More missing vintage bags

My blogging pals, we have been traveling this week so I've been unable to snap pics of my outfits. Now that we're home I shall put together some juicy ensembles to show you.

In the meantime, I'll do a part deux of the vintage handbags that have somehow gone MIA during my move from Toronto to Ottawa in Canada, and then overseas to the UK. This was my FAVE carpet bag, Missoni-esque in look, in perfect condition, 1960s or 70s- bought for $60 (not a Grunge Queen price) a few years ago at the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club's show & sale. It is just such a beaut.

A great 1970s clutch and another member of the missing handbag club. I bought this for less than $20 CAD, if memory serves, in Toronto a few years ago.

I snagged this super soft leather bag last fall at a vintage store in Toronto, and I wore it a lot. It is also in the missing box. I think that's it for the missing handbags, but it's amazing how quickly you forget. Every time I see an old pic on this blog or in my files, I think, "Ahha! That one is missing too!". Hopefully they're residing safely in my Mom's basement. Will keep you posted.

Read More

My purple 1970s sunnies, on request, and thrifted New York look

I'm posting a close-up of the 70s sunnies I featured the other day, found in a Canadian hardware store for three dollars, on the request of Joni from Walking Colors - whose 1970s style, and sense of colour, I totally admire.

This photo was taken two years ago exactly, when I helped do the PR for the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club's semi-annual show & sale. The 1950s necklace belonged to a seller, but the rest of the look was created by me comprising some of my vintage thrifty finds.

At the time I called this my New York look. The crowning achievement is the hot pink vintage brocade jacket I found at Goodwill for $6.99, if memory serves. I'm wearing it over a thrifted Teenflo little black dress, accessorized with a 1970s gold belt and my beloved Paragon of Toronto vintage handbag that I found for just a few bucks in a thrift shop and stupidly gave away when I moved overseas. The shoes were new, but inexpensive.

The necklace was a beaut too, 1950s glass or crystals. The earrings were borrowed from the same owner as the necklace, 1980s I'm guessing. I had fun playing model for the show and we took some great snaps, which I featured here two years ago.

Head on over to Visible Monday and check out other fab thrifty stylistas.

Read More

I don't normally do bling "sets"

All my bling-bling is packed away in anticipation of my transatlantic move, but I did happen to have a pic of the lovely Danish and pewter pendant (circa 1960s/70s?) given to me as a wedding present from one of the members of the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club. I just love it. I'm so attracted to green these days; I think it's a sign of fresh new beginnings.

I'm not really a matchy-matchy person, but when I saw this used silver and green ring at the TVCJC Sale in November, I picked it up for $20. Even though it's more contemporary, it still goes with the pendant. So now I have a set. Gee, I sure do miss my bling that's all packed away ....

Read More

Jontue perfume necklace - so cool!

I bought this necklace a few weeks ago at the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Sale - for a mere eight bucks. A friend from the club pointed it out and thought it would be good for me, and she was right. It's not just the simplicity of it that attracted me.

The petal disc is quite thick - that's because when you pop the top off, you'll find a thick solid circular slab of perfume - in perfect unused condition - called Jontue, a real 1970s classic. It may have gone off a bit but I won't actually wear the stuff - I just loved the retroness of it all. As you can see from the back, it looks like it was even made in my hometown, Ottawa. Perhaps this was meant as some cosmic welcome home pressie as I prepare for my wedding!!

Read More

Vintage costume jewellery sale - tomorrow in Toronto

It's time for the annual pilgrimage to the Leaside Memorial Gardens for the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club show & Sale. It's tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1073 Millwood Rd.

Am I selling any of my fab vintage costume bling? No. Will I be shopping there? Likely.

Maybe I'll see you there.

Read More

This little vintage piggy went to the antique market

But she didn't cry wee wee wee all the way home - that's 'cos she had such a fun time with her gal pal, Marsha, at the Sunday Antique Market at the St. Lawrence Market downtown!!

It was a fab day for so many reasons - and not just because I got to eyeball goodies such as this modish plastic purse with boho embellishments (a bit of a contradiction in terms for me, but still it caught my eye).

I also got to meet 'in the flesh' some amazing folk that I have only known in the Twitter or blogosphere - like Yank Azman, who shares a booth at the market with his wife (he does guy vintage stuff like cufflinks and she does bling and handbags - the bag above is hers, and it was selling for only $40).

Yank is an antiques dealer, actor and so much more (check out the link I've provided; he's a true Renaissance Man), and he was one of my first Twitter pals; then we became Facebook friends, and then I SAW him at a bunch of Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club sales but I didn't introduce myself as he was so busy selling (NOTE: next TVCJC sale is Sunday, April 17 at Leaside Gardens, 10am-4pm, free admission and really good vintage bling!). Then today, at market, we finally met - and the crazy thing is, we both recognized each other in an instant! (This retro plastic crochet-like purse: only $30).

I also saw tons of my pals from the TVCJC who are dealers at the market. One dealer, "Robbie", is a relation of a lovely lady who I met through the club. I've only ever corresponded with Robbie via email, so again, it was great to put the face to the name. It looks as though he just may well be the King of the Sunday Antique Market. He occupies one of the best tables (at the southern end, on a corner, in between the washrooms and the snackbar) and it looks as though every one knows him.

I also had the pleasure of meeting - finally - Kelly Stapleton of BlackRose Vintage, who I 'met' through this blog. Kelly and a few other vintage dealers have the only standalone shop in the same building as the Sunday Antique Market, called Antiques at the St Lawrence (no website but check out 92 Front St. E; 416-350-8865 and open Thursdays - Sundays).

Kelly and I were having so much fun chatting that I can't give you the full low down on what she carries, but suffice it to say the shop is full of Shabby Chic linens, English china and assorted tableware, and a range of vintage accessories, clothing and bling.

Meanwhile outside, I found this pendant and chain from dealer Larry Noble. I was generally disappointed with the vintage bling at the market as a whole - there are a few good dealers, and the rest sell junky contemporary stuff. This piece was inexpensive and I just loved its rough hewn look - such a contradiction when you look at the style of the piece.

Larry has some neat jewellery items - some vintage, some contemporary, some handmade. His crystal-like necklaces that you can see behind him are outfitted with glimmering chandelier pieces as pendants, and let me tell you, they catch my eye every time I go to the market. Think I will have to buy one the next time I go back

Especially since I am now in possession of an Anti Haggle coupon Larry gave me, which entitles me to 25% off my next purchase. What a sweetheart.

Larry also gave me a Happiness and Good Fortune coupon, which invites me to Keep my Sunnyside Up, Be Thankful, and Keep Smiling, and Think Positive. Words to live by.

It was an apt message to take home from the market, because today was a very good Karma day. All of the people I have written about here I like and would buy from - in fact would deliberately seek them out. Buying from peeps you like keeps the good Karma churning, in my opin.

Read More

Toronto Vintage Costume Jewllery Club Show coming in April

I look a bit dorky here but am wearing a piece I bought at last April's Toronto Vintage Costume Jewllery Club Show. It's stamped Sperry, a name about which I know zip, but it's one of my faves. It came with a bracelt with the same heart/design motif, $45 for the pair.

If you're on the lookout for vintage costume bling, the next show is this Sunday, April 17 at the Leaside Memorial Gardens in Toronto. For more info check out the club's Facebook page or email tvcjclub@hotmail.com! See you there!

Read More

January blahs & vintage bling

I got the blues, bigtime. My solution: bling, and colour.

I've been eying this 1980s Lucite necklace at the last two Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sales.

Isn't it fab?

May have to call the dealer and see if it's still available.

If you're interested in joining the club, we renew memberships at our first meeting of the year next week, so leave a comment or send me an email and I'll send you the email of the appropriate person to contact.

Read More

Carpet bags: my wee collection

As you may know, I have a definite thing for retro and vintage handbags and purses, invariably picked up at the thrift shop.

One subcategory within this group: vintage carpet bags.

We're not talking old-fashioned Victorian carpetbags - but rather ones from the 1950s to 70s. This was my first purchase and if memory serves it was $40. I'm guessing the era is 1970s (bought at The Bead Goes on in Toronto - a great place to pick up a vintage croc bag in wonderful shape).

True, I do pay more for my carpet bags than I do my other vintage purses - namely because they're hard to find in vintage and thrift stores. I never would have found this Missoni-esque purse in mint condition at the thrift shop.

Instead I found it last year at the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sale for about $60. That's the most I've ever paid for a bag, but it was worth it.

I found this 1950s/60s one at a subsequent TVCJC Show & Sale, for only $15 or $20, but it's not in as good condition. The leather is peeling back on one of the handles and it's a wee bit stinky.

My most recent acquisition: a smaller purse in lovely bright hues, no smell, $19.99 at Canadian Thrift Stores (CTS) on Queen St. West.

Do I ever wear these purses? Rarely. Like my other vintage bags they adorn the walls of my apartment. Does that make me a true collector?

Read More

What I got at the vintage bling sale yesterday

This was the scene yesterday at the third semi-annual Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sale, a group I am part of. I wasn't selling but I did pop in to take a gander. It was a busy day and I did the entire round of close to 30 tables.

Now, you know I'm in clear out mode. So my mission: find one special piece and spend only what was in my pocket, $40.

Here I am at the sale. I'm looking pretty happy - and not just because I'm wearing my first pair of leggings (a cross between a jegging and a legging as they are made of a cotton cord material) since the 1980s. I'm also wearing THE PIECE I bought yesterday, which cost exactly $40!!

It's a vintage (circa) 1970s Napier pendant with these cut out concave jelly-bean shapes in red, white and black enamel. Very sculptural. I actually saw this very piece at the club's spring show and wanted to buy it then. This time, the seller and club member, a real sweetie, remembered that I loved it. She had it priced at $70 but gave me a super sweet deal. Thanks M!

Here's a pic I snapped of the piece at the spring sale.

Napier began, under a different name, in the States in 1875, apparently. The Napier brand is still being manufactured under the Jones Apparel Group (JAG) today.

I'm pretty happy with my new bling. As you can see, it's a real showstopper against a black cashmere turtleneck!

Read More

Toronto Costume Vintage Jewellery Club Show & Sale - TODAY

I was eye-balling this piece at the spring Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sale but didn't get it, alas. Well the doors opened at 10 a.m. today for the fall show, at Leaside Memorial Gardens, 1078 Millwood Rd. in Toronto.

I'm still feeling under the weather with a bad cold and sinus infection, but I'm hopping on a bus soon and hope to be there around noon to take a gander and visit with some of my bling lovin' pals. If you're thinking of popping in the show is in the William Lea room and runs til 4 p.m. today. There are 20+ vendors selling vintage costume jewellery, purses, accessories and vanity items.

Maybe I'll see you there!!

Read More

Get wise to Weiss, and vintage costume jewellery knockoffs

As you may know, I'm a lover of vintage (particularly 1970s) costume jewellery and am a member (however fleeting) of the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club (which is having its semi-annual Show & Sale in exactly one week; see details here).

This brooch and clip-on earring set is def not my style. My friend Matt gave it to me to research for him and possibly sell. The name on the back is "Weiss", a highly collectible name for vintage bling hounds - and for those who make and sell fake Weiss.

Thanks to the Google Gods and a book a member lent me, I'm close to concluding that what I have is a fake, meaning the set would fetch waay less than a real Weiss (some brooches go for $150, my sources say).

One, though the jewel-like pieces have the appearance of being prong-set, they're really not. And, not pictured here, the back is textured and the pros say the authentic ones are smooth.

Weiss stopped making jewellery in 1971, which perhaps explains its popularity in collecting circles.

Sorry Matt, looks like you got a dud.

Thanks to Vintage Costume Jewels for the information on Weiss.

For an interesting article (published in 2006) on people selling fake vintage costume jewellery on Ebay, see this New York Times article.

Read More

Blogger interview turned thrift dig

It was just supposed to be a blogger interview at Value Village on DIY Halloween costumes (which I will be working on this weekend and posting next week, fyi).

But then, you see, I saw this jacket.

Purple, as you may know, is very BIG this season. But I really hate the shade that's out there: it's kinda cloying 1980s harsh for me. A more subdued grape bordering on heather, on the other hand, has a totally different effect.

And when it's a matter of a perfectly adorable retro all-wool jacket with three-quarter sleeves and fitted cropped bodice, made under a charming and rather long-winded label "The Best of London by Jules for Progress, Montreal" for a mere $7.99, well how can a blogger who's just finished a thrift interview resist?

OK I admit it: I arrived a few minutes early and started shopping before the interview even began! The first place I went: the jewellery case. This Sarah Coventry ring popped right at out me. I've only purchased one of her rings before but I know their look: largish 1950s-60s looking cocktail rings that usually have an adjustable band that wraps around in a very artful way at the back. And it's signed.

Here's a closer look. Isn't it pretty? There are tiny faceted glass pieces on each layer of the flower, FYI. Sarah Coventry costume jewellery is somewhat collectible but not worth tons as there is lots of it out there. The first ring I bought at a Mount Pleasant Rd. boutique was $15 and this one was $12.99. I was half reassured half perturbed at the price as it means that the VV pricing Gods are getting better at pricing vintage pieces! Speaking of vintage costume bling mark your calendars: the next Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Sale is Sunday, November 28. More deets coming soon.

Here's the final look. Interestingly, most of this outfit is NOT thrift, for shame. The sassy Michael Kors lace-up booties I bought for half off a few years ago; they still cost me part of my rent but I love 'em and they're fab with skinny jeans.

The top: wool ballerina top bought at Club Monaco that I love but am SO unhappy with. It keeps tearing and falling apart. Am going to call the manager and see what can be done. Most definitely bolsters my argument for buying quality vintage pieces! As for the jeans, new at a Riverside shop, but the shop carries some vintage too so there ya go. Scarf was new but loved it so. Necklace: def 1970s vintage and I paid too much for it a year ago, enough said.

Read More

Creamscicle outfit, vintage chain

I love this outfit, most of which was thrifted or free (except for the purse, bought on sale).

I feel like a long cool Creamsicle. And I love the way my pal Chris has positioned me here in front of the icy steel facade.

I found these white wide-legged pants by Club Monaco at Goodwill for $6.99, if memory serves. They go so well with the luscious lime green top by Toronto designer Franco Mirabelli, which I got in a press kit. I wuv it.

The silver bracelet was $5, second-hand, and the retro 1960s shades you've seen before they were picked up for a fiver at the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Sale earlier this spring.

I hope you can see the necklace, but it's one of my fave 'new' vintage ones and I think it suits the 1960s vibe of the outfit.

It was $6.99 at Goodwill.

It's comprised of interchanging rectangular plastic (Lucite perhaps?) and filigre boxes. Isn't it just so cool?

Just have to show you the ensemble with the shades.

The perfect to start the long weekend here in Toronto!

Wherever you are, have a good one, and happy thrifting!!

Read More

Retro oversize shades - my collection

The long weekend in Toronto has been lovely, even though I've been chained to my desk working on a contract.

Last night I let loose and went out. Here I am in my latest vintage acquisition, a pair of authentic 1970s sunglasses! Aren't they fab?

I picked them up in a vintage shop that's squirreled away in the basement of a book shop. The place is called "Vantage Ground" and it's located at 758 Bathurst St. just south of Bloor in Toronto.

The shades were $15 and still had the original tag on them (which said "Valentino", ha ha, not THE Valentino).

There was also the original sticker still stuck on one of the lenses. I was thinking that perhaps the shades were repros, or reproductions, but on second thought I don't think so. They just look too well made to be contemporary fun shades - does that sound too cynical?

I have a thing for retro over-size shades. Here are the purple ones that started it all.

I may look a little scary and pale here - it was after an event and I was tired - but hopefully these glasses speak for themselves. Second-hand but in great shape, they were reposing in the window of an ancient hardware store on Danforth called "Tracey's Hardware." And they were $3!

Then there's these crazy ones, made in Italy, ooh la la, but picked up at my fave vintage bling and handbag shop in the city, "The Bead Goes On" just off Bayview Ave. at Soudan in Toronto.

They were $15. The blue is slightly freaky on me, but I wear them when the mood and outfit is right. They are so impossibly retro!

And last but not least, I scored these vintage babies at the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sale April 24 at Leaside Memorial Gardens - for five bucks!

Dealer Anita was selling them for her auntie - they belonged to her and Anita told me she remembered her aunt wearing them decades ago!

Actually I owe Anita a buck so they were really $4.

Which ones do you like best?

And while we're at it which haircut do you like best? As you can see I'm growing my hair after being short short for years ....

Read More

Borrowed bling for Innovators' Ball at Ontario Science Centre

Tip: if you're an aspiring Grunge Queen and don't want to spend the cash on bling, here's a cheap strategy: get a loaner!

Toronto jewellery designer Rita Tesolin kindly offered me some pieces from her Fall 2010 collection when she learned I was going to the LG Innovators' Ball last week at the Ontario Science Centre.

Needless to say, I was thrilled. The beaded twisted chain was heavy metal glam all the way and totally rocked with my simple black dress by Toronto designer Mark Foreman.

And look at the ring to match! Heck, who even needs to wear a dress with these sparkly statement pieces!

The look was perfect for the event, what with its "Midnight Spell" theme complementing the centre's Harry Potter exhibition.

I'd like to think I stood out among all the short, tight dresses worn by women much younger than me.

Sad to think that "that age" is approaching where we must now be, well, less exhibitionist, shall we say?

Maybe not. I'd like to think my borrowed bling, coupled with my sexy crochet stockings picked up at a warehouse sale, were enough of a ... statement.


Here's a more pro shot with me and my date - gee, come to think of it, this good looking gent was the man who took pics of me for the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sale promo shots. Joey Cee
also took the two pics of me above.

We kind of match, don't we?

As you can see, I wore a velvet jacket over the ensemble, a thrifted Goodwill jacket made by a Parisienne designer.

Oooh la la.

Read More

Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sale, Part deux

So the second semi-annual Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sale April 24 at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens was a resounding success; we must have had at least 600 people through the doors throughout the day.

Here's Olga, club member who also sells at Toronto's St. Lawrence Antiques Market on Sundays. She's holding a bracelet made of Lucite, an acrylic resin that was a popular vintage costume jewellery material in the 1920s to 50s. There are lots of different types of Lucite - Bakelite is a more rare form that is often carved.

Lucite vintage costume jewellery isn't uber rare, from what I can tell, but Bakelite - often called 'fakelite' because there are so many bracelets and such masquerading as Bakelite out there - is more rare, and heavier. It was developed in the early 1900s for industrial use but became popular during the war for jewellery makers as it was relatively inexpensive.

For some reason there are more Bakelite bangles out there than, say, pendants, and most are a butterscotch hue but that can also range to orange, red, and green. Bakelite, fyi, is technically a trade name as it was originally developed by the Bakelite Corporation, but now the term seems to be used to describe any vintage piece that has the same chemical composition.

Jewellery buffs have different ways of identifying the stuff. One way to determine if an item is real Bakelite is to rub the piece until it heats up, then take a whiff. If it smells like formaldehyde it's real. Another tip I've heard from the club is to run the piece under hot water to see if it smells.

Here's a truly lovely piece by Miriam Haskell, an American designer who had her own company that still exists today under the name Miriam Haskell, though the designer died in the early 1980s.

Vintage Miriam Haskell pieces are highly collectible and are known for their beautiful handcrafted details, like the tapestry beading technique you see here.

Dealer and Newmarket, Ontario retailer Karla Wilson specializes in Miriam Haskell pieces in her decor and furnishings shop, Haven Contemporary Decor.

I can't recall the price of this piece exactly but I think it was around $400-$500.

Pictured here: a collectible Sherman set for $395. Gustave Sherman was a Canadian costume jewellery designer who designed from 1947-81. His Swarovski crystal brooches, earrings and pendants were always prong-set and for that reason have stood the test of time.

Though some Sherman diehards say that all Sherman pieces are signed there is a debate raging in the bling universe over that statement. Truth is, the designer's pieces were never documented so it's hard to tell.

All I can say: bewareth the fakes. I was in Value Village a few weeks ago and was drawn to a set of clip-on earrings made in the bright hues Sherman was so well known for. They were indeed signed "Sherman" on the back in a signature I identify with Sherman, but they 'gems' were plastic beads, not Swarovski crystal, and they weren't set using a prong method but rather had what looked like along pin going through the beads. Never seen a Sherman like this so I left 'em there, even though they were only $9.99.

According to dealer Melanie this brooch is by Coro, a popular maker of vintage jewellery from the early part of the 20th century to the late 1970s - though the Canadian branch existed into the early 90s.

Coro made various levels of jewellery, Coro Craft being on the high-end. The Coro Craft and Vendome lines are most collectible.

Melanie told me this brooch wasn't signed but is still a rare and well-known Coro piece - that explains the $300 price tag.



I can't comment on the Coro signature piece as I'm still learning, but that's the thing that I've learned with collecting vintage costume bling: a signature is desirable but not not always an indicator of value, and unsigned pieces can be valuable too.

TVJC Club founder and president Patricia Gostick, pictured here with an amazing chunky Lucite necklace from the 1980s, would concur, I think. This piece isn't signed but is lovely and original.




I always heed the rule that if you love it and can see it fitting into your life (and you're not necessarily in the biz to sell), buy it.

I fell in love with this chain necklace, which is actually made of tiny tiny beads. The dealer was really eclectic and didn't have uber 'collectible' pieces per se, but she just had an eye. Everything on her table was different, and had a certain look to it, if you know what I mean.

It was only $45 and I really should have picked it up as I have never seen anything like it - and it totally suits my rocker-inspired look these days. But I left it there, sigh.

I opted for this signed bracelet and choker set from the same dealer for the same price, marked "Sperry."

Can't find a ton of info on it online, other than the maker was known as the Sperry Manufacturing Company of Providence, Rhode Island that started in 1947. No details on how long the company lasted nor how valuable its pieces are, but apparently it's hard to find a set such as this.

No matter: I love it so well I've worn it every day this week. The necklace really popped against this Kelly green turtleneck.


I couldn't resist this retro carpet bag - only $25! I have a thing about vintage carpet bags since buying one two years ago at Toronto shop The Bead Goes On (a fave shop for vintage bling and bags off Mount Pleasant Rd. in Toronto). At the November TVCJ Club sale I bought another one from Patricia Gostick. Now I have a nice little collection going. And I do use them.

It says "JR Florida" inside. I'm off to Florida for my best pal's wedding in a month so I'm taking it as a sign from the Shopping Gods that this bag was meant for me.

I'm showing my bag off with my new pal Genny Iannucci, whom I met the week previous to the sale at a media round table event for Linea Intima in Toronto. Genny's a fashion contributor and spokesperson and you can see her on the Steven and Chris show on the CBC.

As you can see, Genny found a fab 1970s leather bag at the show that was made in Vancouver, British Columbia. It's bootiful, and Genny, you look marvelous modeling it!




All in all, the Toronto Vintage Costume Jewellery Club Show & Sale April 24, 2010 at Leaside Memorial Community Gardens was a great success. We got shout-outs in the blog and online world from local journalist Nathalie Atkinson, style writer at the National Post; personal style coach and boutique shopping tour diva Wendy Woods of The Refinery in Toronto; Toronto fashion blogger extrodinaire Anita Clarke of I Want I Got; She does the City and Torontolife.com. Yay, thanks to every one for getting the word out!

One last look at my retro purple shades picked up at the sale for $5, and my signed Sperry set.

Last week I wrote about the Toronto Bottle Show
with Rob Campbell of Toronto's Dumpdiggers, and as you can see here Rob dropped by to check out the TVCJ Club Show & Sale. He's chatting here with club member Patricia Stark.

Rob's no stranger to vintage costume bling. In fact after I found those fake Sherman clip-ons at VV I Googled "How to spot a fake Sherman" and his Dumpdiggers site came up as he did a post on Sherman. Talk about blogging Karma! Looking forward to reading his take on the show soon.

Read More