Vintage Roots, IMO

Earlier this week Jennings did a post on the red carpet fashion from the Emmy's on Sunday.  Of course she featured my absolute favorite, Emilia Clarke.  Let me first say that she is GORG and if you  have not yet gotten hooked on Game of Thrones get on over to HBO and familiarize yourself.   It is a phenomenal show and she is magnetic.

Here she is looking lovely in Chanel Resort 2013 on Sunday night.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Morel

I knew I loved her dress the moment I saw it but it definitely rang as vaguely familiar.  I then thought of Audrey Hepburn.  That was it!  Sabrina!  So I started digging for pics and sure enough there it was.  

Now granted, there are obvious differences- Audrey's was strapless, had black embroidery and was a wedding dress designed by Givenchy, but there is a certain likeness.  I think someone over at Chanel might have seen Sabrina.-that's all I'm sayin'.  And of course, I love how the very best of the new always has roots in the old.

Till Next Time,

Tricia

Vintage Rules the Red Carpet

Who saw the Emmy's Sunday night? What did you think? I have to say that I was not overly impressed with many of the get-ups that were on display. Actually, there were a few of my usual faves that I was quite diappointed in. I won't mention any names...Heidi Klum.  One thing is for sure, Boardwalk Empire star Gretchen Mol certainly made up for the fashion don'ts. Gretchen took the red carpet by storm in her 1970's Valentino Haute Couture gown.

I love that she stepped out of the box and did something a little different. You know we are big fans of that at Rogue Vintage. Not only was she gorgeous, but she also made it onto the best dressed list! We all need to take a note from her.

But, if you don't go vintage, we love the look of vintage inspired.

Ginnifer Goodwin in Monique Lhuillier

Allison Williams in Oscar de la Renta

Emilia Clarke in Chanel Couture

And of course, what red carpet would be complete without a little Betty?

January Jones in Zac Posen

Who was your favorite? What did you love? What could you not believe?

Till Next Time,

Jennings

All photos from Harper's Bazaar

My Week at a Glance

Till Next Time

Tricia

Ficks Reed Fever

For the last few months Jennings and I have had a definite issue with rattan.  It has become a bit of a problem.  We were bitten by the bug and have the fever.  Full-on make you sweat, give you the chills and shakes, sometimes delirium inducing fever.

Rattan is certainly experiencing a revival of sorts.  You see it everywhere on blogs and home decor magazines and with good reason.  It can be used in so many ways- in natural tones, lacquered a fun bright color, or even simplistic white.  It makes for a relaxing atmosphere on a porch and brings a coziness to more formal spaces.  

We both recently purchased vintage rattan sets and have been working on restoring them to their former glory.  Although we made our buys separately and even in different states, they were both from famed furniture company Ficks Reed.

The Ficks Reed Furniture Company was founded in 1885.  They designed and crafted the finest quality designs utilizing wicker, rattan, bamboo, leather and select hardwoods  Their skilled artisans custom made each piece with an attention to detail, comfort, and craftsmanship.  Through the years the Ficks Reed company collaborated with some of the world's top designers including Dorothy Draper and Paul T. Frankl.  Their designs have furnished many prestigious hotels including The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida and my all time favorite, The Greenbrier Resort.  

In 2006, Ficks Reed inked a deal with Carleton Varney to create a luxury line of wicker and rattan based on the original designs of Dorothy Draper for Ficks Reed in the 40's and 50s.  Sadly, after 125 years the company closed in January 2011.  While all good things must come to an end, you may  preserve a little piece of this furniture history by purchasing one of their designs.  They are certain to become highly collectible and more sought after because like land, they ain't making any more of it.

Ficks Reed Lounger and Ottoman Courtesy of House Beautiful

* Photos courtesy of In The Pink by Carleton Varney

The Dali Chair- part of the Carleton Varney for Ficks Reed Collection

On one of our many shopping trips, we happened upon this fab set of mid century Ficks Reed swivel chairs.  We loved them so much we just couldn't leave them behind.  They are pretty incredible but with Jennings and I both already having dining room sets and patio sets we really have no where to use them!  And since our husbands have had it with our hoarding we are putting them up for sale at Rogue Vintage

I was able to pull this brochure from the Ficks Reed archives.  It looks like they were making the swivel chairs around 1958 which would put these babies right on track with their early 60's mid century vibe.

They would be amazing lacquered a fun color or I would LOVE to see them painted black with the white cushions.  Alas, we will leave the new look to the new owner.  Dang it!  I need a bigger house.

Till Next Time,

Tricia

What Size Was Marilyn Monroe?

Today's rant is intended to be a bit of an educational one on vintage sizing.  Last week in our Etsy shop, I received a question which sparked this post.

What size would a vintage 14 relate to in modern sizes?  Also, you have multiple sizes for each measurement.  Can you explain how that works?

Well, I was gobsmacked.  I mean, how does this girl not know this?  How can she be shopping on Etsy and not understand how this works?  Then it occurred to me.....Oh, right.  Not everyone is an obsessive compulsive shopper and vintage hoarder like myself.  Most people, in fact, do not understand vintage sizing.  And I will bet the farm that there are many of you nodding your heads as you read this.

There are many things to consider when shopping for vintage.  You CANNOT just go by the sizing on the tag!  You have to take into consideration the era it was produced and always know your measurements.  Here is another one that flabbergasts me- how you cannot know your measurements!?!  Yes, more head nodding.  

So first things first.  You must determine the approximate time the garment was produced.  In the 80's the US Department of Commerce conveniently trashed  a common sizing system to cater to the vanity of the ever expanding US waistline. If you don't want to admit you have gone up 6 sizes in clothing why not just make the old 14 the new size 6?  That in a nut shell is what happened.  If you are shopping for vintage clothing that was produced pre-1983, a general rule of thumb is that it will be an average of six sizes larger than current sizing.  That is to say, if you are looking at a 1960's dress and it is a size 12, you had better minimally be a current size 6 to even think of getting that zipper closed.  

To illustrate my point, I will use the ever popular example of Marilyn Monroe.  Have you ever heard anyone say, "Well, Marilyn Monroe was a size 12!"  Sure you have.  Sometimes you even hear that she was a size 16.  Well let's just analyze this one shall we?  

Marilyn stood at a height of 5 feet 5 1/2 inches tall.  Her weight fluctuated (as all ours does) but on average she typically weighed in at around 118 pounds.  According to her dressmaker, Marilyn Monroe's measurements were 35-22-35- the perfect hourglass shape for which she was widely known.  For those of you who don't know your measurements, let me just tell you that you are one svelte b*tch if the circumference of your thigh is 22 inches let alone your waist.  A modern size 12-  Marilyn certainly was NOT.

Marilyn may have been a UK size 16....which is the equivalent of a vintage US size 12....which by today's standards would actually be about a size 4.  There you have it.  In fact, the iconic custom made dress that she wore in  The Seven Year Itch was actually closer to a 0/2.  It could not be zipped on a size 2 mannequin when it sold for $4.6 million in 2011.  What dress size Marilyn actually wore is not the point.  The point is how sizing in vintage clothing can be a little confusing for those not well versed on the subject.

Now on to the second most important piece of info when shopping for vintage- know your measurements.  We have a handy dandy page on our site which gives specifics of how to take your measurements.  This is crucial!  If you are purchasing online any reputable seller will list these for Bust, Waist, and Hip.  If the garment is measured while flat and you have a bust measurement of 17 inches across the front, you must double this to account for the back as well- giving you a total bust measurement of 34 inches.  The up side is that once you know your measurements you will know exactly whether or not a garment will fit you properly.  It makes buying vintage online a relatively easy and pleasant experience.  

For those who have actually endured the length of this post, I hope that it has been enlightening or at least minimally informative.  Now get yourself a tape measure, have a drink before using it, and get to buying that vintage bubblegum pink dress you have been eyeing and get your bombshell on.

Till Next Time,

Tricia

Squash Blossom Hunt

Sam and I are in the mountains this weekend for a family getaway. In between our trip to Grandfather Mountain to see Mildred the bear, and hiking with our cousins I plan to do a little shopping. SHOCKING I know. I am actually on the hunt for something wonderful. A squash blossom necklace of my very own. For a year now, Tricia and I have been looking for that perfect one to offer on Rogue Vintage. Last year, one slipped through our fingers and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind.

These two beauties are vintage squash blossom necklaces from Native American Market. Aren't they awesome??! I don't know anyone who wouldn't welcome one of these to their jewelry box.

So that is my goal for the weekend. Maybe if I tell Sam it is for the business he will take it easy on me. Doubtful. Have a great weekend!

Till Next Time,

Jennings

The Tweed Jacket

With Fashion week well underway, we are in the mood for a change of season. And although we love seeing spring frocks flood the runways, we are ready for a cool down. We've had a bit of our own fashion week right here at Rogue Vintage with all of our new arrivals and couldn't wait to share a few with you. Although, we have many jackets and coats in the collection there is one style that really speaks to my heart...the tweed jacket. The mastermind who proved this style would stick forever was a lady we all know and love.

While I would happily don one of her iconic pieces daily, I (and my wallet) somehow could never justify it while riding through carpool line, taking the dog to the vet, and going to Target. I could however, rock these little numbers all day long!

Rogue Vintage Jacket $58

 Herbert Grossman Tweed Suit $60

 Pair them with your favorite skinny jeans, leather leggings or pencil skirt and go!

Till Next Time,

Tricia and Jennings

New York- Forever in My Heart

Some of the many reasons I love New York:
1.   Shopping on 5th Ave
2.   Pomegranate Margaritas
3.   Hot dog vendors on every corner
4.   Blackened cod at Nobu
5.   The most expensive guac on the planet- but I order every time
6.   Not having to drive or worry about directions
7.   Killer bagels
8.   Home of 2 and 5
9.   More good food
10. Affordable shopping
11. Affordable dogs
12. Fashion forecasting
13. Go to drop off
14. Worlds best window shopping
15. Yellowtail at Nobu
16. Fond Memories- Bryant Park, where I got engaged
17. Rockefeller Center (boosts Christmas spirit)
18. Yummy cupcakes
19. Lychee martinis
20. Smell goods on Bond St.
21. Shoe Salon at Barney's.  PERIOD
22. Pizza by the slice everywhere
23. Set for my all time favorite show
24. Sensory overload
25. Interesting rest rooms
26. Otto Tootsi Plohound in the day- crack for the shoe addict
27. Pretty Cupcakes
28. Bergdorf Christmas windows
29. Central Park- calm in the midst of madness
30. The Piers- a place of both passion and punishment

This morning as soon as my eyes opened I immediately thought of 9/11.  Then I started thinking of New York and all the great reasons why I love this wonderful city.  There are lots of memories there for me.  I have spent more time than I can calculate running the streets of this city.

It is where I deeply regret not moving when I had the opportunity nine years ago.  It is where my husband proposed to me, largely because I wisely didn't move there nine years ago.  We NEVER would have survived living together in his tiny apartment.  It was the size of my current closet!  I LOVE New York.  JD was there just last week on business.  He called to tell me he was trying to get on an earlier flight and my immediate response was, "WHY!?!".  I told him that we loved and missed him dearly but if I were in his shoes I would soak up every second and catch the last flight I could.

My favorites involve lots of food, drinks, and shopping.  That's what I like so that's what you get.  I mean, we in North Carolina, don't realize the fabulosity of having beer, wine and spirits all in one location.  Likewise, for McDonald's delivery.  It really is such a fantastic city with fantastic people. The cultural climate is completely unique.

Here are a few more of my all time favorite things about New York:

Henri Bendel- Always FAB windows.  Sheer merchandising and marketing genius

New York Fashion Week

The Met.  I could live here.

Have a great day , New York! I love you.

Till Next Time

Tricia 

*All photos from Google Images (completely lame but the best I could muster pre coffee binge)