This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
Orange is not in my color palette, so I’m not usually drawn to things orange, but there’s something about this pair of shoes that is really attractive and desirable. I love the reptilian texture, the cutouts, the peeptoes, the platforms, and the little flower at the toes. You’ve got to be pretty sassy to wear these shoes – are you up to the challenge? The bidding is at $14.50 on these shoes, size 7.
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
Why should we look like we are in a war? We should look FABULOUS in our army green!
There’s something about the way the Italians make things that is always in keeping with good aesthetics (for those who know me, a certain green scooter exemplifies this aesthetic), so it stands to reason that the Italian Army during World War II would be outfitted superbly. In my eBay searches I ran across this dinner/smoking jacket belonging to an officer in the Italian Army – note the juxtaposition between the cut of the jacket and the shawl collar, which exemplify the elegance of a fine dinner jacket, with the army green so prevalent in military uniforms.
Someone in charge of uniforms must have thought about this question: “What does an Italian Army officer need?”
Gas mask? Check.
Durable pants? Check.
Dinner jacket? Double check.
I am amused. Things like this make me love Italy even more.
It looks like the jacket may be a size 40, based on the measurements given. I think the great thing about this jacket, aside from juxtapositions, is that it comes in a wearable size and could be paired with something casual or dressy. I’d love for someone to pick up this jacket and then see what they pair the jacket with to go out dancing. 🙂
Ciao!
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
The little black dress originated in the 1920’s from Coco Chanel‘s revolutionary designs, which took the black dress from a mourning garb to the quintessential cocktail dress. Hollywood costumers of the 1930’s and 1940’s re-envisioned the black dress for the film industry because black showed up well in black and white film. Eventually, the black dress became a staple in closets everywhere, from silver screen to secretary. For me, the little black dresses of the 1940’s lend themselves to two sorts of character interpretations: first, as the femme fatale of film noir fame and, second, as a quintessential big band singer dress, a la Marilyn Maxwell in Swing Fever.
Perhaps there is a tie that binds these two categories, aside from the dress, as both the femme fatale and the big band singer can be irresistible. I think the dress helps. 😉
There was usually nothing little about the dresses themselves, as they may have been outfitted with sequins, embroidery, shoulder pads, cutouts, elegant draping, peplums, or other dress details that give the dress that 1940’s look of elegance with a dash of vamp. eBay has a sampling of these dresses right now, so get them while they’re hot! My picks from eBay:
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
It’s that time of year where some of us (myself included) feel compelled to rid ourselves of the trappings of winter, of items that don’t fit anymore, or items that are simply not being worn. In that vein, my pal and swing dance Wonder Woman Kristy Milliken (seller ID rhythm.is.my.business – indeed!) is selling some stylish castoffs from her closet on eBay, all with free shipping so you don’t have to do that extra calculation in your head. Here’s what she’s listed:
This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
I do love 40’s style tropical fabrics and this dress, regardless of what decade it hails from, is as hot as a tropical heat wave. Check out the lines on the bust, the smocking in the back for a custom fit, a little draping and slit in the front, and, to top it all off, it looks like you can wear it either strapless or as a halter. Give Carmen Miranda a run for her money, sans the fruit basket hat! Starting price: $9.95.
This post was written by Lindy Dandy.
Have you ever danced with a follow wearing an unsecured ponytail? Â Remember how you had to bob and weave to avoid getting smacked in the face? Â Annoying, yes?
You’ll be the male equivalent if you don’t have a way to secure your tie.
Now, there are a couple ways to do this:
Many swing dancers wear vests, but today, we’re talking tie clips.
Tie clips aren’t just functional. From simple and formal to ornate and silly, they’re an opportunity to express your personality and share your interests. Â They were the billboards of yesteryear, so you can even promote clubs and products with them. Â (I’ve seen tie clips shaped like weapons, animals, and vehicles). Â A plain silver rectangle works too. Â Besides protecting your follow, they also keep your tie out of your soup.
Here are a couple I found on ebay:
I prefer mine on the short side (around 1″), but I have a few longer ones.
Wear them anywhere between a 1/3rd and a 1/2 way down your tie from your collar. Â Match the metal of your other accessories (belt/ring/watch/cufflinks). Â Wearing it horizontally is more conservative. Â Angled down (my preference) is a tad rakish. Â As Frank Sinatra said, “Cock your hat – angles are attitudes.”
Do yourself a favor. Â Wear a tie. Â Do the ladies a favor and secure your ties with a tie clip.
…and sink into a wicker chair in this lovely 1930’s flowered day dress on eBay. I love everything about this dress – the cut, the draping, the flutter sleeves, the sweet print, and with the starting price at $9.99 this could be a pretty sweet deal!
When it rains it pours, and it seems that eBay is pouring Remix Vintage Shoes. Today’s searches yielded a red pair of “Claudette” heels, size 7.5, and two pair of “Ginger” heels in sizes 8 and 9.
This time in black, size 6/6.5, $18.00 starting price – go eBay!
It’s been quite a week for shoes!
Here are two pairs of ladies Aris Allens that popped up on eBay: the camel velvet oxford and the plaid Mary Jane wedge, both in a size 7.
While this may not be appropriate for the upcoming season, it is always appropriate to snag the perfect piece at the perfect price, regardless of season. This 1937 wool vest is listed on eBay with a $9.95 starting price!
My heart aches because these are a half size too small for me – this gorgeous pair of 1940’s green reptile pumps are a size 6.5. They are also dead stock, which means these beauties have never been worn. The Buy-It-Now price is $95.00, but I’ll admit, I’d pay it and they’d be worth every cent… 😉
This three piece 1930’s suit definitely has potential – if you look at the close-up photographs, the herringbone is blue and gray, which creates an interesting visual effect. Size 40R and priced to move at a $24.99 starting bid on eBay.
The Remix “Anita” shoes in green, size 8, available for purchase on eBay. Starting price: $0.99!
Another bevy of beautiful garments, courtesy of my favorite shopping website:
Lindy Shopper 