...And, as promised, new photos from the great Summer Jamboree :-)
Photos sources: 1-2-3-7 from Libero Api; 4-5-6-8-9-10-11 from SwingerBop Family
domenica 31 agosto 2008
(A Few More) Glimpses Of Summer
Another 50s vintage dress...
...And, as promised, new photos from the great Summer Jamboree :-)
Photos sources: 1-2-3-7 from Libero Api; 4-5-6-8-9-10-11 from SwingerBop Family
...And, as promised, new photos from the great Summer Jamboree :-)
Photos sources: 1-2-3-7 from Libero Api; 4-5-6-8-9-10-11 from SwingerBop Family
giovedì 28 agosto 2008
Rock&Roll Days
When you spend your days dreaming of 50s and you're lucky enough to have a huge international 40s/50s annual festival just 20 miles away from where you live, well, you're a lucky girl!
I waited for the Summer Jamboree for so long and last week I finally went, founding it is just fun and great as I was expecting.
In a few words, it was a wonderful big carnivale loaded with great concerts and shows (last year the line up included Dita Von Teese and Jerry Lee Lewis and this year there were The Stray Cats!), dance classes, Hawaian parties on the beach, American cars and motos, a Tex Mex Diner and an interesting vintage market (I have to say not all the stalls were great, but some were really nice)...
...and the barber and the hairdresser vintage shops were so fun too!
(photos above courtesy of ::sämyii:: on vacation upon a cloud...)
The festival is definitely becoming really popular and attractive and with more than 120000 people this past edition was quite "claustrophobic" sometimes! Because of the crowd (I went on evenings and it was crazy...!) I sadly didn't took any picture but luckily there are tons of great photos from this edition everywhere on the Internet and more will surely come in the next days/weeks :-)
(photos above, from Libero Api)
I thought of what to wear for months, literally! Since May I played dress up at least two times per week, trying on every vintage dress and accessory that lay in my closets...! It was an hard choice, but finally I decided for the turquoise green/white polka dots dress below and cream accessories. True red colored lipstick, a (not so good - I'll promise something more for the next year!!) first attempt of hairdos and I was ready to go...
I'll look forward to more pictures from the Jamboree 2008 and I promise I'll post my favorites as soon as they're online :-)
I waited for the Summer Jamboree for so long and last week I finally went, founding it is just fun and great as I was expecting.
In a few words, it was a wonderful big carnivale loaded with great concerts and shows (last year the line up included Dita Von Teese and Jerry Lee Lewis and this year there were The Stray Cats!), dance classes, Hawaian parties on the beach, American cars and motos, a Tex Mex Diner and an interesting vintage market (I have to say not all the stalls were great, but some were really nice)...
...and the barber and the hairdresser vintage shops were so fun too!
(photos above courtesy of ::sämyii:: on vacation upon a cloud...)
The festival is definitely becoming really popular and attractive and with more than 120000 people this past edition was quite "claustrophobic" sometimes! Because of the crowd (I went on evenings and it was crazy...!) I sadly didn't took any picture but luckily there are tons of great photos from this edition everywhere on the Internet and more will surely come in the next days/weeks :-)
(photos above, from Libero Api)
I thought of what to wear for months, literally! Since May I played dress up at least two times per week, trying on every vintage dress and accessory that lay in my closets...! It was an hard choice, but finally I decided for the turquoise green/white polka dots dress below and cream accessories. True red colored lipstick, a (not so good - I'll promise something more for the next year!!) first attempt of hairdos and I was ready to go...
I'll look forward to more pictures from the Jamboree 2008 and I promise I'll post my favorites as soon as they're online :-)
domenica 24 agosto 2008
The Chicest Show On Earth
Circus and fashion have always been a popular combination. Because of the colors and the infinite crazyness, the vaudevillian theme has been used (and abused...) a lot.
Sometimes it could be kind of boring, an easy choice for a captivating editorial, but when fashion and circus meet together in a good way the results are stunning...
Photos sources: 1, 2-5, 6-10
Also, I'm usually not a big fan of MANGO (their prices vs their quality...), but for this new season they have launched a new website with a circus inspired intro that is just so fun and the collection too seems to worth a closer look: be sure to check them out!
Sometimes it could be kind of boring, an easy choice for a captivating editorial, but when fashion and circus meet together in a good way the results are stunning...
Photos sources: 1, 2-5, 6-10
Also, I'm usually not a big fan of MANGO (their prices vs their quality...), but for this new season they have launched a new website with a circus inspired intro that is just so fun and the collection too seems to worth a closer look: be sure to check them out!
martedì 19 agosto 2008
Sustainable Creativity
Ivory is formed from dentine and constitutes the bulk of the teeth and tusks of animals such as the elephant, hippopotamus, walrus, mammoth and narwhal.
At today, we know that Man is the elephant's only serious predator. Anyone who buy ivory contribute to kill an elephant and the process behind the hunting of ivory is horrific and the elephant's death (by poisoned darts) is slow and painful.
1989 was the year of the Worldwide Ivory Trade Ban, however in 2002 the United Nations partially lifted the ban on ivory trade, allowing a few countries to export certain amounts of ivory In this awful perspective, the increasing demand for ivory - for jewelry and ornamental uses above all - threatens elephant's survival more than ever.
Beyond the unethical territory of commercial and political involvements, common people may ignore there is a suistainable alternative to ivory: a vegetable seed obtained from an Amazonian palm tree commonly known as Vegetable Ivory. These seeds - dryed, cured, carved - are infact extremely similar to ivory. More than this, on the sustainable side, vegetable ivory also stimulate the South American economy becoming a good alternative for the massive deforestation.
Due to its versatile nature (it can be dyed in millions of bright colors), vegetable ivory is very popular expecially in jewelry.
Take a look at the creations of Leju Designs and you'll probably fall in love with all the magnificent shades...
Founded by Lenny Trines and Juan Munoz, a designer inspired by natural elements and a businness man, Leju is a London based society leader in ethical (and stylish) jewelry production. All the pieces from Leju are available to purchase online and the prices are quite affordable, though from 24th-28th September in the official London Fashion Week venue, they will also be part of London Fashion Weekend where their entire range will be on offer at up to 40% off: don't miss the date!
At today, we know that Man is the elephant's only serious predator. Anyone who buy ivory contribute to kill an elephant and the process behind the hunting of ivory is horrific and the elephant's death (by poisoned darts) is slow and painful.
1989 was the year of the Worldwide Ivory Trade Ban, however in 2002 the United Nations partially lifted the ban on ivory trade, allowing a few countries to export certain amounts of ivory In this awful perspective, the increasing demand for ivory - for jewelry and ornamental uses above all - threatens elephant's survival more than ever.
Beyond the unethical territory of commercial and political involvements, common people may ignore there is a suistainable alternative to ivory: a vegetable seed obtained from an Amazonian palm tree commonly known as Vegetable Ivory. These seeds - dryed, cured, carved - are infact extremely similar to ivory. More than this, on the sustainable side, vegetable ivory also stimulate the South American economy becoming a good alternative for the massive deforestation.
Due to its versatile nature (it can be dyed in millions of bright colors), vegetable ivory is very popular expecially in jewelry.
Take a look at the creations of Leju Designs and you'll probably fall in love with all the magnificent shades...
Founded by Lenny Trines and Juan Munoz, a designer inspired by natural elements and a businness man, Leju is a London based society leader in ethical (and stylish) jewelry production. All the pieces from Leju are available to purchase online and the prices are quite affordable, though from 24th-28th September in the official London Fashion Week venue, they will also be part of London Fashion Weekend where their entire range will be on offer at up to 40% off: don't miss the date!
mercoledì 13 agosto 2008
There's No Place Like Violetville Vintage
Every week I discover a new vintage store on Ebay. Of course there are tons of bad stuff but also loads of great sellers and it's not so easy to keep track of everyone!
One of my favorite stores is undeniably Violetville Vintage, the perfect place if you're looking for magnificent pieces from 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
I spend so many time looking at her auctions, I decided to keep in touch with the fabulous owner of Violetville, Miss Tina Poppy, for a little conversation...
TINA, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR STORE. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH Violetville Vintage?
Basically, I love shopping, and I've never felt comfortable passing up something extraordinary just because it wasn't my size. I once bought a pair of gorgeous red tweed and leather Prada pumps at a Saks Fifth Avenue outlet for like $75. They were at least two sizes too large for me - I tried everything to make them fit! I held onto them until I found a friend with the right size feet, and then I just gave them to her. Once I realized I could actually sell some of the pieces I wasn't wearing, it allowed me to shop without the boundary of "is this my size?" - and that changed everything for me! Before starting Violetville, I had thought about just advertising myself as a personal shopper - but that's basically what I am now - I love it!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PIECE YOU'RE BUYING FOR THE STORE? ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY YOUR PERSONAL TASTE?
Of course! I look for high-quality pieces, natural fabrics, and unique details.. Since I'm shopping for body shapes, sizes, and style preferences other than my own, I appreciate the draping and construction of a piece and pay particular attention to how a garment fits an actual body. Everyone wants to look good, and everyone wants to be stylish! So it's important for me to make connections that relate current trends to vintage looks. I try to offer pieces that are relevant.
IS NOT SAD AND "HEARTBREAKING" TO SELL A PIECE YOU LOVE, LETTING IT PASSES ON? AREN'T YOU TEMPTED TO KEEP ALL FOR YOURSELF?!
It's sometimes tempting, but I don't need a million pieces all to myself. And I love imagining our customers opening their mail and pulling out something beautiful and amazing and better than expected. We have such a variety of customers - celebrities, fashion design houses, college students, whatever, that I know these outfits are going to be appreciated! Of course, it's still hard to part with things I love :)
HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL WARDROBE IS VINTAGE?
Almost everything! But it's not just because I prefer it. I have reservoirs of vintage clothing, and I'm always shopping for vintage, so it's easier for me to find the right vintage piece. When I buy new pieces, they're almost always from better designers. I appreciate quality. I don't shop at H&M or Forever 21 - I'm sure you have this type of thing in Italy, they're like low-priced designer knock-off stores. It's just not interesting to me. I'd rather have one dress of quality than 10 cheaply-made dresses that are just generic copies of a once-artistic idea.
DO YOU THINK THE INCREASINGLY INTEREST FOR VINTAGE IS ONLY A TREND OR SOMETHING HERE TO STAY?
Vintage means all sorts of things to different people - to some, it's a preference for a subculture, to some it's nostalgia, to some it's just kitchy "decades" parties. But vintage also means Chanel, Dior, Lanvin - all these designs that people still covet today. Those elements of vintage will always be desirable.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR VINTAGE LOVERS AND COLLECTORS?
If you like a piece, buy it! Don't pass it up because it's a few more dollars than you'd like to spend. You can consider it an investment and re-sell it when you're ready. Mass-produced things are easy to find again; fine vintage isn't!
IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHING TO GO BACK IN TIME, WICH ERA AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?
Okay, if we're talking purely in terms of fashion, I'd love to put some of my 30's evening gowns to good use. There's something phenomenal about the fit of 30's pieces, not just the bias-cut skirts, but the structured pieces of the latter half of the decade as well, and into the 40's with the fabulous tailored suits and flattering swing skirts. But, if we were taking into account the social consequences of living in a different era, the 20's might be much more fun. But those boxy 20's styles look terrible on me!
DO YOU THINK VINTAGE IS A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS THAT SENSE OF NOSTALGIA PEOPLE (LIKE ME...) MAY HAVE FOR PAST DECADES THEY DIDN'T EVEN LIVE TROUGH?
Vintage is very expressive! It's almost like reading - you can imagine so many stories, so much history. Each dress is like a little novella: What were people's attitudes about life at that time? Who wore this dress and when? Why did she keep it for 40 years? How did it end up on my doorstep?
Thank you so much Miss Tina Poppy, it was a pleasure to talk with you. Keep on with your great great work :-)
One of my favorite stores is undeniably Violetville Vintage, the perfect place if you're looking for magnificent pieces from 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s.
I spend so many time looking at her auctions, I decided to keep in touch with the fabulous owner of Violetville, Miss Tina Poppy, for a little conversation...
TINA, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR STORE. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH Violetville Vintage?
Basically, I love shopping, and I've never felt comfortable passing up something extraordinary just because it wasn't my size. I once bought a pair of gorgeous red tweed and leather Prada pumps at a Saks Fifth Avenue outlet for like $75. They were at least two sizes too large for me - I tried everything to make them fit! I held onto them until I found a friend with the right size feet, and then I just gave them to her. Once I realized I could actually sell some of the pieces I wasn't wearing, it allowed me to shop without the boundary of "is this my size?" - and that changed everything for me! Before starting Violetville, I had thought about just advertising myself as a personal shopper - but that's basically what I am now - I love it!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A PIECE YOU'RE BUYING FOR THE STORE? ARE YOU INFLUENCED BY YOUR PERSONAL TASTE?
Of course! I look for high-quality pieces, natural fabrics, and unique details.. Since I'm shopping for body shapes, sizes, and style preferences other than my own, I appreciate the draping and construction of a piece and pay particular attention to how a garment fits an actual body. Everyone wants to look good, and everyone wants to be stylish! So it's important for me to make connections that relate current trends to vintage looks. I try to offer pieces that are relevant.
IS NOT SAD AND "HEARTBREAKING" TO SELL A PIECE YOU LOVE, LETTING IT PASSES ON? AREN'T YOU TEMPTED TO KEEP ALL FOR YOURSELF?!
It's sometimes tempting, but I don't need a million pieces all to myself. And I love imagining our customers opening their mail and pulling out something beautiful and amazing and better than expected. We have such a variety of customers - celebrities, fashion design houses, college students, whatever, that I know these outfits are going to be appreciated! Of course, it's still hard to part with things I love :)
HOW MUCH OF YOUR PERSONAL WARDROBE IS VINTAGE?
Almost everything! But it's not just because I prefer it. I have reservoirs of vintage clothing, and I'm always shopping for vintage, so it's easier for me to find the right vintage piece. When I buy new pieces, they're almost always from better designers. I appreciate quality. I don't shop at H&M or Forever 21 - I'm sure you have this type of thing in Italy, they're like low-priced designer knock-off stores. It's just not interesting to me. I'd rather have one dress of quality than 10 cheaply-made dresses that are just generic copies of a once-artistic idea.
DO YOU THINK THE INCREASINGLY INTEREST FOR VINTAGE IS ONLY A TREND OR SOMETHING HERE TO STAY?
Vintage means all sorts of things to different people - to some, it's a preference for a subculture, to some it's nostalgia, to some it's just kitchy "decades" parties. But vintage also means Chanel, Dior, Lanvin - all these designs that people still covet today. Those elements of vintage will always be desirable.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR VINTAGE LOVERS AND COLLECTORS?
If you like a piece, buy it! Don't pass it up because it's a few more dollars than you'd like to spend. You can consider it an investment and re-sell it when you're ready. Mass-produced things are easy to find again; fine vintage isn't!
IF YOU HAD A TIME MACHING TO GO BACK IN TIME, WICH ERA AND WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO LIVE?
Okay, if we're talking purely in terms of fashion, I'd love to put some of my 30's evening gowns to good use. There's something phenomenal about the fit of 30's pieces, not just the bias-cut skirts, but the structured pieces of the latter half of the decade as well, and into the 40's with the fabulous tailored suits and flattering swing skirts. But, if we were taking into account the social consequences of living in a different era, the 20's might be much more fun. But those boxy 20's styles look terrible on me!
DO YOU THINK VINTAGE IS A GOOD WAY TO EXPRESS THAT SENSE OF NOSTALGIA PEOPLE (LIKE ME...) MAY HAVE FOR PAST DECADES THEY DIDN'T EVEN LIVE TROUGH?
Vintage is very expressive! It's almost like reading - you can imagine so many stories, so much history. Each dress is like a little novella: What were people's attitudes about life at that time? Who wore this dress and when? Why did she keep it for 40 years? How did it end up on my doorstep?
Thank you so much Miss Tina Poppy, it was a pleasure to talk with you. Keep on with your great great work :-)
Iscriviti a:
Post (Atom)
