The Vintage Bride

Some recent brides have found their special vintage wedding piece at Catherine’s Closet Vintage Boutique.  Bride Cate chose this bohemian, crocheted wedding gown, perfect for the natural setting of her wedding.

Bride-to-be Lauren found this elegant, feathered cocktail hat at our HAuTe Hats party for the hat-themed bridal shower her friends threw for her.  Her friends also chose their hats for the shower at Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique and got a special deal for shopping with us!

Set up your bridal shower registry with Catherine’s Closet Vintage Boutique and host your bridal shower in our store.  Your friends can select your gifts at our store, and you can also find the perfect gifts to thank them for all their love and support.  

Brides, be sure to register for our Vintage Bride Trunk Show with Mellow Antiques on Saturday, June 25, 2011 from 10am-1pm!

HAuTe Hats

What was striking about the array of royal wedding headpieces, whether it was a chapeau or a fascinator, was the completeness it brought to a look.  Guests were dressed stylishly, literally from head to toe. While a matching hat can lend formality to an outfit, a hat in an eye-popping color or style can also add character to a modern ensemble.  

At Catherine’s Closet Vintage Boutique, we’re especially loving many of our headpieces tipped coyly over one eye.  The visual asymmetry updates the look from being a literal, to a fashionable, style interpretation of hat-wearing.

Hat (SOLD).

Photo courtesy Sabrina Banta Photography.

  
Breaking style rules also makes hat-wearing more modern.  Pairing a formal cocktail hat from the 50’s with an informal modern ensemble of sleek jeans and a simple top immediately elevates your entire look.  Our model wears a vintage 1950's cocktail hat with a contemporary tank dress.

  
Catherine’s Closet Vintage Boutique carries the largest collection on the island of Oahu of well-conditioned vintage headpieces, including hats, headbands, and fascinators, with our largest selection coming from the 1940’s-60’s.  They are featured at our hat bar at the front of the store on rows of shelves arranged around picture frame mirrors, in front of which customers can sit and watch while they are fitted with hats.

Our summer hat collection features floral and lace headpieces, perfect for outdoor garden parties and weddings. Headbands are an equally attractive, and more easily securable, alternative to fascinators.  These vintage 1950’s headbands are simply lovely decorative hair ornaments.

Feather headpieces continue being popular topper choices, as the lush, yet delicate, plumage projects an elegant sophistication.

Hat (SOLD).

Join us for June First Friday, June 3, 2011, from 5pm-8pm at 125 Merchant Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 for our HAuTe Hats party.  Come wearing a hat, or try on a new hat personality at our hat bar. All hats 10% off for the evening, and if you wear a Catherine’s Closet hat to the party, you get a total of 15% off your purchases for the evening.     

Covered-up Glamor

Instead of the shivering, bare-armed fashions that have ruled the red carpet in recent years, designers have been extending their sartorial canvas to the arms, highlighting them in beautifully seductive ways.  Celebrities are opting for a glamor graced with mystery.

For the 2011 Golden Globes, Angelina Jolie, the epitome of smoldering elegance, chose a shimmering green, long-sleeved gown.

Source: Marie Claire

At Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique, a similar emerald green chiffon goddess gown with sheer sleeves allows for a hint of skin.

1960's silk chiffon gown

For daytime, try this abstract print, coral belted dress.  Our model turned this dress into a mini, belting it at the hip instead of the waist, giving this look a youthful, modern appeal.

1980's silk dress

Batwing sleeves add romance to this kimino style maxi dress, making it a fantastic option for day to night transitioning.

1970s batwing kimono style maxi dress (SOLD)

Butterfly sleeves are another flirty and feminine alternative for covered-up glamor.  Scarlett Johansson chose this whimsical gown with gossamer butterfly sleeves for the 2011 Golden Globes.

Source: Marie Claire

The gauzy shawl collar on this buttercup yellow maxi dress from Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique floats with an angelic air about the shoulders.

1970's vintage Hawaii flutter-sleeve maxi dress (SOLD); 1960's moonglow bead necklace; 1950's enamel and rhinestone flower brooch

1970's vintage Hawaii flutter-sleeve maxi dress, back view (SOLD)

1960s moonglow bead necklace

The sleeves on this maxi dress mimic the breezy coolness of the watercolor print.

1970's watercolor print, flutter sleeve maxi dress (SOLD); 1950's faceted, cobalt blue bead necklace; fedora Panama hat

1950s faceted, cobalt blue bead necklace

A structured fabric lends perk and personality to the sleeves of this tropical print dress.

1970s barkcloth, tropical print dress; pink lemonade hair clip by Shelly

pink lemonade hair clip by Shelly, one of our favorite local artists

For more glamorous vintage fashions, visit Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique at 125 Merchant Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.  Come in and discover your own sort of glamor or let us style a new glamorous look for you.   To reserve any of the items featured in this post, please call (808) 386-2746.

Valentine's Lingerie

Gentlemen, when selecting lingerie for your sweetheart, turn to vintage for delicate detailing and feminine touches.  Gentle ruffles and ethereal lace are hallmarks of quality vintage lingerie.  Think graceful lace slips and flowing robes for ladylike elegance.  Keep your darling toasty by pairing a sheer, dainty item with something warm and luxurious. 

To style for that great, cute girl with a bit of an androgynous edge, combine a soft cream, sequined sweater shell with a flirty, ruffled half slip, and top with a men's Panama hat for that masculine element.  

Make your sexy librarian a reality with a sober navy blue, embroidered half slip, matched with a red, knitted sweater vest and seductive T-strap heels.

For the sophisticated lady, pair a pale blue lace half slip with a sharp, sequined black shell.

The ultimate in elegant femininity is embodied in this combination of a full, lace-trimmed slip with a glamorous, real fur cape.  Contemporary necklace by Allison Jennifer.

Fur cape (SOLD).

If you're shopping for a vamp, go all out in this bustier, dramatic petticoat, caged-heart necklace, and feather boa.

A fluid silk Japanese robe works both in and out of the bedroom.  Leave it open at home with a romantic, sheer slip peeking from underneath, or belt it up and wear it out as a ravishing cocktail dress.

Belt (SOLD)

 
Shop this week for your paramour at Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique, and receive 10% off your purchases.  Offer valid through Valentine's Day, Monday, February 14, 2011!  Just mention you saw the offer on this blog.  Not to be combined with other offers.  Call (808) 521-0772 to reserve any of the items featured in this post.

Holiday Dressing, Part II

Our models this week show you how to incorporate a little, or a lot of, vintage into your holiday ensemble.  

Complete vintage attire projects polish, especially when crowned with a stylish cocktail hat.  For hip vintage flair, top off a contemporary cocktail dress with a fur cape and pair with patent workman boots.

Contemporary Kay Unger cocktail dress with metallic bodice and silk chiffon overlay.  1950's real red mink fur cape, one size (SOLD).  1950's black velvet leaf applique cocktail hat.  Boots, models own.

Chanel-inspired fashion never ceases to make a modern girl glamorous.

1960's pleated cocktail dress with satin bow (SOLD), paired with a 1960's Miss Nina black velvet cocktail hat.

Create novel style by combining two separate vintage items into a new piece.  This exquisite headpiece was created by attaching a feather hair-piece to a cocktail hat.  Come in to the store, and create a new vintage combination for yourself!

1950's pillbox hat with attached peacock feather hair clip.

1970's Joy Stevens evening gown, size 2-4 (SOLD).

For casual holiday chic, while still looking festive, a single vintage item adds depth and interest to any outfit. 

A long pendant is an easy way to incorporate a little vintage into your look.  Add a unique design element, and you add a lot of personality to an outfit.  As you can see, our model has a particular penchant for Native American pieces.  There really is something for everyone at Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique!

Vintage pendant.  Bustier, sheer cover-up blouse, belt, model's own.

Native American pendant detail (SOLD).

Borrowing from the boys is a classic style move, but making it vintage, as well, adds singular flavor.  

Black men's suspenders.  Shirt, skirt, model's own.

Come in to Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique, and we'll help style any ensemble you've got in mind, whether it's total, or just a touch of, vintage.  See these and other divine holiday fashions at our Vintage Holiday Soiree on Saturday, December 11, 2010 from 10am to 2pm at 125 Merchant St. Honolulu, HI 96813.  (808) 521-0772.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Find that one-of-a-kind gift for her or him at Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique to make this holiday season memorable.

To help him channel that classic Mad Men style and charm, gift him with a silk tie or a cuff link and tie pin set.

A selection of ties and cuff links.

Peking glass cuff link, tie clip, and tie tack set.  $45.00

Top: Real pearl cuff link and tie clip set, Japan.  $40.00      Bottom: Black satin bow tie.  $24.00

Left top: 1960s Enamel  mask cuff links.  $29.00      Left bottom: 1940s Green handkerchief pattern imported silk tie, Italy.  $24.00    Right top: 1960s Silver cuff links $20.00    Right bottom: 1950/60s Red, geometric pattern imported silk tie, Italy.  $24.00

Impress her with your eco-friendly and stylish gift of recycled vintage stone jewelery.  This limited collection by Theresa is just newly arrived in the store!  Catherine's Closet Vintage Boutique supports contemporary artists who specialize in vintage styles or utilize vintage materials in their work.

The chunky bangles featured below are actually inspired by a 1970s trend of bracelets constructed out of safety-pins!  The safety-pins fit so well into the design that they aren't noticeable until pointed out.  Click on the image for a closer look at the detail.

Top: Safety-pin bangles.  $49.00    Bottom: Earrings.  $18.00

Bauble necklace ($65.00) paired with red, dangle earrings ($18.00).

Ethnic-inspired necklace ($49.00) paired with red, chunky safety-pin bangle (SOLD).

To reserve any of the items featured in this post, please call (808) 386-2746, or visit the store for more holiday gift ideas!

Holiday Dressing

Dazzle in vintage at this year's holiday events.  Show off your unique style without having paid a million to look like one.

For a black-tie affair, look like a winter white Russian heiress in this 1980's cobalt blue, beaded and sequined cocktail dress with a key-hole back.  Add extra sparkle and glamour with a 1970's finely faceted crystal rhinestone chandelier earring and necklace set.  Top it off with long, white gloves and a 1980's faux fur, ostrich plume hat for a truly decadent effect.

1980's key-hole back beaded and sequined dress

1970's crystal rhinestone chandelier earrings and necklace set

At a sit-down dinner party, add bright color for an exotic and festive look in this gold-embroidered, fuchsia Indian silk strapless cocktail dress.  An attached shawl adds a dramatic touch. 

Strapless Indian silk cocktail dress

For a night at the theater, channel understated elegance in a 1980's Oleg Cassini velvet, satin and lace full length evening gown.  A 1950's handmade Woodmere cocktail hat in blush with sewn on pearls and rhinestones adds a quirky, yet elegant, twist to this look.

1980's Oleg Cassini full length gown

1950's handmade Woodmere cocktail hat detail (SOLD)

Look the part of the perfect hostess this 1960's red "wiggle" organza sheath dress.  (Yes, you read right--"wiggle" is the authentic vintage term for the cut of this dress, so designed to produce that alluring feminine gait.)  An added style tip: change a look with clip earrings, as seen here with a pair of 1980's clip earrings, accentuating the shoulder straps.  A 1960's black velvet and aurora feather pillbox hat completes the look.

1960's red organza "wiggle" sheath dress (SOLD)

Or perhaps at a corporate event, you might not want to dazzle so much but still generate some style interest in an authentic 1920's flapper dress with pleated skirt, self-tie bow at the hip, and attached tie-through scarf at the shoulder.  The detail is amazing in this dress!  Accessorize with a 1950's Eva Mae cloche hat and a 1940's black velvet Ingber evening bag.

1920's flapper dress (Left back, 1970s Emilio Pucci maxi dress and black belt, both items SOLD).

Attached tie-through scarf detail

Sleeve pleating detail

Pleated skirt and 1940's Inger evening bag detail

To reserve any of the items featured in this post, please call (808) 386-2746.  Visit us on first Friday, November 5, 2010 until 8pm for styling advice on your holiday outfit!