Victorian Style Head Toppers

The Whimsical Collection continues to shine at the Vintage Wardrobe this month! Yesterday new handmade creations were added to the November inventory! 

Here the lovely Melissa is wearing a floral retro dress which she bought for herself from the Vintage Wardrobe! Doesn't it look stunning on her? Here it is paired with a lightweight taffeta 1860's inspired jacket and an antique brooch of a black swan. (Be sure to go check out the wonderful new holiday pins available now in the shop!) Also, the vintage velvet hand warmer is up on the shelf, so you might wanna go snatch that up before it's gone!

         

Now let me talk about these exciting new head toppers! 

Above is a pic of the first one I created using lace, feathers, tan satiny material, pearl buttons and just my imagination for guidelines. You may not believe it but everything including the shoulder pad that I used for the body of the hat was indeed recycled! The white tule was once part of an old bridal veil from the 80's and the lace...once lingerie. But you'd never know it! Everything looks so new and well placed. This hat is something straight out of an Anne of Green Gables day dream. $30.00

This wool hat once had a small brim, but I deconstructed it and added the vintage detailing. Keeping in mind one of Scarlet's hats from Gone With The Wind, I re-imagined the flirting travel hats of the 1800's worn especially by the ladies in western films such as Maverick. $30.00

And this is my favorite...the beautiful satin, turquoise blue, side hat with gorgeous dangling beads. I might be keeping this one for myself folks, I just need to find the right dress to go with it. Material recycled from a lovely night dress, and  I added some faux peals for design. Beads come from a vintage lamp shade - believe it or not! 

Ah, yes...Red. I love wearing red so much, it truly is a fabulous color. This little head topper is the perfect facinator for your next holiday party! It will make any outfit you put on a show stopper! The best part about this marvelous hat is that it has a rare antique brooch attached to it that shines like a cluster of pomegranate jewel pods. Topped off with scarlet lace, vintage feathers and faux autumn leaves that will never lose their color, this hat will make your eyes pop and your friends smile. $18.00

Last but not least, the impressive "My Fairest Lady" head topper. Every Victorian lover cannot resist the feminine charm of pretty pink, and this bold and yet delicate hat is something that deserves to be displayed whenever it's not being worn. $20.00

Have you seen enough to convince you yet to come take a look?
Don't forget to stop by the Art Room on Main St and see Laura and I modeling these creative head toppers for Winter Wonderland on the 25th of this month and the 2nd of December. We will be in the shop and would gladly help outfit you in any way we can.
 Also keep in mind that Saturday the 25th is "Support Local Business" day in Franklin! We hope to see you soon!

Love, AJ. Childs  "The Vintage Gal"

The Whimsical Wardrobe: Fairy Crowns, Steampunk Corsets and Nerdy Hats

Hello beautiful people! Today I am going to be sharing a little bit about the charming and magical "Whimsical Collection" at the Vintage Wardrobe!

It's that time of year that ignites our imagination and gets our spirits stirring, and with that I am proud to present some HANDMADE costume accessories that will excite the child within us all.

Pictured above is  one of the unique hand-crafted 'Celtic Fairy Crowns' available now in the Vintage Wardrobe. This particular crown won't last long on the rack, with it's intricate copper wire twists, blue beads, and faux pears. In the back of the adjustable crown trails some lovely ribbons, just the perfect "whimsical touch" to complete a one of a kind headpiece. $18.00

Laura is wearing one of the latest arrivals in these photos; a dreamy white lace gown, with sleeves straight out of a renaissance court. She could easily pass off as the enchanting ghost of Juliet, reappearing on the streets of Verona to meet her beloved Romeo (After all, can death truly conquer true love?) Whether you would like to wear this dress to a costume party, a Renaissance Fair, or to your own wedding day, it's not something you'll ever want to part with.

Made in the 1970's, and in pristine condition, this gown comes with a full white petticoat, and can be paired with just a bra, or a tank top for more coverage. Purchase one of the fantastic necklaces in the Vintage Wardrobe to wear with it, and you are ready to make an unforgettable entrance. Size M/L $55

 

I sure do love these fairy tale crowns, this one looks fabulous with the 1960's pink chiffon gown, with it's light breezy material and lacy edged details. I threw on a cardigan just for some warmth in this pic, but you may want to pair this dress with something a bit more fancy, such as a white cape, or velvet cowl. Size XS $25

A few other new arrivals to the Vintage Wardrobe are the reversible lavender corset/vest. It's like nothing you've ever seen, with an adjustable halter neck, and a Velcro back for easy "on and off". The vest has steampunk detailing, and is a one of a kind piece of artwork that you can wear. This piece is something you'll want to show off to your friends, and wear all year round over dresses and blouses with billowy sleeves. It is displayed here over a black velvet dress from the 1980's that would be a great buy for a holiday party. Corset Vest Size S/M $45.00, Velvet Dress Size M $25

Also be sure to check out the wonderful KNERDY KNITS while at the Vintage Wardrobe in the Art Room in Franklin. The Dr. Who Inspired Scarfs have returned, as have the crochet hats that are inspired by different TV shows and movies. Some of my favorites are the Batman mask hat for adults $25.00, Rey's Goggle hat with detachable knit goggles $25.00 AND the new Tangled inspired 'Rapunzel Hair Hat'. Just look at all those beautiful flowers! What a splendid Christmas gift this would make for the little girly girl in your life. Size 6-8 $35.00

   Thanks for visiting the blog, folks! Come back again, and until next time - Go visit the Vintage Wardrobe in the Art Room on Main St, and check out all the pieces in the Whimsical Collection for yourself!

  Much Love, The Vintage Gal

The Soleiado Dress

This beautiful dress was donated to the Vintage Wardrobe by a sweet lady that  I ran into in my small town. I hoped so much to be able to fit in it, but it's not quite my size. However, as you can see in the photos here, my dear "mini me" looks gorgeous in this gown of rich hues and intricate design.

Imagine a sunny autumn day in the south, wearing this flamenco-like maxi dress. And if the day turns out to be a bit breezy, pair the dress with a 1950's style cardigan for an even more retro look.
The lady who owned this dress told me a bit of it's story: "I bought this dress when I worked for a Charter boat in the 1970's. I was in Spain and it caught my eye in a high-class hotel boutique!"

Later on this adventurous lady got married in this dress while aboard the charter boat.
The "Soleiado" design on this dress is by Pierre Deux from South of France. The expensive Soleiado brand is not longer in existence, and Vera Bradley has kind of taken up where it left off. This dress is extremely rare, and hard to find. The tag of this garment says "Charles Dem'ery Tarascon Avignon PARIS. Made in France.

The cool cotton material is quality, and forgiving. Wear this dress to holiday party, or "just because". It's a great cruise dress, or date night dress. Melissa is wearing one of our wonderful "head toppers" in wine, and carrying one of our Asian fans. Dress is a Size Small, 4/6 and is for sale for a steal at $40.00

Fairy Tale Princesses : Medieval Costumes

It's the costume person's dream time of year...Trick or treat parties, masquerade balls, renaissance fairs and all those fun opportunities to wear your finery - are finally here!

The Vintage Wardrobe is stocked with whimsical pieces to create your own fantasy outfit! There's lace fans, feathered hats, silver shoes, bronze crowns, sparkling earrings, and silky handbags!

Go all out this year!

Look like you came from a Story Book in this beautiful Blue and white gown! I felt like a princess as the breeze picked up the white skirts and I posed in the ally way of my small town. The brilliant blue sequins dazzle in the sunlight, and the billowy bow sleeves are something Snow White would surely approve of! It's surprisingly comfortable to wear, and vintage to! Probably made for a prom in the 1980's! It's definitely a show- stopper and a head turner. Size 2-4 $35.00

It's the quality Medieval dress you've been looking for! The heavy cotton material is durable and feels time period accurate. The lacing up the front gives the bodice a corset effect and forms your body just like the corsets of the 1600's would.  It's Shakespearean awesomeness doesn't  show up for sale often, and whoever purchases this dress will want to hold onto it for generations. Gunne Sax's style dresses go for a lot of money these days, and you won't find this gown for such a good price anywhere else this year! Originally from the 1970's, this gown is a romantic staple for a renaissance fair goer!

Size M $45.00

Next we have the Juliet meets Greek Goddess dress! The draping sleeves, and stunning wine color are undeniably magical. Who knows what creatures you will meet in the forest, and what knights in shining armor will come to sweep you off your feet in this "Ever After" gown. All your dreams could come true in this empire waist, royal wear that is so easy to put on you'll be wishing you had one in every color. Size S 4-6 $20

                                  

                  

   Be The Princess In Your Own Fairy Tale! 

Cheers!

AJ. Childs

"The Vintage Gal"

Hats, Hats, Wonderful Hats!

 Hats, hats, hats, wonderful hats! The first day of Autumn has come and gone, and the Vintage Wardrobe is filled with a new stock of outstanding vintage hats! A childhood friend of my Mother's sent me a package of retro hats that she owned, some passed down to her, and some she herself wore back in the golden days.

How exciting it was to receive a box of treasures from a generous soul! I have kept a few for myself, as I was not able to part with "all" of them (hehe) but there much more on the rack than will be showed bellow. What kind of business owner would I be if I didn't leave some goodies up to your imagination! You'll have to visit the Art Room on main st. to see the rest! Special shout out to the thoughtful Elizabeth Goodnight for her donation! Hats are one of my most favorite Vintage accessories! 

Finding the right hat for you is possible! Perhaps you've told yourself in the past "I'm just not a hat person", well think again! You may say that you "don't have the right face shape", "the right sized head" or the right occasions to wear such a bold object as a hat...But truly, I have had ladies who never wear hats, come away with a hat from the Vintage Wardrobe.
Hats were something that every lady used to own and wear...and not just in the winter time! They were not only fashionable, but they were classy and practical. Somewhere along the line, people began to shy away from wearing hats, and to be honest, I don't know why! Hats bring smiles, and they truly brighten the gloomiest day!

Red is the color for fall 2017! Also, vintage hats are rising on the popularity charts for Autumn! Yaaay! In this photo I am wearing the long sleeved tomato red dress (size M/S) available (as of today) in the shop! It's under twenty dollars, and so comfortable! In my hand I am holding the matching 1950's hand gloves that have a touch of faux fur at the bottoms. They're fabulous, and priced for a real steal!

The lovely Laura in the 1920's style hat with feather touches. This hat is going to go bye bye fast! So if you want a chance to try it on you better run over to the VW and check it out! It''s simple, yet classy, and a great hat for those who don't want too much fuss, and yet want to look fashion-tastic!
There's something for every vintage gal at the Vintage Wardrobe! The October Collection is full of fun costumes, velvet dresses, retro handbags, and preppy heels!

Until next time Ladies,
Be Bold, and Be You!

AJ. Childs
The Vintage Gal

Biltmore ~ Touring The Classics

Ah, how I love the Biltmore Mansion and Estate. It's undeniably, my favorite house in all the United States...I would say, in the world...But, I have not traveled out of the country of yet!

For my birthday last month my dear Mother (knowing my love for the Biltmore) bought me an annual pass! *Squeels* And just in time for Mother's day too, because Annual Pass holder's Mom's get in for free on that special day. What a treat! 

Last time I was at the Biltmore was in April of 2016. It was my first time touring the mansion and grounds. I'll never forget how it made me feel to venture into the building that first time. What made it even more special was the fact that the Biltmore had a beautiful Bridal Exhibit going on. Wedding gowns and suits from popular BBC shows were displayed throughout the mansion.

 Needless to say, I couldn't go without dressing up myself in the Victorian bridal theme myself. 

My Dress was a dreamy cream lace tea dress that could have came out of a Victorian wedding, for sure! Holding the lace parasol that my parents brought back from Italy when I was a child, I truly did feel like I stepped back in time.  

Anyhow, everything from the gardens, to the winery let a big impact on my heart. It was like coming home for the first time. 

This visit was just as wonderful. The "Touring the Classics" exhibit was charming! Based on the idea of Mr. Vanderbilt's favorite novels, the costumes on display were from the movie adaptions of such classic works as; Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Sense and Sensibility. 

 

 My particular costume  was one that I hand made. When I was about 17 I decided I would like to jump on the opportunity to have my neighbor help me with creating a regency style tea-dress for my brithday. My neighbor, a master on the machine, was so sweet and obliging. We didn't use any patterns, but I recall drawing my concept and design on a piece of paper, and her flying with it! The first dress we created (Well she sewed most of it, and I watched) is the one I wore on this outing to the Biltmore. Made from one of my Grandmother's sheets, a bit of extra fabric generously donated by my neighbor.

The bonnet I purchased on etsy a few years back, and I just decorated it with ribbions, bows, faux flowers, and some antique brooches I had lying around. 

The corduroy jacket I owned, and modified to be more "Regency Style". Turned out better than I expected, since it really was a rushed sew-job and had to be done by hand.

The purse was lowned to me by my wonderful Mother, and the shoes...Well, they were the last piece to the puzzle. I said a silent prayer as I went into Good-will that God would provide some shoes that would match my outfit. Regency style isn't easy to find, and these lovely blue shoes are delicately framed in faux baby pearls! Only $4.00 too, can't beat that! Thank God I found them...Sadly, I walked so much on old cobble stones and down stone halls that I lost a piece of one of my heels! It's probably in the mansion somewhere.

    Take a look at the lovely view from the balcony of the back of the mansion. I look forward to visiting in the fall to see the tree's leaves change colors. Oh, and side note, if you haven't watched the old film "The Swan" and would like to see some footage of the Biltmore you definitely should give it a watch! Grace Kelly plays the female lead in the fantastical Victorian period piece. The Biltmore mansion is the main filming location, although at the time I believe filming inside of the Biltmore wasn't popular with the owners, and there are only several indoor shots that seem to be of the actual inside of the mansion. However every single porch scene, court yard shot, though seems to have been taken at the Biltmore. The cinematographer did so well in meshing the two locations, that it truly is seamless...

There was so much to see and do at the estate. The grounds are just as beautiful and breath-taking as the house. 

The house, first opened Christmas of 1895, was opened to the public only in 1930...To be closed to the public not long afterward due to special purpose during WW2 (But that's for another blog post) ;-) The house has a rich history, and no matter how many times I go I feel I need to learn more.

Now that I have an annual pass, you can bet I will be going back many more times this year, even if I have to get rides. One of my goals is to go back and just sit in one of the gardens and paint or sketch. 

Last year, at the time which I visited the gardens, the tulips were in full bloom. It was like taking a mini trip to Holland!  This time the rose garden was at it's height..



 Another high-light was going to Antler Hill, also part of the estate, and tasting new wines. But, the absolute "icing on the cake" was getting ice cream from the Creamery. I chose Salted Caramel, and although an unlikely choice, it was hands down some of the best ice cream I have had in my life.
And trust me, I've eaten a lot of ice cream...that stuff is too good. Ahhhh, who else is glad that summer is on it's way? I'm positively thrilled about it, and cannot wait to return to the Biltmore, parasol in hand, or wearing a big bonnet, and possibly some more comfortable shoes. ;-)

Hope you've enjoyed this post! Let me know! If you would like to read more about the history of Biltmore also let me know by commenting bellow. I would gladly start composing more posts on the subject, and share more photos.
Also, if there is a particular time-period you think I should dress up in next, comment your suggestion as well!

Cheers!
The Vintage Gal,
AJ. Childs