You Gotta Love Mildred Pierce

This classic postwar film noir was released in 1945. Based on a 1941 novel by James M. Cain, it takes place in Glendale California during the 1930s depression era.


Most notable in this film is the performance of Joan Crawford who delivered one of the best performances of her career. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Eve Arden and Ann Blyth, both with their only career nominations), Best Screenplay (Ranald MacDougall), and Best Black-and-white Cinematography (Ernest Haller, who shared the Color Cinematography Oscar for Gone with the Wind in 1939.) Crawford won the film's sole Academy Award as Best Actress. It was her sole win out of her three career nominations.


Joan Crawford was one of Hollywood's most prominent movie stars and one of the highest paid women. By the end of the 1930's her career was suffering and her films were losing money. MGM bought out her contract on June 23, 1943 which humiliated her. Subsequently she endured a two year absence from film making so obtaining the role of Mildred Pierce was extremely important to her. Betty Davis was originally scheduled to play the part but she turned it down as she didn't want to play a woman of that age. Warner Brothers made Joan take a screen test for the part, which was a major insult., however, in the end she did get the role of her life, Mildred Pierce.


One of the most notable features of this film was the wardrobe. Milo Anderson was costume director for Warner Bros at that time. It is unknown if he personally dressed the stars or if the job was handed down to one of his many staffers. So sadly we'll never know who is responsible for this fabulously costumed movie.


I've seen Mildred Pierce at least 10 times, drooling over Joan's wardrobe. Her square shoulder minks with matching hats became a fashion rage after the release of the movie. Take note that all the stars are wearing wonderful 1940's dresses, suits, coats and hats. During the tear jerking scene where little Kay has died and Joan is sobbing over her bed, I couldn't help but notice through my tears that Mrs. Biederhof was wearing a fabulous applique wrap hostess robe. Somehow I bet it was deep salmon color.

Anyway if you like old movies, vintage clothing and Joan Crawford this movie is a must. Below are some interesting facts concerning Mildred Pierce.

Production started December 7, 1944 and ended May 1945. Took only 6 months from start to finish.

Film cost $1,453,000 to make and grossed $5,638,000.


The home used for Mildred's beach house was located at 26652 Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu. Built in 1929, the two-story house collapsed into the ocean in late January 1983 after an intense week of storms.


Interesting fact: Joan Crawford achieved success with the movie Letty Lynton (1932). Soon after its release, a plagiarism suit forced MGM to withdraw it. It has never been shown on television or made available on home video, and is therefore considered the "lost" Crawford film. The film is mostly remembered because of the "Letty Lynton dress", designed by Adrian: a white cotton organdy gown with large ruffled sleeves, puffed at the shoulder. It was with this gown that Crawford's broad shoulders began to be accentuated by costume. Macy's copied the dress in 1932, and it sold over 500,000 replicas nationwide.

MADMEN

Wild About Madmen.....

How many of you are fans of the show Madmen? I'm so excited that season 4 has begun.

The 1960's were a vast range of styles. The early 60s had the classic look of the 1950's with the beginnings of a new more mod look. Still showing the conservative look of the 50s, very feminine with cinched waists and full skirts but with delicate shoulder treatments. Women dressed to please their husbands, always wearing a girdle, heels, and of course the proper jewelry.

Madmen starts in this era when the fashions were exploding with color. The vintage fashions are a wonderful feature of this show. Joan and Betty never have a fashion miss-step. All their colorful form fitting dresses, classic brooches and my favorite, those long slim envelope style handbags, always perfect.

Many of these styles can still be purchased and are in the stores of our network of vintage sellers. Take a few minutes and check out this wild mixture of our MADMEN FASHIONS.

All of these fashions are available from:



Glamour Girl Vintage

Vintage Baubles Too

THE GLAMOROUS AVA GARDNER

Ava Gardner was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood from the time of her film debut in the 1940s through the 1960s, and was known as one of the most beautiful and glamorous women in the world for many years.

She was born on December 24, 1922 in Grabtown, North Carolina and died of pneumonia in London, England on January 25, 1990.

Ava Gardner began her career initially as a model, then as a contract player at MGM. Her first big picture was "The Killers" with Burt Lancaster in 1946 wherein she played bad girl Kitty Collins.

Ava starred in many other films during the 40s and 50s, including The Hucksters (1947), Show Boat (1951), Pandora and the Flying Dutchman (1951), The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1953), Bhowani Junction (1956), and On The Beach (1959).

Ava was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Mogambo (1953) opposite Clark Gable. She also starred in The Barefoot Contessa (1954).

Ava starred in some of her best roles in the 1960s, including Seven Days in May and Night of the Iguana (both 1964).

She was married and divorced three times -- to Mickey Rooney (1942), bandleader Artie Shaw (1945), and lastly to Frank Sinatra (1951-1957), who called her the love of his life.

Throughout her career Ava was always known as a glamorous and sexy siren who dressed to perfection both onscreen and off.

The sellers of Reflections of Vintage present the following vintage fashions and accessories that could have been worn by Ava herself.

Vintage 1950s Silver Mink Stole by Dolgien Fur Label Authority from ALLEY CATS ATTIC:

Exquisite Vintage 1950s Shimmering Steel Blue and Ocean Green Iridescent Taffeta Full Skirted Formal Ball Gown with Pleated Contrasting Inset Shelf Bust and Skirt Panels -- 314 Bottom Sweep -- Bust 36 -- Size S - M from CATSEYE VINTAGE:

Vintage Designer Wiggle Dress and Jacket Size Small from VINTAGE BAUBLES TOO:

Vintage 50s 60s LORRIE DEB Designer Blue and Green Floral Silk Jacquard Full Skirted Party Dress -- Bust 36 -- Size S - M from CATSEYE VINTAGE:

Lovely Vintage 1950s Black Velvet Evening Purse Handbag from ALLEY CATS ATTIC:

Vintage 50s Designer Alberto Fabiani Couture Circle Skirt, Small from A & J ESOTERICA:

The Novelty Doesn't Wear Off!

When I was younger, I wouldn't have dreamed of carrying a novelty bag or purse--vintage or otherwise. Too worried about standing out from the crowd, about what people might think, and so on. But as I get older, I find that being "different" is fun, and carrying a novelty handbag or purse is a great way to indulge oneself. It also tends to make other people smile and laugh--what could be better?

Although novelty bags have been around for decades, they really took off in the 1950s, as women began to wear brighter apparel and more "fun" styles, such as novelty-print circle skirts and dresses and mix 'n match coordinates that lent themselves to a variety of accessorization. Today the manufacture of novelty bags is a big industry. But that hasn't diminished, and has likely enhanced, the allure of the original, vintage ones, which are still hugely popular. We, of course, prefer the vintage ones and find them so interesting! They come in a limitless array of shapes, sizes, materials, etc.: Enid Collins box purses, the magazine-tube bags of the 60s, handmade cigar-box purses, elegant Judith Leiber clamshell purses, Jolles Originals' beaded or plastic-covered bags, scenic purses, kitcshy tourist wicker purses, telephone-wire bags, cartoon-character totes.... So many bags, so little storage space. So, many of them find their way to the sales "floor," to be discovered and loved by yet another vintie.

Summer seems to be the very best season for novelty bags--they are fun and lighthearted, perfect for vacations and beach or patio parties. You'll see them on the boardwalks of your favorite oceanside resort, or out to lunch at the local al-fresco dining establishment. Here are some fun bags we have to share with you:

The Atlas Princess Charming line of coated-wicker purses, such as the one below, typically featured underwater scenes with shells, starfish, and seahorses under a plastic window, along with Lucite handles.



Recently sold from Vintage Baubles: 1950's/60's White Wicker Purse with Seashells


Basket purses are always fun and popular as well, such as this 50's/60's picnic-style one, complete with double-hinged lid!


Offered at Alley Cats Attic: Picnic Basket Purse


Here's a most unusual early 50's bag with an avian-themed scene set inside a "picture frame":


Offered at Vintage Baubles Too:

Parrot & Flamingo Bag

But, summer's not the only time of year you can get to carry a great novelty bag. This 50's/60's Jolles Originals purse, sold from A & J Esoterica, features a fall/winter scene done in wool felt and glass beads:

Red, White and Blue - Perfect for the 4th of July

Independence Day, commonly known as July 4th or the Fourth of July, commemorates the Continental Congress’ adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. The document, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson, served as a formal announcement that the 13 American colonies were no longer part of the British Empire and would henceforth be free and independent states. Regarded as the birthday of the United States of America, the day is typically celebrated with parades, fireworks, ceremonies, barbecues and family gatherings.

A Modern Holiday

With the rise of leisure, the Fourth also emerged as a major midsummer holiday. The prevalence of heavy drinking and the many injuries caused by setting off fireworks prompted reformers of the late 19th and the early 20th century to mount a Safe and Sane Fourth of July movement. During the later 20th century, although it remained a national holiday marked by parades, concerts of patriotic music and fireworks displays, Independence Day declined in importance as a venue for politics. It remains a potent symbol of national power and of specifically American qualities—even the freedom to stay at home and barbecue.

Red, White and Blue, either together or separately is wonderful to wear for the July 4th holiday and all Summer long, including these fabulous accessories and fashions from the ladies of Reflections of Vintage:

Vintage White Full Skirted Sun Dress with Convertible Straps -- Size XL - XXL - XXXL from CATSEYE VINTAGE

Vintage 1960s Mr John Jr Red White and Blue Checkered Bubble Hat from ALLEY CATS VINTAGE

Vintage 70s Flare Skirt Polka Dot Dress, Med from VINTAGE BAUBLES TOO

Vintage 60s 70s White Cotton Gauze Dress -- with Crocheted Lace Yoke -- Size S - M from CATSEYE VINTAGE

Information Regarding the History of July 4th courtesy of History.Com

Vintage Thermoset Lucite Jewelry

In the late 50s and early to mid-60s, many jewelry companies designed and manufactured various pieces of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches out of thermoset lucite in a rainbow of colors. The most prolific manufacturers were Coro and Lisner, however there are also many unsigned pieces.

Many of these pieces are highly collectible today, particularly signed pieces, those in unusual colors, and parure sets which include matching necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches.

Thermoset is a form of lucite which has been molded into interesting flat bottomed cabochon shapes such as leaves, squares, circles and ovals. The cabochons were then placed in metal settings, most often open backed with curved shapes creating lovely jewelry.

Thermoset lucite jewelry is wonderful for any time of the year but their light weight and bright or pastel colors make them perfect for wear with Summer time fashions, including these available from Catseye Vintage and Vintage Baubles.

Vintage 50s 60s Lavender Thermoset Lucite Leaf Statement Choker Necklace and Bracelet and Earrings Parure Set from CATSEYE VINTAGE

Vintage Coro Pegasus Pink Moonray Thermoset Bracelet from VINTAGE BAUBLES.COM

Vintage 50s 60s Designer CORO Jade Green Thermoset Lucite Statement Choker Necklace and Earrings Demi Parure Set from CATSEYE VINTAGE

Vintage 50s 60s Blue and Aqua Thermoset Lucite Statement Choker Necklace and Earrings Demi Parure Set - Mint on Original Card from CATSEYE VINTAGE

Ceil Chapman - One of the Great Designers

Ceil Chapman began her career in New York, her first company was ‘Her Ladyship Gowns’ started in 1940 with partner Gloria Vanderbilt. The she went on to another company labeled 'A Chapman Original' which later became simply ‘Ceil Chapman’. She was a popular, talented designer through the early 1960's. Known for her exquisite draping that enhanced the female form, she became a favorite among many stars of the era, such as Deborah Kerr and Elizabeth Taylor. Rumor has it she was the favorite designer of Marilyn Monroe. This Ceil Chapman gown was worn by Monroe and sold in 1999 by Christie’s. Ending price is said to have been $100,000.


Her specialty was evening, formal wear, done in silks, taffeta, chiffon and organdy, embellished with beading and lace. She designed a great deal for movies and television.


You can find her designs featured in most of the fashion magazines through the 1950's, along side greats such as Dior and Chanel.


The 50s and early 60s were Ceil’s heyday with her partnership with her husband ending in the mid 60s. Sadly she died in the late 1970s.


Today her timeless designs are highly sought after and can be found in various sites on the internet. They still command a high price but totally worth it if you can find that perfect gown.

Below is two of her designs featured in the December 1950 issue of Ladies Home Journal. The rose tulle strapless was a design that remained a leading style through the 1950's. The gold taffeta evening coat was constructed mid length to wear over the ever popular cocktail dress.

My Vintage Life!

Although I now sell mostly vintage clothing and accessories, my first venture into online selling was in vintage home décor items, porcelain, depression glass, kitchenware, etc. Much of that was from my own collection, accumulated over decades. I still sell them on my sites, as I think that people who truly love vintage clothing and wear it regularly probably use or display such items in their homes. I remember a customer who purchased a dress along with a Fire King casserole, and recently, one who purchased a dress, a handbag, and a mid-century lamp. There have been other such purchases over the years; they make me smile, and think, "There’s another ‘one’ like me!"

So, how did I get to be me? If we are products of our environments, then I am quintessential proof! I’ve always known that my love of antique and vintage items began with my mom, who furnished our home with antique and reproduction pieces, and things like early glassware; Japanese, Bavarian and Prussian porcelain; etc. But, last week as I was hunting for a picture of my dad for our Father’s Day blog, I ran across some photos of homes I have lived in and owned over my lifetime. And I realized that the houses themselves have had a very great deal to do with my vintage passion. If you see my homes, you understand how I came to do what I do. I’m sure I’m not alone in this. Having sold real estate for some 25 years (now retired to focus on my vintage business), I can say that people generally end up in the houses that are meant to be theirs, and that reflect who they are.

Here, then, are the homes that have both influenced and reflected my tastes over my lifetime, and in some cases, are inextricably linked with who I am.

In the early 60s, my parents purchased this turn-of-the-century Queen Anne Victorian--but not as our residence. It was at the time a small nursing home. This was our family business for the next 20 years. My sister and I spent hours there, playing in the third-floor "tower room" and visiting with the elderly ladies who would tell us stories of their pasts. When I was older, I worked there summers and after school. And to this day, I still have some antiques that were in the home’s old carriage house when we bought it.



In 1963, my parents bought this circa 1936 Cape Cod in order to be closer to the business. Coming from a 1954 ranch-style home, this was quite a change! But we all loved this home, with its charming archways, natural woodwork and hardwood floors, stone fireplace, etc. I grew up there, and it was hard for me when my folks sold both business and home to retire to Florida.



And this, my favorite home of all, special for so many reasons. It was the second home for my then-husband and I. We’d looked at so many houses; nothing was quite right. But this 1926 home was destined to be ours. While driving around on a Sunday checking out open houses, we saw an "Open" sign in a neighborhood we liked. We walked up the steps, through the vestibule, and into the center hall. I looked to my left at the living room, then to the right at the dining room. Then said to my ex, "I want this house." When we found that it was, surprisingly, right in our price range, I didn’t need to see any more. But of course, we did, and by the time we finished going through it, we were looking for a phone so we could call our Realtor (this was before I had my license). The natural gumwood trim, leaded-glass windows and French doors, frosted-glass-front kitchen cabinets.... all were too good to be true. It was in nearly untouched original condition, but well kept. What was amazing was that the house had literally just been listed and the open house hadn’t been scheduled. The seller’s Realtor decided on a whim to hold it open. Our timing was perfect!

That home was my oasis of peace as I went through a traumatic divorce, change in jobs, financial difficulties, etc. It also held much joy as I discovered the satisfaction of being a competent single woman on my own; learned what a good, healthy relationship was; and met my current husband. We eventually moved on, but have never had another home like it.



Here is where we were married. A Georgian-style inn built in the early 1800s, it’s listed on the national and state registers of historic places, and hosted, among other notables, Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Katherine Hepburn. There could not have been a more perfect place for us to marry. Our wedding was in January, and the inn was still decorated for Christmas. Red bows, wreaths, white lights, and garlands of greens set just the right mood. One of my friends who came to our wedding said to me, "This place is you." My husband and I, to this day, think we had the best wedding we have ever been to. And many of our friends say the same!



I believe that houses have "auras," and these are the homes whose good auras have stayed with me. There have been other homes over the years, including other "vintage" homes. But these have had significant roles in my life, and have, I'm sure, deepened my love of and appreciation for pieces from the past. We now live in a vintage 1971 traditional two-story, and love it--our favorite next to the "gumwood house." We’re now happily changing our furnishing style from antiques and 1930s/40s pieces to mid-century modern and decorating with retro pieces. What fun!