Vintage Hollywood Movie Stars, who are THEY?

Upcoming in the next couple of weeks there will be a contest going on at Sydney's Vintage Loose Thread's. I will be posting pictures of couples of Hollywood Stars from days gone by. If one poster gets 20 points, he/she wins a $50 gift certificate, from Sydney's Vintage Clothing! And of course the first person to enter your guess (comment) first will be credited for your answer. There will be 11 couples total, (22 points possible) EACH person will count 1 point. Not bad to earn $50 gift certificate, and fun too! So check back often for pictures of Hollywood Movie Stars, and get those entries in fast. Don't forget, guess the COUPLES name. Good Luck!

Congratulations goes to poster: Lisa for 1 point. Jack Lemmons is correct. But who is the lady?

Sorry Lisa, Joan ____???? is NOT correct! Hint: Joan is NOT even her first name!

Playtex The SLIM Tube

The holidays are just right around the corner and in January of 1954 Maureen O'Hara stated, "You can't give yourself a lovelier present than a PLAYTEX figure!" America's Greatest Movie Magazine, Modern Screen, also reads, "Glamorous motion picture star says: "Playtex is a real all-occasion girdle - ideal for work or play."

So there you have it ladies, Playtex girdles is the work out you have been waiting for in order to slim down in those evening gowns! (the easiest Slim Fast Diet!) But fella's let me make a suggestion, back in the 50's Playtex sold these girdles in the SLIM tube. They were known everywhere as the girdle in the SLIM tube. The tubes are hard to find today! Good news guys, I have 2 of them in my lingerie department in my online vintage clothing store. So you can add them to her Christmas stocking. It is never too early to start your holiday shopping!


P.S. Even better news fella's, take a closer look at the lingerie department, you just might find a surprise to enclose in the tube too!

Vintage Deal of the Day

Announcing the Deal of the Day for Friday, September 28, 2007, One day only. Save 25% on your TOTAL order, when you spend $45 or more at Sydney's Vintage Clothing. See Store for details. Once it is sold, it is sold!

Also check out the Special Promotions and see how you could Win a $25 gift certificate, one to be given away Each week in October!

For the love of Vintage

Pictured here is Debbie Reynolds in a sweet fruit embroidered sweater on the cover of a Movie Album magazine from 1956. The magazine is stating, Debbie Reynolds is the star of MGM's, "The Tender Trap" and "The Catered Affair". Read more of Reynold's Biography and how she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the 82nd Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

When I saw this picture of the sweater, Debbie has on in this 1956 photo, I was quickly reminded of a similar one I had in stock. (at the time of writing this blog). I think it is so incredibly neat to see "who" wore what back in the day! Maybe that is why I love vintage? How about you, why do you love vintage? Does it remind you of someone, a favorite memory, past time, etc? I would love to interview some viewers of why you love vintage. How you started wearing it? etc. Contact me, if you would like to be featured here at Sydney's Loose Threads.

Has this Vintage Dress Gone Nuts?

This may be the coolest and most unusual atomic dress that I have ever seen. Ladies if you wear a size small and you want to own a piece of vintage that is truly unique, then this is the dress for you. Wonderful retro blue, with atomic print. Check out the keyhole, and the shape of the keyhole! But wait a minute, what is that print? Nuts! As in Bolts and Nuts, a car repairman's, wife's dream dress! Yep Gents, let me tell you if you wrap this one up for her for Christmas she will truly go nuts for you! Tell Vintage Studio that Sydney sent you on over.

P.S. It is a little over 20 hours left and only @ $61.00. What a steal! Talk about under the radar!

Proper use of a Vintage Wedding Dress

The use of a vintage wedding dress seems to be a very hot topic these days, since Kate Moss went out partying in a 1930's wedding dress earlier this week. While enjoying her evening out on the town in London, to put it mildly, Courtney Love stepped on her train. The gorgeous wedding dress ripped, she continued partying, and well, the dress ..... totally destroyed.

So needless to say, there has been some talk around about the use of a vintage wedding dress, preferably the proper use of a vintage wedding dress. From the pictures above, without even reading the whole article one can see that partying anywhere in a 30's wedding gown is not the proper use.

Let's talk more of what is the proper use of a vintage wedding dress. I love stories of family traditions, legacy, heirlooms, etc. Charlotte Middleton recently tied the knot in a 100 year old wedding dress, that had been handed down to the SIXTH generation in her family. Take a look at the pictures, all the way from 1910.

Ladies and Gents, now this is a prime example of the proper use of a vintage wedding dress!

If you are a bride to be and still searching for that special "dress" for that special day, take a look at what Sydney's Bridal section has to offer, with more to come!

Want to Boogie All Night?

If your in the Boogie get down mood, and want to throw a party, here is the band for you. Boogie Fever is celebrating 10 years of "live" performances. Talk about quality, these guys use live 70's music, nothing pre-recorded. " BOOGIE FEVER has performed at Disneyland, Las Vegas, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Hawaii and all over Southern California and the Southwest. Boogie Fever is available for your wedding, corporate party, private party, or special event . . . large or small! We travel all over the United States and abroad, no event is too far! Competitive pricing and unequaled professionalism makes BOOGIE FEVER your #1 BEST entertainment value!" They even wear authentic vintage disco clothing! Call or email Jeff Stone today for a booking.

So now that you have got the band booked, what will you wear? No problem!, shop in my men's department for authentic vintage clothing . Find Disco shirts, Leisure Suits, Plaid Pants, Shoes, etc. and boogie on down!

Deal of the Day on Vintage Clothing

For some time now I have a special item of the day from my store, Sydney's Vintage Clothing, that I mark the price down, and it becomes the special of the day. This section of the store is called "Deal of the Day". But beware, once it is sold, it sold ! How does it work? I pick an item out from the store and add it under this category. I am going to share a secret here. Most people do not realize that although it is the "Deal of the Day", you can still get extra savings from the special promotions page too! *

So with this tidbit of information you are set to save Big on vintage fashion. Start saving today!

* See Store for Details.

The Little Black Dress

A couple of years ago, I received as a Christmas gift the book entitled, "The Little Black Dress Vintage Treasure" by Didier Ludot. The book features black dresses from every decade from the 20's - 2001. And as one might suspect, black dresses! I love the picture in the book of "Yohi Yamamoto deep in thought of the sequence of designs to be taken down the catwalk at the 1991 Spring-Summer Show."

Madeliene Fauth the designer of the dress pictured, designed with a passion for the petite lady, and she loved crinolines. Madeleine was known for creating the "booster", which is a half-length underskirt of coarse woven net. The booster was to be worn with a more traditional petticoat or six, which gave a curving line to the hips. She called the silhouette the "Dresden China Figurine look". *

In the upcoming weeks at Sydney's Vintage Clothing, I will be listing a ton of "Little Black Dresses", (among other items) from a broad fashion spectrum. From the early 20's through the 80's. You will know how Yohi felt, which black dress do I chose first? Shop often, in my online vintage clothing store, once it is sold, it is sold! And remember you don't have to choose just one, I will combine shipping.

* Information from a fashion historian.

Is your pilot light on?

Ohh La La! Smokin' HOT! This vintage 80's dress that is so definitely 50's Style is 2die4! (Well not in reality, no dress is worth dying for), but dramatically speaking. Fella's if that don't turn a man's head when she walks in the room with this one on, then you better check your pilot light! Gold shimmering halter bombshell in a Marilyn Monroe style. Sweet!

SpecialSomethings is also offering on her Ebay auctions a 50's vintage beaded Schiaparelli cardigan sweater. Ladies as I am writing this post, the sweater is only at $120.00 buy it now. Talk about under the radar! Ask Fran, the owner of Special Somethings, how would that Schiaparelli cardigan look as a cover up for cooler night with the gold bombshell dress? Ummm.... Sorry fella's but sometimes a woman does get cold and need to keep warm!

Vintage Clothing Slideshow

Offering some incredible vintage clothing at Sydney's with the holiday shopping in mind. So don't forget to check your social calendar, and get ready for your events.

Novelty Gift for Cat Dog Lover

It is getting close to that time of the year again when you will have to start thinking about what to buy that favorite animal lover in your life for Christmas. No problem! You don't even have to worry whether or not it will fit! This handbag is precious.


Whether your a dog or cat lover this is a must have. Lucitebox is offering this vintage 60's novelty carpet purse. One side features three dogs on a rug, and the other has three cats in a basket. Talk about the ultimate gift! Vintage, unique, definitely collectible, affordable, no crowded malls, shipped to your door. There is one thing you can be sure of, no matter what you purchase from Holly (owner of Lucitebox) it will be quality!

Breathtaking Lilli Ann 40's Suit

One could only dream of finding a 40's suit this dramatic, in splendid condition. It is one thing to find one without a designer label, but ladies take note of this classy Lilli Ann. Form fitted with a shoulder/serape drape, and cuffs matching. Talk about sophisticated! All you need is the alligator heels and matching handbag.

Joan owner of Catbooks1940s states"Adolph Schuman, the man behind Lilli Ann, was a serious connoisseur of fine fabric. The suit itself is made of fine very dark blue wool, and the shoulder drape is undoubtedly from the fine French fabric mills in Normandy". This suit is being offered for only $425.00. Can you imagine if you were to walk into Saks Fifth Avenue today, to purchase something equivalent to this how much it would be? As always, tell Joan that Sydney sent you.

Little Black Bombshell Dress

Every lady needs a little black dress for the holidays. Dorothea's Vintage has a stunning halter black velvet with sequin bombshell. Form fitted to hug all of those curves, open back. Ohh La La! Ladies labor day has past and the holidays will be here before you know it. If your in the Des Moines, Iowa area you can stop by her shop and try it own, but otherwise take a peek and tell Ang, the shop owner, that Sydney sent you.

All I want for Christmas, Scaasi!

Gentleman start your engines! No, not on your race car, although I am sure many of you love the Nascar races, but men let me tell you, there is only 105 days until Christmas morning! Can't you just see her face when she opens the box and discovers that you bought her the best?

Vintage 60's Arnold Scaasi Red Wool Coat with black trimmings, simply put, stunning! Arnold obtained a position with Charles James, won the Coty Fashion Critics Award, and Scaasi designed the inaugural dress Barbara Bush wore in 1989. Quite an incredible resume`.

This gorgeous red coat is over at Ebay auctions and goes off in less than 21 hours, it starts out at $59.99. The seller bad*kitty*vintage has 4795 feedback's a a GLOWING 100% record! That is simply outstanding. So you know from the designer and the seller what an under the radar bargain this is!

What a steal! Men, she will be thrilled you got it and learned so much about the designer label. Be sure and tell Kathy that Sydney sent you.

Vintage Hand Spun Dress from Sweden

Just the title sounds like BIG bucks! Let's face it, anything hand made in 2007 with some high class fashion seamstress is going to cost you. If you shop over at aprizeeverytime, she won't have you go ask the bank for a loan! While browsing her store you will find a tremendous dress with a label that is worth taking note. "Hand woven in Ripsa, Sweden, by Ebba von Eckermann."

Mary Catherine has done her homework and tells you a thorough history of the label, here is a small blurb, " In the mid-50s, Virginia “Jimmie” Wagoner Booth, a buyer for years at Lord & Taylor who helped launch the careers of Cashin and McCardell, among others, traveled to Sweden to convince Countess Ebba von Eckermann to design skirts and gowns specifically for Lord & Taylor with her colorful handwoven fabrics."

There are more interesting facts about the sisters in this ad. Check it out!

Vintage Luxury @ Babylon Mall

Let's take a look at some special vintage clothing pieces over at Babylon Mall. Babylon is a great place for dealers to sell their vintage treasures, and it is a fantastic place for shoppers, collectors, to get a vintage fix! Let's look a a few highlights:

Offered by Figure 8 Studio is an incredible Vintage Black Lace 30's Evening Dress.

Talk about elegance, it really doesn't get any better than this! Here is some of the history that Liz has found on the designer:

" Hickeys Walton Pierce, Men's & Women's Clothing Since 1900Walton Pierce was an upscale store located in Grosse Point, MI. It was established in 1925. It's workrooms were run by couturier Mrs. William Rust Pierce who dressed the upper class old Detroit society ladies and debutantes i.e. as in the Fords, as in automobile royalty :)It is very possible this dress could have came from their line of couture gowns, in 1966 Mrs. Pierce and her staff were known to have designed 40 for the couture collection that ranged from $1,100.00 to $1,900.00 Hickey’s Walton Pierce in Grosse Pointe is the outgrowth of two family-owned clothing stores: Hickey’s, founded in 1900 by Edward Hickey, and Walton Pierce, founded in 1925 by Henrietta Pierce. Current owners are William and Mary Jo Huntington."

She will sell this dress to you for $280! What a steal! The dress even has a special order label, sounds couture to me.

From this same seller, Liz, also offers an Vintage Anne Fogarty 70's Poppy Sequin Dress.
Flattering cut on this dress from a designer of a Coty Award Winner!




Among the other treasures at Babylon Mall is this gorgeous Vintage Rhinestone Parure Costume Jewelry set. A big whopping $75 for the set!


Can't you just see this choker on your neck at the upcoming Christmas party? I can! Affection4Vintage offers this treasure, among other vintage goodies she offers for sale in her store. She absolutely loves to combine shipping with her Ebay auction items. In the last post, I talked about flying under the radar, oh momma!, take a look at this Pink 40's Peplum Dress. Buy it now for $45.00! Now that is under the radar, (but hopefully not for long when you snag it up).

Sorry but since I am a part of the dealers that make up Babylon Mall, I have to toot my own horn! I offer SOME of my boutique quality items in my Sydney's Vintage Clothing Boutique store. But most of my inventory is in my main store. (Sydneys Vintage Clothing).

There are other great sellers at Babylon Mall, I have only told you of a few. So check them all out. And tell Deb the owner that Sydney sent you.

Lilli Ann flys under the Radar!

glumbert.com - Flying under the radar

Cool video, and I ask myself, how in the world do they train these guys and (gals) to fly so low? Awesome! If you dare, you can fly under the radar this evening, with a bid on this amazing vintage 40's Lilli Ann Suit. The bid is ONLY at $58.70 with 14 hours + to go. With this one being red toned, if it were late November, early December and you were getting ready for that Christmas event, there is no telling where the bid would be! So ladies, look ahead at the calendar of events, and get that bid in. You don't have much time. And besides, the boss won't mind even if you wear this one to the office either, classy and sophisticated!

After you purchase from Ivy Company. Be sure and tell her Sydney sent you.

P.S. She combines shipping! Check out her jewelry.

Traveling? In need of Vintage Fashion

HIGHLY ATOMIC Vintage 50's PINK Circle Sailor Dress


So you have a trip planned on the calendar with nothing to wear, or at least that is every woman's excuse for shopping AGAIN! Shhh! Don't let the fella's know. I found you some real jewels to take on the trip with you. No not jewelry, but some jewel of dresses. These are all offered by one seller on Ebay, fast_eddies_retro_rags , most vinties know her as Kim. I am not sure where she is doing her wholesale vintage clothing buying these days, but she is doing a fantastic job of picking dresses for you! All of these dresses start on Ebay auction for $49.99 and under. So you better bookmark those, or they will get away.

POLKA DOTS Vintage 50s RHINESTONES Circle Dress BOLERO












CHOCOLATE DOTS Vintage 50s HOURGLASS Dress JACKET














PURPLE ROSES Vintage 50s SHEER Sun Dress & BOLERO



And of course everyone knows that if your going on a trip and get ALL four of these dresses, that you need something to carry the vintage dresses in! How about some vintage Hartmann Luggage?



When you purchase the dresses from Fast Eddies Retro Rags, be sure and tell her that Sydney sent you!

Giorgio di Sant' Angelo Porfolio

There is one thing that is true about Ebay auctions, you never know what you might find. If you search through the vintage sewing category right now you will come across this unusual vintage McCall's Magazine. While viewing it you might think, well it is just another McCall's magazine. But look closely! Or you a fashion designer fan of Giorgio di Sant'Angelo? If so here is your chance to own something that I am sure is of more value than the starting bid of $9.99! FuzzyLizzie is offering this at a ridiculously LOW start!


Take a look at the portfolio inside the magazine.











Apparently you had to special order the portfolio separately, (mail in offer). I think this offer may be under the radar for you vintage fashion collectors out there. There are quite a few sketches in the portfolio.






























Run on over to the auction of this Giorgio 70's Portfolio today and watch this auction. It should soar! Be sure and mention that Sydney sent you!

Cruise Ship Vacation Fashion Attire

Got a cruise planned in the next couple of weeks, or months? If not book one at My Cruise Club. Now that you have the cruise booked, what about packing the vintage suitcase? You will need to plan ahead and grab this off Ebay auction from Cemetarian. This fabulous vintage 50's halter Mexican print dress is awesome! Rita (Cemetarian) has been so creative with this photo, so you can actually visualize yourself aboard the ship! This is actually a two piece set, halter top with circle skirt, which is spectacular together as a set. But you know what else I am thinking ladies, wear the halter with some Daisey dukes if you want, and wear the circle skirt with a solid color blouse and 50's cashmere cardigan in the fall, and you have a lot of different outfits! But shhhh! Don't tell anybody or you may not win the bid! Good luck on it, let's watch the outcome.