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Savor the Different...

One goal I had when starting my business was to make it very clear that I only showcase things that inspire something in others. Whether it be a mask, glove, bustier, I want a customer or client to feel SOMETHING when seeing a piece I have for rent or sale. If you love an item, hate it, so be it, just don’t be indifferent. One thing I've learned is that to be indifferent to fashion is one of the saddest ways to live. Like Bill Cunningham stated above, "Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life". The clothes I wear, the eyeliner I carefully draw on, the way I style my hair, all of it is to prepare myself for what lies ahead. This may sound shallow or vain, but I do see it as a shield. If fashion armor for you means an audacious Red Maribou Feather coat or your favorite concert hoodie, then by ALL MEANS wear it with intent! Cover yourself in pieces that invoke a REACTION! Disgust, elation, intrigue, and more! I absolutely LIVE for those wh...
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What's Behind the Elusiveness of "Plus Size Vintage"?

My main goal when opening my business,  Carmine & Hayworth , was to open the arena of vintage fashion to EVERYONE! Especially those who didn't think vintage was made for their body type (that used to be me). When I started collecting vintage clothing I would collect dresses/ pieces that I WISHED I could fit into because I didn't think vintage pieces existed for someone like me who doesn't have a tiny waist or hips. It wasn't until I really started doing my research that I found a whole new world, of what I like to call, "Size Inclusive Vintage". Living in North Dakota, the world of vintage, especially vintage fashion, could be scarce. I had to SCOUR Etsy, Ebay and wherever I could outside of the state to find these elusive pieces. Once I taught myself how to track these pieces down, I was not only HOOKED, but I felt that I had a whole new appreciation for these clothes. 1950's Knit, Moss Green, Wiggle Dress by "Snyderknit of California Sports...
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The One Phrase That Makes Me Cringe & How We Can Change It...

"I love vintage clothing, but I don't know when I'd wear it" Whenever someone makes that comment to me, my heart breaks a little.  The answer is that you can ALWAYS find a time & place to wear vintage!  The key is to have CONFIDENCE when you wear something outside of your comfort zone! Even if you're not confident, FAKE IT! Pretend you're playing a role until that confidence becomes the truth! I grew up wearing things, not necessarily vintage, that always caused people to talk, sneer or poke fun at me.  That's was people do when they don't understand you or, let's face it, life in general. Well guess what? That's NOT your problem! If they don't like it, great! They don't have to wear it! That leaves more amazing clothing for you! Photo by Kelsey Jenson Photography One of my favorite things about wearing vintage is that I can incorporate those pieces into my newer outfits! Whenever I buy clothing, new or old, I always as...
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My Favorite Things 1.6: Style Icon Edition

Once in awhile I like to post some things that inspire me such as items I've purchased, seen online, etc. Today I wanted to share some of my style icons! I gravitate towards different styles depending on how I'm feeling, but some of my icons will always stay the same. I always get asked who I look up to for style inspiration and it's CONSTANTLY changing. I don't like using one person as an icon because I'm not one who finds that "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery". First up: Linda  Ramone I grew up listening to the Ramones, but, admittedly, I'm not an expert on their music. One thing I have paid close attention to is the style of Johnny Ramone's widow, Linda. Linda is not only an AMAZING philanthropist, but a true style WONDER!  Her use of color not only in her wardrobe, but her everyday life shows how unafraid she is of being looked at. From her vivid Flame colored hair to her silver Go-Go Boots, she's the embodiment...
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This Week's Latest Inventory Additions! 11.5.18

NEW RENTAL INVENTORY ADDED just in time for the Holiday Season! Are you looking for that special, wearable work of art to enhance your boudoir or beauty photoshoot? Are you a stage performer in need of that special, hot item? Scroll below to check out what we just added!  There are more AMAZING pieces that will be added this week! See something you'd like to rent? Shoot us an email for any questions or to set up a FREE consult!  1960's Lipstick Red, Black Embroidered Tap Shorts by "Van Raalte" Sequined, heart pasties with tassels (more colors available) 1960's Handmade White & Baby Pink Ostrich Feather Fans *more photos coming soon! 1960's Silver Sequined, Red Maribou Feather Showgirl Back Pieces with Train Iron Wire hold the main body of feathers stationary, while the remaining length glides across the floor! Beautiful, sturdy embellished back piece adds ambiance! 
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The Appeal of Vintage Clothing

I've been asked many times, in my life, why I feel so connected with vintage & antiques. That's not a cut and dry answer because there are so many reasons why I've been collecting for all these years. There are a multitude of reasons why people enjoy collecting whether they collect cards, stamps, clothing, shoes, etc. I know people who, for example, collect shoes because they weren't able to buy new ones as a child due to financial reasons. I've had another tell me they collect makeup because they weren't allowed to wear it until college. Reasons vary, but all are different in their own ways.  I remember the the first piece of vintage I ever bought and that was a 1950's, Robin's Egg Blue, Train Case from Samsonite . I was in Elementary School and had no idea what vintage really meant.  It came with it's original tray and key. I took that thing EVERYWHERE with me! To the lakes, on family vacations, you name it! I remember being so fascinated ...
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What Do You Mean by "Vintage Fashion Rentals"?

One thing that I've learned about myself as I've gotten older, is that when I talk about a certain subject whether it be fashion, vintage, taxes, etc. I tend to assume those listening to me can read my mind and know what I'm talking about. In a perfect world, right? It has only been a month in to my business being officially open and I have yet to REALLY explain how this works. One thing that must be said is that unlike other high fashion rental services, this is first and foremost: VINTAGE FASHION. These aren't just pieces of clothing that were mass produced or were made is mass quantities. The vintage pieces I have to offer have been fortunate to survive DECADES under careful storage and appreciation by those who wear them.   By renting one of these pieces you really are wearing a piece of history and experiencing the fashion as it was intended. They may not be comfortable or practical (a lot of vintage fashion isn't) but in those fashion eras, style an...
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