Historically Vintage

In Search of Stanford White

2011-10-10T11:47:00.000-04:00

On several occasions I have found myself in the

ST. JAMES

vicinity of Long Island, NY.

St. James is a lovely town which is a short distance from my own home.

Also in the area is the
St. James General Store
(I love the local history book section on the second floor)
and
Deepwell's Farm
(a historic house open for tours).

While there, my obsessive nature about research and old homes took hold of me!

(It's a birth defect I assure you.)

On those occasions I sought out the former estate of

STANFORD WHITE,

architect EXTRAORDINAIRE!

I compiled a few (less than stunning) photographs of his estate that I'd like to share with you.

There are several entrances to the estate, this being the most formal with the stone columns which clearly announce the estate,

BOX HILL.

Below, is an additional entrance to the estate.

As you can see there are several structures on the property.

Having read Stanford White's great-granddaughter
Suzannah Lessard's
book,

THE ARCHITECT OF DESIRE,

I understand that these are additional homes used by Stanford's family to this day.

Below and to the right you see what appears to be a stable and a wooden

POST and RAIL fence.

If I remember correctly, there had been some animals out on one of my

forays to Box Hill.

From the road leading to home there is an allee of trees.

Fortunately at the time of year I took the photos the trees were bare allowing me

a better view of Stanford's creation.

This was Stanford White's

FAMILY HOME at BOX HILL.

Pictured below, on the bottom left you will see remnants of one of the

GARDEN structures at BOX HILL.

Interested in viewing original photos of BOX HILL in it's HEYDAY?

Visit this AMAZING blog that I frequent time and time again

OLD LONG ISLAND

Below is a very poor picture of the

Wetherill Residence.

Mrs. Kate Smith Wetherill was Stanford's sister in law. Kate was his wife Bessie Smith's sister.

The Wetherill mansion was designed by Stanford and built in 1893.

It is connected to Box Hill and I understand Stanford sold the Wetherill's the land that the estate now sits on. It is quite massive and imposing with what appears to be 3-4 stories tall on one side. It is set high on a hill overlooking the harbor.

A view of the harbor from near the WEATHERILL estate.

This is ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH which is located on 25a in St. James NY.

The adjacent cemetery is the final resting place for Stanford White and his wife Bessie Smith White.

Stanford's funeral service was held here in a small gathering far from the swirling media frenzy that ensued after his murder in Manhattan.

I walked through the cemetery on the spur of the moment and was unable to find his grave.

Which indicates yet another trip to ST. JAMES is on the horizon!

To view Stanford and Bessie's head stone you can go here:

Find A Grave

Special thanks to my new friend LANA from LIFE AT WILD BERRY COTTAGE who inspired me to complete this blog entry!

In Honor of Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-25T11:17:00.003-04:00

I, like many of you, have been watching the media coverage of the passing of

Elizabeth Taylor.

As I see it, she was a "real mensch" and yet a real person with human flaws and frailties like the rest of us.

She was fascinating to watch as a performer and a celebrity.

She was quite the beauty!

So, to honor her life I decided to share some of my favorite photographs of the simply-gorgeous

Elizabeth Taylor.

I absolutely love the cut of this dress!

Maggie the Cat..... This was always one of my favorite movie dresses!

Very Dior!

Flawless!

Looking demure with Richard Burton.

A true bathing beauty!

Meow!

Coat Couture

2011-03-02T12:16:00.008-05:00

It's been a LONG cold WINTER here in New York!

A girl has to keep her FASHION SENSE even in the most brutal of conditions.

Having been short on FABULOUS outerwear I took to the THRIFT STORES and my ATTIC to unearth the GEMS

which are photographed below for your perusal.
CLICK ALL PHOTOS TO ENLARGE.

This is my SENTIMENTAL favorite.

This coat BELONGED TO MY MOTHER and I'm thrilled that I can once again fit into it.

The tailoring of the collar is something you just don't see in clothing today.

When worn the collar can be lifted up and draped around the neck and it looks VERY DRAMATIC that way. I tried to style it that way but just couldn't get it to photograph well on
"AUDREY"

(my dress form)

It is 100% CASHMERE and all black.
The sleeves are quite fitted and have a cuff at the bottom.
What I find truly remarkable about this coat is that the pockets have never been repaired and are in pristine condition.
Nowadays when buying a coat the pockets are the first thing to go!

Below is a black VINTAGE CROPPED JACKET with fur collar.

I'm not sure of the actual fabric as it's not raised and curly like

PERSIAN LAMB.

It has plastic buttons and it's double breasted.

I found this one at the SALVATION ARMY and it was 50% off!

As you can see the company is

"WINTER".

How APPROPRIATE!

This one below
IS

PERSIAN LAMB!

It's black with a wide rolled collar, wrist length sleeves with a large cuff at the bottom.

This is a "CAR COAT" as such it has

no button, snaps or enclosures.

That being said, it still keeps one warm as this coat is incredibly heavy.

You can see the EMBROIDERED INITIALS of the original owner.

"R.H.S"
This was a Thrift Store find as well!

Next, is another I had unearthed from my attic.
This one has a fur collar and fur trim at the bottom.
It is in LIKE NEW CONDITION!
I honestly had a difficult time believing it was old. If it weren't for the UNION LABEL
inside the garment I would have thought it was new.

I found this BEAUTY a few years back with my girlfriend at our local THRIFT STORE.

CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?

$9.00

The buttons with their braiding and beading are like the

WHIPPED CREAM

on top!

Union Labels showing it's in fact VINTAGE!

As I understand it this label was used from

1955-1995.

That's a long time span but given the

STYLE, CUT and QUALITY

I would imagine this is likely 50's - 60's.

What do YOU think?

MOVING AWAY FROM WINTER AND TOWARD SPRING OUTERWEAR

I GIVE YOU:

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS COAT!

It's a petite and fits like a glove.

There is no union label so I doubt it's all that old.

It's by HARVE BENARD.

It has an EMPIRE waist with a dramatically OVERSIZE COLLAR.

This style reminds me of JULIE CHRISTIE from the 60's -70's.

This coat is a pale GRAY with a tiny hint of PERIWINKLE

The PEACH colored lining brings out the

PERIWINKLE

hue in the fabric!

This CAMEL colored jacket is cut very well.

It it DOUBLE BREASTED and the length is great for wearing with JEANS.

I call this my

"AGENT 99 JACKET"

as it reminds me of something BARBARA FELDON would have worn in
the TV show

GET SMART.

My favorite aspect of this jacket is this

AWESOME PAISLEY LINING!

I love the combination of the blues and orange.

I researched the label and Murray Neiman designed for

HANNAH TROY

beginning in the mid-60's.

Through my research I learned that

HANNAH TROY invented

PETITE SIZING. Thanks Hannah!

Looking ahead.....

I greatly anticipate bringing you some

SPRING FROCKS.

This WINTER has been WAY too LONG!

The Reason I Bought My House

2010-11-21T16:29:00.009-05:00

When I first saw my house I fell in love with the sun-room.

Mind you it took

GREAT VISION

to see past the wood paneling, shag rug and drop ceiling.

All that registered in my mind was the enormous 3 pane windows, french doors and thick molding.

It was

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT!

It's the room I feel most connected to and that's why I chose to share it with you all first.

Everything is a work in progress but I humbly submit these photos of the place in my home I feel most at

PEACE.

The Sun Room

One of my favorite auction purchases, it's an antique

HOME SWEET HOME

embroidered "sampler" with a distressed gold vintage frame.

A recent find was the vintage picnic basket.

$4.00 at Selden Thrift!!!

I found my vintage strawberry tole lamp on one of my thrifty adventures.

I'm pleased with the way it compliments the strawberry curtains inside the armoire.

I found those at a yard sale.

I just love Vintage Strawberries!

This armoire was 10 years in the making!

That's how long it has been since I bought it at the

Salvation Army.

I was pregnant at the time and just knew I was having a girl.

I had envisioned something similar to the picture above.

As it turned out, I had

TWIN BOYS!

So for years this was a dark yellow/gold color with rustic gold handles and lattice work.

Needless to say, having twin boys didn't leave me much time for refurbishing furniture.

I'm tickled PINK at the final result.

Some day I hope to replace this black table with a larger marble top table.

My books need more room to breathe!

I'm hoping for an Eastlake Table with a Carrera Marble top.

I've been trolling Craigslist but haven't hit upon anything just yet.

Do you have one for sale?

This is my little reading nook. I love to cozy up with some tea and spread my books out and look them over. The banquette came from Ballard Designs as I couldn't find this one "thrifting".

My pillows are from here, there and everywhere, vintage, new and handmade.....

My collection of plates.

They are mainly Limoge and Bavarian porcelain pieces.

I love them ALL but the greatest SCORE was the Limoge platter at top.

That one was an awesome

DUMPSTER DIVA

moment.

I found it in some one's GARBAGE in pristine condition!

This old wash stand I purchased at a garage sale in my neighborhood.

OK, I have to say it

$25.00!

It's super distressed but has the GREATEST original hardware!

It was filthy dirty when I got it home so I scrubbed it down.

Beneath the grime and some white paint was that floral spray in the center of the top drawer.

You would think I had hit GOLD by my reaction when I saw that coming through!

This is my desk/vanity. It's still an area that I am working on completing to my specifications.

I'm trying to find some more wall art or a plate to compliment what already exists.

Keeping it pretty yet functional has been a challenge for me.

On the computer screen is one of my favorite blogs,

DAISY COTTAGE!

If you haven't been there it's a must see!

It's both beautiful and inspirational!

A couple of old hat boxes

and

vintage aprons.

I can't pass up a VINTAGE APRON when I'm out

ANTIQUING.

This side table was a dark brown wood when I picked it up at the

thrift store.

It holds some of my favorite pieces

A pink vanity mirror, my parents crystal lamp

and that

fabulous WEDGEWOOD vase.

Now that you have toured my

SUN ROOM,

won't you sit down,

put your feet up,

and join me for some tea?
Will that be one lump or two?

Thrift Store Bench Re-do

2010-11-16T07:58:00.010-05:00

I recently visited one of my favorite thrift stores here on Long Island,
Selden Thrift
is located in Selden, New York. It's part of a local chain along with 3 others stores. They have sale days where they will sell furniture for 50% off. They also have sale days according to the price tag color. Sometimes they ask astronomical prices for the items and other times you can get a great bargain.

I think I did fairly well on this particular day! It wasn't on sale but I did manage to picked up this
diamond in the rough for
$12.99!

OK, so it's not so pretty in it's original form but I had a vision. I knew I needed a bench for my sun room desk/vanity. It's where I sit each day to check my email, drink my tea and blog.
The old chair looked well enough but I was wanting something different.

BTW, this chair is so
"vintage awesome"!

My friend graciously and generously shared it with me from her grandmother's estate.
I was going to refurbish it a little however, once cleaned, it was aged to perfection and the fabric on the chair matched my room exactly.
So I did nothing more than clean her up!

I had found a wonderful piece of fabric several years back at an estate sale that I had been waiting to use in just the right space. This is vintage fabric by Waverly in the "Millerton" pattern.
I just love the color combination!
I'm pleased with how it compliments my desk/vanity.

So, with a little help from antique white spray paint, I was set out on a mission to transform this lackluster bench into a vision of loveliness.
Here is the finished project......

If you are curious about where I found my vanity, stop off at
Not Too Shabby NJ
and
Not too Shabby Blog

Liz was such a doll! She actually allowed me to come and pick up my vanity on EASTER DAY as I was in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey visiting relatives. If you live close by and can visit Not Too Shabby, you won't be disappointed!

What is one of your favorite thrift store purchases?

I'd love to hear about it.
Leave me a comment and give me the details!

A Historic Day!

2010-10-30T14:27:00.002-04:00

Today I joined St. Ann's Historical Society!

This organization is devoted to preserving the history of
St. Ann's Episcopal Church
in Sayville, New York.
I'm thrilled to be a part of this great work. There is much rich history that needs to be documented for posterity.

One exciting aspects of this organization is it's recent triumph.
The Historical Society was able to achieve listing of this church on the
National Register of Historic Places!

This magnificent church was designed by architect Isaac H. Green and was completed in 1888. It is Gothic-Norman style architecture. Isaac H. Green was an important architect of the south shore of Long Island, NY. He was born in 1859 and was raised in Sayville, New York. I hope to feature some of his beautiful houses, churches and businesses in our area in the near future.

I photographed the exterior of St. Ann's during my visit for your viewing. When I photograph the interior I will eagerly share them with you.

There are magnificent Tiffany windows behind the altar which must be seen! It is my understanding that these have been authenticated as true Tiffany windows.

Among the numerous interesting aspects of this church, there exists a plaque on the interior to memorialize a congregant who was lost at sea on the Titanic. The church sits on land which was donated by the Roosevelt family. The Roosevelt home Meadowcroft is located next to the church and is open for tours.

Meadowcroft, Sayville, NY

In 1891 Isaac H. Green was hired as architect to design their Colonial Revival style mansion. Isaac's childhood home in West Sayville is extant while his own home is not. His childhood home is of significance as it was visited by President George Washington during his tour of Long Island, well before Isaac's birth.

To celebrate the acceptance onto the National Register, St. Ann's congregation is planning a wonderful event in 2011 which among other activities, will include docent led tours of the church. I'll share the date once scheduled and I hope to see you there!

In addition to the church itself there is the rectory, cemetery, labyrinth and 2 large buildings that were once used as boy's and girl's orphanages. Currently, the buildings are used for religious education, a thrift store and for church and community meetings.

Original Rectory

One of the Orphanage Buildings

That concludes my day as the newest member of Saint Ann's Historical Society.

Isaac H. Green
in
Long Island Country Houses and their Architects, 1860-1940

Stanford White

2010-10-17T06:42:00.003-04:00

I suppose I am just a researcher at heart and likely missed my calling to become a historian. Once a notion makes it's way into my cranium, it can only be satisfied with delving deep into the topic. Last week I had the Gardiner family (my appetite hasn't nearly been satiated) and this week it's Stanford White!

For years I have been wanting to find out more about this fascinating man. Because I am insanely addicted to real estate, architecture and history, I have observed numerous Standford White houses come on the market here in Long Island, NY. Viewing his masterpieces through listing photographs, I have become enamored of his talent. His buildings are exquisite!

Washington Arch at Washington Square, Greenwich Village, NY
A place near and dear to my heart!

His work, life and death are beyond intriguing to me. So it is here that I begin my journey.

Who was Stanford White?

For those of you unfamiliar with Stanford White, he lived from 1853-1906. He was an architect with the firm McKim, Mead and White. They built many types of buildings but were certainly well known for the exquisite homes they built for the wealthy families of the northeast.

Stanford White was murdered by Harry Thaw. Harry was the husband of Evelyn Nesbit. Evelyn was a show girl who at the age of 16 began an affair with Mr. White, a married man. Harry shot and killed Stanford White inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, a building White designed.

Following this incident, a salacious trial ensued. Evelyn testified about her relationship with Stanford White and Harry Thaw. One story she told was of Mr. White's penchant for show girls and how he would have them to one of his NYC homes where he had a red velvet swing installed for their use. Stanford's murder was considered "The Crime of the Century" and the trial garnered quite a lot of interest.

Below are some of the materials I have obtained.
There are plenty more books, movies and websites I intend to review.

As I have been doing research on the internet I have come to find out that Stanford White is buried in VERY close proximity to where I live! He is buried on the grounds of St. James Church in St. James, NY. I have also learned of his family home Box Hill which is also located in St. James, NY. This home is still within the White family. Yet another interesting fact is that White's wife, Bessie Smith White hails from the Smith family. The Smiths were early settlers of Long Island for which Smithtown, NY is named.

So there you have it, my newest obsession... Stanford White.

Wedding Dress

2010-10-11T16:46:00.003-04:00

On September 3rd my blog featured some Vintage Couture I had recently acquired. If by chance you read it, you may recall the dress I referred to as the "showstopper."

If you didn't, that would be my purple satin wiggle dress that I won on Ebay.

After fairly extensive alterations I had the chance to wear it to my cousin's wedding. I truly loved it! Wearing it made me feel terrific. The fit may not have been as perfect as I would have liked but, it made me really happy. After struggling with my indecision, I decided to share the final product with you.

For the LOVE of vintage couture,
I face my AVERSION for being photographed
and
reluctantly submit the following:

Whew, I did it!
I went outside my comfort zone!
Oprah would be so proud!

Gardiner's East Hampton Home for Sale

2010-10-09T20:31:00.005-04:00

While researching Gardiners Island and the Gardiner Family, I came across this listing for Mr. Robert David Lyon Gardiner's house in East Hampton. It has once again come back on the market. It had been sold after Gardiner's death in 2004 to Shahab Karmely for $9 million. After a $10 million renovation it is back on the market.

The home includes 10 bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms, central air and 4 fireplaces. It is situated on 5.5 acres in the town of East Hampton, NY.
Asking price is $29 million!

Copy from the listing:
This great stone house on 5.5 park-like acres sits on a tree lined village dtreet set back behind a high hedge. Originally designed by the Architectural firm Wyeth and King and built in the late 1930's for one of East Hamptons most prominent residents Robert Lion Gardiner. This wonderful residence and surrounding property have been meticulously refitted and restored during a five year renovation. Now available again for the first time.

To view the listing and to see interior photographs click here: Corcoran.

I did not feel like the interiors reflected the history of the Gardiners. I can't envision the Gardiner's living in the house as it is currently decorated. The photographs are still lovely and interesting to view so, go and check them out.

Here is an example of a before and after from the interior:
BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Below are some photographs I found on the internet of Mr. & Mrs. Gardiner entertaining at their East Hampton home.

Further listing information can be found at Newsday.com

To see old photographs of this home visit an AWESOME blog that I love called:
Old Long Island

Gardiners Island

2010-10-09T12:07:00.005-04:00

Over the years I have had a growing interest in the history of the Gardiner family of Long Island, New York. I grew up in close proximity to a fabulous estate called Sagtikos Manor. During my childhood, it was the home of Robert David Lion Gardiner. I often gazed out the back window of my parents car at this breathtakingly beautiful old mansion. I wondered even then about it's contents and history. It wasn't until I was in my late 20's that I finally had the opportunity to tour this fascinating estate. There exists a rich history within the grounds of Sagtikos Manor that has captivated me. One can tour the estate located in West Bay Shore, NY.

Click the links above to learn more.

Clicking on the pictures below will take you to a wonderful blog entry about Sagtikos Manor.

Over the years, I recall local news articles about Robert Gardiner who owned one of the local malls. He was an intriguing and eccentric man from all accounts. He titled himself as the "16th Lord of the Manor". This title did not apply to his ownership of Sagtikos Manor but rather to the private family island, Gardiners Island, located off of Long Island, NY. It's original name had been Isle of Wight. A great struggle within the Gardiner family existed during Mr. Gardiner's lifetime and his legal rights to this island were repeatedly challenged.

Click on the picture below to learn more about this painting of Mr. Gardiner.

In 1961 at the age of 50, Robert Gardiner married for the first time. He married Eunice Bailey Oakes, a widow and model from England. Neither of them had children. Lacking a legitimate heir meant Robert was unable to transfer his interest in Gardiners Island after his passing. At one point he attempted to adopt a distant adult relative. His attempt was unsuccessful and an heir was never produced.

Mrs. Eunice Gardiner was nearly 20 years younger than Robert Gardiner. I have found information on Eunice's life prior to marrying Mr. Gardiner as she was the widow of William Pitt Oakes who hailed from a prominent Canadian family. Mr. Oakes died tragically at the age of 28. I have been unable to document Mrs. Gardiner's life after Mr. Gardiner's death in 2004. If anyone has further information on her I would be greatly interested. I am captivated by the whole story.

After my visit to Montauk, Long Island this summer, my interest in the Gardiner family was peaked yet again. I decided to do a little more research on the Island and came across the book; Early Memories of Gardiner's Island (the Isle of Wight, New York) by Sarah Diodati Gardiner. It tells much of the fascinating history of this privately owned island which includes Captain Kidd's buried treasure, First Lady Julia Gardiner Tyler and a heroic rescue of a kidnapped Montauk Indian Princess.

Sarah Diodati Gardiner

As it turned out, in 1937 Sarah Diodati Gardiner rescued the Island from Winthrop Gardiner who inherited the island legitimately. Winthrop had become unable to pay the expenses and Sarah Gardiner paid the debts becoming rightful owner of the Island. She allowed her nephew Robert David Lion Gardiner and his sister Alexandra Gardiner Creel to use the island during their lifetime, however, the ownership would pass to their heirs upon their deaths. Robert Gardiner never had any children and he was unable to transfer his ownership to any other person. Mrs. Creel's daughter Alexandra Creel Goelets in the end is the sole owner of Gardiner's Island. It appears from all the research I have done, Mrs. Goelets is committed to preserving the island as it is and keeping it within the family.
A fact which pleases this writer to no end! Hooray!

Lion Gardiner was the 1st Lord of the Manor. He arrived from England in 1635 with his wife Mary. Gardiners Island is the only American real estate still in tact as part of an original royal land grant from the English crown. The island has been in the Gardiner family for approximately 400 years. It is 6 miles long, 3 miles wide and has 27 miles of coastline.

Article Wasps' Nest
New York Magazine June 5, 1989

Article Gardiners Island - It's Haunted Legacy
Life Magazine April 26, 1968

Shabby Lefton Picture Frame

2010-09-10T10:34:00.002-04:00

My very sweet thrift buddy gave me this awesome shabby looking frame. It has pink flowers, green leaves and just enough gold embellishment.

It's a porcelain piece by Lefton. I fell in love with it immediately and thought about where to put it.

I found the location but, what picture to put inside?

I have 2 boys and I just don't think they would want to be displayed in this overly feminine frame. I decided to use a picture of my sweet little Maltese pup! Her name is Sabrina, in honor of the Audrey Hepburn movie of course! Okay and maybe a little bit of the teenage witch, being that she is blond and all.

Here are some pictures of my precious little
SABRINA CUPCAKE

Sabrina is 6 pounds, 2 1/2 years old and quite the Tom Boy. With 2 big brothers (of the flesh variety) to make her wild, she can keep right up with them. She loves to grab their socks and pull on them while they do their homework. If they aren't paying enough attention to her she will jump up on their pants and take a bite of the fabric as she runs after them.

But with me she is different. She lets me dress her up in all the loveliest finery I can procure. Her clothes and accessories are a blog entry unto themselves!!

She loves to rest with me while I type away on this computer, snuggle up in my lap as I watch television and go for our morning walks.

And the winner of the picture in a frame contest was..... (insert drum roll here) I just adore this little creature! I hope you approve of my choice.

I was so happy with Sabrina's framed photograph I decided to frame yet another one. This frame I collected a while back just because it was cute and vintage with a piece of bubble glass. Today it found it's purpose!

Mystery Solved!

2010-09-09T07:17:00.000-04:00

Approximately 6 years ago I received a small plant from my Grandmother-in-Law. It was a cutting from this fabulous indoor plant that she had. She received hers from a neighbor years prior and was unaware of it's name. It had shiny almond shaped leaves and provided beautiful pale blush flowers that came in a cluster. She explained to me that it took YEARS for hers to bloom. But once they bloomed I can attest, they were stunning.

So, for 6 years my plant has grown beautifully in my sun room. It's shoots happy to intertwine themselves into the old sewing machine base next to it. I swore mine was going to bloom earlier but sadly nothing for 6 long years...... Until NOW!

When the bloom first appeared each individual flower had a wax star shape resemblance.
They look fake!

After approximately 1 week each bloomed into all it's loveliness!

With bloom in hand I was able to research this plant and found out that it is a
Hoya Carnosa

Hoya is a genus of 200-300 species of tropical climbing plants in the family Apocynaceae (Dogbane). Common names for this genus are waxplant, waxvine, waxflower or simply hoya. This genus was named by botanist Robert Brown, in honour of his friend, botanist Thomas Hoy.
Hoya carnosa, the wax plant, is a species in the family Asclepiadaceae, the Milkweed family. It is one of 100 species of Hoya that are native to Eastern Asia and Australia. It can serve as a minor foliage crop but is mainly grown as a garden plant or house plant.
Clusters of attractive, star shaped, pink-white blossoms are produced in summer. They put off a strong smelling waxy viscous material.

( Wikipedia)
And so..... now the mystery is,
how long until I get more blooms?

Vintage Couture

2010-09-03T15:52:00.000-04:00

This blog entry was inspired by a really cool website I came across that you might like as well.
New Dress A Day
Go check it out! It's such a unique concept. If you enjoy Project Runway, you will be fascinated by this blog.

Since my seamstress skills are non-existent, I am relegated to buy things ready to wear!
Below you will find my recent vintage clothing finds. I just LOVE the styles, cuts, quality and fabric of these lovely old frocks.

This is my dress form "Audrey", as she is dressed in her every day attire. Doesn't everyone wear their 1950's party dress to stand around the house? It's not like she is scrubbing the bathroom, but I really wish she would pitch in from time to time! Such the princess!

This dress was an ebay find from a few years back. This sweet dress has a floral print with a pink sash and pink ribbon around the hem. There are no tags and it appears to be hand made. There is a slip attached to the garment which is sandwiched between 2 tiers of crinoline which is EXACTLY what makes it a PARTY DRESS!

This beaded collar belonged to my beautiful Aunt Rose. The tag on this color says it was made in India. It has fine metallic beading with garnet colored inset stones. My Aunt Rose had the best vintage clothes and I have been wearing them since I was 16 years old (let's just say it's been MANY years). One day when I get to my attic, I will pull out some of the super duper couture items she bestowed upon me. I cherish them as I do her!

This pearl collar belonged to my own Mother. I have seen them at estate sales and thrift stores as they are fairly common. I just adore them. Sweet and feminine!

This very cool green vintage shirt dress was found at Linda's Perennial Clothing in Islip, New York. This store is petite in size but jam packed with style! If you live close by and love vintage clothes, you must stop in. You can purchase the clothes, bags, shoes and jewelry or, Linda does loan out some pieces for special events. She is a very sweet, kind and helpful shop owner. I highly recommend this boutique! It's a nice day trip with a girlfriend as there are a few excellent restaurants in the village and a great antique store across the street. The antique store was once an old vaudeville theatre and the current owners are trying to restore some of the stage back to it's heyday. Check it out!

This dress I wore recently to my cousin-to-be's garden bridal shower. The pleating at the waist is so fabulous, something one does not see in today's garments. Even the fabric is superior as I wore this the entire day, out of state, in the car and the darn thing didn't wrinkle!
The manufacturer of this fun dress is Avalon of New York.

The following 2 items I purchase on impulse at Cheap Jacks in Manhattan where I spent WAY more than I should have. They were impulse buys while on a day trip with a girlfriend to see a play. I have seen comparable black sweaters for much less at a local consignment shop. Oh well! Live and learn!
This black cashmere cardigan has a detachable fur collar, 3 hook and eye clasps at the waist and a dash of bling on the cuffs and clasp. I actually wore it the day I bought it as it was chilly out and I needed something. Hence the impulse buy.
The inside of the sweater is lined with off white lace and a layer of black chiffon.
The tag says 100% cashmere and the maker is Moritz.

This piece I absolutely love but I have to say, it takes an awful picture!
I can relate!
The color is a rich tomato red, not the neon color in the photo. This is a cropped jacket with vertical pockets on each side. The sleeves are great because they have a bell shape to them and can be worn straight or with a cuff. The tag only states, Bonwit Teller. There is no information on the fabric. It's a nubby texture. Please leave me a comment if you know what this fabric is called. I'm curious!

The SHOW STOPPER!
I just ADORE this dress! This amazing wiggle dress was won on ebay. It is handmade with an attached lining. It's a gorgeous heavy purple satin fabric. It cinches on the left which creates a pleating effect across the body. The length is currently mid-calf. I will be wearing it to my cousin's upcoming wedding but before I do, alterations need to be made. I cannot wait to wear this amazing dress!!!!

Below are the accessories for this ensemble.

This is the vintage bag I found at the local thrift store. Can you believe it was only $2.00? I bought it a while back with no specific intention for using it. I just couldn't leave it behind for that price. It has been hanging on my vanity mirror awaiting the day it would be called to service.

Okay, nothing vintage about the shoes. However, shoes are one of my favorite clothing items so, I just couldn't leave them out. The silvery rhinestone shoes are by Marinelli.

This dynamite necklace is part of a set I found at a local thrift store some time ago. They were asking a ridiculous amount of money for this set but it was my lucky day, it was on sale for half off! This will be the first time I wear it as it's difficult to pull off flashy rhinestones at the grocery store. I tried that in the 80's and I just ended up looking cheap and tacky.
The set included a pair of earrings which have the old fashioned screw backs. I need to get these altered for pierced ears before the big event. This ensemble came in it's original box. The manufacturer is Werbach and there is a label that states it was hand made.

There you have it, a few of my favorite vintage couture treasures. I hope you enjoyed viewing them as I have enjoyed hunting them down. Please leave a comment and a link. I am eager to interact with other like minded Vintage Lovers!

Treasure Hunt

2010-08-30T10:44:00.001-04:00

During a recent antique jaunt I came across this fabulous old dressing table. This beautiful old piece is covered with beveled marble and has dove tail drawers. The piece is on wheels and has beautiful carvings along the side. There are keyholes to lock the draws but sadly the key is missing. Also there must have been a mirror attached which is long gone. The condition was really super for a thrift store!

Since I had no use for this great piece of furniture, I quickly sent a text message to my sister who was on vacation to see if she was interested. She said yes! Yippee! I just couldn't leave this gem behind.

So here it is delivered and in place! I forgot the polish so it hasn't even been cleaned and still looks this super. Now all she needs is a little vignette to make this piece feel cozy in her foyer.

I was thinking about giving her this awesome deco style amber glass lamp. It would look super sitting on this chest. I just picked it up this weekend at a garage sale. Isn't it pretty?

I need to find a shade that works with it. Now that is the story of my life; too many lamps, not enough shades. That is a blog entry for another day.
I simply can't resist a pretty old lamp!

Thrifty Fun!

2010-08-29T13:40:00.000-04:00

I'm recommitting myself to this blog and the notion of sharing my crazed addiction for all things "vintage" with like minded souls. Surely while I was away from this forum I have not lost my thirst and drive to pick through dumpsters, rummage through garage sales or rifle through thrift stores. In fact this past week has provided me some goodies I would love to share with you.

I found this awesome wing chair at a thrift store. I got a GREAT deal on it! It was too good a deal to leave behind. Now where should this go? That part I haven't figured out just yet. I love the cottage, home spun inspiration of the embroidered fabric. The colors would work well in my sun room but there really isn't any room for it!

UPDATE: I learned something new! This fabric is considered Crewel Embroidery which Wikipedia defines as: A decorative form of surface embroidery using wool and a variety of different embroidery stitches to follow a design outline applied to the fabric. The technique is at least a thousand years old.

Until such time as it's home has been found. It's relegated to storage for now.

I found these jars in a few different locations but they come together very nicely! I think they look very fresh and clean. I'm still a big fan of milk glass.

A sweet enameled vanity jar.

Great painted planter whose metal base weighs a ton.

I was sitting at my banquette reading a book the other day when I thought to myself, "Wouldn't an ottoman or stool be good to put my feet on?" Low and behold, I came across this little gem. It's a wrought iron bench I found at a thrift store. I am going to reupholster the cushion and paint the base.

I purchased this fabric at an estate sale quite some time ago. I have loved this vintage Waverly pattern called "Millerton". I think I will use it on the bench.... it finally found it's home! What color should I paint the base? I'm toying with the soft cream yellow or the aqua. My dilemma with the aqua is it likely won't work with the banquette near by. What do you suggest?

Rate my Space

2009-05-02T13:39:00.001-04:00

Please view my spaces on the HGTV website
Rate My Space.
The photos could use some updating. The sun room has gone through some changes which are not reflected in those pictures. I'll have to add that to my list of things to do.

I'd love to see your space so leave me a comment and send me a link, I'll be happy to stop by.
Thanks for visiting!

Awesome Vanity

2009-04-13T07:28:00.000-04:00

It's been quite a while since I have updated. Life has kept me busy but, with the spring comes the itch to decorate, antique hunt and blog. It's always fun to share ideas and I LOVE getting ideas from all of you. Just because I haven't posted, doesn't mean I haven't visited many blogs during my absence.
Anyway.... I have been busy painting some VERY long overdue pieces of furniture for my sun room. I will post those in a blog shortly (at least that's the plan). I will need to add some new pictures of the sun room as I have nearly come to the point of completion in that room.
Through the wonders of Craiglsist I have found the most amazing store and Liz, the accommodating, kind and talented shop owner. If you have never been to her website and blog, please check it out. Even better, if you live close by, stop in, I promise you will be delighted.

Not Too Shabby

Not Too Shabby Blog

So... on a recent trip to New Jersey, I went to Liz' store and found this gorgeous vanity for my sun room. I will be using it as a desk with my laptop. Don't you just love it? I do! :-) Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take it home just yet as I need a truck to get it home. Once I put it in its place I will take some photos and share. Finally, I can put up all the art that I have been collecting for that space as I know what furniture items to work around. I hope you like it as much as I do.

The Delavan

2008-08-09T18:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes my curiosity gets me into situations I simply can't imagine. Last weekend my sister in law and I went to a local open house for a home that is for sale. I have had my eye on this house for many years and wondered about it's history for quite some time. When I first noticed it some years ago there was a celebration of sorts going on. There were many people gathered on the oversized front porch posing for a photograph. I wondered to myself who they were and more importantly what exactly did the house look like inside? Last weekend, I learned that information but it didn't remotely squelch my curiousity. Quite contrary, I am even more curious.

As it turns out this home was once an annex for a historic hotel named The Delavan. This home and the one next door were both used to house guests when the hotel reached capacity.

The Delavan Hotel was designed by Isaac H. Green Jr. The Delavan Hotel, built in 1883 by Andrew D. Foster, was located on the west side of Foster Avenue, a short distance from the bay. Charles M. Rogers purchased the Delavan Hotel in 1919 and his family operated it for many years. The Delavan Hotel was destroyed by fire on New Year's Eve, 1932.

(Excerpt taken from Sayville Public Library)

The house that I visited has been in the Rogers family since 1926. It is understood that the last living relative Dr. Chas. Rogers passed away last December 2007. He left this home in near original condition. It is filled with wonderful antique pieces and amazing art work. The pictures truly do not convey the beauty or the potential this home offers. I am hopeful I will be able to attend the estate sale tentatively scheduled for September 2008.

This beautiful home is waiting for someone to come along and turn it back into the beauty that it once was. I had emailed the real estate agent to inform her of a wonderful website historic properties I knew of that might attract a restoration minded individual. (I HATE when people destroy these historic gems)

Low and behold she asked me to help her with the copy! I visited the house once again late yesterday. The neighbors asked if I was from the historical society! Another touring real estate agent asked me how much I charged for my service as she had a historic house which she wanted to advertise! I had to explain several times, I'm just a nosey neighbor who is interested in helping this house find a restoration minded owner. I do hope Charlie and Chuck (the prior owners) are looking down smiling at this nutty lady who is going to bat for their home.

Below is an abbreviated description of this home. Let me know if you are interested!

This historic 1926 Dutch Colonial was once an annex for the Delevan Hotel. It is located in the quaint town of Sayville, Long Island. A town rich in history, it was once a major vacation destination for the NYC elite. Sayville is historically well known for its boating, clamming and fishing. Its tree lined streets are dotted with architecturally charming residences. This lovely home has been occupied by the Rogers family since its inception.

Architectural features include a spacious front porch which is flanked by large circular columns, original thick moldings throughout , built in shelving and high ceilings. The house boasts 14 rooms including, 5 bedrooms and 4 ½ bathrooms. All bedrooms have original wall sconces, wood doors and windows. The bathrooms have original bone white subway tile, octagon and dot tile flooring, porcelain fixtures and hardware. This center hall colonial features a sweeping staircase with a gorgeous spiral newel post. The second floor landing allows for a seating area featuring large windows, original sconces and coved walls.

This spacious home includes a formal living room, formal dining room, library, solarium, kitchen, laundry room and a great room with a fireplace. There are additional spaces which can be configured to meet the needs of the homeowner. There is potential for a home office and staff/nanny quarters. In addition, a gunite pool rounds out the features on this .93 acre parcel.

This home is located in walking distance to quaint downtown shops and restaurants, sandy beaches, a marina on the Great South Bay, tennis courts, children’s playground and the Fire Island Ferry. This historic property is conveniently located 55 miles east of Manhattan and 40 miles west of Southampton.

This property is offered in as is condition. This grand dame of a bygone era is awaiting an owner who will restore it to its original grandeur.

Addiction

2008-06-22T21:00:00.001-04:00

How many of you are like me out there? I just can't seem to leave a thrift store, yard sale, antique store or estate sale without something.... or 5 somethings? I love furniture and I have officially run out of room for anymore. If more comes in, others have to go out. I have been more than half joking with my husband that we should buy an old house to rehab somewhere in Upstate NY, a vacation getaway that I can fill with all the vintage/antique finds to my hearts content. We will have to file that in the "someday" pile and deal with the "pile" on my dining room table for now.

Where to put all of this...errr... stuff? Eventually they will find their home but... here are some pictures of the pretties below the mess.

Sneak Peak

2008-06-22T18:32:00.001-04:00

In an attempt to get started, here are a few pictures of my home.

This is my current project. I haven't decided what color(s) to paint the walls and ceiling. I am working toward a Hollywood Regency style bedroom. I'm trying to avoid my usual phoof!

Boy's Room

No flowers here!

OK... now for the feminine inspired decor......

Bathroom

My Dressing Room/Guest Bedroom

Sun Room

Living Room

Best Laid Plans....

2008-06-22T12:59:00.000-04:00

I suppose my idea to start this blog oh so many months ago was a noble one. But here I sit with only one entry. What have I been up to? Since spring arrived I have been on a antiquing, thrift store, estate sale FRENZY!!!! I have purchased more amazing, fun, funky and cute items over the past few months. Photos are forthcoming.
I have also been working on decorating our bedroom in a brand new style for me, Hollywood Regency style. As I always do, I researched first! I have taken out books by and about Kelly Wearstler, Billy Haines and Dorothy Draper. It has been enthralling to learn how to put these looks together. It's still a work in progress but... photos are forthcoming. Maybe you can help me work on my paint choices???
Thanks to those who have left me a comment, I will be visiting your blogs shortly! Let's hope the summer will provide me with some time to post additional blogs.

Welcome to Cottage Charisma!

2008-01-06T14:12:00.000-05:00

Today is day #1 of this new adventure called blogging. My reason for starting this blog is to connect with kindred spirits. It is not often that I come across people who share similar passions and interests. I am hopeful that blogging will allow me to make a few new friends and expand my knowledge in areas of interest. I look forward to sharing those triumphs that make my new friends giddy about life!

A few topics I hope to explore are: Interior Decorating, Gardening, Vintage & Antique Treasures, Theatre, The Arts and the day to day life of this vintage girl!

Thank you for checking out my blog! I look forward to learning more about you and the world of blogging in 2008!

Yours Truly,

A Vintage Girl