Utterly Decrepit and Charming {Vintage Finds}
20 July 2009 | by jen in Vintage
Me thinks my room is turning into a little museum. What is it about these lovely and well-loved old things? I know I’ve said this before but I adore vintage and antique things that are a little worn and imperfect. But a couple of these recent finds are very worn and must surely have been deeply loved!
The best part is I got this old blouse, bag and hankie for $15! Is it just me or is that a good deal?
The ’20s handbag is my favorite. I really love vintage mirrors, especially when they’ve become foggy with that greyish cloud of a patina. I also love old rhinestones, foil-backed buttons and sequins for the same reason. Especially in silver and gold tones.
This bag sat forlorn in the corner of this antique dealer’s booth. Sad and ghost-like. I picked this up along with the pretty grey-blue and cream hankie. The bag is actually in pretty good condition with just a few beads missing and some tiny stains on the interior (and again, I love that the foil in the sequins is very worn and old looking).
So I opened up the bag and spied a little mirror inside! It’s foggy too although there is a clear spot on one side so that it’s actually still usable. Snap works great. And there’s a handle in the back - it’s too small to put my hand through so I suppose you can hold it or perhaps it could go on a belt? Did they wear their bags on the hip like that back then?
I was interested in this Edwardian (?) blouse for its parts (re-purpose?) but got even more excited about it when it was apparent that it would fit me. (An extreme rarity.) But I don’t know if I could or should wear it, it’s so delicate. The collar is yellowed and shattered and the front hem has been torn away. And yet I love it so much it was meant to come home with me.
Here’s the back view (Edited to note: Lisa graciously has pointed out that this is most likely the front of the blouse, and I concur after trying it on again.):
Well for $15 for the whole lot , I couldn’t say no! And speaking of decrepit things, I picked up this brass floral necklace piece from another dealer:
I like how the pearls are all but completely missing but then again I might replace them with new pearls or rhinestones; we’ll see. And I might just remove the connectors and make a necklace out of the pendant. The connectors I can use for a bracelet or two, or maybe a fancy brooch.
Ok, back to work I go, for it is Monday afterall! 
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 
20 July 2009 | Andrea says:
Yes, the purse was meant to slide onto a sash so your hands were free for dancing, drinking, and flirting.
The blouse sounds like it needs some serious lurve. One thing you can do for structure strength is underline the body of the blouse with silk organdy or organza. That would put the stress of wear on fresh fabric, rather than aged fabric.
As for yellowing, try Biz or Oxyclean. No guarantees, but at least you can try.
xo!
21 July 2009 | Casey says:
I adore wore antique pieces too! I admit I have more than one piece that shows lots of love. Some I reuse or wear until they finally fall apart, others are just for inspiration and enjoyment! I love all your little finds–especially that Edwardian blouse! I have such a soft spot for those delicate sheer blouses.
21 July 2009 | Lisa says:
What a score! That purse is so glam and sweet at the same time. Funny it was meant to be worn on a belt or sash - sounds kind of fanny pack-ish to me
- but, hey, if it looks that good, who cares?
The blouse is a treasure - That it fits, makes it even better! I’m pretty sure it’s meant to be buttoned up the back. I’ve read somewhere lemon juice and sunlight is good for taking out yellowing.
Congrats on your lovely bargains.
21 July 2009 | lsaspacey says:
I’ll have to do a post on my 1940’s cotton lace garden dress for you. I bought it at a vintage store the same day my boyfriend at the time bought a green three-piece tweed suit to go with his red hair. Unfortunately, we never got to go anywhere together in those outfits; which was the goal. The dress no longer fits me but I used to think of it as a perfect alternative wedding dress possibility. You can see a peak of it here.
21 July 2009 | Modern Crush says:
I love it all! Especially that necklace. That detail is amazing - it would look great with new pearls or rhinestones, you should totally do it. And if you do, don’t forget to show us:)
23 July 2009 | Stéphanie says:
Oh !
That’s beautiful !
23 July 2009 | stitchesandtulips says:
I love vintage finds too! Will you use the little purse at your wedding? Still looking forward to seeing the wedding dress!