One of my favorite French cafes in Los Angeles is "Little Next Door" which is next to a French restaurant called "Next Door" (haven't been there yet). I absolutely love this cafe, it's French and chic without being pretentious. The food is excellent, the ambiance lovely, and it's also a great place to people watch. And bonus points, one of my favorite vintage shops (Polka Dots & Moonbeams) is just down the street!

You have to wonder, what was she thinking when this moment was captured on film? A woman of obvious beauty and wealth posed inside a car in the 1920s. Where is she going? What is her name? Why did she choose to wear what she's wearing?

These are the thoughts that run through my mind when perousing vintage photographs. Every one of them has a story to tell.




I've been on a bit 1920s/1930s kick lately (Boardwalk Empire...slowly getting through all the episodes during break). I hope you enjoy these lovely photos! Click on them for credit and larger versions!

I cannot believe the year is nearly over! I hope all of you are warm and cozy and spending happy times with loved ones. ^_^

To celebrate the holiday season, Adorevintage is offering a 20% Discount for your entire purchase until January 3rd, 2011! Simply enter vintagecheer at checkout to redeem!

Merry Christmas everyone! I'll be back in the AV office in a few days!

It's luxuriously gilded! The collection reminds me of the Middle ages for some odd reason. Maybe it's the hairstyle or the gold details or maybe it's those wide belts with metal discs. Love the styling of the Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2011 collection, especially the hairstyle.

Image Credits: Mara's Photobucket

I really adore French style and French movies... I am how they say, a Francophile? Although sadly enough, I have never been to France! (Which might change soon as I might actually be moving there... hmmm...)

A couple months ago I watched "Une Femme Est Une Femme" and "Pierrot Le Fou" (both with Anna Karina). I have to say, I really liked her character in "A Woman Is A Woman" but not so much the other. Both movies feature lovely simple clean lines for wardrobe which is where the inspiration comes from for this vintage inspired ensemble.

So many vintage pretties in the shop right now (and with a lot more coming!) I've been so busy with wardrobe styling jobs that Adorevintage has seldom received shop updates. But with the rain and the chilly weather, it's difficult to do outdoor natural light shoots... so now I can concentrate on my first love...vintage!

click to shop = { Adore Vintage } = click to shop

I spent a good chunk of the morning and some of this afternoon commenting back on those of you who have graciously took your time to comment on my blog. I do try to read so many and make sure I leave thoughtful remarks as I sincerely appreciate your comments.

I'm quite bummed it's raining in L.A. and I won't be able to witness the Lunar Eclipse (on the Winter Solstice no less!) At least I'll see photos tomorrow (but it's not the same *le sigh*)

It's been a dreary few days in L.A. nothing but rain and clouds. Surprisingly it hasn't been too cold (thank goodness!), but there's a definite chill in the air. I suppose it's why I'm most inspired by these images. They best suit the weather and my mood.


Image Credits: Each image is linked to their respective Flickr pages

American jewelry designer who created beautiful costume jewelry pieces from the 1920s through the 1950s. Miriam Haskell jewelry is highly sought after by collectors and vintage aficionados alike.



Celebrities such as Lucille Ball, Joan Crawford, and the Duchess of Windsor have all worn her jewelry. In the 1950s, her brother suggested she start regularly signing her jewelry pieces. Prior to that, most of Miriam Haskell's designs are unsigned, therefore even harder to identify!


During the second world war, she had her designs crafted from natural materials and plastics and designed patriotic jewelry pieces. However, after World War II, Miriam's health took a toll leading to the loss of her company to her brothers in the 1950s.


I have to note that Miriam wasn't the actual designer for her jewelry designs, maybe in the beginning, but that credit should really belong to the jewelry designer she hired named Frank Hess (who designed pieces up until the 1960s).

/// MORE READS
For more on Miriam Haskell please read An Interview With Miriam Haskell Costume Jewelry Colelctor & Author Sheila Pamfiloff.

For authenticating & dating vintage Miriam Haskell Jewelry, please read Authenticating Miriam Haskell Jewelry.

Image Credits: Morning Glory Antiques

Vintage patterns never fail to inspire or have me wishing more than ever that I knew how to sew. (Is it too late for me to learn, I wonder?) These vintage sewing pattern images are also terrific for seeing what styles of shoes, handbags, hats, and gloves women wore with their dresses! And once in awhile you see a bit of jewelry too!


These vintage patterns all look simple and chic, but upon a closer look we notice the pleated details on the bodice, the small darts on the shoulders, the gored skirt, the slightly puffed sleeves, the buttoned cuffs... so many little details.

Image credits: All of these vintage 1940s and 1930s sewing patterns can be purchased at New Vintage Lady

A mix of vintage from 1960s and 1970s. This would be an adorable outfit, no? I love the leather and fur lined coat, so warm and cozy! Check Adorevintage.com to shop this vintage "mini collection."

= SHOP ADOREVINTAGE =
1.} Vintage 1960s Mod Boho Fair Isle Thicket Dress
2.} Vintage 1960s/1970s Leather + Fur Pelager Fur Coat
3.} Vintage 1970s Messenger Weekender Away We Go Satchel
4.} Vintage 1960s Black Lace UpEastwick Oxfords

I must confess, I mostly watch Boardwalk Empire for the beautiful clothes the women wear (although the show is shot exquisitely!). Every time I see a scene in the dress shop or even the lingerie and robes worn by the ladies in their homes my heart goes all a flutter.



The costumes were designed by John A. Dunn and crafted by Martin Greenfield using the Fashion Institute of Technology's 1920s tailoring books as their main source of inspiration. (Yay for vintage inspirations!) A few pieces are rented from a vintage shop in Albany, NY (Daybreak Vintage Company).



In an interview with Esquire magazine (Sept 2010) costume designer John A. Dunn is quoted "I developed the feel for each of the characters. We all wanted it to be very, very accurate and specific to the period. So, I limited myself to the fabrics of 1920."



Credits: Costume design information from Boardwalk Empire Wiki. Read more on John A Dunn's interview with Esquire Here.

Image Credits: Behind the Scenes of Boardwalk Empire, Men's Fashion on Esquire.com, Boardwalk Empire on IMDB.com