31 March 2009

One of Each

As you well know by now, I'm terribly slow at responding to tags. I'm just not very good at catagorizing myself in that way - listing my favorites (they're always changing), picking out my quirks (I can't be terribly objective). But every once in a while a really unique one comes along that I can't resist. A while back Copperoranges passed along a tag to me that I thought would be a fun challenge to complete. I'm not really sure what the rules are except to pick one of each of the things on the list.

One photo: I picked this photo of my brother, my sister and me (I'm in the red hat) because it makes me laugh every time I look at it. And who doesn't get all nostalgic looking at photos from their childhood?

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One poem: If I had to pick a favorite poem this would certainly not be it. In the sixth grade my literature teacher made our entire class memorize this poem, word for word. Every day when we sat down at our desks we would go over and over a stanza, chanting it aloud until it was seared into our impressionable little brains. She also used to take off her shoes and throw them at students, but that is another story altogether. To this day, I can still recite this poem word for stinkin' word.

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A Psalm of Life - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Tell me not in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem...

One Song: Yikes! This is a tough one. It changes nearly day to day. And it always depends on my mood. Right now, this has to be a big contender. Nearly every night when I cook dinner I put this one the iPod and dance around the kitchen. It never ceases to put me in a good mood.

Fleet Foxes: "Mykonos"



One Item of Clothing: Of all the items hanging in my closet waiting for spring to finally arrive, this one is the one I'm most excited to wear - a 1930's cotton day dress. Doesn't it look perfect for picnics and strolling through gardens full of cherry trees and dogwoods?

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One Disney Princess: Umm, I'm going to skip this one. I don't really know that much about Disney princesses and even if I did, I'm not much of a Disney princess kind of girl. Can I be Grumpy?

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One Quote: I don't have a certain quote that is a favorite so instead I'll leave you with a quote from my all time favorite book. I reread this book almost every summer. I even love the movie version! (I don't usually like my favorite books remade into movies)

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"Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. In rainy weather the streets turned to red slop; grass grew on sidewalks, the courthouse sagged in the square. Somehow, it was hotter then: a black dog suffered on a summer's day; bony mules hitched to Hoover carts flicked flies in the sweltering shade of the live oaks on the square. Men's stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies bathed before noon, after their three-o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum."

Store Updates...

Ebay ...
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Etsy ...
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30 March 2009

How could the air have the nerve to blow your hair around like that...*

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photos by Tom b.

top: 50's rayon blouse
skirt: 50's vintage (altered by me)
shoes & purse: vintage
*listening to: The National Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers "90 Mile Water Wall"

After the excitement of going to my first auction on Saturday all I wanted to do was stay home and veg on Sunday. It's a good thing too because the afternoon brought in some big Southern-style thunderstorms complete with hail and tornado warnings. I think that's sort of rare around these parts but it made me feel quite at home. Tom and I stood in the window of our place and watched the crazy cloud formations and listened to the hail pounding on the metal roof. At one point it was so loud we couldn't even hear one another talking!

29 March 2009

Saturday Estate Auction

For a while now I’ve wanted to expand my vintage shopping horizons. Yes, I frequent all of the thrift stores and vintage stores in my area but I know there’s a whole world of estate sales and auctions that I’ve never gotten into. I just didn’t know where to begin! Thanks to a tip from the super sweet Morgan from Ambrosia’s Musings I attended my very first estate auction yesterday morning. [a]
When we first pulled up to the barn (it was out in farm country) all I saw were piles of old rusty tools and farm equipment. Uh, oh! Were we in the right place? We wandered into the barn to find tables full of old pottery, figurines, silver and linens. There were lots of things that caught my eye: vintage canning jars, art deco planters, stacks of 1920’s Vogues, stuffed animals that had the fur loved right off of them. I knew I had to keep focused or I was going to end up going home with a car load full of stuff! Then I spotted it in the back corner of the barn. A rack full of lovely 40’s and 50’s dresses surrounded by stacks of hat boxes, purses and shoes. I fell in love with all of them instantly then had to remind myself that there was still bidding to be done.

Nearly four hours later, after countless tools, jars and tchotchkes were auctioned off, one by one by one, they finally, finally started auctioning off the vintage clothes. I was super nervous and eyeing the crowd to see who might be bidding against me… very different than the anonymous world of Ebay! The first dress up was an adorable Bobbie Brooks mini dress that I knew I wanted to buy. Luckily only one other person bid and I was able to snatch the dress right up. I was feeling a little more confident after that and was able to snag most of the pieces I had my eye on. I’m happy to say that most of that rack of clothes in now hanging on my “to be sold rack”. Yay! I’m sure I’ll be looking into going to more auctions and estate sales now that I’ve got one under my belt.

P.S. I just put a few more items in the Etsy Boutique!

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photos by Tom b.

27 March 2009

Etsy Update

There's a major spring cleaning in the works over here. I'm cleanin' out the closet! All of these pieces are now in the Etsy boutique and there's lots more on the way...

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My Newest Online Obsession

Suzie Floozie! It sounds a bit scandalous, doesn't it? I promise, it's not. Let me explain. My love for Gladstone bags is no secret. I've been on the hunt for a perfect one for months now. Or perhaps I should say perfect ones since I'd really like a brown one and a black one, a large one to use as a weekend bag and a small one to use as an everyday bag, and... well, you get the idea. So it's no surprise then that I've become a bit obsessed with browsing through the bags at Suzie Floozie. According to the website, she spent years collecting vintage leather bags and now has moved on to sharing them with the world. Lucky us. Of course I'm partial to the Gladstones but I was also a bit smitten with the school satchels. The site is UK based and therefore priced in pounds, but the prices seem pretty reasonable considering how much I've seen these things going for on Ebay. If only I could choose...
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26 March 2009

They've got a Cheshire cat grin all blurring into one...*

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photos by Tom b.


dress: vintage
tights: AA
shoes: Seychelles
purse: vintage
*listening to: Radiohead In Rainbows "Jigsaw Falling Into Place"

Tuesday afternoon Tom and I went to the local college to attend a lecture with Christo and Jeanne-Claude. I've never been lucky enough to witness one of their creations in person. Did anyone get to walk through the gates in Central Park? The lecture plans were a bit last minute for us and I wasn't really sure what to expect. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised and very entertained. I was afraid it might be dry and boring with the artist prattling on about themselves and their work. Instead we were treated to an hour of the two of them joking and teasing one another, acting every bit the old married couple that they are, during a side slow presenting a new project they're working on - wrapping a river!

25 March 2009

Fantasy Birthday Shopping

For me, my birthday has always been a great harbinger of spring. Falling just a couple of days after the official start of the season it brings with it red breasted robins, daffodils and dogwoods, sunny blue skies and afternoon rain showers. Well, not so much this year. I’m still adjusting to living in the northeast and the idea that spring doesn’t really begin just because the calendar says so. I’m still waking up to temperatures with wind chills in the teens. Ugh.

Well, regardless of spring’s stubbornness to show its face, I’m still thinking about spring things like pretty sundresses and strappy sandals. I don’t usually torture myself by looking at things online that I know I could never afford but I thought it might be fun to go on a little fantasy shopping trip. You know, make an outfit that would be my ultimate spring wear if only I could muster the doll hairs to afford it. The only problem is, as I began collecting pictures of things I liked this little project grew into two outfits, then three, four, five, six! Apparently there’s a lot of good stuff out there I never really bother to look at. ;) So… if I hit the jackpot tomorrow there’s a good chance that all of these would be hanging in my closet by the end of the week.

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1. Marc by Marc Jacobs top, Luella skirt, Chie Mihara shoes, Linda Farrow sunglasses 2. APC dress, Chloe bag, Anthropologie shoes 3. See by Chloe dress, Marc Jacobs hat, Anthropologie shoes
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4. Lover dress, Mui Mui headband, Topshop shoes 5. Steven Alan dress, Rayban sunglasses, Topshop shoes, vintage Gladstone bag 6. APC dress, Lover hat, Topshop shoes

24 March 2009

Birthday Wishes and Old Timey Dresses

First of all, thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes yesterday. I'm still rackin' my brain, trying to figure out how you all knew! It was a very good birthday as far as birthdays go. I spent the day eating homemade carrot cake, wandering around the thrift store, having lunch downtown with my boyfriend, getting a massage and just generally taking it easy. A perfect day really.

And to top off my perfect day, I received the most perfect gift. My mother (hi Mom!) sent me my great-grandmother's silk flapper dress. It's the most beautiful dress, made even more special since it's truly a family heirloom. I love all the little details - the delicate pleats across the skirt, the handsewn snaps on the shoulders, the pretty lace collar. It's much too delicate to wear (I think I might try to put it on just once to take a photo) but it will look so nice just hanging on the wall where I can gaze at it every day. Untitled-1

23 March 2009

New Ebay Auctions

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21 March 2009

Dresses & Shoes For Etsy

I can't say thank you enough for how well the Etsy boutique is doing. I'm adding these pieces to Etsy tonight and an Ebay update is in the works for tomorrow. Thanks for stoppin' by! Love ya! - SJ
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Dance, dance, dance, dance, dance, to the radio...

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dress: Urban Outfitters
tights: AA
shoes: 30's oxfords
hat & purse: vintage
*listening to: Joy Division Substance "Transmission"

It was one of those days where it was just warm enough to have either bare arms or bare legs, but not both. Of course I've been dying to get out of my tights but even more so I've been dying to wear this dress. I reminds me a lot of the pieces from the Lover collection that I'm so fond of. I'm still looking for a Lover-like straw boater hat to no avail. Anyone have any luck with that?

20 March 2009

Etsy Update Tonight

Here's a little peek at the pieces I'm working on for the Etsy boutique. I decided to sell the little red gingham skirt and keep the green one. At least for now. I've been holding onto that 60's graphic print romper for quite a while and I think it's time to find it a new home. The 50's lace blouse is one of my most favorite recent finds, but I already have several pretty blouses so... off to a new home as well!

I'm also working on a big update for the Ebay store this weekend. Loads of sundresses and summer sandals. Thanks so much for stopping by! Back to work...

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April Showers (well, almost)

Today I'm out of my mind busy trying to get ready to post new Ebay auctions and Etsy items. Whew! I had a whole post planned out about the rainy season and how I'm always on the hunt for pretty vintage umbrellas but my brain has slowly turned to mush and I'm having a hard time writing anything that makes sense. Suffice to say, I like vintage umbrellas. I really want one that gets all pointy on top (like Francesca's in the photo). I'm sure there's a technical umbrella term for that but I don't know what it is. Rather than ramble on about it, enjoy these photos of some of my favorite Flickr girls showing off their lovely vintage umbrellas.

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18 March 2009

New Old Stuff

It's been a while since I did a post highlighting some of my vintage finds. I think that's mostly because I haven't kept anything for myself in quite a while. Everything's been going straight into the store. I think one reason for that is I've had very specific pieces in mind that I've been looking for and haven't had much luck. I've been reading more and more about the Depression Era and have become a bit fascinated with the fashion of the time. I've really been on a treasure hunt for pieces from that era (as you can probably tell from my last couple of outfit posts).

I don't think many feedsack dresses must have survived the years but I was lucky enough to snag the girl's feedsack dress on the left. It falls into the so-short-it's-indecent category but luckily it has a three inch hem allowance. I think a little work will render this into a perfect little spring dress. The cut reminds me a lot of some of the APC dresses I've been coveting. I do not believe the other dress is feedsack, but it's lovely nonetheless. And the best part is, it's completely wearable as is - no alterations! I've been searching for a pair of 30's oxfords for ages but they're always so small. People really must have had tiny feet then! I really want a pair with open toes (the kind with mesh sides, you know?) but these are quite nice too. And they fit!
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These little gingham skirts have to be my favorite find from this week's vintage shopping. I think they must be from the 60's but could be older. Nothing screams spring like gingham! Doesn't it make you think of walks in a flower garden and picnics in the shade? I love the subtle details on these like the grosgrain ribbon lined waistbands and the lace trim on the inside of the hems. Everything was finished with such thought. These do fit me and I'm tempted to keep one in my closet. But which one?! I love the pockets and belt loops on the red one but the green one's nice too. Hmmmm...
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On the next train south...

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photos by Tom b.

dress: 30's rayon day dress
belt & shoes: vintage
purse: trade with Francesca
*listening to: Lightnin' Hopkins "Goin' Down Slow"

Headbands

The only downside I'm seeing to the weather finally warming up is I'm going to have to put away my wool hats. I've become a bit addicted to wearing them and quite honestly feel a little naked walking out of the house with out something perched on my head. I'm trying to find a good way to transition into my spring wardrobe and still keep hold of my hats. I'm still on the prowl for the perfect straw boater (no luck yet!) but I'm beginning to think headbands might be a good solution.
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I don't mean the skinny kind designed to hold your hair off of your face. I'm thinking of the art deco inspired pieces I'm seeing popping up on style sites and in some of my favorite stores. There are cute felt ones in the Little Red Fox's shop on Etsy. I also like the neutral toned ones I've seen in shops like Anthropologie and UO. I wonder, if I'm feeling particularly crafty one day, if I could come up with some DIY version?

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17 March 2009

New Auctions at Sally Jane Vintage

Thanks so much for all of your support for the new Etsy boutique. It's going quite swimmingly so far! I'm already getting ready to put another batch of dresses up for sale. In the meantime, be sure to check out all of the new spring pieces in the Ebay store. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Cabbages & Roses

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Doesn't this look like a fun way to spend a summer afternoon? Dangling your bare feet into cool, fresh water and munching on watermelon with your girlfriends? It sounds perfect to me. And the perfect thing to wear on such a perfect afternoon would be sweet, simple frocks like these.

Sometimes it seems like girls in the UK have all the good shops. There's Topshop and Toast and Whistles and Cabbages and Roses. Perhaps some of these shops aren't quite as nice as I've made them out in my head, but I can't imagine Cabbages and Roses being a disappointment. At least not as far as their offerings for this spring are concerned. They have the perfect little dresses and tops for lounging around on a sweltering summer afternoon. A little stroll through their online shop also revealed the likes of housewares, stationery and if you're feeling particularly crafty, a selection of fabrics from which to make you own summer wardrobe. I admit that at times they veer a little too much into "shabby chic" territory for my taste, but used sparingly I think their pieces could be just the cure when the summer gets so hot we'll be longing for cool fall days once again.
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16 March 2009

Introducing the Sally Jane Vintage Boutique on Etsy

This weekend I've been hard at work on a new project... the Sally Jane Vintage Boutique on Etsy! I've been thinking of selling on Etsy for quite a while but didn't want to completely abandon my Ebay sales. I know a lot of you don't like the Ebay format with the bidding and waiting and losing out at the last second. So from now on, in addition to my regular Ebay listings, I'm going to feature a few hand selected pieces from my collection for instant purchase via Etsy. Here's a look at the first batch. Hop on over to Etsy and grab 'em while you can! Thank so much for stoppin' by. Love ya! -SJ

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15 March 2009

I love your long shadows and your gunpowder eyes...*

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photos by Tom b.

dress: 1930's silk chiffon
shoes: navy 60's t-straps
purse: vintage
belt: vintage
*listening to: Neko Case Middle Cyclone "Prison Girls"

I wish you could see all of the wonderful little details on this dress like the seaming on the front and the ruching on the neck and the little snaps that fasten the side and shoulder. This has been hanging in my closet for ages waiting for spring. Well, spring has not quite sprung but I just couldn't wait another day to wear it.

13 March 2009

The Last of the Winter Boots

Today I'm listing the last of my stash of winter boots to make way for spring sandals and flats. I've been holding on to some of these for a while and it's time they found new homes. Also, I always have requests for larger sizes in boots so I wanted to let you know that the black boots on the bottom row are a size 11. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Traveling Eple & Melk

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navy blazer: Eple & Melk
grey sweater: Anthropologie
black skirt: vintage
tights: AA
shoes: Seychelles via UO
beret & purse: vintage

Do you remember when we did the traveling Heimstone jacket piece for Modepass? Well, it's time for another version, this time with a jacket from Eple & Melk.

I was so excited to receive my package all the way from France. I knew as soon as I saw the Eple & Melk jacket pairing with my wardrobe would be a bit of a challenge but I felt up to it! The cut of the jacket is much more modern than other pieces in my wardrobe but I thought it would make a nice contrast. The fact that it's a classic navy color made it easy. It’s like a traditional navy blazer only with a modern twist. The weather was so cold on the day that I wore the jacket lots of layers were in order. I love pairing navy with grey and black so I picked out my favorite vintage black skirt and a grey wool sweater. Once the weather warms up I’d like to try to pair the jacket with a simple white shirt and jeans. I think it’s just the touch of modern that my wardrobe was needing.

12 March 2009

717 Magazine

You may recall a while back I mentioned that a photographer and reporter visited with Tom and me for a piece on loft living for a regional magazine. Well, we've finally gotten our hands on a copy and I have to say it's a bit surreal to see our place in print! We're happy with the way it turned out (except for Tom's poor Polish last name being butchered - yikes!). Both of the cats also made their magazine debuts. I know you've all met Jack before but Buddie's a bit more elusive. She was quite the ham that day, posing for photos on the stairs. If you look closely, you're sure to recognize that brick wall from all of my store photos. I didn't plan on taking photos in our office space that day or I would have spruced things up a bit more. But now you can see where all of the SJV work is done. Click on the pages below to get larger, legible versions.