Python Cuff Bracelet

Simple cuff with snap closure probably from the 1970's made of natural undyed python skin. Backed with leather to make it firmer. I love this layered with thin gold bangles!

Ivory and Rosewood Cuff

This is a rare and exotic cuff bracelet made from pre-ban elephant ivory which is inlaid with rosewood. I had my jewelry designer friend take a look at it and she confirmed it was ivory. I then brought it to a dealer to find out the value and was told it is worth somewhere between $400-600. It is such a special piece!

Ferragamo Orientalism Scarf

This Ferragamo scarf displays a striking use of color. Perfect for fall, the base color is mustard yellow and which is punctuated by fall leaves in shades of brown. There are Persian characters flanking the center scene of a man riding a giant bird. The characters lend relief from the fall colors as they are dressed in vibrant blues and fuschias. Hand rolled edges (of course), silk twill in perfect condition, signed in lower right. Available for $80

Lanvin Vintage My Sin

This huge old bottle of Lanvin My Sin looks great in the bathroom just as a decorative object. I love the stains and wear on the box and the simple 50's graphics. The bottle is about 7.5 inches tall and just about full. The bottle is art deco as is the original Lanvin logo which is embossed in the top of the cap. I'm selling this for $60

Articulated Gold Plate Elastic Belt

I see this belt worn over crisp top or a thin cardigan. It can also be worn with a knit dress. Modeled gold plates connected to an elastic band. The plates move with you so it doesn't feel stiff. Available for $65

Gold Tube Cage Back Dress

This is a knockout open back little black dress. The back of the dress has a deep plunge that is connected by curved goldtone metal tubing. It is made by "Nina" in Paris. I should photograph the label to see if any of you recognize it- I have never seen this line before. The dress will fit a size 4. Available for $125

Gold Miner Earrings

These gold nugget drop earrings are made up of 2 small gold nuggets with a miner's tool encased in clear resin with a white back. They dangle from a screw back earring post. I love that one earring is a pic and the other is a shovel- they were probably hand made in the 70's. Available for $65

Jeweled Elephant Clamper

The black enamel on this elephant clamper throws the goldtone details into a nice contrast. The ears, the crown, and the trunk all shine against the black as does the ribbing around the underside and the outlined eyes. Rhinestones add another dimension with the citrine colored stone atop her head and the emerald colored eye adding some color. This is in the style of Kenneth Jay Lane but is unmarked. It is clamper style so you just open the latch the snap it on. Available for $90

Trends

You might have noticed that some of my tags are trend driven. I'm testing the idea of grouping the items into a trend category: for instance "Gold Rush" since chunky gold jewelry is big right now. If you click on Gold Rush at the right, you will find all those posts that fit into this trend category. Some of the other trends I have represented are Color Block, and Fashion in Hand: Clutches.

Having just begun this blog I am open to feedback- please let me know what is working for you and what suggestions you have for improvements. My vision for this blog is to update as I find things, so that my constant hunt for exceptional vintage fashion items is just as exciting for the reader as it is for me. Right now I am focused on cataloging past finds to get up to speed. As mentioned in the blog already, I sell accessories at the Wertz Bros. antique mart in Santa Monica California, and all kinds of fashion items and ephemera on ebay under the seller name FOUNDfashion. I'm envisioning this as another outlet to reach potential customers, but also as a place to throw my ideas on the table and find what works. I hope you'll help me find my way!

60's Missoni Plaid Dress

Perfect condition Missoni signature woven dress. Lively colors, button up back, size 6/8. Has shoulder pads which I would remove. I also might make this into a mini dress with long sleeves which seems to be huge right now.

Available for $250

Moschino Gold Bar Earrings

I'm very much into goldtone jewelry and accessories for fall/spring 08. I'm buying things I normally wouldn't and digging out pieces that work right now. Chunky gold is best and these Moschino earrings fit perfectly with the look I'm after. They are "gold bars"- ingots hanging from circles. They are both imprinted- the circle reads "Moschino Milano" and the bars read "28K Moschino". They have clip backs. With the record setting price of gold it's too bad these aren't real!

Available for $55

Playful Button Domino Cuff Bracelet

One of my favorite pieces. This fits perfectly with what is happening in fashion for Spring. Especially what we saw at Marc Jacobs- chunky and colorful plastic pieces. This cuff bracelet is made up of 6 dominos seperated by black, yellow, and striped beads. Attached to the dominos are colorful buttons in red, black, yellow, white, and chartreuse. I don't know if any of the parts are bakelite- it is pretty heavy. More importantly the design is so special. Great color combination and composition. Nice craftsmanship. One of a kind piece. Available for $125

Blumarine Embroidered Velvet Wristlet

This is the perfect holiday bag. It holds just the essentials- wallet, keys, cash, phone.. is gorgeous.. and can be worn hanging off the wrist (leaving your hands free to accept goodies and snatch passing hors d'oeuvres. The body of the bag is teal velvet (the color is closer to the first pic, the second pic looks too green). It is hand embroidered and beaded with coin and bullion details. There is a scalloped chain effect at the bottom. The coins and chain have delicate movement. The wrist strap is made up of two thin gold chains (the same chain as on the bottom). It can be held in the hand or on the wrist. It is fully lined, tagged Blumarine, has attached hang tag inside that reads "Hand Embroidered". Never been used- comes in the original box. This is a really special piece- perfect for New Years parties or other evening gatherings. Available for $200

1970's Coral Branch Pendant Necklace

I love 70's jewelry and really love 70's that looks modern- or "clean" 70's. Goldtone coral/tree/branch attached to a round white pendant that hangs from a long goldtone rope chain. I can see this in the summertime worn with a beautiful beach coverup- beach jewelry! That's a new category!

Available for $80

Givenchy Rhinestone Bracelet

This is a spectacular Givenchy bracelet. I believe it is from the 80's since most of the 70's pieces are dated and this one is not. It does has a Givenchy stamp on the back though. Heavy gold chain links with a larger rhinestone encrusted center link that is locked to it's two neighbors (the center link three links do not move, the others do. I love an attention grabbing piece like this with all black. Available for $200

Vintage Dior Lapis Keychain

Recently found this vintage Dior keychain. It is a goldtone horseshoe shape with a Dior stacked charm dangling off. The gold ball is threaded and is removable for adding keys. The other ball is lapis. It looks as if it has never been used and is in the original Dior grey velvet box.

I'm making this available at a price of $90. It would make a great gift!

Pringle of Scotland Cashmere and Fur Cardigan

This lovely cardigan is vintage Pringle of Scotland. Both the cashmere and fur are in perfect condition- whoever had this took very good care of it. I love the slim fit of the body

contrasting with the full fur collar. Fits a size 4 or smaller. Available for $200.

Plastic Chain Link Necklace

I love these plastic chain necklaces- this one in a root beer color. I grab them whenever I see them at the flea market and dealers have begun holding them for me because they know I'll buy them all! Not that I'm a hoarder- I just think inexpensive and fun jewelry is a good thing to have around. And on those days when you don't know what to wear you can layer a few over a simple dress or top. I have so many so I'll let this one go for $45.

Adorable Suede Belt

I wish you could feel this suede. I believe it is lamb- it is supple and soft- especially for it's age. I'm thinking early 1970s. Sash style that is wider in the center of the belt than on the ends. Beautiful handmade wood buckle with two tones- darker in the center of the circle than on the ends. Just lovely and perfect to tie over a light sweater dress. I know the photo makes the leather look worn, but I assure you it is in perfect vintage condition. No stains or scratches. This belt is about 32" long and is available for $75.

Sonia Rykiel Cruise Jacket

Found this cute Sonia Rykiel cropped short sleeve jacket in black linen. Embroidered on front chest is a sailboat along with the word "Cruise" in gold letters. Perfectly crisp and in fine condition. I'm going to put this one away until spring- just wanted to share it with everyone.

Oleg Cassini 1970's Snake

Patchwork exotics purse clutch with Oleg Cassini OC logo clasp. Looks like there is some unknown snake, python, and lizard in shades of brown. The clasp is gold and the chain is gold (a bit tarnished). Lined in Oleg Cassini signature fabric. Can be worn as a clutch or a shoulder purse since the chain fittings are inside the bag. Available for $120

YSL Opium Pendant

1970's YSL Opium Pendant necklace. Plastic on a black silk cord with dangling tassel and gold beads. Lift the top section to reveal the small bottle inside which holds the parfum. I love it just as a necklace! Raised gold YSL logo on rust pendant. Available for purchase at $75

1960's Courreges Collector's Piece

These kinds of finds don't happen too often. When I saw the tag I gasped- then I did a celebratory dance, which caused my friends to gather round to see what I had found. They hated me for this one. I'm hesitant to sell so the price is retail, assuming you could find a 1960's Courreges in perfect condition.

Anyway, the jacket is spectacular. Nice tailored line with zipper up top and buttons just below the embroidered logo. Tagged "Hyperbole", and number stamped. The size reads zero but it actually fits a size 4. There are many details so please inquire if you are interested and I will forward better pictures and a more thorough description.

Priced at $800

Vintage Lizard Clutch

Made from one huge lizard, this clutch is made from a single skin- meaning there are no seams on the outside. You can't get skins like this anymore at an affordable price. I had an expert look at it and was told that it is probably South American 1940's but he didn't know exactly what kind of lizard it is. If anyone has a guess I'd love to hear it. Anyway clutches are huge right now and this is one of the most spectacular vintage clutches I've seen. It is approximately 12" wide and 5" tall. It is available for purchase at $200.