New Book: Vintage LA

Author Jennifer Brandt Taylor wrote the book Vintage LA to uncover the hidden histories throughout the city. I haven't seen the book yet but understand she devotes at least one chapter to vintage fashion and shopping. Fred Segal hosted a book signing today and several blogs have reported on the book. Read an insightful interview with the author at La Vie En Rose.

Best Vintage Shops: London

For those of you living in or planning to visit London, Gridskipper lists 7 of the city's best vintage stores. Included on their list are Decades Dover Street, Rellik, and Topshop (who knew?). Read more at Gridskipper.

Vintage Sunglasses in Refinery29

The folks at Refinery29 are announcing the death of the Ray Ban Wayfarer, and suggest vintage Vuarnet and Maui Jim shades as a replacement. Visit Refinery 29 to read more.

Chunky Italian Beachcomber Necklace

I immediately thought of Marni when I saw this necklace, so it wasn't a big surprise when I saw "Made in Italy" engraved on the clasp. I like to call this a beachcomber necklace because it looks to be made up of bits from the sea. The pieces, which include matte colored shells and goldtone details, hang off of a chain bib that comes to a point. The knotted rope also lends this necklace it's nautical theme.

Valentino Belt

Two things make this simple belt special. The color, which straddles the line between navy and charcoal grey in a cool matte finish, looks clean and modern. And the buckle, with its slightly oriental shape and inlaid leather fill, gives this belt the little bit of character it needed.

Thierry Mugler To Present "Thierry Mugler Edition" Collection

Next week will see a presentation of the collection "Theirry Mugler Edition." Designed by a Mugler alum, the pieces are meant to answer the current demand for vintage pieces by the designer. Read more at Fashionologie.

Clear Lucite Bangle

Another flat Lucite bangle, this time in a clear finish. These are great for layering.

Crystalized Agate Pendant Necklace

It's difficult to capture the sparkle of this crystalized agate in a photograph, but as it moves in the light the pendant twinkles with fairy dust. When turned around the backside looks like a gold nugget and takes on another look.

This articulated jester necklace hangs lower than it appears but was too difficult to photograph at its full length. Anyway it has completely movable extremities and an adorable smile on its face. I found this last week and it sold 3 days later.

N. Hoolywood Dazed and Confused

One of my favorite men's stores, Blackbird, writes about the special N Hoolywood edition Dazed and Confused box set. N Hoolywood began as a small vintage store in Japan and now has a cult following as a brand. Read more at Blackbird.

Stuart Weitzman Print Heels

Fun multi colored abstract print on silk. The fabric has iridescent polka dots as well.

Stuart Weitzman Polka Dot Wedges

These polka dot shoes with a mid-heel wedge are Stuart Weitzman for Mr. Seymour. The silver is metallic, which means they can double as reflectors when you ride your bike.

Vintage In The News

Last week there were a few vintage stories in the news worth noting. Follow the links if you'd like to read more:

• Singer Katy Perry mixes vintage pieces to create a throwback look. The result isn't that impressive (neither is her music) but the article is worth a read. (LA TIMES)
• For men, the New York Times style section proposes the early eighties look and a strict color code of black, white, and red. (NY TIMES)
  
• A new vintage store opens in Beverly Hills. V Vintage focuses on designer costume jewelry and other unique accessories. The store is open by appointment only. (LA TIMES)

More 80's Mini Dresses, Part 2

This skin tight purple dress has a plunging back which really makes the dress. Wear this with chunky Marni jewelry and look like a chic Italian whore.

More 80's Mini Dresses, Part 1

Last month I posted a few 80's mini dresses and sold them soon after. I have two more to show you. Since the temperature reached ninety degrees today here in LA, I'm posting two simple and light cotton jersey dresses that will help you beat the heat. This leopard print tank dress was made in France and the label is Rectangle Blanc.

Giant Sea Turtle Earrings

Clip earrings in the shape of giant sea turtle shells. For those with a sense of humor and a love of sea life. Unfortunately they are unsigned- does anyone recognize this design?

Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Earrings

This coral color looks perfect against a summer tan. They're kind of preppy yet still sexy.

Karl Lagerfeld Fan Earrings

Too bad I've already sold the matching bracelet to these earrings. Signature fan design, signed KL both on the front and the back. As with the bracelet, these do show a bit of wear. I'm not sure if it's because these were worn a lot or they weren't dipped properly, but Lagerfeld jewelry tends to show wear more than other designer pieces. Anyone have any experience with this?

Kenneth Jay Lane Enamel Earrings

Another great pair of Kenneth Jay Lane enamel earrings. I love the opening in the center. These are signed on the clip Kenneth Jay Lane.

Lucite Ball Earrings

These are probably my favorite in the lot. Large Lucite balls dangling from a goldtone wax seal. The Lucite pieces are topped with cute swirl hats. This pair is unsigned.

Givenchy Black Button Earrings

Understated button earrings, with a large oval black bead surrounded by a scalloped goldtone border. Signed Givenchy.

St. John Teal Enamel Earrings

The enamel is a teal that leans heavier toward green. In perfect condition, signed with the St. John logo on the back.

Karl Lagerfeld Pearl Earrings

Clip back faux pearl earrings by Karl Lagerfeld, signed KL on the back.

Christian Dior Sun Moon and Stars Earrings

From the same estate, these beautiful earrings in the shape of the sun with a crescent moon and scattered stars with rhinestone details are signed Christian Dior on the back.

St. John Red Enamel Earrings

Signed on back St. John, these clip earrings have a vibrant red enamel center bordered with a goldtone band.

Nina Ricci Rhinestone Earrings

I believe these pierced earrings are meant to look like one of the Nina Ricci perfume bottles.

Estate Earring Collection

I was lucky enough to find a great collection of designer costume earrings in the past few weeks. This woman definitely took care of her jewelry, since almost all of it appears to be unworn. I'll post images over the next few days, starting with a few today.

Beaded Leopard Belt

Fun and fabulous hand beaded belt in the form of a leopard. This is a one of a kind piece that is signed on the back, however it is difficult to make out the maker's name. The belt itself is made of high quality leather.

I. Magnin Modern Beret

This is not the kind of slouchy beret one associates with beatnik poets. No, this beret retains its shape no matter how it is placed on the head. It has two hair combs inside which help to hold it on if you decide to wear it cocked to one side. For it's age this seems like a surprisingly modern interpretation of the beret.

Givenchy Multi Strand Necklace

This Givenchy necklace sits high and can be worn two ways. Wear it flat and keep the strands separated, or twist it to create a chunkier look.

Norma Kamali Leopard Print Cocoon Top

Wear this as a casual beach cover up or out on the town. Norma Kamali OMO leopard print cocoon top.

Fendi Logo Earrings

These Fendi earrings have a soft hourglass shape and are punctuated by Fendi logos on either end. They are marked on the back and on the earring clip.

Extra Wide Belt with Snakeskin Trim

This belt is about 4 inches wide, making it the center of attention and perfect pair for a pared down little black dress. The brown snakeskin and tortoise and goldtone buckle contrast nicely with the black leather.