Vintage Vibes & Fashion Finds

A very vintage weekend it was.  Part of Modernism Week, The Curated Vintage Event on Saturday, is a twice-yearly pop-up show highlighting exceptional vintage fashion, jewelry, textiles and accessories.  On Sunday, there was the once-a-year Mod Yard Sale which moved from outside h3k home design, to Market Market (which has repurposed & one of a kind goods.)

If you’re looking for a quick fashion fix, fast fashion can be found in many stores and on countless websites.  You might find what you’re looking for, but will it stand the test of time?

At the monthly Palm Springs Vintage Market with Dylan, Kathy + Trudy (with her dog).

Many women are mixing it up with their wardrobes by buying vintage garments that are 20 to 30 years old and in good condition. These pieces have timeless appeal and are typically characterized by their quality craftsmanship, unique styles, and designer labels which have stood the test of time.  These vintage finds often evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflect the fashion trends and cultural influences of their time. Some never go out of style. Plus, each piece often has its own story and history, adding a special charm to one’s wardrobe. So, when you wear vintage, it’s like stepping into a little piece of history!

Jen from Muse the Shop holding up a lovely Pucci silk dress I had my eyes on.
Last year I bought this silk Pucci dress from Jen. I love the neckline.
Lady at the vintage market wearing what appears to be a nightie as a slip dress under a leopard-print jacket.
Lingerie inspired slip-dress or maybe it’s a nightie from Rachel @ Macalistaire Vintage – a favorite vendor.

Another good thing is that vintage fashion supports a more sustainable approach to dressing. It encourages consumers to buy fewer, higher-quality pieces that last longer, reducing the overall environmental impact of fast fashion.

Kathy outside Villa Royale

If you’re fairly new to vintage shopping but have a good eye, look for basic outstanding classics such as tailored blazers, linen shirts, cashmere sweaters, little black dresses, leather handbags (Chanel 2.55 is a perfect example), worn-in denim, sunglasses (Iconic styles like aviators and cat-eye sunglasses add a touch of retro flair to any look) and trench coats (Burberry for instance has a timeless appeal.  The reliable craftsmanship ensures that each coat is built to last).  These are investment pieces.

Fashionable friends Joselle + Joan

And above all, have fun perusing through the racks and pick out something special.  Be careful of knockoffs though (unless you know and don’t mind).  Some of those can be fun too, but make sure it’s not passed off as the real thing.  It should come with a card or something that shows authentication.  I love some of the costume jewelery too.

Enjoy the search and even though you own what you wear; wear it your own way. Enjoy the thrill of the find.

PS: On my last visit to the monthly vintage market I picked up a promo card advertising the next curated vintage event during Modernism Week (I’ve since been). Got home and the card fell on the floor. When I picked it up, imagine my surprise when I noticed that on the other there was my photo with style icon Tziporah SalamonTHE ART OF DRESSING.”  I’m wearing A Pucci blouse I bought from Mitchells Palm Springs (Mitchell organizes the yearly curated event at Temple Isaiah).  His shop has tons of Pucci.

A toast to the Ladies who Lunch.  After the Curated Event we went to Trio’s restaurant.

Loved what Kiki was wearing against the restaurant art piece.

When was the last time you went vintage shopping?  It’s a bit different from consignment (which can encompass everything from all types of gently used clothing styles to high quality fairly new styles including some vintage, depending on the store).

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Modernism Home Show

This is THE BEST MODERNIST DESIGN EVENT during Modernism Week!

Modernism Week’s signature Home Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center took place February 14 – 17, 2025, highlighting midcentury modern art, furniture, interior design, jewelry and vintage culture.  It always starts off with a cocktail party on opening night which ensures lots of people watching.  If you missed it, there’s always next year. The preview party ticket includes a hosted open bar and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, show catalog,  valet parking, and return entry all weekend. Plus you get first dibs on everything! Here are some pics from last weekend.  Starting with the outside of the Convention Center because of its beauty:

Crouching Tiger (no hidden dragon) in Bronze by Steve Tyree – American Born – 1943. Funding provided by Palm Springs Public Arts Cummission, 1996.

On Sunday there was also a CLASSIC CAR SHOW from noon-3:00 pm.  A few pics:

All weekend long there was also several new displays outside the Convention Center of the latest innovation of Airstream Models.

Photos: d king

More about the show:

https://www.palmspringsmodernism.com/

 

Johnny Was

The Look of LOVE

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Photo: d. king   Mo Mo Kimono

Cool, eclectic, embroidered bohemian chic…

Photo: d. king

Those five words best describe this upscale boutique with locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert.  And let’s just say that caftans are back and kimonos are on the rise in a big way.  I’m seeing them everywhere.  Okay; only at the vintage markets and a handful of boutiques around here.  They seem to suit the laid back by-the-pool resort style with mimosa in hand don’t you think?  If only…

Photo: d. king

Photo: d. king

Photo; d. king

Photo: d. king

Photo; d. king   No Mo Kimono

In a perfect world I think I could live in them.

Photo: d. king

Locations:  Palm Desert: The gardens on El Paseo

Palm Springs: 175 N Palm Canyon Dr.

Design – seeing everything in black + white

I have a love/hate relationship when it comes to perusing open houses.

Mostly because I end up loving a lot of them and hate the fact that I can’t move right in or more likely, cannot afford to. But it’s fun to look.  I realize how many different styles of homes I’ve come to appreciate. From Mid-Century Modern easily influenced by where I’m at, to old world Spanish hacienda and country cottage chic but in a Cape Cod sort of way.  I like furnishings that are modern, vintage, collectible and contemporary but comfortable.  Mixed with vibrant colour or plain neutral.  I don’t like too stark.  I prefer warmth. But then I saw this:

I literally stumbled upon this unassuming ranch style home for sale in my neighborhood when out walking the dogs.  It’s not quite finished being updated (at least on the outside) but I was curious so I wandered inside.

It was not showy; actually kind of simple in a bold statement kind of way. What I like is how clean and elegant black and white looks.  Very parisienne.  Very timeless.  Very me. at the very moment  Could it be I’m suffering from  homestyle schitzophrenia? 

Jia Jia on our walk.

Seeing something opposite to what you already have gives fresh perspective to how you can decorate.  It doesn’t make it better, it just gives it a different personality.  It’s always fun to see what others are doing when it comes to home decor or anything else for that matter.

Do you agree?

Photos: d. king