This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
Here’s some more jazz icon screenprinting madness on Etsy, this time from seller nelesc, who offers not only Billie and Nina on raglans, but also any icon of your choice on an asymmetrical hoodie/track jacket. Any icon, you say? How about three, like all three Boswell sisters?
Who would be on your track jacket?
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
Someone posted on Yehoodi this week asking about where to find skirts for a dance team, either to be made or to order. This post jogged my memory and I immediately thought of Swing Outfits, a website that sells custom, made to order clothing for men and women from 1930’s and 1940’s patterns. Swing Outfits offers some wonderful options for just about any basic swing garment you could think of in an almost endless selection of fabrics.
Swing Outfits has a section of their website devoted to dance team shopping. I understand that selecting an outfit that everyone agrees on is nearly impossible; however, Swing Outfits offers some sound advice on selecting a team or couple’s costume:
“For couples that dance regularly in competition or performance it is especially important to have a costume. It is one thing to dance at a party, and a different thing to dance on a stage before an audience. It is not enough to just have nice clothes on each individual performer – you need to look like a unified couple.
What makes a good stage costume for a couple? First of all, your costume must be tailor made for you – we will need measurements from both dancers. You will also need to select a fabric and a design for your costumes. Pictured below are three sets of costumes: Silk, Polka Dots, and Plaid/Stripes. Within each set are a number of elements that you can select for your costume, and each will be made from the same material you have chosen.”
The website then walks you through three easy steps to select pieces for your performance outfit. The beauty of these pieces is that they can be mixed and matched with anything – with each other or with something you might find at Target or H&M.
Another great thing about having team costumes made for the team members is that you avoid the one-pattern-fits-all problem that you encounter when purchasing something from a retail store. Having personally experienced the pain of not fitting into the mold of a chosen team costume, I would personally rather pay more and get something that fits perfectly, that I don’t have to pay someone to alter, and that I might actually wear again dancing.
Which leads to my next point – you don’t have to be on a dance team to wear and enjoy an outfit from Swing Outfits! Make sure to browse their selection of patterns, then their selection of fabrics, and think of the endless possibilities. The Libra in me may never be able to decide…
Here’s what I love from Swing Outfits:
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
Well, maybe not everything, but silver/pewter shoes certainly go with almost everything. They are neutral without being boring – a little bit shiny and exciting. A pair of Remix pleated toe wedges in silver showed up on eBay this week in a size 10.5/11. The Buy It Now is about half the retail price of this shoe, but the seller is open to offers. It definitely never hurts to make an offer.
I’m not seeing any silver wedges on the Remix website – limited edition color? Sample? I’d really love a pair of these in my size, can Remix make more of these in silver (hint, hint)? 😉
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
This past Saturday I embarked on a birthday vintage shopping trip of epic proportions. Along for the ride were fellow Jammin’ on the James attendees and fellow vintage queens Elizabeth Aldrich and Elizabeth Tietgen, as well as dapper gents Victor Celania, Maurice O’Brien, and Matthew Pait. Our first stop was Halcyon, which was having a rummage sale outside, in addition to the regular wares inside the store. Victor immediately found a coat for me and for himself – me, a lovely wool coat with a mink collar; him, a plaid overcoat (if I remember correctly). The damage? $15 for me. Elizabeth T. scored a sweet 1930’s waterfall radio. Then we went inside. 🙂
There’s nothing quite like having Lindy Hoppers who love vintage clothing in a vintage store. Add in the fact that Victor actually dresses people for a living, and you have an all out game of let’s-play-dress-up. What’s that song on the radio? Can you turn it up? Sure, but only if you dance for us. Dancing ensued to a selection of excellent vintage jazz tunes, upon the request/permission of the Halcyon staff. We love you gals!
Elizabeth T. managed to build an entire outfit around a lovely black 1960’s cocktail dress, complete with gloves, hat, and jewelry. Elizabeth A. was drawn to Halcyon’s selection of lovely coats and a fantastic green turban/cloche (did you go back and get it?). Matthew picked up a sweet blue wool jacket with a belted back. Maurice left with an entire 1930’s tuxedo, which fit like it was made for him. Victor was all over the store, checking in on the dressing rooms and putting together Maurice’s tuxedo ensemble. The Halcyon staff scurried to find whatever Victor could think up and never came up empty-handed. We spent over two hours at Halcyon and I think everyone left with at least one vintage item.
Next, we headed to Bygones, which has a mix of vintage and vintage reproduction clothing. It was great to browse their selection of Trashy Diva and Leluxe dresses, to actually see them in person and try them on. There were some other great reproductions and, if I had been paying attention instead of being distracted by the feather fans, I would have written down the brands. Bygones also had an extensive selection of Aris Allen dance shoes, which I’ve never seen outside of the internet or the Aris Allen store. Bygones had some lovely vintage clothing from the swing era, but none of it was in my size.
Perhaps the most impressive part of Bygones was the window display. I’ve been told they go all out for the window dressings and this season’s feature vignette was a Victorian spider lady, ensnaring a dapper gentleman in her web.
If you find yourself in Richmond, you must visit one or both of these stores – that they co-exist in the same town and have such amazing selections is remarkable. I can’t wait to go back!
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
Shortly after I heard about the musicians v. dancers baseball game at the Ultimate Lindy Hop Showdown in New Orleans, I serendipitously ran across this reproduction baseball henley on eBay, apparently a replica from 1930’s and 40’s baseball leagues. If Lindy Hoppers were to form a team, wouldn’t Harlem be home? Go Harlem!
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
This dress is impeccable and stunning, just like that gorgeous Art Deco skyscraper in New York. I love everything about this dress – the color combination, the contrast, the points that go down the front and back, the buttons down the back, the pockets, the belt buckle, oh, I could go on! There’s drama in this dress, but not so much that it would be too formal for dancing.
This dress is offered for sale on eBay by Mill Street Vintage, a store that has caught my eye on numerous occasions, with outstanding pieces of clothing from the swing era. Definitely keep your eye on this eBay seller.
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
This weekend both Lindy Shopper and Lindy Dandy will be heading to Richmond, Virginia for a weekend of workshops and dances at Jammin’ on the James. Aside from the world-class instruction and intimacy of this regional workshop, one of the best things about JOTJ is having the opportunity to shop at Richmond’s excellent vintage stores. I’ll be heading to Halcyon on Saturday for their rummage sale, then to the legendary Bygones to browse their racks of pre-War clothing. I should have time for a full report and photos when I get back. It is also my birthday on Saturday – what better way to spend it than vintage shopping and swing dancing? There will also be cake.
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
I am smitten with the BoomCase, both with the vanity and functionality of it all. The BoomCase, the creation of the mysterious Mr. Simo, is essentially a portable sound system made from vintage luggage. With the impracticality of carrying vintage luggage, use of these types of suitcases is usually relegated to carrying cables and mics for bands. Some vintage luggage can be really stylish and I like the idea of re-purposing the luggage. I currently have 2 train cases that I use as jewelry boxes. However, Mr. Sino takes re-purposing to the next level – the BoomCase is stealth, creating a whole new thing out of something old, improving it to create something even more functional, but maintaining the nostalgia of the piece through preservation of the luggage and careful construction.
I can think of a few places off the top of my head where the BoomCase would be useful: impromptu Lindy Bomb, rehearsal in a space without a sound system, dances in outdoor spaces…
Here are some more practical details from the website:
“The Self Powered, Portable Suitcase Stereo system works with your iPod/iPhone or any device with a headphone jack. This case will last 7+ hours on a single charge (Charger Built In). In addition to running on batteries, The BoomCase can also be plugged in when the party goes inside. To save on weight, you can opt for a plug-in only version.
I am an audio-nut. So you can be assured I make each case produce the best sound possible. I shy away from plastic or thin suitcases because of their not so great acoustic qualities. Mainly I use cases that are built with wood and leather because of the superior sound they produce.
Each case is custom made to the users liking. Options include: Ipod/USB Charger, Extra Batteries, Custom Paint and more.”
In other words, the sky is the limit – you can customize your own superior sound box to be what you want it to be. I love the selection of luggage pieces he has pictured on the website that are potential BoomCases. 🙂
Special thanks to Paul Overton for posting these awesome cases on his blog, Dude Craft, and to Rob Moreland for directing me to this blog so that I could fall in love with them and post them here.
You can purchase a BoomCase at Mr. Simo’s Etsy shop. There’s only one listed right now, but according to the BoomCase website Mr. Simo has been inundated with emails and interest about his BoomCases. In the interim, check out some of his past creations:
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
A pair of Remix “Myrna” shoes has popped up on eBay this week, size 6.5, in that doesn’t go with anything so it will go with everything kind of color of yellow and taupe piping. This pair has never been worn – thus, the starting price is a bit higher at $80.00, with a Buy It Now of $130.00, but it’s still cheaper than retail!
Incidentally, my childhood ballet teacher’s name was Miss Myrna. I can’t see these shoes without thinking of her. 🙂
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
EBay seller son-of-an-ironworker popped up in one of my searches for vintage ties. To my delight, I found not only a clever collection of vintage bow ties, but also some other great accessories, like 1940’s/50’s patterned socks, deadstock socks, and a 1930’s Planter’s Peanuts necktie. Check it out…
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
Polish up the nine iron because it’s time to get your knickers on and hit the links…or the dance floor. EBay seller hotclubduparis (location: Savoyville, Italy) has posted a matching vest and knickers set in a lovely menswear stripe with a little red in the stripe. Knickers are perfect for showing off your clever socks, no? Whoever wins this auction will be my hero.
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
Here is your chance to own a gorgeous 1920’s reproduction dress from Leluxe Clothing Company at half the cost. Leluxe occasionally sells dresses on eBay at a greatly reduced price, but you definitely have to watch for them. The deal of the day is their delicious Vamp dress in black, which retails for $245.00, but is available on eBay with a starting bid of $129.99 and a Buy It Now of $155.00.
Why is this dress worth it? Aside from the gorgeousness and divine detail, this dress is durable and danceable (unlike its original vintage counterparts). I have this dress in silver and have worn it on three occasions since I purchased it in June, with rave reviews at each event. When you spin, the little car wash panels at the bottom flare out nicely, and there’s that delicious sound of swishing beads. My only warning for this dress would be if you are dancing in this dress, you may need to pin it to your bra – the dress did not feel heavy when I was wearing it, but the beads are heavier than fabric and the centrifugal force of the spins caused the straps of this dress to head towards the walls, rather than remaining firmly on my shoulders. Once secured, this was no longer a problem.
Wouldn’t you like to be the ultimate flapper for Halloween? Or every day? 😉
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
This 1940’s style striped dress from eBay seller buddhaboogie was too adorable not to post, even though it’s not in season. But then it’s never too late or early to shop for all things fabulous. I’m in love with this candy striped dress – it’s made with a great vintage fabric and has a chevron skirt, matching belt, and flutter sleeves. It’s good enough to eat!
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
I am very impressed with the selection of clothing that eBay seller Emerald City Vintage has posted, for both men and women. If Emerald City is from Seattle, then it comes as no surprise to me that this seller has excellent threads, as my own excursion to Seattle last year yielded three critical wardrobe items.
The selection is primarily 1930’s through 1950’s clothing and the starting prices are generally around $20.00. Some of the items for sale are buy it now – whether or not some of these items are reasonable is open to interpretation, but some of the buy it now items are what you would pay in a decent vintage store and others are a bit pricier.
Randomly, there are also several dirndls in the store, if you are looking for something befitting Oktoberfest.
Overall, this is a very focused selection of garments for swing era ladies and gents, with lots of great basics for both men and women. Here are my favorites from this week’s selections (but I would encourage you to browse the eBay store, as there are lots of different sizes available in similar items, such as pants):
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
There’s something about 1920’s cloches that is simply not replicated when you pick up a cloche at Urban Outfitters, or even Anthropologie. The level of detail is missing, the clever layering, buttons, ribbon, and trim; what you are left with is a basic hat. Sometimes I want more than just a basic hat. I want something that makes a statement without being overt or tacky.
I’ve been pining over Etsy seller Hey Sailor!‘s cloches for a few months, unable to decide which one I really want because they are a bit pricey and I could probably only afford one…but man, are they gorgeous! It’s like that pair of shoes you had to have, but have nothing to wear with them, so you build an outfit around them.
Hey Sailor! also has some interesting and amazing hats that may work well for your Halloween costume or even inspire your costume. This is the only place I know of that you can get a tricorn with a schooner on it for your Marie Antoinette costume.
You are also in luck because the store is running a sale through October 4, with everything 30% off!
Here are my favorites:
Lindy Shopper 
