Thursday, June 3, 2010

A Vintage Affair

Vintage trends are so popular this summer - and rightly so! There are so many ways you can add a vintage flair to your wedding - with accessories, decor, gifts, and the dress to name just a few. There are also so many different vintage styles to choose from mod, kitschy, Victorian, 50s,60s, 70s - even 1990 is considered vintage now (which makes me feel particularly old). Finding ways to add these vintage touches is easy - choosing from the amazing selection on Etsy may prove to be more difficult.

If you're a Mad Men, pin-curl loving kinda gal you must check out Julie's shop Fab Gabs Vintage. She has an amazing selection of vintage clothing and accessories that would make your bridal look a vision of loveliness! I adore this 1960s Northern Lights Sequin and Silk Chiffon Wedding Gown - the sequins, the sweet bow, the long flowing skirt - just gorgeous.



For a sweet Summer bride, check out this 1960's Summer Daisy Dress - I could also see this as a traditional "going-away" outfit - perfect for running out the door, vintage luggage in hand, to your awaiting car and honeymoon!



If you're marrying your Don Draper - check out her section for gents. You'll also find fabulous accessories. These patent leather Springolator heels have my name written all over them - if I were getting married tomorrow these are the shoes I would wear - even if I had to pull a Cinderella stepsister to stuff my size nine feet into them! For the honeymoon she even has silky slips and robes!



You can trust Julie's selections for quality and craftsmanship - she lives and breathes vintage and knows her stuff - she's been selling for 10 years. You'll find her passion in every piece.

For old Hollywood and estate bridal jewelry, you'll think you've died and gone to heaven in Lara Lewis's Etsy shop. Deck yourself out in fabulous jewels that speak of an older era. These sparkling Empress earrings are stunners that will add glamor and shine to your wedding day ensemble.



I covet her Audrey ring with 1950's German glass crystal set in oxidized brass.



Add some color to your bridesmaids with classic post earrings, bracelets, necklaces or rhinestone bobby pins - so many luxurious ways to add old Hollywood sparkle to your wedding day without breaking the bank.



If you're attending a wedding this summer for a vintage loving couple, I highly recommend you check out The Fancy Lamb for gift ideas. Robin is a vintage hunter and crafter and her pieces reflect her discerning taste and a flair for finding beauty in unique places. Her shop is full of gift ideas that the couple will remember and cherish for years to come!

These vintage hard-sided suitcases are such a romantic gift idea - and much studier than today's vinyl bags! These were built to withstand being tossed upon a felucca boat for a honeymoon cruise on the Nile or hurled into two-seater Cessna for a flight across the Hawaiian islands. You could even decorate them with travel stickers of their honeymoon destination from Talluluah's Card Shop! Robin has several vintage suitcases to choose from - good luck trying to decide!



Want a classic gift for the new couple? I adore this Vintage Cathrineholm Fondue Pot Set - this would make an excellent present for the kitschy, vintage loving, foodie couple. Pair it with a great fondue recipe book like this one from the Melting Pot Restaurant and they'll be feeding each other gooey Gruyere cheesy goodness for years to come!



I also love the classic kitchen decor in The Fancy Lamb shop - mixing bowls, baking dishes and canister sets make wonderful presents for a culinary bride. My love affair with Pyrex runs deep, but these Pyrex square flower casserole and serving dishes would pop on any vintage loving table! The 1950's canister set would look perfect lined up on any counter top and the turquoise mixing bowls would make Martha jealous!



I love the idea of giving vintage presents to a couple - I imagine each object's memories are carried on and given new life in the couple's future. Vintage accessories and dresses carry such a history into your wedding day, adding glamor and elegance you won't find on any store shelf.