Vintage Dior
Well doesn't he look dapper!
I am I the only one that sees the name, Givenchy, in this floral swimming cap?
Vintage Chanel
Can you say, The Great Gatsby chic!
Handcrafted victorian button rings
These ladies weren't afraid to strut their duds!
Glam,Glam!
Lace-atize me please!
Nicole Honeyeater of Flaming Hag Folkwear
OOh la la
Maria Carranza of Lapin
Thatch
Vintage.everyday.
Tulip scarf & Victorian pouch: Thatch, Cameo ring: N/A
Dear
Viewers,
Haven’t
you ever wondered what it must have been like to live in a different era before
our time? I know I do, I am such and old soul at heart and in a way I think
everyone is too. Anything nostalgic, I
am curious about. I love the history
behind antiques, vintage clothes, music, and pretty much anything old. Sometimes
I feel like in a past life, I was a teenager living in the 50’s, who was a
fashionista music junkie. There are plenty of moments when I am listening to
Frank Sinatra, or Ella Fitzgerald, and I get this sensuous feeling of
satisfaction. It puts me in an element where it’s always happy, and if you aren’t
listening to the blues, then Jazz can be very exciting and interesting to
listen to. The way they speak of love and tell a story through music, is definitely
nothing compared to mainstream jams or tunes on the radio.
Ugh and the clothes, don’t even get me started on
vintage clothes! Roaring 20’s, glam 30’s-50’s, groovy 60’s-70’s, neon 80’s and
high waist denim 90’s! There is no denying fact that these trends still exist
and influence the fashion world today. You can easily spot on the street, and
on the runway, people wearing archival references from a different time. I find
it to be fascinating, mostly because it brings me back to fantasizing about how
I wish I was living in a different era. More than often, I actually do feel like
I was placed in the wrong generation!
Having an overt curiosity about anything vintage, I
decided to take a stroll through nostalgia lane. The Vintage Fashion Expo-hosted
in San Francisco-was in town last month March 16th-17th, and will be in town again
September 21st-22nd of 2013, at the Concourse Exhibition Center. First off, the
Vintage Fashion Expo is an event that takes place annually, in only
two places in California-San Francisco and Santa Monica. Over 85 vendors come to sale their clothes,
accessories, furniture, textiles and jewelry, all from different time
periods. Some vendors are local, but it is also open to dealers from across the
country. I am telling you, this event is massive. It is also a wonderland of anything
vintage! When I went, I was overwhelmed with excitement. I wanted to try
on everything, even if it was 3x’s my size. The whole event is a pretty nifty idea, and a
fabulous one in fact! I spent almost three hours taking pictures, speaking to
vendors, trying on clothes and enjoying myself. Even if you aren’t into vintage
clothing, it is girly frenzy, filled with floral pastel patterns, lace frocks,
fur coats, diamond coiffures, designer bags, cameo jewelry, Pendleton sweaters,
bowties, buttons, and the list continues.
I had such a wonderful time; I was so mesmerized
that the last half hour I was scrambling to find something to purchase, to take
home for vanity. I mean of course I couldn’t resist but want everything I saw!
Finally, I came across a gorgeous 70’s cameo ring, for the cost of only $5. It was
in an all for $5 ring bucket, and I was so lucky to find what I thought to be
the cutest accessory! Buying anything vintage by the way, is not cheap. Everything the
vendors had, were one of kind old pieces, selling at high prices. Dealers were
selling items, that are not easy to come by in just any ol thrift shop. It was all very impressive at the same time;
some dealers were very meticulous about trying on clothes or allowing anyone to
touch certain things. It all was emphatically magical and whimsical to
look at; it was almost like I was in a time capsule of jewels and shiny caches.
I was sad when walking out to the front door exit
with only my $5 cameo ring, but soon enlightened when I saw a motor trailer
that was parked in front of the venue. This wasn’t any old rusty tin looking trailer
my friends, it was what I call the modern hipster vintage store. Inside was set
up like a doll house, filled with intricate jewelry pieces, floral sweaters, and
tulips scarves, everything seemed very retro! I loved it, it was such an
authentic idea, they definitely were thinking ahead of their competitors. I couldn’t
bear any moment longer, I had found an adorable Victorian clutch that came as a
purse-but soon became a makeup pouch- for $20! I was very lucky, I think the
dealer noticed the expression on my face when I picked it up, and out of her kind
soul, sold it to me for a swell price!
Leaving completely satisfied with my timeless and
one of a kind pieces, I couldn’t wait to go home, replace my old makeup pouch
with my floral Victorian new one! It was such a marvelous evening, and I can’t
wait to visit again in September! This time I will be well prepared with plenty
of time, preferably half a day, and some loose cash.
Ending with this, if you get the chance, you should
mark the date in you smartphone calendars, and take a stroll with me through
nostalgia lane. It is easy to get lost, but no need to fret, finding your way is
the funnest part. What’s most exciting is that any vintage piece you find, used to
belong to a woman, a beautiful woman. Or pretend, pretend who you think may
have owned that one of a kind brooch or traveling bag. It is very romantic and
personal when you think of it in that manner. I promise you, once you step into a
moment in history that is so intriguing and glamorous; it is hard to find your
pathway back to reality.
Visit http://www.vintageexpo.com/, for my information
Ciao, Jazelle
