The September News Round- Up

It's been a lengthy 25 days since my last post.

I'm a year older.

My kitten, Captain Vladimir Sparklypants, is 11 ounces heavier- now a whopping 3 lbs., 15 oz. of danger!

I can't wait for temperatures to start cooling off.

 Some guy will look awesome in these CRAZY wool plaid bell bottoms, with cuffed hems. 37" waist, 32" inseam, with a 2.25" cuff and 1.5" hem so there is room for lengthening if needed. Did I mention 24" belled leg openings? Coming soon...

 Not to mention these custom- made burgundy leather Cowboy- style boots, circa 1970s. I can attest, they are about a modern US Women's 7 1/2 B, as they fit me perfectly. I do have the willpower to list these for sale. I do have the willpower to list these for sale.

Coca- Cola fans are in for a real treat! I've recently unearthed a handful of vintage trays, the earliest one dates to 1921. Shown above is a selection with winter scene (because I miss snow and long to wear outerwear) from 1941. I have a bit of artist research to do, but these trays will also be listing soon.

I've also changed my shop avatars. Mr. McMoosey is still a beloved part of my office and will be dressed up seasonally. Sometimes inflatable deer heads simply need some time off. Keeping with the deer theme- with a found antler and copper pipe fitting, which will be seen in photos of hanging items in the near future.

So as not to spoil you with too much info all at once, that's all for now. Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

Earthquakes, Hurricanes and Updates, oh my!

Hello everyone!

It's been a whirlwind (no pun intended) couple of weeks since my last blog post.

I live in Maryland, and on 8/23, there was a 5.8 magnitude earthquake in nearby Virginia, which was felt as far away as parts of Canada. I'm an east coast gal, so the first (smaller) one had me thinking there were jets overhead. I went outside and saw nothing- about then my brainwaves computed "earthquake". I got back inside and the second, much larger and longer quake hit.

No damage here and very little in the larger metropolitan areas nearby. I must say, it was kind of cool.

Do I want to experience an earthquake everyday? Absolutely not. Do I realize they can cause catastrophic damage. Hell yes.

Mother nature wasn't done yet- Hurricane Irene ripped up the coast and left us drenched throughout most of the weekend. While most of the rain and high winds were gone by Sunday morning, so was the power. Luckily, it was out for about 12 hours total. Not so lucky? Comcast services being down for 5 days. I was without Internet, phone or cable until late Wednesday afternoon (and going slightly crazy not being able to work). Once everything was restored, responding to inquiries and updating the shops was the first item of business.

So what's on the plate for this week? I'm starting to get Fall items online.

Like this incredible 1940s wool suit.

And this amazing 1960s cheetah print trench coat.

For the guys, this MOD geometric belt will update any look (and hold up your pants).

It's not a big secret, this short sleeved wool flannel, circa 1950s, is AWESOME!

I've been a bit neglectful of ObjectRetro of late- but this orange task lamp more than makes up for it.

My birthday is later this week, so there might be more photos of this years' version of my favorite birthday cake. And, for those paying attention on Facebook and Twitter, there might be a special gift for you. Because I'm generous. It won't be any of my cake, though, becasue sharing is not my forte.

Stocking the bar- Your vintage home

Reposted from my columnn for The Vintage Market Team.


Drum roll please... Introducing our newest column!
Each week, we'll offer one of the following:
-a classic cocktail recipe
-tips for entertaining
-recipes for seasonal or holiday dishes
-scary retro foods and the creative cookbooks that inspired them
-simple recipes that will make you seem like the perfect homemaker

Bar book by The3Maries.

Since it's always 5 pm somewhere, let's start with bar basics- a list of ingredients that should be on hand at any home bar.


Liquors:
Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Whiskey, Rum, Tequila, Vermouth (both dry and sweet), Liqueurs, Fruit brandies


Mixers:
Tonic, Diet Tonic, Bitter lemon, Ginger Ale, Seven-Up, Cola, Mineral water (still and sparkling), Soda water/ Seltzer


Juices:
Lemon juice is a MUST!, Freshly squeezed orange juice, Grapefruit juice, Lime juice (Rose's), Tropical juices (mango, passion fruit, etc.), Pineapple juice (unsweetened), Tomato juice (I prefer Spicy V8)


Other basics:
Fruit syrups, Assorted fruit (lemons, limes, oranges, cherries), Super fine sugar, Sugar cubes

Have the ingredients and skill set? The finishing touch is proper bar ware. And by proper, I mean vintage.

These striped glasses from jenscloset are perfect for swank cocktails!

DoNotDestroy has this set of low balls, ready for any "on the rocks" beverage.

Drink like your favorite fictional ad exec with these roly- poly glasses from ObjectRetro.

Liven things up with this pristine set of high ball glasses from hazelhome!

This frosted set from CheekyVintageCloset will get any soiree started.

Still feeling flustered? Get the tools AND tricks with this set from collectique.

Until next week... Here's a hint- We'll be making BUTTER! XOXO, retrotrend

Rapture?

To quote Michael Stipe... "It's the end of the world as we know it- and I feel fine."

If you are reading this, the world did not end at 6 pm on Saturday, May 21, 2011. I'm obviously assuming EST so work with me a bit.


 MCM Welby clock available here.

 And since we're all still here, allow me to remind you that my "RAPTURE" sale runs through Sunday night- or Monday morning, depending on my level of celebratory imbibing.

 Guys, tie one on with this NOS barkcloth tie.



Katie can help with cocktails... Get her look here and here.
Cocktail shaker? Check.
Roly- Poly ombre' glasses? Yes, please!

And in case of inclement weather, be it rain, ash or frogs...

...Stay clean and dry with this vintage umbrella.

Just use the coupon code "RAPTURE" at retrotrend, RetroHommeVintage or ObjectRetro to save 25% on any items- while they (and we) are still here.

Ready for a Spring Fling?

Me too! I'm pleased to announce that every single retrotrend, RetroHommeVintage and ObjectRetro item will be 15% off from Thursday, April 21st, 2011 through Monday, May 2nd, 2011.

How will it work?

At retrotrend and RetroHommeVintage, items will be priced as marked, with prices reflecting discounts taken.

At ObjectRetro, you'll be able to use coupon code "vtgspring" at checkout, which will discount your order by 15%.

More info:

I'm participating in the VMTEAM + VETT = Spring Fling! sale event, where both the Vintage Market Team and the Vintage Etsy Twitter Team are joining forces to spread the vintage love. Lots of shops from both teams are participating. On Etsy, search under "vintage" for the sale tag "vtgspring" to find more sale items. Or click here. Please check shop announcements to learn about discounts and specials offered, as terms will vary from shop to shop.

A Model Marriage... in retrotrend

Inclement weather couldn't stop my fabulous, still nameless model from getting married this past weekend. I was lucky enough to help with the something old and borrowed part via these Chanel earrings.

After the ceremony, the boat cruised around Baltimore in stormy weather, allowing for some moody photos of the local landmarks. It was a lovely ceremony and she was a beautiful bride.

Here's to ???????? and Andy's new life together. Congratulations to the lovely couple!

Spring into a "new" Look!

It's official- Spring has arrived! And with it, allergies, pasty legs and funny looking vintage skirts. It's a sickness, really.

One of my favorite things about a new season is the slight changes people make to their everyday looks. Sometimes it's a scarf, a pair of sunglasses, new earrings or a new hair style. Hemlines go a little shorter, styles become more relaxed and socks get burned. Huh?

I skipped my neighborhood's annual sock burning this year because I was too full from a Dim Sum brunch filled with roast pork yumminess.

Sock burning? It's a local thing- usually at yacht clubs, sometimes at bars. A way to welcome Spring- which is what I'm attempting to do with this post.

So, without further ado- a pick from each of my shops that makes me yearn for Spring!

This 1950s Nina Ricci silk scarf is large enough to wear a multitude of ways. The fold and tie is a personal favorite- pretty and feminine yet sexy and fun. Also great as a belt, a headscarf or around the neck.

This Washington Senators jacket hails from the 1963- 1971 era. Washington Senators? They became the Texas Rangers (that time around). DC has a long and sad history with baseball. And while I've never been a huge baseball fan, I (and nearly any DC area native) will tell you that "The Nationals" is a stupid name choice. This jacket, however, is a smart choice for any hipster, baseball fan or fellow fan of the nation's capital.

What better way to celebrate the cherry blossoms and longer days than to imbibe? These 1962 Toby Designs Tiki glasses were made in Hawaii. Hard enough to track down a single one- a flawless set of four is a total score! Perfect for your next poolside soiree or post- work brewski.

Save Denarius- Rewear the Ides of March- Sale Starts NOW!



It's SALE time!



 This 1960s navy patent Markay bag will be $20.40.



 retrotrend is offering 15% off of nearly every item- prices will reflect discounts taken.

 This MOD 1960s Men's sweater will be $23.80.

 RetroHommeVintage is also offering 15% off of nearly every item- prices will reflect discounts taken.

 This 1950's etched cranberry glass decanter and 4 glasses set will be $64.60.

 At ObjectRetro, use coupon code "VMTEAMIDES" to save 15% on every item.

 As always, cross- site shipping overages are gleefully refunded via Paypal.

 Rewear the Ides of March (Yup, I came up with that all by myself!) runs from Thursday, March 10th, 2011 through Sunday March 20th, 2011. It's a Vintage Market Team sale event so loads of other shops are participating. Just click here to see other items or search under "vintage" for "vmteamides".

 Now get to shopping!

LOVE vintage?

You know I do. The VMTEAM is hosting a huge sale, titled "Fall in LOVE with Vintage... And the VMTEAM!" Below is our teaser video, put together by AntiquesGaloreGal.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

You'll spot three of my items, one from each shop.

From retrotrend: This floral slip dress is 25% off, as are all lingerie, swimwear, eye ware, travel items, and purses.

From RetroHommeVintage: This tie is 25% off, as are all ties, scarves and shirts.

From ObjectRetro: This 1940s/ 1950s red aluminum pitcher with Bakelite handle will be 15% off with coupon code "15OFFYAY", which will work on all items in the shop.

The sale starts February 1st and runs through the 14th. Over 30 shops participating, please check announcements for details. Just search under "vintage" for "VMTEAMLOVE" or click here to see available items.

And don't forget, you've got a few more days to enter the contest (see last post). XOXO

It's CONTEST Time! (And... The Friday News Round- Up)

Another week is coming to an end and there's lots to discuss.

Let's begin with THE CONTEST!

 It's been a week of milestones.

Over 1,300 Facebook fans, over 2,000 Twitter followers and over 500 retrotrend shop hearts.

My way of saying "Thank you!" is to give away this INCREDIBLE set of four Mid- Century dipped (insert Gigi reference here) quicksilver High Ball glasses.  

How does the contest work?

Complete any of the following steps (Complete more than one step and be entered more than once!):

1- Follow this blog and leave a comment on this post.

2- Become a fan on Facebook and comment with the details below.

3- Tweet about this contest and comment with the details below.

4- Link this blog post to your Facebook (personal or fan) page and comment with the details below. 

One winner will be chosen at random on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011. The winner will be announced here.

Back to our (somewhat) regularly scheduled program. I was the recipient of two lovely blog mentions yesterday, from Amy'sOldSchool and GarageSaleGirly, featuring this bag and these ties, respectively. Thanks, guys!

If you're a regular reader, you'll recall this post from August, all about my vintage glasses frames buying adventure. Well, I went back a few days ago and purchased more frames, which will be listing in the next few weeks.

And SOLDES is still going strong, for a few more days.

35% off of nearly every retrotrend item!

25% off nearly every RetroHommeVintage item!

15% off of every ObjectRetro item with coupon code "15OFFYAY".

I'll enjoy the snow, you enjoy the savings.

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Friday SOLDES Round-Up

 SOLDES is in full swing and I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces with you.

From retrotrend, where items have been marked down by 35%, even if already on sale:



 1960's sheer silk Pucci blouse, now $109.85.



 1970s DeWeese floral swimsuit, now $24.70.

 1960s DeMara mohair wrap, now $24.70.

 1940s wool Renbrook suit, now $109.20.

From RetroHommeVintage, where items have been marked down by 25%, even if already on sale:

 1970s black and silver Adidas jacket, now $33.75.

 1960s LEVI's Big E jacket, now $73.50.

And at ObjectRetro, where the coupon code "15OFFYAY" will get you 15% off.

 octagonal Bakelite pillars, will be $593.30 with code "15OFFYAY".

 Mid- Century silver rimmed cordial set, will be $36.55 with code "15OFFYAY".

Many other VMTEAM members are participating in VMTEAMSOLDES. Be sure to see shop announcements for details. This promotion runs through 1/31/2011.

SOLDES!

It's time for an end of season sale! And you guys are getting the info BEFORE anyone else.

In the French tradition, the Vintage Market Team will be hosting Soldes from January 21st through January 31st, 2011.

Starting first thing Friday morning, my Etsy stores will be offering the following discounts:

 Nearly all retrotrend items will be marked down by 35%. Prices will reflect discounts taken.

 Nearly all RetroHommeVintage  items will be marked down by 25%. Prcies will reflect discounts taken.  

 All ObjectRetro items will be 15% off- just use coupon code "15offyay" at checkout to receive discount.

Looking for more items? Search for items from other sellers using "VMTEAMSOLDES" or follow this link.