Shamrocks, Rivers and Silver Skies

 The color scheme at The Vintage Wardrobe for March is blues and greens. Green for the budding grass, fields of clover, and of course St. Patrick's day! And blue for the lakes, ponds and streams that the beating sun has melted from icy places to skate, to deep mirrors that reflect the changing land.  Soon the misty veil will lift, and flowers will bloom all around, giving us spring joy and inspiring us to shed off winter's shackles.

This dress pictured above is a brave new addition to the collection. It's bold, yet delicate, floral pattern looks like a sea of baby's breath. The style is very retro, and dressy enough to go out in, yet simple enough to enjoy while working in the kitchen baking a pie. Add a vintage apron, and walla! You have a true 50's housewife look!

The green and blue 20's inspired dress, pictured above, screams New Life. It's vibrant shades, and artistic pattern is lovely, and as you can see, it's hard not to feel confident and happy in this dress.
 It's like wearing a painting that reflects the breeze blowing through the green reeds and lily pads on the enchanting pond in a secret garden. It's light, airy, and yet it holds it's own. It's brilliant, and yet it's not over-bearing. It's like a flowing stream of freedom, and serenity combined. The ruffle that goes down the length of the dress from the collar, only adds to the illusion of a cascade of water.

Go on down to the Art Room on Main St. and take a look at these, and other great outfits in the March Collection! There are even more wonderful dresses and accessories at The Vintage Wardrobe, your corner for Retro and Retro-style clothes!

XOXO
The Vintage Gal,
AJ. Childs

Grandma's Jewelry: Putting it to good use

You know those sparkly brooches that you were given as a wide eyed girl by your Great Aunt, or Mother's Mother? Or what about those costume jewelry rings and bracelets that just sit in your top dresser drawers? Maybe you know what I'm talking about, or perhaps you're oblivious, either way I want to share with you how to make what's old, or "out dated", "new again"...You may find that those old treasures are real compliment raisers and conversation starters!

Truth is, some of us truly only hold onto these hand-me-down trinkets because we're sentimental, but it takes the gracefully bold and creative sometimes to really put them to use.
Lucky for us sentimentals, vintage is ALWAYS in! And true fashion NEVER goes out of style.
The longer they've been sitting in your jewelry box, and the older they are, just makes them even more "covet- able", and yes you heard me right!  I dare say that what you never thought you'd wear in the light of day, may in fact become your favorite statement pieces.

          Same necklace in above picture, on my Grandmother, as the one in bellow photo of me!

For myself, (being known as "The Vintage Gal" around my small town) wearing old fashioned treasures in an unconscious habit of mine, but for some of you, this idea of wearing your Mother's cameos make take some convincing. With that in mind, I've added some step by step photos and examples.
Remember, you don't have to be a vintage gal to make this work, all you have to do is be you, and be bravely beautiful. You have a story to tell, and your style tells that story.

1. First, look through your stuff. And I mean, really look, and pull out all those dusty boxes.

2. Rediscover old relics. Take a moment to examine each piece and re-imagine it. Try not only redeeming your old jewels from the dust, but thinking out of the box. 

3. Experiment, with bits of history.
Recall the stories that go with the pieces, if you don't know them, consider searching through old photos to see if you can pick up the trail, or ask others in the family that might know. Often times, the most sacred pieces are those that were given as gifts by family, friends, or loved ones to your ancestors who have passed away.

And now, pave your own trail! Create wonderful memories in the lovely antiques, and write down at least one story to go with your favorite trinkets, for those who come after you. Or, create a jewelry/fashion photo journal, showing the before and after pics of your favorite clothing or accessories. And oh, go save a special piece of history or art from the Art Room today...The Vintage Wardrobe is showcasing many lovely pieces, some old, some new, that are just waiting to be put to use in your story.

Cheers!
And as always,
Have fun!
AJ, Childs
The Vintage Gal