There are few moments when I get so excited by a seller, I just have to feature them. T8Designs brilliantly hand-picks and repurposes antique jewelry, recontextualizing them into modern trends.
Archive for 2009
Southwestern Style
In Dresses, Jackets & Outerwear, Shoes, Women on June 5, 2009 at 7:56 pmThe Western theme is running wild this year. We’ve already posted on fringed jackets, Mexican blankets, horse prints and huaraches. Wrangle these Southwestern styles for spring/summer.
Beach Party
In Men, Pants & Shorts, Shirts & Tees, Swim Trunks on June 4, 2009 at 1:13 amParty à la Frankie and Annette. Throw on vintage Hawaiian swim trunks, grab a surfboard, invite some friends and have a tiki party on the beach.
Update June 15th: Ah yes, another pair of primo swim trunks. It was hard to pass these ones up.
Designer Spotlight: Escada
In Dresses, Jackets & Outerwear, Tops, Women on June 2, 2009 at 7:50 pmHi vintage fans! Vintalier went on a short hiatus but now we’re back. Thanks for sticking with us and for your reward, here is some eye candy from Escada. Known for big shoulders, oversized blazers and silk prints in the 80s, now’s the time to bring the luxury brand back to the forefront.
Beaded Belts
In Other Accessories, Women on April 29, 2009 at 8:51 amA few weeks ago, a friend jokingly told me to report on cummerbunds. In the process, I came across these gorgeous beaded belts from the 70s. Wear beaded belts over a simple dress and go disco.
Behind Floral Bottoms
In Bottoms, Women on April 28, 2009 at 6:16 pmWe are just one step away from seeing floral denim again. Be ahead of the trends with these floral shorts.
OLD
Paul Pillows
In Decorating, Inside the Home, Linens & Bedding on April 26, 2009 at 7:51 amThese Thomas Paul-esque pillows from Euro Linens are a perfect example of repurposing. They are made from vintage Dutch and Scandinavian curtains from the 60s/70s. If the price is too high, discover the multi-purpose value in vintage linens and sew your own.
Final Straw
In Other Accessories, Women on April 25, 2009 at 7:44 amWhether your gardening, at the beach or at the horse races, protect yourself from early sunburn with a large straw sun hat. Fair skin is “in”.
Cloche Call
In Other Accessories, Women on April 24, 2009 at 10:45 amDuring these tough times, we’re constantly reminded of the times of the Depression. In fashion, instead of the bling, keep it simple and get creative with what you have. A cloche hat is about as simple as a hat gets. Top it off with a feather hair clip or silk scarf underneath.
A Case For Briefcases
In Bags & Luggage on April 23, 2009 at 5:47 pmSometimes forces in the world collide to create wonderful and mysterious happenstances. This is one of those times. Thanks to Kanye and his posse, the briefcase is now cool again. At the same time, investment bankers are selling off their old goods at cheap prices. Take advantage of the opportunity before prices go up.
Buckle My Shoe
In Men, Shoes & Sneakers on April 23, 2009 at 7:15 amOne, two, buckle your shoe. Three, four, find some more. These buckle shoes and boots are great for going from day to night with little effort.
Sexy Snake Skin
In Shoes, Women on April 22, 2009 at 8:27 amThere’s something very slinky and sexy about snake skin. Show off your legs in these subtle pumps.
Criss Cross
In Shoes, Women on April 21, 2009 at 1:18 pmThese one-of-a-kind criss cross ballet flats are adorable and would go well with a simple black cross back dress.
Crystal Clear
In Jewelry, Women on April 18, 2009 at 9:39 amI recently bought a faceted crystal ball necklace from an antique store and have been loving it. Faceted clear glass lets the light shine and sparkle on your skin, especially on a sunny day.
Picky Polka Dots
In Bottoms, Dresses, Skirts, Women on April 17, 2009 at 8:26 amWhile planning a post on polka dots, I was expecting a plethora of pinup swimsuits and rockabilly dresses. To my pleasant surprise, I was able to pick out these precious pieces instead.
Trip To Mexico
In Collectibles, Decorating, Inside the Home on April 16, 2009 at 1:11 pmIt’s time to pack up your gear, gather your friends and go road tripping. Mexico is close, affordable and full of culture. Be sure to see the Huichol art or Mexican blankets and bring some culture home.
Working Class Hero
In Men, Shoes & Sneakers on April 15, 2009 at 4:25 pmPay tribute to the working class hero with working boots, the daytime version of combat boots. Seamed toes define a shape. Steel toes offer protection from rough conditions. These versatile boots last all day while you work, walk or hike overtime.
Motorcycle Cowboy
In Jackets & Outerwear, Jackets & Outerwear, Men, Women on April 13, 2009 at 11:40 pmAs the sun comes out for Spring, biker gangs usually begin their cross country migration, growling loudly and showing flair. For the ladies, fringed jackets will flow like the wind in your hair. For the fellas, zipper motorcycle jackets look best when they’ve been broken in by a few fights and long rides.
Two-Toned
In Dresses, Women on April 13, 2009 at 8:32 amTwo-in-one two-toned dresses give the illusion of shirt and skirt separates. Add a belt and you’re good to go!
Easter Sunday
In Dresses, Women on April 12, 2009 at 6:08 amHappy Easter! To celebrate the occasion, here are some Sunday proper dresses in fantastic florals. Daisies, roses and tulips, oh my!
Sheer Shoulders
In Dresses, Women on April 12, 2009 at 6:05 amFrom Madonna to classic Hollywood, be instantly sexy with an over-the-shoulder glance in one of these sheer shoulder dresses.
Amazing Lace
In Dresses, Tops, Women on April 11, 2009 at 2:30 pmLook out Madonna, even your own outifts are reinventing themselves! A simple dress or shirt can turn it into a star quality piece when it’s in racy lace.
Rope Knots
In Other Accessories, Women on April 10, 2009 at 7:36 amI’ve been increasingly interested in belts lately, especially decorative ones. The complexity of rope belts immediately caught my eye. Whether inspired by Chinese or boating knots, these rope belts are cause to stop and stare.
Colorful Keds
In Men, Shoes, Shoes & Sneakers, Women on April 9, 2009 at 7:50 amWith so many color variations on the classic Keds, it’s hard to choose just one. So why not stock up on every color of the rainbow?
Paper Baggy Bottoms
In Bottoms, DIY, Dresses, Women on April 8, 2009 at 8:36 amAs seen in Chloe’s Fall 2009 RTW collection, paperbag bottoms are starting to emerge again amidst other Depression era fashion. For the frugal types and DIYers, simply tie your oversized bottoms with a belt.
Get Gingham
In Inside the Home, Men, Shirts & Tees, Tops, Women on April 7, 2009 at 11:36 amGingham is the quintessential spring plaid. It paints a Norman Rockwell-ian picture of a picnic in the park. Get a gingham-lined picnic basket to match your gingham shirt or shorts.
To Dye For
In DIY, Men, Tops, Women on April 5, 2009 at 6:55 pmRemember the days of peace, love and happiness? Tie dye an old dress or concert tee to give it new life.
Find inspiration from seller Bohemian Groove.
Two Of A Kind
In Jackets & Outerwear, Tops, Women on April 5, 2009 at 4:17 pmIt’s like finding a long lost twin. Just when you thought your life was complete…
Harem Jump
In Bottoms, Dresses, Women on April 3, 2009 at 11:42 amI’ve been intentionally avoiding a post on harem pants. There’s too much focus on the crotch, and not in a sexy way. Then I came across these harem jumpsuits which drape in all the right areas. They’re balanced on top and fall at the hip, alluding to a more feminine figure.
February/March Round-Up
In Monthly Round-Up on April 1, 2009 at 8:20 pmWell, we’ve reached just over a month and hit a milestone of 100 new Twitter followers! Thanks everyone for viewing and loving it as much as I do. It’s been a blast! Here’s your inaugural monthly round-up:
Pattern Blues
Sum of Sophistication
Nerd Alert
In Men, Sunglasses, Ties & Cufflinks on March 31, 2009 at 9:34 amFrom Urkel to Kanye, these accessories are gaining popularity. Wear them with a casual suit, square toe oxfords and swagger. You’ll be at the top of your class.
Prom Party
In Dresses, Women on March 30, 2009 at 3:51 pmSpring Break is over and it’s the last school term. You know what that means. Prom is just around the corner. With or without a date, these 80s dresses will get you plenty of action before the end of the night.
Rubber Ducky
In Men, Shoes, Shoes & Sneakers, Women on March 27, 2009 at 8:57 amWellies makes me feel like a hoity 10 year-old. Duck boots seem to be for the avid woodsman. For everyone else, try these sleeker rain boots without the bulky toe.
Late Letterman
In Jackets & Outerwear, Men on March 26, 2009 at 3:36 pmOldies but goodies, these letterman jackets are in great shape. There’s no pilling, no fading. The leather and detailing make them star picks for your collection.
Pleasing Pleats
In Dresses, Jackets & Outerwear, Tops, Women on March 26, 2009 at 11:49 amI’ve bought a couple fully pleated items in the past and have always been satisfied with their care and craftsmanship. No matter what material, from silk to leather, you’ll be pleased to the touch.
Embellished Bolero
In Tops, Women on March 24, 2009 at 8:18 amThis gorgeous antique Spanish vest inspired a search for matador-esque embellished tops and boleros. Most cropped jackets, even a short tuxedo jacket, would complete this look.
Break Into A Sweat
In Bottoms, Men, Other Accessories, Pants & Shorts, Sunglasses, Women on March 23, 2009 at 4:40 pmI’ve been saving the running gear for a sunny day when suddenly it occurred to me. They’re also great for trips to the coast. Seeing all the toned bodies, I might even break into a spontaneous run on the beach.
Break Out The Neon
In Jackets & Outerwear, Jackets & Outerwear, Men, Women on March 23, 2009 at 1:41 pmThere’s no shortage of neon windbreakers on eBay this season. These jackets will help you stand out in the sun or the rain.
A reversible windbreaker with subtle details:
SOLD From APOCALYPSE VINTAGE
Pet Plants
In Collectibles, Decorating, Inside the Home on March 20, 2009 at 8:06 amHappy Spring Equinox! The birds and the bees will be getting busy this time of year, so tend to your plants instead. Keeping succulents or hanging vines in a bird cage are an easy way to bring life into your home. I personally prefer brass or wood bird cages over shabby chic. Add some color with blown glass globes or blossoming plants.
Tip Your Turban
In Other Accessories, Women on March 19, 2009 at 10:05 pmSincere thanks to the Sartorialist for posting a woman wearing a turban earlier this week. These turbans in particular have a classic shape much like Jackie O’s pillbox hat of the 60’s. With or without a brooch they’re simple, practical, and elegant. I’d like to see more of these on the streets.
Cut It Out
In Shoes, Women on March 18, 2009 at 9:27 pmConsidering all the cutout, mesh, and geometric fashion of the 80s and early 90s, you’d think cutout heels would be easy to find. Not so. After a couple searches, I finally found these amazing kitten heels and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share. They’re a decent size 6 and check out the tie-back! You won’t find another pair like ‘em.
Chevy Uni
In Swimwear, Women on March 17, 2009 at 11:21 pmNotice a pattern? All equally flattering, it’s no wonder why these onesie swimsuits have similar chevron stripes and colorways.
Collar Up
In Jewelry, Women on March 16, 2009 at 7:10 pmA few things are happening these days with necklaces, from mesh to knits. They’re also getting a lot bigger. To balance the weight, try these over a plain-colored oversized shirt or blouse. They’ll frame your face and your pearly whites.
Shoot Me
In Collectibles, Decorating, Inside the Home on March 15, 2009 at 4:17 pmWow, this was a fun one. I can’t say I know much about cameras, but these collectible cameras are probably better as subjects than shooters.
Grand-Op Sweaters
In DIY, Men, Reading, Tops, Women on March 13, 2009 at 1:47 amInitially I was searching for 80’s or grandpa sweaters, but op(tical) art or graphic sweaters seemed more visually interesting than the chaos of Cosby sweaters. So in lieu of an ugly sweater party, opt for an Op Art party.
For your party entertainment, DIY holograms!
Hawaiian Safari
In Dresses, Women on March 9, 2009 at 7:26 pmI’ve been hunting for Hawaiian print shirts for the last couple weeks, but couldn’t find anything I could, in good conscience, recommend. Luckily, the last post on nature and animal prints led me to more tropical and safari prints. These safari jumpsuit dresses are especially fierce.
Rebel Slouch
In Jackets & Outerwear, Women on March 9, 2009 at 6:28 amI’ve long since given up on finding a unique leather jacket until I ran across this slouchy rebel. The tie-sleeves are great for catching some peaking sun rays. Now all I need is a Mad Max hot rod and an open road.
Eq-West-rian
In Men, Tops, Women on March 9, 2009 at 5:19 amSure nature prints are popular right now, but Western horses are a strong American classic. Dust off your boots and sport these gorgeous animals along with your old denim.
Sweet Center Filling
In Other Accessories, Women on March 8, 2009 at 9:28 pmWith belts gaining more visibility, filigree belts and buckles are a sweet way to draw attention to your curvaceous figure. They remind me of spun sugar on a fancy dessert or a Marian Bantjes design.
Not-So-Plain Plaid
In Men, Ties & Cufflinks on March 3, 2009 at 11:42 pmMen, how many times have you heard, “I want a nice guy with a little edge”? From punk to prep, a tartan plaid tie is your ticket. Keep it skinny over skinny pants to match your skinny hipster physique. Or top it over a poplin shirt and a canvas belt for wedding crashing season.
Nautical Blues
In DIY, Jackets & Outerwear, Jackets & Outerwear, Men, Women on February 27, 2009 at 1:50 pmNavy blue has always been popping in and out as a trend, especially since Hilary Swank’s 2005 Oscars dress. This season, it’s conquering all trends from military and marching band jackets to nautical stripes. Wearing both will tell the whole story.
Easily update your winter boy blazer with epaulettes, trim, and gold buttons.
High School Reunion
In Jackets & Outerwear, Men on February 27, 2009 at 1:18 pmSpeaking of marching band jackets, someone needs to reunite with this dorky darling in time for homecoming.
Cut A Rug
In Inside the Home on February 26, 2009 at 9:36 pmI was perusing Traveler’s magazine on a flight last week when a photo of Bhutanese rugs caught my eye. Back home, a search on eBay for “Bhutanese rug” eventually led me to the seller (forgive the campy name) 1800 Get A Rug. The discovery reminded me of the same heart flutter I felt when stumbling upon Pendleton throws. Maybe it’s the eye-popping colors. Maybe it’s the complex geometric shapes. Any way you cut it, these rugs will sweep you off your feet.
Chain Yourself
In Jewelry, Women on February 25, 2009 at 7:13 pmI love long chains, but sometimes subtlety goes a long way. So what’s equally flattering against busty V-necks? What can also feminize menswear shirts and flannels?
Try sweater clips. Pearls are popular. So is gold. Attach yourself to one (or multiples) of these treasures.
Getcha Huaraches
In Shoes, Women on February 25, 2009 at 5:49 pmNow that it’s getting warmer outside, I’m anxious to closet the boots and start rotating some new footwear. The strappy flats and gladiator sandals never seemed flattering for my small frame, so it’s a relief that huaraches are a cute sister alternative.
With no apparent logic, there’s a Nike basketball shoe named “Huarache”. So if you’re on eBay, be prepared for the confusing results. Another, search term to use is “woven”. Hopefully you’ll meet your match.
Denim Dharma
In Handbags, Women on February 22, 2009 at 4:02 pmLast night I wore on an almost entirely denim outfit – a light denim jacket, white burnout V-neck and gray skinny jeans – matchiness I hadn’t realized until Travis pointed it out. Denim, the 80s obsession, is making a big comeback. From jeans to jacket, what’s next? What’s the cherry to top my neapolitan sundae?
I went searching on eBay for “denim handbag”. Gag! The blast of Coach pattern with chunks of buckles and leather made me think of yuppie mallrats consuming these patchwork pieces at any price.
So what makes a “good” denim handbag? Keeping it simple. Celebrating the texture and shade of the denim, rather than throwing together a mixed bag of cheap tricks. Here are a couple pieces you’ll want to hold onto instead of throwing Frankenbag back in Marc Jacobs’ face.
