Carmine & Hayworth

"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...

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...

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! 

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 ...

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...

Whoa it's been awhile! Life has been crazy hectic the past couple of months, but I'm finally ready, and motivated, to get back to this blog space! I have a VERY good reason as to why it's been radio silence for a while and the reason is: I STARTED MY OWN BUSINESS!  After YEARS of wishing, hoping, dreaming, and so on, I finally put my money where my mouth is and officially opened my own studio space! What exactly is my business you may ask? Let me explain... For ages, I've been collecting so many pieces of vintage clothing spanning the decades, sizes, styles, etc. My mission has been to save as many pieces as I can, but I didn't know why I felt so compelled to do so! I'm fortunate enough to know a lot of AMAZING women, in Fargo, who are talented & creative photographers who would always say they'd love to use my collection for shoots. That was my A HA moment! Thus I metaphorically gave birth to " Carmine & Hayworth: Vintage Fashion Rentals ...

Whew! The past few weeks have incredibly challenging! I recently launched my own Vintage Clothing Rental business and I've hit the ground running.  I've been amassing such a huge collection of vintage clothing over the years and I NEED to share it with others! It would be selfish and outright wrong to hide them away from the world forever.  This Green Sequined dress, below, has become a symbol of my business. Quirky, eye-catching, different,and unique. I started  Carmine & Hayworth so I can create a visual discussion over fashion and it's history. Such beautiful pieces help to tell a story of who made it and also where it's going.  Anyone who puts this dress on instantly feels the glitz and glamour! That's my goal is to be able to immerse others in that feeling, like I'm lucky enough to do daily 💗 Green Sequined Turban by Marrow Creative on Etsy Vintage Showgirl Dress via TiffLittleFingers on Etsy When I was in high school, the path I origin...

To say I've been inspired lately would be a MASSIVE understatement! I have been SUPER lucky to be in contact with some amazing sellers who have given me the opportunity to buy their pieces. Collecting vintage clothing is almost like a drug! My heart almost beats out of my chest when I come across pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. It may be an addiction, but it's one I really don't want to kick!  Below is a 1960's Gold/ Silver Burlesque set that I recently purchased. This was made in Englewood, CO and has been expertly taken care of! This came with the bra, belt, a headband, and two chokers. The sheer weight of this proves just how well-made this piece is.  Via Shirazbellydance on Etsy Below is the QUINTESSENTIAL example of why I collect what I do! This 1950's Black Satin & Rhinestone gown is not only well made, but it came with some pretty cool provenance! When I purchased this I knew it would be coming with a picture of the original owner wearin...