Fresh Type

Label Sleuth: My Globetrotting Argyle Sweater

Today’s guest writer is Shauna Thomas, The Flea Market Fashionista, whose blog can be read here. An avid thrift-store shopper, Shauna has hunted for vintage fashion gems all over the world working as a TV writer, reporter, and producer of series such as “Launch My Line,” “The Dr. Phil Show,” and “The Bachelor.”

I love labels. In fact, I … (continue reading)

Trendspotting: Turquoise Makes a Comeback

Today’s guest blogger is Tamara Bradshaw, a jewelry collector and regular contributor to Show & Tell.

Pantone, an authority on color forecasting, released these as some of the hottest colors for spring: regatta (a color like the blue sky in Colorado), blue curacau (like turquoise ocean waters), coral rose (a sophisticated orange). and beeswax (a warm honey yellow).

In February, I also started seeing ads for turquoise jewelry, which inspired me to dig out my vintage Native American pieces … (continue reading)

Going Green in the ’30s and ’40s with Feedsacks

Today’s guest blogger is Lizzie Bramlett, a.k.a. Fuzzy Lizzie, a self-made clothing historian who has a website, Fuzzy Lizzie, and a blog, The Vintage Traveler.

Today, it’s increasingly cool to be “green.” That’s good, but like every great idea, this one is being claimed by the generation that happens to be embracing it. A quick look at the habits of our grandparents (and great-grandparents to anyone under the age … (continue reading)

Trendspotting: Piling on the Vintage Bracelets

Today’s guest blogger is Tamara Bradshaw, a jewelry collector and regular contributor to Show & Tell.

You can stay incredibly up-to-date and stylish while wearing costume jewelry. I prefer vintage pieces for several reasons. For one, the quality is better. Secondly, they’re not made in China (it’s shocking how many “American” brands are made overseas). Lastly, I usually find these items at great prices.

Take this current trend: Layering those bangles and … (continue reading)

The Tuxedo Coat That Found Its Way Home

Toronto blogger Veronica Cizmar runs Some Like It Vintage, an online boutique and consignment shop.

I love gentleman’s bespoke tailoring and have an affinity for vintage tuxedo coats—in particular, tuxedo tails. A recent acquisition of a 1939 gray wool tuxedo tailcoat was a pleasant surprise.

Tailored by J.P. Nugent of Montreal for Mr. Pierre Beullac, I had in my hands a little bit of Canadian history:

“Pierre Beullac was a … (continue reading)

Yard Sale Treasure: A Rare Flight Jacket

Today’s guest blogger is Tom Herwer, a Show & Tell regular who collects military uniforms, telephones, license plates, Coca-Cola and other advertising, lamps, and furniture.

On one sunny California morning, my sister-in-law called from a garage sale, thinking I’d be be interested in a bunch of old license plates and possibly a typewriter. I wasn’t too excited about the typewriter, but … (continue reading)

Boldly Going Vintage on the Oscars Red Carpet

Much to-do has been made about the ruby red “vintage” Valentino gown worn by Oscars host Anne Hathaway when she stepped onto the red carpet. That dress, however, is actually only nine years old, from Valentino’s 2002 collection.

Marisa Tomei, best supporting actress winner in 1993, rocked a true vintage dress, this 1950s midnight blue mermaid-cut Charles … (continue reading)

Flip-Flops in the Office: Tragedy or Triumph?

President Obama caused a flap early this year when he became the first U.S. president ever photographed in flip-flops—he was on vacation in Hawaii. This threw fuel on the footwear flame war of the decade: When is it acceptable to wear flip-flops? Fashion experts Clinton Kelly, Stacy London, and Tim Gunn have expressed disdain for the cheap, rubber thong sandal that’s made its way into office casual attire. We asked author and shoe expert Elizabeth Semmelhack, the Senior … (continue reading)

Vera Neumann, the Woman of Many Scarves

Today’s guest blogger is Lizzie Bramlett, a.k.a. Fuzzy Lizzie, a self-made clothing historian who has a website, Fuzzy Lizzie, and a blog, The Vintage Traveler.

What woman’s name comes to mind when you think of vintage scarves? If you said “Vera,” you are not alone. Vera Neumann was one of the most prolific scarf designers of the … (continue reading)

Costume Jewelry, Beyond June Cleaver

Today’s guest blogger is Tamara Bradshaw, a jewelry collector and regular contributor to Show & Tell.

Most women own at least a few pieces of costume jewelry, perhaps received as hand-me-downs from family members. Too often, though, these strings of faux pearls, goldtone chains, strands of glass beads, and heavy brooches remain in the jewelry box because they seem, well, boring. But you can wear … (continue reading)

A Party for Edward Gorey and the Edwardians

One thing I’ve learned after living in the San Francisco Bay Area nearly 13 years, people here love an excuse to dress up—particularly in vintage clothes, hats, and costume jewelry—and create another world.

The Edwardian Ball originally started in 1999 as a small nightclub event to honor … (continue reading)

Traveling the World Via Vintage Skirts

Today’s guest blogger is Lizzie Bramlett, a.k.a. Fuzzy Lizzie, a self-made clothing historian who has a website, Fuzzy Lizzie, and a blog, The Vintage Traveler.

I started collecting vintage border-print skirts that have a travel theme after I pulled a piece of fabric depicting stacks of luggage from a flea-market $2 bin. I bought it, took it home, and made it into a skirt. Since then, I’ve … (continue reading)