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

Vintage Jewelry -Sarah Coventry

Sarah Coventry jewelry is the oldest direct selling jewelry company in the world that sold brooches, earrings, sets, and bracelets.  This line of jewelry is highly collectible but still affordable and attainable. My grandmother always enjoyed collecting and wearing it.  She inspired a love of vintage jewelry in me. I enjoy collecting this jewelry myself because it is of really great quality.  I have several pieces I have collected for sale in my Etsy shop.  You can find the links below.

Who is Sarah Coventry?
Sarah Coventry was named after the granddaughter of Charles H. Stuart, founder of the company.
Her name was Sarah Ann.
How was it sold?
Sarah Coventry jewelry was sold through home jewelry parties and the Sarah Coventry International Department store.
When was it made?
Sarah Coventry was established in 1949.  The company closed it's doors in 1984.  It opened for six months in 1994.  In 2002 some jewelry was sold on HSN parties and home parties in 2003.  This ceased in October 2008.
What are the marks?
SC- after 1953
Sarah Cov.
Sarah
SaC
Coventry
Sarah Cov with copyright 2002-2003

https://www.etsy.com/listing/94837752/1976-pizzazz-vintage-blue-sarah-coventry

https://www.etsy.com/listing/83849065/sarah-coventry-necklace-green-gemstone

https://www.etsy.com/listing/95038809/vintage-sarah-coventry-leaf-brooch-with

https://www.etsy.com/listing/98159745/large-sarah-coventry-swirl-pearl

https://www.etsy.com/listing/89312598/sarah-coventry-1960s-spring-bouquet

https://www.etsy.com/listing/108682050/silvertone-vintage-sarah-coventry-shiny


Sources:

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

"Sarah Coventry." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Oct. 2012. Web. 23 Oct. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Coventry>.

A True Classic ....5 Fast Facts About the Movie Rear Window

  Rear Window starring Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart is hands down one of my favorite movies. I've watched it countless times and each time there is some small but interesting detail that you discover and have missed other times.  
  I love watching the relationship between L. B. Jeffries (Jimmy Stewart) and Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly). The tension that exists between them makes for some great scenes.  Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly) is more than just some pretty girlfriend.  She is independent, intelligent, even bold. She tells Jeffries "I'm in love with you.  I don't care what you do for a living. I just want to be part of it somehow." Grace Kelly exudes class and elegance from a bygone era.  L. B. Jeffries is stubborn and dilligent in the spying of his neighbors.  He is passive about love and does not want to be tied down by Lisa.  He says "She expects me to marry her. I don't want to." Jimmy Stewart's performance is very convincing. Hitchcock's presentation is flawless and we are drawn into this mystery.  
  If you haven't seen this movie yet, I recommend you do.  It's a great date movie or for one of those rainy days inside.  You won't be disappointed in this vintage classic.

5 Fast Facts About the Movie Rear Window

1.  This is the only movie that Grace Kelly is seen with a cigarette.  She refused to smoke in films except this once. 

2.  Rear Window is Neil Patrick Harris' favorite movie.

3.  Once during filming the lights were so hot they set off the sound stage sprinkler system.

4. A remake of this movie was made in 1998.  It starred Christopher Reeve in the lead role.  It aired on the ABC network.  

5.  The apartment including the courtyard and all other windows were built on a single set. 


Lisa Fremont Style Earrings!  https://www.etsy.com/listing/108613708/vintage-shiny-clear-beaded-clip-on

Image courtesy of Google Images.

Wikipedia Contributors.  "Rear Window"  Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.  11 October 2012. Web. 13 October. 2012

Roger Ebert. February 20 2010.  http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll

"Rear Window." IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 20 Oct. 2012. <http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047396/>.

Hockey Goes Vintage

                               
      The cover of the latest issue of the WNY Hockey Magazine depicts Punch Imlach and his vintage fedora. Punch Imlach was the first general manager of the Buffalo Sabres and had a hand in some of the Sabre's early successes.  For more information you can check out the WNY Hockey Magazine's latest issue at wnyhockeynow.com.  My father in law, Steven Manson is the publisher of the magazine which has entered into it's 19th year.  The magazine focuses on news in local hockey, Sabres, Amerks, College, High School and Amateur. 

 

        Thinking about purchasing your own fedora like Punch Imlach? Fedoras are great for those bad hair days.  They are en vogue with the celebrity crowd and have recently come back in fashion in part thanks to the popularity of Mad Men.  Check out Etsy.com for vintage and newly crafted ones ranging in price from $25 and up. 

 



 

 



   

So Golden and Delicious

 

So Golden and Delicious

 

         Apple Day is around the corner.  Yes, there is a holiday called Apple Day.  It is mostly celebrated in the UK on October 21st.  I myself am a fan of the apple. I have been celebrating all month with various recipes of all kind.  I recently made apple french toast and apple won-tons.  Both very good! I've also tried original creations as seen in the picture (those are raisins). Recipes are below.

 

http://www.recipe4living.com/recipes/apple_baked_french_toast.htm

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Apple-Wonton-Bundles#.T7rTfaObzEA.pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share your apple ideas/recipes in the comments section below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apple kitsch is back and  trending again.  I especially love the use of vintage apple bushel baskets for decorating.  They can hold magazines, throws, etc.   A few cute vintage apple accessories can create a cute country kitchen .  I suggest not overdoing it though..then we enter the realm of tackiness.

 

Check out this cute chalkware piece above from Flatwater Antiques. Would look fabulous on a simple wall to bring some color into your kitchen.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/107779826/vintage-kitsch-chaulkware-apple-wall?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=apple+kitsch&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all

 

Check out this beautiful pitcher below from jpcountrymarket. Would look lovely on a kitchen counter. Love it!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/78084102/pottery-pitcher-purinton-slip-ware?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=apple+kitsch&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=9&ga_search_type=all

 

 

Check out this vintage apple pin below from my shop P&E Collectibles.  A great piece for this autumn season.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/96229825/vintage-wooden-carved-apple-stick-pin

 

 

 

 

 



J'Adore

Disclaimer: I do not work for Christian Dior.  These are only my opinions. 

 When a song gets stuck in my head it really gets stuck.  Stuck to the point where I have to find the song, download it and listen to it all the way through.  Then play it over and over again mercifully until I can recite every last word at nauseam.  So the recent song that has invaded my brain is Heavy Cross by the band Gossip off their recent album Music for Men.  Never heard of it? You have. It is in the Christian Dior commercial with Charlize Theron. The song has an upbeat drive that you can't help but like.
  In the commercial three Hollywood icons are digitized- Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe.  The commercial does a beautiful job at representing the nostalgia, sophistication and glamor that applies to these icons.  It truly speaks to the legacy these icons have created and I've enjoyed seeing them presented in a fresh way. Although I find this commercial's concept creative, I wonder if we rely too much on icons of the past instead of creating new ones? So many songs, movies, TV shows are remakes. Often I'll listen to a song or see a movie I really like and get disappointed that it is a remake.  Some remakes are better, some sadly not.   There are new ideas, new concepts that many artists are longing to share.   Comments/thoughts....

Here is a necklace a la Marilyn Monroe/Grace Kelly Style
https://www.etsy.com/listing/103401897/beautiful-vintage-rhinestone-necklace

A Very Vintage Halloween is Around the Corner

Disclaimer: These are only my own thoughts and opinions.

I am perplexed as usual that Halloween is just around the bend.  Thanksgiving, Christmas all but fleeting moments away.  As I passed by the aisles of ornaments, lights and wreaths during a shopping outing I came to the conclusion that marked seasons hardly serve a purpose anymore.  Are we all so busy preparing for the next holiday that we don't enjoy the present?  I digress...So in preparation for Halloween here are some very vintage facts about the holiday......

 

 

10 Spooktacular Facts About Halloween Days of Old

1.  Lit up turnips were said to help ward off evil spirits. (Apparently garlic isn't enough)  Pumpkins being more plentiful took the place of the turnips.

 

2.  Apple bobbing is called dooking in Scotland. (Isn't that a Green Day album?)

 

3. People once believed that witches were able to turn themselves into cats to avoid detection. (Explains why I'm not a huge fan of cats.)

 

4.  Not until the 1950s did Halloween become family friendly. (My favorite era.)

 

5.  Halloween originated in Ireland. (As all good things do!)

 

 

6. The first city wide Halloween celebration in the United States occurred in Anoka, Minnesota.

 

7.Trick or treating derived from the poor begging for food. (I knew it!)

 

8.  In Ireland , fairies were among the creatures who roamed on Halloween. (So that explains why there are fairies in True Blood.)

 

9. An old Halloween superstition says that if you hold a mirror on Halloween and walk backwards down the stairs to the basement, the face that appears in the mirror will be your next lover. (I know you are thinking about trying this.)

10.  In ancient times bonfires were lit to honor the dead. (I thought they were lit to honor the beer.)

 

So the big question is what will you be for Halloween this year? 

Perhaps a gypsy...? Below is the perfect accessory for that!https://www.etsy.com/listing/98247471/vintage-colorful-large-necklace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

"History of the Jack O'Lantern." 2012.  The History Channel Website.  Oct 9 2012, 1:2

http://www.history.com/topics/jack-olatern-history.

 

"History of Halloween."  Halloween History. Oct 9 2012. http://www.halloweenhistory.org

 

Wikipedia Contributors, 'Halloween', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 5 Oct 2012.Web.9 Oct 2012.

 



Hello Everyone!

This blog is an extension of my vintage Etsy shop- P&E Collectibles.
You can visit my shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PECollectibles
Follow me on twitter @elynn81
                 or
My facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/P-E-Collectibles/181426195283913

What is the purpose of this blog?

To share with you my knowledge and interest in all things vintage.  I especially love the 1950's era.  I enjoy finding connections between the present and the past.  I enjoy incorporating a vintage lifestyle into a modern day one.  Please follow me on this journey to the past.

Vintage: referring to a previous era, of old, recognized, enduring interest, importance of quality, sometime before 1993

    Synonyms: classic
    Antonyms: new