VPOD: Lovely Lucite

Salvadore Dali painted on it, motorcylists see through it and vintage fashionistas walk on it.

"It" is lucite, a transparent plastic developed in 1928 and commonly called acrylic.

There is nothing common, however, about its use in today's VPOD.

These vintage 1970s slingbacks feature lucite heels with clear plastic uppers adorned with adorable leather daisies.

They're a lovely little find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Posh Vintage.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Lucite

VPOD: Hermes Hostess

The legendary Hermes was founded in 1837 and introduced its first silk scarf in 1928. Woven from the silk of about 250 mulberry moth cocoons, it's estimated that the scarves cost about $2,000 per pound.

With this in mind, today's VPOD is an absolute bargain!

This vintage hostess skirt features a classis Hermes print in navy silk with a gold key pattern.

A luxurious find for the vintage hostess!

Available at Revival Boutique.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Hermes

VPOD: Compact Bling

So celebrities strutted their stuff on the red carpet again last night at the SAG Awards. Perhaps no one was more endearing than Little Miss Sunshine herself, Abigail Breslin, who whipped out a lipgloss and a Ziploc bag of cookies when asked what she was carrying in her purse.

That's adorable for a ten-year-old but those of us who are more mature would do well to carry something a bit more glamorous like today's VPOD.

This mirrored vintage compact sparkles with baguette, marquis and teardrop rhinestones in luscious colors like cranberry, citrine and amethyst.

A red carpet find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Antique Peek.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, compact, SAG Awards, Abigail Breslin

VPOD: Sheath Chic

Jerry Silverman, born in New York City, and Shannon Rodgers, born in Newcomerstown, Ohio, established Jerry Silverman, Inc. in 1959 and became one of the most successful manufacturers of better women's dresses in the country.

During their lives they were amazing collectors and in 1982, they donated their collection of over 4,000 costumes and accessories, 1,000 pieces of decorative art, and 5,000 volume reference library to the Kent State University Museum in Ohio.

Today's VPOD features one of their fabulous designs. It's a breezy little belted sheath dress in an abstract design of sunny lemon, taupe and tangerine colors.

A summery find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Kitty Girl Vintage.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Yves Saint Laurent

VPOD: Mum's the Word

Yves Saint Laurent was born in Algeria in 1936 and it was there, as a child, that he created costumes for his sister's dolls and dreamed of living in Paris.

Known as "the Saint" in some fashion circles, he has had a long and successful history as a designer of both couture and read-to-wear.

Today's VPOD is a bright example of a design that showed up in his spring and summer collections throughout the 60s and 70s. This beautiful cropped jacket is made of quilted silk and lined in satin crepe de chine. Luscious fuschia chrysanthemums pop off a cherry red background with black contrasts.

It's an eye-catching find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Enoki World.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Yves Saint Laurent

VPOD: Channeling Chanel

Certainly women wore pearls long before Coco Chanel came along, but Chanel made them chic. She elevated pearls, wearing them with daywear, layering multiple strands, amd mixing fakes with the real thing.

Today's VPOD features a rare vintage Chanel pearl necklace. Though I seldom if ever wear pearls, I love this look!

And if Chanel's out of your budget, surely with a little imagination and an eye-catching vintage brooch, you could recreate this look for less.

An inspiring find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at MarilynGlass.com.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Vintage Jewelry, Chanel, Pearls

VPOD: The Little Black Dress

The first Little Black Dress became popular in the 1920s when Coco Chanel introduced what Vogue called her "Ford" dress. Like Henry Ford's cars, it only came in one color, black, and like his cars, became an instant craze. And why shouldn't it? It was designed not to show stains and the fit flattered pretty much every woman.

Today, of course, the Little Black Dress is a staple in pretty much every female wardrobe. Dress it up with diamonds, pearls, or stilettos. Dress it down with a jacket. pumps and scarf or shawl.

Today's VPOD is a lovely example from the 1960s done in black crepe with a sheath top and gorgeous satin bow.

A true classic for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Smoky Diva.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Little Black Dress, 1960s

VPOD: Good Ol' Abe

Abe Schrader, who lived over 100 years, was a king of Seventh Avenue and a bonafide American success story. He came to America from Poland when he was 20 and within a few short years began his own manufacturing business with a stable of designers and contracts with department stores.

In fact, it was Abe Scrader who in 1965 persuaded New York's City Hall to name a stretch of Seventh Avenue "Fashion Avenue."

And while he dominated the ready-to-wear market, he made sure his clothes were top quality, like today's VPOD.

This striking silk dress from the 1960s features a narrow band collar, satin belt, and a bold black-and-white print.

It's a timeless and chic find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Kakkoii Mono.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Abe Schraderr, 1960s

VPOD: Koos Koos

The designer of today's VPOD, Koos van den Akker says:

"Style? It's a sense of knowing what you like. You don't have to be beautiful or slim. It's a spark. It's something that comes from inside. This is what I'm about."

And it's what Zuburbia is about too.

Of course, not everyone is a Koos fan but that's okay. You don't have to be a fan to appreciate this artist's palette of fabric and his ingenius use of collage, applique and quilting.

This dress is from the 1980s and shows how Koos dresses up his patchwork with fringe and sequins.

It's an extraordinary dress for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Lost Horizon Vintage.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Koos van den Akker, 1980s

VPOD: Chiffon Splendor

So I learned today that chiffon is the French word for rag. Hard to believe when you take one look at today's VPOD!

This 1950s beauty is made out of silk chiffon and features a contemporary watercolor print design with loads of luscious ruching both on the sleeves and with an interesting oval cinching on the left side of the bodice.

I just love this one! And it's quite a find since chiffon is such a delicate fabric that most dresses of this type are found with tears and other damage.

It's a fab spring dress for a vintage fashioniasta!

Available at Hemlock Vintage.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Chiffon, 1950s

VPOD: Crystal Beauties

Miriam Haskell began producing jewelry commercially around 1924 and through the decades employed lead artistic designers who helped her bring her vision for jewelry to life.

Haskell jewelry is well known for its detailing and quality as evidenced in today's VPOD.

This pair of earrings from the mid-20th century features faceted crystal drops that dangle from gold florets decorated with even more crystals and rhinestones.

An elegant and lovely find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Vintage Textile.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Vintage Jewelry, Haskell

VPOD: Holy Cow

I admit to having a weakness for vintage handbags--nothing extravagent, like Birkins, but a whole bunch of unique, unusual bags that at one point caught my eye. There's pony skin and eel, snakeskin and fur, feathers and beads, needlepoint and plastic, straw and silk. But I don't have one like today's VPOD.

This one-of-a-kind handbag is made of highly polished cow horn! It features a silk lining and looks quite mod with its individual square pieces. Reminds me a bit of tortoiseshell which we'll be seeing a lot of this Spring.

An unusual find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at eBay.com.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing

VPOD: Ferragamo Flappers

Salvatore Ferragamo's supremacy as a shoe designer began in Italy as an apprentice and led to a client list that later included Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren and Eva Peron.

"Elegance and comfort are not incompatible," he said, "and whoever maintains the contrary simply doesn't know what he is talking about."

And isn't that what every woman desires in her shoes? Elegance AND comfort.

Today's VPOD features a pair of his flapper shoes from the late 1920s. Exquisite details include open crewel work at the vamp, soutache and gold thread as well as gold kin skin leather straps and black satin heels.

An exquisite find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Bonnies Treasures.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Ferragamo, Flapper, 1920s, Vintage Shoes

VPOD: Red Carpet Magic

Even though I work with actors every day, I tune in to all the Hollywood awards shows as much to see the fashions as to see the nominees. And to put it mildly, in my humble opinion, MANY of the actresses who strutted down last night's red carpet at the Golden Globes could have benefited from choosing an amazing vintage gown like today's VPOD over the choices they actually made.

This vintage gown by Chanel in glowing silk chiffon has a densely ruched bodice and full skirt. It's simple, elegant, and eye-catching and guaranteed to keep you off the worst-dressed list.

Of course, there were many women who looked stunning last night (Helen Mirren, to name just one) but as Hollwyood's award season continues, let's hope we'll see some beautiful vintage evening gowns in the days ahead and less of the fashion disasters we saw last night.

Available at The Frock.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, Red Carpet, Chanel, Golden_Globes

VPOD: Tulip Power

Between 1634 and 1637, "tulip mania" ruled the Netherlands where enthusiasm for the flowers reached such a frenzy that tulips actually became a form of currency. In 1800 in England, a single tulip bulb cost the same as food, clothing and lodging for the average laborer's family for six months.

Fortunately, today's VPOD won't set you back nearly that much.

This kitschy little vintage skirt from the 1970s features a classic A-line cut in peach linen with an interesting scalloped hem and a lovely appliqued tulip design.

It's an inexpensive treat for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Retro Kitty Kat .

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1970s, Tulips

VPOD: Mugler Magic

Thierry Mugler was born in 1948 in Strasbourg, soon became a child prodigy at that city's School of Fine Arts and by the age of 14 was dancing with the Rhine Opera Ballet. By 20 he had moved to Paris and was beginning his design career.

And he has remained a somewhat controversial designer over the years. He has worked with fabrics ranging from taffeta to muslin, and with such unusual materials as coconut fibers, chrome, latex and plastic.

Today's VPOD features one of his more traditional ready-to-wear designs from the 1980s. This black lace halter has a sexy plunging neckline and is lined in black silk muslin.

It's a magical find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Azimut Vintage.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1980s, Mugler

VPOD: If the Glove Fits...

Gloves are one of my favorite fashion accessories. It's fun to search for really unusual colors and fabrics and designs. PLUS they're relatively inexpensive and take up hardly any room so you can amass a huge collection quickly with very little guilt.

Don't know your glove size? Well, first of all you want to measure your dominant hand, which tends to be larger than your non-dominant hand. Then, wrap a tape measure loosely around your palm (not including your thumb) and round up to the nearest half-inch or inch. That's your glove size!

Now you just have to find some interesting gloves like today's VPOD. They're a pair of 1930s embroidered leather and they make a fabulous treat for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Ballyhoo Vintage.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1950s, Gloves

VPOD: A Gown of Paramount Importance

Last weekend I purchased my first lot of vintage clothes from a bonafide Hollywood starlet--a retired actress with a genuine IMDB listing and a long filmogrophy. Excited as I was to find these beautiful clothes, their provenance pales in comparison to that of today's VPOD.

This gorgeous silk velvet gown with empire neckline and seven oval cutouts was designed by Cecil Beaton and worn by Barbra Streisand in the 1970 film "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever." It even features a "Paramount" label!

And while it carries a five-digit price tag (yes, FIVE digits!), other Cecil Beaton designs for Hollywood actresses have fetched over six figures (yes, SIX figures!) at auction.

It's a covetable dress for a vintage fashioniasta!

Available at Antique Dress.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1970s, Cecil Beaton, Barbara Streisand

VPOD: Sumptuous Suede

Yes, I know...suede is heavy to wear and a pain to clean but when it's juxtaposed with wool in a design this wicked, how can you resist?

This late 60s/early 70s coat features both wool and suede panels joined with crochet work, two front pockets, toggle closures, and a hood. Creamy cinnamon suede combined with terracotta, black and cocoa wool makes a sumptuous combination.

It's a totally hip find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Vintage Vibrations.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1970s, Suede

VPOD: Silk Flowers

Today's VPOD is a beautiful 1950's lady-like outfit by Ritaville. It does double-duty with a beautiful dress as well as a matching jacket, but quite frankly I'm mostly interested in that jacket.

Spring 2007 is just overflowing with cropped little blazers and this jacket is a gorgeous vintage version of the trend! With three-quarter length sleeves, a fitted, short shape and boat neckline, it's a steal even without the feminine matching dress (which has a unique fitted bodice).

Made of pure silk, the ensemble exudes elegance and style and features a floral pattern (another Spring trend).

A stylish, versatile find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Step Toes Antiques.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1950s

VPOD: St. John Classic

St. John was founded more than forty years ago by Robert and Marie Gray and exemplified quality from day one. Angelina Joli, their newest spokeswoman, exudes the persona of the St. John woman: elegant, charming and confident.

And for business women in conservative companies who must still wear suits to the office, a beautiful St. John like today's VPOD is a perfect choice.

This 1970s design features a chocolate-and-ivory herringbone wool knit with a classic A-line skirt, high collar, and knit belt with "SJ" insignia on the buckle. Plus it comes from the estate of a wealthy woman whose family founded Marshall Field.

A classic find for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Vintage Vixen.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1970s, St. John

VPOD: Retro Feraud

Louis Feraud, the French designer of today's VPOD, left his job as a ski insructor in the Alps to open his first shop in Cannes. When Brigitte Bardot purchased a white sun dress from him in 1955, his world changed. Within days, he sold 500 of the dresses and just a year later had a shop in Paris where he designed for many famous actresses and political wives.

This 1970s knit dress is from his ready-to-wear line and has distinctive features which sets it apart from many similar items of this era. First it has a striking color combination of winter white and sapphire blue. Next it features an interesting standing collar with draped pieces below the neckline. And finally, there are three abstract silver metal designs at the waist.

A totally retro treat for the vintage fashionista!

Available at Woodland Farms Antiques.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1970s, Louis Feraud

VPOD: Fishing for Fishnet

It's been said that anyone can wear ANY trend provided they give it a little thought first.

For instance, yellow is a hot color for spring and I look horrible in yellow--just horrid, really! But that doesn't mean I can't wear a dandelion-colored belt, or carry a lemon clutch or strut around in a dress with sunny trim and accents. No need not to share in the fun in a way that works for me (while keeping colors that complement me around my face).

Today's VPOD offers a similar type of alternative.

No one will argue that fishnets are S-E-X-Y but there are many women who might feel a tad uncomfortable wearing them. These retro pumps offer an alternative: fishnet for your feet!

Okay, so they might not have quite the same impact as the stockings, but they are still very Sexy (with a capital "S"). They're made of red fishnet with black patent leather heels and the combination is striking.

A fetching look for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Unique Boutique NYC.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing

VPOD: A+ A-Line

The A-line coat or dress is easily recognizable as it fits at the shoulders and then flares out toward the hem to resemble the letter "A." And while the first A-lines were created by Christian Dior in the 1950s, they still look fresh and modern today and are a flattering look on all body types.

Today's VPOD embodies the A-line's timeless elegance perfectly.

This 1960s coat by I. Magnin is done in chocolate silk and features a collar with jet black beading as well as a row of jet buttons. Slash pockets and a half-belt at the waist complete the look.

A totally yummy find for the vintage fashionista!

Available at Mary Moore Vintage.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1960s

VPOD: Black Beauty

Ah, the 1940s--when women dressed like ladies. When sexuality was not a function of how much skin you showed. When sumptuous fabrics like satin and velvet ruled the day.

This 1940s black satin blouse evokes that era of glamour with its French cuffs and shirred front panel. I find it quite professional and glamorous--a rare combination.

Plus it's the perfect backdrop for pearls or otherwise stunning necklace.

A real "Black Beauty" for the vintage fashionista.

Available at Vintage Martini.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

P.S. Don't forget to vote for Zuburbia in the Glam Blog Awards (Fashion, Shopping and Must Read categories.) Just click the link in the right-hand column.

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Clothing, 1940s

VPOD Special Edition: GLAM Blog Awards

Zuburbia is proud to be nominated for the Glam Blog Awards in the categories of Fashion, Shopping and Daily Must Read.

Please take a moment to go vote for your favorite vintage clothing blog by clicking on the icon above!

VPOD: Time for Velvet

The Holiday season may be officially over, but that doesn't mean you have to stow away all of your velvet and beaded party items until next year. There are still plenty of winter weeks remaining where today's VPOD would be more than appropriate.

This stunning Italian-made velvet bag is by Soprarizzo and has such fine details: a sculptural leather handle, an interior mirror that pivots up (it's ingeniuous!) and a red velvet inlay panel. And vintage velvet bags in this superior condition are a a rare find indeed!

Three sections fold out like an accordion so it's roomier than it looks (although wasn't one of your resolutions not to overstuff your purses and lead a simpler life in 2007 anyway?)

It's a velvet masterpiece for a vintage fashionista!

Available at Vintage in Style.

(To receive the VPOD via email with detailed size, price and purchase information, sign up for my growing email mailing list. Your information will never be sold or shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.)

Send Page To a Friend

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Vintage, Vintage Purse