Monday Inspirations: Sometimes You Need Some Quiet Time

Last week I played catch up which proved harder when you've got a cold. Boo. Being sick is never fun. I think I'm on the brink of the end of it, so hopefully this week is much more chipper and productive.


So to start off the week I am posting a few lovely images that are currently inspiring me, whether it be a moment, a hairstyle, perhaps even just a color.



Image Credits: 1.] Designlovefest.com, 2.] The Vamoose, 3.] HoneyKennedy.com, 4.] Japanese Craft Book, 5.] Two Hares, 6.] Gaby J Photography, 7.] Montreal, 8.] Oncewed.com, 9.] BulgerGallery.com

How to Wear Vintage: Vintage 1950s 'Cobalt Nightingale' Dress

It's our second "How to Wear Vintage" post and this time around we're featuring the gorgeous 1950s bombshell "Cobalt Nightingale" sundress.



Bombshell Picnic: Who says you can't be glamorous when going on a picnic? We love this vintage dress paired with a silk floral print scarf worn around your head (think Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn) and then with retro inspired glasses. The chunky platforms has that modern vintage look and we're suckers for cork heels!

The Shopping List:
1.] Vintage 1950s dress from Adorevintage.com
2.] Chloe sunglasses from TheOutnet.com
3.] Eco Picnic Basket from UncommonGoods.com
4.] Jaques Vert Peony Bloom Scarf from Debenhams
5.] Iris Platforms from Kurt Geiger

Vintage Glossary: B is for Bolero

Boleros were mostly popular in the late 30s and into the 40s and there was a sprinkling of it into the early 1950s. They were almost always an accompaniment to a dress or suit but we've seen boleros with summer playsuits and pant suits.


Definition of Bolero: A short cropped jacket ending above or at the waist and worn open. Most boleros do not have a collar or lapels.


Vintage boleros from the 1930s to the early 1950s.
So what exactly is a bolero? Usually when one thinks of a bolero visions of a Spanish matador come into mind, which is correct as the bolero jacket was derived from this fashion. (At least to the best of our knowledge!) To keep it simple, just remember that a bolero never has closures. If it does then it's a cropped jacket, not a bolero.

Vintage Treasury | Edwardian Lady

It's our first treasury on Etsy, and I must say this was quite fun (and fairly addicting) but, I will control myself and will only create this one Etsy treasury (although frankly I'm inspired to do quite a few more today, but the work schedule is jam packed with playing catch up...)

The inspiration for today's Vintage Edwardian treasury comes from the growing collection of lovely lace Edwardian clothing we've had arrive in the studio. Some pieces are in need of repair and will be sold in "as is" condition and a few other pieces are stunning and nearly mint. Isn't that crazy? A dress that is about 100 years old that looks brand new? I've grown quite attached to all these lovely delicate antique clothes though, so perhaps they won't be arriving in the shop too soon... but we'll see!

Vintage Movie Thursdays | Charlie Chaplin "The Kid"

A little clip from Charlie Chaplin's first full length movie released in 1921 "The Kid" featuring Jackie Coogan.

Vintage Shop Updates: Lace + Sparkles

This week's shop updates are probably some of the prettiest (and girliest!) the shop has had in awhile. All the dresses are from the 1940s to the 1950s as well as the jewelry. Be sure to take a peek inside the shop! (Also, Adorevintage has a new look, let us know what you think of it!)



{ click here to shop vintage! }

Vintage Style Icon: Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly epitomizes New England elegance; wholesome, preppy, and clean. Most of you are probably aware that Hermes named one of their bags the "Kelly" bag after a photo of her appeared in LIFE magazine in 1956. The bag was originally called 'Sac à dépêches' and it first came out in 1935.


For more information on Grace Kelly: Grace Kelly IMDB, Grace Kelly WIKI, Grace Kelly Style Exhibition

Found Photographs | A Story Lost, A Story Imagined

I collect vintage photographs. There is something about an old photo that tugs at my heartstrings. I can't quite put a finger on it, but it's the same feeling I get when I listen to "Clair De Lune" by Claude Debussy (my all time favorite song if you ever did wonder)


I do not know the stories behind the photos, but I place them in a little notebook where I draw little doodles and conjure up tales of love, of lost, of hope, of dreams.

What do you collect?

Runway Report | Vintage Inspired Fashion - Alexander Berardi Spring 2011

I love the tiny floral prints from Alexander Berardi's Spring 2011 collection which reminds me so much of vintage Cacharel and even Liberty of London (but much more muted). The styles are very reminscent of the mid to late 1970s when fluttery shoulders and butterfly sleeves were very popular. Aren't the dresses so very David Hamilton as well?


Image Credits: Elle.com

Vintage Jewelry: Just A Little Bit of Sparkle

I love that these vintage choker necklaces from the 1950s have just a hint of sparkle with tiny rhinestones or painted enamel. They're the perfect accompaniment to a cute vintage day dress or even to dress up a plain white tee and jeans.


View more @ Adorevintage: Vintage Costume Jewelry

Adorevintage Friday Flickr Favorites

A quick dose of lovely vintage inspirations.