The Fashion Museum

Pierre Cardin Knit Top

2011-10-24T07:07:00.000-07:00

This top is a great example of this kind of skinny, close fit, with its high, sharp collar. I guess this is early 70's? To be honest, I'm not sure. I know eras but not exactly where everything fits in. It seems like late-era mod to me.

1970's T-shirt

2011-10-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Some of my Earrings

2011-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Some of them are vintage, some merely vintage-esque. The homemade felt and terry cloth lady portrait is definitely vintage, though. It had a companion one but I only bought this one at the Alemany flea market in San Francisco, and always regret passing the other half by.

Vintage on eBay

2011-08-18T16:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I posted this on Rip it to Shreds, too:

Late 30's/early 40's two piece set: size 4/6.

Late 1930's ragamuffin handmade feedsack dress with heart pocket: size 12/14

40's Scarecrow novelty print dress: size XS

1930's depression era rayon floral dress: size 6ish.

I finally listed some more stuff on eBay! They are listed for after 7pm, West Coast time tonight.

I'm also thinking of starting on etsy shop, but it seems like you really have to promote yourself, and I'm so lazy, you know?

Vintage on eBay

2011-07-19T11:54:00.000-07:00

I'm selling some very cute vintage on ebay, ends tonight!

Sorry, I posted this on both my blogs, if anyone is reading one or the other. Speaking of which, for some reason I wrote that I had two fashion blogs on my resume and when I first moved to Brooklyn, New York I dropped off a resume at Brooklyn Industries (basically a very, very middle of the road retail chainlet that sells t-shirts with screen-printed bikes and other stuff very slightly too edgy for the Gap) because I was desperate and the manager read the resume and she was like, "Two fashion blogs?" And I was like "God I am such a moron like that is going to impress someone." True story!

80's Sandals, Again

2011-07-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

Color-blocked 80's sandals are awesome. These are for sale on etsy too.

Colorful 80's Sandals

2011-07-19T11:46:00.000-07:00

Someone is selling these now, if you're interested.

70's Wood Wedgies

2011-06-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

80's Comic Print Shirt

2011-06-24T08:04:00.000-07:00

I remember wearing stuff like this as a kid...actually, the pointy collar and tapered cut makes it seem more like a 70's shirt.

30's? Crochet Blouse

2011-06-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

40's Shoes

2011-06-24T07:59:00.001-07:00

70's/80's Vintage T-Shirts

2011-06-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

70's Scenic Sweater Vest

2010-11-15T15:39:00.000-08:00

So 80's Boombox

2010-11-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, it's not fashion, per se, but it is certainly fashionable.

Mod Party Shoes

2010-11-15T15:34:00.000-08:00

Late 80's/ Early 90's Contempo Sweater

2010-10-30T23:44:00.000-07:00

Kid's Strawberry Windbreaker

2010-10-30T23:42:00.000-07:00

Late 30's Velvet Dress with Embroidery

2010-10-30T23:40:00.000-07:00

Late 30's "Tomboy" Dress

2010-10-30T23:37:00.000-07:00

Weird Bibs

2010-10-30T23:34:00.000-07:00

80's Jumper Dress

2010-10-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

Schiaperelli Heels

2010-10-30T23:31:00.000-07:00

40's Purse & Bag Set and Contents

2010-09-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

40's? Burlesque Outfit

2010-09-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

So 30's Dress

2010-09-01T14:26:00.000-07:00

The long shape, highish waist with belt, and dramatic shoulder are so 30's.

Foxy Bare Traps 70's Platforms

2010-09-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

Late 30's Dress

2010-09-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

I love these types of dresses.

Flapper Dress with Rhinestone Bows

2010-09-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Snakeskin 40's Platforms

2010-09-01T14:16:00.000-07:00

Big Buttoned 50's dress

2010-08-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Amazing 50's Dress

2010-08-23T08:49:00.000-07:00

40's Sailor Shorts

2010-08-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

30's-40's Dress

2010-08-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

The yoke front is very classic late 30's/early 40's dress, as is the crepey rayon.

Smart Plaid Dress, Late 30's, Early 40's

2010-08-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

I love the shape of this dress.

70's Zodiac Platforms

2010-08-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

These platforms are I guess emblazoned with Zodiac signs, though I can't really tell myself. Zodiac themed clothing and accessories was hot shit back then, though!

70's Picnic Platforms

2010-08-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

These are the perfect platforms for a 70's themed picnic, right?

Punk Late 40's Dress

2010-08-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

I love the bright pink, round covered buttons, gathered shoulders, and little shooting stars scattered around the bodice. You can see the similarities to the jacket below.

40's Green Jacket

2010-08-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

Very 40's with the peplum, large buttons, and sharp shoulders. I guess I should have edited out those low rise jeans...

70's Tromp L'Oeil Dress

2010-08-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

It's worth enlarging to see the draped chain print detail on the bodice and down the front.

70's Platforms

2010-08-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Funkytown 70's Platforms

2010-07-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

I could probably just post photos of 70's platforms here.

Early 40's Dress

2010-07-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Another thing that people rarely pay attention to anymore: buttons. Doesn't the yoke front of this dress look very similar to the yoke fronts that gained popularity a few years ago? I love yoke fronts.

40's Plaid Bikini

2010-07-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

80's/90's Red Snakeskin Oxfords

2010-07-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have these shoes, but mine are all black, and these were unfortunately not my size.

Magical Mushroom 70's Dress

2010-07-16T08:13:00.000-07:00

I love how psychedelia informed clothing and clothing patterns in the 60's and 70's. This children's dress is a Holly Hobbie, which is some sort of patchworky 70's craft, fabric and clothing (or maybe just dress patterns?) brand that featured a girl in an oversized bonnet, which of course has recently been updated to look more Bratzy.

Here is some more Holly Hobbie stuff. I have to say, looking at those old metal and plastic lunch boxes always makes me feel a powerful wave of nostalgia. Especially if they have their matching, guaranteed-to-leak thermos clanging around inside.

2010-07-16T08:09:00.000-07:00

I know I put a lot of flapper dresses up, but I have to say the shape of this one is really awesome because you can really see the slinky but tight fit of the bodice as well as the fabric panels in the skirt that hang for dancing- very sexy and less boxy than most. I wonder who made all these dresses with their intricate beadwork.
I just realized I already posted this. Well, this time I have more to say about it.

40's Ostrich and Suede Platforms

2010-07-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

40's Bikini

2010-07-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

70's Kid's Bellbottoms

2010-07-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

These are awesome. Being covered in logos is very pop.

70's Glitter Platforms

2010-07-06T20:35:00.000-07:00

30's Fur Capelet

2010-07-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

70's Clothing on 70's People

2010-06-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

I never post photos of people wearing clothes, because all these "finds" are from ebay, and it's not worth showing the heads of ebay models even if possible. But I'm not trying to, like, divorce clothing from its original context and intended purpose of actually being worn (though I do like the idea of elevating everyday or overlooked clothing to a museum-worthy setting.) Anyway, probably no one is concerned about this, but the point is, here are some great 70's-era clothing photos. If you read my other blog, you would know I'm really into the 70's, and have spent many hours on flickr finding photos of 70's teenagers.

Cropped colorful printed top with a tight, lean fit, high-waisted a-line skirt, and big platforms. Noet her boyfriend's tight patchworky jeans with crazy printed shirt, tucked in of course.

Macrame, crochet, patchwork, and other handmade crafts were really, really big in the 70's. It was a continuation of the 60's hippie look (I think most decades reject the styles of the years before, but the 60's were so influential that the 70's definitely paid tribute to them, albeit in an updated way.) Her crochet hat, camel-toe bell-bottoms and romantic flowy blouse are an awesome casual 70's look which you could totally wear today. (Minus the hat, maybe.)

I love the psychedelic prints of the 70's, and this tight, stretchy printed shirtdress is a good example.

Halter tops, hot pants, big hair and mega platforms. This is a great summer look!

Towards the later 70's, things got a bit more sporty. This look is kind of like "Little boy whore," with its primary colors, knee socks, and suspenders. They did have hip-hugging, low waisted styles in the 60's and 70's, but the majority of pants were what would now be called "high waisted."

God, she looks sooo cool! I love the suspenders with the high-waist bell bottoms, fro, pendant necklace, and big glasses. All classic 70's signifiers.

More bell-bottoms and halters, even on what appears to be a tween.

Itty-bitty tube tops! It makes more sense to wear a high-waisted pant with cropped shirts, otherwise all your junk is hanging out. This is why I prefer vintage swimsuits, too- they're more flattering, and you don't feel like you're just wearing a pair of panties in public.

70's Disco Platforms

2010-06-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

These are the best shoes ever.

20's Swimsuits

2010-06-23T20:41:00.000-07:00

40's Slingbacks

2010-06-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

One thing I love about 40's heels is their distinctive, pert shape. It's hard to explain, but you know it when you see it.

Deco 30's Dress

2010-06-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

The way these deco-type dresses drape really blows my mind.

70's Children's Shorts

2010-06-23T20:30:00.000-07:00

I think these are supposed to be a pair of small boys "Little Lord Faunterloy" type shorts, but they're also really groovy mod and cute. If I was a designer I'd steal this look! Also I always think about how I should start saying "groovy" because it's kind of a great word. My mom still says "far out" sometimes, which is also cool. Or maybe she told me only lame people said that.

70's Girl Guitar Player Shirt

2010-06-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

This pink turtleneck os kinda Millie from Freaks and Geeks and it's cool that it depicts a girl playing an instrument, albeit in a dreamy. drawn-with-pastels way.

30's Kitty Print Dress

2010-06-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

Look at the collar! I imagine this was handmade and the woman who made it actually cut those kitties out of the fabric and stitched them on. God, you'd think if fashion wasn't considered "art,", it would at least be considered "folk art," which I guess also is a really patronizing term, even though folk art is the best, and generally a lot more compelling and informative than most "real art."

40's Children's Duck Slippers

2010-06-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

Click on the photo to see the whole thing.

20's Ancient Egyptian Beaded Dress

2010-06-10T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ancient Egyptian motifs became very popular after the discovery of King Tut's tomb; if you look at 20's and deco-era aesthetics you will see the themes often repeated.

60's Mod Tapestry Boots

2010-06-10T14:38:00.000-07:00

Very Carnaby Street!

Adorable 30's Dress

2010-06-10T14:33:00.000-07:00

This is a very good example of 30's fashion- I think this is from the mid-late 30's, with it's dramatic sleeves, navy and white polka dot print, and pointy collar.

Simple 70's Dress

2010-06-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Early 40's Kid's Dress

2010-06-10T14:24:00.001-07:00

Bad photos, but an amazing print on rayon.

70's Platform Clogs

2010-06-10T14:22:00.000-07:00

Early 90's Contempo Casuals Pants

2010-06-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Contempo was like the Forevs of it's day. (Speaking of Forevs, the one in the Bay Area at this time was a tiny little hole with dirty carpeting in Serramonte Mall, not the glamourously gleaming bohemoth it is today.) I have always kind of liked cheap and trendy stores, and I used to go in there and buy total trash, and in high school we called it Contrampo even though by then they had been re-branded into the super 90's version, Wet Seal, who featured labels like "Blue Asphalt" (hahaha) and 'Evolution: Not Revolution!" Even though it is morally wrong to shop at chain stores like this technically, I still go to Wet Seal and make purchases occasionally. But it's the name "Contempo Casuals" that truly holds a place in my heart, and their blocky black and white label. Through my fashion research, I have also spotted earlier Contempo labels, which have a more palm-tree-ish, late 70's/early 80's Carly Simon vibe.

Here are some Contempo inspiration photos:

40's Seahorse Blouse

2010-06-01T20:48:00.000-07:00

90's Does 60's/70's, Sort Of

2010-05-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

I put these Zodiac shoes up because I remember them all too well from the 90's. They are listed under 70's on eBay, but these came from the popular 90's retread of 70's style, which included many a daisy/"groovy" print, polyester or space-dyed garment, John Lennon glasses, crushed velvet and more. Some of the copies are quite good, and you can't tell from when they are from without a closer inspection. These foam platforms are simply made for bopping around in a vinyl dress with braids in your hair and body glitter a-plenty.*

*90's nostalgia makes me feel sooo old, though I guess we better cling to it, because the 2000's blew so hard that any nostalgia mustered up for them will probably be pretty weak.

60's Mod Party Dress

2010-05-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Flapper Dress, 1920's

2010-05-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

20's Party Shoes

2010-05-26T07:18:00.000-07:00

30's Dress and Coat

2010-05-26T07:13:00.000-07:00

This is truly amazing, from the absinthe color to the fur collar- such decadence! I think everyone hated velvet after the awful velours, crushed, and stretch velvets of the 90's, but real silk or rayon velvet is soft, light, and beautiful.

Kid's 60's-early 70's Coat

2010-05-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

60's Mod Shoes

2010-05-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

Draped Early 40's Dress

2010-05-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, they had designers then!

Leather Hot Pants: 60's or 70's

2010-05-14T17:27:00.001-07:00

I need to get a pair of these!

Sculptural 50's Jacket

2010-05-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

You can buy it here. What a looker! So sophisticated, to be paired with black cigarette leg pants and a haughty expression.

Coolest 70's T-shirt

2010-05-06T09:46:00.000-07:00

This was listed for a crazy amount of money; I don't even know what it's in reference to, but it's pretty groovy! I love that tight undershirt-type fit. And what is a psychedelic image without long-haired naked Aryan children seen though a fish-eye lens?

70's Mega Platforms

2010-05-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

20's Dress with Rhinestone Belt

2010-05-06T09:44:00.000-07:00

50's Dress Detail

2010-05-06T09:41:00.000-07:00

40's Heart-Button Sailor Shorts

2010-05-06T09:40:00.000-07:00

Most Amazing Burlesque Ouffit

2010-05-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

60's Bikini

2010-05-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Lace Cropped Jacket

2010-04-10T22:25:00.000-07:00

I think the auction said that the lace was made out of something like straw, maybe in the Philippines? It has a King and I type feel. Lace is one of those things I never would have appreciated as a teenager, but the textures and crazy, intricate designs are definitely worth a second look.

Fur Capelet

2010-04-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

I almost bought this, but what would I have done with it?

Eisenhower Jacket

2010-04-10T22:18:00.000-07:00

I picture this with rolled up jeans and pincurls, very late 40's/early 50's. Vintage is thought of as being very gendered, but a lot of what young women wore was kind of butch, especially the casual clothes.

Edwardian Boots

2010-04-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Why don't they copy this style more? It looks as good as it ever did, and I love the caramel color of the leather.

Nautical Mesh Handkerchief

2010-04-10T22:14:00.000-07:00

Here is a liquid metal handkerchief for the neck. Add a t-shirt, some hot pants, and you're ready for a night on the town.

40's Jacket

2010-04-10T22:08:00.000-07:00

Curvaceous 40's jacket with peplum and plaid lining and bow. 40's clothing can be so regal.

Early 50's Blouse

2010-04-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's on eBay now. Sorry I haven't posted for awhile, there may be a while before I post a lot again.

Amazing 30's Stork Dress

2010-03-13T13:21:00.000-08:00

This is quite a gem! On eBay right now.

Victorian Coral Jewelery

2010-03-02T23:33:00.000-08:00

Embroidered Child's Suit

2010-03-02T23:32:00.000-08:00

20's Velvet Dress

2010-03-02T23:31:00.000-08:00

70's Zodiac Oxfords

2010-03-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

I was sad these weren't my size.

Late 30's Sheer Floral

2010-03-02T23:22:00.000-08:00

I love the seaming and panels on dresses from this period very much- so flattering! And look at the beautiful embroidery.

50's Wiggle Dress

2010-03-02T23:18:00.000-08:00

So timeless and bombshell-esque! I want a vintage Fredericks of Hollywood dress, they were/are purveyors of trashy lingerie and clothing.

30's Snakeskin Shoes

2010-03-02T23:14:00.000-08:00

Wow! They're on etsy now if you have $226 to spend.