Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: Vintage Glory - Donald Street Location

Vintage Glory 380 Donald Avenue (between Notre Dame and Cumberland)
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204-942-7186
vintageglory09@gmail.com

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***** out of 5

Have you ever lost touch with a friend and then run into them somewhere and wonder why you stayed away so long? This is how I felt last week when I finally visited Vintage Glory's new location. If you're a long, long time reader of this blog you may remember my previous review of this stellar store when it resided in its Albert Street location. Some of you may also remember my heartbreak when the shop closed in 2011 to merge with the lovely ladies of  Rhymes with Orange. To me, this left a hole in the Winnipeg vintage scene and several holes in my closet - I began to buy more and more online as there was no longer a shop in town which seemed to cater to my vintage needs. But with Vintage Glory's triumphant return in the spring this year, all of that is behind us now. 

The new location is even more beautiful than the previous - Doug (the owner) has clearly spent many hours renovating and updating this space. It has plenty of vintage charm (I read the school house style lights on the main floor are from Doug's former High School, Daniel Mac); I might even say it boasts a bit of retro glamour - with it's high black painted tin ceiling and luxurious striped dressing room curtain. 
 The shop is merchandized impeccably with beautiful displays and an abundance of carefully curated vintage treasures waiting to be taken home. 

One of the features of this new location is the abundance of beautiful vintage purses and clutches provided by Doug's wife Lori. If you are looking for a show stopping bag to complete and outfit this is your place. Depending on the age and detailing of the purse, most hover around the $40-75 range. 

Please don't stop your shopping on the main floor, the new Donald Street location has a room in the basement chock full with more dresses, sweaters, blouses, menswear and an entire room dedicated to shoes!

And speaking of menswear, just as the Albert Street location was the best spot to buy men's vintage in Winnipeg, this location is no different: Leather jackets, chunky knit sweaters, military jackets and tux coats, bow ties and fedoras. Simply put, there is still no better place to buy men's vintage. 

The prices are still reasonable, but I did notice a slight increase in cost on my favourite items: dresses, suits, hats and bags. Despite this small hike in retail costs, this shop is still reasonable and affordable, especially when compared to online prices. 

Vintage Glory is a true sartorial nostalgia lovers paradise. It doesn't cater to one particular era, but carries anything and everything from turn of the century antiques to 70's disco era dresses - just like a good 'ole vintage shop should be. There is something for everyone. The store's 2 year absence from the Winnipeg vintage scene did little to diminish its impeccable qualities as a vintage store. A definite stop for anyone on the hunt for quality vintage in Winnipeg. 


Lisa.xo

Minxy Vintage: How to Customize and Wear Vintage Clothing. A Review

I can't remember now how I first heard about this book. Probably some random internet meanderings...needless to say I read about it, curiosity took over and about 20 minutes later I'd ordered it on Amazon.

Aesthetically, it's a beautiful book. Lovely textured hardcover and glossy pages filled with stunning photos. It even has a little ribbon bookmark. A pretty book worthy of any coffee table.

I have mixed feelings about the content, however. It is beautifully written - somewhat flowery, somewhat conversational. But I would argue that this book is more inspirational rather than a "How To" book as the title claims.

The book is separated into chapters, each one dedicated to a different type of clothing to be re-invented: dresses, wedding wear, jackets and coats, tops and blouses, skirts etc...
Each chapter begins with a double page spread called "Work in Progress" showing a few of the items before Kelly customized them along with sketches and notes about the work to be done - kindof like a scrapbook or inspiration board. The following pages show Kelly modelling her  custom work in beautiful photos alongside a personal story about each item and a quick overview of the work she did to  customize each piece.

I was disappointed that there were not before, in-progress and after shots of each piece. You only get to see styled, editorial "after" shots of most of the items and in some cases it's difficult to see what the piece looks like due to the nature of the photograph. For the clothing featured with before photos in the "Work in Progress" section I had to flip back and forth to compare - which I found a bit annoying.
I also couldn't help but wish for some more details - photos, step by step details etc. - about how she revamped each piece. I found her descriptions quick and a bit of a tease - I wanted to know more!

If you are new to vintage, have some basic sewing techniques in your back pocket, find yourself falling for pieces with a bit too much wear and don't know how to fix them I would recommend this book for inspiration only. If you are a beginner seamstress, however, this book will not be helpful - Kelly is clearly a skilled seamstress and assumes the reader knows what she does. At times her 'restoration' instructions are too vague for even a intermediate seamstress like myself to follow.

So, in terms of a "How To" book it's a bit of a fail for me. This being said, I am not disappointed with my purchase. I found her ideas very inspiring - particularly how she dyes vintage clothing to make it new. This is something I'm now keen to try more of on different items. My favourites were a dyed wedding dress (see the centre image in the picture collage below), a dyed girdle and dyed cardigan.
I am also inspired to deconstruct dresses with too much wear into either a skirt and or a blouse (see the bottom left corner of the photo collage for an example of a dress made skirt in Kelly's book).
I already employ most of her techniques in regards to cleaning, repairing, re-beading, taking in and hemming - so this was nothing new to me. I have on occasion revamped a piece entirely, but I find it rather time consuming. Kelly makes it look so good though I'm considering pulling some half finished projects out of the closet for another round.

If you love beautiful books and are keen for some inspiration I would recommend Minxy Vintage. If you are looking for a step by step guide on how to alter and restore vintage clothing, keep moving, this book isn't for you.

Lisa.xo

Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: Debbie's Vintage (at the Johnston Terminal Antique Mall in The Forks)

Debbie's Vintage (in the Johnston Terminal Antique Mall) 25 Forks Market Rd
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204-947-3952

*** out of 5

Debbie's Vintage does not have a physical storefront, it is a "booth" within the maze that is the Johnston Terminal Antique Mall at the Forks Market in downtown Winnipeg. Debbie emailed me a number of months ago and asked if I could stop by her booth and review her shop. Little did she know I'd already been shopping at her secret spot for a few years now.

Without any knowledge of this shop from an outside source, one may never know of its existence. And this, my dear readers is why I love reviewing local vintage shops. Some are well known, but I am thrilled to be able to share this secret little treasure trove with you all.

Debbie's section of the antique mall is tidy, organized and well kept. It's very easy to shop. Her stock is comprised entirely of women's wear (if there was men's where there, I missed it) from the 40's to modern clothing with a retro flair.

Novice vintage shoppers beware though: there are no sales staff helping with your purchase (the antique mall has staff at the front counter to ring in sales, but they are not familiar with specific dealer stock, unfortunately) and no dressing rooms to try on clothes. So if you are not familiar with labels, construction, sizing and fit you may end up with an 80's dress that looks 50's and not the real deal since Debbie's Vintage carries a very wide range of eras. If this is not a concern for you, then shop with wild abandon!

This being said, Debbie's section of the mall is clearly well curated. Every piece is clean, well kept and in excellent condition. So even if you buy a modern piece, I assure you that it will be in great, wearable, like-new condition (I bought a modern black silk skirt on my last visit and it has been one of the best purchases I've made in ages! I love it!).

Prices in Debbie's shop are reasonable and well within what is expected in the Winnipeg vintage market.

And let me not forget the accessories! Debbie's Vintage has a plethora of beautiful accessories ranging from shoes, hats, purses, costume jewelry and even vintage glasses - most of which are behind glass. Be sure to ask staff at the front desk if you are interested in a closer look. They will be happy to help you.

On this note, if you have a burning question about one of the pieces in the "shop" the staff will typically try and call the seller to see if they are available to chat and answer your question. Debbie also has a Facebook page where I'm sure you could message her if need be.

I would recommend this little "shop" to vintage shoppers with a little more experience under their belts as you are shopping without a safety net. Otherwise, this is a fun, relatively unknown spot tucked in amongst some other beautiful vintage treasures in the heart of one of Winnipeg's best antique malls.

Lisa.xo

Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: Rhymes with Orange

Rhymes with Orange 223 McDermot Ave
Facebook
204-946-5212
rhymeswithorangevintage@gmail.com

**** out of 5

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This review is long overdue. Rhymes with Orange has become one of Winnipeg's most successful new vintage shops.
It is co-owned by Vintage Glory's owner Doug Shand and two lovey ladies Stephanie Hiebert and Erin Theissen.

I think my hesitation in writing this review has stemmed from Steph and Erin's amazing online presence and promotion of their shop on their blog Oh So Lovely!. What more could I say? How could I contribute? Rhymes with Orange has become such a huge part of the Winnipeg Vintage landscape that I am suddenly finding it impossible not to give my two cents. 


Rhymes with Orange is more like a beautiful boutique filled with vintage than your classic vintage shop. Steph and Erin have done everything they can to make it pleasing to the eye as well as easy to shop.

The first thing you see when you walk in is the front counter filled with goodies: brooches, vintage glasses, bow ties and many other vintage accessories. And usually Erin or Steph's smiling face behind with a warm greeting (they remember their regulars!).

Before you can shop the women's section you've gotta walk through the menswear. The men's section is stocked by Doug and it easily the best place (perhaps the only decent place!?) to find men's vintage in Winnipeg. Leather jacket? yup. Band jackets? sure. Knitted sweater with a duck on the back? got those. Smoking jacket? got those too.
The men's section also carries a variety of tee-shirts, bowling shirts and western style button ups. The selection and quality that Vintage Glory once had has been carried over to this store. This is my go-to place to buy vintage menswear.

Most of the store is consumed with ladies wear. Hats and shoes are beautifully displayed along one wall  and beyond are blouses, skirts and dresses. The back of the store has a small section of vintage mid century modern housewares.

The thing I miss at Rhymes with Orange is Doug's selection of ladies vintage. Erin and Steph do an amazing job stocking the store with a variety of vintage you can't find anywhere else in the city (they make several treks to Asia every year to shop for the store! so exciting!), I find at times that some of the vintage variety is lacking for my personal taste. Doug's taste in vintage ran a bit older like mine: 30's-50's and I bought much, much more form him at his previous shop. I often leave Rhymes with Orange empty handed because most of the stock hails from the late 60's-70's. When I do find a dress in my era though, I tend to snap it up (I recently bought a gorgeous 40's dress from them that I am dying to wear!!).

I have not let this effect the star rating in this review however, RwO is a great shop with great selection for people looking to get into vintage. Their stock is pretty and right on trend - the girls really know what is in style, what sells and they get in on the racks! I must commend them for that!

I adore their accessories! If you want enamel floral brooches in bright fun colours for less than $30, this is your place! Rhymes with Orange is also the best place in Winnipeg to buy reproduction vintage sunglasses. At 2 pairs for $30 you just can't go wrong. This is where I buy my signature cat eye sunglasses.

And speaking of prices, this shop is definitely easy on the wallet. Prices are reflective of the Winnipeg vintage market - items are priced about 1/2 as much as something would sell online. For example, most day dresses are under $40.

Overall, Rhymes with Orange is a great shop! It is easy to shop and has accessible, easy to wear vintage. It is definitely the first place I bring "non-vintage" shoppers when they want to shop with me. It breaks all the stigma's associated with vintage and thrift stores.



Steph & Erin's online shop and blog:

Oh So Lovely Blog

The Lovely Closet Online Shop



Check out my other reviews: Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed

Lisa.xo

Outfits: Aloha!

Summer has arrived in Winnipeg and I couldn't be happier! I saw Modcloth's 'Coastal Break' Retro Playsuit Set via Pintrest months ago and was instantly smitten. If you remember I have been wanting a matching playsuit set and this one is exactly what I was looking for! 

I feel like I should be on a tropical island in this outfit - Hawaii would be perfect!!

I'd never bought anything from Modcloth before - I find their stuff cute, but pricey - I'm much more inclined to spend that much on something vintage rather than new. I couldn't resist though and decided to splurge. I'm so happy I did...how cute is this outfit?!?!

Despite loving the look of these pieces, I have mixed reviews of my purchase. The quality, cut and design of the set is great! Exactly as it appears on the website. The sizing on both the top and skirt, however, both run big - particularly the skirt. Thankfully it was nothing my trusty sewing machine couldn't handle. Rather than return my items I decided it was just as easy to alter them to fit me. 

I bought a medium in both items. The top was definitely the right size for my bust, but I had to shorten the straps about 1 1/2". 

The skirt was quite big on me. I probably should have bought a small - I always have this problem. Apparently I'm smaller than I think I am - but I always tend to buy a bit big and alter to fit. I had to take the skirt in a whole 2". Modcloth's website says a medium should be a 27-28" waist, which is exactly what I have, so I thought I'd be ok this time...ah well...good thing I've got skills with a sewing machine. 

So after a painless 20 minutes of pinning and sewing I've got this cute ensemble! I received many compliments when I wore it out and it's so comfortable and cool! Win! I am imagining all sorts of summer outfits for these pieces -together and separately.

I did wear a short slip under the skirt so it didn't stick to my legs too much, but the skirt has a wonderful fullness without a crinoline due to the stiffness of the cotton. 

Unfortunately, Modcloth seems to be sold out of the skirt, but the top is still available. They do seem to have other playsuit separates for sale right now though here and here. I can't vouch for those ones specifically, but I know I adore mine and despite minor issues in sizing, would recommend them! 

White Hair Flower: Ricki's Sample Sale

Retro 'Coastal Break' Playsuit Set: Modcloth

Bangles: Thrifted

Vintage Bamboo Purse: Thrifted, Value Village

Denim Espadrilles: George

Lisa.xo

My Favourite Daytime Lipsticks

For a special event or for an evening out, I love a red lip. But day to day I feel a red lip is sometimes a little much. So I've found a few vintage-look friendly alternatives I'd like to share with you. 

In no particular order, here are my favourite go-to daytime lip colours:

Benefit Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain layered with Benefit Lip Balm

I love Benefit Rose-Tinted Cheek and Lip Stain! This is the product I use daily as blush and occasionally use on my lips as well. 

As a cheek stain it's unstoppable! Nothing looks more natural and has more staying power in this application. As a lip stain, it's got its issues - it tastes terrible, it is not long lasting and it tends to stain the  inside of your lips with much more pigment than the outside of your lips. However, with a little help - and this is where the lip balm comes in - it is great! 

The stain acts as a base, giving the lip balms' colour more depth. The result is a rosy pink, slightly glossy lip that works well with any look - day or night. 

And the gloss by itself is also lovely, just a more subtle hit of colour on the lips. 

Both of these products are a bit pricey - The cheek & lip stain at $30 and the lip balm at $20 (the Benefit website doesn't seem to be selling the lip balm anymore!! I hope it's not discontinued! I just bought a new pot recently at my local pharmacy..), but they last forever! I use the cheek and lip stain every day and buy only 2 bottles a year.

Here is the stain on my lips before the lip balm. I recommend careful application here. Take your time and concentrate the colour on the outer edges of your lips. 

You can see how icky it looks...it settles into the fine lines (eep!) around my lips and looks blotchy..

This is after the application of the lip balm over the stain. You can see here how the lip balm hides all of the imperfections of the lip stain and the result is very pretty!

And my mug with the stain and lip balm. It's a hint of red, but not in your face like true red lipstick. 

MAC Cyndi Lauper Viva Glam Lipstick

I love this lipstick. I would marry it if I could. And what you see in this picture is all I have left people...   Waaahh!! And it's a discontinued Viva Glam colour. I went back and bought another after I bought this one and kept it in my freezer until I was ready to use it I loved it so much after I bought the first one. 

I've heard there are good 'dupes' out there for this colour and I will shortly be searching the universe for them.. I will bring back my findings. 

For $16 this lipstick is amazing! It is a beautiful coral pink colour (very vintage friendly). It is creamy and has incredible staying power. It looks good day or night and with any manner of outfit. 

I didn't want to waste any by putting it on to take photos for this blog post, so I an providing a picture of me wearing this lipstick from another post. 

So, unfortunately friends, you can't buy this one, but if you know of any good substitutes or you love this colour as much as me and want some company to whine with about it being unavailable please talk to me! 

And my new favourite:
Revlon's Colorstay Ultimate Suede

I saw commercials for this product and am always interested in a lipstick that promises to stay put all day, so I went out and bought myself one. This colour is 'Finale' (095) and shows very true to colour in these photos. This colour is a pretty close match to my MAC Cyndi, but it's a little more coral and less pink. 

This lipstick set me back $15 and was worth every penny! It goes on well and has great pigment and delivers what it promises! It actually stays all day! I do have to reapply once during the day, but that ain't a whole heck of a lot after eating, drinking and the occasional kiss from The Boy! We even shared a can drink the other day and he didn't walk away with lipstick on his face after! Impressive! 

Unlike other all day lipsticks this is a one step application - which I love. And you can wipe it off with a kleenex if you've mucked up. It's not so permanent that you need makeup remover to get rid of it. It does feel a bit waxy after a few hours, but I think that's part of the magic...it never feels dry though. 

Here it is up close and personal:

My only beef with this line is that there is no true red shade. This seemed to be the reddest shade available. I'd be over the moon if Revlon released a true red shade in this lipstick, but I'll take this one for now! 

And there they are! My fav daytime shades.

What are your go-to daytime lipsticks? Do you prefer subtler coral and pink shades like me? Or do you wear red day and night? 

Lisa.xo

Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: The Foundre

The Foundre 1326 Portage Ave
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204-505-1326

Inside The Foundre

***1/2 out of 5

The Foundre is a tiny little store front on Portage Avenue just east of Polo Park. If you blink, you'll miss it. The inside of this little shop is packed to the ceiling with vintage and antique treasures of all kinds. Foundre is not just a clothing store, it also carries vintage and antique housewares, tchotchkes, textiles and sometimes furniture. 

I happened upon this funny little shop driving home one of the performers who I worked with earlier this year. Upon entering, I knew I'd found a gem. Foundre is the stuff that vintage stores are made of: a vintage cornicopial feast for the eyes. I didn't know what to look at first and I must admit, I was a bit overwhelmed - I didn't know such a small space could hold so much stuff!

I had only taken about three steps into the shop (which for reference, took me about halfway into the store) and I met Candace - the owner. She's a lovely, friendly woman with her ear to the pulse of the vintage scene in Winnipeg. I spent the majority of my first visit chatting with her about Winnipeg, other shops and owners in town and life. 

After our chat I finished my tour of the shop - eyeballing some lovely things I was wanting to take home, but decided (on the rare occasion) to restrain myself. I've been back several times since and purchased a few things - all of which I am thrilled with. They were clean, pressed and in excellent condition. 

One of the neatest items in the shop is the turn of the century Louis Vuitton suitcase  (see picture on the right above)! I've never seen one in person before! It is available for rent for photoshoots or could be yours for the mere price of $1000! Needless to say, I drooled a bit, took a picture and left it in the store...

The shop is well lit and clean. The prices are not rock bottom, nor are they so high one might never think of purchasing something there - items in the store are happily mid range. 

The only possible downside I could see to this shop is that with such a small space it is easy to walk away empty handed - due only to the fact that there can only be so much stock on the floor at one time. 

That being said, Candace is constantly taking in consignment and new product, so frequent visits are a must! And the word about this shop seems to be spreading! It seems to me that the good stuff goes quickly. 

Diminutive size aside, The Foundre is a good old fashioned vintage shop: no smoke and mirrors to distract from the amazing vintage product. Everything is carefully arranged to the ceiling and waiting to be discovered. This is the stuff vintage dreams (and good stories!) are made of. 

Check out all of my Winnipeg Vintage Reviews here!

Lisa.xo

A Fair Trade

In June, Lauren Rennells (of the Bobby Pin Blog and Vintage Hairstyling and Make-up Books fame) posted that she was looking to trade vintage hair styling books for one of her new hairstyling or make-up books with her readers. What?! That's awesome!

It just so happened that I had a vintage 1969 hairstyling book that my Mom bought me in a thrift store that I have never used, but have kept hidden among my piles of books in the basement. I took some pictures of it and emaiedl Lauren within minutes of reading the post.

this is the book 

She got back to me and said she'd love to trade! I had been coveting her Vintage Hairstyling book, but did have not have the money to dedicate to it. This was the perfect solution!

Within the week I sent my old book out into the mail and eagerly watched my own mailbox for Lauren's book to arrive.

I was ecstatic when it finally got here! I ripped open the package, plopped on the couch and began devouring it immediately.

Now I know that I am severely behind in this, as many other bloggers have posted their own reviews about this book when it was released, but what's one more consumer report in an otherwise totally flooded market right?!
That's right, so here I go...

If you are a "vintage" girl or enjoy replicating vintage styles sporadically (like me) you need this book. It is an incredible resource for any modern vintage girl. May I even suggest that no girl's arsenal is complete without one? (how did I live without it for so long!?)

The book is chock full of amazing photos, both of the eye candy and educational variety.
I'm incredibly thrilled about the detailed section on pin curls. When I do set my hair in pin curls I usually do a basic set (all curls pinned the same way) and place them on my head any which way rather quickly. The book really makes understanding how to make a proper set for an actual style very easy. I'm excited to try out a couple of techniques (particularly the horizontal wave) next time I do a set.

And for those of you who are not keen on a wet set, the book outlines how to accomplish most of the styles with a curling rod or hot rollers. Brilliant!

And this book is not just for 40s/50s lovers. It has samples of styles from the 20s/30s to the "Mad Men Era" of the 60s.

And if that wasn't enough, at the back of the book is a sampling of how to complete your vintage look with tips on appropriate vintage hair accessories, make-up and nail tips! Lauren has thought of everything!

Now all of this being said, I don't think these techniques are for the novice hair twirler. I think, to have any first time success in replicating these styles you must have some hair styling practice (but perhaps not of the professional variety) under your belt. You will also need to own a curling rod (1" or smaller), hot rollers and bobby pins at least to start (not including hair products). But if you are a beginner, I say buy the book, read it and give it a try! Really, what have you got to loose? It's just hair my friends. If it all goes awry you can always put it up into a bun and call it a day.

In conclusion, if you don't already own this book, go buy it! And a HUGE thanks to Lauren for her generosity in trading with me. I hope she is enjoying the book I sent her as much as I'm enjoying her book.

Lisa.xo

Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: WildWood Rose Vintage (Winnipeg's Premier Underground Vintage Shop)

WildWood Rose Vintage309 Churchill Dr
Etsy Shop
wildwoodrose@mts.net
204-955-1967

***** out of 5

This spring I had the pleasure of meeting Patti Henderson of Etsy's WildWood Rose Vintage. I was looking for someone to buy the remaining vintage stock from my consignment at Ruby Slipper. It turns out Patti was advertising on Kijiji looking for vintage to purchase. I, of course, answered the ad and found myself in Patti's basement 3 days later.

Here's the thing about WildWood Rose: it's not just an Etsy shop. Patti also sells her stock out of her basement shop in her own home. It's tricked out with clothes racks and stuffed to the gills with quality vintage! I had heard rumblings about this underground vintage shop, but never knew how to find it! The minute I walked down the stairs I knew I'd found heaven!

Patti's shop is pretty special. Not everyone knows about it and not just anyone can drop in to shop it. You can of course buy at will from her online shop through Etsy , but if you want to peruse the goods in Patti's basement you must have an invitation. It is not open to the public. The shop is open by appointment only.

Now I'm not normally one for elitism, but knowing that I've stepped into Winnipeg's underground vintage shop makes me feel pretty cool. And I'm sure if you live in Winnipeg and are genuinely looking for something you could contact Patti (contact info is at the top of the post), or convo her through her Etsy shop and get an invite. You too can feel cool like me.

Patti is a costume designer for film and has developed her taste for vintage as well as her collection through years of working on movies in both Canada and the United States.

She was very friendly and we talked easily about vintage and Winnipeg's film community for over an hour while she sorted through my vintage and I sifted through hers. She told me she can host bachelorette parties (bring your own wine or champagne and shop till your hearts content with your gal pals!) and has been known to have an open house on weekends where anyone savvy enough to be in the loop can drop in and shop sans invitation (watch her Etsy shop announcements and Facebook page for this info)! 

WildWood Rose Vintage is a well curated shop full of high quality vintage clothing from the 20's to the 70's. Everything has been cleaned and repaired prior to hitting the sales floor. I was overwhelmed looking through the racks in Patti's shop. There were so many beautiful pieces! If I was in the market for a gorgeous vintage suit or party dress, I would call Patti first.
Her shop is not confined to clothes alone, there were, of course, racks and racks of shoes, many hats and beautiful purses! Not to mention jewellery and other beauty accessories (I still have my eye on an antique Bakelite and Celluloid Vanity Set). I could spend many hours and many dollars in Patti's shop. It's been a long time since I've felt that way about shop in Winnipeg.

As for the clothes and accessories I brought in to sell, Patti was very precise about what she wanted to buy and what she did not. This impressed me. As a seller, she knows what is moving, what she can use in films she's working on and what is stagnant or unusable to her. She is not just taking anything and everything that might be considered vintage. I truly wish I had taken everything I had to her in the beginning instead of consigning at Ruby Slipper first. She bought nearly everything I brought outright and offered me top dollar for it (she even told me I had excellent taste! Flattery will get you everywhere!) and, as you would expect, did some trade for a few items I couldn't leave without. I was thrilled with the cheque she cut me and even more thrilled with my new finds!

Be warned though, you will pay top dollar for vintage in Patti's shop. Her prices are not your typical discounted Winnipeg vintage prices. They are more comparable to the internet market, but well worth the extra money.

Wildwood Rose Vintage is the kind of shop the Winnipeg vintage landscape desperately needs. Quality vintage, well curated and cared for, carrying a broad range of styles and eras for any kind of vintage clothing fanatic. It may be said that the only downside is that it does not have a brick and mortar store front in a commercial area open to the public. I wouldn't say that though. I think it's current incarnation only adds to it's allure.


Lisa.xo

For more 'Winnipeg Vintage Reviews' click here and scroll down.

Winnipeg Vintage Reviewed: Ruby Slipper

The Ruby Slipper Vintage Shoppe **RUBY SLIPPER HAS MOVED to 370 St Anne's Road**
204-237-4976

image courtesy of Google Maps Streetview

**** out of 5

Ruby Slipper is a bit of a diamond in the rough. It's tucked away on Sargent Avenue far from any trendy district or other vintage shop. The outside of the building is unassuming and its interior is unadorned, undecorated and utilitarian.

By no means in saying this am I implying that Ruby Slipper is an inferior store. The shop does not need any fancy bells and whistles. The carefully selected stock that owner Tracy provides her customers is enough to make any trip worth while. 

Ruby Slipper is operated a little like a regular retail store; stock is rotated seasonally and if it's not moving quickly is marked down and put on sale. If you want a holiday dress, for example, November and December are the months to visit. Summer Dress? April/May is when summer stock starts to come in. Operating the store this way is a great way to keep customers happy and coming back frequently for more! I don't believe I've seen the same stuff there on any two visits. 

In spite of this seemingly positive feature, I did debate on whether I should have given this shop a 3/5 for this very reason. If, like me, you prefer older vintage (40's/50's/60's) there are definitely times to visit to make the most of your trip. Stock in these eras can be depleted and picked over "in between seasons".  A visit to the store at these times can have you leaving empty handed. However, Ruby does sell some modern, trendy and designer clothing. These items seem to fill the gap at these "in between season" times.  If you're looking for something in particular it's imperative to know when Tracy stocks the store. And thankfully in the electronic information age we live in, phone call to find this information out isn't even necessary. Ruby Slipper is very active on their Facebook page and update store activity, sales and new stock frequently.

After some consideration, I decided on a 4/5 review due to the fact that I have, in actuality, only left the store empty handed a few times. And this, of course, is to be expected when shopping for vintage. The trick with Ruby, as I've said, is to know when to visit. 

If you do visit Ruby Slipper and Tracy is working be prepared for a chat! She's a fast talkin' gal who knows her stock and her customers inside and out. She has a keen eye for sizes (on my first visit she told me the size 6 dress in my hand would be too small...she was right. I fit a size 8 in her store) and will help point you towards the good stuff among the vast amount of stock, saving you time digging while you shop. 

Ruby Slipper also offers consignment and will make house calls for large collections. They offer a 50/50 consignment rate, which, I believe to be one of the best rates in the city. Do be warned though, Ruby will only take items that are clean, undamaged, appropriate for the upcoming season and a good fit for their customers. 

Overall, Ruby Slipper is a great vintage shop and worth the trip to its obscure location. The stock is typically well curated and varied enough to suit any vintage aficionado's taste. 

Lisa.xo

Banana Republic Mad Men Begonia Dress Review

It's here! or rather...I got it! Because Winnipeg is only an hour and a half drive from the Canada/US border we shipped the dress to a parcel pick-up depot on the US side of the border making it $70 cheaper than ordering from BR's Canadian site and having it shipped to my door. Score! Yesterday we drove to pick up the dress.

But I'm stalling. You all want to know what I think of my new dress don't you?

In a word, I'd say I'm dissapointed. The dress I ordered is WAY too big. I'd like to start this rant off by saying that as someone who has designed and sewn costumes before, worked in a costume shop for 4 years and worked in the Fit and Quality department at a major Canadian retailer for a year makes me more than comfortable around a tape measure.
In short, I know what size I am. I know what my measurements are.

According to Banana Republic's size chart I should be a size 10. I have a 37" bust and a 28 1/2" waist. A size 10 (according to their chart) should have a 37" bust and a 29" waist. I thought "Perfect! It will fit my bust and have room for comfort and movement in the waist." So I ordered it.

Well, here's what it looks like on me:

Is it hard to tell that it's too big on me? I feel like this picture isn't doing it justice.

Here's how much extra room there is:

The bust of this dress actually measures 40", 3" larger than advertised and the waist measures 32", also 3" larger than advertised. Now you see why I'm dissapointed?

And of course BR is sold out of size 8's.

All of this being said, there are many things about this dress I like.

I love that it has an exposed metal zipper with a grosgrain pull (handy for getting ones dress on by oneself!). Perfect vintage style detail.

I love, love, love that it has pockets! All dresses should have pockets. Period. They make me happy.

I've read online that some people are less than impressed with the construction and quality of the dress. I for one think that it's well made and is rightfully deserving a modern $150US price tag. Let's keep in mind ladies, this is not a vintage dress. It does not bear the same quality and care that our beloved vintage clothing has. It was made overseas like everything else in the mall. The difference is that it has a "MadMen" label on it to entice crazy people like me to buy it.

I also love the print. It is just as nice in person as it is in the photos online.

Aside from the size. This dress has met all of my expectations. I was sooo excited about this collection and even more excited that I'd get to own a piece from it. I'm so dissapointed.

Ok, now that I've said what needs to be said I can give you the good news.

I have a wonderful friend Jen (who I've mentioned before on this blog) who is amazing with a sewing machine. For my birthday she gave me this:

Do you like how I've used my bracelets as paperweight? The paper was rolled when I got it. 

And she has deemed my dress alterable and will fix it up for me!! Thank you Jen! You're the best!!

And you all know I will show you the dress once altered. Stay Tuned!

Lisa.xo

Totally Addicted Right Now!

I really can't rememeber how it started, but I've recently been watching That 80's Show episodes online. Yes, I know, people do not like this show. I'm not one of them. I think it's campy and fun! I wish it would have ran for more than one season.

I truly think that it was just ahead of its time in 2002. If the show had ran now with all the 80's nostaligia coming back I think it would have done much better in the ratings department.

I really love the girls on the show!

Tinsley Grimes as Corey's sister Katie is just too adorable for words! And I really love her Madonna/Cydi Lauper style! So cute!

Chyler Leigh as Tuesday the punk rock chick just intrigues me. I really wanted to see her character progress. (I'm bummed, I couldn't find a good picture of her with her spikes!)

And Brittany Daniel as Sophie was just outrageous and funny.

The men on the other hand I could take or leave, except for maybe Corey. So I'm not going to bother mentioning them. (It's my blog, I can do what I want)

This is a clip from one of my favorite episodes! Enjoy!



Have a great day!

Lisa.xo