We have MOVED!!!

Well, not the shop - but the BLOG has!

Come follow us over at the Concetta's Closet on Wordpress Blog  Its a whole new look for me and there will be plenty more posts about the challenge, vintage and everything else I gab about!

And so it starts!

Actual SIGNS of weight loss! - I opted not to go for the number I see on the scale, but for the number that my tape measure, measures around my waist/bust and hips.

I started out with these measurements on May 10th (exactly 2wks ago)

Height 5'7"
Bust 46" (wearing a 40DDD bra)
Waist 36.5"
Hips 45


And my measurements now:
Bust 45"
Waist 35"
Hips 45"


And while Im glad Im losing inches, Im even more glad Im not losing them so much in the hips - Id like to keep some of that curve (for those of you who dont know, I lack in the BEHIND department!)


I knew something was up - I knew I had lost some weight/inches - when I tried on a dress I had purchased from Etsy, which measurements were mine exactly - and it was a bit big!


I woke up this morning, a bit annoyed because most of my pretty dresses were at the dry cleaner - and the rest...I just wasnt in the mood to wear.  I stood in front of my closet wearing a white slip, annoyed.  But then I realized I had a black wrap dress, that Ive had for --- AGES! -- I took it off the hanger and tried it on.  Sure, it fit.  I could tie it. The arms were fine...but I was afraid to look in the mirror at the bulges that were there.  This dress is rayon jersey, and quite form fitting.  I was afraid!  I went downstairs and looked in the mirror and said - hell, it isnt so bad!  


Here is a photo of me wearing the exact same dress, in 2004.  I was about 150lbs here, and wearing a size 8/10.  Mind you, the dress is marked, "medium"

My hair was blonde, yes.  I was really tan, yes.  And I was showing cleavage!  YES!

That was taken 8yrs ago, when I was 28.  Im 36 now and I feel a little weird about showing that much boob.  So I wore a scarf over my neck today.  Plus, Im a little bustier now, and they are a bit more exposed.  But otherwise, the dress looks great!  What do you think?!  I havent been able to wear it for years!

Who would have thought, 2-3-4 days a week of working out (in this case, hiking) and watching what I eat, would show such results! - While this may not be a lot to some people, its monumental to me.  Its really not that hard, either!  This is now, just even more incentive for me to keep at it and work harder.  

I Love New Dresses

Do you love a new dress?  I do.  Especially when they arrive in the mail - its like your birthday!  What even better - when they fit perfectly.

I scored this sweet little 40s number a few weeks ago on Etsy at Vintage Curve, at a KILLER price.  It fits like a dream, with wiggle room too.  The fabric?  Hmm, feels like a very sheer rayon, but maybe even a treated cotton?  Its SO lightweight - and perfect for hot/humid days like today.  Only problem - I dont own a navy blue slip so I had to settle for a white one until I get my hands on a navy one.

Yes, I know the scarf in my hair doesnt match - thats the point ;)

I love the print - Forget Me Nots? - This dress is sure going to get some good wearing by me!

1940s Dress - Vintage Curve on Etsy

Polka Dot Ballet Flats - Geez, I cant remember!

Hair Scarf - Borrowed from the Shop

Don't Panic!

Im doing a double header today because I missed Wednesdays blog post (posted today).

Tonight - Date Night.  The old man took me out to dinner, like every man should take his wife to every once in a while.  I wanted to go somewhere fancy, so I could wear my cutest dresses and heels.  He wanted somewhere local and easy.  He promised to take me to a restaurant Ive been dying to go to for some time now, Blue Moon Evolution, next weekend.  Oh, OK.  I suppose...

We opted for his fav - Orient Pearl in Epping.  Its 10min from our house and its an Asian bistro (that means, chinese, japanese and a mixture of some other Asian menus, I guess?).  Being bit of a sushi snob (hey!  I lived in NYC and SF...some of the best sushi in the US!) I was a bit hesitant of trying it out last year - but its not bad, for NH.  I actually like it.  And the old man...loves it.  Mostly because they have a ton of mixed tiki style Asian drinks.  He only has one because they're quite strong.  I opted for a Sapporo.  Who would have thought, the tough manly man would get the fruity girly drink - and me, the girly girl - the beer.  Hmmph.

The drink menu is the best part of this place, its a bit...shall I say, odd?  Just check out the Zombie drink description.  I guess you take your chances with that one?  I mean, who doesnt like "inspirational and delightful"? - The old man opted for the "Suffering Bastard" - how appropriate, right? ;)

We ordered a few different dishes, I wanted to stay healthy so I got a sushi roll that was called "Pink Enticement" - take that however you wish.  *insert smirky grin* .  I also ordered these lettuce rolls with shrimp.  They are in one word - AMAZING.

We saw a co-worked of the Old Mans and had some conversation with him and his wife - about their retirement and move to Uruguay in a few months.  Im jealous.

We had a lovely meal, finished up by of course, the fortune cookie.  I always smash mine in the wrapper and then eat it...  Here is my fortune.  VERY fitting, I must say.  (and if you know me, you KNOW what I mean)

And lastly, dont ever ask your old man to take a photo of you...because well, they usually suck at it.  I felt it was very fitting for me to wear my Hawaiian/Polynesian/Asian caftan.  I was right because, the waiter said to me when he approached our table (said in an Asian accent), "Oh!  I like your dress!  What is that?  Very booty-ful!" - I said, THANK YOU!  I thought it would be appropriate! ;)

Please excuse the flipflops, this was taken before we left and I was searching for my espadrilles.

And lastly,a quick shot of the old man...  his words as I snapped this were, "This is lame" - Hes so not into blogging/internet/etc.  

This is him "dressed up" - HA!

1970s Hawaiian Caftan - found at a yard sale down the street from my house two summers ago

Earrings - Gift from my mother-in-law

Secret Trails and Abandoned Cars

You must forgive me.  Ive been slacking with the daily blogging and picture taking.  This concept is very new to me still so Im trying to use the best time management skills I have in order to keep up with the challenge.  Its tough.  So please, forgive me?

Sadly, I didnt get any photos from Wednesday of myself, only the kickass trail we found in our neighborhood.  Do you know how awesome it is that there is as series of trails in the woods (most likely ATV/Dirtbike trails) that go for miles?!  My husband and I decided to check them out, we heard about them from a neighbor.  We went up hills, down hills, almost stepped in horse poop, saw clearings with swamps and abandoned 1930s cars.  Yes, 1930s cars in the middle of the woods.  WEIRD!  Here is a photo:

The husband checking it out....

So random, right?  So we kept walking.  I found out that if I was walking uphill, that I needed to keep my momentum - walking is harder! - so I actually jogged uphill - and I loved it!

Then, we came across a bit of a dead end, of sorts.  The trail kept going but sadly, the 2 feet of water stopped us.

And this is right before the big big BIG uphill climb...

Todays measurements: (Im a few days late, sorry!)

THE SAME AS LAST WEEK! 

While I havent lost any inches or weight, Im feeling better.  Ive cut out a lot of the foods that were making me feel sluggish, Ive switched from Splenda in my coffee to Agave.  And I only use a splash of 2% milk.. 

Next feat:  Becoming GF.  Eeek!

Giving Back

Ive always felt like I was born in the wrong era.  But not because I love vintage clothing so much.  Mostly because I relate more with the people of the past.  Their hardworking, no fuss attitudes - The independent nature of the way they lived.  Not to mention, the absolute glamour the people from say, the 1920s and 1930s had.  I bet they didnt know how amazingly glamorous they really were.

I was contacted a few weeks ago by the HR department from Warde Heath Center in Windham NH.  I was asked if I would like to participate in a vintage fashion show - for their residents.  They have roughly 28 people that are residents of this Catholic home.  Its on beautiful grounds, with a famous castle, too.

Of course, I accepted the offer to do the show.  It would be an honor!  -  What other way to give back, than to put on a show for the people who wore and loved the fashions I sell and collect?!   I asked a handful of ladies to participate - and of course I got a great response.  We booked it.

Here are some photos from the show - I cant show too many that have any of the residents faces, otherwise Ill need a photo release.  But here are the highlights...

Jane, wearing a 50s black lace party dress - like it was made for her!

Janell and Lauryn - looking perfect!

In the waiting room - getting ready to head out!

All of us (L to R: Jane, Janell, Myself, Lauryn, Nermina, Ashley, Alexa)

Jane and I after the show..

A close up of the neckline of my dress..

My outfit:

40s Dress - Brimfield Antique Show a few years ago

50s Pearls - No idea, but theyre vintage

30s Topper Hat - Borrowed from the shop

Modern T-Strap Heels - Macys, on clearance a few years ago

Lauryn's Outfit:

1960s Blush Organza wedding dress - borrowed from the shop!

Jane's Outfit:

1950s Black Lace Party Dress - borrowed from the shop!

1960s Black Leather Shoes - passed down from her grandmother!

1950s Beret - borrowed from the shop!

Janell's Outfit:

1940s Striped Taffeta Party Dress - Borrowed from Lauryn! ;)

Snood - she made it herself.

Alexa's Outfit:

1960s Wiggle Dress - Purchased from the shop!

Hat - her own

shoes - her own

Nermina's Outfit:

1970s Bright Maxi Dress - Purchased from the shop!

Shoes - her own

Hat - borrowed from the shop!

Ashley's Outfit:

1960s Silk Sheath Dress - purchased from the shop!

Shoes - her own

Hat - borrowed from the shop!

Busy Busy.....BUSY!

Its been a hectic week, which is OK with me - because last week was a hellish week.  Ill take busy over hellish any day.

Ive also been so busy, that Ive been slacking on working out.  I need to get back into the swing of things, SOON.  Ive lost momentum and Im scared I wont be able to get it back.

Ok - so tomorrow I will be measuring in - I doubt I lost any inches, or even a centimeter, but at least I got myself warmed up for the World War III Im about to impose on my body.  *shudder*

Today, I measured my butt off.  I wish measuring burned calories.  I did stand on my feet for most of the day - so maybe 10 calories or so were burned.  A healthy lunch and breakfast...and dinner too!  Whole wheat angel hair pasta with black olives, sauteed spinach and roasted red peppers - and an insane amount of garlic.

So, here I am.  Measuring up a storm

and..the infamous Bandolino boots that I need to retire..

Ive been wearing little to no makeup lately, kind of giving my skin a break..not so bad for 36, huh?

So thats it for today.  Tomorrow is going to be just as busy, as Im grabbing a few lovely ladies and heading to a nursing home, to provide the residents with some vintage fashions for them to reminisce over.  Photos of that tomorrow!

Floral Tunic - Thrifted

Leggings - American Eagle

Boots - Bandolino

Necklace - Tiffany, gift from my husband

Eyeglass Frames - Ellen Tracy (Ive had them for YEARS!) 

Behind the Scenes: Private Sale with Christina

Im very fortunate that 90% or so of the vintage I find, comes to me via private sale.  For those of you may not know what a private sale is:  Either by word of mouth or my own seeking out, the original owners or heirs to the original owners property sell vintage clothing and accessories.

Last week, I was contacted by a woman with a British accent, her name was Christina and she lives in Northern New Hampshire.  She invited me to her home, where she lived with her husband and her five cats (A woman after my own heart!).  I brought my awesome friend Robin with me.  Actually, Robin and I became friends via a private sale too! (remember all of those hats I scored!  Those were from her stepfathers mother!)  Robin and I were greeted by Christina at her side door - she lived in a 100yr old home that was decorated in a taste that can only be described as:  quality.  A mixture of antiques and newer items.  Her kitchen was quite 70s, but in a very modern Danish way.  She had a bunch of pieces of clothing laid out on her large dining room table, along with a huge hatbox full of silk and nylon scarves, ranging in eras.  There were several coats and dresses, along with a few hats in hatboxes.  She was quite chatty, so chatty that we were there for four hours - but we didnt complain, we loved talking with her and her husband, who is a very high quality wood craftsman.  He had built many of the pieces in the house, as well as the highly decorative molding throughout the home.

She then scurried us upstairs, asking us to walk before her because she climbed the stairs a little slow.  We entered a bedroom that I can only describe as, every girls dream.  A four poster bed, with a canopy and a fan at the ceiling! - The two windows were layered with different types of lace - creating the most beautiful amount of light that seeped through into the room.  A dressing table, a wood screen that her husband had made, everything was decorated with vintage and antique pieces of womens accessories.  There on the bed, she had laid out clothing, it was also hung on the screen and on an early 1900s baby buggy made out of what seemed to be wicker - with wood wheels.  There was also an early 1900s dress form, which was wearing a black wool cape.

We gabbed for what seemed to be ages, but was only really a few hours.  We talked about everything, told stories, laughed, almost cried and felt connections.  Christina is originally from London, and came here to the US in the early 60s.  She lived in NYC, and met her husband ice skating at Wolman Rink in Central Park.  She had fallen on the ice, and up came this man who said, "May I be of assistance?" And she said, "You're going to marry me. Because I've been out with every idiot out there and already I can tell you aren't one." - And so they were married!

Finally, I had gathered up all of the items I wanted to purchase. But I kept staring that that dress form. I had never seen one in such remarkable condition. I knew from seeing them, that this one had to be at least 1910s because of the cage at the bottom and the cast iron base which was on wheels. Noticed the tag on the bodice and that it was an Acme form, which are quite common. Then I noticed the address: 378-388 Throop Ave, Brooklyn NY. I LIVED on Throop Ave in Brooklyn! Well, on the corner of Throop Ave, and Putnam. This address was right down the block from the apartment that I lived at for years! This was something quite special to me, because the neighborhood that I lived in was quite...well, bad. And to think that something this special, this amazing came from from this neighborhood was even more special. (PS, this is the same neighborhood JayZ and Biggie are from!)

We realized how late it was and started to round up the items I had chosen. I cant wait to show you all tomorrow! A 40s Floral Lame Jacket, a Mollie Parnis LBD, an Edwardian white skirt (pristine!), a handful of 40s rayon dresses, a fantastic Bergdoff Cape and a bunch more! Oh and purses - 40s Cordes, an Edid Collins Wood Handbag and a 50s Curved Lucite Clutch with Rhinestones! The clothing and accessories belonged to her mother and her sister-in-law.

As we were downstairs getting ready to leave, Christina brought a box into the dining room and showed us a large amount of driftwood she had gathered from her home on the water in Nova Scotia. She spends the summers there and gathers boxes of driftwood to bring back. She sells them quite cheap too - and gave me a box to sell for her! This box of 50pcs, Robin purchased for $10! - I have a box of 50pcs, but larger sized for $15. So if anyone wants them, let me know and I will ship!

We were stalled a bit more by even more stories and conversation, but we didnt mind. Christina's husband even showed us his "weapons" that he made, that are installed in the rafters of their den.

Finally, we went out to the driveway and put the vintage into the car. More talking! - And Christina brought us into her backyard garden, and started picking Forget me Nots from the ground and gave us both small bunches of the pretty purple flowers. We gave hugs and said goodbye. So regardless of what I walked away with, we had a great visit with two lovely people. I wish every private sale could be so perfect!


PS! - Sorry not so many photos of my outfit today, I was very overwhelmed!


Cashmere Cardigan - gift from my mother-in-law
Jeans - Calvin Klein
Knit Top - Ann Taylor


(no workout today, I was beat! we were on the road from 9am and got home at 5pm! - Thank you ROBIN for taking photos, because I had forgotten all about it!)

An Easy on the Eyes Workout

I loathe the thought of staring at the treadmill screen, or some bad show on the TV thats on while on the elliptical machine.  I generally tend to go for long walks or hikes - and thankfully I have a partner, my husband. Yesterday I wanted to head to Pawtuckway State Park, as its only a 5min drive from my house - but when I got home, my husband said he had a surprise and was taking me somewhere much cooler.

We drove a little further, down some back roads near my house and ended up in Candia.  We pulled into a dirt parking lot off the road, in the middle of the woods.  And there was a wide dirt trail (its actually an old train bed).  So, we started out walking - it was a lovely early evening.  About 75 degrees and sunny.

A view of the trail - just a small road in the middle of the woods!

I could see that there was a lot of use of the trail - horse tracks, bike tracks, ATV tracks...and of course, foot tracks.  Along the entire trail, on both sides, were these rock walls - I assumed property lines from a least a hundred or so years ago.  I dont know about you guys, but Ive always been obsessed with these walls.  To me, they show how hard people worked, just to make a simple property line - they go on for miles and miles - and some of the rocks are HUGE! - The little archaeologist in me would love to dig up around some of the walls and see what I could find!

 Look at how each rock, even the small ones, are strategically placed - blows my mind!

So - the cool thing - right.  Well, after about a mile into the woods, we come to a smaller dirt path off to the left - we followed that for about 100ft and BOOM! - there it was.  A HUGE pond, a clearing, mowed grass, lawnchairs, stone sculptures, a waterfall and a bridge, even a little log house that someone was living in?!?! - There were a bunch of people who were visiting this little spot.  Some were fishing, some were bike riding - but a clearing, with a pond a house in the middle of the woods?! WEIRD!  But cool!  Apparently my husband had brought my son there last summer, when they rode their mountain bikes on the trail - it goes from my house all the way out there!

Here is a photo of my husband and I - can you see us?!

Also, can you name this species of flower?  Its SO unique and was growing in the forest..

And lastly - me in my workout gear! - How ambitious do I look!?

One of my Favorite Dresses..

Does your favorite dress make you feel awesome?  Mine does.  I have a few that I love, and this Navy Blue Bow Print 40s Rayon one, is definitely in my top five.

The best part about it, is the bodice and neckline.  It has a faux two-piece look - as if the neckline is open with a blouse underneath - but the non-functioning buttons make it look like its buttoned up.  Also, the very pointy collar with the silver chain swag is a great tough.  Lastly, the angled pockets are a great touch - who doesnt love a dress with pockets?!

I found this lovely dress at a local private sale, a woman here in town invited me into her home to purchase dresses and accessories that belonged to her mother and sister in the 40s and 50s.  I was really happy becaues a majority of the pieces were sized from 10-14.  This one I couldnt let go of.  Its clearly handmade and fits me perfectly.

The shoes arent vintage - but you'd think they were, right?

Heres a look at the print, close up..

Sadly, I didnt get a chance to work out yesterday. I had the worlds worse sinus/allergy attack and I literally got home and fell on the sofa - and passed out until about 7pm.  A hot shower and some good food cured me and by the time I was feeling better, it was far too dark to trot around my twisty road.  Tonight, Im going to try to get to a local state park and do a tad of HIKING!  

Off to have some lunch!

1940s Rayon Dress - Local Private Sale
Navy Blue Faux Snakeskin Heels - Calvin Klein, purchased at TJMaxx last year

Crazy Day!

Today was a tough one for me, hence the lack of interesting photos.  This new diet/change, plus a windfall of problems to solve and issues to resolve with work - Ive felt like Im about to explode all day. Thankfully, I ate a really good breakfast and lunch.  I think I have something like 800 calories left for the rest of the day.  Ive been using myfitnesspal.com - and its great.  Very easy to use too.   Last night, as soon as I got home from work, I walked around my block twice.  Now, my block isnt your average block - its a huge loop and it has plenty of strenuous uphill parts, as well as several cool/down downhill parts.  I did that twice, Im figuring its a half a mile, maybe 3/4mi if you go around twice.  Ill make sure next time to find out for sure.  My calves burned, I got red and flush and I huffed and puffed a bit, here and there.  But it felt good.  My calves are a little sore today.  Today, same thing, and then followed up with some good stretching.

Nothing too interesting going on here today.  The pollen count is a bit high, so my head feels like a bowling ball and Im sneezing up a storm.  I got a new chair for the dressing room.  Thats exciting, right? ;)
You know, to put your purse on, or have your little one sit and wait with you.  It made me excited to buy it, from a local antique shop for $14.  Woo!

And todays outfit, an epic fail.  I have these go-to boots.  They are black leather riding boots - Bandolino, Circa 2010.  They are falling apart and starting to do the slouch thing, even though they arent supposed to.  I suppose I could retire them but I may take them to the cobbler to get a second life.  I mean, they cost freakin $230 - they better last more than a year and a half! - Anyway, no shots of them today... those photos didnt come out well.  I need to study Lauryn and how she models so pretty.  I suck at it.

Oh look!  The new chair!

Me, sitting in the chair (why do I feel like this looks like a school photo?)

I think Im just trying to make the best of my crazy week from hell...

50s Aztec Printed Cotton Shirtwaist Dress - Estate sale in Newburyport last summer (its faded to crap on one side - you can kind of see it on my left hip, but I dont care, its comfy and cute!)
Black Cardigan - I have no idea.  Ive literally had that thing since college.
Lipstick - MAC Girl About Town (my go-to color when Im wearing drab colors)

Thank you JANE of Jane Button Photography for taking some photos of me today!

A Personal Challenge!

So, while this is not vintage related, Ive decided to take a personal challenge public for motivation, inspiration and support.  Ive recently been very inspired by my fellow vintage seller buddy, Julie of Fab Gabs.  She (like myself) has gained some weight over the past year that she is not comfortable with.  I can relate to Julie so much.  As a teen and in my 20s, I was about a size 4 or 5.  Even after I had my enormous (10lb!) baby in 2000, I was able to lose a bulk of the pregnancy weight after I had him and was wearing a size 8/10.  But, an office job and single parent stress brought on a lack of motivation, a lack of self-confidence and a lack of caring what I looked like.  I cant say Im happy with what I look like right now, but I know that I dont feel like myself. I feel like its been way too long and neglected - so Im ready to make a change.

Here is a photo of me in 2004.  While this is not me at my smallest, this me at my best weight/size.  I was a size 8/10 and I weighed about 150.  

And this is me currently - I could just cry (and Im literally almost crying now!)

Thank you Jane of Jane Button Photography for taking these photos of me!!

So, what I will be doing here is making a daily commitment to post a photo (or two) a day - of my outfit and progress - as well as exercise habits/routines.  Unlike Julie - who wears 100% vintage, everyday! (Im so jealous), I tend to wear vintage mixed in with my modern clothing.  And sometimes, Im 100% modern too.  Hell, this might even give me more willpower to dress up even more everyday!  Im not sure I want to post my weight, because thats very personal to me - but I will for sure post my measurements.

Starting today - my measurements are:
Height 5'7"
Bust 46" (wearing a 40DDD bra)
Waist 36.5"
Hips 45"
(Im sure Im ready to disclose my weight, its extremely private to me - but really - the weight is just a number, its the inches I care about most!)

Currently, I fit into a size 14 jeans/pants and 14 dress.  I often have a hard time finding clothing that fits my body proportionally because of my ample bust.  Can you believe that I was a 34B for the most part of my adult life?!  I hope to be able to fit into this dress, Im in LOVE with it.  But most of all, Im in love that its a good healthy size 10 - Betty, my oldest dress form, encompasses the shape I long to be.  Shes curvy but healthy and if I may say so, quite sexy!  I love Betty, she looks awesome in everything I put on her! - Here is a quick photo of Betty wearing the dress Im dying to get into.

So, today's outfit is one of my favorites.  The 60s dress I purchased from Bohemian Bisoux Vintage.  I love Lauren and all of her pretty pieces.  This one was a bit big for me when I purchased it (I knew it would be) but I had a seamstress friend alter it.  Its still a little big, which is fine with me!

60s Dress - Bohemian Bisoux Vintage
60s Rhinestone Earrings - Gift from my Mother-in-Law
60s Black Pumps - Thrifted
(Sorry about the lackluster hair, its a really rainy humid day here in New Hampshire!)

Here's a bonus shot of me, proud of the fact that I may be a larger size, but I still have skinny ankles! - Its the little things.... ;)   -  Wish me luck!