My Holy Grail of Vintage Treasures

Every vintage collector has that one piece of vintage, in their minds, that they dream of and lust for. That one piece that is their own personal, Holy Grail of vintage treasures. Last week, I found mine. I was shopping at a local antique mall when I came across a booth that I usually always skip, since I've become quite accustomed to my own booth pattern. In a little crate, hidden around the corner, I found a treasure trove a vintage crowns! They appeared to be, what I thought, were beauty pageant crowns due to their height and rhinestones. There were two that were Gold with Rainbow rhinestones, but looked to be around the 80's. I then saw, to my EXTREME surprise THIS:

It was that one moment where I got the cold sweats and I started to shake (dramatic, right? ;p). My heart was pounding and I knew it HAD to be mine! The condition of the rhinestones date this to be around the early to mid-1950's, but the stars at the top are what were perplexing to me. I couldn't tell if they were added later, or are original to the piece. Either way, it is GLORIOUS! The problem: the hefty price tag. I've always had a problem saving $$ when it comes to vintage pieces. I find them to be investments and things that have history and meaning beyond words. I didn't look at this piece and think, "How many times would I actually be able to wear this", but rather, "How many times would I kick myself and cry for not getting this?".

I must add that my partner-in-crime for my antiquing excursion was my lovely mother, who has always been just as fascinated by history as I am. We decided to walk around the rest of the mall to let it steep, in my mind, for a bit. In all honesty, I was done for! As we walked around I couldn't stop thinking about this crown! NOTHING looked as good to me as that crown felt! Even though I knew my bank account (and boyfriend) would be sore from the price, I HAD TO HAVE IT! I took the financial plunge and I haven't regretted it yet :)

Crop Top: H&M
Necklace: JC Penney's

I was SO EXCITED to wear this that I couldn't wait! I wore this beauty in the car, through a car wash and a drive-thru.... I have no shame. My next task is to find out where the heck this came from!? There's no makers mark that I can find and I'm drooling with curiosity as to who owned this! Any tips would be much appreciated :)

Comments

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...

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...

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...

Carmine & Hayworth

Search This Blog