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Haul of Shame – April NSB Roundup
No-Spender Bender, Shopping

Haul of Shame – April NSB Roundup

I failed pretty miserably at my Clothing No-Spender Bender for April. You see, when I decided to do this, I forgot that I was planning to go to a friend’s vintage sale. Or maybe I was really in denial about it, and didn’t want to recognize my lack of self-control (sometimes it’s easier to fail, right?)

But the good news is, I got some cute stuff! I’m not a fan of “haul posts”, because looking at others people’s shopping is kind of lame – and this is actually a confession, not a bragging post. Because even though I thought I was being careful in what I brought home, it’s still overwhelming me. These clothes are hanging in my living room, where this rack has been taking up space for several weeks. Weeks! I need to do a few minor repairs and cleaning, and then find these items a permanent home. I finally have a deadline though – we’re having people over on Saturday, so I need to get these things out of the living room by then.

Haul of Shame
40s purse
50s plaid suit
50s suit jacket
40s acorn sweater (actually, no shame on this one. I LOVE it.)
60s floral dress
40s white embroidered dress
2 fur stoles
1 fur muff

On the bright side, I didn’t buy any other new clothes, and I didn’t even browse online or in stores. I weeded out my closet a little but still need to drop things off at the thrift store. And I lost a pair of shoes at a dance event, so I’m one pair down (good shoes that I wore all the time, but I’m not going to replace them right away). Oops!
Two more months to go! And I don’t even mind – and I’m pretty sure I’ll do better next month. 🙂

“23 Skidoo” – American Duchess Shoes

Have you seen the new American Duchess shoes? I’m sure a lot of you have, but the swing dancers out there should take note – the newest style in this line of historical reproduction shoes is a 1920s spectator heel.

It comes in two colorways – brown-and-white, and all-white version that you can paint any color yourself (and American Duchess always has lots of how-to-paint tutorials on her blog, so don’t be afraid if you’re not super crafty!). Or most shoe repair shops can dye them for you.
Aside from being super cute, these also look like great dance shoes – leather uppers, a smooth sole, T-strap, and check out the heel – it’s a 2 3/8″ French heel, just like The Balboa, a perpetual favorite among swing girls.
American Duchess is in the pre-order phase right now – “23 Skidoo” is only $99 now through 11/19, and after that they go up to $120. And check out her blog for a shoe giveaway!

Pickwick Vintage Expo

Finally found time for an update! Well not really, since I should be packing for our move…but I need a little break, right?

Last weekend I headed out to the Pickwick Vintage Expo that I posted about previously. Chris decided to skip it, since there isn’t usually much menswear at this event. Good call – even our favorite vendors didn’t bring menswear – they have it, but it doesn’t sell as well so they don’t bother bringing it.

I was hoping to find some sewing notions and magazines, but didn’t find either. I did get a couple new pieces though!

Deadstock 40’s Wedges with a coveted ankle strap – so they don’t fall off while dancing!
Navy Swing Coat. I really really really am going to stop collecting coats soon. But I don’t have a navy coat, or a swing coat, so how could I pass on it?
Don’t worry, I was a good girl and walked away from the 30’s silver and green brooch, even if she did knock $100 off the price…

Shopping Bonanza!

There are some great vintage/vintage inspired shopping events the next couple weeks round these parts. I’m trying to decide if I can afford to attend them all… (Probably not!)

Loco Lindo Pre-Season Warehouse Sale
LA’s new favorite vintage repro company is having one of their fab warehouse sales!
All fabrics are machine-washable, which is perfect for “active” dancers.

“Vintage” Dress in new shorter length!

$5.00  $10.00  $15.00  $20.00 racks
Nothing over $40.00 (retails of $24 to $140)
FRIDAY, Jan 28th   10am to 5pm
SATURDAY, Jan 29th   10am to 4pm
1651 South Central Ave, Glendale, CA  91204         818-956-1415

Vintage Clothing & Textile Show
The Pickwick Gardens
1001 Riverside Drive
Burbank, California
SUNDAY January 30th, 2011
9am-3pm
Regular Admission $7.00
Early Buying at 8am – $20.00
Free & Easy Parking

Santa Monica Vintage Fashion Expo
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium
Feb 5 – 6, 2011

Regular Admission $10.00.
Sat Early Buy Admission $20.00
Remix just posted some new styles, and added some sale pricing for a few items.
If you live nearby, it’s best to shop in the store, but of course anyone can shop online too!

Buying Vintage Shoes Online – and a SALE!

I just came across this helpful chart from Vintage Martini for sizing vintage shoes. Perfect timing, because I was recently talking to a friend about how important sizing is when buying shoes vintage online (and how I learned this the hard way…) Every half size is only a change of 1/8″ !!

The chart looks accurate to me – I wear a size 8, and 9 3/4″ is the magic number I look for. The other crucial number is the width at the ball of the foot – measure a similar pair of shoes you already own to compare. (i.e. Don’t measure sneakers if you’re buying heels.)

Also, Vintage Martini is having a sale on their entire inventory, 50% off everything starting tomorrow through the end of the year! They don’t have an online shopping cart, so you email them to place an order, but they have excellent and speedy customer service.