Valentina, A Vintage Fashion Exhibit at The Museum of the City of New York

Photo Credit John Lee
Valentina early 1940's
Albumen silver print
Courtesy of the Estate of Valentina Schlee
Photo courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York

"Fit the century, forget the year." Valentina.

I was lucky enough to cover the exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York on the 14h for Debutante Clothing. I'd love it if you go over and read the article. Don't forget to leave your comments either there or here, and if you have any other questions I'l do my best to answer. If you are interested in fashion, vintage, and the beginning of American Couture, get yourself to this exhibit immediately! Valentina was a mysterious designer, constantly reinventing herself, and her designs were absolutely exquisite. Looking at the seams, fabrics, additions such as a hat or bolero, you can see where many of today's designer's got their inspiration. Honestly, within the exhibit I spotted what Halston, Valentino, and Armani had to have drawn from her inspirations for their future designs. She was also a charming and interesting character and I've no doubt that if you do see the exihit, you'll fall in love with her as I did. They've published a book inconjuncion with the exhibit that is divine and filled with not only the exhibition pieces, but many others including portraits of her taken by the creme de le creme of photographers in her day.

The exhibit runs 14 Feb, 2009 ]through 17 May, 2009 at:
Museum of the City of New York
1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
New York, NY 10029
212.534.1672 Phone
212.423.0758 Fax
E-mail: info@mcny.org
http://www.mcny.org/

Cheers!
Suzanne

Ramones at CBGB's '77

This one is for dear Queen Michelle since she never got to CBGB's. I found a video on You Tube of a Ramones show I was at! Freaky deaky I think I even see myself in the crowd!



The Ramones are my all time favs, enjoy!

Cheers!
Suzanne

"Vintage" 80's Accessories & Motorcycle Love

First I must introduce you to Zombella. She is my zombie mannequin. Owing to the fact that I am married to a man obsessed with zombies, its only fitting my mannequin be one too. Perhaps she'll scare off the zombies when they decide to attack? No matter, he has the house zombie proofed. (Only half joking.)

This first piece you saw in my previous post of the Fetish or Die fashion show. Killer belt. The front is the same as the back, and here's a side view.

More tough girl corset than belt really.

I love these tank badge belts and have worn them to death. With everything from a fancy dress to jeans. Always gets compliments. Although Americans usually have no bloody clue as to what it is, and just think its a cool statement. Whatever.

My other Triumph tank badge belt. Again, it still gets worn to death.

My BSA tank badge belt. Love this one as its got a smaller waist so I can use it on my waist as opposed to my hips like the others.

Best part of the BSA belt is the back, it has "BSA" tooled into the leather with three studs on each side.

All of these belts I got when I lived in London, I believe it was a man in Shepard's Bush market that used to custom make them.

Here's a little something you don't know about me... I grew up loving motorcycles. My father always had them, and would pick me up from grammar school sometimes if he got home from work early enough. Later I fell in love with British bikes, so pretty! Most ironic part of my love of vintage British bikes? I fell in love with a man who had a Bonneville, and we married less than five months later! Through the years he acquired two more, both BSA's. Those bikes are still so gorgeous! (Wish he'd get the darn things road ready!)

This was an early Manic Panic purchase. I swear this thing gets more use than any belt I own. Made like iron, in patent leather, and its got grommets around the whole belt so you can close it as tightly or as loosely as you'd like. And those studs!

Zombella needed a rest so that's all for today. Apparently the lack of brains around this home has left her listless... Perhaps some more pics tomorrow...

Cheers!
Suzanne

Earth Day Is Everyday! How Will You Contribute?

Today is Earth Day. To me everyday is Earth Day. I have been an avid recycler since the '70's when at school we were bombarded by "Hootie the Owl" saying "Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute" and took it to heart. That crying Native American advert (sappy as it was) always made me sad and my meager young mind became obsessed with trying to keep the planet clean. I compost, I garden organically, have been an avid fan of organic products (food, cleaning products, you name it) and recycle everything I possibly can. I stopped using plastic bags from shops many years ago and always carry a reusable tote. My castoffs go to consignment shops, charity shops, and freesharing (also known as freecycle in some areas.) I have friends who are appalled at my very low usage of harmful chemicals such as bleach, but my house (those as mentioned previously is chaotic) is spotless without the use of any harmful chemicals. So I guess what I'm trying to get at is that today is like any other for this Punk Glam Queen.

However, I have planned a few things in celebration and to promote Earth Day. I'll be loading up donations for the local charity shop (probably walking out with more than I dropped off!), dropping the odd plastic bags (unfortunately DH and DD aren't as diligent as myself) at the recycling center, doing yard work (just in case spring really does decide to arrive in NY), and my daughter and I will take a walk around the neighborhood cleaning any trash we find.

This is a picture of the front of our home last May when my climbing roses were in full bloom. All grown organically. I'm very proud of this accomplishment as when we moved here, the soil was so damaged it took me a good 3 or 4 years to replenish it enough to get anything to flourish.

Now do tell what you have planned for today? And do you plan to keep doing something special to continue the Earth Day celebration every day of the year?

Cheers!
Suzanne

80's Revisited

I've been inspired by Queen Michelle of Kingdom of Style to do a post on my fun times in the '80's. Unfortunately a lot of my photos seem to be missing, however that's pretty common in the chaos I thrive in. (Eventually I'll have an "AHA!" moment and problem solved. I hate the zen minimalist thing, gimme clutter and signs of a life well-lived any day!) So I've decided to do it in parts as I don't want to bombard one post with 673,013 pics. I have some of my original clothes I'd love to show too, mainly to show how fashion really does recycle trends. (Ye Gods, I can't believe my stuff is now "vintage"!) For those of us who lived through the first wave of punk/ goth/ metal, the new trends are retro and ridiculously overpriced when we were the DIY generation! Many of us have made these pieces part of our style, so it sometimes feels a little odd to see everyone jumping on the bandwagon. But OTOH, I love that a new generation has discovered the fun fashions we enjoyed!

One word of warning: I worked in nightclubs and East Village retail stores. You will not find a single "secretary dress" anywhere in my collection of clothing! (Okay, if I were doing a vintage post, you'd find them from the '50's and '60's, but no 80's big shouldered secretary dresses allowed in this post.)

You'll find a few fav pieces I've kept and continue to use over the years, I consider them so much a part of who I am style-wise. They're so well-loved that you'll have to pry them from my dead hands for me to part with them! (Sorry, dear daughter at age 9 as already borrowed some things, and has a list of what I may never sell or donate!) I've also included some of my diverse looks over those years... enjoy and laugh your bum off, I certainly do! I've also tried to keep it to chronological order so you can see the changes over the 80's decade.

This is an early 80's photo taken backstage at a fashion show I did for one of my good friends Michael Wylde. Look at that wig! (I still have both that wig and a white version!)

Next to me is Michael Wylde, who I had done the fashion show for in the above pic. And next to him is Chrys. The three musketeers, always ready for fun! I believe this was taken with me straight off the plane from London (jet lagged to the max) in "The Pit" at Beulahland on Ave A. Sadly my pretty green hair doesn't show as well in this pic.

Here's another taken around the same time. Ahh, my green mohawk. (Looks yellowy because of the flash, but it actually matched the puke top perfect.) What you can't see is the hideously huge 70's platform shoes I styled the look with. Uh-huh. It was a fashion show at Danceteria, something about London in NY, so it featured indie London designers. I'm wearing rubber from Fetish or Die which was in Kensington Market. Little did I know that a few years later I would be living in a house in London with Catherine the designer, and that we'd become lifelong friends! Funny how things work out like that, eh?

Around the same time frame. My friend Marie from London and I in a late-night restaurant. That red band on my arm? A Ronald McDonald watch I absolutely adored!

Can't make a post without Manic Panic! Here's a pic of me fresh from London with my Antenna extension's (no one in NY knew what the heck they were yet) in front of the original Manic Panic retail store, where everyone who was notable on the scene shopped. We had a blast and met so many great people! Again the putrid acid green hair colour (I still miss it!)

1980's London Tube passes, which depict the evolution of my hairstyles (and colours!) That first pic that's in B&W, I had my pretty green hair! I think it might have been just before I got my extension's, I basically had a mohawk and had let the top grow long so I could cover it if I wanted. Recent hairstyles at the Fashion Weeks show just how things come full circle eventually.

Fashion Show for Fetish or Die, my dear friend Catherine's stall at Kensington Market. Note the studs on that whopper of a belt! (One of the ones you'll have to pry from my dead hands.)

Same night, sans wig, plus a pint!

Okay, I think I've bombarded you all with enough for now... more to come later.

Cheers!
Suzanne

Antoinette-Fleur

I recently came across artist Antoinette-Fleur. I love her whimsical depictions of people, places and adore that she often includes wee faeries in her work. I hold a very dear place in my heart for faeries and we even gave my daughter the middle name LeFey! (She really is a little pixie!)

Aside from the faery illustration, this is my daughter's next favourite as it depicts a setting in Paris where pictures where taken of both her and I. Of course not looking nearly as chic, but it brings back fond memories, nonetheless.

I happen to adore this next one. Everything from the background fence, to the bird (owl, hawk?) in flight and the chic woman appeals to me.

I love the way her work looks as if scribbled, but with such panache! Another favourite is of course her paintings that have my other favourite monument La Tour Eiffel in the background. (I'm one of those crazy people who just adore that monument!)

Her portraiture is stunning. Please do check out her site, I think y0u will be pleasantly surprised!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Buffalo Exchange and Tokyo 7

Last weekend I finally made it down to the East Village and brought two bags of clothing to Buffalo Exchange location to sell. I have to warn you, I think it really depends on who is doing the buying, as they passed up so many of my designer goodies and picked out the least interesting things I had (literally what I would consider the crap.) The other buyer was accepting some mass-market, low-end items. What? I also wasn't impressed with the selection at the East Village location on this day, although the prices are very reasonable and I'm sure turnover makes things more interesting. I spotted a cute pair of Chloe sandals for $60. Outdated, but cute nonetheless. Oh, and since it's just a few doors down from the infamous traditional Italian bakery Veniero's, don't miss getting one of their freshly made cannoli's for a snack! YUMMM! They also have a cafe in the back if you're shopping weary and need a pick-me-up!

A few blocks away is Tokyo 7, which every time I try to go, I somehow manage to hit at closing. This is definitely more my speed, with quality clothing at very good prices. I spotted a Hermes square scarf for $30, a Pucci silk square for $40, Prada shoes for $90, a Gucci handbag for $100, and loads of other goodies. Unfortunately I had my husband and daughter with me and they were getting antsy, so I couldn't really do much shopping. I was also trying to stick to a strict budget and looking for specific items I need rather than just a good deal. So I'll definitely be going back when I have more time to browse!

Tokyo 7 doesn't seem to have a website but here are their details:

64 East 7th Street
New York City, NY 10003-8438

+1 212 353 8443

Open HoursNoon-8:30p M-Su

I suppose it depends on what you're looking for and what your budget will allow when shopping Buffalo Exchange as well as Tokyo 7, but definitely check each you may just snatch something you've coveted at a bargain price!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara

Having recently falling deeply in love with Exceptionnel De Chanel mascara, I've been wary to try other new formulations. Over the years my lashes have become sparse, and short and I've always had a problem with curl. Basically my lashes are so straight they tend to curve down rather than curl up. Chanel solved that problem, giving me twice the length, some volume, and loads of curl that lasted until I took it off. Before I found Chanel, I was a rabid Rimmel Magnifier fan. (I still love it, but love the more natural look of the new Sexy Curves Mascara.) In my experience Rimmel has always come out with the best mascaras at great bargain prices. I was trying to head to Saks to stock up on my Chanel, but was running late, and dashed into Duane Reade to pick up a few things. There I noticed the new Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara. The wand looks similar to the Chanel, and the hype is that the curl will last 16 hours. On my lashes? Maybe 6 hours. But after testing it out for the past few days, I've found my new holy grail. This stuff is so lovely, goes on smoothly -- not clumpy like the Chanel Exceptionnel -- curls, extends, and gives a little volume. Its a much more natural look than the Chanel, and I find the Chanel very difficult to remove, whereas the Rimmel comes off easily with my favourite eye makeup remover or Boots makeup remover wipes.

Here's what my lashes look like sans mascara. Straight and sparse.

And here we have a pic of one coat. A natural looking length with some volume, and the best part is that they now curl without the use of the torutuous eyelash curler! (I apologize for the pics, my bathroom doesn't have the best lighting!)

So in all, I've found yet another Rimmel fav, that I plan to keep using due to the great price as well as formula! Try it out, for under $6, you won't be disappointed! Its carried in drug stores all over the US as well as Target.

Cheers!
Suzanne

Kiki Magazine

I know I mentioned previously that I had done a feature on Tish and Snooky of Manic Panic for Kiki magazines summer "Extreme" issue. But something I feel very strongly about is the integrity of this magazine. My daughter loves fashion. She's created her own designs, begged me teach her how to sew by hand and machine, and knit. She is often teased at school because of her creative approach to fashion, but fluffs it off, and says "I don't care, I like it!" I suppose I've done a pretty good job of instilling the love of creativity in her (as a parent you always feel inadequate and wonder if you do things the right way.)

Back to Kiki. What I love about this publication is that it covers fashion from a global viewpoint. You don't just get cookie cutter fashion, they teach you about fashion around the globe. Each article has a vehicle for the kids to create their own versions of what they just read. And best of all, they foster doing things your style and not following the pack, but with still age appropriate fashion. If you have a child age 8 and up (and perhaps even a mature 7 year old), I think they'll really enjoy reading Kiki. If you go to their website and click on the "For Parents" link, you'll get more info on what they're about and what they promote. The kids will love the extras found on the site as well.

I'm personally very impressed with the writing. The writing doesn't condescend to the kids as they seem to do in other publications geared towards that age group. I read it and learn things, now that's something to be said for a girl's magazine!

The latest issue on the stands (find it at Borders and Barnes and Noble , as well as local newsagents, or better yet subscribe through their site -- you can even order a single issue to check it out) is the "Green Issue" focusing on green issues such as where does organic cotton come from? What are the greenest cities in the world? My daughter reads each issue cover to cover and brings it to school to show the other girls. I also have suggested the school libraries as well as our regular libraries start to carry it as it covers such great information for kids to learn. Her teacher is so impressed with this publication she's suggesting the library gets it asap!

I guess what I'm trying to say is that even if I didn't write for them, I'd still be espousing their virtues due to the fact that my daughter is not only enjoying it so much, but also learning various things that perhaps she wouldn't normally be exposed to. Getting a kid to read can sometimes be a bear of a job, but instilling the love of reading is one of life's rewards.

Cheers!
Suzanne

I caved.

I've been searching for some comfy white sandals to no avail. I loved those Gap three strap sandals, but they don't come small enough for me. Plus I resent paying $98 for Gap anything. When I went to Top Shop when they first opened I purchased the most comfy shoes ever. Here's a pic:Honestly I've been wearing them non-stop they are so comfortable. May even spring for them in a different colour -- they are that comfortable. A petite gal like me needs some height and the 5.25 heel does the trick nicely! I also love that they aren't super patenty shiny, and have a subtle snake print. I even wound up bringing a friend who also marveled at the comfort and wound up getting a pair.


I had spotted a pair of cute white espadrilles on their site, but no luck with them in-store yet (at least in Top Shop Soho), as well as a cute Union Jack silk tank. So today, after thinking I would make another trek to Soho, I just bit the bullet and ordered online.

I love that they are leather and not canvas, as usually canvas start to fray quite easily. They look so comfy, so fingers crossed.


The top is a sort of stylized version of the Union Jack, and I have a fixation with Union Jacks as a design (my Mini Cooper even has Union Jack mirror caps!) I especially love when designers use different colours to create the Union Jack, makes it even more interesting IMO. I liked the easy, loose style that I think will be perfect in our horrifically hot NY summers.

As a perk, they gave me a free Union Jack Crown Tee! Plus a whopping $1 off (hey every bit helps, so no complaints there!) My only gripe is that all the discount codes are for the UK site -- US Top Shop get with it -- shipping was $15!! Although it saved me time, gas, and ultimately money to do my ordering whilst still in my jammies!

So of course now I am anxiously awaiting my new goodies... and I just placed the order!

Word to the wise: Top Shop is mid-range prices in the UK and I always manage to pick up something fashionable with the addition of their quality being quite good. But I have no idea why -- especially since the dollar exchange is much better -- they decided to double their UK prices making most items ridiculously expensive. I can only hope that they wise up fast, I seriously don't think savvy NY shoppers are going to go for those insane prices (a bracelet for $60 that you could pick up at Claire's or F21 for under $20? Um no.) Although I will be in the UK this summer, and hopefully be able to find some goodies, maybe even on sale!

Cheers and Happy Shopping!
Suzanne

Shoes and Your Mom

I've carried on a love affair with eBay since I discovered it back in '96, and still have fun looking for interesting items. But over the years the fees for selling have gotten completely insane. If I want to offer something at a decent price, I wind up with so many fees it doesn't make it cost effective to list the item. Not to mention the times I've gotten burned by buyers with absolutely no support from eBay whatsoever. The consignment shops around here are fab, and I've gotten loads of good deals purchasing quality clothing, but often times they'll price items so low that again, not really worth me putting them on consignment (you typically get 40-50% of the selling price when you put things on consignment.) In addition, I have literally bins and bins of vintage I need to sell from my old flea market booth and shop, and no local outlet will accept vintage unless its designer. So this leads me to "Shoes and Your Mom". I have a bunch of items coming up for sale on there, all prices include priority shipping within the US, and you're getting a deal on some brand new or maybe worn once designer shoes and handbags. Here are a few photos to whet your appetite:

Brand new, sold out when introduced in Nov. Kate Spade Knightsbridge Scarlet bag in Caramel.

Never worn Turquoise satin and suede Marc Jacobs booties.

Like new vintage '80's black suede Robot Creepers.

Black leather Gucci Mules.

There's a few more items... but I'll let you do the looking. Make sure to act fast, one thing I've noticed is that things get sold very quickly on SAYM!

Some of my vintage may wind up on SAYM (as the pair of Robot Creepers did), but I think I may try out Market Publique which is a new venue specifically for vintage clothing manufactured pre-early '90's. They have low listing fees, and the bonus is that it is all vintage. So the audience is not sifting through four thousand items listed unethically as vintage but are in actuality newly made to ultimately be disappointed, or worse -- ripped off. The other thing I like is that not just anyone can set up shop there, you have to first pass muster by the site's administration. They are looking for vintage sellers that really know their stuff so that you know who you are dealing with. Everything about this appeals to me, as a seller and a buyer! My only gripe is that I'd have to treat this more like a business and get a "shop" together. Which is fine if I want to continue to sell vintage, but at this point I'm looking to sell what I have and not accumulate more! Be sure to check out both Shoes and Your Mom and Market Publique and maybe you'll find just the item you've been looking for at a fair price!

So wish me luck!
Cheers!
Suzanne

Manic Panic Cosmetic Review

Manic Panic hair dye has become a household word, but did you know they have a line of fabulous cosmetics? I recently went to the Manic Panic warehouse to interview Tish and Snooky for Kiki Magazine's "extreme" issue (Kiki is a fashion magazine dedicated to 'tween girls, a wonderful publication that emphasises creativity and creating your style, your way and not following the crowd) and picked up a some "Spider Liner". I love cream eye liner as I find it has substantial staying power and since I have a problem with itchy, watery allergy eyes, this is a boon to me.

I picked up three colours: Reptile Smile (deep green); After Midnight ( deep blue that is almost violet); and Stardust (gunmetal.) As with all the Manic Panic cosmetics that I've used, the "Spider Liner" is wonderful, and as good as Mac Fluidline (which is my Holy Grail of eye liner.) It goes on smoothly, and sets, not budging or flaking one bit until I take it off! In addition to those colours, they have Raven (true black); and Belladonna (deep purple.) If you're looking for a creme eyeliner that won't budge, try Manic Panic "Spider Liner" -- you won't be disappointed!

Some time ago I picked up their "Lust Dust" in every colour that they carry. It's different from other mineral eye shadows in that it has intense sparkle and is highly pigmented. Not for the faint of heart, and just what I crave. The colours are: Cobra (rich chocolate brown); Dreamsicle (orange); Electric Sky (sky blue); Electric Sunshine (yellow); Fuchsia Shock (fuchsia); Hot, Hot Pink (hot pink); Infra Red (bright red); Limelight (lime green); Nefertiti (copper); Mermaid (turquoise); Stiletto (silvery gunmetal); and Ultra Violet (violet). Even though its a powder, it goes on creamy. I like using most of them as eyeliner in addition to shadow, and with their "Glam Glue" you can make your loose powder eye shadow into eyeliner with staying power!

As usual, Tish and Snooky were way ahead of the designers when they created their "Cruelty-Free Boas" and "Hair Bags" which feature synthetic hair embellishment. They'll coordinate with your Manic Panic hair colour!

As you'll notice above (and once you're on their site) many of the cosmetic and wig colours match the hair dye. So if you really wish you had "Atomic Turquoise" hair, but for whatever reason can't go that route you can always purchase a "Cruelty Free Boa", wig, or "Glam Strip" (clip in extension) to satisfy your craving!

Tish and Snooky are wonderful, warm hearted people whom I'm proud to count among my closest friends. I've known them since the early punk days, and was one of the original Manic Panic employees at the infamous shop on St. Mark's Place (the US' first punk store!) They not only sell it, but they live it, so every single item must pass their criteria before its added to their line. Tish and Snooky are also staunch animal rights supporters and have won a Libby from Peta for Manic Panic Hair Dye. As they say: "Tested on celebrities, not animals."

So if you're craving colour, but are sick of the current '80's trend, hit Manic Panic for some punk glamour!

Cheers!
Suzanne

Louboutin Sale!

Yes, you have heard me correctly. On Wednesday, 8 April, Gilt Group is having a Louboutin sale! I could be selfish and keep this to myself... but I always figure that what's to be, will be. So I'm either going to score or not, so why not let someone else have the chance to score their dream shoes at a discount? I've provided an invite as you must sign up and become a member to take advantage of any of their sales: Gilt Groupe

May the shoe gods smile on you!
Cheers!
Suzanne