For instance this perfect Winter White fur collared wooly sweater, lined in lace with the prettiest little clasp & wrist detail, and some GORGEOUS coats for the guys.
Come by and see for yourself.
Friday, November 13, 2009
A little food for thought: On Dressing Up
Dany and I are both very fond of the blog Threadbared, the reading of which recently lead to my discovery of a discussion regarding "overdressing" on another great fashion blog Fashion for Writers. They discuss feeling out of place in high school because of how they dressed, as most people do, but I was surprised at first by their lamentation over feeling the same way in college. Their college experiences were, however, different than mine, as I attended art school which one would imagine is, or at least was, a point of intersection for many out-of-placers, fashion and otherwise.
Though, when I got to thinking about it, I realized I was not exactly in a different league. While at art school, I took classes at Tufts University where I encountered, and possibly blocked from memory, gaggles of collegiates decked out in sweatpants and fleece pullovers. I am also a pretty dedicated cyclist which somewhat denies me the updates on popular fashion that riding public transportation provides. Not too many people 'dress up' nowadays, save maybe a blazer and high heels accompanying jeans and a tshirt. There also seem to be less occasions to dress up. I often find my self fantasizing about having an office job so that I could wear suits without feeling ridiculously over dressed.
It feels kind of nice, though, to be dressed up when others aren't. I sometimes feel like a character from one of those early 90's movies where people from the past are unknowingly transported to the present, although the results are not quite as extreme as the experiences of Napoleon in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure or Brendan Frasier in Encino Man.
However, they also discuss the value of being a dressed up outsider, the joy that goes along with doing your own thing. This rings true for me, as both a rebel and an intense lover of styles past. What is the power of embracing remnants of the past in the present? Is dressing in the ultra-domestic Betty Draper styles of the early 60's a form of oblique feminist action? Is wearing a suit and tie instead of jeans and a tee a cry against the apathy of contemporary society? To heal the ills of the past by appropriating their stylings in the present? What do you think?
On that note, we here at Dame have discussed things like (non binding) corset-style belts and refashioned military garb, so keep an eye out.
Check out the article here.
Though, when I got to thinking about it, I realized I was not exactly in a different league. While at art school, I took classes at Tufts University where I encountered, and possibly blocked from memory, gaggles of collegiates decked out in sweatpants and fleece pullovers. I am also a pretty dedicated cyclist which somewhat denies me the updates on popular fashion that riding public transportation provides. Not too many people 'dress up' nowadays, save maybe a blazer and high heels accompanying jeans and a tshirt. There also seem to be less occasions to dress up. I often find my self fantasizing about having an office job so that I could wear suits without feeling ridiculously over dressed.
It feels kind of nice, though, to be dressed up when others aren't. I sometimes feel like a character from one of those early 90's movies where people from the past are unknowingly transported to the present, although the results are not quite as extreme as the experiences of Napoleon in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure or Brendan Frasier in Encino Man.
However, they also discuss the value of being a dressed up outsider, the joy that goes along with doing your own thing. This rings true for me, as both a rebel and an intense lover of styles past. What is the power of embracing remnants of the past in the present? Is dressing in the ultra-domestic Betty Draper styles of the early 60's a form of oblique feminist action? Is wearing a suit and tie instead of jeans and a tee a cry against the apathy of contemporary society? To heal the ills of the past by appropriating their stylings in the present? What do you think?
On that note, we here at Dame have discussed things like (non binding) corset-style belts and refashioned military garb, so keep an eye out.
Check out the article here.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Introducing Freyed, one of a kind Altered Vintage
We are super excited to introduce Freyed in the shop, expanding our growing selection of original Refashion. Taylor Brown of Fisherman's Daughter and Nicole Deponte of Lilian Asterfield join forces to create a unique line of altered vintage under the label Freyed.
Both designers are local Mass Art graduates, Brown with a BFA in fashion and Deponte with a BFA in Sculpture. They first met as designer and model and then reconnected a few years later at Design Hive as vendors, both focused on providing eco-friendly products. After showing side by side together this past season, it seems only natural that these two would team up and start designing together.
We've got a great selection of Freyed Jackets and Skirts
&
Lilian Asterfield's line of Accessories is coming to the shop just in time for the Holidays.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
A Costume for the day. Happy Halloween!
Halloween has always been an excuse for me to explore my love of costume, the perfect time to indulge in a bit of historic excess. From corsets, bustles and powdered wigs, even pregnancy to uniforms and men's suits, I've donned a lot of alternate personalities. This year I have to admit, I was a bit stumped, exposed daily to lots of great clothes and other's creative energies, it was hard to decide on something new and fun, when it comes down to it, it should be fun!
After roaming the Halloween store for about an hour, I spotted a great wig, which reminded me of a beautiful kimono I had sitting on the bottom of my laundry pile. I put down the raggedy ann outfit and Geisha it was. The true inspiration, this 1940s handmade silk Kimono, came to me in pretty rough shape, after the better part of a day stitching it back together this is what was born.
Wearing it was a joy. It feels sensual and beautiful without showing a bit of skin. After tonight, it may find a place to hang as a display. It's truly a stunning example of a historic textile
And for the Fun part:
Friday, October 30, 2009
Spooky and Sweet Trick or Treat
Stop by our bug garden for Halloween treats Saturday 3:30 to 6:30 come dressed to impress and get 20% off your purchase (excluding hand made items). Trick or Treating sponsored up and down Centre South by the JP Business and Professional Association.
Thanks to Rogue Femme Art for the fantastic Halloween Window
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Harvest Weekend Trunk Show
I want to send out a big thanks to all the South Street businesses that particpated in the Harvest Party this past weekend. The weather turned out to be the perfect sunny Fall day. Special thanks to 40 South and Fresh Hair for teaming up with us to outfit some fine looking models who spent the afternoon working the event and creating super visibility on South Street.
The Trunk show was loads of fun for us sewing nerds. It was a great experience to have all that creative talent in the shop. Catherine Miller brought in some sweet handmade items including a red belted 1960s number that's a not just a little bit Joan . Monique Rancourt expanded her collection in the store with some great new pieces that really are the envy of everyone. See pics below.
Add to that NEW refashion and our $10 Halloween rack and the store is brimming with new things so come on by and take a look.
Nathan, Coco and Mindy Dressed to impressed in Dame and 40 South
Catherine Miller's 1960s Red Dress and handrolled Mod Scarf
Close up New Necklace by Monique Rancourt
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fashion for Smarty Pants
Blog of the day: Threadbared
I've only begun to tear into this blog, but it intersects with some of my own mental crosswalks in a way that lets me know I'm not alone in the world. I know some of you out there will also appreciate its take on ethics, morality & race/class politics and how they play out in fashion, the way we dress ourselves and the way the world then takes us in or doesn't. Makes me wish I could go back to school.
I'm looking to expand my blog reading, if you've got blog you love let me know!
Here are links to my favorite two posts so far
Simple Math
This is going to be a nerdy numbery post
There is a lot of talk about are the 80s Vintage are the 90s Vintage etc, and while I maintain that the 90s are not yet "Vintage" I got to thinking about what we considered Vintage when I started shopping at the Garment District and Oonas oh I don't know, circa 1985. We totally loved party dresses from the 1950s-1960s. But we also truly loved the 70s. I have a photo of myself in a floral Maxi Jumpsuit that I would kill to get my hands on today (although it may have been the early 1990s at that point), 1975 was only 10 years behind me then & you had to go back as far as 1965 to get to 20 years.
Using my guideline of 20 years being vintage then in 1985 anything from 1965 and up would be excluded. So today, simple math says that 1989 and prior are way fair game for the vintage label and the 1990s are not far behind. We all get older but vintage only gets younger.
Check out this blog for great examples of 80s Vintage styled for today. And check our Boston shop for our new batch of New Wave 80s dresses, just in! Some really cute boots too.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
October 17th South Street Harvest Party! 12-4
It's Fall in New England and South Street's got it going on with a day of Harvest celebration up and down the street. Start at the Monument and work your way down to Forest Hills, from a farmer's market to live music and refreshments, all the street's shops are hosting unique promotions and events. It’s a great day to get to know your neighbors and to check out all the new stuff going on our favorite JP Street.
Rain Date: 10/24
Sponsored by the Monument area business Group.
Special at DAME!
Designer trunk show:
If you’ve been into the shop you’ve seen the work of Monique Rancourt, her stunning works of silver have been a constant seller in the shop. If you’ve seen her work or not, now is the time to come in. She’ll be in the shop with all of her dramatic wares; new jewels and fascinating pieces we've never had in the shop. Come check it out and talk to her about her inspiration.
Dame resident Designer Catherine Miller will be debuting her fine handmade clothing that I personally can’t wait to see in the shop. She’s super talented and has a real love for vintage inspired design, and loves to talk shop, patterns and fabric. If you love to sew, come on in and check out her work.
Not to mention Dame's all new Fall Vintage and super spectacular selection of coats!
Friday, October 9, 2009
Vintage Fuss Refashioned Jewels in the Shop
We are totally proud to be carrying a new line Jewelry in the shop. Repurposed Jewelry by Amy Rose aka: Vintage Fuss, Amy searches and scours for the very best and most interesting vintage beads and findings. She has a great design eye and all of her pieces are made with an incredible attention to quality and detail.
Amy's Jewels are bright, fun and totally eye catching. All are handmade and one of a kind, like all the jewels in the shop. Come by and take a look. It's brand new in the shop this week and has already started selling!
Amy's Jewels are bright, fun and totally eye catching. All are handmade and one of a kind, like all the jewels in the shop. Come by and take a look. It's brand new in the shop this week and has already started selling!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Found on Modish
I've been daydreaming about some really great sculptural knits for the shop. Someone local with a unique vision and a high aesthetic.
Thanks to the great style blog Modish I just stumbled across the knits my wildest dreams couldn't have conjured up. Enter Isobel and Cleo Handmade Knits: Probably not the right price point for the store but just wow and wow! You can shop direct from their Etsy site.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
20 Questions (for Taylor)
1. Show us the inside of something cute.
This is a peek inside one of my favorite peices in the store, a brown 1940's Austrian skirt suit. I love old tags and old linings, the one in this suit is so buttery and soft.
2. What’s the last home cooking you had?
This morning, irish oatmeal with almonds, pumpkin seeds, and brown sugar.
3. What do you miss?
Being in school. After graduating from college, all I want to do is read, write papers, and have discussions. Time to start saving up for graduate school!
4. What makes you laugh often?
My cats make me laugh all the time.
5. What’s your favorite word?
Zone, used instead of the word place, location, area, feeling, etc.
6. What are you trying to quit?
Smoking. Yep.
7. What’s your favorite commercial right now?
I don't really watch much TV, and anything I might dub my 'favorite commercial' would probably only receive the title based on how silly/absurd I thought it was.
8. Whose style do you dig?
One of mine is also the same as Dany's, so I'll add to that:
young Jane Fonda
and
Patti Smith
and
The late 70's Los Angeles punk scene (not to be confused with "Sex Pistols" type punk or hardcore. This was an experimental/performative/artistic/poetic/queer scene at the time.)
9. Link to a great blog you’ve discovered lately
Wearing History, documenting a lady's love for vintage and the creation of new clothing from vintage patterns.
10. What’s the last craft you made?
The last thing I made that I felt really good about is this sweater:
11. A photo of the last happy mail you got.
From my friend Ian who just moved to Oakland
12. Something you’ve got lately?
Too many nice clothes to even discuss or photograph. I've been trying to think of a cool project to catalog them, but a blog/website doesn't quite cut it. I've been thinking of making a book or photo series.
13. What are you looking forward to?
I'm always looking forward to playing shows in my band, Quilt.
14. Post a recent snapshot of you.
Here I am in Philly looking skeptical at a BBQ.
15. A Favorite Movie?
I can never think of the answer to this question. Today I'll go with Le Jette.
16. Something you’re working on right now?
A zine of art criticism and a silk shirtwaist dress.
17. If a movie were made about you, who would play you?
If there was a person who was a mix of Janeane Garofalo and Jean Seberg...
18. What gives you goosebumps?
Beautiful singing voices.
19. Share a new obsession
Right now I'm really interested in 1940's rayon and internet memes.
This is a peek inside one of my favorite peices in the store, a brown 1940's Austrian skirt suit. I love old tags and old linings, the one in this suit is so buttery and soft.
2. What’s the last home cooking you had?
This morning, irish oatmeal with almonds, pumpkin seeds, and brown sugar.
3. What do you miss?
Being in school. After graduating from college, all I want to do is read, write papers, and have discussions. Time to start saving up for graduate school!
4. What makes you laugh often?
My cats make me laugh all the time.
5. What’s your favorite word?
Zone, used instead of the word place, location, area, feeling, etc.
6. What are you trying to quit?
Smoking. Yep.
7. What’s your favorite commercial right now?
I don't really watch much TV, and anything I might dub my 'favorite commercial' would probably only receive the title based on how silly/absurd I thought it was.
8. Whose style do you dig?
One of mine is also the same as Dany's, so I'll add to that:
young Jane Fonda
and
Patti Smith
and
The late 70's Los Angeles punk scene (not to be confused with "Sex Pistols" type punk or hardcore. This was an experimental/performative/artistic/poetic/queer scene at the time.)
9. Link to a great blog you’ve discovered lately
Wearing History, documenting a lady's love for vintage and the creation of new clothing from vintage patterns.
10. What’s the last craft you made?
The last thing I made that I felt really good about is this sweater:
11. A photo of the last happy mail you got.
From my friend Ian who just moved to Oakland
12. Something you’ve got lately?
Too many nice clothes to even discuss or photograph. I've been trying to think of a cool project to catalog them, but a blog/website doesn't quite cut it. I've been thinking of making a book or photo series.
13. What are you looking forward to?
I'm always looking forward to playing shows in my band, Quilt.
14. Post a recent snapshot of you.
Here I am in Philly looking skeptical at a BBQ.
15. A Favorite Movie?
I can never think of the answer to this question. Today I'll go with Le Jette.
16. Something you’re working on right now?
A zine of art criticism and a silk shirtwaist dress.
17. If a movie were made about you, who would play you?
If there was a person who was a mix of Janeane Garofalo and Jean Seberg...
18. What gives you goosebumps?
Beautiful singing voices.
19. Share a new obsession
Right now I'm really interested in 1940's rayon and internet memes.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
20 QUESTIONS
20 Questions Inspired by Punky
2. What’s the last home cooking you had?
Homemade Pizza- Healthy of course
I was born in Bangor Maine and lived for a few years in Portland a few years ago. I have such a warm place in my heart for Maine. I never want to be too far from the coast. My father's family goes back just about as far as you can go and while I may be here, I'm not from away.
4. What makes you laugh often?
5. What’s your favorite word?
Last night it was Zaftig
6. What are you trying to quit?
Overworking, taking responsibility for too much and salt and vinegar chips
7. What’s your favorite commercial right now?
Can't say that I have one
8. Whose style do you dig?
9. Link to a great blog you’ve discovered lately
Love a nerd a day
10. What’s the last craft you made?
This Refashioned Maxi Dress
11. A photo of the last happy mail you got.
12. Something you’ve got lately?
A Vacation:
13. What are you looking forward to?
Dressing up
14. Post a recent snapshot of you.
15. A Favorite Movie?
16. Something you’re working on right now?
17. If a movie were made about you, who would play you?
Changing my mind here too. I mean if you could be anyone why not! I loved her in The Shipping News
18. What gives you goosebumps?
My office, it's crazy cold from the AC
19. Share a new obsession
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
It's September's last night Tonight!
Join us for last night TONIGHT at Dame and the Hallway, 68 South ST
It’s the last night to catch a first Thursday show until next season, and to see the photography of Karen Boss, of 'Never Cease Photography’.
Last Night Special 15% off all clothing in the shop 6-8 only!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Remember those Docs?
I didn't realize they were thigh highs. FOR REAL! Where does one get these things!
Friday, September 25, 2009
JP Open Studios This Weekend!! September 26th &27th
New Jewels in the shop!
It's JP Open Studios and there is great stuff going on all over town. You can check out everything that is going on here. Looks like it's going to be great weather for strolling around town.
AND
Our handmade selection has expanded just in time to premier one of my favorite local artists, Independent Designer & Metalsmith, Ashley Vick of Filomena and Demarco Jewelry. All Sterling and Bronze handcrafted work that will make you stand out in a crowd.
We've got a great selection of her work so stop by and check it out for yourself!
If you've been to the shop than you are familiar with the work of Metalsmith Monique Rancourt, she's been with us since day one just 7 months ago and we can hardly keep her gorgeous earrings and bracelets on the shelves. We've added some her newer works, so if you're a fan be sure to stop by.
Happy Strolling!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Shop Update
Every once in a while, I'm reminded of the original inspiration that drove me to learn how to sew almost manically during my early twenties. I'd go to school, go to work, and if I got started on the sewing machine, I'd be there half the night. My goal was to be able to create the gorgeous costumes I saw in the movies, and was playing desperate catch-up with dreams of designing for the theater. In the end, at that age, lack of confidence held me back then life and work go on and sometimes just paying the rent gets in the way. But I did create some gorgeous outfits ranging from Medieval gowns and tunics, bustle skirts to corsets. I plotted the patterns in my mind and and made everything by hand measuring and just sewing, rarely ever even pinning. I took apart all my vintage clothes or as cliche as it sounds today, Vintage curtains, and made blouses, purses and clothes for my friends in bands. One of the greatest things about college was just getting to wear some of these crazy things and not have it really be at all out of place.
Fast Forward 20 years, I was able to attend the fashion design program at Mass Art and take formal classes in pattern drafting, illustration and draping. It was excellent to be able to put science behind my deconstructed experience. I've never used a pattern that wasn't my own. Being able to draft patterns has opened up a whole new world for me. The Vintage Pattern!
I found the Vintage Fashion Library online and promptly bought up 10 patterns for myself. Another site I have always loved is Sense and Sensibility, a pattern makers website. She does meticulous work and I've always loved looking at what she is working on. Her work is decidedly on the costume spectrum, so if you lean that way, check out her wonderful work.
Here are a few of the patterns I purchased. You just might see them in the Shop in 3D!
We've got some great things in store for the shop for Fall. The handmade sections are expanding. Taylor's refashion has been a popular addition to the shop and there will be more of her quirky and cute vintage reworkings. The news that I'm very excited to share today is that Dame will be bringing on another seamstress, expanding the inspiration behind the refashion & premiering a line of handmade goods, hopefully at the South Street Harvest Block Party on October 17th. I will introduce her soon, but I'll tell you this now, she is quite an accomplished seamstress, customers were browsing through her samples as we chatted. During our conversation, she inspired and reminded me of my love of sewing.
As I always say Dame is a work in progress, at 7 months we are shaping up and I'm very excited for Fall and the Holidays and our new works in progress. Stay tuned!
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