While out antique shopping at one of my favorite local stores, I stumbled upon two orange gems and immediately fell in love! Usually, I am a sucker for any and all things blue hued; however, these bright orange pieces just screamed “retro”…and I screamed “yes” *wink*
The handbag is Perry Ellis from, I am assuming, the early 80s based on my little bit of research. And the hat is just old *wink* I can tell it was well-loved and well-worn. It is in great condition with the exception of the brand being worn away.
So, I grabbed my awesome, hobby-photographer dad and went to downtown Johnson City to take some fabulous photos with this week’s fabulous finds *wink* Enjoy!
On a recent antiquing trip to Jonesborough, Tennessee, I picked up the most marvelous vintage handbag EVER for only five dollars.
When I first spotted the “Casablanca” purse, I was positive it was going to be over-priced or in bad condition–finding good vintage nowadays is a bit challenging–but to my surprise it had an amazing price + it was in great condition. So, I picked it up, looked at my mom, and proclaimed–“I am getting this! It’s fabulous, vintage, and only five dollars + Casablanca is one of my favorite old films.” Ah…Humphrey Bogart…he was such a brilliant actor! I not only loved him in Casablanca, but I also loved him in Sabrina! Man…was I ever so born in the wrong era *wink*
The details are so amazing! When carrying this vintage beauty, I feel like I am hopping back in time…back in time, when fashion was so elegantly pristine and movies did not have fancy special effects…Ah…I can only dream of what it would have been like *wink*
All this talk about vintage has me craving old movies…so, let’s take a look at some of my favorite clips from Casablanca and Sabrina.
Special Note: If anyone knows anything about this vintage bag or if anyone knows anyone who could tell me more about this vintage bag, please contact me ASAP! I am so curious to learn more about it! Clickhereto visit my contact page :)
Hello, my fabulouses! This week’s Weekly Whistle is Strictly Zebra Business–the VIP’s signature curls, blue blazer, and zebra print…Oh, I just do not think it gets any better!
Where did I find such a precious zebra tank? My mom’s closet, of course! Thanks, momma, for keeping all of your fabulous vintage clothes:)
Okay, okay, okay! I cannot hold back the pictures anymore….So, without further ado, let’s see what the VIP’s outfit of the week is! Come on, fashionable readers, let’s get fabulous!
Chanel Mannequin is modeling the Thrift Store Find outfit as purchased…sans shoes and hat…keep reading to find out how I added my own twist to it:)
On my last visit to Meridian, Mississippi, I went thrifting…at first, I had no luck finding vintage, but my fortune turned around when I walked into the New Hope Thrift store…there I discovered the most spectacular outfit! A yellow and white blouse/skirt combo…I quickly grabbed it off the rack and hurried to locate my mom who was looking for furniture to redesign…as always;)
VIP TIPS (before you go thrifting):
Keep in mind you can combine Thrift Store Finds with the clothes you currently own!
Do NOT be afraid to mix patterns...or to go bold with color!
Look for unique, fun, funky pieces that make you stand out!
I have put together three different outfits to share with y’all…cute and adorable, dressy and sassy, and last but not least…full out throwback 80s! Enjoy:)
Shirt: Thrifted Skirt: Urban Outfitters Headband: The Attic Shoes: Lucky BrandPurple and yellow is a bold color combination!The one thing I love about fashion is that it allows you to be yourself in a variety of ways. If people refuse to accept the way you are…then you always have your heels and pretty clothes:)Shirt: Thrifted Belt: Target Skirt: Fashion Barn Shoes: Jessica SimpsonColbalt blue is my favorite color for spring! Combined with black, white, and yellow…you can’t go wrong!“Girls do not dress for boys. They dress for themselves and, of course, each other. If girls dressed for boy’s they’d just walk around naked at all times.” -Betsey Johnson
VIP TIP:
Invest in staple, statement shoes and accessories that add a wow factor to your wardrobe!
You may notice in some of my blogs that I often wear some of the same pieces…Why?…because they are so easy to combine with many different outfits! Items such as: the cobalt blue Jessica Simpson shoes, the cobalt blue belt from Target, and the Reo Speedwagon shirt (my favorite shirt of all time!) from Urban Outfitters are just a few of my staple, statement pieces.
Shirt: Thrifted Tank top: Urban Outfitters Jeans: JCrew Shoes: Lucky BrandThe reason I prefer vintage over everything else is because it allows me to be different! I don’t want to look like every other girl out there!I wish I could have lived in the 80s…the music is so fabulous!“I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art.” -Madonna
Are you a thrifter? Show me your skills by tweeting me pictures of things you have found at thrift stores you adore! My twitter is @Abbysauce_
Don’t have Twitter? Well, you can also email me pictures of your thrifty discoveries! My email is vintage.passionista@gmail.com
I’d love to show off your nifty, thrifty finds in a future blog! So don’t be shy, email me/tweet me those pictures!
My next blog is a hugger-mugger, hush-hush, heterogeneous doozy!:) So…to ferret out the secret, you must stay tuned to the VIP blog! I also encourage you to subscribe via email to my blog so you NEVER miss a post!:)
You can also follow me on Instagram @vintagepassionista
I hope you have enjoyed this Thrift Store Finds:) Here are some more pictures from the photoshoot!
“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” -Coco Chanel
Remember to always be yourself no matter what! Don’t be afraid to stand out and be different:)
This year marks the 72nd Annual Columbus Spring Pilgrimage which is a spectacular event that displays the most glorious and authentic antebellum homes in the South. It was so delightful to see the men, women, and children all dressed in time period attire.
It was a lovely experience that I want to share with y’all! I would also like to thank Nancy Carpenter for her kindness and hospitality! Nancy Carpenter is the Columbus/Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director, Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation Executive Director, and the Director of the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage. Miss Nancy was soo darling to my mom, dad, and me!
I’d like to give a shout-out to all the super sweet people I met while attending the Pilgrimage! They were all so precious and excited to have a blogger visiting and reporting about the awesomeness of their historical homes and city! It made me feel so special and welcome:)
I encourage you to go and see these pulchritudinous homes for yourself! There is still time to attend the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage because it doesn’t end until April 7.
Twelve Gables was the first home we visited, and is located within walking distance from the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center. It was a beautiful day for a nice little stroll with the family.
Me and Mrs. Ray Gildea Jr., the owner of the home Twelve Gables. Mrs. Gildea is an adorable story teller with a true passion for the history of her home! I loved her warm welcome and background story of the home Twelve Gables.Twelve Gables is known for being the gathering place of local women who in 1866 planned a decoration day for the graves of the Confederate soldiers in Friendship Cemetery. "An early memorial ceremony honoring the Civil War soldiers buried in Friendship Cemetery has been credited as the forerunner of the modern Memorial Day." (http://www.thecityofcolumbusms.org/primary.asp?t=9&p=68) According to legend, one woman suggested that they put flowers on Union soldiers graves because they were also someone's sons.
A few cool facts that I learned about Twelve Gables while visiting it:
The facade of the home has the same carved Ashlar pattern as Mount Vernon.
The home is insulated with cedar chips.
I learned that suitors’ calling cards were quite interesting…I’m afraid my dad may have gotten some ideas…
I love the birds on this wallpaper, and the green because it is one of my VIP colors:)Is there anything better than blue and white together??? I'm feeling outfit inspiration...This Flowers Dictionary is by a Lady because women of that era were not allowed to put their names on books. This dictionary is located at the Twelve Gables home.One of the upstairs bedrooms in Twelve Gables. The rug is absolutely gorgeous!How cute:)People from here, yonder, and everywhere were at the home tours on Saturday, March 31!
My parents and I then continued our stroll several blocks to White Arches. Along the way, I encountered squirrels frolicking, bees buzzing, birds chirping, people enjoying the carriage rides and double-decker bus tour, and other charming historical homes.
Me outside White Arches which was built in 1857. The current owners are Mr. and Mrs. Dick Leike.
My favorite thing about this edifice is the “tower” which is really a cupola… inside there are stairs leading to a small room and observation deck which was used by the women looking for their husbands returing from the War Between the States…many of these women descended the stairs as widows…that is how it became known as “the widow’s walk”. The porch ceilings of this home are painted sky blue in order to keep insects and birds from building nests…this is the idea my dad really needs to take home!
The crowds outside White Arches learning about the history of the home.The architecture of White Arches is called "Columbus Eclectic" which is a combination of Greek Revival, Gothic, and Italianate. The details and craftmanship of White Arches is inexplicable!
The front door entrance is surrounded by red Venetian glass which took gold to make and represents wealth. The home has time period furnishings, Stanton Hall fabric pattern (as in Natchez, Mississippi), and suprisingly modern amenities like an incredible bath that was created from a porch. A cool factoid is the private balcony of the blue bedroom, which was originally General Harris’s daughter’s room, has no outside handles on the doors to prevent intruders and especially suitors from entering…I am sure…once again, my dad was given a brilliant idea!
Me and Mrs. Leike, such a super sweet lady and dressed so darling!
The last stop on the Yellow Tour was Rosedale…I do not recommend walking to Rosedale…even though some of the tourists did. My family and I used the drive as a perfect time for a water break…and a chance to cool down from the mid 80s temperature.
Rosedale, consisting of approximately 500,000 handmade bricks is furnished with Rococo Revival and Renaissance furnishings. Mr. and Mrs. Imes, the current owners, hired an architect to restore this antebellum home to its original glory. Some say that Rosedale is named after the rose that is carved into the mantel in the ladies’ parlor. Rosedale has the most fabulous faux painting ever! Some of the baseboards and mantels were painted to look like marble and fine wood…I am still not convinced that they were painted:) One of the coolest features of the home is the Gib windows which open to allow not only ventilation, but walk through access to the porch. Rosedale houses an extensive collection of John Henry Belter furnishings.
Rosedale was built in 1856 and the current owners are Mr. and Mrs. Gene Imes.
Children playing outside of Rosedale.
This was only the first three homes that we toured…my next blog will contain the Blue Tour places which are Whitehall, Rosewood Manor and Gardens, and Colonnade Garden.
While at the Columbus Pilgrimage, I visited a vintage store called The Attic! It is so AWESOME! I could spend all day in there just trying on and picking out things!
In a later blog, I will be showing you the vintage finds I purchased from The Attic!
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