RETROSPECTIVE A LOOK BACK IN TIME
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Retrospective A Look Back in Time
February 2014
IN THIS ISSUE
An Introduction to VB&B Welcome to the first edition of what I hope is a monthly newsletter about vintage from Vintage Baubles & Bits. If you’re receiving this, you and I have met before, either in-person at one of the many shows or events I’ve exhibited at, or online via the shop’s Facebook Fan page or on my Etsy page. I’ve been running VB&B now for going on three years, and I realize that I touch many of you fleetingly and sometimes we’ll have had a great interaction, but then I never “see” you again. So as I was thinking of ways to re-engage with those of you who have already done me the honor of giving me your business, I felt like a newsletter may be just the thing to share more about me, new items in the shop, vintage tips and trends that lovers of vintage things would like to stay on top of. Each month I’ll craft a newsletter aimed at these goals. I want to provide you with quality, original content, newsletter reader only deals and invite you to be a part of the continued growth of VB&B through
engaging with you and sharing more about me. As this project grows, I’m sure it will change and possibly ebb and flow to, maybe not always sticking to this same format. I’d love your input and feedback over the next few months as I work on the newsletter. Did I miss something? Is there a topic you want to know more about? What do you like best? The more I know the better I’ll be able to tweak this to make sure you can’t wait to read each issue!
Get to Know Me In September of 2013 I was an artist at the RAW Kansas City Showcase. Each artist recorded a video interview – take a peek at mine here: http://bit.ly/1f8DWKM
Thank you for your support and I look forward to being able to share my love of vintage with you a little piece at a time!
Mandy Heth Owner, Vintage Baubles & Bits
Tips and Tricks Each month I’ll provide you with a nugget or two of useful information around vintage.
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Givenchy – The Brand that made Audrey Hepburn it’s Muse Vintage jewelry has class, style and grace and no one woman represents those attributes as well as the lovely Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn captured the eye and imagination of Hubert de Givenchy, a French designer, who created luxurious pieces of clothing and built an empire on the pillars of fashion, form and wearability. Givenchy, the man, got his start on the couture scene in Paris, studying under greats like Jacques Fath and Lucian Lelong in the 1940s. Amongst all the high-class, extraordinary designers Givenchy stood out. He realized that the Paris
couture scene could be dialed down for the masses, without losing its flair and uniqueness, and made accessible to all women. He's given credit as the first designer to come up with a luxury ready-to-wear line that he created in 1954. It was during this time that he met the fashion-forward Hepburn on the set of Sabrina and they developed a fashion relationship that would last 40 years till her death in 1993. Hepburn served as his muse, helping him to develop trends that would become part of his signature style. Givenchy
also designed for Lauren Bacall and former first lady, Jackie Kennedy. In the late 1960s and early 70s he realized that his brand had value and he began to apply it to other products like jewelry, linens and shoes. It’s this time period that the majority of the jewelry from Givenchy came about. Every piece of Givenchy is marked with a very signature hallmark of four square shaped letter G’s in a square pattern, as seen here, GIVENCHY in all caps with a trademark symbol. Continued on Page 3
Featured Item of the Month Each month I’ll share one of my favorite finds in the shop and all its juicy details. As an added bonus, I’ll put a coupon code at the end of each feature just for my newsletter readers. If you love the featured item, hurry to the shop and pick it up at a discount! Did someone beat you to the punch? Don’t worry; you can use the discount code on anything else in the shop as well! This month’s feature is a gorgeous big black fur purse. Originally $65, but if you want to take this baby home for a steal use coupon code FEBFEATURE20 for 20% off! Vintage Black Winter Purse: http://etsy.me/1netx4L
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TIPS AND TRICKS
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Givenchy Cont’d Be sure to look for these marks when you’re selecting Givenchy pieces, anything other than these either indicates that it’s not a Givenchy piece, or that it is part of a collaboration from later in Givenchy’s career, like the Givenchy – Bijoux mark, making the piece newer.
How to Measure Your Head The first step to buying any hat online, vintage or not is to measure your head, or the head of the person you are buying for. To do this you’re going to need a soft measuring tape, like a fabric tape. Step one – Place the end of the measuring tape at the center of your forehead and hold it with a finger. Step two – Wrap the tape around your head, as level as you can, and bring it around to meet the end at the center of your forehead.
In the late 1980s Givenchy took a new direction and began working for Louis Vuitton. Though he no longer owned his own company, products were still developed under the Givenchy brand and Hubert continued to be a part of the design process up until his retirement in 1995. Today Hubert de Givenchy no longer manages the company he built from the ground up, but Audrey Hepburn remains a stunning fashion icon and Givenchy, the company is still run today under the guidance of designer Riccardo Tisci.
Givenchy Earrings from Vintage Meet Modern, a fellow Etsy seller: http://etsy.me/1jFpVs3
Brooch from Serendipity Treasures, a fellow Etsy Seller: http://etsy.me/Mbgqmp
Customer Appreciation
Step three – Record the measurement and reference a hat sizing chart, like the handy one below. Looking for more details – try this easy guide found here.
Keep in mind the style of the hat you’re purchasing, not all vintage hats were made to go around your head. Many were meant to sit on top of your hair or on top of your head, not around it. For those head size isn't as important as your vintage style or the style of the era you're portraying. Keep these tips in mind as you search out vintage hats and you're sure to find just the right hat, or hats for you!
Every month I want to tip my hat to one of you wonderful people and your creative talents, whether it be in interior design or clothing and jewelry styling. Send me photos of your Vintage Baubles & Bits purchases for a chance to be featured here! This month’s featured customer is Ashley Clifford. She ordered three suitcase shelves from the shop for her vintage travel themed nursery. I just can’t get over how adorable it turned out. I love the set up and all her pieces are just too cute!
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Jewelry Item of the Month In addition to the regular Feature Item of the Month I’ll also showcase a piece of jewelry from the shop. Same deal applies – use coupon code FEBFEATURE20 for 20% off! This month’s feature is a set! It features yellow, clear and amber aurora borealis rhinestones that sparkle and glitter in the light set into a goldtone metal base. The bracelet and necklace are articulated, giving them movement and the ability to custom form to you.
Originally $50, so use your coupon code quick! These would make beautiful bridal jewelry or gorgeous prom accessories!
Fashion Trends If you pay attention to fashion trends at all I’m sure you’ve notice that Pantone© has released their color of the year! For 2014 the hit hue you’ll be seeing tons of is Radiant Orchid. If you hadn’t noticed, the cover photo of this newsletter is an ode to that beautiful color as well! Be on the look out for lots of vibrant light purple pieces to mix into your spring
wardrobe. According to Pantone, the rosy undertones of Radiant Orchid produce a healthy glow against your skin, making it flattering to wear. It’s perfect for spring because of the way in mixes light, energetic and vibrant hues with the traditional warm undertones of purple, great for transitioning out of your winter whites and into some beautiful bright colors for the gradually warming days ahead. After the crazy winter I know most of us went through, I for one am happy to welcome in a color that’s sweet and cheerful!
Cameo Ring: http://etsy.me/1jFGa8A
FROM PANTONE: Radiant Orchid blooms with confidence and magical warmth that intrigues the eye and sparks the imagination. READ THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
http://bit.ly/IFqPEF
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Bitterman’s Eye Candy
to see a new find! Make the trip to the Midtown area and enjoy a fun-filled day of sweets and vintage treats!
If you’re looking to find me locally look no further than Bitterman’s Eye Candy. Open Thursday – Sunday from 11-4pm daily, this unique shop is a cross between a nostalgic vintage candy shoppe and a vintage and antique oasis.
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CALENDER OF EVENTS
February 1, 2014 CRAFTAPALOOZA™ & FABULOUS VINTAGE MARKET A one day shopping extravaganza featuring an eclectic blend of handmade items, artisan designs, bling & glam boutiques, antique & vintage bliss, sparkly jewels, home décor & inspiration, repurposed & funky junk along with FABULOUS FINDS for your creative soul! Admission $3.00 under 12 free Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center Antique Child's Rocking Chair, Found Only at Bitterman's $75
225 W Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202 https://www.facebook.com/events/6481698885 79224/
Featuring vendors that run the gamut in home décor, vintage furniture, clothing and jewelry, you’re sure to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list, or a treat just for you! Over the holiday season I expanded my presence at Bitterman’s and you’ll now find things in my booth only available locally, like painted furniture, home décor and vintage books. I also showcase my suitcase shelves and the coffee and end tables I create from vintage suitcases.
Suitcase Shelves and Ledges - Ready to Purchase!
March 8, 2014
If you’re in the KC neighborhood be sure to stop by, Bitterman’s Eye Candy is located at 3107 Gillham Rd., Kansas City, MO 64109. Plus as an added bonus, starting in February you can also visit the Holy Cow flea market. Once known as the Cowtown Mallroom, Holy Cow is a Sunday-only market with rotating musicians that take the stage at 3pm each week, permanent vintage and antique vendors (if you’re looking for records this is the place to come!) and guest vendors each week too! There’s always something new and exciting going on at both Bitterman’s Eye Candy and Holy Cow and I make an attempt to add new things to the booth at least monthly, so you’re sure
CRAFTAPALOOZA™ & FABULOUS VINTAGE MARKET A one day shopping extravaganza featuring an eclectic blend of handmade items, artisan designs, bling & glam boutiques, antique & vintage bliss, sparkly jewels, home décor & inspiration, repurposed & funky junk along with FABULOUS FINDS for your creative soul! Admission $3.00 under 12 free Salina, KS http://www.montagefestivals.com/
Custom Painted Display Cabinet Only at Bitterman's $125
RETROSPECTIVE A LOOK BACK IN TIME
Issue 1
11
Retrospective A Look Back in Time
For the Guys Gentlemen, I don’t want you to think that I’ve forgotten about you! Each month I’ll showcase something special for the guys, whether it be a new item in the shop, a tip, a factoid or something else fun, you won’t be left out! The feature for this month is the bow tie! I recently purchased several very dapper bow ties at an estate sale and can’t wait to share them with you!
www.vintagebaublesnbits.com Kansas City, MO
The bowtie originated during the Prussian war in the 17th century and actually, pre-dates the necktie. Croatian mercenaries would wear scarves around their necks to hold their shirts closed, which was the start of the bow tie trend. An interesting factoid – The word cravat, which is commonly used to refer to any type of neck tie, is French for “Croat”, the slang term for a Croatian.
Have a friend or family member that would love to receive this newsletter? Send me their email addresses and I will add them to the distribution list! Mandyheth@gmail.com