Vintage Item of the Week - November 19th

Vintage 1970's Avon Ring / Vintage Green Rhinestone Ring / Leaf Ring

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/165432653/vintage-1970s-avon-ring-vintage-green?ref=shop_home_active

This is a beautiful vintage 1970s Avon gold tone ring with two colors of green rhinestones in the settings. It is a lovely leaf motif and absolutely beautiful! The other wonderful thing about this ring? It has a built in adjuster making it able to easily fit fingers size 7-9. Perfect for Fall!


| MEASUREMENTS |

Length: 1/2"

Width: 3/4"

Ring Size: 7-9


| DETAILS |


Era: 1970s

Style: Art Deco

Material: Goldtone metal and green rhinestones

Colors: Gold, green and light green

Condition: Excellent, metal in great condition.

Vintage Item of the Week - November 12th

Vintage Gloves / Teal Gloves / Van Raalte / Never Worn Gloves

https://www.etsy.com/listing/151457172/vintage-gloves-teal-gloves-van-raalte?ref=shop_home_active

 

 You can thank Van Raalte for the big pop of vintage color with these teal gloves! Absolutely adorable and in stunning, never been worn condition, these teal gloves will knock your socks off! They're a punch of color in a small package! The gloves have light rouching up the sides, giving them just a touch of texture and an added pop.


| MEASUREMENTS |

:: Fits a modern size 7.5/medium ::

Length: 10" from cuff to middle finger

| DETAILS |


Style: Mid-Length

Label: Van Raalte

Material: Cotton

Colors: Teal

Condition: Excellent

Vintage Item of the Week - November 5th

Vintage Perfume Pendant Necklace / Silver Necklace / Figural Necklace / Locket

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/156753902/vintage-perfume-pendant-necklace-silver?ref=shop_home_feat

 

This vintage silver figural perfume locket necklace has such character! The pendant portrays a farm scene from the 1700s and has wonderful details. The solid perfume is still inside, but you can easily scrape it out and turn this into a unique locket! Such a lovely piece!

| MEASUREMENTS |

Pendant: 2 1/2" tall by 2" wide

Length: 26"

Half Length (when fastened the distance between clasp and middle: 13"


| DETAILS |

Era: 1960s

Style: Perfume Locket Pendant

Material: Silvertone metal

Colors: Silver

Condition: Excellent

 

Vintage Item of the Week - October 29th

Vintage 1950s Brooch / Rhinestone Brooch / Clip Earrings / Orange and Green Rhinestone Set

https://www.etsy.com/listing/86684945/vintage-1950s-brooch-rhinestone-brooch?ref=shop_home_active

This vintage brooch and clip earring set from the 1950s is absolutely beautiful! The combination of bright orange, yellow and green rhinestones mixed with the creamy enamel flowers makes this set a unique and stunning collection. Perfect for Fall weddings, the brooch can easily be made into a hair comb or would look amazing on a shrug or shawl!


| MEASUREMENTS |

Brooch: 3" x 1 1/2"

Earrings: 1" x 1/2"


| DETAILS |

Era: 1950s

Style: Set - Brooch and Clip Earrings

Material: Metal, rhinestones, enamel

Colors: Gold, amber, green, orange, topaz, yellow, cream, tan

Condition: Excellent


Blog readers can get a deal! Use coupon code 5DOLLARS at checkout for $5 off this gorgeous set! 

Vintage Item of the Week - October 22nd

Vintage 1960's Necklace and Earrings / Amber Necklace / Sarah Coventry Set

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123975753/vintage-1960s-necklace-and-earrings?ref=shop_home_active

This is a lovely vintage amber Sarah Coventry necklace and earring set from the 1960's. This fun, bright and cheerful set has yellow and amber honeycomb-like beads that give it a unique look. The necklace is two strands and the earrings are clips in the drop style.


| MEASUREMENTS |

Earrings: 1 3/4" x 1 3/4"

Length: 36"


| DETAILS |

Era: 1960s

Style: Victorian

Material: Metal, resin, plastic

Colors: Gold, amber, yellow, orange

Condition: Excellent


Blog readers can take advantage of this special - use coupon code 5DOLLARS at checkout for $5 off this lovely set! 

Vintage Item of the Week - October 15th

Vintage Owl Necklace / Orange Owl Pendant / Mod Orange Owl Necklace

https://www.etsy.com/listing/109628968/vintage-owl-necklace-orange-owl-pendant?ref=shop_home_active

Owls are hot, and so are large chunky necklaces, get the best of both worlds with this gorgeous, vintage orange owl pendant. It's made of solid white metal that's been painted orange to give it a great retro vibe. This particular little owl has piercing green eyes!

| MEASUREMENTS |

Pendant: 2" by 1"

Length: 20"

Half Length (distance between clasp and center when fastened): 10"


| DETAILS |

Era: 1970s

Style: Pendant

Material: Metal, paint, plastic

Colors: Orange, white, green
Condition: Excellent

Vintage Item of the Week - October 8th

Vintage Compact / 1960's Powder Compact / Pell Compact with Pink Flowers

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123738042/vintage-compact-1960s-powder-compact?ref=shop_home_active

This is a lovely vintage Pell compact with pink flowers. It is a square compact, opened by a little latch on the front that you press in. The compact is made of gold tone with a lovely pink flower design on the top. On the inside of the compact there is a mirror and a powder applicator, there is also a little bit of powder still left inside.

The compact would make the perfect "something old" for your wedding - easy to keep in a clutch and carry around with you on your special day!

| MEASUREMENTS |

Length: 2" x 2"

| DETAILS |

Style: Powder Compact

Label: Pell

Material: Metal and mirror

Colors: Gold with a pink and gold flower pattern

Condition: Some metal patina, otherwise great condition

Vintage Item of the Week - October 1st

Vintage Books / Blue Vintage Books / Set of Three Books for Decoration

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120757642/vintage-books-blue-vintage-books-set-of?ref=shop_home_active

This lovely little set of three blue and yellow vintage books is the perfect accent piece for any country chic or vintage home decor lover. The three books are all in excellent shape physically and are in useable, readable condition too.

| DETAILS |

The books include:

The Wind in the Forest - 1958 - A collection of stories, including a series of Snoopy/Charlie Brown comic strips!

Tish - 1947 - by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Janice Meredith - 1899- by Paul Leicester Ford - This book is absolutely gorgeous! It contains an inscription from a mother to a daughter, telling her that this book and the heroine are what inspired the mother to name her daughter Janice. It's such a touching inscription!

These would make a lovely addition to a vintage library, gorgeous coffee table accents or unique bookends for an entry way table like the one pictured above made of a vintage Singer sewing machine.

The possibilities are endless!


For followers of my blog use coupon code 5DOLLARS for $5 off these lovely books! 

Vintage Item of the Week - September 24th

Vintage Black Pearl Necklace / Real Black Pearls / Drop Necklace / Sterling Silver Clasp

https://www.etsy.com/listing/113260224/vintage-black-pearl-necklace-real-black?ref=shop_home_active

his vintage black pearl drop necklace is stunning! They are genuine fresh water black pearls with a gorgeous gray and lavender tone to them. The necklace is adjustable and the clasp is clearly marked with 925 for sterling silver.

The necklace is truly beautiful. This would make a wonderful wedding or anniversary gift!

| MEASUREMENTS |

Length: Up to 20in

Half Length (when fastened the distance between clasp and middle: 10"


| DETAILS |

Era: 1970s

Style: Choker with drop pendant

Material: Freshwater black pearls and sterling silver

Colors: Purple, gray, lavender, blue, teal, black

Condition: Excellent

For followers of my blog use coupon code 5DOLLARS for $5 off these lovely pearls!  

Vintage Item of the Week - September 17th

Vintage 1960s Necklace / Multi Strand Necklace / Amber Necklace

https://www.etsy.com/listing/110560464/vintage-1960s-necklace-multi-strand?ref=shop_home_active

I love the design of this amber and cream vintage 1960s multi-strand necklace. It's made up of six strands of small oval beads in alternating cream and amber, 3/4th the way down the necklace all the strands come together and connect to two large amber circle beads and one large white bead and then the six strands pick up again.

So retro and yet would be perfect with any Fall outfit today!

| MEASUREMENTS |

Length: 24"


| DETAILS |

Era: 1960s

Style: Multi-Strand

Material: Plastic

Colors: Gold, amber, orange, cream, white

Condition: Excellent

For followers of my blog use coupon code 5DOLLARS for $5 off this fun necklace!  

Vintage Item of the Week - September 10th

Vintage 1970s Wrap Coat / Vintage Bill Tice / Leopard Print Coat

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108558267/vintage-1970s-wrap-coat-vintage-bill?ref=shop_home_feat

This 1970s vintage wrap coat from Bill Tice is simply fabulous! It has a high ruffled collar and sleeves and is a true wrap coat. You tie it shut on the inside and the outside to create the perfect custom fit! The print is to die for! It's this fun orange leopard print base with bright pink and white and red flowers over the leopard print.

| MEASUREMENTS |


:: Fits a modern size medium ::


Waist: Up to 40"

Bust: 36”

Shoulders: 16”

Length: 40”

Hips: Open to 40"

Sleeve Length: 20"


| DETAILS |


Silhouette: Wrap style, unlined

Label: Bill Tice

Material: Unknown - Chiffon like

Colors: Leopard print, yellow and black with bright pink, red and white floral over print

Condition: Excellent


As a special for my blog readers - use coupon code 5DOLLARS at checkout for $5 off this awesome jacket!

Vintage Item of the Week - September 3, 2013

Each week I feature a new item from the shop as the Item of the Week!

This week's winner is:

Vintage 1960s Handbag / Black Purse / Black Woven Handbag with Faux Wood Handle

https://www.etsy.com/listing/106599179/vintage-1960s-handbag-black-purse-black?ref=shop_home_active

This vintage black woven plastic handbag from the 1960s is a crazy cool statement piece for any outfit. The purse has this great carved faux wood handle that gives it flare and a funky style. It's gorgeous and has a cream lining in excellent condition.

| MEASUREMENTS |

Length: 12"

Width: 4"

Depth: 6 1/2"


| DETAILS |

Era: 1960s

Style: Hobo

Material: Fabric, metal and plastic

Colors: Black

Condition: The goldtone metal of the clasp and frame does have some slight wear, but it doesn't take away from the beauty of the bag.


For a special deal use coupon code 5DOLLARS at checkout for $5 off this awesome purse! 

Random Vintage Fact of the Day!

Random Vintage Fact of the Day!

While researching different tie styles I stumbled upon a fact that now makes one of my childhood ditties make so much more sense!

Yankee Doodle
"Yankee Doodle went to town a riding on a pony, stuck a feather in his hat and called it macaroni!"

All this time I was envisioning the feather in his cap turning into a macaroni noodle... but what it actually means is this: A macaroni was a member of a group of young Englishmen who returned from Europe and brought with them new ideas about fashion from Italy.



Now pasta isn't completely out of the story - the macaronis did get their name from the noodle that was popular in Italy, but very new to the English at that time.

In mid-18th century these gentlemen were thought of as outlandish, effeminate and to be exceeding the boundaries of fashion, they were actually a precursor to the English Dandy, who took back men's fashion with more masculinity than the Macaroni. 




These gents were responsible for bringing back the cravat in the late 18th century, which lead to our modern necktie. 

Who knew!?!



Full lyrics to Yankee Doodle

"Kids Version Yankee Doodle"

Yankee Doodle went to town

A-riding on a pony,

Stuck a feather in his cap

And called it macaroni'.

Chorus:

Yankee Doodle keep it up,

Yankee Doodle dandy,

Mind the music and the step,

And with the girls be handy.

Father and I went down to camp,

Along with Captain Gooding,

And there we saw the men and boys

As thick as hasty pudding.

Chorus

There was Captain Washington,

Upon a slapping stallion,

Giving orders to his men-

I guess there were a million.

Chorus

Life Lessons Through Vintage

Awhile back when my grandfather was first diagnosed with terminal cancer I sat down and wrote a blog post about what it meant to me and how it took hearing the news about his cancer to realize that my grandpa had been a huge inspiration and sort of the kick start to how I began collecting vintage. It was this collecting passion that led me to my little business and that has become a very integral part of my life.

I was honored the other day when I submitted my post about my grandpa and what I had learned in the now almost two years I've been a vintage clothing, vintage jewelry and vintage accessories seller on Etsy to another vintage expert and she was interested in publishing it on her blog. Sammy Davis of Sammy Davis Vintage, not only showcases great vintage clothing and vintage retail experience, she's a firm believer in empowering others to do their very best and to succeed in our journeys of promoting vintage love. Through this message she's featuring stories that have inspired other vintage sellers to start their journeys in this crazy world of vintage retail.

The wonderful thing about Sammy is that she has a knack for taking stories like mine and turning them into lessons that other vintage sellers can learn from. She's taken my original blog post and tweaked it into a great lesson on building a brand for your vintage business. Take a peek at how she's turned my post into something wonderful, complete now with photos and more background history!

I'd love to read comments from you all about what inspires you - even if it isn't in vintage! Post your inspirations below!

Vintage Home Parties!

With the launch of my Zaarly storefront I decided to offer up some more service-oriented types of offerings from Vintage Baubles & Bits. One of these new services is the Vintage Home Party. Clients interested in a fun girl's day/night can contact me and arrange for a party complete with wine, cheese, veggies, desserts and vintage!

I hosted my first party on June 1st for a group of five gals in the KC area. To get the ball rolling on the project I hosted at my home. It was a lovely event, super fun and I think I succeeded in convincing a few of my guests that vintage doesn't have to seem old and that styles are recycled so much in fashion that some vintage is truly timeless!

Peek below for photos of the night's festivities and for a listing of what an event entails.

Want to have an awesome girl's night in? Looking for a fun party idea, complete with food and activities? I have the solution - Vintage Shopping Parties!


Do you and your girlfriends love vintage clothing? Hate digging through racks and racks of stuff trying to find something in your size or the color or era you're looking for? I have hundreds of vintage items, including clothing, shoes, hats, handbags and other accessories and I'd be more than happy to set up a private shopping experience for you and your girlfriends!


All I need from you is the number of party attendees, a listing of the types of items you're interested in (hats, shoes, dresses, blouses, skirts, handbags, jewelry) and sizes of the ladies and we can go from there! It's like a dress up party for grown ups.


The fee covers my time to curate selections for you and your friends. And hey, it wouldn't be a party without some extras - like two bottles of wine, a meat and cheese tray, a veggie tray and light desserts for some nibbles.


There is no obligation to buy, I won't be looking to build a team of vintage party reps and it's just plain fun and hassle free! Oh and since it is a party - there will be party favors and group discounts to boot!

Interested in hosting your own party? Message me for details!

Where to Find Me in Kansas City - Bitterman's Eye Candy

My second semi-permanent location is at Bitterman's Eye Candy, also at the corner of 31st and Gillham.

This store is so fun - everyone is sure to love it! It combines an old-fashioned candy shop with lovely vintage finds. I have a small drawer in a lovely, big, old counter that's filled with vintage jewelry goodies.

Bitterman's is open Thursday-Sunday from 11-4pm. Come pick up a sweet treat and take home a lovely treasure while you're at it!

Small Business Can Show Big Business How Customers Truly Deserve to Be Treated

I'm usually of the mindset that there is room for all kinds of businesses in this vast world and that we all serve our purposes. However, I like to support other local vendors/shops when I can. I love helping people achieve their dreams and be entrepreneurs. However, every now and then a big brand does something that really upsets me - they market in a very negative way or they make statements about their customers that are derogatory and demeaning.

Last week Abercrombie & Fitch was high in news feeds, but not for a good reason. Their CEO put out a blanket statement that their clothing was only for thin, good-looking, popular people and that they cater to that audience by not producing sizes past a large for women and by burning any damaged clothing instead of donating it, in order to only allow their brand to be on people that fit their ideal customer.

I work in marketing and advertising as my day job, I completely understand going through the process of figuring out who your target market is and creating products and advertising to reach that market. So yes, on paper the brand persona for A&F is probably exactly what their CEO described. However, there are ways of reaching your target market without blatantly stating who you DON'T want buying your product. A&F's CEO's comments show you the bad way. 

I've never owned an item from their shop, not purposefully, but because when I was in the demographic they were looking to hit, my family couldn't afford their clothing. After I became an adult and started purchasing my own clothing, I never desired anything in their shop and I just bought things I liked and yes, I started thrifting and wearing vintage pretty early on. I've never had an affinity for their brand. I now am in the category of being "too fat" for their store, which again, is ok with me, as I don't miss the "opportunity to be one of the cool kids" that A&F is apparently trying to sell you with their clothing.

Until last week I hadn't spent an ounce of brain power even remotely thinking or caring about A&F. I'm not their target customer and I get that. I'm not upset they don't advertise or market to me. I do however dislike big brands that are negative and market themselves in a way that makes their customers feel bad about themselves. The idea of "reverse marketing" or making your target market believe that they will not be something positive or good without your product is one of my least favorite marketing tactics. Being a kid/young adult is hard enough without a brand coming out and saying, "Look, you'll never be good enough to wear our clothing." What a horrible message!  

That said - I like this gentleman's idea (the video is great!)

And I like it because while it shows A&F that they have misjudged their customer base and most-likely hurt their sales, it does it in a positive way. While A&F's ideal buyer may be pretty, thin and popular, that doesn't mean they aren't also smart, socially conscious or that they like being talked about like prize dogs at the AKC open. The project started by Greg Karber gives customers a chance to take a stand by doing something positive with A&F's negativity - giving back to the homeless.

Checkout the #Fitchthehomeless project. If you have A&F clothing you're willing to donate, wonderful! And to all my thrifting sisters and brothers out there, consider throwing a few A&F shirts into your carts while you're out treasuring hunting and giving them to the needy :)

We in small business and especially in the vintage and resale market can do something positive to show a big business brand how customers truly deserve to be treated!

Where to Find Me in Kansas City - Cowtown Mallroom

Most of you know by now that Vintage Baubles & Bits has moved from St. Louis to Kansas City. We've also changed up where and how we sell too! Here's a glimpse of one of our new venues: Cowtown Mallroom.

Located at the intersection of 31st and Gillham in the midtown area of Kansas City and right across from Martini Corner - this old music venue, turned flea market is a fabulous way to spend a Sunday! Open every Sunday from 11-4pm there are two floors of crazy awesome vintage, antique and eclectic wares.

Vintage Baubles & Bits is located on the second floor. We have an alcove room that runs along one side of the hall. You'll see our green curtain and know you found us!

One of the coolest things about Cowtown is the live music - every week from 3-4pm a band or singer plays a free show! Yes you saw right - FREE. It's a great way to be introduced to local bands/musicians and have fun wondering around finding your perfect treasure.

Come see us soon!

My Favorite Ways to Wear Vintage Brooches

I posted awhile back about all the wonderful things you can do with vintage brooches (see posts 1-10), but "That brooch is cute, but I never wear brooches" is still one of the most common things I hear at a show. I don't wear brooches the traditional way very often either, so I get it. However - I have a few brooches that I adore and I do wear, but not the way you'd most commonly think!

I rock brooches the most often in two ways - as scarf holders and as necklace accents.

What do I mean by scarf holder? I mean that personally, I'm always frustrated when I get my scarf in just the right shape/style and then the ends start popping out or it comes undone. So I use a vintage brooch to help keep my scarf in just the style I like! This brooch was a part of my great-grandma's collection. It's a vintage Sarah Coventry Owl and my favorite part - the glasses move! I'm such a geek that this brooch makes me happy beyond words :)

My second favorite way to wear brooches is to combine them with vintage necklaces. I love taking two or three complimentary necklaces and then attaching a vintage brooch across them to tie everything together. It makes a statement without being too clunky or heavy and the best part - I can switch the brooch out to compliment any outfit! I personally like using flower brooches for this, but as long as the brooch is big enough, anything works!

What's your favorite way to rock a brooch? Share in the comments below!

A New Online Venue For Buying Local - Zaarly

The buying local movement is growing and there's a new site that's all about helping to connect people with vendors in their area that are providing unique or custom services. Whether you're looking for a new lawn service, some yummy cupcakes or you're interested in a private vintage clothing consultation - Zaarly has it all and it's all in your back yard!

I'm lucky to be in one of the first four cities that Zaarly has focused on here in Kansas City. I'm just starting my Zaarly adventure, but I think you'll find the site and the idea to be quite wonderful!

Here's a link to how Zaarly works: https://www.zaarly.com/howzaarlyworks

In addition to products being available online, Zaarly has started to host monthly Bazaars. The coolest thing about the Bazaars? FREE money!! You heard me! For everyone that registers to attend you'll get $20 to spend with the Zaarly vendors that day at the Bazaar. It's a great way to try out product and support artisans and vendors in your community.

I'll be at the April Zaarly Bazaar - it'll be held on April 28th from 3-6pm at the KC Guild. I'm excited to join this vibrant, growing community and I hope all of you who enjoy buying local will come out and support this new endeavor!

My Zaarly shop - https://www.zaarly.com/vntgbaublesnbits

Baby Gifts - The Vintage Shadow Boxes

https://www.etsy.com/listing/127488920/vintage-blue-and-pink-childs-dress?ref=shop_home_active

Back in November I wrote a post that was more of a "How To" feature about making a shadow box with antique baby clothes for a close friend. I enjoyed the process quite a bit and thought - these would make truly lovely, original gifts and quite possibly family heirlooms! I began to pull out the rest of my vintage baby wear and to pick up a few additional pieces.

Here are the fruits of my labor: 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124340455/vintage-blue-baby-bloomers-shadow-box?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124338588/little-girl-vintage-pink-bloomers-shadow?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124345048/vintage-pink-baby-dress-shadow-box?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124342599/vintage-blue-childs-dress-shadow-box?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124337217/little-girl-antique-shoe-shadow-box?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124343902/vintage-blue-and-yellow-little-boy?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/127488220/vintage-blue-pinstripe-little-boy-jacket?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/127489838/little-girl-vintage-strawberry-bonnet?ref=shop_home_active

If you're interested in a custom order please email me. I can create items with your child's name or an item you have that you'd like to have showcased.

Jewelry Organizers - The For Sale Version

Now that you've seen the process that goes into making the jewelry organizer frames - here's a sampling of the ones I've created for the general public!!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124501310/silver-upcycled-jewelry-organizer-and?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124499789/upcycled-jewelry-organizer-and-display?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124500471/blue-upcycled-jewelry-organizer-and?ref=shop_home_active

https://www.etsy.com/listing/124501822/jungle-green-upcycled-jewelry-organizer?ref=shop_home_active

As I add more (and big reveal - there are hot pink, cream, light pink, avacado, purple and more coming soon!!) you can find them at this section of my Etsy page: https://www.etsy.com/shop/VintageBaublesnBits?section_id=10602114

Jewelry Organizers - A Fun New Twist

In addition to the suitcase projects I've been working on, I also started making jewelry organizers out of old picture frames and vintage or reclaimed fabrics. I began this project last summer purely for displays for my own vintage jewelry.

I created a three-color scheme set up and painted, cut, drilled, covered and glued a little over a dozen frames in various sizes to create a "jewelry wall" as I like to call it. Each of the frames connects with the others through a series of hooks and hoops and is portable, as I attach them to a clothing rack that's been modified to hold them.

After launching my display I received a lot of compliments on the idea and several people indicated they'd be interested in purchasing jewelry organizing frames if I ever made them to sell. So I began to collect more frames, fabric and of course - spray paint!

I've seen several versions of this idea, but none quite like the ones I've created. Others use lace, which is great for hook earrings, but doesn't work for anything else. I've also seen the frames filled with chicken wire or strands of wire - again, great for hook earrings, but nothing else! I use a really light weight plyboard, cut to fit each frame, then drilled for cup hooks. These are sturdy, can hold necklaces, bracelets, earrings, scarves and more! Or if you don't like the idea of using them for jewelry - they make great entryway hooks for keys and other important items. 

Here's a little view of the process of making the frames:

Painting the frames.

The three-color scheme.

Cutting the boards.

Attaching the fabric.

Assembling the frames.

Finished product.

The jewelry "wall".