Vintage Patterns

I've finally started listing a massive collection of vintage sewing patterns, so I decided it would be better to start a new Etsy store rather than try to auction them all off. There is one exception: I was thrilled to find a Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress pattern, probably one of my favorite 70s designs! So flattering and sexy in an understated way. Vogue American Designer Original 1549 is being auctioned on Ebay.


I've also recently found a large stash of Vogue Paris Original patterns from the 70s and 80s, all from great Designers and better yet, all uncut.

I especially love this romantic floaty dress pattern from Irene Galitzine, a jet setting designer from Rome which sold almost immediately.




Check out my new Etsy Store EmpressPatterns

Etsy Buy Handmade Empresspatterns

Blog Tag ~ Hot in the City

I'm a day late for the eVintage Society's Wednesday Blog tag, but I figure I'm better late than never :)

I've been tagged by Figure 8 Studios Blog " Diary of a Mad Vintage Addict"

The temperatures are climbing, Summer has set in and the heat is on. Show that summer sun who’s boss and turn up the heat in your own wardrobe. Hot colors are cool!

1) Show us your favorite hot hued vintage in your inventory! Think summer sunsets, bonfires on the beach….reds, oranges and yellows.

This great vintage Royal Hawaiian dress is in brilliant hues of red, orange and yellow and is perfect for a BBQ party. Available in our ETSY Store.

And if you want to heat things up at night why not a RUBY RED slinky nightgown by the incomparable Olga? Available in our Ebay store.

2)Favorite thing to wear to ward off summer heat?
An easy breezy sundress in cotton gauze, preferably with a Bombay Sapphire and tonic in my hand.

3)Favorite warm weather activity?
Entertaining in my garden. We bought an old run down house and have been fixing it up. We must have moved 10 truckloads of garbage and weeds out of the backyard. My husband and I have put in a new deck and pavers and planted a ton of plants and I'm so excited that it's finally starting to look nice.

4)Favorite warm color?
RED RED RED

5)Favorite season, warm or cold?
I live on the West Coast of Canada so the temperature is mild all year round. I really have trouble if it gets too hot because I'm not used to it, but I do enjoy a holiday to Hawaii or Mexico.

To see what happening at Fast Eddies Retro Rags, head on over to "The Girl Can't Help It" to follow the blog tag.

Blog Tag Wednesday~ Summer Sparkle!

Its Blog Tag Wednesday at the eVintage Society!. Its hot!! What better time of year to shimmer like the ice cubes in a vodka-lemonade? Refresh those who admire you with some summer sparkle! I've been tagged by Figure 8 Studio's Blog: Diary of a Mad Vintage Addict

1) Show us your favorite vintage sparkling stunner in your inventory!


Rhinestones, sequins, beads….show us your shimmer!


How about an ultra sheer silk dress with metallic gold thread. This awesome 70s dress has split hankerchief sleeves and two asymmetrical layers of gauzy silk on the skirt. On sale now in our Ebay store.


2) Rhinestones on daywear? Yes or no?
Why not if it's done in a fun way. Think rhinestone studded Tshirts or cute novelty prints.
3) Favorite beaded bag or jewelry in your inventory or personal collection?
I only have one beaded bag in my inventory right now, a beautiful evening bag with tiny glass sead beads. Note the multicolored star shaped pattern.

4) Colored rhinestones or clear, which do you prefer?
Color Color Color! As a general rule I prefer big and bold brightly colored jewelry, however nothing beats the white sparkle of clear stones with black velvet.
5) Cubic zirconia, costume rhinestones or REAL diamonds? Be honest!! Which will you wear?
I don't own a single diamond but I have lots of semi precious stones. I especially like turquoise with silver or the vivid purple hue of amethyst. I only have one ring, a very simple wedding band in white gold because I can't stand wearing them. I like bold chokers or pendants, preferably hand crafted and one of a kind if it's not vintage.

To follow this blog tag head on over to The Girl Can't Help It

Stars & Stripes

Canada Day long weekend is over, so it's back to work for me. Then I remembered I had to get these shorts listed in time for the USA's 4th of July.

Just listed this morning in our Etsy Store. Super cute Stars and Stripes demin shorts. Highwaisted with stylized American flag.

Canadian are generally are pretty subtle in their patriotism..... (most Canadian will only wear the Maple leaf on a backpack or a team jersey), so it's always fun to see the wide array of stars and stripes patriotic garments worn by our American neighbours.

How about this groovy handmade hippie shirt, actually worn to Woodstock. Currently on Ebay auction by Castlekeep99

And check out these crazy tilty stars & stripes sun glasses. On sale in Smashvintage Ebay store.