Spotlight Saturday - Eternal Sparkles!

When I'm not busy with my day job, or busy here working at Etsy to bring you awesome vintage fashion finds, I'm always always busy keeping abreast in regards to what's going on in our big vast wonderful world of style.  A couple of days ago, I landed on this website, www.eternalsparkles.com and was absolutely amazed at just how cool this online shop is that specializes in celebrity jewelry knock offs at ridiculously low prices.  Besides the fact that these dupes are affordable, they are quality made which is a complete bonus!  Now we can all rock out some celebrity style bling without busting our bank accounts! From modern current day jewelry designs to what's now considered vintage: rings, earrings, bracelets, necklace & everything in between, they pretty much have it all!  *Pictured below are a pair of delicate pearl earrings inspired by the ones worn by Hollywood starlett Audrey Hepburn.

There are so many different styles to choose from, for instance here is a radiant 14 carat CZ stone set atop a classic sterling silver band worn by Kate Hudson to the Los Angeles premiere of 'Something Borrowed'.  Or how about the stunning square shaped ring worn by Khloe Kardashian to her sister Kim's 30th b-day that's encrusted with hundreds of clear grade AAA CZ stones sitting atop a rhodium plated band.

This week at Retro Threadz, we've added a rare vintage jewelry find as we're bringing to you this gorgeous heirloom amethyst & hematite ring, circa 1930's set in sterling silver...Stop by the shop and check it out! 

   
  
pics: eternalsparkles.com, www.etsy.com/shop/retrothreadz?ref=seller_info

Fashion In Film Friday - Slumdog Millionaire

The movie Slumdog Millionaire was nominated for '10' academy awards in 2009 and featured a cast of unknown newcomers, some of who's real lives actually followed suit to the characters they were portraying. The plot centers around a Mumbai teen growing up in the slums who later on becomes a contestant on the Indian version of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"  Upon winning, he's arrested for suspicion that he cheated, and during his interrogation the film goes on to play out events from his life that explains just exactly how he knew all of the answers.

Indian actress & model, Frieda Pinto's career has been on the rise since the release of this film.  She got the part of lead female as the character Latika who was the love interest of the lead male role played by Dev Patel.  Pinto's character Latika's costumes in the film truly give the true ambiance that is India, with the exotic, vivid, evocative & visually stunning Indian inspired clothing styles.  The saris, jewelry and tunics of this country by comparison is somewhat equivalent to the Bohemian styles popular here in the states.

Eastern fashions incorporate a vivid variety of mixing colors and fabric textures that allows for a lot of freedom in regards to choosing the right pairings when it comes to trying to incorporate this fashion style into your own wardrobe.  For instance to easily achieve the Slumdog Millionaire look, an Eastern inspired printed scarf, a hammered coin bracelet or earrings and an embellished chiffon dress will do the trick!  All these items shown here from various shops right here on Etsy.

Whether you're looking at a high end department store, or your local thrift shops, I'm sure you're bound to find something to fit your own Eastern influenced personal style taste.  In my opinion, this is a perfect example of a lack of, 'taste that is' as The Pussycat Dolls were seen shortly after the premiere in these atrocious sari epic fail get ups!

        
pics: movieposters.com, popscribblings.com, zeenastyle.wordpress.com, tonguechic.com, www.etsy.com/shop/pennyraevintage?ref=seller_info,
www.etsy.com/shop/Textilemonster?reref=seller_info,
www.etsy.com/shop/danglingdiva?ref=seller_info

Just So You Know

vintage 70s cream bohemian sundress w/shawl

vintage 60s Tapestry Go-Go Boots / Handbag Set

 

 

Vintage 1930s amethyst / hematite ring heirloom

vintage 1940s Lucite prim bracelet

 

vintage 70s Cabaret Platform heels

vintage 80s Zarelli Red Cropped Leather Batwing Jacket

 

vintage 80s black lace tunic

 

 All new updates & more in the shop now

Pippa's British Bootie Envy!

Ever since she made her debut appearance in the public eye, Pippa Middleton has been a tabloid sensation. From the whispers that suggested she stole the show at the royal wedding, upstaging her sis Kate when she dutifully trailed behind her carrying her train during the nuptials, wearing the form fitting gown designed especially for her by Alexander McQueen,...to the recent 'bootie envy' that is said to be sending women everywhere in droves to their local plastic surgeons in hopes of getting a boost to lift their derrieres a' la Pippa style!

For years, boob jobs, nose jobs & face lifts have been the most sought after procedures when it comes to physical enhancements, however, as of late with the ever escalating popularity of celebs such as Jennifer Lopez & Kim Kardashian, buttocks related aesthetic procedures or 'ass'thetics' ha ha...has been taking precedence for about the past five years.  Grant it, Pippa has an awesome figure, but seriously what is up with the website I just happened upon called 'pippasass.com'?  I just don't get the whole 'ass envy' concept...do you?     
          
pics:glamour.com

Vintage Tapestry Fashions

When you say or hear the word 'tapestry', I'm sure a wall hanging of sorts comes to mind but tapestry fabric has been worn as clothing as far back as the middle ages in the era of castles and chivalry.  Tapestry in layman's terms is an intricate loom woven textile art that has been around for centuries, even dating back as far as the 3rd century BC as Greek tapestries have been discovered and preserved in desert of Tarim Basen.  The usual medium of choice for weaving tapestry is cotton or linen, but for more fancier fare, silk, gold & silver are often used.  It's amazing to look back now with wonder an awe as to how delicate the whole process was with the detailed art work performed with basic means in comparison to what is produced today with technology.  In February of this year, during Milan Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2011, designer Veronica Etro went Medieval bringing a primitive vibe to tapestry styles...

There's such an absolute rich history behind the fabric that is tapestry and every once in a great while here at Retro Threadz, we are lucky enough to acquire a rare tapestry find.  Stop by the shop to see our new listings this week!  Featured as of yesterday, we are excited to add this 'Vintage 60's Tapestry Go-Go Boots & Handbag set to our collection!

: fashionwindows.net, Retro Threadz  

Hive Jive

It was called 'the bouffant, the up-do & the B52', but the beehive that originated in Chicago in 1960 was the true definition of the 'big hair' fad that caught on like wild fire and gained world wide appeal.  The overly back combed, overly aqua netted style, was named the 'beehive' because it actually looks like a hive, or a nest of some sorts.  It's been said that part of the allure of the style is that it added the illusion of height to the wearer.  I know the history of the hive first hand as my mother who grew up in that era told me she sported the style when she was 16.  She said..."The higher the hive, the cooler you were considered to be".  The first girl group to get on board with this style was 'The Ronettes' but the trend lasted through to the late 70's with the emergence of the pop culture iconic group 'The B52's', as band members Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson rocked their own retro version of the boof.

Well into the 80's it continued to trail blaze & continued to be re-popularized, especially after the cult John Waters film, 'Hair Spray' starring drag queen Divine & Ricky Lake was released, & over dramatized the 'do' to the hilt! & it made it's way back again with a re do of the popular movie from the same script starring John Travolta in drag & newcomer Nikki Blonsky in 2007.

In 2006, Amy Whinehouse stepped on the music scene with her signature style which was soon to be emulated by her female followers.  Her hair was what she was known for aside from her amazing other worldly vocal abilities. It was stated that her poof measured close to a half of a foot high!  In her whole career regardless of her state of being, you never saw her minus the hair-do.  She was quoted as saying ...  "My hair is always on point, even if the rest of me is really naff." 

This vintage hairstyle just seems to keep evolving but has definitely come along way from it's beginnings when it was originally created by Margaret Vinci Heldt, winner of the 1954 National Coiffure Championship.

This variation of the style won an award at a British hairstyling competition in 2010 which is sheer proof that in years to come we're just going to keep seeing the style moving into new and exciting directions!

pics: fogcityvintageandsuch.com, ginavivinetto.wordpress.com, threadforethought.net, moviesabout.com, begoths.com, ukhairdressers.com, projects.accessatlanta.com, latinasgallery.com

70's Vintage Punk Rock Vixen Wendy O Williams

Before there was Madonna, Lady Gaga, or any other who was considered to be a 'shock rocker' female pop star, there was a force to be reckoned with and her name was Wendy O Williams.  If you were growing up in the late seventies to early eighties, you know exactly who I'm talking about!  In July of 1978, her band 'The Plasmatics' gave it's debut performance at the infamous CBGB in New York. Williams instantly became a punk rock cult icon for the ages and had a consistent following during her career thereafter.  

If you think today's female musicians have pushed the envelope in regards to what's considered controversial or taboo, Wendy O puts them in the rank of saints compared to her on stage antics. Williams was an intense personality on every level and it came through in her lyrics, her persona and most of all her wardrobe which was mostly 'skin'.  She was big on strategically placed electrical tape.  In the early 80's she was arrested several times for simulating sex on stage, attempting battery on an officer and for perpetrating obscene conduct.  She even went as far as to perform in nothing but shaving cream on one occasion!  This chick was off the hook crazy and the crowds ate it up!

After The Plasmatics went their separate ways, Williams attempted a solo career in 1984 when she released an album titled "W.O.W" that was produced by Kiss members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley & Ace Frehley.  She also gave a shot at acting appearing in the 1986 indie film, 'Reform School Girls'.  She ended up retiring all together in 1991 and toned it down quite a bit ending up working in a health food store, citing that she was just sick of people!   

Unfortunately, Wendy O Williams stage act was not an act at all, the brash & hardcore personality she portrayed to the public, was really who she was on the inside.  In 1993 she attempted suicide by hammering a knife into her chest but she changed her mind when it just lodged in her sternum.  Another attempt occurred in 1997 with an ephedrine overdose and finally she succeeded on April 6th 1998 when she went into the woods near her home and shot herself.  She was only 48.  This vintage music vixen was the epitome of a bad girl style icon and definitely paved the way for those who followed in her footsteps, so f.y.i. it wasn't a big revelation when Amy Whinehouse, Lady Gaga or Pink rocked the tape, as the punk rock vixen queen of 'shock & awe', Wendy O Williams had 'been there and done that' when they were still in diapers!        

 : hangout.altsounds.com  , fabsugar.co.uk , flickr.com , myspace.com , noisy-subculture.blogspot.com , corbisimages.com , chorniccandy.com, binside.typepad.com , tatparade.blogspot.com

FAD FLASH! - Snakeskin Pedicure

There's a new fad going around that involves of all things... 'SNAKES'!  The reptile has been around for ev'.  It's been on your bags and on your shoes and now it's making it's way to your toes!  Snakeskin pedicures are the new fad and women are forking out the $300 bucks it costs to have 'real' & "yes you heard me right...snakeskin sheds adhered to their toenails!"  A California manicurist, Terri Silacci of Monterey California's Euphoria Lounge Salon & Spa, came up with the idea when one of her children brought home a piece of snakeskin from science class.  She said it took her about six months to perfect the whole process which involves using 'Bio Sculpture Gel' instead of regular nail polish & a custom cut piece of snakeskin scaled to the size of each toe.  

Regardless of the fact that 'no animal' is being killed or maimed for the sake of vanity, I know that I personally don't dig the whole idea of snakeskin being adhered anywhere on 'me'. Maybe it's because I 'HATE' snakes?  


"Sssssssssss!"   


pics: spaweekblog.com, mysnakeskinpedicure.com, footluxe.com

MOD Monday - 'Veruschka'

It's hard to believe that Veruschka von Lehndorff, the popular model of the 1960's whose name was shortened to simply 'Veruschka', turned 71 this year.  Born in Russia, but of German descent, she came from a military background being that her father was a German Count & Army reserve officer who was a part of the German resistance.  He was executed when she was five years old for attempting to assassinate Adolf Hitler.  Although she was born into wealth, after her father's death her family was left homeless.

She was discovered at the age of 20, and began modeling full-time in Paris.  In 1961 she became acquainted with Eileen Ford of the Ford Modeling Agency & moved to New York.  Being a huge fan of the infamous eccentric Salvador Dali, I was amazed to discover that she had worked closely with him on several projects! 

Although modeling was her forte', she had dabbled in acting a bit appearing in only about a dozen films, none of which were box office hits, her last being a bit part in the 2006 Casino Royale, a prequel to the popular James Bond movies. Throughout her modeling career, she appeared on the cover of Vogue quite a few times which made her well known around the world.  Her look was uniquely distinctive and she was the ultimate chameleon when it came to adapting to the ever changing style trends of the 60's...

Being a Countess by her birth right, she was the epitome of the rags to riches story having gone back and forth between wealth, poverty and finally doing very well for herself in the end.  As the years progressed, she became a well known 'Mod' fashion Icon of the 60's, having been the muse of every designer she came in contact with.

Last year, Veruschka made a runway appearance at the Giles 2011 Spring/Summer show in London for fashion week.  She was part of his finale sporting a long orchid and bow print gown, with a 7 foot boa decorating her hair, definitely proving that youth really has nothing to do with the way beauty should be perceived.

   
            
pics: modeikat.de, flickr.com, tumblr.com, freeimagefinder.com, pichaus.com, trendland.net, styleguru.com, huffingtonpost.com, myspace.com

Summer Time & Vintage Bicycles

credit: Shannon-Lynn-Photography

Retro Threadz Giveaway

Good evening friends & hope you all had a great weekend staying cool. Seems as though this heat is going to run through this week as well. How hot has it been in your neck of the woods? So onto this weeks giveaway, being that it has been so hot I figured I would "lay off" the winter coats and add a "all seasonal" trench coat this week. Here we have a vintage 70s tan trench coat never worn and still has its original tags.  Details following photos

Coat is Labeled size 18
Beautiful inner peach embroidered lining
★★  Shown on my size 18 mannequin
bust - 43 1/2"
waist - 34 1/2"
hips - 45"

To enter, please comment below & retweet on twitter @retrothreadz for double entry and or facebook for triple entries

Good luck & winner will be selected next Sunday July 31st

@ 9:00pm Eastern Standard Time

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Good evening readers, as always thanks to you all for being a follower/reader of my blog. I just luv you all to pieces. Tonight's giveaway winner is ---

Jasmine1485  

Thanks to all who participated in this weeks giveaway. 

Congratulations Jasmine1485 please contact me at

retrothreadz@yahoo.com

for details!!!

Stay tuned for next weeks giveaway