#treatyoself (and maybe other people too): Black Friday Vintage Deals

Updated: I've added even more sales, some of which I discovered, some of which I was contacted about.
Everybody loves a deal, right? While it can be fun to relentlessly search for the best deals, sometimes, when you're just coming out of a turkey coma, it's nice when someone has already done a little bit of the legwork for you. Whether you're picking out your own holiday treat, finding the perfect gift for someone you love, or creating a little Secret Santa magic, I've got a whole bunch of awesome offers collected for you, right here, for your shopping pleasure.
If you're a vendor and don't see your name on the list, it's not too late. Feel free to leave a comment or send me an email letting me know about your Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Please Buy My Stuff Saturday promotion.

The Best Vintage Clothing - Exclusive discount, 50% off 3PM-6PM est 11/28 only, code BF14
My jaw pretty much dropped when Miss Kitty from The Best Vintage Clothing responded to my "are you having a Black Friday sale?" email with "sure, how's 50% off for your readers sound?" Um, yes, please! Three hours only, so look sharp with this one, and start planning your purchases now. If you're a collector, they have some really amazing designer dresses, as well as some well preserved pieces from the 10s and 20s. 50% off something like that could be the steal of the year if you're looking for a special piece.

Wool and Silk Deco Dress, Larger Size $556 $278

This beautiful and beautifully preserved dress from the 1920s is a larger size (great if you're constantly annoyed by how teeny stuff from that era always seems to be), and the beautiful wool and silk design would be perfect for attending a fancy Christmas party or winter wedding.
Signed Schiaperelli Necklace and Earrings $476 $238

Who doesn't love Schiaperelli? Her whimsical, intellectual designs made her one of the most popular designers among the artistic set in the 20s, 30s, and 40s. This signed necklace and earrings set make a stunning statement, and might make a great gift for a stylish woman in your life. If that woman's you, I wouldn't judge.
1940s Black Rayon Suit with Capelet $399.20 $199.60

This 1940s, Victorian inspired suit would make a stunning statement on any suit lover. The fitted jacket emphasizes the waist, and the capelet detailing adds playful interest.
If, like me, you're on the prowl for more day to day items, it's a great time to snatch those up as well.
Baby Alligator Purse $159.20 $79.60

I'm not crazy for thinking this is really cute, right?
Hand Painted Circle Skirt $239.20 $119.60

I've seen these hand-painted circle skirts go for $200-250, so $120 is a steal for something this beautiful and detailed.
Crown and Scepter Embroidered Blouse $195 $97.50

Good vintage blouses can be hard to find, and I love the embroidered details on this one.
Looking for a gift? There's a great Collectibles section with knick knacks, art, and paper ephemera, as well as vintage patterns and fabric for the crafty dame (or bloke) in your life.

Chronically Vintage - Exclusive discount, 25% off order 11/24-12/2 code BLACKFRIDAYSAVE25
There is always so much to love in Jessica's beautifully curated Etsy shop - it was hard to pick just a few favorites! But here are some pieces that I've been keeping an eye on.
1930s Pave Butterfly $48 $36

1950s Faux Tortoise Shell Lucite Purse $88 $66

Square Rose Gold Lucite Bangle $24 $18


ReVamp Vintage - 20% off using THANKS2014 on Friday, the 28th only
This vintage reproduction company has offerings from the 1910s through the 1950s. What I love about this store is the variety of clothing they offer - it's hard to find authentic vintage from the 1910s and 20s, but you can get it here, in your size, lovingly recreated just for you. They even have made to measure options!
Beatrice Dress, 1935 $220 $176

Swing Collectibles Slacks, 1940s $100 $80

Bianca Blouse, 1955 $130 $104


Custard Heart - 25-65% off the entire store, 11/28-12/1
This beautiful vintage boutique adds new items daily, and specializes in wearable items for the modern vintage lover.
Voyeur Vintage - 25% off 11/27-12/1
This is one of my very favorite Etsy shops out there. Pretty and really wearable pieces, always reasonably priced. My first stop whenever I'm looking for a "wear it all day, every day" item.
Vacation Vintage - 30% off 11/24-11/28
If there's any shop that I would happily buy everything they've got, it's this one. This tightly curated jewel box has gorgeous clothes from the 30s through the 60s.
VeryVintage - 10% off 11/23-26, 20% off 11/27-12/1
Oh, the dresses! Very Vintage always has unique, beautiful, and reasonably priced items for the discerning collector.
Capsule Vintage - 30% off from 11/27-12/1
I always find myself drooling over beautiful 50s/60s party and day dresses on offer from Capsule Vintage.
Carousel Vintage Boutique - 30% storewide 11/28-12/2
This pretty boutique has a wide range of apparel and accessories from the 40s through the 80s, and there's always a little something for everyone.
Sweet Bee Finds - 25% off from 11/27-12/2
The prettiness on display from Sweet Bee is hard to match - she's got beautiful party and day dresses, with shoes and accessories to match.
Victory Mills - 25% off from 11/27-11/30
Another beautifully curated shop, reasonably priced and specializing mostly in lovely day dresses.
Bloomers and Frocks - 20% off entire store 11/28-11/30
This fabulous store actually sorts their offerings by s/m/l, making their store one of the easiest to search.
Jumblelaya - 20% off 11/26-12/1
There are so many gorgeous pieces available here that it's hard to pick a favorite! Her carefully chosen pieces are beautiful and unique.
Hollie Point  - 20% off starting at midnight 11/27-12/2 at 9pm
This store has a beautiful selection of clothes, shoes, and accessories, mostly from the 50s and 60s, and I've been informed that there will be a lot of new items added to the store for the sale.
Crush Vintage  - Special discount for Instagram follwers (@crushvintage) 11/25-11/27; 25% off storewide 11/28-12/1
This store has a wide array of inventory, and every piece is a winner. Lately I've been stalking their shoes and coats - so many pieces to love!
Heart of Haute - 15% off sitewide, 2 chances to win a goodie bag, and 1 chance to get your order FREE 6pm 11/27-midnight 11/28; 25% off select items on 12/1
Steady Clothing - 50% off select items, 20% off entire store
Foxy Brit Vintage - 30% off the entire store
Pickled Vintage - 45-60% off (moving sale, don't know how long this one will last)
Stutterin Mama - 20% off
Cheshire Vintage Shop - 20% off with code HAPPYHOLIDAYS
Raleigh Vintage - 20% off 11/26-12/2
Trunk of Dresses - 20% off
Dear Golden - 25% off
Adored Vintage - 25% off through 12/1
When Decades Collide - 20% off through 11/30
Wildfell Hall - 20% off, TODAY ONLY
The Vintage Mistress - 25% off
Trashy Diva - 30% off everything (including sale) with code BLACKOUT30
Dethrose Vintage - 20% off
Tara Starlet - 40% off party dresses with code TGIF, + FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE
Lapoubelle Vintage  - 25% off
Simplicity is Bliss  - 25% off

Cheap Thrills - Etsy Edition

I've been bad. I've got a trip coming up that I should be saving for, and after I splurged a little bit and basically bought all of the stuff that I decided I needed for fall, I said I wasn't going to do any more shopping. It's just soooooo haaaaard not to when people are practically giving clothes away, though. A mere $10 for a cute, mod, 60s dress? Another $10 for a cream colored duster length sweater? $20 for a 50s dress that's a dead ringer for a Birdie dress from PUG? Some things you just can't say no to.

Pickled Vintage
Pickled Vintage specializes in super cute party dresses, and right now the entire store is 35-55% off.
70s Maxi Dress - $18.90

Not quite my style, but a really cute piece for a bohemian babe.
50s Brown Polka Dot Dress - $60.30

If this weren't several inches too small all over, this would absolutely be in my closet.
50s Suzy Perette LBD - $81.90

This sophisticated black velvet wiggle dress would be perfect for any holiday parties.

Capsule Vintage
Capsule Vintage is another store with a beautifully curated selection of dresses. Everything in the store is 20% off through Thursday.
80s Navy Cardigan - $30.40

This classic cardigan would make a great addition to any vintage wardrobe.
50s Black Floral Skirt - $49.60

Another selection of the petite lady, this beautiful floral skirt is the sort of piece you reach for day after day all year long.
50s Red Plaid Dress - $51.20

This cute plaid dress would look so sweet with a pair of boots and tights on a crisp fall day.

Simplicity is Bliss Vintage
Another shop with fantastic dresses. Usually a little out of my price range, but with 30% off most of the store, it makes those beautiful pieces a little more attainable.
60s Mustard Plaid Skirt - $26.60

Who isn't mad for plaid this time of year? Perfect for adding a little schoolgirl chic to your wardrobe.
50s Novelty Print Dress - $31.50

This toy soldier novelty print dress will look amazingly cute on someone, perhaps with a peter pan collared blouse underneath.
50s Diamond Print Dress - $47.60

Bring the diamond print that was so popular this summer straight into fall with this awesome long sleeved dress.

The Vintage Mistress
The clearance section here is off the charts cheap. This is where I found my killer, could-not-pass-them-up deals yesterday.
Persian Lamb Coat - $39.00

Fuzzy wuzzy was a coat, fuzzy wuzzy was a goat. Wait, no, that's not how that goes. But seriously, this 50s style double breasted coat looks cozy and pettable as hell.
50s Yellow Linen Shirtdress - $9.50

This sunny yellow dress with cute patch pockets will be perfect once warmer weather hits again, and you really can't beat that price.
60s Black Dress and Shawl Set - $12.00

Get in on the fringe trend with this amazing dress and shawl.

Jumblelaya Vintage
I think Jumblelaya is a pretty well known store already, and it looks like their well chosen wares are all 20% off.
40s Ivory Blouse - $25.60

I don't know about you guys, but I've always got my eye out for nice vintage blouses, especially ones that aren't super tiny. Love the collar detail on this 40s gem.
50s Plaid Shirtdress - $62.40

Didn't I say I was mad for plaid? This just makes me want to go pumpkin picking, or whatever one does at a pumpkin patch.
50s New Look Pink Taffeta Party Dress - $70.40

Ok, so this one is still a little bit of a splurge, but isn't it just jaw droppingly gorgeous. If I hadn't already spent all my money I'd be all over this baby. Drool.

Other great sales:
HoneyTalk Vintage, 25% off the entire store.
Vacation Vintage, 25% off the entire store
Aiseirigh, 50% off the entire store, including a great selection of Gunne Sax
Rockabilly Raven Vintage, 15% off
Livin' Vintage Shop, looks like 25% off most items, including their great selection of plus size vintage
Edited to Add: I just saw Chronically Vintage is offering 31% off the entire store through November 2nd!
Fly, fly, my pretties! Go buy things before someone snatches them out of your grasp and you spend the rest of your life thinking about that dress that you should have bought!

A Short and Sweet Outfit Post

Happy Saturday! I wasn't feeling well yesterday, so I didn't get a post put together, but I've been loving the beautiful weather we've been having here in Chicago. Honestly, it feels more like San Diego - 70s, sunny, and breezy, with just a hint of humidity that makes it feel like the ocean is just over the horizon. I'm trying to make the most of it while it's still around, although I will have some fall fashion inspiration posts up in the next few weeks, so stay tuned.

I guess looking up and to my right is my thing these days? Although I am trying to switch up shooting locations; I'm getting a little boring just leaning against the fence in my back yard. Alleys are really where it's at.

Anyway, I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! I'm planning on spending this evening playing the Old Style game with my boyfriend. No, it's nothing dirty - just hop on your bike, ride around until you find a bar with an Old Style shingle outside, and get a drink. Repeat as necessary. Should be fun!

Sisterwife Syndrome

One of the things that I struggle with when wearing vintage is what I can only call the frump factor. Maybe you've encountered it yourself - you buy a dress (or skirt or blouse or whatever) that is really cute, great fabric, fits well, but there's just something about it that takes you from modern women who likes the vintage aesthetic to bit player in your community theater production of Oklahoma. Or, as the title might suggest, like you, your husband, his three other wives, and the 12 kids you have between you just got an offer from Lifetime for a reality tv show.

Pose. The hills are alive, bitches. Alive!

And here's what it looks like straight on, no cute posing or anything. This is also what my bitchy resting face looks like straight on.

I got this dress at a clothing swap a couple of months ago, so it was free. There were some issues with it that I just got around to addressing, namely the fact that the bodice was separating from the skirt in several places, and there were some good sized stains that needed to be soaked out. However, it fits really nicely, and it's made of a soft, lightweight cotton, so when it was hot out a couple of days ago I decided it was time to bust it out.

"Are we gonna lose the farm, Pa?" "I just don't know, Sally. I just don't know."

Also, my neighbor is awesome for making this cool wooden sculpture thingy, because now I have something to pose with.

Also, filters are fun. 

I can't decide if this gets into sisterwife territory or just skirts the border a little bit. It's not very fitted through the waist, and the pointed seam at the front of the bodice and the puffed sleeves with the eyelet, um, fins(?) take it in that direction. On the other hand, I grew up in rural Colorado, and I can't say that I mind looking a bit like a Dust Bowl era cowboy's sweetheart.

I've been trying to think of some fixes, but I don't really want to take the sleeves off of another dress, and since this guy has waist ties, not to mention the interesting seaming, I can't really wear a belt with it to define the waist more either. I'm not sure if it's going to stay in my wardrobe, or if I'd like to do a few more repairs and then pass it along to someone who would be really enthusiastic about it. If I had a sewing machine, I might be tempted to just lose the top half and just make it into a high-waisted skirt, but I don't, so...

Any thoughts? What do you usually do with a piece that you like but aren't sure has a place in your wardrobe?

So I've got The Reverend Horton Heat concert tonight, and then I'm going to spend the weekend helping my boyfriend and his brother sell their handmade furniture at the Randolph Street Market, so if you're in Chicago come visit me!

Purple Rain

I actually didn't realize until just now, when I was putting this post together, that I'd worn purple three days in a row this week. It's not a color that I'm particularly into, but apparently I managed to grab just about every purple piece in my closet this week. Weird.

I love this lilac gingham dress. It's really breezy and summery, and layered with this white cardigan, it was perfect for the slightly cooler weather earlier this week.

I also really like the button detail down the front. I'm definitely going to have to iron it before the next wear, though - those wrinkles are driving me crazy in the photos.

This skirt was actually free. I got it at a clothing swap a couple of months ago, and while it's great for the summer, I really can't wait to wear it with a chunky sweater this winter.

"Look at my butt. Look at it!"

"How about now? Are you looking at my butt now?"
Ok, so credit where credit is due, I totally cribbed this outfit from the delightful Pebbles Beaufort. She's a blue haired babe whose style I really admire - while a man's shirt over a wiggle dress might not be an entirely new invention, I would never have thought to do the Hawaiian print shirt without seeing it on her first.

Full disclosure - I only put this lipstick on for the photos. A tight dress, bright, contrasting colors, and red lipstick would have felt like overkill for a Thursday.
There is something inherently silly to me about trying to take sexy photos of myself, particularly while precariously balancing my tripod on the stones around the fire pit in my back yard (it's one of those mini guys, so it's not tall enough to just put it on the ground) while Neighbordog looks on in amusement.
Pictures of me from a few years ago all follow the same formula - I'm always mugging with my mouth open wide in excitement (real or ironic) and pointing at things. I was really uncomfortable having my photo taken, and looking slightly insane seemed like the best way to deal with that. I wanted to look good, but I didn't want to look like I was trying to look good, because that would be vain, and no one likes a try hard.
Of course that's dumb, but I still have that niggling thought in the back of my head sometimes, this feeling of "who am I to take all these photos and put them up on the internet like I'm someone interesting?" Which, again, is dumb, because documenting your life online is kind of what people do these days, and fuck it, I am interesting.
But hey, that doesn't mean that all my photos have to be serious.

My Hatchet-Face impression.

Invisible maracas.

Metal!!!!

I hope everyone has some fabulous plans for the weekend. There's a flea market here in Chicago called the Vintage Garage, and the theme this weekend is Tiki and Rockabilly! I'm really excited for it, and I'm hoping to have some cool photos and new treasures to show off on Monday.

Primary Colors

I purchased this sailor dress a while back, but I hadn't had a chance to wear it since I took my "look at this awesome new dress I have!" photos. I actually hadn't planned on wearing it to the wedding that I went to this weekend either, but the great thing about having a boyfriend with a quirky and vintage sense of style is that when he decides he wants to go full on 1920s (suspenders, boater, bow tie), he's fully capable of packing me a matching outfit.
Yes, I know we're disgustingly cutesy. No, I don't really care.

My friend Diana, who actually has a really awesome collection of pinup dresses. 
The cardigan wasn't exactly the most comfortable thing to wear in 80 degree heat, but I never got around to finishing sleeves where I had cut them off, and I also popped a seam where the bodice met the skirt before I even go there. I decided that I actually really liked the yellow with the red and navy, though, so I could see myself recycling this outfit when the weather starts to cool.

Our friend Gary decided he wanted to be in the photo. 
I keep trying to get my boyfriend, Brian, to write about vintage fashion for men. He's got a really awesome sense of style, and he's utterly fearless. Not to brag, but everyone said we were the best dressed couple, and that's entirely down the the outfits that he picked out for us.

The adorable Bertie looks better in Brian's hat than he does.
I don't have very many good photos of the wedding because I was too busy sobbing about how beautiful it was to hold a camera steady. It's kind of a shame, though, because the bride, Sara, did an amazing job planning and executing the wedding. Pinterest-worthy decorations, amazing food and drinks, and a ceremony that was sweet and uniquely them. We could not have had a better time.
If you'd like to see more photos from the wedding (and I recommend it highly!), check out the Instagram hashtag #SandAHathaway.   

Dress: Lady Jane Vintage via eBay
Cardigan: Vintage Underground

Clairy Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes

I am deeply indebted to Kristen of Miss Kristen Darling for not only posting about this amazing group, but following up by letting me know that they were doing a show in my area soon. Just on the strength of the song Love Letters, I bought tickets for my boyfriend and I, and we went and saw them last night.
Best. Decision. Ever. Well, ok, maybe not on par with investing in Microsoft in 1986, but a damn good one all the same. Imagine if Adele had a baby with Little Richard, and they gave it to The Shangri-Las to raise in Australia. A potent blend of R&B, soul, and 50s rock, they not only sound fantastic, they also put on an amazing show.

Coordinated dance moves, slick costumes, and not a beat or note out of place. As great as the backing band and singers are, Clairy is undoubtedly the star of the show. Not only is her voice amazing, she's an incredibly charismatic performer. You really can't take your eyes off of her.
We ended up leaving with their album, Baby Caught the Bus, and I have a feeling I'm going to be listening to it non-stop this summer. If you get a chance, I would definitely recommend seeing them live. Their full US tour schedule is listed here.
I can never pass up a chance to get dressed up, so I decided to go full 1950s with a full black skirt, huge square dancing petticoat, and an electric blue blouse. I felt like an extra from Grease whose scene got cut at the last minute, which was pretty perfect for this show.

Skirt: Handmade by my boyfriend during his sewing phase

Blouse: Voyeur Vintage via Etsy

Shoes: Seychelles

I hadn't realized until now just how much I enjoy this kind of music. Any recommendations for other bands in this style that I should check out?

Break This Rule: Pastels on Pale Girls

I love to read bitchy celebrity fashion blogs (what up, T Lo) and one of the common criticisms that I see is very pale women with light colored hair wearing nudes, pale pinks, or whites. Too monochromatic, too washed out, too like an old dishrag. And, ok, if you're not careful you can look really washed out, but it is definitely possible to rock a monochrome, pale look without looking like a corpse.
1. Break it up a little bit.
When I say you can rock a monochromatic look, I mean that it's relatively easy to pull off similar colors. A nude colored dress with nude colored shoes, though, can look a little... nude. Create a little bit of visual contrast either by mixing up your tones on the top and bottom, adding a subtle print or some texture, or adding in some accessories, like shoes or a belt, that offer a little contrast.

2. Go bolder with your makeup.
In my case, I went with a bold, red lip, but you could do brighter blush, a smoky or tight-lined eye, or anything else that gives your face a little brightness, color, and contrast.

2a. And make sure your skin looks perfect.
Seriously, don't skimp on the concealer. That zit is way more noticeable when it's the only spot of color for several feet.

Um, maybe not the best example picture because my mole kind of looks like a zit here.
3. If you're taking photos, do it against a darker background.

In real life, contrast is something that looks good because it's eye-catching. In photos, contrast is a requirement because if the light's not just right (and unless you're a professional photographer, it's not going to be), you'll basically be invisible. Don't be invisible.

I mean seriously, I'm a floating pair of lips and glasses in this one.
4. Don't listen to any of these rules because rules are for losers.
Not actually true, but particularly if you're not trying to take pictures, you can disregard most of this and just go for an ethereal, sparkle fairy princess thing. Although you should still probably follow 2a.

What are your fashion rules, and what rules do you like to break?

Blouse: 80s does 40s sheer pink blouse, LexisMonkey via Etsy
Skirt: High waist interlock skirt, American Apparel
Hat: 40s (?) beaded velvet headpiece, Vintage Underground