The Wisdom of I Love Lucy

 

 

 

1.  If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

Lucy never gives up trying to get into show business.

 

Season 3 Episode 11: Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined

 

 

2.  Arguing is a normal part of marriage.

Lucy and Ricky argue often over show business, money, etc. At the end of the day they always kiss and make up.

 

Season 2 Episode 2: Lucy Changes Her Mind

 

 

3.  Looking your best and keeping up with the latest style is important.

Lucy always looks fabulous.  Beautiful hair, fashionable dresses and tasteful accessories.

 

Season 4 Episode 20: The Fashion Show

 

4.  A true friend will bail you out every time.

There is no truer friendship than that of Lucy and Ethel.  They are partners in crime.

 

Season 5 Episode 1: Lucy Visits Grauman's

 

 

5.  Think outside the box.

If there is a will there is a way.  Lucy thinks creatively when planning all her schemes.

 

Season 4 Episode 8: Lucy's Mother In Law

 

 

 

 

Do you want some Lucy style?  Here are some accessories to bring some Lucy like fashion into your life. For 10% off use coupon code PECOLLECTIBLES10.

 

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/96469831/vintage-gold-tone-3d-clip-on-earrings

 

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104995997/beautiful-new-vintage-kramer-white

 

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/112336355/vintage-goldtone-swirl-leaf-and-pearl

The 12 Vintage Gifts of Christmas (Part 2) 7-12

The 12 Vintage Gifts of Christmas 

Are you having trouble finding that unique gift for someone?  Have you thought about a vintage gift? Here are some ideas below to get you thinking...!

7.  Vintage Christmas Decorations:   Vintage Christmas decorations such as ornaments, knick knacks, etc. can make for a really cute gift reminding us of the nostalgia, traditions and whimsy of the season. Make sure the piece or pieces you choose are in good condition. Here is my pick from CocktailsAtFour Etsy shop. What a great tin for candies or cookies!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/116319588/vintage-west-german-embossed-tin-for

8.  Vintage Maps:  A unique gift for someone who has moved to a new area or loves his or her town is a vintage map framed. They have a great look. Here is one from my hometown from the Etsy shop- artdeco.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/102265343/old-map-of-buffalo-new-york-from-1901?ref=sr_gallery_1&sref=sr_d038f03f21f3ed5d5ed3fc3a30586df917d7bc20a06434c3289b3422de4c34dc_1354723439_14424644_map&ga_search_query=buffalo+maps&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=vintage

9.  Vintage Books:  Technology is a wonderful thing but there is nothing like opening an old classic book, feeling the pages and the binding. A favorite childhood book can make an excellent gift for that reader in the family. When buying a vintage book for a gift make sure there is no writing on inside cover or pages, make sure pages are intact and not torn. Here is one of my favorites from the Etsy shop ladyfranslibrary.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/115143052/wuthering-heights-by-emily-bronte?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=wuthering+heights&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_ref=auto1&ga_search_type=vintage

10. Vintage Serving Pieces:  Do you know a newlywed or someone who just loves to entertain? This is a perfect gift for them. Make sure there are no chips, cracks or staining. This is really a very useful practical gift. Here is a Christmas themed set from the Etsy shop thecreekhouse.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/115331735/vintage-egg-nog-serving-set?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=serving&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_vintage_rewrite=vintage+serving&ga_original_query=2&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage

11.  Vintage Toys:  Vintage toys are a fun gift for any age!  Make sure they are clean and in good working condition. If purchasing a vintage toy for a child make sure the toy is safe. Many vintage toys are not safe. This is very important to remember. Vintage toys are highly collectible.  How cute is this kitchen set from the Etsy shop LemondropTreasures. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/115340254/super-rare-vintage-3-piece-pink-tin-play

12.  Vintage Perfume Bottles: Do you have a special lady to buy for?  Vintage perfume bottles make a wonderful personal gift. They are very collectible.  They come in all shapes, colors and styles with many beautiful designs.   Here is an art deco bottle that is one of my favorites from the Etsy shop ODONA. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/109946829/vintage-art-deco-frosted-amethyst-purple?ref=sr_gallery_37&ga_search_query=perfume+bottles&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage

I hope these suggestions help you with your Christmas list!!

The 12 Vintage Gifts of Christmas- Part 1 (1-6)

The 12 Vintage Gifts of Christmas

Are you having trouble finding that unique gift for someone?  Have you thought about a vintage gift? Here are some ideas below to get you thinking...!

1.  Vintage Jewelry:  Vintage jewelry especially bracelets and brooches make great gifts. Vintage jewelry is often of better quality than modern pieces. You can find something truly unique for that special someone.  Here is a piece from my shop that would make a great gift-

https://www.etsy.com/listing/105176241/vintage-silvertone-gerrys-turtle-brooch

2. Vintage Accessories: Other accessories such as compacts, hair combs, lighters, hand mirrors, belt buckles are great stocking stuffers.  Any items such as compacts and hair combs should be disinfected with rubbing alcohol.  Here is a beautiful hair comb from ElrondsEmporium on Etsy-

http://www.etsy.com/listing/116848952/vintage-hair-comb-victorian-spanish

3. Vintage Handbag, Purse or Wallet: A quality designer vintage handbag, purse or wallet is also a great choice. Make sure the piece is very clean.  Here is a great vintage Gucci wallet from GrimmVintage on Etsy-

http://www.etsy.com/listing/116781430/vintage-navy-and-red-gucci-hand-clasp

 

4.  Vintage Kitchenware: Vintage kitchenware can make a great gift for the first time homeowner or newlywed. Here is a piece I simply adore from CurryBungalow on Etsy-

http://www.etsy.com/listing/116949154/vintage-sadler-teapot-with-beautiful

5. Vintage Art: Vintage artwork can be great. Make sure to choose something that is of the taste of the person you are buying it for, not yours.  Also, it should be framed. Who wants the trouble of searching out the right size frame for a gift? Here is a great piece from CLYDEhome on Etsy.  Just lovely.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/98594676/vintage-painting-floral-original-signed?ref=sr_gallery_43&ga_search_query=artwork&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=10&ga_search_type=vintage

6. Vintage Knick-Knacks:  These often can be tacky but if you search out the right piece a knick knack can be a nice gift. Make sure it is relevant to the person's life or interests. 

Here is a very cute knick-knack from AllVintageKnickKnack-

http://www.etsy.com/listing/115451586/vintage-miniature-frog-figurines-knick?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=knick+knack&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=vintage

PART 2 coming soon!!

10 Quick Facts About Vintage Jewelry

One aspect of owning a vintage Etsy shop is that to keep current you must continue to keep learning.  Warman's Jewelry by Christie Romero (cited below) is a great book about vintage jewelry from the 19th and 20th century including Victorian, Art Nouveau and Costume.
Here are 10 quick facts I bet you didn't know.


1.  Marilyn Monroe's "diamonds are a girl's best friend" were really rhinestones,

2.  A Victorian tradition, the art of hair making jewelry originated in Denmark and Sweden.

3.  Cufflinks are also known as sleeve buttons, tie pins, signet rings, collar buttons and shirt studs.

4.  The earliest attachment for holding "ear jewels" for unpierced ears were patented in 1894.

5.  In the 1880s, silver coins also known as love tokens were engraved with ciphers or names of family members or loved ones and made into bracelets or brooches.

6.  The Navajo were the first to use turquoise in combination with silver.

7.  Cameos became popular as a tourist souvenir in Europe in the 19th century. 

8.  Women suffragists had a secret code translated into jewelry.  They would wear green, white and violet pieces which stood for Give Women the Vote.

9.  When electric lighting was introduced in the 1880s sparkling diamond set jewelry became more desirable.

10.    Coral- popular in the nineteenth century was often worn by children.  It was thought that it would fend off disease and evil spirits.  Victorians believed it had curative and protective powers.



Sources:

Romero, Christie. Warman's jewelry. Radnor, Pa.: Wallace-Homestead Book Co., 1995. Print. 

JURSVI - polymer clay jewelry: Everything old can be new again

JURSVI - polymer clay jewelry: Everything old can be new again: Nowadays, there are so many people who really look for interesting pieces that have passed through times & lives of others. They have their...

Vintage Jewelry in Your Modern Fashion

Do you have a beautiful vintage piece sitting in your jewelry box just waiting for you to wear? Maybe you have a collection of pieces but have no idea how to put them together in an outfit.  You don't want to look like you dressed up for Halloween.  If you ever wondered how to incorporate those cute vintage pieces into your style then read below for some easy ideas.

One thing to keep in mind when incorporating vintage jewelry into your style is to utilize your existing wardrobe.  

Pearls:  Pearls are timeless, classic and elegant.  The modern way to utilize those vintage pearls is to layer them.  Different colors, different lengths and several strands for a chunky look.  Whether you pair them with that little black dress or use them to "dress up" that plain colored shirt you can't go wrong.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/103610762/vintage-marvella-pearl-necklace


Brooches:  Brooches are probably my favorite type of vintage jewelry.  There are so many designs and styles the possibilities are endless. A scarf draped around the neck with a large singular brooch can be stunning.  A brooch that would work for this can be seen here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/103191435/vintage-goldtone-flower-leaf-pin-purple


Brooches look especially beautiful on jean jackets and blazers.  Bring some feminine sparkle with a piece like the one below.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/88110837/vintage-antiqued-silver-flower-pin



A unique way to utilize a brooch is on a mailbag or handbag. Choose a sturdy piece like the one below to adorn it.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/98470664/vintage-goldtone-americana-eagle-pin




Earrings:  Vintage earrings are often large and sparkly.  One might think the look is outdated.  However you can still wear these earrings in this modern day if you keep them as the main  statement.  If you choose to accessorize, do so minimally.  Here is a great pair for that.

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/93517283/vintage-coro-rhinestone-costume-jewelry



Bracelets:  Vintage bracelet styles are back in fashion.  The chunkier the better.  Layered or not.
Again, when wearing vintage pieces remember to choose the ones you wish to highlight. Remember, you don't need to wear every piece you have in one outfit!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/90440301/2-1980s-chunky-bracelets




Necklaces:   Lastly vintage necklaces can really accent your outfit.  If the necklace has a pendant consider changing out the chain for different lengths and colors.  Bright colored blouses showcase these necklaces best.  However, jeans and a t-shirt paired with a beautiful necklace can really give you an updated look. The one below would look great with jeans and a white t-shirt.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/111876116/vintage-wooden-goldtone-70s-style-retro



 In a sense when we wear vintage jewelry we are displaying and preserving history. I've always felt that the designs of vintage jewelry and the quality are often better than jewelry made of recent years.  If you have any other tips please share them in the comments!

Coro Jewelry

"Corocraft" also more commonly known as Coro is a vintage jewelry line. It was a more moderately priced jewelry in comparison to others.  Coro was made from 1901 to 1979 in the United States and 1998 in Canada.  This jewelry line offered many unique high quality designs in brooches, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.  A factory was established in Providence, Rhode Island in 1911. 
There is a very long list of marks. Please see the list on this website    http://www.illusionjewels.com/costumejewelrymarkscoro.html   to view all of them.  Many many patents existed. 

Here is an example of a Coro pair of earrings:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/93517283/vintage-coro-rhinestone-costume-jewelry




Any ideas for future blog posts you are interested in seeing?  Write me a comment below.




Resources:

http://www.illusionjewels.com

Carroll, Julia C. Collecting Costume Jewelry 202: The Basics of Dating Jewelry 1935-1980 : Identification and Value Guide. Paducah, KY: Collector, 2007. Print