AlleyKatsStore.com » Treasure Hunting

Pumpkin Palooza

~Kat~ — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:31:26 +0000

One of our favorite times of the year is Halloween. There is something magical about the imagination surrounded by the children frequently seen parading the streets. Personally I have run the gamut of possible costumes..ranging from Cinderella to a Pirate Queen. Now that I have my own children the holiday has taken on a new meaning.

The last costume party attended..yes, that is me..as a Pirate Queen. All hail Johnny Depp!

At our house we tend to have certain seasonal rituals. Before the start of school we make entirely too large pots of chocolate pudding. During the Christmas festivities we gather friends and decorate Gingerbread Houses. As the air cools and the leaves turn we pick up supplies for our Fun Fall Mix. It is basically a kid friendly (because candy is involved) Chex Mix. Always a hit, and never lasts long. While there are several things we do in order to celebrate the oncoming Halloween holiday one of our family’s favorite is the Pumpkin Palooza.

A sort of a scavenger hunt for the perfect pumpkins of all time. At the start of our venture we all believe that certainly the previous year’s pumpkins couldn’t possibly be out done. They were too perfect. For whatever reason they were chosen. We all have different reasons for why we pick our pumpkins. My husband prefers the taller, thin ones. I, myself like white pumpkins with noticeable handles. I always turn them into lovely little noses. The kids spend the evening trying to out do each other..and their preferences change as often as the wind. In celebration of the upcoming holiday, and preparation for the scavenger hunt to come I have created my own little Etsy Pumpkin Palooza for you.

I love this 1960’s Pumpkin colored and styled hat. It features a lovely array of colored leaves, pearlized autumn colored buttons and a green velvet stem..I mean ribbon. The hat was made by Su-Zan and is available in the HipVintageClothing shop for only $29.00. These ladies know their hats, so if you are in the market for one, add this shop as a favorite.

1960's Pumpkin colored hat available in the HipVintageClothing shop for $29.00.

With this one of a kind glass pendant you can carry your love of fall, pumpkins and the Halloween season with you everywhere. Designed and handcrafted by JewelrybyTara, you can snag this pendant for only $10.00. This shop offers an assortment of pendants, and we bet the shop owner would even be open to custom order suggestion too. One of the fashion crazes right now is layered necklaces. This pendant, or any other in this shop could take a layered necklace and make it a custom piece. Truly one of a kind, just like we all are. These unique little pendants would also make great gifts for the up and coming gift season.

Vintage Pumpkin Print pendant designed and handcrafted by JewelrybyTara for $10.00.

One of the best things about fall and winter weather are the vibrant plaid patterns. We are MAD about plaid. I found this 1970’s Pumpkin patch Plaid skirt and had to add it to my list. Available at a shop we recently highlighted this seller has it all. Again she is offering 20% off to all AlleyKat readers!! Simply input AlleyKat into the sellers notes when purchasing. Need tips on how to get spotted by AlleyKat’s? Talk to this seller..she has a knack for listing items and tagging them in ways that demand being seen. We love VintageDove and have asked her to stop by the blog sometime and post one for herself. Be on the watch for an upcoming VintageDove feature and see what vintage picks make her soar. In the meantime you can pick up this plaid skirt at her shop for $23.00.

1970's Pumpkin Patch Plaid skirt from VintageDove. Available for $23.00..but AlleyKat readers get an additional 20% OFF!!! Thanks VintageDove!

As much as I would like to say that I am the “always prepared” type, I don’t always make the cut. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I have been caught wishing I had at least some crayons to occupy the kids. A candy bar for that extra little boost, and of course, an umbrella. If I had an umbrella like this, I wouldn’t even have to make the effort. I would happily parade it up and down the street in the sunlight as people walked by with glances of confusion. It’s okay, I know they would just be jealous. How could they not be?? Don’t let the rain keep you out of the pumpkin patch this year, pick this one of a kind umbrella up at Birdie1 for $42.00. Act fast and you can snag this umbrella or anything else in the Birdie1 shop with an additional 15% off. For AlleyKat readers only!! Kudos to this seller for such a great offer.

Unique Bone or Antler handle Pumpkin Umbrella. Available with Birdie1 for $42.00

If your area is anything like ours, the weather is constantly changing. What may start out as a 20 degree day could easily end up in the 80’s. I like to always be comfortable..being uncomfortable is not something I do well. In order to accommodate the constant temperature changes I like to layer. I found this pumpkin colored vest and had to share it with you. The knit based Vintage Esprit piece is available for only $10.00 with AngryKitty. A fellow feline and Etsian, we recently crossed paths with this seller and couldn’t help but follow her home. Lots of goodies await you in this Cathouse, make it a favorite today. Don’t worry, we haven’t caught this Kitty Angry yet..

Vintage Pumpkin Vest available with AngryKitty for only $10.00!!

Of course we can’t finish out the post without an honest to goodness pumpkin. I scoured the Etsy patches for just the right one, and this is my pick. This Corocraft pumpkin borach dates to the 1960’s. Corocraft being a long line of jewelry that extends back to the 1900’s. Several uses of the word were used to mark a piece, this one in particular being “Corocraft” was used post WWII. This perfectly grown pumpkin is available in the shop VintageForever for $25.00. This lovely shop owner has extended a 10% off total order, excluding shipping to any AlleyKat reader. Simply input AlleyKat in the sellers notes when purchasing. Thank you VintageForever!

Signed Corocraft Pumpkin broach from the 1960's. Available with VintageForever for $25.00. Offering 10% OFF of total order to all readers. Thanks!!!

It is dark, cold, and somewhat rainy here but I plan on bundling myself and the extended family up and heading to the pumpkin patch today. I’m not sure if I will find anything as elegant, and certainly not as vintage as what I have selected for you. I am not even sure that I will find one that competes with last year’s pick. We do love the hunt though, so off on a scavenger hunt we go.

Goodnight All

~Kat~

The Line has been Drawn

~Kat~ — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:18:40 +0000

It’s official. Even I, myself and me have bounderies. Of course I have always had personal bounderies..I am talking about shopping bounderies. I am a pro shopper. I know what I want and can scan a room faster than most people can walk in and walk out. What can I say, I have been doing it for a long time. I have acquired personal favorite stores that I stop in and check weekly, and others that are only on the once a month list. In my neck of the woods (yes, I did just say neck of the woods.) I know just about every store and shop owner around. Most know me too. On occasion I pack up and head to the vicinity of one of our AlleyKat buyers to check out the stores that they have listed on their once a week list.

Recently I took a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina. It was actually a pleasant drive and I was looking forward to seeing a long time friend and one of our East Coast Buyers. During the visit we perused glitzy shops and high market thrift stores in search of long lost treasures. While tooling down the road we noticed a sign for a thrift store we hadn’t noticed before. Perhaps there was a reason for that. You will understand why in a moment.

Now I realize that most people don’t get excited about thrift stores, I however am an exception. I don’t just get excited, I get downright giddy. So happily, no..make that giddily..I skip my way into the newly found thrift store in a fashion that only Mary Poppins could compete with. It didn’t take me long to realize that I was in uncharted territory. I know my way around thrift stores, but this was a new experience even for me.

We found ourselves surrounded by bins…no troughs..of clothing, shoes, handbags, hair…yes, I said hair. I am assuming that they were wigs, but I didn’t verify that. After taking a moment to stop dead in our tracks, close our mouths from the sheer horror and remind each other to breathe, we made a step towards one of the bins. No troughs. An awkward step, but a step none the less.

Ever find yourself wishing you had an extra pair of latex gloves in your purse? We were there. I am a mom and there are unimaginable things floating around in my purse, sadly, latex glaves is not one of them. We tried desperately to pick thru the pieces all the while using as little of our bodies to do so. I almost enlisted one of the children floating around to sort things for me. I happily would have paid him..but then the Child Labor Law lights went flashing off in my head.

Before long we figured out that this store in particular didn’t sell items per pieces, but by the pound rather. I suddenly had the urge to jump on their scales and find out how much I may be worth in pounds..but managed to resist. I am sure my shopping companion appreciated that, although she would never say so publicly. We did fairly well, I thought and managed to last for an entire 10 minutes in the store. But somewhere between the obscenities being yelled, the oozing unidentifiable liquid on the floors, and the beyond describable icky contents in the troughs we couldn’t do it.

We, the pro shoppers of thrift stores everywhere had been defeated. Up until that point our stats were rivaled by none. We had a flawless record. Defeated by none. All it took was one little thrift store to bring that glorious record crashing down.The lines have been drawn.

I have to say….I was there..and I can live with that.

Goodnight All

~Kat~

Explanation may be in order

~Kat~ — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 01:09:50 +0000

Oh, how I love packages. There is something about them that gets me all giddy. Don’t laugh at me, I’m serious. Honestly you could practically wrap up a box of red clay and leave it for me and I would be downright ecstatic.

I don’t know what it is. Maybe it is the curiousity that kills the Kat cause it never fails. I can’t contain myself. As the holidays roll around it takes more strength than I have to not open packages that show up on MY front door, but are addressed to the hubby. I mean, come on..the nerve of some people. If you are going to bother sending a package, he has to know that I want to open it. Not just want to, but HAVE to open it.

I love the curiousity. Wondering what it may be..is it usefull, or pretty. Maybe it is both..even better!

I love the bubble wrap. Okay, actually I only love it if I am the one playing with it. Should someone else be popping the darn things within a five mile radius, WATCH OUT, cause I am coming after you.

What can I say, all in all I LOVE packages. So I was practically out of my mind to have four huge boxes show up on my doorstep today. I nearly knocked the kids down the stairs trying to get to them. Yeah, I can see it now.

Other nameless MOM with perfect nails, hair, clothes, car and uber all perfectness:

“Oh my Alex, How did you break your arm? I don’t think Obi One Kenobi ever broke his arm.”

Alex:

Mom knocked me down the stairs..it was an ACCIDENT. She was excited about her stuff coming in.

Still perfect MOM, still nameless, but with quite the quizzical expression:

“oh…what stuff is that?”

Alex:

You know, the stuff she sells to people. When she gets it in she does all this stuff to it then puts it in little baggies to ship it out.

Mom who was once perfect now with a hair out of place, just turns and walks away with mouth wide open.

Yep. I am pretty sure that is about how it would go.

So if you haven’t figured it out yet by now. The four huge boxes are treasures for you guys. Our East Coast buyers have all sent shipments at the same time!! Lucky you. Lots more great fall and winter inventory will be hitting the Etsy store soon.

Don’t forget to bookmark the blog. Every Wed and Sat a new themed “Featured In” blog will post. We will be highlighting other vintage sellers with extra special treasures that match our themes. Discounts will be given by various sellers to all AlleyKat readers. So be watching. Next themed blog posts on 10/7/09.

Goodnight All.

~Kat~

Flavors of the Season

~Kat~ — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:23:21 +0000

Like most people I have an addiction. I don’t speak of it often, nor do I feel the need to express a disdain for it and others that share similar trials. Great strides have been taken recently to limit exposure to it and for a while, I am happy to say, it was working. But now that the seasons have changed there is a new aroma in the air. A scent I know well. I could literally sniff a source out from miles away. My number one vice, my now exposed addiction is Starbucks. Specifically the Pumpkin Spice latte at Starbucks.

I manage to keep my taste buds and bank account in check fairly well until the Fall and Winter flavors come back into play. Visions of Pumpkin Spice, Peppermint, Eggnog, and Gingerbread lattes all dance in my head while I’m nestled sweetly in my bed. Yes, I’m an addict and like all good addicts I want to share mine with you. Since I can’t fork over the Starbucks..partly due to the fact that I rather die than share any it, and partly due to the technology that would certainly be reduced to an ooey gooey sticky mess should I even make an attempt, I have decided to share some vintage finds that represent the array of Starbucks flavors.
Starting of course with the Pumpkin Spice.

These loafers are adorable. Although most people would pair them with pants I think they would compliment rather sweetly a fall skirt and textured leggings. Offered by Thrush for $34.00 they are certain to walk you most comfortably in style to any Starbucks nearby.

Pumpkin Spice loafers available on Etsy. Offered at Thrush for $34.99.

While the Pumpkin Spice flavor may be my all time favorite, it is only available in the Fall and Winter season. Luckily for me the local Starbucks attendants know me quite well and happily assist me in my ongoing addiction. Of course they do so by providing me my ultimate drug of choice until they no longer obtain the means to do so. When that fateful day comes I half heartedly switch to the Cinnamon Dulce latte. So far, it is the closest thing I have found to the Pumpkin Spice, without actually being the Pumpkin Spice. For lovely representation I have found this 1950’s Cinnamon and embroidery dress. Certain to make any vintage lover look good enough to eat, or drink in my case. I adore the neckline and the corded belt too. This dress is available in the GreenDragonLady shop for $28.50.

1950's Cinnamon Spice dress with embroidery and cord belting. Available at GreenDragonLady for $28.50 on Etsy.

While I may have my two personal favorites I realize there are many addicts out there, admitted or not, that prefer different flavors. In honor of all those struggling with single roasted taste buds and depleted bank accounts I have searched out other exclusive Fall and Winter Starbucks flavor representations.

Luckily for all your Caramel Starbucks addicts out there, I believe your flavor of choice has been added to the “always available, never turn an addict away, make as many as junkies as possible, keep em coming, keep em coming” list and therefore is always handily there for your choosing. Your luck hasn’t run out yet, because I found this adorable 1980’s Caramel ascot blouse waiting for you at LolaVintage. It can be yours for only $22.00. Just as addicting I can almost hear it whispering…”keep em coming..keep em coming..”. Go. Buy it now, before I have to…I am an addict, remember.

1980's Caramel ascot blouse from LolaVintage. Available for $22.00.

One of the popular Christmas and Winter flavors that will start to hit the a Starbucks store near you soon is the Peppermint Latte. With miniature bits of peppermint candies sprinkled on top of cascading whip cream, who can resist it. I can, as long as they have a Pumpkin Spice available. But that’s just me. I’m not sure I can resist this ever so lovely Peppermint striped vintage dress though. This candy coated must have is available at PenelopePupsVintage for $24.00.

Peppermint striped 1980's dress from PenelopePupsVintage. Available for $24.00.

I do love peppermint sticks. I prefer them to the hard peppermint candies. I love using them to stir hot chocolate or eggnog on a cold evening. It seems like the perfect way to end an already sweet treat. I found this lovely vintage faux pearl necklace and earring set. The coloring is so creamy the only word that could possibly describe it is Eggnog of course. Available in the LifeTravelsDesign shop for only $8.99 you better scoop it up now. We suspect a whirl of flavor searching addicts will surround all our vintage Starbucks treats.

Vintage faux pearl Eggnog necklace and pearl set available at LifeTravelsDesigns for $8.99.

My husband is not a coffee drinker. He is however a fan of caffeine. Once a week I get the occasion to possibly sleep in. Possibly because we have kids, and animals and life happens, and truth be told I am much more efficient in the morning than I am at night. During my once a week slumber fest my husband gathers the kids, sometimes dressed, sometimes not and carts them to Starbucks. Like all addicts need, my loving, supportive husband returns back to the roost with a piping hot Pumpkin Spice just for me. On occasion he will also pick up a Mocha for himself. I have come to find out that it usually depends on how hairy the car ride to Starbucks gets to be, since he does have the kids in tow afterall.

At this point I feel I should mention that our children DO NOT and WILL NEVER drink coffee as long as they live with me. There is enough abounding energy surrounding me and I don’t feel the need to amp it in any way. Therefore no children have been harmed in correlation with this ongoing admitted addiction.

To represent the Mocha I found this 1960’s day dress with tiny pin tuck pleats in the front and an eye catching button. The fitted top and A line flared skirt provides a flattering fit for any figure. This rich chocolate beauty can be found in SweetToothVintage’s shop. It is listed for $36.00 and is season friendly..just add textured leggings and a great cardigan.

Mocha Mini from the 1960's listed by SweetToothVintage for $36.00.

Some may say “what’s in a word?”..but for me the answer can be a lot. Take Vanilla for instance. I love it. I love how it rolls off the tongue. I love the intoxicating somewhat exotic aroma of true vanilla. One of my goals in life is still to at some point in my life own a vanilla orchid. For now, since we have the before mentioned kids and animals I am not likely to take care of plant in the way an orchid needs attention. Whenever I travel to Mexico vanilla is always on my must buy list and it should be on yours too. The differences in real vanilla and what you buy at the grocery store is staggering. Even if you don’t have plans for a trip to Mexico anytime soon you can get a little Vanilla lift with this one of a kind to die for beauty. If this dress was my size I would be all over it. Listed for $48.00 we suggest you run, don’t walk to FashionReRun and grab it up. The creamy vanilla coloring is only a portion of what makes it a standout. I love the scalloped lace and tiered style sheer skirting.

1970's Vanilla Cream and Lace Prairie dress from FashionReRun. Available for $48.00.

One of the other Christmas season flavors that Starbucks offers is a Gingerbread latte. As soon as we started collecting information for this blog we immediately thought of these Gingerbread Snaps corduroys. They are straight from the late 1950’s with hip side buttons closure, natural waist positioning and high water cuffs. We are all so excited to have them. Not just because they are deliciously adorable, but also because they are plus size. Vintage clothing sizes run considerably smaller than the sizes of today’s fashion. Nine times out of ten items we come across are marked in the Small or Medium category. So we get extra excited when we get pieces in that fit in the Large and Extra Large category. These Gingerbread Snaps cords are part of a grouping of new inventory that is in the process of being added to the online AlleyKat’s Store. Watch the online shop at Etsy for more information on them and lots of other goodies.

Gingerbread Snaps corduroys from the 1950's. To be listed soon on AlleyKat's Store on Etsy.

Is anyone craving their favorite Starbucks flavor yet? Did I miss any? I realize that there are lots of coffee drinkers out there that love coffee and much prefer to have it with either with nothing in it, or with simple milk and sugar. Yes, I know..that is the REAL coffee. REAL coffee shouldn’t be ruined with frou frouy flavoring. Well just for you I have found a listing to compliment your elitist tastes. This is a 1980’s puffed sleeve sweater that features an intricately detailed mid-strip sleeve and v-neck pattern. Aptly described as none other than Cafe Au Lait, this sweater sweetly calls to the coffee lover in us all. Available from DearGoldenVintage for $31.00 should you ever decide to add a flavor to your beloved drink, I’m sure this sweater would forgive you.

1980's Cafe Au Lait sweater with puffed sleeves and intricate, one of a kind pattern. Offered by DearGoldenVintage for $31.00.

So there you have it. I have come clean with my addiction, and perhaps in the process encouraged others to do the same. Whatever your flavor of choice may be I hope this blog inspires you to see vintage in a new way. Now, I don’t know about you, but I plan on hitting Starbucks bright and early in the morning, for none other than a Pumpkin Spice latte.

Goodnight All.

~Kat~

All pictures are used with permission. For more information on the items displayed or the sellers mentioned please contact us directly or click on the pictures above.

With the many Colors of the Wind

~Kat~ — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:40 +0000

I have a vast assortment of Disney movies. Some are “vintage”, some are more recent. One of the running faves at our house is “Cars” and of course more recently “Bolt”. But one I tend to go back to time and time again is “Pocahontas”.

Now if you had to make me narrow it down to a complete favorite, it would most certainly be “Beauty and the Beast”. Not that I am a beauty that married a beast..there are some out there that may think I am a beast that married a beauty..guess it depends on the love/ hate relationship that most people have with me. But “Pocahontas” seems to capture my all time favorite season. As I sit back and watch the swirling leaves with envious colors I find myself missing fall. If there is a place on the planet in which I could live amongst perpetual fall, I am there. Send me the zip code. I will start packing now.

Although it is hard to narrow down my reason for loving fall so much I have decided a large part of it is because of the colors. One of the great things about fashion is that it tends to capture the season surrounding it. Vintage is no different.

My most recent quest sent me out to lands far and wide. In search of Autumn colored treasures for all to behold. A dangerous mission of the utmost as I am a frequent buyer as well. Professional shopper of self certification of course. Not only did I survive the perils of my quest, my bank account seems to be holding steady too..at least for now. The Etsy Autumn vaults have been opened and below I have listed some of my favorites for you.

How can you not love this sweater. The color alone is a standout for me. Plus cable knit wool wraps you up in warmth like no other. It’s a perfect addition to a wardrobe for an easy transition from Fall to Winter. This sweater is offered by Vix Vintage and is listed for only $28.00. Grab it up fast!

"Taste of Honey" hand knit sweater from the 1960's. Offered by Vix Vintage.

I adore this blouse. Flouncy…Flouncy with vintage style. It could be worn down or dressed up. It offers several of the fantastic fall colors and oozes of style. We are actually shocked that it hasn’t sold yet as it is listed at a whopping $15.00. Go forth now, and shop at DecadesBaltimore. They have tons of lovelies to look at. No I don’t mean the models. Although I do enjoy some of the shops that use models. It puts a quirky spin on vintage and I love how it helps to illustrate vintage in modern times. DecadesBaltimore shows that more than any other I have seen. You don’t have to look like, or want to look like Lucille Ball to love the designs from the 50’s. Kudos to Decades and their models for helping everyone see that.

1980's Thick Waist band top from Decades Baltimore.

Don’t let the cool gray days get you blue. Shine in this one of a kind vintage shirt offered on Etsy from TheWayUMakeMeFeel. The shirt is apparently handmade so you can be a showstopper all on your own for only $25.50! Don’t be afraid to ask for special items at this store, Michele will search day and night to Make You Feel great about Vintage. TheWayUMakeMeFeel is also a hot spot for 80’s formals. If you sing FAME in the shower and are attracted to all things sequins seek out Michelle, she has some knock out dresses.

Handmade wrap blouse in Sapphire Blue from TheWayUMakeMeFeel on Etsy.

Start from scratch with warm fall colors and add this fantastic sexy red slip to your wardrobe. Made by Lady Love it is offered on Etsy for only $12.00 by Vintage Cheesecake. Watch this store for an array of vintage clothing and household goods. There is always a great assortment available. BUYERS BEWARE..I hear this shop, like cheesecake is highly addicting. Once you take a peek you are hooked.

Made by lady Love this 1950's/60's slip is available at Vintage Cheesecake on Etsy.

Did you know that flowers can bloom even in the dead of winter? Of course they can…keep “Everything Coming Up Roses” with this wonderful wool pencil skirt offered by FabGabs. Although the store can run a bit pricey for some of us everyday vintage lovers, the prices are worth it as the quality offered in her pieces are second to none. Looking for a one of a kind party dress? Add FabGabs to your watch list there are always several lovelies to pick from. This blooming wool pencil skirt is listed for $55.00.

Rosebud Rockabilly Pencil Skirt from the 1950's offered from FabGabs on Etsy.

I am smitten with this Fall/Winter classic. It is a plaid wrap skirt made of wool. The larger plaid print is flattering on all shapes and sizes and is certain to keep you snug and warm. It features a little bit of natural fraying on the edge and kilt styled hip buckle. This beauty can be found in the WillowCreekSparrow shop along with tons of other must have vintage items. This mother and daughter team offers fantastic finds at everyday affordable rates. This skirt is listed for only $26.00. With three trained vintage eyes shopping for inventory they are certain to be overloaded with goodies. Check this store frequently as the stock is always changing.

Classic Fall/Winter staple. This plaid wool skirt is available at WillowCreekSparrow on Etsy.

What does every great wool wrap skirt need? Vintage boots of course! Why not add a splash of color with these red leather knee high boots. With a comfortable heel and fold over cuff you can walk for miles in style. They add just the right amount of flare and color to an outfit. Available at GottaBVintage on Etsy for only $48.00. We are big fans of this store and seller. GottaBVintage is always readily available to buyers and has some of the best vintage pieces, all at reasonable prices. If you haven’t yet, mark this one as a favorite and keep a close eye on it. Things don’t last long here. We know, we keep losing some of our faves.

1980's Red Leather Boots made just for walkin..and walkin..and walkin. Walk yourself to GottaBVintage to check them out.

If you are on the lookout for something to take you from day to evening I think I have it. Made by Helen Whiting in the 1950’s, this curve hugging sweater dress has tons of style all on it’s own. The solid black, ribbed, wool pattern fits nugly in all the right places and does double duty by wrapping you in warmth as well. Dressed down for a day out and about or up for a Little Black Dress event, all the changes needed would be accessories. This dress is listed in our AlleyKat’sStore on Etsy for only $34.99.

Winter Warmth by Whiting from the 1950's. Available in AlleyKat'sStore on Etsy.

One of my new favorite accessories, and one that happened to break my flawless non spending quest in half is this vintage tassel necklace. I can’t even begin to tell you how long I have wanted a piece like this. I listed one as a favorite a few weeks ago but it sold before I could grab it up. I wasn’t taking a chance with this baby. I swept in stealth style and practically stole it for a mere $14.00. If you love it as much as I do mark AllOverThePalace as a favorite. This is the second one they have listed and my bet is on them that they will have more soon.

Flapper style tassel necklace now making its way to AlleyKat's. For more visit AllOverThePalace on Etsy.

Some of my recent GO VINTAGE convert friends have only done so in small ways. That’s okay. I’ll take it. Not just because they also happen to be reading this blog, but because every little bit helps. A dress here, a compact or piece of jewelry there, whatever it is, it’s a step in the right direction. Not just towards incredibly well made, one of a kind, authentically trendy fashion, but also towards recycling and doing our part to help this one of a kind planet we live on.

For one of my friends the niche, the call to all things vintage, the chocolate of her dreams is handbags. She can’t get enough of them. It wasn’t that hard to convert her to vintage once she could actually lay eyes on the classic kelly styles and alligator box styles that had so harshly avoided her dreams from years of past. Luckily for her, she knows me..and I know vintage. I introduced the two and love happened. A vintage matchmaker I am.

This is my latest find for all you handbag heaven types. It’s incredible. It can be used three different ways. Embroidered side, black satin side for evening, or flip the embroidery for a mystery side…dum dum dum. For me personally, it’s the lucite handle that does it. Available at CherryTree Vintage along with many other snazzy vintage pieces.

I was so captivated I enlisted the store owner Yvette as a buyer for AlleyKat’s. All of us here at AlleyKat’s want to extend a warm welcome to our newest East Coast Supplier, Yvette. She is a certified vintage buyer and has been in the business as long as we have. We are looking forward to showing you all the goodies she finds for us. If you are in the market for one of a kind pieces, check out her store. If you are a vintage seller contact Yvette for wholesale options. She won’t disappoint.

Three Way Reversible Purse with Lucite Handle. Visit Cherry Tree Vintage on Etsy for even more great items.

Wow. I just noticed that everything I listed has been under $55.00. You can’t beat that. Especially with vintage pieces. I hate to ruin a good streak but all good things must come to an end right? Right…that’s why I always seem to run out of chocolate and my alarm clock keeps going off in the morning.

You didn’t think I would go on and on about Fall and Winter without listing a coat did you? Well maybe I should. If I could keep this one all to myself I would. It wouldn’t be fair though, so in the gesture of all things nice and fair I will share the last find of my quest with you all.

A treasure if you ask me. A military inspired pimento colored wool coat. It even has a hood! I love it so much I don’t even know where to start. I should tell you I hate it. It’s awful..no one in there right mind would wear that..don’t even look at it..LOOK AWAY NOW! But again, I am trying to be nice, and fair…and I can’t keep everything to myself. Sooooo, here we go again. The coat is lined, tailor cut and features double breasted pewter buttons. This I want it so don’t you dare buy it coat is available at Va Va Vintage on Etsy. Listed for $145.00 I can guarantee it is money well spent. Va Va Vintage is a knock out store with a treasure chest of items awaiting the innocent passerby. If you aren’t careful you will be sucked in too. I didn’t stand a chance either.

Wool Military inspired Coat from Va Va Vintage. If You buy it I will hunt you down...I'm kidding. Sorta.

Well there you have it. The latest additions and acquisitions of AlleyKat’s. I hope you not only find something you love, but also a new vintage source. We have always been big advocates of reputable vintage sellers. Even though we sell vintage pieces. There is an unspoken comaraderie among vintage sellers. I will let you all in on the secret- Vintage is one of a kind.

That is why if you find something you love, you need to reserve it or buy it. You probably won’t see it again. Because duplicate items are rarely seen there isn’t a competition among vintage sellers. We sell it because we love it. We love seeing a buyer love something as much as we do. We are thrilled to help buyers and sellers in any ways possible.

Until next time…goodeve.

~Kat~

For more information on the sellers or items listed above feel free to contact us, or click on the pictures to go directly to the sellers store. All pictures are used with permission.

FAME…You’ll remember our name….

~Kat~ — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:12:13 +0000

By now everyone should know that the new version of Fame has been released. A cushy seat in a dark corner is awaiting your presence. We have already pulled our legwarmers from storage and laundered them to a warm and cozy pristine condition. While they were tumbling we perused some of our favorite Etsy sellers for some Authetic Vintage Fame styled Fashion. Here is what we came up with:

1980's oversized off shoulder sweater from murphymydear

1980's La Blanca swimsuit/leotard from gottabvintage

Jet Black Sequin blouse from the 1980's sold by cozy

There is a little 80’s in all of us. Grab your off shoulder sweater, your bangle bracelets, or your legwarmers and join us at Fame.

(For more information on any of the products shown or the sellers please click on the pictures.)

1980's Michael Jackson Thriller style jacket from AlleyKatsStore

1980's new wave Bangle Bracelets from The Storageroom

Upcoming Hunt Announced

~Kat~ — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:58:31 +0000

We have been told that somewhere nearby there are a few cleverly hidden treasure boxes. You know us…we are always willing to go dig amongst the watchamacallits and whowouldhavethunkits. Since opening our Etsy shop we have been spending day after day to get items uploaded and listed for buyers to view. You wouldn’t believe the work that goes into it. Listing an item alone is a full time job!

Being somewhat new to the online bit we didn’t have a system yet. Now that we have slowly but surely begun listing and selling on Etsy, we think we have figured it out. And of course, thanks to some very supportive other online sellers. AlleyKat’s is now up to 75 items and we still have tons more to list. All in all the shop is doing well so far. We would love to see more traffic, but we can work on that once we get everything listed.

After listing our latest 75 items we took a few moments to dig among our inventory. We always want to ensure that we have items in all categories available to be listed. While we still have several racks of items to list, we noticed some that a shopping trip is certainly in order. With the upcoming change of seasons we are on the lookout for some one of a kind boots, coats, hats and bags. We scheduled a shopping trip for this week and are now plotting our attack strategy.

If you haven’t been to the shop lately..stop in..there are lots of new items to look over. And check back soon…after the shopping trip we will have even more!!

Italian designers and understanding the meaning of the word “Vintage”

~Kat~ — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:17:34 +0000

I was out and about the other day treasure hunting for all things wonderful when I came across a new store. There aren’t many stores in the area that I haven’t been to..since I am afterall, best at the shopping part of what I do. I stopped and went in to see if I should add the store to my must frequently visit list. Upon entering I discovered a plethora of racks chalk full of sweaters, jackets, blazers, dresses and shoes galore.

Quietly I began sorting through the racks. It only took me two or three racks to discover that this was apparently a store that marketed to teenagers only. Now I am a professional shopper and know fully that a unique discovery can be found in the most unlikely of places. I didn’t let the disturbing assortment of American Eagle, Abercrombie and Fitch and WetSeal deter me. For the sake of AlleyKat’s, and vintage fashion lovers I continued seraching the racks..hoping to find at the very least ONE designer piece. Who am I kidding, at this point, I would be happy with a wannabe designer.

At some point as I was making my way through the store I caught the attention of one of the store clerks. I am not sure what gave me away. Was it because I was the only person in the store over the age of 15? Maybe it was because I wasn’t carrying 45 garments around with me, clinging to them like I had just found the Hope Diamond. Whatever it was, the store clerk took pity on me and came to ask if I needed help.

Store Clerk: “Are you finding everything okay? Is there anything I can help you with?”

Me: ” I am actually looking for vintage materials..do you have anything by Italian designers?”

Store Clerk: ” Sure!. We have lots of different stuff..do you want to start with the dresses?”

Having peaked my excitement, because I had not yet perused the dresses I happily followed her to the back of the store where she starts thumbing thru a large rack. Pulling a light blue one out she turns it around and hands it to me.

Store Clerk: “How about this one? The color would look great on you.”

Me: “Thanks..but it actually looks fairly modern, who is the designer.” I ask as I reach for the label.

Store Clerk: “Oh..It’s a Mossimo. Quite popular around here.”

Okay. So at this point I have to remind myself to close my mouth. The deer in headlight look of horror has taken me over. I couldn’t help byt ask myself the same question over and over in my head.

“Did she just say Mossimo?..Did she just say Mossimo?..Did she just say Mossimo?”

I did say Italian designer right? Where am I? Is this one of those trick shows? Is a camera going to jump out and say Gotcha? Something…there has to be some type of rational explanation for this.

I must have been silent for an awkward length of time, or the deer in headlight look of horror was more noticeable than I had intended. She immediately put the dress back on the racks and began asking me an array of questions again.

Store Clerk: ” I know you said you were looking for vintage materials. Maybe some of the shirts over here are what you are looking for.”

I realize that the designer incident alone was enough to send most people running and screaming from the store. But I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt. It’s that old standby again. The golden rule of treasure hunting. Unique items can be found in the most unlikely of places.

I followed her to a rack of button down shirts. I immediately knew there wasn’t going to be anything at all there worth going thru. But before I could tell her that she has pulled one from the rack and says…

Store Clerk: ” Here you go. This one is vintage.”

I take a quick glance and say politely tell her that No, it is not a vintage shirt.

Al look of confusion comes over her face as she turns the shirt back towards her, scrutinizing what must have been the label.

“Yes it is..see here”, She says as she points to the tag. “It says it is vintage.”

I take a quick glance to the tag and read “Heritage, Vintage Style”.

Before turning and then promptly running and screaming from the store. It is safe to say that this store in particular will never be graced by my presence again.

Do you have any treasure hunting stories of horror? Please share.

Treasure Hunt Excursion

~Kat~ — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:23:42 +0000

We recently took a weekend trip to pick up some additional inventory. Hundreds of miles were covered in only three days time. While it took us some time to assess and inventory all of our finds several of them have recently been listed in the Etsy shop. We all have our personal favorites and some of them have been highlighted for you below.

1980's Beaded formal by designer Bob Mackie

This gown has it all! A built in heavily boned corset with adjustable waist, a double ruffled crinoline and off shoulder accent beading. What more could a girl want? Click on the picture for more information on the Bob Mackie gown.

Classic and simple are the words that come to mind with this polka dot day dress. Made of a medium weight material this dress would certainly be come a comfortable favorite. The lightly pleated collar and white buttons accent the 1970’s design. I have a feeling this dress won’t last long.

1970's secretarial polka dot day dress

There are several new listing on the Etsy store. Click either picture or visit our Catalogue tab to see more. Inventory is added frequently and for you hat lovers watch for the upcoming addition of some of our recent finds!