What we kept...

Hello! It's funny how hard it is to switch off buying for yourself when thrifting or browsing in vintage stores, and start buying with others in mind! Adrienne and I have shopped for just us for so long that it's a real re-train of the brain, when we just went to St Louis we found equal amounts of great things for us and others, luckily! When we got back I realized everything I bought for me was in a very neutral beige or ivory, almost like they were all canceling each other out....the good thing about shopping with Adrienne is that she's colour gal so we always get a mix, and boy our stuff couldn't be different but we love it all! Above is one of my fave finds from the trip, we found an amazing store that was closing down & these ivory linen pants called my name....unfortunately there's a tear in the back that I need to get mended but the waist and little calf buckles are perfect!




So....I am wondering whether to get them mended with a neutral fabric or one of these vintage hankies given to me by my boyfriend's mother, Joanie. They belonged to her mother though so I'm unsure if having your loved one's grandmother's hankies on the seat of your pants is appropriate? (any mending suggestions welcome!)

Next on the neutral trail was this delicate crochet number, love it but am pretty sure each time I wear it a tiny rip appears, one day it's just going to fall off me in a little sad pile of thread on the floor.


This is another GREAT vintage store, Borough Vintage (also on Etsy here) we found in our last 10 minutes of shopping in St LOuis, such a cool spot, so well merchandised and easy to shop...so easy in fact that within 10 minutes Adrienne and I both had new coats, I've barely taken it off since and it nearly completes the neutrality when paired with the beige pastel flower scarf found at Alice's, do wish it wasn't closing down....


Alice's turned out to be a real treasure trove and so discounted it was hard not to walk out with the whole store (Victorian, 20's, 30's...all the way up....oooh la la!), the last thing I couldn't refuse there was this silk fringed thingy, had hoped it'd enforce me to make my bed but alas it just got me tangled up in fringe so it now resides on a chair untouched except by the cat....


Well it's been a weird old week getting our heads around this Etsy stuff and just generally falling in love with all the great stores on it...thanks so much to Kristina at Beulahveda for her Twittering about our new store! What a nice bunch everybody is....enjoy your weeks and please stay in touch!

Lilian Ivy

Hello there!

This is my lovely grandmother, Lilian Ivy, she passed away just a couple of weeks ago and this is my favourite photo of her, she's in the left corner at her brother's wedding, the dress and the flower! I am now thinking how great a vintage lingerie (a growing passion) store would be named after my two wonderful grannies, Yvonne and Lilian, now that would be sweet, thus also giving us license to further collect lacey knickers and bed jackets....the only thing with vintage lingerie is lying on the buttons isn't really that comfortable...

Look it's Noel, looking quite fabulous here too, this week I took a picture of Noel to my hairdresser and said please give me his haircut, she did a pretty good job too, what I love about this picture of Noel is that he's wearing a frilly shirt and we just posted a frilly shirt this morning in the store, the planets are aligned! If you don't know dear Noel, you must youtube the Boosh and the crack fox, tried to put a link but internet slower than a pigeon bringing a note in it's beak...

Amy x.

Long Skirts are Sweet

Long skirts are so nice. It's just that your legs also need to be long, we tried on this fab Ralph Lauren one we just found and both ended up looking Amish. Which is fine in some ways, not others....here's the skirt we found below, it has adorable buckles on the side and a sweet gold dome, it's just lovely, unfortunately these images are causing grief when uploading to Etsy, but we wanted you to see it anyway....got long legs? enjoy long skirt.

Etsy Bitsy blog post!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetClothesOfMine


So here's St Louis, the arch! We were told a bunch of times to go up it....but we didn't. Our hotel was however directly beside it so this fabulous view greeted us as we headed out with our rental car and GPS unit we named Margaret, she was good to us but occasionally declared she was recalculating...anyhoo, she got us to some great spots and we shopped till our snowboots dropped off (it was cold there, just a bit). First night we stayed in wacky huge old mansion, was pretty sweet, one of those fake fire things in the room and a couple hundred movies to choose from. Obsession with Bette Midler in The Rose resulted, the sequins! the trailing scarves! the drug addiction! the....well you get the idea, how'd we miss that? maybe because we were aged 7 and 2 when it came out.


Now that we are back in NYC (Ades leaves tomorrow, we'll be separated!) it's all about getting the Etsy stuff loaded, hope you like it, we want to keep this blog going as a musings type thing, next on the agenda is some logo tees and bags, so many people love Mr Reardon's logo that we think it's a great idea to have you walking around with it on your person! Well best we go get ready to take that very man out for a big old dinner to thank him for his considerable art skills, we would say a pomegranate martini is in order, or 3!

If you are a friend please click follow at the top here so we not bother to email you as much...which we are sure you might appreciate!

Bonfire of the Vanities

Just three sweet pieces this week, a wee jaunt through the 80's, come early January there's going to be a giant leap to the 60's and we can't wait, Missouri here we come, our hotel is a 'hunter's paradise', and they don't mean hunting for thrift...email us for anything posted here!

sweetclothesofmine@gmail.com

The Melanie Griffith Suit

skirt (S), jacket (S-M), both

Seems the old runway was loaded with boxy 80's blazers for Winter '09, many shows were harking back to the power suits of 20 years ago (20 years ago!). Now if this Dries number above is a little out of your price range we have a perfectly preserved Liz Claiborne shoulder padded extravaganza right here for, cut straight across & featuring a sweet single button to bring it altogether at the waist. We are selling these pieces separately as they are sized slightly oddly in that the skirt is for sure a 0-2, (waistband is labeled a 'petite 2'), whereas the blazer would fit a small to medium build rather easily. Blazer & skirt are lined with a peach silky fabric, both in power-fabulous 80's condition. Blazer measures 12.5" or 36cm from shoulder to padded shoulder, length is 20" or 50cm. Skirt hits just above the knee and measures 20" in length, waistband is 24" or 48cm, also features small 7" slit at the back & side pockets for relaxed pose while milling around the water cooler. Is Melanie still with Antonio?

Metallica Heels

Tuck in those acid wash stirrup pants and ride the lightening! Super cool 80's heels in perfect condition. Made by Margaret J who got crazy with this layered silver beige, cream Aztec wave pattern. These heels are perfect for tights or a good old bare leg, a size 6.5 & 9" in full length, they are 3" wide so a pretty generous 6.5. Now go tease your hair before you email us!

Sunny Side Up Wedges

Now here's the sweetest ray of sunshine for your feet! yes, yes we know it's roughly below freezing outside but in some glorious parts of the world the sun is shining! these bright yellow sandals by Merona are just what the sun doctor ordered and in a very wearable size 8, just over 10" full length. A sturdy canvas material & in fabulous condition, these bright babies feature lovely curved wedge heel and adjustable strap. Nice.

It's a sweet day...

By now you’ve probably worked out that we love G ‘n’ R. Who doesn’t? It's our love of 80s and 90s rock that brought us (Amy and Adrienne) together as friends. Oh, and our love of vintage clothes.

It’s a tough call what we like more (Axl or A-lines), but this blog is really more about our love affair with vintage and thrifting. So we are bringing you- oh lucky reader of Sweet Clothes of Mine – our best finds from the thrift stores around North America.

Welcome to the Jungle...

The Great es-Cape SOLD

Voluminous winter cape for hiding all manner of layers beneath. 100% Acrylic and made by Sturbridge, super warm so tuck your arms in! There is no size and we figure it will fit almost anyone, however if you are small like a little bird you may get lost within the folds. A green-ish smudge on the collar is the only defect visible on this sweet piece.

Size: free

Length from collar to bottom: 31" or 80cm

length from shoulder point to arm-hole: 12" or 30cm.

Sexy Strappy Heels

Super sexy wooden heels to make your pins a mile high, heel & sole in great condition, some wear to burgundy leather upper but very sturdy. Made by 'Latinas' in Greece, size has worn off but fits like a true 7.5, would also look great with with a pair of fabulous tights!

Size: 7.5 (worn off)

length: 9" or 20cm

width at widest: 3" or 8cm

heel: 3.5"

Southern Comfort Blouse

Perfectly worn-in soft plaid blouse, sure it's winter in these parts but not south of the border....made by 'Southern Classics', great Miami Vice colours & condition, no holes or tears just soft goodness.

Size: small

Length: 22" or 54cm

Shoulders: 13" or 34cm

Camel not Chanel Purse

Make like Coco with this sweet chain link purse, pull the chain through for one strap or pull it through again for two....plenty of room inside for all manner of bits and pieces, it's a bit of day with a little bit of evening.

Length: 10" or 25cm

Width: 6" or 15cm

Get your Stripes Two-Ways Full Skirt

High-waisted, full stripe skirt is perfect for all seasons. Pair it with a tank-top and denim jacket for a night out in the summer. Or pair it with tights, a turtle-neck and tall boots for right now. Skirt has great side pockets, is fully lined and has a side zip and button closure. 85% cotton, 15% linen. Label reads le truc. Tiny spot on waistband and lining has a little wear.

Size: Small
Waist: 13" or 32cm
Length: 28.5" or 72cm

Sensible Heeled Loafers

Bass heels in simply fabulous condition, perfect twin tassels and a rubber sole that's barely been worn, or never? If they were a size bigger we'd be wearing them right now...

Size: 6.5M

Length: 9" or 31cm

Width at widest: 3" or 8cm

Heel: 2"

Victorian Style Boots

Please Sir can I have some more? Victorian olde style boots in unusual 100% waterproof rubber-leather type material, feels like rubber but looks like leather, it's an illusion! very sturdy and in almost new condition, they are also fully lined with a wonderfully cosy red felt. Easy to put on with side zip, come on get up the chimney or we'll send you back to the workhouse!

Size: 7

Length 9.5" or 24cm

Widest point 3.5" or 8.5cm

Height 9" from sole or 23cm

Heel 1.5" or 3.5cm

Mauve Moment Ankle Boots SOLD

A little mauve in a boot, who knew it could be so nice. Almost new wooden sole, if they have been worn it is surely on a floor of cotton balls, soft suede is in perfect condition. Quite narrow so true to their size, these definitely have not been stretched through wear, they are just waiting for your dainty little feet.

Size: 6.5

Made in USA

Length 9.5", or 24cm

Width at widest point 3", or 7cm.

It's Electric (Blue), Boogie Woogie Woogie Secretary Blouse

"Some say it's mystic. You can't resist it. It's electric, boogie, woogie, woogie." With it's tie neck and squiggle pattern, you won't be able to resist this electric blue secretary blouse. Power up your power suit today!

Size: medium
Shoulders: 15" or 38cm
Length: 24.75" or 63cm

Black, White and Polka Dot All Over Pumps

Get your pin up fashion on in these polka dot pumps. Red heel, red trim and white with black polka dots which reverse to black with white polka dots at the toe. Great with jeans or a pencil skirt.

Size: 7.5/ 8

Length 10" or 26cm

Widest point 3.5" or 8.5cm

Height 9" from sole or 23cm

Heel 3" or 7.5cm

Poppin' Plaid Parka

Brighten up your dark winter nights in this funky neon plaid parka. Quilted cotton or possibly a cotton/wool blend with removable hood, cinchable waist ties and shoulder pads. Never worn!

Size: Large
Shoulder to Shoulder: 18.5" or 47cm
Length: 31.5" or 80cm
Waist: Free, but can be cinched with waist ties.

Frilled Tomato Blouse

Polyester perfect tomato red & white pinstriped blouse made by California Krush, has a size 7/8 on the inside label but fits like a slouchy small, would maybe fit a smaller medium build also. Pretty frilly detail on the neck & cuffs. This blouse is in great condition, seems almost new, tuck it in or wear it out.

Size: Small

Shoulders: 14" seam to seam, or 34cm

Length: 21" or 54cm

Ice Queen Top

With two sets of ruffles and it's shimmering ice blue colour, this shirt is for someone looking to run away and join the Ice Capades. Material has some stretch to it and the waist is elasticized. Dress it up with some heels and a great belt and you'll surely find your Ice King. Label reads Daymor Couture. Belt not included.


Length: 26" or 67cm
Waist unstretched: 12" or 30.5cm

Fierce Fuchsia Double Breasted Blazer

What's that you say...you've been looking everywhere for a double breasted fuchsia blazer with gold buttons. Well read on then. With a structured shoulder (with shoulder pads) and a slimmer cut through the waist and hips the blazer is a little less boxy than a traditional 80s blazer. The colour is much pinker/ brighter than the photo shows. True fuchsia colour. 100% pure virgin wool. Label reads one+one Petites.

Size: Approximately a 6 petite
Shoulders: 15" or 38cm
Sleeve Length: 21.5" or 54cm
Length: 27.5" or 70cm

Tuxedo Jacket SOLD

Superb Black 80's tuxedo jacket by Gantos with nice covered buttons, fabric is rayon blend, a mid-weight jacket, sleeves easy to push up, so soft & floppy it would fit it under your winter coat. Must have had shoulder pads as there is looseness in the shoulders but doesn't affect look if jacket fits on body. Has size 10 on label but best suits a medium, perhaps a Large also because of room in shoulders, very nicely tapered for that nipped in at the waist look.

Size: Medium

Length 17", or 33cm at front

Shoulders 14.5" or 35cm seam to seam

Green is the New Black Blazer

Slip on this tailored stretch polyester blazer in seafoam green and add some polish and colour to your work wardrobe. Guaranteed to make your friends (and colleagues) green with envy. Blazer has cute square detailed buttons which have a tiny scratches on them. Belt not included.

Size: medium
Shoulder to Shoulder: 15" or 38cm
Length: 25.5" or 65cm

Hot Pink Secretary

Bright fucshia secretary dress in loose Polyester, made by Popovitch, cute opaque & gold plastic buttons plus matching fabric belt, we picture this on a curvy lass so this wonderful belt can cinch everything together just perfectly! The full hips and skirt have plenty of room for all body types. Has size 8 on inside label.

Size: Medium to Large

Length 43" or 100cm

Shoulders 14.5" or 35cm seam to seam

Waist 10" or 25cm unstretched

Jolly Green Jordache Jumpsuit Dress

Cotton/ poly blend shirt dress by Jordache is a great alternative to the pants jumpsuit. Looks great with a belt. Lots of details: epaulets on the shoulders, cuffed sleeves and patch pockets at chest and hips. Tiny hole on the seam of the underarm. Very easily stitched up. Belt not included.

Label says size 10
Shoulders: 18" or 46cm
Waist: 19.5" or 50cm
Length: 44" or 112cm

Game Set Gucci SOLD

Vivid turquoise sporty Gucci tee with stretchy bands around bottom and arms, reads medium on the label but fine for a small person also, this tee is in great condition, a little brighter turquoise than appears here. Score!

Length: 22" or 56cm
Shoulder seam to seam: 16.5" or 41cm
Sleeves: 8.5" or 21cm

Cowboy Snow Fascinators SOLD

Navy blue and pretty much like brand new, original Fascinator brand, size marked 7 but these are more like a 7.5 to a small 8. Tough rubber sole with almost no wear, maybe worn once or twice but definitely not yet in the snow. Quilted & cosy.

Size: marked 7 but fit like a 7.5 to small 8.
Heel: 1.5" or 4cm
length of sole: 10" or 25cm
Height above heel: 12" or 30cm