Whether the piece be a classic and beautifully constructed crocodile Kelly Bag, or a dress for a dance carefully and lovingly  hand stitched by some hometown honey who wanted look her best and keep her G.I’s spirits up, even though she was most likely working all day and on war rations.

I admire designers who can create a haute couture flight of fancy, the kind that makes you say, “That thing is AMAZING, but where would you ever wear it?” and create a simple but elegant practical piece in the same collection.

When Malena asked me to blog about some of the items that we have put on line, it offered me a chance to look at some of the things that I may not have looked at so closely before. I get to research the items or their designers and come up with possibly a whole new appreciation for them and I hope I can pass that on to others.

Judith Leiber  is a fashion star for both night and day.  Founding her own business in 1963 ,after years of experience designing handbags for other companies, she has spent decades designing some of the most fanciful bags in the world. Her more practical bags may not be as showy , but they are beautifully crafted down to the last detail.

So well respected is Ms. Leiber that her designs are permanently on display at the Smithsonian, the Met in New York, and the V&A in London.

We are pleased to be able to offer two example of Judith Leiber’s work through the store, and though they are as different as night and day, they are both gorgeous and beautifully made.

Vintage Judith Leiber LARGE black leather purse with enamel findings from malenasboutique on Ruby Lane

Please look at the amazing details of this bag on line. It is beautiful! From the treatment of the leather, to the elegant way the handles are attached to the body of the bag.

JUDITH LEIBER clutch purse blue, silver, gold, PERFECT!! from malenasboutique on Ruby Lane

A classic example of one of Leiber’s jewel incrusted evening bags!!!  Again, please look at the craftsmanship!!

Thanks,

LJP

Thank you to each and every customer, whether they were buying or selling in the boutique, for a great year!!!

Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel in 2005.

 Her collection ranges from $2 plastic 1980′s earrings she bought at the Chelsea Flea Markey, to $10,000 Dior fur coats.

I drooled over pieces of Maison Gripoux glass jewelry I have only seen in books.  Thin metal structures create the border of a petal or flower, and transparent glass is poured to fill it in.  Owning one of those pieces is definitely on my Bucket List!

Miss Iris has now begun selling copies of some of her famous pieces on the Home Shopping Network.  Although it is thrilling to own a piece of her style, I am not typically the type of gal to buy from that sort of vendor, even if I share a zip code with QVC.  I have to say though, the pieces look incredible.

My favorite, thus far is this tassel necklace…much easier to afford than a Maison Gripoux piece…

What is vintage? was our first one. It notes the differences between “consignment”, “vintage” and “antique” clothing.

So excited that today we are going to shoot a few more that should carry us into the new year.  The videos center on the questions I get asked almost daily in the shop.  I hope they can help people understand, love, and collect more vintage beauties.  On the Facebook page I posted about what other topics people want to know more about, and there was an almost unanimous cry for info on how to find and wear vintage for curvacious plus size gals.  I ain’t gonna lie, it’s hard to find those special pieces.  I get so thrilled when I get anything in the shop over a modern size 10.  Even the shoes, gloves, necklace, and hats run very small.  People have speculated that now there are growth hormones in our food, and that general nutrition has changed.  It’s true, I mean do you think the generation that lived through the depression was taking daily vitamins, drinking Ensure, and eating fortified eggs?!   The other argument is that the numbered sizing has changed on clothing, this is totally true. Many people site the lovely Ms. Marilyn Monroe as being a size 16.  In truth she was a 1950′s 16, and today would be considered a size 8-10.  In a 1930′s movie Ginger Rodgers proclaimed, I am a size 12!’ and if “Dancing with the Stars” has taught us anything, it’s that dancing is a great weigh to trim the lbs.  Ginger was a modern day 6.  My advice to curvy gals is not to get discouraged when looking for vintage, but enjoy the hunt.  It may take more effort to find a great piece, but it will be worth it in the end when you strut your stuff in a fab vintage piece.