Little Ideas: today I want to look like...

Via Altamira NYC

It's getting more and more chilly in Oxford. Not quite enough to warrant a big coat, but enough to make you want something nice and cosy (like the tomato red jumper).

Pretty My Feet (for boys & girls)

1. Black & Silver 1930s Oxfords, by Aris Allen, 2. Black & White Spat Style Wingtips, by Aris Allen, 3. Black Closed Back Wedge, by Aris Allen, 4. White Cap Toe, by Aris Allen, 5. Red 1930s Velvet Oxford, by Aris Allen, 6. Black & White Lindyhopper Strap, by Bleyer, 7. Classic Saddle Shoes, by Bleyer, 8. Brown & White Spat Style Wingtips, by Aris Allen, 9. Black & White Matte Swing Shoes, by Bleyer. (from top left)

I remember when it used to be very difficult to find a pair of shoes with just the right kind of vintage look. Of course there's the option of just buying vintage shoes, but most of these, unless you're lucky enough to come across dead stock, really won't stand up to everyday wear and tear for very long. When I came across beautiful vintage shoes that (gasp!) fit my very large feet, I was always careful to save them for special occasions. That's not to mention the fact that some vintage shoes really put beauty before comfort. Often when wearing my vintage shoes I'd be smiling on the outside and crying on the inside after a few hours...

Well those were the old days! Now there's so much vintage inspired footwear that my only problem is the fact that I can't buy them all. Oh, and sometimes they are really expensive...

Here's where dancing shoes come in. If you've heard of Lindyhop (more generally known as swing dancing), then you'll know that it's the dance of the 30s and 40s, which naturally demands a similar style in dress. The benefit to buying dance shoes is: not only are they often exact copies of vintage shoes, they've been designed for comfort. Yes, these babies are made to be hopped around in for hours, if not days. As a dancer, I can personally attest to the comfort and quality of the two brands (Bleyer and Aris Allen) featured in my little collage. Also, compared to normal shoes, they are either very competitively priced, or just about the same. They are also built to last the kind of abuse we put them through on the dancefloor - so everyday wear is no problem.

It's important to note that Bleyer shoes have rubber soles which are good for dancing and for trotting around on your daily business. Aris Allens may have suede or raw leather soles - these will be too slippery for everyday wear (unless you enjoy skating on the polished floors of your bank or office?) - however, buy them anyway, and take them to a cobbler who'll happily resole them for you in a material of your choice for a small sum.

One last thing - Bleyer doesn't sell directly to customers from their website. The links I have provided are to various online vendors. Try to google Bleyer and your area of residence to see what comes up. Alternatively, look for lindyhoppers or swing dancers in your area - and they may be able to put you onto where to get some bleyers locally.

I told you so!

I didn't stay up all night to watch the US elections. Over lunch yesterday I met a friend who asked me why I'm not going to join the many 'watch the elections' all nighter parties. I told him that I was confident that Obama is going to pull it off - and he did :)

Now I hope that he will live up to everyone's expectations. Fingers crossed, things are going to get better.

Little Ideas: Bow

Wristlet Bow Gloves by White & Warren, $65.00
Bow Bralette Set by Bona Drag, $144
(both via Daily Candy)

After my post yesterday I found these two other bow-related items. I have to confess that at the moment they are both a little out of my price range. The ideas, however, are free... so I'm currently thinking up ways to add little bows to my things. While the bow bralette is lovely, I have to confess that I'm far too busy these days to be spending time on embellishing my undies. Little bows on gloves though, seem more practical - at least they'll have an wider audience appeal!

I did promise myself too, that I'd do some knitting tonight. But the nagging feeling that I haven't done enough 'proper' work is ruining everything else. Still, I feel the call of my April Showers scarf (from the Purl Bee)- not the most practical winter project, since I'm knitting it in cotton, but I did start it two months ago, and it really deserves some attention.

Little Rewards Makes the World Go 'Round

Bountiful Bows (from top left): wee red knitted bow by dollyknits $15, black & bling shoe buckles from ohmymilky $12.50, white bow necklace by victorianbird $7.50, tie & collar necklace by paraphernalia $30.

I had my first sale today! The vintage self-help book on charm and the little leather bound photo album found a new home - and I found happiness on a wet and rainy day (I wore my new vintage black cashmere coat with the mink collar today, and it got soaked in the rain as I cycled home! I immediately went online and ordered myself a cycling cape to prevent further disasters. The coat is ok though. Slowly drying off near the radiator).

What shall I do with my first earnings on Etsy? I think that what goes around comes around - so the money (or at least a portion of it) should be spent on another Etsy seller.

I've been quite tempted by bows recently. They've always seemed too girlish for me - but I'm starting to think that one can wear them with a great deal of attitude.

Now, the question is... which one? (feel strongly about it one way or the other? leave me a comment!)

We're Live!

Oh my goodness! It's finally happened! After hours and hours of taking photos, weighing items, sorting out shipping and filling out forms on Etsy, the shop is finally open!

Please please please come and visit us: SHOW & TELL VINTAGE

Coming Soon!

I know, I know - I can hardly wait myself!
Here's a glimpse at what's going to be in store, come 31st of October.