Vintage Versace

1980

Quote of the Week - Charlie Chaplin

To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it.

Music and the Sense of Smell

I was deep in thought in the comfort of sauna car this evening when I realized something on the radio was taking me on a vividly pleasant journey back to a place of heavy air scented with dry ice, mildew, pot, and twenty years of spilled drinks. A small sweaty room filled with second hand leather jackets, skinny cords, running shoes and greasy hair - the mid 90s. I looked down at the face plate and it read, 1990's Brain Damage. That explained it, some '90s hour' on satellite radio and they're playing a recently discovered, unknown until now, demo track by Thurston Moore and his second cousin.

No. My vivid trip was courtesy of Extra Happy Ghost!!!. One guy. From Calgary. In 2010.

Thanks for letting me remember the 90s were really awesome, Mr. Extra Happy Ghost!!!.

play 1990's Brain Damage

Tip of the Week - Dinner Attire

mom & dad 1976
(my Grandma wrote on the back - Sonny & Edna in their best look)

Opt for midnight blue as it looks blacker under artificial light than black, which can have a greenish hue.

Men's Style Inspiration - Tom Ford

Why do I always picture Tom Ford with a short Rum & Coke?

Street Style - Don't let it Fool You

Marketers are everywhere.

Women's Style Inspiration - Stage Door 1937

The first thirty minutes of this film could be an entire collection. A must see.

What He Wore

On Christmas Break Walks

baggy knees, bushy beard, vintage jacket, vintage scarf, fiddler's cap

Quote of the Week - Lucille Ball

I'd rather regret the things I've done than regret the things I haven't done.

Design Lover - Ico Parisi Valet

Mid-century Italian design in solid walnut with brass hardware by Ico Parisi. Available here.
photo via 1stdibs

How I spent the last day of 2010

As expected there was a lot of good stuff to be found. Particularly menswear. I only bought the Aquascutum coat, two women's vintage Givenchy suits, a vintage 1978 men's blue leather provincial champ jacket that I visualized Ryan Gosling wearing and some sterling tear drop earrings. If I was doing the Manhattan Vintage Show in February I could've stocked up majorly - however, I do have a great idea for a 'reality' show so email me if you know anyone I can pitch to.

vintage Aquascutum Harris Tweed Overcoat

exceptional vintage pinstripe suit - look at that lining and tell me where quality has gone.

vintage Rice coat with Borg faux shearling lining

industrial chair and 1970s RCA clock radio

disgustingly good but only twice a year - Japa Dog Veggie Terrimayo (no onions)

early 60s Italian alligator pumps

vintage hand made men's shoes

1980s Stacy Adams men's ankle boots

vintage 70s Kings of Lloyd (German) men's shoes

deep in visualization mode
images Stacy Reynaud

The Last Post of 2010

There is a tide in the affairs of men,

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and miseries.
On such a full sea are we now afloat;
And we must take the current when it serves,

Or lose our ventures.

- William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

A Cautious Men's Hairstyle Trend

caesar

Pet Shop Boys

via Jak & Jill

There was one particular men's hairstyle trend circa late 1980s, early 1990s that drove me nuts - but not in a good way. We called it the Caesar cut. I see it's back. If you're as smooth as Antonio Banderas go ahead, otherwise be careful you might come across as Lloyd Christmas

for more search early 90s Prada and Oasis.

Quote of the Week - Marilyn Monroe

I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best.

My Favourite Things

Fellow blogger Liberty and In Dependence inspired me to write a 'Favourite Things' list—which is much different from my 'Strictly Materialistic' list. Sorry, Oprah; it wasn't you.

So, here you go:

1. strawberry rhubarb pie - preferably for breakfast
   
2. body pillows
   
3. the first cup of coffee in the morning - made extra strong in my perculator.
   
4. very, very long walks
5. mid-century West Coast architecture
   
6. my new neighbourhood
   
7. driving my car like it's a sauna on wheels
8. robin songs at sunset
   
9. fond memories of things that once were
10. my Danskos and Birks
11. the smell of the Pacific Northwest forest after the rain