We Aim To Slay

This past weekend my sister, Molly-Kate, and I went to the first Vintage Market Days of Connecticut, the CT branch of Vintage Market Days! Their website describes the event as an “upscale, vintage-inspired, indoor & outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home decor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummings, seasonal plantings, and a little more!” 

Co-founded by Dianna Brown, Vintage Market Days is a franchised event that began in 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As of 2022, the event has more than 60 franchises in  26 states across the U.S., including  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Vermont.

“We love nothing more than bringing the vintage experience to you,” said Brown on their website. “I hope you will have the opportunity to join us at one of our events this year!”

This was a three day event, and I went twice; on the first and third days. Day one, Friday, was typical New England spring weather; rainy and windy. That did put a bit of a damper on the “outdoor market” aspect, but that didn’t spoil my fun! Day three, Sunday, was much better – it started out quite warm and sunny! This was the day my sister came with me!

Let’s See The Haul!

We immediately made a bee line for Wild Heart Boutique, a mobile clothing store, described on their website as a “collection of trendy, casual, comfortable, chic, and timeless fashion.” We both bought a black satin dress by the label Lalavon, based out of California. From what I can find, Lalavon is a “wholesale brand,” which means that they make their clothes, sell them to retailers, and the retailer sells them to consumers. I’m not sure if this boutique actually carries vintage clothing, but I really enjoyed the offerings and presentation!

Next, I had to direct her attention to Renee’s Resale Clothing Outlet. “We are a women’s boutique specializing in new, contemporary, preloved, funky, vintage, one of a kind treasures and accessories for women in our Orange, CT location,” they write on their website. “We have everything you need from head to toe!”

On Friday, I found the most beautiful vintage nightgown by Bert Yelin for Iris. This ivory, A-line dress features an empire waist, champagne colored lace applique under the bust, V-Neck details on the front and back, and tank top straps.

I couldn’t find much information about the designer or brand, but according to this article by Vintage Fashion Guild, Yelin started a lingerie brand called Saramae in the mid-1950s, and eventually regained full ownership in the 1990s before the label closed. They also wrote that Yelin was “the sole designer for Iris Lingerie from 1974 to 1992. Bert Yelin was honored as Man of The Year by the Intimate Apparel Square Club in 1975. He also received over 8 awards by the French lace industry for his lace designs, the most of any foreigner, and over 6 Schiffli Embroidery awards in the US.”

On Sunday, I ended up finding two exquisite dresses – a tank style dress by DKNY that will look fabulous as a dress and a duster! And, I found a gorgeous, A-line, kimono-inspired gown by Huey Waltzer for Saks Fifth Avenue. 

According to this article by Vintage Fashion Guild, the “Huey Waltzer for Mannequin” label was produced in the early 1970s. Waltzer later did a line for Saks Fifth Avenue, and in the 1980s and 1990s designed for a label called ‘En Francais by Huey Waltzer.” Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any more information regarding this designer or the label. 

My last clothing find was a silk blouse by ESCADA, found at The Mason Jar Vintage and Thrift. This blouse is a very creamy ivory shade, and has the coolest feature – there are subtle polka dots all over the shirt, that appear to be woven directly into the silk. It also features black accents on the hem of the sleeves and collar, and on the pockets, and black buttons that also have a fun texture.

ESCADA was founded in Munich in 1978, by Margaretha and Wolfgang Ley. Their website explains that Margaretha was a former Swedish model who had “an exquisite feel for colors, a devotion to detail, and a sure sense for what many women desired – a feminine elegance that doesn’t shy away from bright contracts and striking elements,” such as “bold color combinations, opulent embroideries, combinations of patterns, and leopard prints.”

I found the cutest little book about Coco Chanel to add to my collection! I have always loved collecting fashion magazines and books on designers and labels. The “Little People, Big Dreams” series is a collection of children’s books by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, and explores the lives of notable people. This one, focused on designer Coco Chanel, was the first in the series and debuted in 2014.

My final find may be my favorite item – a mid-century, French, opaline glass teacup and saucer set from JonathanWilliamHome! According to my research, opaline glass is an antique style of glassware produced in Europe, particularly in 19th century France, like my set. Originally created in the 16th century in Murano, Italy, the distinctive iridescent milkiness comes from adding particular phosphates or oxides during the glass creating process. Molly and I are already planning our mermaid and fairy themed tea party so that we can use these! 

My last purchase was a gift for Hubby, maple bourbon pecans! They’re from Mrs. Mekler’s Mercantile. They were delicious, tasting like a pecan pie with each bite! 

What Do You Think?

Are you a vintage clothing person, or do you prefer to buy your clothing brand new? Let me know in the comments below! And, let me know if there are any vintage shops or brands you think I should look for! 

I’ll be back on Friday to discuss all of the ways you can do your part in honor of Earth Day next week!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!