FUTURE VINTAGE!

These days, I feel we live in a disposable world.  We buy cheap stuff and throw it out when we are done - only to land in a landfill or pollute the Earth.  Many years ago, people bought good stuff, and kept it because it was good stuff.  Even if they couldnt afford the real good stuff, they still bought quality things because they appreciated them.  In the recent years, I have manged to buy quite a few quality things for myself.  Whether it be a dress, a coat, good jewelry and even good quality makeup. 

Ive also manged to do something to further the buying/selling of vintage clothing.  I call it, FUTURE VINTAGE! (well, I didnt actually name it that, my friend Alison did - but its something Ive been doing - so I thank her for putting a title on it!).  I take between 5-8 pieces a year from my wardrobe of modern clothing, and neatly pack it away into a box or in a garment bag to save for the future.  Not MY future, but the future of vintage clothing wearers.  What do I put into these boxes/bags you ask?  Lets see, from what I can recall, there is currently a blue chiffon party dress (I wore to a wedding), a gold brocade sheath dress (I wore to my bridal shower), a coral beaded 30s inspired formal dress (another wedding), my OWN wedding dress (LaSposa - Miradir!), a great pair of black low-slung cargo pants that looked KILLER on me in 2002 (H&M) and a bunch of other things.  

So what should you put away for your FUTURE VINTAGE stash?  Trendy items:  Items that defined the era, that were popular and that will be remembered.  Luxury Items:  Perhaps youve outgrown it but dont want to donate it because its expensive.  And anything else you think will be a HIT in the future.  But dont get your hopes up, this stash will not making a comeback anytime soon.  We apparently coin vintage as anything being over 20 years old - but that doesnt mean it will be popular!  God knows I am cringing seeing all that 90s vintage on Etsy!  Happy Future Vintage Stashing!

Here are a few pieces that are currently in my future vintage stash!

EXTREME VINTAGE MAKEOVER CONTEST is HERE!

Well, this is it people.  The contest we have been tweaking for weeks.  I have been working with some of the most creative and talented people in New Hampshire to create this amazing, chance of a lifetime contest.  The prizes are valued at over $800 and include:  a FULL vintage outfit from Concetta's Closet, a 1hr photo session with Matthew Lomanno Photography (and you get a full CD of all of the photos!) and of course, you gotta have your hair and make-up to match your new vintage threads - you'll be gussied up to perfection by Erica Hellier of Hell's Belles Makeup Artistry.  This is a chance for ladies to be transformed into the era of their choice with all of the fixin's.  This.. is going to be FUN! 

You can enter the contest until June 12th - after that - the winner will be selected and announced!

Thank You, Katharine Hepburn

This past Thursday (the 12^th of May) was Katharine Hepburn’s birthday.  Hepburn is one of the most iconic figures of the golden age of Hollywood.  I love her.  My brain always stops dead in its tracks when I see that one of her movies is on Turner Classic Movies.  All of my plans for my day get immediately written off, because I'm committed to watching every Katharine Hepburn movie available.  If she's with Cary Grant, forget it.  I'm done for the week.  

Apart from being a beyond amazing actress and a style icon, Kate was a powerhouse for Women’s Liberation.  Why are we ladies able to wear our comfy jeans, our stylish pantsuits, or (if it rocks your boat) funky bell bottoms?  Katharine Hepburn.  She broke down the barriers for women.  There were moments when Hepburn would notoriously walk around the set in her underwear because, the costume department would steal her slacks.  Hepburn refused to put anything else on.  As a child, Hepburn’s mother would have her daughter holding women’s suffrage balloons.  

It’s easy to see how Hepburn became the powerhouse that she did.  Hepburn had a take no crap from no one attitude, and never led someone to believe she liked them when she did not.  Everyone says that Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were the ladies in charge on set, but just look at these quotes, my vote's with Katharine… one word, FIERCE.   

“I never realized until lately that women were supposed to be inferior.”

“Life is full of censorship. I can't spit in your eye.” 

“I find a woman's point of view much grander and finer than a man's.”

“Enemies are so stimulating. “

“If you obey all the rules you miss all the fun”

“If you want to give up the admiration of thousands of men for the disdain of one, go ahead, get married.”

“Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don't do that by sitting around.”

“Why slap them on the wrist with feather when you can belt them over the head with a sledgehammer.”

Like, HELLO?  I admire women like Katharine Hepburn.  She was so ahead of her times.  She made all these great comments that raised women’s awareness of the oppression they faced from men and their society.   Women were not supposed to have such strong opinions, but Kate did.  Katharine Hepburn was one of the first great figures for the future Women’s Liberation movement in the 60s and 70s.  Not to mention, she always looked totally awesome. 

So thank you, Katharine Hepburn.  

Signed,

The Intern

                (Who’s coincidentally named after a Katharine Hepburn character from a movie… so I’ve got connections, be jealous)

TV Elegance: The Clothes That Inspired Mad Men

Everyone is talking about how AMC’s Mad Men is inspiring a modern revival of the stunning clothes Jackie O wore in the 1960’s.  Clothing websites like Mod Cloth are featuring look-a-like dresses, but what about the real stuff?  Reproductions are okay, but what about finding the clothes that real women wore back in the 60s.  You know what I mean, the gorgeous clothes that inspired the costume designers for Mad Men.  It isn't  impossible to find authentic pieces, and it's definitely easier than you think!   

Check out these two gorgeous dresses from Mad Men.  Then check out Concetta's Closet suit underneath!  This totally cute, three piece suit is in excellent condition and provides all the hip hugging glory a woman could want.  What I love most is the adorable ascot tie at the neck.  

Want more?  Of course you do!  Once again, Mad Men does 1960s fashion proud with two dresses that emphasize a lady's curves to perfection, the characteristic that I love most!  But, what do I love more?  Having real vintage to prove that these styles were what women actually wore.  Concetta's Closet's hot pink number below is the perfect example of a real dress, that a real woman wore.  It has similar draping that you see in the green dress but the lovely color of the pink dress- always an excellent combination!  

Simple elegance at its finest, and authentic vintage at its purest!  What more could a girl ask for?  Authentic fashion of the 60s is always a classic addition to any wardrobe.  And don't get me wrong, its perfectly fine to order some reproduction vintage inspired clothes, but think about this..these vintage clothes have already lasted for over half a century and they still remain in excellent condition, and they will continue to remain so.  So I thank Mad Men for introducing the world to beautiful 1960s fashion, but lets take the next step and buy ourselves authentic vintage, cause it's that easy and that beautiful!   

Signed, 

The Intern

HUGE Contest Coming to Concetta's Closet

I wont let the cat out of the bag yet - but Ill give you all a few little (visual) hints! - Contest will be announced in the next 7-10 days!

Clue #1

Clue #2

Clue #3