Girl with a Pearl Earring

When one hasn't got cable, one tends to view lots of PBS and C-Span. If I've managed to learn anything from Antiques Roadshow, it's that pearl jewelry simply does not lose its value. I've also learned, thanks to a lovely pearl documentary, that creating altogether round (cultured) pearls was no easy feat, perfected by Mikimoto-san of Japan. A by-product from the simple sea-mollusk, the deep-sea lovely has been coveted by royals for centuries. Mr. Mikimoto made them available to the masses with his ingenious techniques, fashion dignitaries like Coco Chanel made them en vogue. Pearl madness has led me to the Legacy Earrings, a recreation from the Mikimoto archives of the 1920s and 1930s created from Akoya Cultured Pearls and Diamonds, set in 18K White Gold. Lovey! ($3,150)

Mon Bleu!

Refined and lady-like, a silk dressing gown is required for any serious vintage lingerie collection. Dollface dames of the 1930s applied various paints and potions while seated at their vanities in preparation for a glamorous evening out. The proper attire was required for said activity and this fine crepe de chine version is an exquisite example from that era; hand-stitched diamond smocking at the bodice and cuff are the star attractions. Delicate embroidered flowers at the scalloped neckline, a gentle scarf-rolled hem, silk covered buttons and the most beautifulest bias draping round out the deets. I'm quite enamoured, a worthy addition to the vintage wardrobe, yes? ($45)

Flower Belle

It's not Dior fine jewelry, but a lovely vintage rhinestone necklace set in gold tone metal. Costume jewelry is best worn for fine events where bling is de rigueur. Channel Brooklyn native Mae West for wardrobe cues; long, clingy, silk sheaths with low draped necklines, a fur cape, bejeweled clutch purse, and man killer shoes. "Say what you want about long dresses, but they cover a multitude of shins." ($750)

Go, Speed Racer! Go!

What makes a car a classic? This is a most excellent question because there is no one answer. Some say that it must have been manufactured in a certain era, other cite those built in limited quantities or those which are no longer produced. The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia fits all of those categories. Only 365,912 coupes and 79,326 convertibles were produced between 1955 and 1974, making this a fairly rare automobile. Based upon an Italian design, it was considered to be Volkswagens "glamour car" in comparison to the utilitarian VW Beetle and Bus. Automotive haute couture if you will. Once upon a time I owned a 1974 orange hardtop, and I do believe I will own another once again... they're quite addictive and handle like a Porche Boxter. The ultimate accessory for the Brooklyn Glamour Girl. ($8,600)

Wild Wild West

Very few have heard of the early film industry that existed in Florida from 1900 to 1930. Before it eventually fell to West coast competition, the studios produced some amazing "race films" starring all black casts. One of the best was the first black Wild West adventure, "The Crimson Skull," filmed on location in Oklahoma with real black cowboys, including rodeo star Bill Pickett, and New York stage actress Anita Bush. The beautiful vintage movie poster is a genuine piece of black Americana and of specific interest to Florida memorabilia collectors like myself. Posteriatati has a few other posters from the same film, but this one's my favorite, which best shows the story of an outlaw gang stirrin' up trouble in a peaceful town. ($1500)

Bathing Beauty

Vintage lingerie, pants and bathing suits are way below my radar. Anything which has been worn that closely to someone else's crotch just ain't my bag. But there's an exception to that rule, if it's brand new with the tag still attached I'll take it. That's why I'm loving this never worn vintage Brigitte Bardot Bikini. Most likely sourced either from dead stock, which is typically boxes of unsold merchandise packed away in some old factory, or from a clothes hog who made a purchase and packed it away. Gotta love it! ($98)

Sexy Back

Get ready for your close-up in this red carpet-worthy vintage blue velvet gown. Play the part of the flirtatious southern belle and dazzle the masses with the flash of sequins and beads arranged in abstract patterns on the silk halter-style bodice and sash ties. The bestest part of the gown is the back, two thin panels of velvet dramatically extend from nape to waist. 360 degrees of fabulousness! When the celebs do vintage, they go to TheFrock.com for museum quality gowns such as this 1930s confection. Lovey! ($2700)

Caramel Sundae

Coach, The Brooklyn Museum and the Metropolitan Museum are but a few of the big rollers snapping up Bonnie Cashin clothing for research and display. This classic leather wrap trench is a prime example of her no frills take on outerwaar. Superior construction paired with quality butter-soft leather. The wide aviator collar and matching original belt in excellent condition makes this a vintage must have! A worthy wardrobe investment, this 70s era trench will never loose it's style. ($495)

Back to the Future

Designers often "borrow" from the past, but this Quinceanera Prom Dress ($400) from Betsey Johnson is very similar to the 50s era vintage confection on the right ($215). Tu es d'accord, n'est-ce pas? A Quinceanera is basically a Latina debutante ball for 15 year olds. Where's my tiara?

Paper or Plastic?

Although I have a growing mini-collection of vintage treasures I've never actually bought any vintage pieces online. 80% of the fun is hunting through stacks of rags for that one gem among the bunch. Also, why should I pay more than $50 for what are essentially old castoffs? But looking at the descriptions and prices helps to inform me of the perceived value of said rags, and every once in awhile I'll come across a major pricing disparity. A prime example is this 1960's paper dress; all the rage during the Warhol era. Enokiworld, an online vintage authority, has one listed for $480, while k8tykat has the exact same dress in the same condition for $185, plus a site wide 20% off sale makes it $165. Lucy, you got some 'splainin' to do!