Vintage Reproduction Atomic Ceramic Cats! (Royal Dux)

Over a month ago, I found an amazing pair of vintage repro ceramic cats done in the "Royal Dux" style on Etsy.  I have been looking for a real Dux set for a long time and when happen to find a couple of pairs, they were very expensive or had damage.

The "Royal Dux" company, originally known as "Duxer Porzellanmanufaktur," was founded in Czechoslovakia in 1860 by Eduard Eichler.  This brand is known for its distinctive seal, or "pink triangle:"

Royal Dux created vases, figurines, and ornate sculptures.  The designs ranged from art nouveau opulence to modern simplicity.  The modern cat design became very popular in the 50s and early 60s.  Here are a a few examples of authentic originals:

I would LOVE to get my paws on these cats!  But, as I stated earlier, these Dux cats are usually very pricey and often difficult to find!

Despite being unable to track down the Royal Dux atomic kitties of my MCM dreams, I found a seller on Etsy who makes faithful reproductions using vintage molds!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/117109770/modern-atomic-retro-ceramic-mod-cats?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Here is the pair I purchased:

And here is how they look on my mantle in my den/TV room:

The cats measure 4.5 inches tall and are 5.5 inches long.  The colors are bold, bright orange and vivid teal blue.  I love the fact the cats were glazed in complimentary colors!  Total opposites on the color wheel!  The result is an intense pop of color on my otherwise boring white-painted, brick mantle!

I am very happy with my new repro cats!  They are perfect.  However, if I ever stumble upon a real Royal Dux cat or cats when I am antiquing, I may grab them (especially if the price and/or condition is right).

So, if you are looking for a little bit of atomic pottery for your MCM abode, you have to give Desert Arts Pottery on Etsy a look!

For The Love of Vintage Hair -Getting to Know Hair Pieces

In the 14 years I have been experimenting with vintage hairstyles (I did swing in the late 90s), it has only been recently that I began wearing hair pieces. In September 2009, I was diagnosed with genetic hair loss/hair thinning and started using Women's 2% Rogaine. Even though my hair has always been fine, as I approached my 30s, I noticed my hair was losing volume. So, not only was my hair fine, it was now becoming thin! Oh fun!

Despite my knee-jerk reaction to simply give up and cut my hair off, I began researching hair extensions. I found out from my stylist that not only were they super expensive, they required costly maintenance, and in many cases they could make my hair loss worse. I quickly nixed that idea!  Then one day while searching the Internet, I stumbled upon several online wig stores. I found everything from clip-in extensions, 3/4 wigs, headband wigs (a 1/2 wig with a headband attached), and even human hair clip-in extensions and volumizers.  After some decision making, I bought a synthetic clip-on ponytail and headband wig. Let me tell you, those two hair pieces became my precious accessories! I wore them both to death! When the wigs started to show their age, I knew I had to find something better made!

In 2011, I finally made the investment to buy a human hair 14 inch, clip-in volumizer.

http://www.wigs.com/product_info.php?cPath=2&products_id=3344

After I received the hair piece, I made an appointment for my stylist to color and cut it so it would match my color and blend into my own hair. I still have that volumizer and I wear it when I do a long, curled style.

However, lately I have not been wearing my volumizer as often. In the last six months, I have incorporated collagen supplements and a higher mcg Biotin pill into my daily vitamins. I continue to use my Rogaine for Women (the Target brand) faithfully. I am not sure who is the "culprit," but my hair is healthier and thicker!! I can wear my own hair in a fluffy ponytail or pigtail braids and not feel like I am bald!

This is my hair now and I am not wearing any hair piece:

I will never have thick hair but I my hair is definitely packing more volume!

Anyway, even though my hair is thicker, I still have a little trouble covering those mesh bun forms (found at Sally Beauty). I often need to tease my hair and use tons of hairspray to achieve full coverage. I do not like teasing my hair a lot. It can be very damaging, especially for hair like mine. I color it and it's thin. So, I need to find other ways to do vintage buns and up-dos that don't compound my hair's condition.

With that said, let me share with you my new little hair secret! HAIR PIECES!! Yes, hair pieces save the day again! Instead of clip-in volumizers or headbands, we are talking drawstring buns, wiglets, and toppers! I recently purchased three different synthetic hair pieces from a fabulous Etsy seller!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FancyNancyHairUpdos?page=1

I got the Dusty piece:

I also purchased the Gina:

And lastly, I bought the Audrey:

How do I wear them? I simply put my hair into a ponytail and wrap the ends into a bun and secure with an elastic. I spray my hair with a strong hold hairspray to smooth out my "base" and using the two hair combs attached inside the piece, I slide one comb on top of the bun and the other underneath. No bobby pins are required! The piece is so secure and lightweight so I just put on a hair flower or bow and I am out the door!

Now, most of you may know that hair pieces are nothing new. They have been around for ages. In the 18th century, wigs were a must for any lady wanting to keep with with the latest fashion! Marie Antoinette anyone? In the 1960s, wiglets and full wigs were all the rage!

My mom and mother-in-law were both in their teens and 20s in the 60s. Both of them have told me how wiglets were pretty much standard for daytime looks and evening style. Just look at Christina Hendricks' "Mad Men" character, Joan. She wears tons of hair pieces throughout various seasons. During the season two episode, "The Mountain King," Joan is seen wearing a gorgeous purple dress and what looks like two hairpieces, one being the main up-do and the other a braid wrap/accent.

Even though I HATE the Greg character (especially during this episode), I just can't stop looking at Joan! Her style and hair, particularly during the first two seasons, are just perfection! I want that dress!!

Nevertheless, I am simply over the moon I found such fantastic hair pieces!I love wearing them and I really love the ease in which I can do vintage up-do styling!

Outfit Post- Light Cotton Dress on a Warm Day in February

Even though it is February, the current temperature today in the DC area is 74 degrees! One of our local meteorologists, Doug Hill of ABC7 News, stated that we could possibly break temperature records! I was hoping for more snow despite the fact everyone else is pining to spend the day outside! Oh well. Maybe a huge blizzard will come next month. It is still winter afterall.

Nevertheless, due to the spring-like weather, today I am wearing the new 1950s brown plaid cotton dress I bought off Etsy earlier this week.  I paid 32.00 USD. The fabric is light and the plaid is a mix of warm red, slate blue, and grayish khaki green. 

Here I am this morning before leaving the house. The sun wasn't even up yet. I had to take care of my mother-in-laws cats before my early morning meetings.

Since the dress was missing its original belt, I put on a red one. To  further enhance the red tones in my dress, I wore my 40s red carved bakelite earrings along with my slowly expanding bakelite bangle collection:

I adore the collar on this dress but it needed a little extra sparkle so I put on a vintage brooch my mother-in-law gave me a few years ago:

After taking these pictures, I realized my 40s vintage brown and white saddle shoes were somewhat 'ho-hum,' so I quickly changed my shoes to my red suede wedges:

So, even though it is not a winter wonderland, I admit that I am enjoying wearing lighter fabric and no stockings! Heck, I may even go outside with my sketch book when I get home!

Next Tuesday, the weather forecasts are calling for temperatures to be in the 30s again. No snow is coming but again, it is still winter! A girl can still hope!

"New" Cat Eye Glasses!

Last week, I bought these 50s, clear acetate and light gold cat eye frames on Etsy. They are in amazing condition and look unworn! I paid 58.00 USD and with shipping, the total came to be just over 63.00 USD! I love the gold accents:

 
I received my glasses on Saturday and that afternoon, I took my new frames to my local optician and had them fitted with my prescription. One of the lab technicians, who happens to collect Victorian-era accessories and furniture, always ensures that my vintage frames are well taken care of!

In the past, other technicians and opticians have been reluctant to work on vintage eyewear because they are afraid the frames will snap/break when heated. So, I am truly lucky to have found a place where people understand the nature of vintage metal and plastics!

Here is me today wearing my new frames:

 (I am wearing a tee because I was going to the gym)

So, if you are looking for vintage eyewear, give Etsy and eBay a look!

Etsy Haul! A new coat, a bag, and a 49er jacket!

Despite my desire to save money (my annual two-week Colorado ski trip and Viva are coming up), I still find myself buying vintage wares! Recently, I purchased a new coat, a black suede handbag, a plaid 49er jacket, and a black angora turtleneck.

The gray wool Banana Republic coat that I wear daily has started to come apart. I bought it in October 2005. The lining is torn on the pleat,  it's missing a button, and the belt that adorns the back is now falling off. Despite the its flaws, I am amazed this coat has served me well for over 5 years!  Due to my coat's demise, I decided to look for a replacement and last week I found this lovely, taupe colored, wool-alpaca blend,1950s deadstock Rothmoore coat for under $60.00 USD:

As my turtleneck situation, one of my most-worn pieces is a black merino blend Forever 21 sweater that has become a pilled mess!  I bought it last winter for 17.00 USD. Forever 21 merchandise is not known for its longevity! Forever 21 is famous for being cute, trendy, and cheap! Nevertheless, I wore that turtleneck with wide leg pants, rolled jeans, and skirts. Because a black turtleneck pairs well with so many things, I got this one:

As for the plaid 49er jacket, I have been wanting one for a long time! It is so perfect to wear with a turtleneck and rolled jeans on the weekends! It is a must have for casual wear!  I got this 1950s, red plaid jacket for under 20.00 USD!

I needed a new black handbag and I think a girl can never have too many accessories! I bought this 50s, black suede beauty for 22.00 USD!

I am pleased with my purchases and I glad I did not "break the bank!" The next 'must-have' I have my eye on is a 50s party dress! I need to update my fancy attire collection!

So, what finds have you girls bought lately?

Calling All Petite Vintage Girls! 1960s Cream Beaded Sweater Up For Grabs!

Hey gals! I hope all are well on this fall day! Can you believe Thanksgiving is less than a week away? Before we know it, the Holiday season will be here in full force!

Anyway, I posted earlier this week about this cute 1960s, cream beaded sweater. I got it on Etsy only for 13.11 USD. Well, I received it yesterday in the mail and when I tried it on this morning before work, wouldn't you know it? She doesn't fit! Rats!! The major areas of concern were the bust, shoulders, and sleeves. Yet, the waist/torso fit fine. I was so disappointed and felt fat! The is the first time I have bought an item that fit too small. I guess there is a first time for everything.

The listing stated that the sweater was a 36 inch bust. I am a 34 bust so I assumed it would fit. Well, after getting to my office today, I looked at the listing details again and sure enough the mystery was solved: the shoulder-to-shoulder measurement is 14 inches! I am always a 15 inch measurement! No wonder the sweater barely fit!

Since this beauty does not fit me, I am offering it to any vintage gal out there who wants it for 10 dollars, including shipping. E-mail me at tara@progllc.com if any of you are interested.

So, here are the specifics:
-The sweater is 20.5 inches long.
-It fits a 34 bust, if not a 32 better.
-The shoulder to shoulder measurement is 14 inches.
-The waist will fit a 26/27 inch waist nicely. If you are 28, that is okay but nothing larger.
-The material feels like a soft wool/cashmere blend.
-There are no smells, stains, or yellow underarms.
-It looks and feels barely worn!

I really would like this beaded lovely to have a good, loving home!

My Etsy Deal of the Day!-50s Deadstock Dress for Only 43.40 USD!

Hey vintage gals, check this beauty I found on Etsy today! It is an unworn, 1950s, early 60s cotton plaid dress! I love the collar! It was on sale for $43.40 USD! I was trying to be good but yet again, I saw "sale" and "deadstock" and went all ga-ga! I am SO WEAK!

I think the husband needs to block Etsy, Dandelion Vintage, eBay, MAC Cosmetics, and Sephora!

Anyway, the dress was deadstock and on sale! What can I say? :)

Have you gals found any gems lately yourselves?

Latest Etsy Purchases

Even though I am trying to cut back on my spending, I still find myself buying vintage clothing on Etsy! Darn my vintage lust! I try to be good!  But what can I say? I needed some new winter skirts and a new set of Pjs. So, here are the latest buys from late last month and early this month!

I bought these unworn, never-opened vintage 50s light-weight cotton pajamas for $22.00 USD! I love how they are still in their original packaging! I have not gotten these yet! I cannot wait for them to arrive! I need these since I am traveling to Boca Raton, Florida for Thanksgiving and the weather will be warm and most of my pajamas are flannel.

I just HAD to get this beauty! It is a vintage, early 60s eggshell-colored beaded sweater that got for $13.11 USD! I can see this going with so many things from pencil skirts, circle skirts, and pants!

This late 50s wool skirt fits like a dream! I got it for $36.00 USD and it's in pristine condition! It looks great with cardigans, turtleneck sweaters, or blouses.

Even though this skirt fits a little big, I had to have it! This vintage 1950s wool skirt has a great geometric plaid print! It is a study wool and perfect for winter! I paid $22.99 USD. It looks fabulous with white, cream, red, and black!

This red, green, and black plaid skirt from the 50s is thick and heavy! I am so warm in this! Despite its weight, it hangs nicely when worn. I wore it on Election day with a black turtleneck from Forever 21. I paid just $18.00 USD! Love!

So, what have you girls bought lately? Please share!

Etsy Shop Now Open!

Hello, girls! I decided to 'bite the bullet' and sell some of my hand-made and vintage wares on Etsy! Right now I have a pair of barely worn, gold glitter pollys and a few resin pendants I made! The necklace above is another one of my creations (the bird is from another necklace I bought). I have not listed it yet since I need to measure its length.

I am going to be selling some resin bangles, some chiffon scarves, and a few of my hand-made hair flower barettes! I am excited!

Here is the url:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladybetty

Is It Just My Imagination? -Seemingly Increasing Vintage Prices on Etsy

Today while browsing Etsy for a few Fall skirts and dresses, I noticed several higher-priced items. I know this is normal. Even though 'vintage' equals 'used clothing,' people will pay big bucks because it is well, vintage. However, in the last few weeks or so, I feel like vintage prices have gotten higher overall.

I usually conduct my Etsy searches with "lowest prices" first and today it seemed like the gap between cheap and expensive was quite narrow. Is it just me, or have prices for vintage increased?

I suspect, and I could be wrong, that the reason for the price hike (if true) is due to the popularity of TV shows like Mad Men and the fact that many designers debuted vintage-inspired designs at the fashion shows earlier this year. Now that Fall is pretty much upon us, autumn couture is now available in the retail market. Since fashion dictates most people's purchases, I bet the demand for vintage/vintage-inspired clothing will be higher this season.

Now that vintage is even more chic, I think sellers are looking to cash in more than before. Until the current couture trends die down, I am guessing that most of us vintage gals will have to really 'crank up the heat' when it comes to finding a great vintage find for the right price.

So, what do you girls think? Have you noticed any increase in the cost of vintage?

My Most Recent Etsy Purchases!

Here are the vintage-fabulous items I recently bought off Etsy! I had been so good until now! Oh well, I do not feel too bad since most of the things are for my house.

A 50s vintage aqua-colored plastic napkin holder ($8.00) for my atomic kitchen:

A Salem North Star gravy boat ($10.00):

An atomic-era red ceramic dish for my TV room coffee table ($18.00):

A late 50s/early 60s coffee percolator ($22.99)!  My 14-year old Mr. Coffee died:

A light powder blue melamine sugar and creamer set ($12.00):

And, finally, a late 50s silky nylon dress ($30.00)! I wore this on Saturday for me and the husband's date night:

Earlier today, I bought a pair of 1950s stilettos in black leather for $28.00! I also bought a 22" x 46" piece of 1950s atomic fabric! I made a tablecloth out of it. I will post pictures soon!  All I need is some atomic-looking floor rugs and my main level will be pretty much done!

Do You Like 1980s-Made "40s Clothes?"

This is a 1980s-made, "40s dress" on Etsy right now.  Even though it looks okay, there is a part of me that sees my mom. I do not get a 40s vibe at all.  All it needs is a pair of tan Underall pantyhose, white socks, and a pair of white Reeboks. As a girl who grew up in the 80s and wears 40s and 50s vintage daily,  I have tried to browse the 80s, '40s-inspired' dresses to see if anything strikes my fancy but I just see 80s and nothing even close to a 40s look. Maybe I am being silly.

A lot 1980s dresses, especially from 1985 and beyond, had longer lines like the 40s. They were made with polyester and in prints like geometric waves or paisley. Shoulder pads were in and boy, were they big! Buttons were big too.  Belts were made of silky fabric with round buckles and some belts made with a heavy stretch material adorned with a plastic seashell or oval buckle. Right now as I type this, I can hear "Head to Toe" by Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam.

I guess I am a '40s/50s purist' because something about "70s does 40s" or "80s does 40s" just bugs me. Maybe because I lived in the 70s and 80s I am biased. I do not want to relive shoulder pads, L'Eggs, Reebok Hightops, acid-washed and zipper ankle jeans, and polyester designers like A. Byer, Kasper, and Jonathan Martin.

So, when you are browsing for your 40s, do you ever buy 70s or 80s clothing with '40s inspired looks?'

I Am Now I "Snood Snob" Convert!

This is me, wearing my new black snood that I bought from Arthelia's Attic on Etsy.com! I bought two others in warm red and green. I found out about these fantastically made, beautiful snoods from Brittany of Va Voom Vintage! Here is the link:

http://vavoomvintage.blogspot.com/2010/07/snood-snob-and-dress-she-made.html


Like Brittany, my first snoods were made of rayon. I bought mine from vintage clothing shops and online stores that sold vintage repro clothing. The rayon weave has the tendency to droop over time and it can even shred, causing little strings to hang out. Not a pretty sight, let me tell you! Since my hair is still on the shorter side (I have an original length Middy), the bottom of the rayon snood looks "flappy." If I had longer hair, this droopiness would be more "filled out."

However, with my new hand-knit snood, my shorter hair is not really an issue. The knit-weave is tighter and lays nicer on the head. The elastic band that encircles the snood's opening is also not as tight as the rayon version. Unlike the rayon, these knit snoods do not want to slip off! They fit well and feel secure without being too small in the band. The fit is perfect.


I am so happy with my new snoods! I will never go back to the rayon ever again! So, like Brittany, I am a now "snood snob!"


If you are looking for gorgeous, elegantly made snoods for your vintage wardrobe, be sure to visit Arthelia's Attic!


http://www.etsy.com/shop/artheliasattic

My Latest Vintage Buys

Over the last two weeks, I have purchased some new vintage goodies. I also bought three hand-knit snoods from a great seller on Etsy. Brittany over at Va Voom Vintage recently showed off her pretty snoods from the same seller and I knew I had to ditch the rayon "cheapies" for the quality yarn snoods! I have not gotten them yet but as soon as I do, I am going to post pictures.

Nevertheless, here are the latest goods:


A 50s vintage pearl and shell sweater guard. The ends grip my cardigans super tight! I love the delicate look!

A barely worn, plaid, 1950s house coat that I bought for 15.00 USD!

A super bright orange, boomerang shaped ceramic ashtray (looks never used!). I do not smoke but it is so cool to display in my living room!

A fabulous pink and gold ceramic starburst tray! Is this atomic heaven or what?!

A mottled green bakelite spacer that I got for 24.00 USD

My Latest Vintage Buys

After making an honest effort to be "good," my vintage obsession took over and defeated my futile resolve. This past week, I bought a two bags, a yellow bakelite spacer, an 80s (50s style) Hawaiian sundress, a 1950s blue nylon nightie (looks never worn) and a cream, wool cardigan from the late 50s/early 60s that still had the original tags on it!

I estimate that I spent about $140.00 USD for everything combined. Considering that I got six different items, I am quite pleased. In many cases, I can spend $140 on a pair of shoes, a vintage cocktail dress, or a Stop Staring stretch garbardine dress.

Despite my thrifty buys, I got my hair cut and re-colored last Friday (about $120), so I now I REALLY NEED to be good!

SO, without further ado, here are my purchases:

1950s, black wicker hinge bag bought off Etsy. It really feels solid and sturdy! It is roomy too! I can put all my day's essentials inside without compromising the bag's ability to close properly. Other than a few "age spots" and two, tiny spots inside the bag where the stitching is loose, it is lovely!

I got this 80s Hawaiian sundress off Etsy. It is done in a 50s style. The back is smocked and the shoulder straps have buttons for adjustment. The colors are super vibrant and the fabric is lightweight! This dress is flawless!
Here is an upclose view of the bodice:


A 1950s/early 60s cream wool cardigan. The tags are still on! I love the collar! I bought this off Etsy. (Etsy has proved to be amazing for vintage finds! I cannot even remember the last time I bought anything vintage from eBay!)

A light blue nylon and lace nightie from the 50s I got off Etsy! This nightie seems to have never been worn at all. The fabric is soft and the lace felt new and stiff. The inside tag is even unwrinkled and smooth!

A cream beaded handbag I found at Iron Horse Antiques in Manassas, Virginia (literally 15 minutes from my house). The interior of the bag is white and crisp! There are no stains or fabric issues! All beads are present and chip-free! I honesty think this bag was never used. I found it wedged next to a fur wrap (barf) and so the bag had a few stray fur hairs on it but other than that, it is mint! I am guessing the bag is either 50s or 60s. I cannot put much in it without making it looked "stuffed" so I will use it as a "going out" bag.

A yellow bakelite spacer. I bought this for about 20 USD at Iron Horse Antiques. The spacer has the usual scratches and light patina that is customary for bakelite. I also did the "friction test" and I could smell the typical "chemical" scent that comes from rubbing the surface. I want to start collecting more bakelite, but wow, it can be super expensive!

I did see a cute pair of vintage cat eye sunglasses on Etsy today. Even though I have a couple of pairs, I always seem to want more. I recently had a white pair break on me. Again, I need to be more frugal and pass on the sunglasses this time around. I have spent enough! (at least for now!)