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Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 20:06:16 +0000

I can hardly believe that it is already November. Most of the time when we think of fall we think of dark, richer colors…a celebration of greens, reds, oranges and yellows. The leaves begin to swirl outside while vibrant aromas of steeped apple cider and cinnamon become house hold staples. Living on the East Coast, I get to thoroughly enjoy a fall season. Although I would prefer it be much longer than it is. No matter how early I start I never seem to be ready for the cold, winter air.

Those of you that are fortunate to live on the West Coast still have some time to go before dipping below the 70′s. For the “California Girls” out there, fall doesn’t have to be all about darker colors. Take for instance our Ambassador of Vintage for November- the one and only, Salma Hayek.

This picture is from the Golden Globes in 2009 and it just goes to show how amazingly powerful a designer vintage piece can be. Designed an created by Christian Dior, a dress like this, in any color would be a fantastic addition to any vintage lovers collection.

Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:51:37 +0000

The months seem to keep passing me by. I just barely look up from the last month to find out that we are already in a new one. Lots of great things come with the month of February. Groundhog Day, Valentine’s Day, School winter breaks, best friends birthdays and of course a new Ambassador of Vintage.

This month we have chosen what one may call a broad celebrity. Having filled roles in various categories and all the while captivating audiences. This vintage do gooder needs no formal introduction. Being that he is more of a laid back soul that has a flare for making the rules as he goes along. He? Did she say He? Yes…that I did.
We are pleased to introduce our first male Ambassador of Vintage, the actor extraordinaire, Mr. Johnny Depp.

Johnny Depp in a 1930's Horsehide Aviator Button Jacket

Seen here in a 1950's style "Ricky Jacket" and "Hollywood Slacks"

Being that this month focuses on love, we knew we had to have a heartbreaker Ambassador. We hope that you are all pleased.

Keep an eye out for upcoming Valentine’s day posts, specials and more info on the Hearts for Haiti campaign.

Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:15:26 +0000

Now that we are officially in a New Year I have taken a few minutes to step away from all the Christmas boxes in order to introduce our new Ambassador of Vintage. Being a Hollywood A lister and prominent humanitarian, she needs no immediate introduction from me.

Whether dressed up for a movie premiere or red carpet affair she continously brings a vintage element to Hollywood with every picture taken. Kudos to this months Ambassador of Vintage, Cate Blanchett, for helping to bring old Hollywood glamour back into madern day times.

Cate Blanchett in a pale yellow vintage Valentino gown, 2005

While I could easily peruse pictures of this particular starlet for hours, I must return to the boxing of all our Christmas decor. Sadly, it won’t take care of itself. And if I don’t do it now, it will just end up staying out until next year.

Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:09:06 +0000

November is an exciting month this year. Although it is a busy month every year, this year has some extra special events to anticipate. Tons of new great movies are coming out this month and one of the most highly anticipated ones is “New Moon”, the sequel to the ever popular Twilight series. The leading lady of the series, Kristen Stewart is a long time Vintage fan. Having appeared in several block buster hits during her young career, she has always been known to incorporate her own fashion favorites into the red carpet world. For this reason alone she has been chosen as the November Ambassador of Vintage.

Vintage style inspired by teenage celeb Kristen Stewart

Although, should she be grateful enough to snag us some seats at the New Moon premiere, we would certainly not turn them down. For all you Twilight loving fans, watch AlleyKat’s for more Twilight inspired posts. And by all means book your calendars now…New Moon is released on November 20th.

Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 02:26:40 +0000

She is a Hollywood IT girl. A classic beauty with a quirky edge. She embodies vintage and has done so even before vintage was the way to go. An artist by trade she dabbles in a little of this and a little of that. All of her undertakings seem to be effortless automatic hits. She’s an easy pick for an Ambassador of Vintage spot with her trademark platinum hair and ruby red lipstick.
Who could it be you ask?
None other than the wonderfully vintage Mrs. Gwen Stefani.

Gwen Stefani dressed in vintage with Jean Harlow flair.

With a style all of her own Gwen Stefani has put Hollywood into a vintage spin like only a born celebrity can. Easily incorporating old with new and bombarding the public eye with bold patterns and colors we have all been told to avoid. She throws care to the wind with a dash of personal perfume and breaks the rules while everyone is left staring..wondering why they themselves hadn’t done the very same thing years before.

Kudos to our October Ambassador of Vintage for being a stand alone, knockout, vintage advocate all on her own.

Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 23:50:16 +0000

So here we are in September already. Where did the summer go? For me, it seems like it never even really started. When I look back on the past three months it is more of a whirlwind memory. Although I enjoy the laid back lazy days of summer I am not a fan of the hot humid weather. Fall is my season. I wait patiently, as patiently as I am capable of that is, for the fall season to kick in. There is something about the cooler evenings and foggy morning. The array of colors in the trees. And of course the fall fashion. For me, there isn’t anything better than the tweed pencil skirts, the fitted cardigans, the plaids, the paisleys, the princess cut coats, and of course the scarfs. One can never have too many scarfs. I still believe that I could use and entire closet just for my accessories. My husband, however disagrees. Not that he thinks I couldn’t use it, but that he feels if I had one, I would have more motivation than needed to fill it. He is probably right. At that point, I would need to accessorize my accessory closet.
So, now that we are officially starting the fall season we find ourselves in need of yet another Ambassador of Vintage. In honor of the upcoming seasons, ( you noticed that is plural didn’t you), seasons being both the Fall weather season and the season premier of Mad Men, the September Ambassador of Vintage is Christina Hendricks.

Christina Hendricks on set for Mad Men

As a current red head I also appreciate another red head that is brazen enough to wear what society says are no no colors. Bring on the pinks, corals, and reds. Why not?
For all of you that love vintage style you have to appreciate what Mad Men has done for the style itself. Even Target is now carrying a vintage inspired line of clothing. Mad Men style, which is 1960′s style for those of you that are vintage or Mad Men newbies, is turning up every where. Not just the clothing, but also the jewelry. Since our Ambassador of Vintage for September is Christina Hendricks, I am also including a staple piece of jewelry for her character Joan Holloway. None other then the golden secretary pencil necklace.

Vintage Super Scribe Pencil Necklace as seen on Mad Men

How could you not love this necklace. Unique? Yes and no. More than likely should you get one most people will know that it is from Mad Men. But again, there are many reason to wear vintage. First and foremost because you love it. That is enough of a reason but there are many more. It is the “greenest” possible form of recycling. It shows a true love of artisans and the several different types of art styles that mix into vintage. Besides, anyone that sees it is going to love it right away and be super jealous.
The super scribe necklace can be found at a fellow Etsy members store by clicking on the picture above. The necklace sells for approximately $40.00.
They tend to sell out frequently. I believe pre ordering is now available.

Ambassador of Vintage

~Kat~ — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:09:30 +0000

And here she is…drum roll please…

The Ambassador of Vintage for August is the ever so lovely Penelope Cruz.

Penelope Cruz in a 1950's Balmain

This picture was taken at the Oscars. The story is that Ms. Cruz herself eyed this dress at THE posh vintage store Lily et Cie eight years ago. After love at first glance she vowed to someday wear it. Lucky for her, the dress was still available.

Old is the new “New”

~Kat~ — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 22:18:56 +0000

Once the economy took a nosedive we all became more aware of the term “pinching pennies”. Some would say I have always been somewhat frugal…although I am not sure that my dear husband would agree. True, I have impeccable champagne taste. But I don’t always have the funding to support it. Even if I did, I know I would feel pretty guilty for spending what could be a contribution to a college account on a dress, or a handbag. So, what is my alternative?

Vintage. A simple word that offers up a world of possibilities. The possibility to be unique. To wear something one of a kind that no one else will be seen with. The possibility to recycle fashionably. For some reason when I say this people look at me like I’m dumpster diving in back alleys. Repurposing previously used items doesn’t have to be dirty. In all actuality it is much more glamorous than buying something brand new and modern. For one, items from the past were made with more care and concern. You can spend a small fortune on a new and modern dress, wear it to a party and the next day it’s worth almost nothing. Or, you can spend the same amount of money on a vintage dress that no one else will be wearing, and if taken care of properly, will increase in value.

Even Hollywood A-listers have taken to wearing Vintage. Big names such as Julia Roberts, Jewel, Kate Moss, Winona Ryder, and Drew Barrymore are frequently photographed in one of kind vintage pieces. As a tribute to all the “on the fence” fashionistas I am creating an Ambassadors of Vintage category. A new Ambassador will be chosen monthly, so put in your requests for August now. Until then, check out the picture below.

Ambassador of Vintage

Mrs. July

This vintage dress was reportedly purchased for $26.00.

For me, buying vintage isn’t just about the glamour, or doing my part to help recyle. I have always been fascinated with buying an item that comes with a story. This $26.00 dress is not just a beautifully cut piece of fabric and thread, it is someone’s past. I encourage everyone to incorporate a little vintage into their wardrobe. Start small. I’m not saying everyone should run out right now and buy a crinoline. If handbags are what you love, great, scout a beautiful gator clutch. If you are drawn to the sophistication and glamour of dresses check out vintage designer Ceil Chapman. For all you modern day fashionistas out there, fear not. Even if the credit crunch has you hunting for a bargain, take a stylish tip from the Hollywood Elite and wow in vintage.