robert Redford was a professional soccer player, and ran a commune for displaced refugees based around the care of orphaned kittens, I'll stand by my choice.

Hugs,
Kara

Hello there...

2011-06-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Jayne Mansfield 1956

My name is Kara, and I have a vintage problem. If it's old, I want it. If it fits, I need it. If it doesn't fit, I grab it anyway. People have hinted that a girl can only have so many fur stoles and sequin capes. Pah-shaw, I say! As you can guess, this has led to quite the collection, and in turn, quite the storage issue. I really had no choice but to start selling... at least the items that I couldn't use myself. I had rescued them, but for what? To sit in my poor abused closet?

When I started selling, I was 19 years old with no sense of what I would be doing in 5 years. Little did I know, that hobby shop would take over my house and my life. At 25, I felt it was time to take things a little more seriously and give this whole she-bang the blood, sweat, and tears it deserves. So here she blows: sleeker, cleaner, and a little less jumbled. I'm chained to it now, and I have a lot of big ideas for this little baby. If you'll have me, I'd be happy to have you along for the ride.

Hugs,
K

2011-06-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

Image Credit: 1940s Bell advertisement by John Falter

If you have any questions, concerns, projects, or just want to say hi, please feel free to e-mail me at kara.fancy.that@gmail.com

I do love letters and new friends!

Hugs,
Kara

Frequently Asked Questions

2011-06-03T01:11:00.000-07:00

Hey there! My name is Kara, and I run an online vintage shop called Fancy That Vintage. I like clementines, demolition derbies, Neil Young records, old photos, dancing, carbs, drive-in movies, and long walks on the beach. If you have any questions or concerns that aren't addressed below, feel free to e-mail me at kara.fancy.that@gmail.com. I love letters and new friends.

How did you start selling vintage?

I started selling vintage in 2006 when I realized that I didn't have enough closet space for the amount of treasures I was snatching up. Somehow it backfired and tripled my storage problem, but I would drown happily in a sea of 1960s dresses and fur hats so it all works out. Stop by my shop, Fancy That Vintage for fun, unique ladies fashion from the 1980s and prior!

What kind of camera do you use?

I use a Canon Rebel XT with the regular ol' crapola kit lens. It's not crazy fancy, but it does the trick! I use Adobe Photoshop CS5 to kick my photos into gear post-upload. I'm self-taught so it's usually nothing too intense, but I'd like to think I'm getting better everyday.

Do you have any tips for someone new to thrifting or shopping for vintage?

I sure do! I did a series of posts on just that subject that can be found here.

May I use content featured on this site?

Any uncredited images and text are my own. I have absolutely no problem with them being shared as long as you link back to where you found them.

2011-06-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

I thought it might be nice to share some of my favorite blogs with you. Some are friends. Some are pros. Some are both. All are fancy and amazing. If you have a blog, and want to share it, please feel free to contact me! Enjoy!

Strawberry Koi Vintage Style
Birds Chasing Bugs Vintage
Fox & the Feather
The Selvedge Yard
Nineteen Eighty
Yael Eban
Prettier in French
Emma Peel Pants
The Glamourai
Hello It's Valentine
The Man Repeller
The Magpie Girl
From Betsy with Love
Fashion Picanteria
Oh Joy!
From Me to You
Shae Acopian Detar
Q's Daydream
Evaelena
Adore Vintage
Cali Vintage
Cupcakes and Cashmere
Fresh Vintage
Style Rookie
Delightfully Tacky
Rebecca Eggleston
My Mom, the Style Icon
Orchid Grey
Pearl Modern
The Fox Parade
Some Girls Wander