1940’s Reproduction Jumper and Cherries Blouse – Fundraiser for The Carolina Fascinators!

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

One of my favorite Etsy sellers, Time Machine Vintage, has generously donated this lovely reproduction 1940’s jumper and cherries blouse to The Carolina Fascinators‘ fundraising efforts. I will be conducting a silent auction on this blog for the jumper and blouse set – simply place your bid in the comments section and whoever has the highest bid at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2011 will be the winner. The jumper and blouse will be on display at the Triangle Swing Dance Society Dance on March 12 at the Carrboro Century Center and The Carolina Fascinators will be taking bids at the dance as well (with updates posted here during the dance, in case you are not local and want to bid at the end).

The jumper and blouse were made to fit a modern size 6-8. The waist on the skirt is approximately 27 inches, but might fit a 28, as there’s some room to move the fasteners over. The amount of space in the hip area is generous and will drape nicely to fit. The blouse will fit up to a 36C bust and around a 34 bust, with the waist in the blouse being more generous than the skirt. If you have any questions about measurements, please let me know and I’ll be happy to measure the garments. The outfit looks even more adorable in person, I’d bid on it myself if it was my size. I love the contrast collar, the big buttons on the jumper, and that the jumper straps cross in the back. The jumper has 8 gores in the skirt, which means maximum twirly-ness and dreaminess!

Who are The Carolina Fascinators, you ask? TCF are a ladies jazz dance performance troupe based out of Raleigh and Durham, North Carolina, specializing in routines inspired by the vintage dances of the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. We have hit the ground running, but are still a very new organization and need funding for travel, costumes, and practice space. The local dance community has been very generous thus far at our bake sales and we hope that you will help us out in this latest fundraising endeavor!

I’ll add that Time Machine Vintage is also making The Carolina Fascinators’ next costume and she has been so wonderful to work with during the process of costuming five gals.

The fine print: If you are bidding online, we will accept payment only through PayPal. Shipping in the U.S. will be $8.50, please email me for an international shipping quote at caab241@gmail.com. Payment due within two days of the auction ending.

Shopping Challenge: Norfolk Jacket

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Last month I put out the call for a shopping challenge, asking Lindy Shopper readers to send me on a mission for your heart’s desire, the garment you have been unable to find and add to your wardrobe. My first response was from Rich Werden, a fellow dancer and vintage clothing enthusiast who I met last year at All Balboa Weekend. One of his challenges (email subject line: “You want a challenge!?!?”) was to find a Norfolk jacket, or as Rich more aptly put it:

“The Coup de grace is a belt-back sport jacket that would actually fit me. The naming of this style is difficult: sometimes these jackets are called Action-Backs, Norfolk, or Bi-Swing jackets. The style was popular in heavy wools n’ tweed as an outdoorsman thing for going sport shooting in England, but of course, being a dancer, I wouldn’t want anything so heavy. Really, Nick Williams has an excellent white one that I have been jealous of for years! I can’t even find a place that would do one bespoke!”

Out of my element and, perhaps, out of my league, I set forth my online quest for this belt-back jacket. My first stop was eBay, to look for the right key words for my eBay searches, as the plan was to look online, but also have searches sent to me daily using the key words Rich gave me for this particular jacket. The term “Norfolk jacket” yielded the most results, almost all of them in tweed.

One of the jackets caught my eye, as it was in a lighter color and sans tweed, so I clicked through to view the auction description. The auction was for a vintage 1970’s Norfolk jacket, offered for sale by Bookster, a British company that sells vintage menswear, but also has their own retail web site for custom menswear – “Home of The Bookster Range, Craft Tailored in England from the Finest British Tweed, Wool and Linen Cloths at Accessible Prices.”

A promising start. I honed in on the word “linen” – yes, here’s a dancer-friendly fabric!

Half-Norfolk-2_jpg — Bookster's Half-Norfolk Jacket

Not only does Bookster offer a “Half Norfolk Belt Feature” (among other lovely bespoke options), but they also offer their jackets in nine different colors of Irish Linen, including two stripes (you’ll have to scroll to the bottom for the linens).

I messaged Rich with the link, hoping that this was even close to what he wanted. Rich agreed that the linens would be the way to go. 🙂

The price is where things get squirrely. Everything is so customized and “bespoke,” down to the number of buttons, vents, regular v. comfort waistline, sleeve length, back length, pockets, shoulder pleats, yowza…I did a sample order, pretending to order a linen Norfolk jacket for my husband and the cost came out at around $550 U.S. This seems like a lot, but if this is THE piece you are missing and you will wear it until you are old and gray, I’d say it would be worth the investment. We do want to invest in some quality pieces, even though Lindy Shopper is always looking for a bargain. Or you could always settle for the disco-era Norfolk jacket they listed on eBay for $65.00.

As a side note, you can also order knickers from Bookster as part of your tweed or linen suit.

l_7ae1d1764936d1db6b0a2789938ff877 — Matt Deckard's Action-Back

Rich upped the ante and found another website, Matt Deckard Apparel based in Los Angeles, offering several versions of the action-back jacket from this side of the pond. The photographs on this site give you an excellent idea of how the pieces will look in an ensemble – such classy gents! Prices range from $800 to $1,500 for a bespoke suit, so maybe the Bookster jacket isn’t looking so bad as an investment.

I’d like to thank Rich for this wonderful foray into menswear – I hope this information will help some of you in your searches as well!

Reproduction Vintage Men’s Vest

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

My Valentine’s Day debacle could be your new treasure – I bought this great reproduction vest on eBay for my husband, but when I gave it to him on Valentine’s Day it turned out to be too small. I was so disappointed because I had searched a long time to find the perfect vest – something that could be paired with grays, blacks, and any color tie; something that had a subdued pattern; and something that either was vintage or looked vintage that could withstand the wear and tear my husband would put it through (i.e. Lindy Shopper carefully hangs and launders her vintage, while the Boy leaves his clothes in a mound on the floor, which doubles as a cat bed). THIS was that vest.

If this all sounds like your life and fulfills your needs, consider placing a bid on my eBay auction. I love the tiny dot pattern, all the wonderful buttons, and the shape of the front of the vest. This fabric is durable and new, but looks like it could have stepped out of another decade. Estimated at a size 40 chest by the previous seller, and confirmed by the 2 inch gap in the front when the Boy tried it on.

1940’s Plaid Skirt and Vest

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Etsy seller Raleigh Vintage has an adorable matching plaid skirt and vest set from the 1940’s. While I’ve been pining for spring, let’s be realistic – it’s going to be cold for at least another month, which should give you plenty of time to get in a couple of wearings of this adorable set. I love the rhinestone-studded buttons, the pleats in the skirt, and the scoop neck on the vest. Pair with a pretty blouse and some wedges and you’re set for the dance!

Remix Size 9: Arrive and Dance

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

A couple of pre-owned Remix shoes popped up on eBay at a good price. First, a solid wedge, the Open Toe Spectator in black on black, with only two bids and current bidding at $41.00. Second, my absolute favorite pair of arrival sandals (due to their supreme comfort for after the dance), the Dara, in a smashing shade of red, with the bidding at $31.00.

Either technology or eBay is being uncooperative today, so the only photo I can share with you is of a pair of new red Dara shoes from the Remix website…but you should still check out the auctions if you are a size 9!

Flapper Flock on Etsy

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

One of the few Etsy shops I revisit regularly is Flapper Flock, an Etsy store focused solely on 1920’s and 1930’s clothing, accessories, and other odds and ends from the jazz era. Flapper Flock is a division of the seller’s brick-and-mortar store in Redlands, California called Hobo’s Vintage. While her selection is usually small, there are always one or two really choice items to fall in love with.

Couple of distinct things about Flapper Flock 1) all prices include the cost of shipping, so what you see is the total cost you will pay for that item and 2) the seller will sometimes include “throwback” items, like a 1960’s does 1920’s drop waist dress. Other sellers try to do this and fail miserably, but with the items I have seen her post in this fashion it really is hard to tell, at least from the photos. I don’t see any throwback items listed right now.

Right now, Flapper Flock has some most excellent vintage shoes and some other odds and ends:

il_570xN.208411147 — Navy 1930's dead stock shoes, size 6.5

il_570xN.209212728 — Glorious pair of 1920's dead stock oxfords, size 6.5

il_570xN.208414296 — White perforated leather dead stock 1930's oxfords, size 6.5

il_570xN.100051012 — 1920's beaded drawstring purse

il_570xN.154639193 — 1930's black camisole - in my opinion, older slips are almost always more beautiful than the ones you find being made today

Shabby Apple Goes South Pacific

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

The more I see of Shabby Apple, the more I think that these girls are swing dancers. Who are you? I’m very intrigued. The latest Shabby Apple collection has us looking past spring, into a tropical and summery climate. The South Pacific collection is another vintage inspired collection of lovely dresses, with vibrant colors and patterns, flattering necklines, flowers to add to your Floweruary celebration, and breathable, danceable fabrics. I am smitten with the following dresses:

926_1_ — Pina Colada Dress - a lovely shirtdress with buttons and piping

925 — Garden Isle Dress - love the print and the dress pattern, contemplating this one for myself

938 — Pineapple Princess Dress - peplum!

Miss L Fire

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

“The shoe with the beautiful fit,” touts this UK based shoe and handbag confectionery, which has some of the most delicious shoes I’ve seen in some time. Featured in Anthropologie and other boutique retailers, Miss L Fire’s vintage-inspired shoes can now be ordered directly from the source. The online collection is not priced on the website, but an email inquiry should take care of any information-seeking and orders you may wish to place. Sometimes we have to be proactive to get fabulous things.

The web site was highly uncooperative, so I only have one photo – you’ll have to go see the website for yourselves!

Remix’s Valentine

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

I apologize for the lack of original content this week, as I’m in the throes of bronchitis, but I will muster up enough energy to pass along news of Remix Vintage Shoes’ “Valentines Sweetheart Deal,” which is a pretty sweet deal – a new color of Remix’s Piazza shoe, Valentine red, at a low-for-Remix price of $138.00. I have the Piazza shoe in tan and it is a versatile and comfortable shoe. Love the new color – who doesn’t need another pair of red heels? 😉

Remix Influx on eBay

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

There’s been a small flood of Remix Vintage Shoes on eBay over the past couple of days. Here are the spoils:

!CCKwimQBGk~$(KGrHqZ,!lIEz+2C-fMGBNKRZPnzRw~~0_12 — Cloche in gray and gold, size 8.5

black103 — Pleated toe wedge in black, size 6

!CCKy,P!EGk~$(KGrHqZ,!lgEz+3F9N3DBNKRgtC0v!~~0_12 — Baby Jane in red and black, size 9

!CCVLQ)gBWk~$(KGrHqV,!hcE0ibWGPKFBNKyPpH78Q~~_12 — Peep toe wedge in black with white trim, size 10

Field Trip: Vintage Moon and Hip Replacements, Asheville, NC

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

There is wonderful shopping in downtown Asheville, NC, including three distinct vintage stores. Unfortunately, I only made it to two of them, but I’ll still give a shout out to Ragtime Vintage Clothing from my past experiences with them – a great place to find 1930’s and 40’s ties.

My partners in crime for this excursion were fellow Lindy Focus dancers Hilary Mercer, Neil Mercer, and Leslie Faircloth. After a delicious lunch at Mayfel’s Restaurant, we headed to Hip Replacements, a vintage inspired boutique that carries vintage clothing, reproductions, and re-designed vintage clothing. The store has a sort of punky, rockabilly feel to it and the clothes go from outlandish to classic. I fell in love with a green coat and a reproduction day dress. Of note for the gents, there was a large rack of sport coats and a decent selection of vests.

We then headed a few doors down to Vintage Moon, which is my favorite of the Asheville vintage stores, as they have a larger selection of older vintage clothing and the walls and shelves are filled with gorgeous vintage items – old hats, shawls, Victrolas, phones, jewels, feathers, gloves….ahhhhh! My velvet addiction kicked in and I drooled over a pale green burnout velvet 1930’s gown and a purple velvet cape, as well as some adorable day dresses and hats. For the gents, tophats and tails abound, as well as some interesting evening wear and footwear. Definitely worth your time to browse in this lovely store.

Here are some photos of the finds of the day:

DSCF0335 — Love these socks at Hip Replacements - paging Mark Muthersbaugh...

DSCF0338 — The green coat at Hip Replacements

DSCF0340 — Window display at Hip Replacements

DSCF0349 — Purple velvet cape at Vintage Moon

DSCF0354 — Dinner jacket with zebra detail - classier than it sounds

DSCF0353 — 1940's dress with interesting embroidered detail

DSCF0355 — White tuxedo with tails and silver sequin trim - it will take a very special person to pull this one off - I wonder where it came from...

French Connection – Vintage Inspired Pieces and a 50% Off Sale

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

For the most part, apparel from the French Connection is not in Lindy Shopper’s budget, but if we’re talking 50% off, well…we are in the realm of possibility.

This British clothing and accessories retailer has some great vintage-inspired pieces in their line right now, for both men and women. I am particularly fond of their 1940’s inspired dresses and their menswear has some nice basics, like a cotton blazer. Here’s a taste of what’s available:

55MF3 — Bluff Jacket - this lightweight cotton blazer comes in tan and black

71PN4 — Silky Dress - in almond cream and black

58BI1 — Rib Sweater - military inspired and lightweight

71NN4 — Creme de la Crepe Dress - oh, the fringe!

TB4Z8 — Canvas Fishing Bag - for your man purse or shoe bag

72BE3 — Bomb Cotton Top - comes in antique lace and black

15% Off All Remix Vintage Shoes

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Remix Vintage Shoes is having a sale, which is a rare occurrence! Get 15% off ALL Remix shoes now through December 29, just in time to spend your Christmas cash or get a pair for New Year’s Eve. As an added bonus, all domestic orders over $150 will receive free shipping through December 29. Cheers to Remix for making gorgeous reproduction footwear and offering a holiday discount!

In addition to the holiday sale, the Bauhaus shoe is available for the special price of $98.00. This is a great crossover shoe for Lindy and Balboa, with a 2 inch heel.

BAUHAUS-72-black-pair-1150 — Bauhaus - comes in black and brown

More Swing Dance Shoes on eBay

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

‘Tis the season to get rid of your dance shoes? One person’s trash is another person’s treasure, so we don’t mind here at Lindy Shopper! Here’s this week’s eBay offerings to get your feet ready to go for the next dance:

1779 — Red Remix Picasso Wedges, Size 10

DSC02317-1 — Remix Pleated Toe Wedge in Black, Size 6

828-CA-1 — Aris Allen Camel 1930's Velvet Oxford, Size 10.5

Swing Dance Shoes on eBay

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Yes, I own a lot of shoes, but I rarely pay full price for them. Why? I am patient and if I wait long enough, eBay will deliver what I need at a reasonable price. If you buy cheaper shoes, you can buy more of them, theoretically, or have more money leftover to pay for all these amazing swing dance events coming up in the next few months. Lindy Focus, anyone? 😉

There were too many new auctions popping up for Remix and Aris Allen dance shoes, so I’m lumping them all together in this post. Here’s hoping they are in your size…