The Manhattan Vintage Show – Another Triumph!

DAHLINGS –

At the risk of bragging, let me say that in my little booth at The Manhattan Vintage Show, there was no sign of “economic meltdown,” save for perhaps the possibility of credit cards melting in the buyer’s hot little hands. The merchandise simply flew out of The Mad Fashionista’s Plus Size Boutique! The first day, I was dressed in a divine creation by Crystal Aponte, a young designer of whom you will hear much one day. Here I am, posing in a competitor’s booth (I was far too busy to pose in my own):

Absolutely gorgeous, if I may be so bold.

My creamy decolletage was quite the hit with many of the male Italians roaming the floor the first day, and a few of the females as well. My partner, Sheri Lane of Matinee New York, was also doing a brisk business, selling menswear like it was going out of style. (There’s a joke there somewhere, but to be blunt, I am too tired to think of it. Please do suggest your own.)

“I heard there was phenomenal business at the plus size booth,” one disgruntled seller said as she came in, looking over the dazzling display of accessories, jewelry, and most of all, the most beautiful plus sized vintage on the planet!

It is truly a shame that I had to educate the buyers that a) there is such a thing as plus sized vintage, and b) that it is as high in quality as the best smaller sized vintage. At least in my shop. No polyester maxis pour moi. (Although honesty compels me to confess that I did sell one hideous Kayser lounging gown to a foreign swimwear designer. A woman has to be practical.)

That is all I am up to dictating to my assistant at the moment. It was a delightful weekend, and I must again thank Sheri Lane, Crystal Aponte, David Ornstein (organizer of the show), Bonnie, Michael, Jacqueline, P.J. Malie Reif of the Vintage Shopping Guide and a very special man who shall remain nameless. One must be discreet, after all.

And Dorothy DeCarlo, without whom it would have been completely impossible to do this.

If you are moaning in pain that you missed the opportunity to shop with moi in person, please do stop by one of my sites, and you can feel the fabulousosity by proxy.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog

Listen To My Podcast On New York Radio!

DAHLINGS –

The handsome Colin Gregory and manly Bruce Biggins invited me to be a guest on their talk show, “Spotlight on Business & Entertainment.” Of course I accepted, and went on to talk about the upcoming Manhattan Vintage Show–this Friday, mon Dieu!

You can hear my dulcet tones by clicking on this link:

http://tribecaradio.net/wpradioblog/podcasts/spotlight-on-business/

It is show #31, and I am on about one half hour in (some fellow who sang like Sinatra was on first). Malie Reif of the Vintage Shopping Guide had been a guest and recommended moi, of course.

Here are a few pictures, as promised, of just a few of the chapeaus that will be on display!

Vintage 60s Saks Fifth Avenue faux patent Beatles cap:

Vintage 50s faux fur scarf pillbox hat:

Vintage 40s feathered hat:

Vintage 60s cream mink toque:

Remember, the show is THIS Friday!

The Manhattan Vintage Show
at the Metropolitan Pavilion
Booth #17 & 18 THE MAD FASHIONISTA’S PLUS SIZE BOUTIQUE
& MATINEE NEW YORK
125 W.18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues in Chelsea
New York City
Friday: 10/10 1-8 pm
Saturday: 10/11 11am-6pm
Admission: $20*

See you there!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

* $5 off if you go to www.manhattanvintage.com

More Plus Size Pretties For the Manhattan Vintage Show!

DAHLINGS –

It is absolutely FRANTIC here, I tell you! I’ve had to cancel all of my social engagements (Ashley Tisdale broke down in tears, poor thing, and Barbara Walters was extremely ungracious about my not attending her dinner party. Perhaps I will send Rosie O’Donnell in my stead.)

The Manhattan Vintage Show opens this coming Friday, October 10th, and if you love vintage, you will be a fool to miss it!

Here are some more vintage lovelies I have in store for you at my booth, The Mad Fashionista’s Plus Size Boutique!

A 1963 gold silk jacket dress with flocked velvet roses, size XL. This was originally designed as a wedding dress for an older bride:

A beautiful boiled wool jacket by Reinalter, with the most cunning big silver buttons:

And for now, a GORGEOUS mink-lined raincoat, custom-made by Weisberg in size XXL. Not only is it lined with gorgeous, soft mahogany mink, it has mink lapels and cuffs. But that’s not all–the lining zips out so that you can wear it as a lightweight yet stylish coat! Modern size 16/18/20:

Please bear in mind that my mannequin, Bodicea, is six feet tall and a plus-sized full-figured size 16. Almost as beautiful as I am, although not quite.

For those that have asked, Bucky the Wonderdog will not be in attendance; the insurance risk is too great. If he bites Hamish Bowles, well…one shudders to think.

Next up, hats, hats and more hats!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

More Delectable Pieces for the Manhattan Vintage Show!

DAHLINGS –

I am taking a moment from my unending work (I’m nearly hoarse from screaming at my assistant, the fool), to put up a few pictures of some more of the goodies I will have on display at the Manhattan Vintage Show on October 10th and 11th here in New York City!

First, this wonderful Gucci travel bag, with the ORIGINAL sales tag inside! As you can see, poor Bucky has also been working his little paws to the bone (mostly nipping at my assistant’s ankles if she doesn’t move fast enough).

SOLD!

Second, a vintage wool boucle’ coral-colored wool coat with huge pink novelty buttons, size XL:

Third, another amazing reversible coat! This swing coat, from the 1940s, reverses from a plaid double-breasted coat to a solid bright green clutch coat! (Forgive the photos, my assistant took them.) Size M:

This vintage 1980s Michael Kors wool dress, size 4:

And to end with Gucci, this beautiful Gucci lightweight wool coat, also 1980s, with a hidden button placket and impeccable tailoring, size 42:

Remember, dahlings, save the dates!

The Manhattan Vintage Show at the Metropolitan Pavilion
Booth #17/18 MATINEE NEW YORK & THE MAD FASHIONISTA
125 W.18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues in Chelsea
New York City
Friday: 10/10 1-8 pm
Saturday: 10/11 11am-6pm
Admission: $20*

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

*5 off admission if you go to the website, http://www.manhattanvintage.com/ !

I Am Returning To The Manhattan Vintage Show!

DAHLINGS –

Brace yourselves! There is exciting news today!

I AM RETURNING IN TRIUMPH TO THE MANHATTAN VINTAGE SHOW IN NEW YORK CITY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 & 11!

Stupéfier, non? Yes, your faithful correspondent is happy to announce that she is once again working alongside MATINEE NEW YORK, the premiere source of men’s and women’s vintage clothing supplied to the film and theater industry, and owner of one of the largest collections of men’s vintage in the known universe. Of course, I only associate with the best people.

But you knew that. That’s why you are reading this on the Internet instead of lounging in my sitting room.

Be that as it may:

Racks and display tables shall be bulging with my mâchoire-chute beau PLUS-SIZE vintage, from the 1930s to the 1980s! Through hours of ceaseless toil (well, my assistant’s ceaseless toil, anyway) the finest of my collection has been chosen and readied for your delectation. And not only clothing, but jewelry and accessories!

Here is just a tiny taste of what is in store!

Going back into the past to the 1920s, feast your eyes on this pure silk jet-black flapper dress of charmeuse and velvet, with the original jet buttons, size XXXL!

This sophisticated 1950s plunge-neck black wool suit, with its perfect v-neck mink collar, XL!

And now that the 80s are again becoming popular, this probably Victor Costa green velvet and crepe pleated sleeve long gown! Size 18:

As for accessories, here are three compacts, including one by Limoges:

I shall continue these previews right up until the big day, dahlings! And I hope to see you there!

The Manhattan Vintage Show
at the Metropolitan Pavilion
Booth #18 MATINEE NEW YORK & THE MAD FASHIONISTA
125 W.18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues in Chelsea
New York City

Friday: 10/10 1-8 pm
Saturday: 10/11 11am-6pm
Admission: $20*

I shall continue to tease you with more lovelies to come!

Ciao!
Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog

* However, if you go to http://www.manhattanvintage.com, you can click on a link to save $5 off admission. But don’t let anyone know you heard it from moi.

The Manhattan Vintage Show vs. The Recession

Dahlings –

I am still an exhausted shell of a woman after the Manhattan Vintage Show. Who knew that work could be so much…well, work??

Hours on my feet being my fabulous self, turning on my thousand-watt smile to the eager buyers, keeping my breasts inside my dress (an ill-advised wardrobe choice on Friday made that a bit of an ongoing problem; rest assured that Saturday I wore a 1939 peplum print dress with an uncharacteristically high neckline!). In any event I did not wear my usual high heels but instead opted for ballet flats. Not so flattering but practical.

The Matinee New York booth swarmed with the common and not so common folk. An Italian designer bought a number of dresses from my personal collection. Many customers were astounded to find that plus-size vintage women’s’ clothing even existed! As the saying goes, I made a killing.

One theme throughout the show was that there was far less business than in past shows. One seller told me he had actually made 90% less than at the previous show! I am firmly convinced it is the recession; the first things to go are the luxurious necessities. That is so foolish; I’d much rather have Balenciaga than a working gas stove.

I have observed earlier in this blog-thing that at the Manhattan Vintage Show, although many of the dealers are large-sized women, they do not wear vintage clothing, nor do they sell it. This year there was another booth devoted to plus-size vintage. Gracious soul that I am, I am firmly of the mind that a rising tide lifts all boats.

My partner, Sheri Lane, knows many, many people in the film industry, and they were delighted to find a source for plus-size vintage. I also saw my dear friends Lynn Yaeger, who wore what to all intents and purposes was a grey jacket over an open upside-down umbrella; Hamish Bowles, resplendent in green suit and bow tie; and I bonded with Tziporah Salamon, the “star” of the Manhattan Show, who had two breathtaking exhibits of her personal wardrobe.

Ms. Salamon dressed in clothes that defy description; suffice to say the words “stylish” and “unique” fall far short. You can visit her website at http://www.tziporahsalamon.com/. Her male assistant also wore wonderful things; I never did find out his name, but I shall never forget his cinnabar purse.

Several marvelous fellow sellers were at the show, including the ever-delightful Miss Kitty of The Cats Pajamas Vintage and Barbara Kennedy and her handsome husband.

Now I must lie down. Even though it’s been several days, I am still wrung out, barely able to lift a croissant to my plump red lips.

Before I sign off, many thanks to Matinee New York, Lola, Stephanie Schroeder (the best publicist a woman could want), Patricia, Lynn, Vivienne of Born Too Late Vintage (http://www.borntoolatevintage.com/) who provided some lovely things, and to David Ornstein, organizer of the show. I don’t usually thank people, but as Ms. Salamon would say, “It’s a mitzvah.”

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

The Mad Fashionista At The Manhattan Vintage Show!

DAHLINGS –

Brace yourselves! There has been a very good reason that yours truly has not been around to dictate this blog-thing. Even though I chastise myself for not attending to your need for my continuing adventures, mon cher readers.

The reason is:

I SHALL BE APPEARING THIS WEEK AT THE MANHATTAN VINTAGE SHOW IN NEW YORK CITY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, APRIL 25 & 26!

Stupéfier, non? Yes, your faithful correspondent is happy to announce that she is the guest of MATINEE NEW YORK, the premiere source of men’s and women’s vintage clothing supplied to the film and theater industry, and owner of one of the largest collections of men’s vintage in the known universe. Of course, I only associate with the best people.

But you knew that. That’s why you are reading this on the Internet instead of lounging in my sitting room.

Be that as it may:

Two huge racks shall be bulging with my mâchoire-chute beau
PLUS-SIZE vintage, from the 1930s to the 1980s! Others may pretend to the throne upon which I rest, but I shall prove I reign supreme. And look fabulous while doing it.

Through hours of ceaseless toil (well, my assistant’s ceaseless toil, anyway) the finest of my collection has been chosen and readied for your delectation. Here is just a tiny taste of what is in store!

For contrast, through the decades–first, the ultra-Mod 60s white plastic raincoat by Prestige, with matching rainhood and carrying case!

Going back into the past to the 1920s, feast your eyes on this pure silk jet-black flapper dress of charmeuse and velvet, with the original jet buttons, size XXXL!

For the young at heart, a sweet gingham 50s dress in lavender with white novelty rhinestone buttons, XL:

And New Old Stock with tags, this precious flowered full-skirt dress with a tie-belt:

For the woman of more conservative taste, this 70s NOS paisley cotton blend day dress with white novelty pockets:

And to close for now, this crystal opal cocktail ring in a band of 18kt gold!

And there will be so much more. Coats, plus size lingerie, separates, shoes…the mind boggles. To see all of this in person, not to mention moi, come to:

The Manhattan Vintage Show
at the Metropolitan Pavilion
Booth #18 MATINEE NEW YORK
125 W.18th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues in Chelsea

Friday: 4/25 1-8 pm
Saturday: 4/26 11am-6pm
Admission: $20*

Ciao!

Elisa (regrettably, Bucky the Wonderdog is not allowed at this event.)

* However, if you go to www.manhattanvintage.com, you can click on a link to save $5 off admission. But don’t let anyone know you heard it from moi.

Fashion Week vs. Fashion In The True Sense!

DAAAAHLINGS –

Saturday was a roller-coaster of emotion for yours truly. Truly. I spent some time sitting at the runways for Fashion Week, but I simply had to make it to the Manhattan Vintage Show at the Metropolitan Pavilion. Can anyone say “when worlds collide”?

The Yigal Azrouel show was simply one of the ghastliest shows I have ever attended. It can be summed up in one image:

And this, mind you, was one of the prettiest models in the show. One hideous design after another, worn by women with thighs like pencils and men with bad haircuts who looked like someone had given them a wedgie just before they came out.

The designer mentioned that he was inspired by what his girlfriend likes to wear…he might have to have a few sessions with a therapist to find out if it’s really a woman he’s sleeping with.

At several shows, people brought their very small children with them, who proceeded to whine and wiggle and in one case, throw up on Anna Wintour. (I only wish it had been Heidi Klum.) Ms. Wintour’s calm was admirable–the child and parent were promptly heaved out, pardon the pun, and a lackey immediately brought Ms. Wintour a fresh skirt, while the Vogue editor never took her eyes off the runway. That’s the sort of woman I aspire to be.

To go to the Manhattan Vintage Show in the middle of all this…my head swam, dahlings, it simply swam! I walked into the cavernous, freezing space, and saw racks and racks and racks of FASHION IN THE TRUE SENSE!

A silk Dior from 1951! With the original Harpers Bazaar magazine displayed below it.*
1930s voile dresses!
Balenciaga when the name MEANT Balenciaga!
Exquisite white Edwardian tea gowns, covered with embroidery that had made nuns go blind
1920s beaded dresses in every imaginable color! Velvet coats with fur trim!
Pucci, Pucci, and more Pucci!

I was in fashion heaven, dahlings. I not only spent several hours there, I spent several thousand dollars, but what’s money? It’s only there to be spent, after all.

The only thing that bothered me was this: many of the sellers were quite large, but I did not see much large-size product (pardonnez moi for calling it that). When I queried one seller, she said larger women didn’t come to these shows because of the communal dressing rooms! How ridiculous! Not only that, the larger women could only buy accessories for the most part, which is an outrage. Yes, I know Dior didn’t design for plus sizes. But even back then there was a 1950s version of Victor Costa busily making knock-offs.

It’s a sad state of affairs when the biggest vintage show in the world can only accomodate the smallest women. However, my spirits were still uplifted by being surrounded by so many beautiful clothes, so many sumptous fabrics, furs and feathers.

* The Dior dress and magazine were presented by the Cat’s Pajamas Vintage, a fellow Ebay seller and a darling woman.

Then it was back to Fashion Week and the after-parties, but I must confess, I felt a tad depressed. After such opulence, the Fall Ready-To-Wear seemed like so much…not much.

Ciao for now,
Elisa and Bucky the Wonderdog