Room 222 Vintage Sale This Sunday in LA

My friends at Room 222 are holding a sale this coming Sunday, August 2nd. If you don't know about the space, Room 222 is a small vintage showroom packed with great vintage and designer pieces. While it is normally open to stylists and designers, they open their doors to the public every few weeks. It is located in Los Angeles at 509 N. Fairfax, in Room 222 (upstairs) and they will be there from noon until 4pm.

Torso Vintages Trunk Show in LA

Last week I stumbled upon an incredible vintage store in San Francisco. Torso Vintages is just off of Union Square on Sutter Street and houses a fine collection of clothing and accessories. They will bring an edited collection of their pieces to Los Angeles next week for a Trunk Show held at Chateau Marmont. The sale will be held on August 5th and 6th with a preview on the evening of the 4th.

Enamel Pather Earrings

If these earrings weren't so dainty they might be too menacing. The panther heads are spotted with white enamel, and the eyes are glistening green rhinestones.

In The News: Vintage Beauty Looks on Tuleh's Runway

Style.com has a slideshow featuring beauty looks seen at Tuleh's Fall 08 runway presentation. The look is decidedly vintage, drawing inspiration from Charlotte Rampling and the 1970s in general. The look is "updated without loosing the reference. See the slideshow here.

Massive Clear Lucite Clamper Bracelet

You may remember that I posted this same bracelet in black Lucite a few months back. In the description I mentioned my friend having a clear version that I have envied for some time. She found hers in Paris, and I found mine in San Francisco this past week. This is a show stopping piece and I am hesitant to part with it, so it is priced accordingly.

Longchamp Leather Clad Pipe

I recently learned that luxury goods maker Longchamp got its start by detailing men's smoking pipes in leather. They offered these items from the 1940s-60's. While I can't date this particular pipe, the white leather makes me think of the swinging 60's. I found two of these, exactly the same.

Christian Dior Rhinestone Earrings

Incredible pair of Dior rhinestone and black enamel earrings. I can see these on a young girl with a short black haircut.

Oscar de la Renta Peacock Convertible Clutch

Wear this bag on your shoulder or tuck in the chain and carry it as a clutch. The stitching mimics the pattern on a peacock feather and the jewel clasp provides a nice contrast to the soft black lambskin.

Brass Fruit Mini Bag

This handmade brass bag resembles a fruit and will hold just your essentials. Strung to a long silk cord, it sits just above the hip when slung across the shoulder.

Large Disc Pendant

Lately I've been buying up as much vintage Donna Karan as I can get my hands on. I'm loving her 80's and early 90's looks and, because everyone might not be ready for them, I'm tucking them away in my closet of special things. This large disc pendant reminds me of the jewelry Donna commissioned from designer Robert Lee Morris for some of her shows. The disc is ceramic, and is strung onto a leather cord. Pair it with a beach tunic and you have a perfect late summer look.

Lucite Ring Earrings

These earrings exploit the contrast between the hand hammered and the factory produced, the perfectly round and the slightly askew, the modern and the old world.

In The News: Thrift Store Buisness Booming

Today's New York Daily News reports that, in part because of the economy, thrift store business is growing at a rate of 5% per year. While their angle is more of an economic and environmental one, it is still a good read. Find the article at New York Daily News.

In The News: Banana Republic's Vintage Holiday

Fashionista.com has a story on their visit to Banana Republic's showroom to preview their holiday 2008 collection, which relies heavily upon vintage silhouettes. From the photos it looks as if they also took inspiration from the vintage inspired runway shows of Dior and Prada. Read more at Fashionista.

In The News: Vintage Store Frock

New York magazine has a brief story on New York high end vintage shop Frock, which recently opened a sister store in Brooklyn. They report that Patricia Field pulls from the store for her work on Ugly Betty. I've been keeping an eye on the Frock website for a while, which unfortunately isn't updated very often. Check out New York for more.

Silver Shoes for Day and Night, Part 2

For night, these Stuart Weitzman for Mr. Seymour heels will have you shimmering on the dance floor. Made of mesh (it is about the grade of a window screen) trimmed in silver leather and punctuated with metallic silver dots, these heels reflect light like a disco ball. My favorite detail is, of course, the bow on the back. Size 6.5

Silver Shoes for Day and Night, Part 1

For Day, these Perry Ellis America flats fit in perfectly with the current gladiator sandal trend, without hitting you over the head with a costume look. Instead they are gladiator-inspired flats, in silver leather with bands of black silk running through the leather. Size 7.5

Bottega Veneta, Before And After

This week I found this incredible Bottega Veneta men's portfolio. It is from the early 90's embossed caviar leather collection in the brown option. These pieces are sturdy and only look better with age; I know because I have the tote which I use every day. I thought it would be fun to do a before and after post, since I'm bringing him in for cleaning this week. If all goes as planned I will have a photo to share in the next week or so showing him after his visit to the cleaner.

Two Givenchy Logo Necklaces, Part 2

Another Givenchy necklace, made up of rope textured G's in graduating sizes.

Two Givenchy Logo Necklaces, Part 1

As you can see I've had to double this necklace in order to photograph it because it hangs pretty low, just below the chest. The ring, which is made up of G's, supports a magnifying glass. This makes it ideal for jewelers or collectors who want to check details and marks.

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.