Etsy Artist Feature: Mystic Wynd

"An awareness of peace and love rose anew, As the spirit found truth and the Mystic Wynd blew..."

I love handmade jewelry, so I really enjoyed brousing through this wonderful Etsy shop.  Mystic Wynd has a huge selection of fashion jewelry in diverse styles to suit any taste and in prices to fit any budget.  An eclectic selection using various beads, semi precious stones, charms and glass. 

Gone Fishin Set : Aqua Shell and Silver Fish Charm Jewelry Set $39.95

Heart of Mine Necklace : Dichroic glass red heart  $19.95

Cloisonne Heart with Pink Rose Bookmark $12.50

My favorite piece has to be this Tidal Pool Necklace; I love the blues and greens, $39.95

Find Mystic Wynd
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mysticwynd
She also has a detash supplies shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thecrafterscabinet
Blog: http://mysticwynd.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MysticWynd
Twitter: http://twitter.com/mysticwynd


XOXO Empress

Free Vintage 50s Prom Party Dress

Like most vintage clothing sellers I have a repair basket overflowing with vintage clothing and sometimes I'll spend an afternoon restitching hems and sewing on buttons.  Generally I shy away from buying anything needing serious work because it just doesn't pay as a dealer to spend too much time fixing things up unless they are extra special. I've been hanging onto this lovely 50s strapless party dress for ages because it's so beautiful, but it does need some lovin.  I just simply do not have the time to fix it up, so I've decided to give it away.

The Good News:
It's a authentic vintage 50s prom dress in rose satin acetate and tulle.  A boned strapless bodice with pleated tulle bust with a silver edged frill. Metal side zipper. No tags.

Measurements:
Length 44 inches
Bust 32 inches
Waist 25 inches
Hips 40 inches
For reference our model has a 34" bust, 25" waist.  We could get the dress zipped up but it was very snug.

The Bad News:
Looks lovely as you can see but this dress needs some work.  Clean with no stains but satin lining has some fade or color loss in sections... can't really be seen  because it's covered in tulle.  Some holes in tulle and side seam of skirt is coming apart... could be repaired.  Needs a new zipper.

The Giveaway:

We are giving this prom dress away on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 5 pm PST.  No purchase necessary.  Free shipping anywhere in the USA or Canada.  Other Countries are welcome to enter however you will have to pay your own shipping costs for the dress if you win and it could be in the $30 USD range so keep this in mind.

How to enter:
#1. You must be a follower of this blog
#2. Add a comment to this blog post saying which item from  Empress Jade Vintage you like best.

Extra Entries:
RETWEET this post

Good Luck! Empress

Etsy Artist Feature: October 54 Gallery

Anne of October 54 Gallery has a refined eye for shadow, light and color.  She works in various mediums including fine art photography, block print and writing. I especially like her photographs where she uses colored filters; it gives them an unexpected haunting beauty.

Winter Trees  8 x 10 $25.00 photograph,  other sizes available

The Lamp Post 8 x8 $25.00

I also love the perspective and shadows in this lovely black and white photo of the Sandhills Horticultural Garden

Find October 54 Gallery Here:
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/october54gallery
Blog: http://october54gallery.blogspot.com/

XOXO Empress

Faster, Pussycat, Kill! Kill!

I've been on a 60s movie kick lately, and I just watched Russ Meyer's 1965 cult classic; Faster Pussycat, Kill!, Kill!.   A "sexploitation" film  featuring cool cars, nasty women, sexy costumes and campy dialogue.

 

Varla  (played by Tura Satana) : " I never try anything. I just do it. Wanna try me?"
Varla is the karate chopping, ass kicking, switchblade throwing leader of the trio of fast driving, murdering go-go dancers. 

Rosie (played by Haji) : " We don't like anything soft. Everything we do is hard."
Rosie has the hots for Varla and speaks in a smooth as butter, fake Italiano accent.

 

Billie (played by Lori Williams): "I'm of legal age for whiskey, voting and loving. Now the next election is two years away, and my love life ain't getting much better, so how about some of that one-hundred-percent!"
Billie is all about sex and pleasure with no restraints.

Although relegated to cheap grindhouse theatres in the 60s this movie has stood the test of time.  Declared by John Waters to be his favorite movie of all time.  There were also rumours floating around a couple of years ago about a Quenton Tarantino remake starring Brittany Spears of all people.  Definitely worth seeing.

XOXO Empress

Intime of California: Rare and Luxurious Vintage Lingerie

If you want something rare and lovely for your vintage lingerie collection consider splurging on a piece from Intime of California.   The ultimate in 60s Mad Men style lingerie, Intime pieces are famous for their over the top glam and luxury fabric and trims.  These would have been expensive even back in the day and hold their value well in todays vintage market.

New Listing at Empress Jade Vintage:
60s Intime peignoir in nude chiffon with plush marabou feather trim, size Petite, $285.00

New from FabGabs, a stunning Intime gown with yards of tangerine chiffon and fab lace. 

Even better it's new with hangtags! Fits All, $244.00

This Intime peach chiffon peignoir nightgown set has the most superb lace, Size Medium, $310.00.  Perfect for a wedding night!

Another striking Intime set from Dixie Dallas on Ebay. 

 Exquisite white chiffon peignoir nightgown set, Size Medium, $389.99

XOXO Empress Jade Vintage

Etsy Artist Feature : JujuBee Jewelry Designs

This weeks featured artist is on JujuBee Jewelry Designs who does the most wonderful delicate chainmaile jewelry and  intricate silverwork. 

Spring Sale:  right now everything in the store is 20% off.

I love the Spring Green of this Princess length pearl necklace and note the cute little ladybug charm, $34.00

Check out this inovative design!  Day to night earrings easily change from mint pearl drops to emerald crystal shoulder dusters.  Only $35.00

If you prefer to try your hand at making your own you can also buy a clever DIY Day-to-Night Earrings Tutorial Kit for $15 which includes easy to follow instructions as well as all the supplies to make our own pair!  $15.00

Note the delicacy of this hand hammered silver bracelet with heart shaped links,  $45.00

Find JujuBee Jewelry Design Here:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/julessabjewelry

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jujubeejewelry

Blog: http://jujubeejewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/
 
 
XOXO Empress

Irma La Douce

I just saw the 1963, Billy Wilder movie Irma la Douce for the first time last night and now I'm trying to figure out how to dye my bras and stockings green!  Staring Shirley Maclaine and Jack Lemmon it's the story of a Paris streetwalker, Irma "The Sweet" and a rookie cop who falls in love with her. Love, comedy,  Paris and great costumes! 

I searched the internet in vain trying to find a photo of the Paris loft apartment and delightful painted wrought iron bed.  These fun portraits of Shirley (and doggy) show a similar all white bed in the background.

I'll let you know how my green dyed stocking turn out :)

XOXO Empress Jade Vintage

How I pick vintage fashion for my store

I guess if you look at the overall flavour of my store, Empress Jade Vintage, you will find lots of super bright colors, bold designs, and flamboyant details.   It's not to say that there aren't any classic pieces in there,  but to be honest one of the reasons I like vintage fashion is the theatricality of it.  I never could personally commit to collecting only one specific era.  I love the elegance of the 30s and 40s, but it's also fun to put on some crazy 70s polyester print or wear something truly avant garde from the 80s.  The stock in the store is 100% a reflection of my own personal taste, so I thought it would be fun to show why I picked these items:

I like plush textures and I adore really fluffy angora:

This cropped 80s sweater (size M to XL) has some of the longest and fluffiest angora I've seen and I love the pop of the graphic black and white.  Shown with a 80s high waisted leather pencil skirt (size small) and silver tone chain belt.

I love bold prints:

This 60s cropped jacket (size small) has such a fun eyepopping abstract print.  Shown here with a vintage red slip, but I think it would be even better worn with a simple white tank and capris.

Draping and fluidity:

There is a lovely feminine drape on this 60s chiffon robe by Gotham and the sheer fabric is really used to great effect with the billowing sleeves.

I would wear this out as a layering piece over jeans or a slip dress.

I love color!

Especially rich saturated tones or unusual shade variations. The hottest hot pink chiffon contrasts so wonderfully with the frilly white lace on this cute 60s babydoll nighty robe set (size Medium)

Unique design features always catch my eye: 

This 70s hippie dress has amazing bell sleeves, sexy corset tied bust and awesome flared skirt.  Coming soon.

XOXO  Empress

Etsy Artist Spotlight on Waterwaif

This weeks spotlight is on Tara who runs Waterwaif, a jewelry maker and Artist who's self decribed style is funky and whimsical. Taking inspiration from the flora and ocean of her home in Florida, she uses crystals, pearls and stones to create delightful fun and feminine pieces with lots of movement and color.  I especially like the charm bracelets!

My favorite piece is this Lady of the Forest Silver Leaf Greens Charm Bracelet $36.00

 Green Cluster Aventurine Faceted Briolette Crystals Earrings  $24.00

Natural Turquoise Silver Chain Chandelier Earrings $28.00

 

An this gorgeous bracelet is called Sirens Song;  I just love the cool sea glass and pastel pearls.  An afforable indulgence at only $36.00

How to find Waterwaif :

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

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/waterwaif

Blog: http://waterwaif.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/thewaterwaif

XOXO

Go Go Boots

There is nothing more disappointing  than finding an uber cool pair of late 60s or early 70s go go boots and then realizing the vinyl is disintegrating and turning all sticky and gross!  I've walked away from plenty of manky vintage footwear over the years, let me tell you!  So, I was excited to find this really cool tan suede pair this week.  It has the iconic rounded toe and chunky heel, side zips and awesome oval shaped cut outs.  In beautiful shape too!  Vintage 60s Tan Go-Go boots Size 7.5 B,  $95.00

XOXO Empress Jade Vintage

April 1st Fools and Fish

I was hunting through Etsy this morning and came across some lovely Antique, French,  April 1st  postcards all showing ladies and girls and holding fish. How bizare?  I have never heard of the significance of fish and April 1st before, so I did some digging. 

Poisson d’avril literally means April Fish in French.  In France (and apparently some parts of Quebec,  although I've never seen it here), children play a game where they run around trying to pin paper fish on peoples backs without getting caught.  After trolling the internet I haven't been able to find any satisfactory answer as to how the fish reference came about.
French Hand Tinted Photo Postcard .1er April. 1910 from 63Grandma

Spanish Angels has this Charming April 1st Postcard, Hand Colored Girl with Fish c1900

This lovely vintage postcard is from Acanthe

Enjoy!