Why not post the most recent outfit and tell you a vintage story. So, Justin and I took these pictures last weekend, and it was quite freezing outside! It would really be wiser to wear one of my parkas on a day like this, but I wanted to show off my elegant all-gray attire before I show off my coats and parkas.
I've always loved a good sweater dress or a sweater+skirt set, so when this set went on clearance sale, I jumped into the last wagon and snapped it. I love everything about it. It's very soft and feels good on my skin, and the sophisticated knitted pattern goes all the way around, not just on the front part of the outfit as they often do these days. Obviously, it's a bonus that you can wear the skirt separately from the sweater and vice versa, but at the same time when worn together, they have a look of a dress. When I looked at pictures, this outfit reminded me of a somewhat similar layered look I created years ago in JANUARY 2015 - not so bad!
Speaking of layers, I chose to top my outfit with a wool blazer with a faux fur collar which I also bough on clearance having this particular look in mind. Obviously, there are many more options, and all the three items are versatile, but I really enjoy this combination. I know it isn't what you got used to - bold colors and lots of bling - to see on my blog. But I love all colors, and these shades of gray are beautiful.
Let's skip talking about my jewels this time, and jump right to this timeless beauty - genuine vintage lizard skin purse. It's not something we necessarily want to do in our times, but back in midcentury times they used reptile skins instead of traditional leather. As I understand, it started in the WWII period when fashion was the last thing on the menu since all the manufacturers and majority of world resources were spent on the war. And so there wasn't traditional leather available for purses, and fashion turned to alternative ways. Lately, I am more intently and intensely into vintage shopping than I've ever been before, mostly finding things to decorate out home. But I have a few vintage fashion finds, and on the top of my lucky finds is this lizard skin purse made by a vintage brand Bellestone.
I read that it's from 1940-1960 and was a reputable brand with high quality alligator and lizard skin purses, premium hardware, metal feet, completed with a comb, coin purse and mirror. They were sold in fancy stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Bonwit Teller. I found my purse at Goodwill for $25. Their prices are higher for collectibles, but it's a great price for owning a piece of history. It's in absolutely pristine condition with no bad smell, no stains or broken skin. In the creases (on the sides of the purse), the leather still has high gloss as if it was brand new. I believe mine is from the 1960s, and inside is vinyl. I imagine that a fashionable woman had it in her wardrobe and took good care of it, so now I can enjoy wearing it too, and some day perhaps my daughter will appreciate it.
My outfit is retail, bought on clearance. Other than the purse, my clip-on earrings are vintage as well, most probably from the 1980s - love them. Photos by Justin.
That's my story for today, and I'd like to hear your vintage stories.
Let's meet in comments!
XO
Natalia
That sweater set is incredible! I'm sorry you braved the cold for the photos but you look fabulous.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sam!
DeleteWhen I've lived away from the west coast (say in New York or Toronto), the colours I've missed the most are the mix of soft and deep greys, greens, and blues of a west coast winter. The mountains, the ocean, and the clouds can be beautiful here in winter. Your outfit perfectly matches your setting, and my setting too!
ReplyDeleteWell said, Charlotte! I too love these soft colors.
DeleteHello Natalia, the soft grey knit is lovely as is the fur trim jacket. The alligator handbag was a good find. I have seen similar here over the years but they are quite expensive and not always in good condition. Hope all is well. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jill! Yes, alligator purses can be few hundreds dollars here as well. I hope you and I will find one in a thrift shop at a perfect price and quality!
Deletebeautiful look!
ReplyDeleteits fab how you´d bookend the dainty gray with the warm tones of bag - gorgeous thing -, shoes and sunnies.... matching your hair!
the jacket has an air of vintage too.....
xxxx
You've noticed all those details, of course! "Bookended" - good one! I also find this jacket surprisingly vintage-y. :)
DeleteGreys are chic and sophisticated if worn imaginatively, like you did here! The sweater set is fabulous and does indeed look like a dress when worn together. It's making me crave a grey sweater dress I used to have in the 1980s. The fur trimmed jacket is stunning - hard to believe it's not vintage - and of course I am swooning over your lizard skin purse. What a find! Sending hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann! I'd love to see that sweater dress of yours. Sweaters were a huge thing back in the 1980s, and I've knitted a bunch back then. I am glad you like the jacket and purse!!
DeleteThe grey sweater knit set looks amazing on you. Great that you can wear the skirt and the top separetely too. That's why I love set. You can always mix and match. The grey jacket is fabulous as well. The vintage leather bag is a beauty. I'm sure Anya will appreciate it too and wear it some day. It's great when clothes tell a story. That's my fav kind of a clothing item or accessory, the kind that tells the story.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos and location. You look so lovely dear.
Thank you, Ivana! I agree, sets are both practical and inspire to mix and match! Oh the stories we could hear from our old stuff...
DeleteWell done for braving the inclement weather to how us your stylish outfit! I do like the vintage vibe of your jacket and the handbag is fabulous - you paid a brilliant price for it! xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vix! It's good to hear it from such a vintage expert as yourself! xxx
DeleteHello Natalia! Your name popped up in my Nextdoor connection suggestions so I'm swinging by to say hello. Remember many years ago when we met at a coffee shop in Burien? Good to see you're still posting. Hoping you and your family are doing well. Hugs and happy holidays to you!
ReplyDeleteHi Joni, of course I remember the day with you! I am so happy to hear from you! Let's get together some time again! Happy holidays to you and yours!!
DeleteThat would be fun! Happy Holidays to you 3 as well.
DeleteWyglądasz wspaniale:)))dzianinowa sukienka super:)))Pozdrawiam serdecznie:)))
ReplyDeleteHappy holidays to you and your family!
ReplyDelete