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!

Only Skinny Vintage?

I cant tell you how many times Ive heard it.  You know, the "Only skinny girls can wear vintage" comment.  As an owner of a vintage boutique, I hear it said in different context every time:


- "People were so much smaller back then."
- "Women used to STARVE themselves back in the 1950s!"
- "I heard they used to remove ribs."


And the list goes on............


Are any of these true?  Sure, maybe some of them, in some way - but not entirely.  Lets think about it from a logical standpoint, shall we?  


PEOPLE, as a whole - were smaller.  Why?  Well, for one - growth hormones are widely used in the modern world (1930s to present day, although it takes 20-30 years for the effect on people to show in society).  Nutrition also plays a big role in size - conditions of poor nutrition are well correlated to smaller stature.  Here is a fantastic (and scientific) article explaining why:  Scientific American.  And lastly, throw in the fact that most people from the 1800s to the 1940s WALKED and didnt have access to cars as we do - they were considered a luxury and the fact that we have so much fast food as well as huge portion sizes - well, there you go.  


And, you know that just because a vintage dress says its a size 18, doesnt mean it will fit you if youre a size 18, right? - Well, let me clear up that misconception as well.  Vintage sizing is different because several reasons - a lot of it having to do with the fact that people were smaller, and so then so were the sizes.  Also, vanity sizing.  Now, Im not entirely sold on the whole vanity sizing thing as the reason why vintage IS smaller than modern - but Im sure it is true in some cases, for some designers (even modern!) - here is a great post about Vintage Sizing vs. Modern Sizing 


So dont fret - if youre a size 10, 12 or 14, 16, or even an 18! - There are dresses out there for you!  Dont believe the HYPE!


Here are some vintage photos and vintage fashion ads that are NOT for skinny girls!

Curvy/Plus Sized Women have been around for a while - just check out the history on the Plus Sized Fashion Staple - Lane Bryant! - theyve been around since the early 1900s.  Duh! ;)