FNO launch party!

I can't even begin to express how excited I am to announce the launch of our vintage t-shirt collaboration with Mel of Une Vie Geniale.  This is our first fundraising effort with proceeds going to the feminist collective Permanent Wave - a girl friendly group of activists getting stuff done in the city!!!  

Mel picked out 100 Dusty Rose Vintage tees that will go from this

to this.

 

We will be having our launch party in our booth at the Artists and Fleas in Williamsburg as part of our Fashion's Night Out celebration.

Here's the deets:

Be sure to make it out before 9 to take part in the outfit styling photo contest.  The winner gets a $50 Dusty Rose Vintage gift certificate!

If you have any questions or would like to help out, please email dustyrosevintage@gmail.com.

See you there.  xo

She was an American girl

When I was younger I thought being an American was basically an indictment in and of itself.  It wasn't until I started living outside of the country that I started to see some things about my country that truly made it a great place.  It's vastness and diversity alone are unparalleled.  Of course, it's not without its flaws, but what country is perfect anyway?  (Pipe down, Sweden, you have your own issues!)  I didn't go all teabagger or anything, but in a from-a-coast, lefty-liberal kind of way, I'm now proud to be an American.  So here's a little vintage tribute to the red white and blue.  

1960s geometric print hostess dress available here

Somehow Wild as a Mink's Nickie Sixx always ends up in these prim dresses.  It's perfect for hosting your 4th of July party!  If you are a classy lady, that is.  My rooftop BBQ outfits always end up being a little more low brow -denim cutoffs and a Bruce Springsteen muscle tee or something along those lines.  Maybe some day I'll have a 4th party to go to where snazzing up would be appropriate.  

1950s plaid playsuit/romper available here


What's more American than a tattooed pinup girl?    Ok, so Mel of Idee Geniale is actually a Canadian, but much to their chagrin, no one can tell the difference based on site alone.  That's why they plaster that flag all over themselves when they travel.  Secrets out, Canadians.  We all know why you do it.  I'm just glad you don't have the flags all over your suburban homes and pickup trucks.  There's pride and then there's just plain tacky.

1980s red silk polka dot Albert Nipon dress available here


This look seriously cracked me up.  Brooke of One Red Balloon literally looks like Nancy Reagan in these shots.  Which is pretty funny because it's all the rockabilly girls who usually love this dress because red polka dots are a huge part of the quintessential 50s Americana uniform.  So it just goes to show how much hair style and accessories can completely transform a garment.  Imagine this with a shrunken blazer, Bettie Page bangs and saddle shoes.  Yup, you see it.

That's what's so awesome about clothes.  You get to do whatever you want with them.  I like to be someone slightly different every day.  I think some of the folks in my neighborhood think I'm a lunatic (which is probably true) but it's still fun to keep them guessing.  

Minimize and Maximize

Thank you 1960s London for your Swinging 60s and for giving us Mary Quant.  Her daring styles gave birth to the mini skirt.  I could go on about how both liberating and terrifying this invention was for many women, but really all you need to do is see a micro mini and the historical significance just shows.  Right?

1960s mod mini dress available here

But over in the States this look would not have worked for all the drug crazed festivals and such.  Imagine going to Woodstock in such a tiny number!  Although some certainly did, many flower children opted for the more comfortable maxi dress.  No embarrassing panty shots in one of these!

1960s halter maxi dress available here

The Status Set

These regal colors and status prints on these garments scream high society.  Perfect for a socialite gathering in the 80s.  They make me think of those amazing passages in Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities where he describes in such great detail the clothes that people are wearing at the parties Sherman McCoy attended.  I remember being really impressed by the way how descriptive he was about the fashions of the status set.  I'd love to read his take on these babies.

Joan Threat wears a

1980s black and gold ESCADA silk blouse with Medieval calendar print

Kill E Kepowski wears a

1980s pure silk RALPH LAUREN lion crest scarf print wrap skirt

Snowflake wears a

1990s pure silk MAX MARA regal print blouse

 

 

I'm Your Secretary

 

Long before Maggie Gyllenhaal took my breath away in the movie, I've had a special place in my heart for the demure yet naughty mystique of the secretary.  So prim, high collared blouses are at the top of my love list.  What I particularly love about this little collection is both the way the colors work together, and the fact that they're all high end labels.  When it comes to classic wardrobe staples, I'm a strong believer in going both vintage and top quality.  These pieces will stand the test of time and can be worn in so many ways that they can stay relevant in your closet for decades.  They're perfect for pairing with modern wares. 

Showgirl Godzilla wears a

1980s silk fire engine red YVES SAINT LAURENT kitten bow secretary blouse

Joan Threat wears a

1980s burgundy ST JOHN kitten bow secretary blouse

Kill E Kepowski wears a

1970s honeysuckle peach PACO RABANNE silk ruffle blouse

 

 

 

Romping Around

What is it about rompers that just gets me every time?  They really shouldn't because I have a bladder the size of a walnut and am regularly in NYC bathrooms that aren't really safe for basically totally undressing to have a wee.  And yet my love for them endures. 

 

This 90s revival darling is so light and airy that I can imagine Showgirl Godzilla contorting her body into any of the amazing shapes she's capable of without the slightest resistance.  

 Downtown Doll SCARlet Fever couldn't possibly be more adorable in this 60s panda print playsuit. 

The Dolls go demure in Dusty Neutrals

It's in the name, so it's probably obvious that I love dusty, muted tones.  Don't get me wrong, I'm way more known for loud, in your face colors and prints, but that comes from processing thousands of pounds of clothes a day.  When you see that much stuff, your eye tends to be drawn to the outlandish.  But I really do love these dusty pastels.  They remind me of the things I actually loved about living in the Southwest...  infinite pink horizons broken by sage colored cacti and purple mountains...  Actually, these colors kind of make me think of the special "Southwestern Theme" McDonalds in Sedona.  The city had (has?  haven't been there in soooo long!) really strict policies about commerce and all the businesses had to use a very specific color palette.

What a weird thing to be reminded of.  I think all of the epic snow New York is getting this year is actually making me miss the desert.  And maybe messing with my head a little bit. 

Joan Threat wears a 60s DITSY FLORAL print dress and a 50s cream handbag

 

SCARlet Fever wears a 90s grunge revival HONEYSUCKLE romper

Snowflake wears a 50s sage wool BOBBIE BROOKS sweater