evintage blog tag - Frank Sinatra

'Its Blog Tag Wednesday at the eVintage Society!.
Out of 50,000 suggested faces to place on a United States Postage stamp each year, only 20 are selected. This year, on the 10 year anniversary of FRANK SINATRA’S death, the USPS issued a stamp honoring Ol’ Blue Eyes. '

Well, I am not a Sinatra fan, but here we go.
1) Show your favorite Rat Pack look in your inventory (early 60s suit, fedora, tie, cufflinks, loop collar shirt…..)
I don't know about 'Rat Pack' but here is a very cool vintage mens silk shirt that I currently have for sale -

2) Favorite Sinatra song? I don't have one. They did play 'Come Fly with Me' in a Rocko cartoon once. I liked that. But I don't know if it was actually Sinatra singing or a cover version.
3) Favorite Rat Pack member? (Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr. or Peter Lawford) I'm not a follower of those guys, so I'm not a fan of any of them.
4) Best Sinatra “era”? (40s young & skinny, 50s swingin’ crooner or 60s Rat Pack suave?) I don't know. I only think of him as being Old and cranky.
5) Favorite Sinatra wife? (Nancy, Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow or Barbara) Again, I don't know. I don't know anything about Nancy or Barbara. Mia Farrow obviously had bad taste in men.
6) Been to Vegas, how many times and best Vegas story (keep it clean!) Never been to Vegas, not my kind of town. (I'm a hermit, I'm happy in Jersey)


Check out the eVintage Blog Tag every Wednesday. Follow the links to read the posts from all of the participating blogs. I was tagged by Vintage Joy and now I'm tagging Diary of a Mad Vintage Addict

A Vintage Adventure

Summer's the season of travel, dear readers, is it not? And in the DCGF's book, there's only way to travel: in style! That's why I'm bringing you not just fabulous fashion today, but the necessary accouterments for jetting off to exotic locales. Or just camping out in your own backyard!

This week's Goodwill Good Buy of the Week starts off with an amazing vintage salwar kameez purchased in New Delhi, India, in 1962. According to the donor, it has never been worn, but the top does have some discoloration due to age. Oh, and salwar are the pants; kameez is the long top. I just learned that thanks to an intrepid colleague.

The 100% silk fabric is absolutely amazing. Look at the pattern on the tunic! The vibrant pink colors on an ivory background complement perfectly the fuschia of the silk shantung pants, which feature the traditional drawstring waist, wide pants leg, and narrow opening at the ankles. The tunic has side slits beginning at the waist, at three hook-and-eye closures just above the waist on the left size.

The tag inside the tunic says "Hand Embroidered, CCIE - ICU, New Delhi, India" and states that the garment is a size 34. Check eBay later today for exact measurements, though, because the bust and waist are quite narrow!

But wait, there's more. What does every good trip need, but a camera. And I have one of the most famous ever, the Kodak Brownie. This model is the Flash Six-20 and includes the original Brownie Flasholder. There's is a bit of writing on the bottom, and the owner's name - Allen Roberts - is in gold ink on the back, but otherwise it's in good condition.

How fun would it be to ditch the digital for a day and roam the streets with this little gem? It's still possible to purchase 620 film from specialty retailers, like B&H Photo Video, for example. Just so you know...

Even if photography isn't your thing, you'll still need to get to where you're going on time. Which is where this fantastic Aimor travel AM/FM radio and alarm clock comes in! Sure, you could rely on the clock in the hotel room, but those things are overly complicated. Why not take your own along in its black leather case lined with red fabric? Tres chic.

The model number is TCR-68FM and the case and all components were made in Japan. The clock actually winds up, and ticks very quietly to let you know it's still working. The alarm setting is on the back of the clock, too. The radio side is powered by a 9V battery. The volume is controlled by a tiny dial. There are also "Auto" or "Many" settings, although I'm not quite sure what those do. Hmmm...

Anyway, there are quite a few tears and wear on the leather cover, but the inside is immaculate and fully functioning. I just think it's just so cool! Can't you see James Bond travelling with something like this? Although his would probably include an x-ray scanner, radar, and cigarette lighter. This version, to the best of my knowledge, has none of those things.

So there you have it! The DCGF's first foray into presenting you a variation from the usual Tuesday offerings of sartorial splendor. As I said, there are some changes on the blog this week, and this is the first. Look for a new entry at the end of the week, Friday Furnishings, where I'll be bringing you the best in dwellings, design, and all things delightfully decorous. How's that for an alliteration? Dare I declare, downright divine.




Any purchase made at a Goodwill Retail Store or on eBay funds Goodwill's mission of training and employment programs for people with disadvantages or disabilities.

Goodwill’s fashion blog provides detailed knowledge and insight on vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories that are valuable to fashion shoppers. The facts and opinions shared present readers with entertaining, exciting and value based information on vintage and contemporary fashion and shopping trends.

Here I am

I haven't done a regular post here since Memorial Day Weekend! I guess I've just been busy, I don't know what I've been doing! Working on vintage, going to the shore, spoiling my dog, etc.
I usually work 7 days a week in the Winter, but in the Summer I actually takes some time off and go to the shore every weekend. So squeezing my Winter schedule to get everything I normally do in 7 days, done in 5 days, takes a little adjusting to. I think I'm caught up.
It's been super hot here, and going in and out of air conditioning usually gives me a headache. Since I've been on my vitamin routine to lower my blood pressure, I find that my headache and sinus troubles aren't as bad. So that's something that I'm very thankful for during the heatwave (now watch, I'll be in bed all day with a migraine tomorrow)
I can't be in bed tomorrow though, because I have a vintage appointment! But it's with my gal who usually cancels 2-3 times before we finally get together, so we'll see if the meeting takes place tomorrow (she already switched from today til tomorrow) This gal usually brings me lingerie and purses. I'll post some preview photos when I get my hands on the stuff.

Here are some photos. Here's our pretty yard with the Laurel all in bloom. We're back in the woods and our driveway is so pretty to drive down because it's lined with wild laurel on both sides. That's my Dad's car. I'm baking a cake for Father's Day.


My Dad also bought an orange truck. Yeah, orange. It has a yellow bumper and Tweetie Bird floor mats! If you look close, you can see that Boris likes it.



Boris is doing fine by the way. No signs of any trouble now, it's like he was never sick. Although a chunk of something blew out of his nose the other day. It looked like a piece of dog food. He's such a goober.

Bye for now, Carol

Bright is Alright

Yesterday, dear readers, your truly bravely stumbled out of her apartment on my pair of 5" neon green Alice + Olivia for Payless slingback platforms (There they are at right. I paid full price and now they're on sale - curses!). I hadn't worn them before, you see, and it stopped raining for about 10 minutes, so I eagerly slipped them on for some errand running I had to accomplish.

Everyone was staring, not only because I was 6'5" in them (no kidding!), but because the sheer retina-burning brightness of the shoes certainly stood out from the black boots and sensible brown flats that everyone else seemed to be wearing. I received compliments from a 9-year-old girl and an 80-year-old man. Kinda creepy, but flattering nonetheless.

Maybe it's because I'm a child of the eighties, but I still have a certain weakness for neon colors. Where I used to wear two neon t-shirts, though, and roll up the sleeves so that the color underneath could be seen, now I'll just accessorize with a pair of shoes or some strategically place piece of jewelry. I still think these bright colors can be fashionable and they bring back a touch of my youth, minus the legwarmers and black Reebok hightops.

If shoes are your thing (and if they aren't they should be - my goodness!), it's easy to find a brightly colored pair that's appropriate for a variety of occasions. I know I'm going to sound like your mom when I say this, but Aerosoles makes really comfortable shoes that are - yes - stylish. They're not all about those yucky elastic slip-ons anymore.

I think the pair to the left, called "Picnic" are a great pair of vibrantly colored slingbacks that are perfect for a casual Friday, a Saturday morning brunch, or a Sunday evening soirée. They come in a variety of colors, but I absolutely love this orange faux-leather option. Paired with khaki, olive green, or just basic white, they're sure to make a statement. Plus they're on sale for $59.25. Plus they come in sizes 5 1/2 through 12. Done.

If you'd rather wear your brightness on your arm, then go for R.J. Graziano's "Bright Idea" bangles, which are available from - of all places - the Home Shopping Network! I didn't even know HSN sold stuff like that. Probably it's a good thing that I don't get that station; I'd never turn it off!

Anyway, about the bangles... They're acrylic and have this translucent thing going on, which I love. I'd pair two together. I especially like the combination of purple and yellow, worn with a brown dress maybe. It sounds a little out there, but try and you'll see. With something this fabulous, you can keep the rest of the jewelry to a minimum. And at $27.95 each, they're certainly not cheap, so let them be the focus of your outfit!

Now guys, don't think I've forgotten about you. I don't recommend any neon man-jewelry, or even shoes, really. (Can neon, patent-leather tennis shoes please go away for a while? Please?) Guys have it a little easier, actually. If you want to wear neon, I say go all the way and pick up a tee or two from American Apparel's Highlighter series.

Seriously, just go for it. Throw on a pair of dark wash jeans, some Converse Jack Purcell's and you're out the door. This is especially relevant if you're looking to pick up chicks. Why? Because everyone will be asking about your shirt. I'm not in the business of giving dating advice here, dear readers, but trust me on this one. No guy in a neon tee shirt will go unnoticed for too long. On the other hand, however, if you're heading out for a job interview, it's probably best to stay away from such colors. Just sayin'...

Ahhh...I'm feeling younger already, just thinking about picking up a few neon-hued pieces for summer. I think I'll keep the bright green on my feet, though, and not around my face. That color seems best reserved for those of a deeper complexion. I, on the other hand, tend to look a little seasick. But vibrant orange, shining yellow, hot pink - these are my friends. I shall wear them well.

Goodwill’s fashion blog provides detailed knowledge and insight on vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories that are valuable to fashion shoppers. The facts and opinions shared present readers with entertaining, exciting and value based information on vintage and contemporary fashion and shopping trends.

New year - new body?

Did you know that the number 1 most popular new years resolution is to lose weight? Just because you, my dear readers, are empowered and attempting to love your body (if not loving it already) does not mean that you aren't going to be tempted to undertake a weight loss regiment yourselves.

I am not going to try and stop you; as many of you know I have lost more than 40 pounds in the last 2 years by exercising and changing my eating habits.

But I highly encourage you not to go on a diet. Diets don't work! They are restrictive and boring and no fun. I am not on a diet. I just finished a fabulous vanilla and peanut butter swirl frozen yogurt with peanut butter chips. But I also did a kick butt workout this morning for an hour and half. It's all about balance, girlies.

I also encourage you not to try and get "skinny". I may have lost 40 pounds, but I am still a full figured fashionista. It's about health, not size 2 jeans. It's about energy to walk and run and do all the fun things you want to do. It's about living your life to the fullest - not rejecting or hating the body you have, but loving it enough to make it perform at its best, regardless of its size.


Since this is a blog where I do make recommendations, I will make one now. I have lost my weight with 2 things: 1) A gym membership. 2)Weight Watchers. It lets you eat like a human being, and yet gives you the tools to lose weight. Amazingly, its not that hard (if you are truly ready to start), or that expensive. It may not work for everybody, but its the plan I have found that teaches you the most how to eat like a "normal" person, not a dieter. I am on the points plan (I think its called "flex") and I love it!

Oh, and if you have no desire to lose weight, that's cool too. Just giving you some food for thought!

The Stuff Inspiration is Made Of

Since starting my W.E.I.O. Project and The Three R's, I've noticed some other mention-worthy projects and links from fellow bloggers. I couldn't be more thrilled! While my blog focuses primarily upon fashion, I try to veer away from what I consider "fluff." To quote Tricia:

"I believe the best stylists walk the streets, not the photo sets, nor the backstage of the runways. The real innovators are you and me: real, fashionable people, men and women alike."

While you'll occasionally see me posting about a certain celebrity's style, it's because it appeals personally to me and my tastes, not because said celebrity is wearing it. True style stems from individuality, not from what's "in." I think this goes hand-in-hand with what I'm trying to say about my blog and my current projects. Fashion doesn't necessarily have to be about labels and trends, nor do you have to have the latest and greatest fashion crazes to be stylish. Hence why I'm so greatly awed and inspired by some of these blogger's views as of late.

• Christy of Fashion Exploration's current project, "No New Clothes Initiative." Christy's plan is to buy only thrifted, vintage, or refashioned clothing for the next six months in order to be more environmentally friendly. Go ahead girl, you seriously rock.

• Could this gal be any wiser? Tricia of Bits and Bobbins' "be yourself" post. Tricia's intelligence, confidence, and insight never fails to blow me away.

• Fashion Weakley's thoughts on "What are we buying for?" It will make you think twice next time you're about to blow the last of your cash on something unnecessary.

• This article about British fashionista Vivienne Westwood, "People must stop buying and buying," quoted by both Tricia and Liebemarlene.

While I may be contradicting myself, if there is one thing more people should emulate, it's a good attitude and positive habits. Got an inspiring project/link/blog? Let me know, I'd love to share it!

To tie things up, here's my latest contributions to W.E.I.O:

hat: thrifted
white tank: 25 cents at a yard sale
skinny jeans: Target
navy slip-ons: thrifted

vintage dress: thrifted
eyelet espadrilles: Wal-Mart
yellow earrings (unseen): Spence's Bazaar

Gemstones and Hearts!

Valentine's Day is creeping up on us, and I'm still listing jewelry pieces with hearts. I have gemstone hearts I should use, but I've lately been involved with the lampwork hearts that you see here. My favorite necklace with a heart is probably the one (close-up is above) I made with lampwork beads from Lynn Nurge, genuine rubies, and goldfilled beads and charms. The rubies are a generous size, nice and chunky, and the goldfilled components match the flecks of gold in these dichroic beads. Instead of graduating rubies until they were smaller and smaller, or keeping them all large (and thus making a very expensive necklace), I decided to make the ruby part of the necklace like a "collar" and join it to large-linked goldfilled chain.This ruby necklace will be a great Valentine's Day present for someone.
I bought several of these silvery pink Venetian hearts because I was so taken by the colour, the light pink laced with such a clear silvery shimmer. I liked the heart so much that I decided to keep it the star by hanging it from pink suede and adding only a touch of silver and a little faceted amethyst rondelle to the bottom. This lampwork pendant necklace can be found on the same page as the lampwork pendant necklace seen below, another heart pendant, this time from Annie Divelbiss. It, too, is laced with silver; the colours are different tones of blue-purple, and it hangs from a pretty imprinted sterling silver chain from the Karen Hill Tribes of Thailand. I've left most of the chain so that the buyer can wear it about 27 inches or have it shortened to wear as a choker.

Today we had the first snow of the year - or I should say the season, since we had no snow either in December or November. It was a wet, sleety snow, just enough to make driving difficult for drivers who aren't used to driving on slick roads and give shivers to the rest of us. How wonderful it would be to have about 6 inches of soft, powdery snow to look beautiful for a day or so, then melt away. How can it be winter without any snow?



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