My Big Fat September Vogue Issue

It is already October yet I'm still trying to get through my September issue of Vogue Magazine. They say it is the biggest one ever. 916 pages. 4.5 lbs! Im glad we replaced our mailbox to a sturdier steel one from the old aluminum one with the deteriorating post which would have certainly toppled over from the weight.

Vogue's September issues of 08, 09...seemed pitifully slim compared to this one. It was almost as though the fashion industry was ashamed to flaunt opulence and style within such an economically repressed climate.

The Washington Post published an article titled "Vogue’s September issue: Boosting the spirit and economy in one fell swoop"

I almost squealed when I opened the foldout cover which includes two additional vintage Vogue covers, one from November 1, 1949 "Fashions For A Man's Eye", the other from December 17, 1892.

It is replete with ads, as the September issue should be. I mean, how else could designers show off their collections? I prefer full page instead of tiny thumbprint images on one page.

L'OREAL's "Flashback Forward" depicting fashion decades. I wore a similar green dress at a fashion show in NYC in the 70's, thankfully without the furry sleeves.

With mom and two girlfriends toasting at Club Leviticus in Manhattan wearing the dress.

Makeup is vibrant. Sephora with a new collection of Crimsons by Stila, Hourglass & Makeup Forever.

The trends; bold beaded treatment, big chubby rhinestones from Prada, Nina Ricci, Givenchy and others including Louis Vuitton. Bold hats by Louis Vuitton, Marc Jabobs. Exotics; Alligator, Leopard, fishnets, rich dyed velvets from Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Brahmin, Louis Vuitton.

Prada

Chloe Sevigny for Miu Miu

Isabella Rossellini for BVLGARI, her skin as luminous as ever!

Ewan McGregor for Belstaff.

Peplums are back per Etro, Lanvin, Dior, Burberry Prorsum; modeled by Chelsea Clinton and others.

Lanvin's Peplum revival

Remember jumpsuits? Both Escada and Valentino each had one featured.

Purple iridescent disco platforms from Via Spiga.

One of my favorite collections is Etro with its signature paisleys, laser cut net gowns. Here are some shots from the runway that were included in the issue's ads.

I'm in LOVE with this coat.

The other, Louis Vuitton who opened the collection with a train station complete with steam engine.

About halfway into my issue I paused to read and was touched as author Ann Patchett shared her Eulogy for Rose. The Sense Of An Ending.

“Two days before my dog Rose died, I put her in the stroller and pushed her down the sidewalk,” author Ann Patchett wrote. “When my friend Norma bought Rose a dog stroller the summer before, I hadn’t wanted it, but feelings of idiocy were quick to give way to Rose’s obvious pleasure.”

Hear her talk about Rose in this interview. 'Dog is My Co-Pilot' Anthology of Literature Inspired by Our Four-Legged Friends

On that page, you can also read "This Dog's Life" the story originally published in Vogue magazine March 1997, the first time Rose appeared in Vogue.

I hope to finish it before the end of the week!.

★　　★ 　★　　★ 　★　　★

　 A collection of 80s vintage currently available at incredible prices.

EvolutionVintage - Beaded Sweater Dress






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rubyinthedustvintage - Taffeta & Velvet Jacket






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goodnplentyvinty - Yellow Peplum Suit






SOLD! vogue_vintage - Beaded Sweater

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Mistake turning down 500K for Marilyn Monroe's dress?

Deborah Burke of Stamford, CT turned down a $500,000 offer for the dress that was worn by Marilyn Monroe on the 1962 film Something's Got To Give on the show Final Offer that aired on the Discovery Channel June 15th. I watched it and cheered her on for sticking to her guns all the way till the end. Do you think she made a mistake?

I've been reading comments that she should have taken the $500,000 offer. That what she paid on ebay hurt her chances of getting a fair offer...

I often hear that I could sell some of my high end pieces quicker if I priced them much lower but I know what they are worth because I pride in doing diligent research and give them exceptional care. I would much rather let someting sit than give it away. Sooner or later someone comes along that appreciates it as much as I do and recognizes its true value.

This particular dress's provenance is well documented as stated in Final Offer, every rose's leaf, every petal, bead...if that were not the case Ms. Burke would have never received the 500K offer in the first place.

In the program one of the bidders stated what she paid will hurt her. Why should the chances of what she paid hurt what the item is really worth? Just because I find an item in, say an estate sale, and at a later time decide to auction it...what the item is truly worth should not suffer because of what I paid. If anything, we love hearing stories of people finding treasures in the attic. We celebrate it. Just watch Antique's Roadshow and see for yourself.

This was a time in Marilyn's life when she was at her most beautiful.



The folks in the show Final Offer are middle men, not colletors. They had to low-ball Ms. Burke in order to make a profit from the sale of the dress. Owning that dress would have certainly brought their stores attention, notoriety... but are they passionate about Marilyn Monroe or vintage clothing? I'm willing to bet probably no.

Marilyn Monroe's name has a serious following of collectors with very deep pockets. I am confident that Ms. Burke will be able to sell that dress for the minimum of $800,000 for the dress worn by Marilyn weeks before her death.

Edit ~ I received information that THE Deborah Burke behind MM's dress may be lady behind Antique Dress. For years I have looked up to this lady. She is what lovers of vintage and antique fashions strive to be.

I also forgot to mention that there was a Documentary about Something's Got To Give where the making of the dress was documented. The bidders of Final Offer were fully aware of this fact as well.





Go to this FB video and watch Deborah in her home with her collection of antique clothing. Swoon!

Not Marilyn's but of the same decade and similar style in our brand new shop. - SOLD!


As you were.

You Only Live Twice

Season 5 Conclusion of Mad Men

The 8th Academy Awards (1936)

8 is my favorite number. As if you couldn't tell.

Held at the Biltmore Bowl of the Biltmore Hotel on Thursday, March 5, 1936, honoring movies released in 1935.

Best Picture

“Mutiny on the Bounty”
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer





Best Actress Bette Davis (“Dangerous”)






Best Director John Ford and Victor McLaglen during filming of “The Informer.”



A pretty good review is given by Self-Styled Siren in 2007.

Hal Mohr became the first, and only, write-in Oscar winner with his win for Best Cinematography for "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." This was the last year that write-in votes were allowed for any category.

Viva Las Vegas 2012

Tying the Knot?







Fun In The Sun! - sold