13 August 2008

What I'm Wearing

8-12-088-12-08
8-12-088-12-08
photos by Tom b.

blouse: vintage
skirt: vintage
shoes: vintage
necklace: vintage

At what point does something that is vintage become an antique? Are the words simply synonyms? There's a little antique store here that is filled with knick-knacks, old patterns, books and memorabilia. I love to go in and just browse around despite the fact that the lady that runs the place is a bit on the strange side (or maybe that's just part of its charm). A few weeks ago I was wandering through the aisles when the owner asked if I knew she had a back room full of clothes. Ummm, no! I did not know that! Making my way into the backroom I realized that she has a collection of turn of the century gowns, blouses and capes, 30's suits with little puff sleeves and shelves full of vintage hats (still in their hat boxes!). It was a bit like being in someone's attic that hadn't been cleaned out in 100 years. I don't think many people shop back there so she was more than happy to have me poking around. I ended up finding this little lacy blouse. I asked her what decade she thought it is from and she said the late 1880's or 1890's! It's in marvelous shape with only one little snag in the fabric. It's hard for me to believe it's over 100 years old. I'm sure I'll only be pulling it out for very special occasions.

34 comments:

the upper vest side said...

Wow, what a gorgeous blouse! Really special.

I might be wrong, but I think something is classified as an antique when it it 100 years old or more.

Anonymous said...

Great! Love your blouse!

Isabel said...

For something that old, it looks like its in really good shape! Was it expensive?

Anonymous said...

amazing shoes & necklace!

Daiana said...

great blouse! i like clothes which have a story. amazing find, you lucky girl!

Unknown said...

That is a beautiful blouse! Your outfit is amazing too! Is the flower (rose?) a necklace? I can't tell, silly of me. :)

Kathleen.

AlicePleasance said...

Wow, the blouse is really a little special thing! The entire store sounds fab indeed...a back room that is like a time travel! You should take photos, expecially to the collection of hats: I'm sure they are great!

White Lightning said...

ohhhhh my goodness. i think this is my favorite thing you've ever posted. that SKIRT is somethingi jsut realized i have been NEEDING (i love that moire kind of satin!) AND the SHOES are waaayy too fantastic

Ashleigh said...

wow that top is gorge!! I can't believe its that old- its an antique =)

Anonymous said...

omg! you are sooo lucky... in my highest dreams i wish that kind of things happen to me! :D

What we four say said...

It's starting to trip me out how many things we have that are the same. I have that same flower pendant but on a different necklace. I've had it for years. I love your shoes and the blouse. You always look great!

Missa said...

Ooh, the blouse is so so beautiful, such gorgeous detail!

Unknown said...

the shirt is stunning, the back room sounds beyond amazing.

FASHION CHALET said...

Great look, I love the skirt especially. xx

Anonymous said...

Ooooooh love that blouse! Think I can rummage through that ladies' back room too?
Also, I agree that usually if an item is +100 years old, its antique, and if its +20 years old its vintage. I am loving all the 90s revival stuff though!
If you are still curious, you can have some fun reading this Forums discussion on the subject. Some people get quite incensed!

Ace said...

The general rule of thumb, accoring to the antiquing queen herself(my mother), is that over 100 years old or older is an antique.

Anonymous said...

Nice outfit!

Sally Jane Vintage said...

Thanks for all of your comments!

I would agree it's a good rule for something that's 100+ years to be considered antique.

kathleen: Yes, it's a rose on my necklace. I'll have to take a better photo for you.

alicepleasance: When I go back, I'll try to sneak some photos of the place!

elizabeth: Thanks! I love the fabric of this skirt too. Wish I could find more just like it!

pretty pirate: That's so funny that we have so many of the same things. We must have great taste! Ha!

market plublique: Thanks for the link. Wow, people really do get fired up about this!

Thanks again everyone! :)

Unknown said...

I've always thought of "vintage" as something that's still in use whereas I equate "antique" with something that's more of a display piece.

I'm always in awe of your photos and clothing and, of course, today is no different :) the shoes are totally drool-worthy!

Lexie said...

i read that antique is 50+ years and vintage is 30+ years. maybe i am wrong though.

Cadmium said...

gorgeous! the blouse is really special - something like that would cost a LOT here. i really love your outfit today - every single item is fantastic.

Abbey said...

How exciting!
This is such a dream story, I soo want this blouse! ;)

Skinnylicious said...

I will just say that you blogg is awsome. You have so much cool clothes, I want to have them all!

esme and the laneway said...

Oh, wow! It is so beautiful.

Unknown said...

thanks for nice comment :)
hope u come to visit more often and leave a word <3
nice outfit

. said...

that sounds so sweet. i wish there were shops like that where i live

Songy said...

how romantic! such fantastic set of photos. I believe I had a post on that necklace on my blog so we both like that rose necklace. intriguing. ;) it's like finding a style twin.

Anonymous said...

You are so cute and romantic !

M said...

Why oh why will I never end up in situations like these? I want strange ladie sin my antique stores too!

Imelda said...

So beautifull, that blouse is gorgeous!

Eyeliah said...

Stunning blouse!!

HikiHiku said...

love it so much!!!

Anonymous said...

I adore that blouse, you have amazing taste.

Anonymous said...

i absolutely adoreeeeee all your outfits and photos! this makes me want to go shopping like right this second haha. =D