Vintage Fashion

I've been purchasing a few more vintage clothing and accessory pieces to sell on Etsy. Have stumbled across some great items including a Pendleton skirt, a letterman's jacket and this heavy black crepe circle skirt with deep pockets and a really wonderful beaded Garland Cuddledown sweater, both are from around the 1930's or 1940's. Such an elegant time!

The sweater is amazing with little beads and rhinestones, and is a really nice fine wool. Vintage quality is hard to beat.

 

I've also been selling a few men's accessories as well. I am drawn to the vintage ties, so many colors, fabrics,sizes and patterns. I found this wonderful gold skinny tie, it even has the original price tag!

Vintage hats are interesting as well, so sleek and stylish, this one was the softest oatmeal colored felt hat, very cozy!



Retro Ride

Just got back from a local cruise night, where 600+ vintage vehicles were out on display on the main drag. There were Model T's, Ford Fairlanes, VW Bugs, Mustangs and more....I love the look and sleek line of the cars from the 50's and 60's, they have a sculptural quality to them. Plus all the polished chrome, fins and tail lights add a whole lot of retro punch. Not to mention the smell of  the high octane fumes on a cool September night!

This is a picture of a sweet Chevy Bel Air - would love to be able to cruise in this!

America the Beautiful

A pretty picture from Minnesota lakes country that I took this afternoon. Wishing you all an old fashioned 4th of July!

Heirloom Garden

I've combined my love of all things vintage and gardening. Years ago I started acquiring plants from my mom and sister. These plants had a history and had been passed down from my grandparents.  I started with hens and chicks, tiger lillies, little purple iris and pink poppies from my grandma Barbara.

I also dug up mint, which my mom and grandma in German Russian speak called schmucket. All of these I added in to my own perennial beds. But I think my favorite are these hollyhocks. My grandma Lydia planted the initial seeds over 45+ years ago behind their little restaurant, the Dakota Cafe. The cafe is gone, but the seeds have grown and self sown over the years. I stopped by one fall and gathered a few seeds and brought them home. 

They bloom in old fashioned crepe paper colors of salmon, yellow and burgundy. Every summer I'm reminded of my family, their memories remain and flourish in my beautiful heirloom garden.

Recycled Vintage Feedsacks

I picked up a couple of old time feedsacks for $2 each. These feedsacks in their day, may have held, flour, sugar or grains. They are a sturdy and soft cotton fabric almost denim-like, I can see why farm wives in the Midwest recycled these during the depression. They were often used for quilt blocks dish towels and dolls. Two of the feedsacks had an interesting stamp on them, one was the Bemis Brothers - out of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I decided to remake my feedsacks into new cushion covers for my two outdoor chairs. First, I gave them a good washing to brighten them up. The feedsacks have imperfections, which give them character and a history. They are perfect for their next life as comfy, worn-in cushions for my patio chairs.

Spring Bouquet

 We finally  had a good soaking rain this weekend, and the flowers in my garden woke up. Here is just a sampling of a small lavender colored bouquet in a vintage shoe. Iris, lambs ear and oregano make an appearance here - enjoy!

Bridal Beauty

It's been a busy weekend so I'll just add a quick post. Last night I got the urge to amp up this celluloid mirror and work it into a wedding display. So I gathered up some lace, buttons, rhinestone button cover and these little leaves and  decorated the handle of the mirror. I figured this way I could add a little romance to this vintage piece without damaging it. Now it's all set to be used or displayed on a bride's dressing table!