Monday, December 31, 2007

A little New Year's Glitz

Finding The New Year's Eve dress can get less-than-festive. Feting the bright future calls for serious wow factor and somehow we always end up scrambling for solutions. These three dresses = instant style fix.

Late '60s rhinestone-studded Pierre Balmain


In the airiest silk chiffon and studded all over with teensy rhinestones, this swingy Balmain was made for coy glances behind champagne glasses. It's been altered (probably from a maxi dress) into a shorter more wearable shift. Excellent condition, about a modern 4-6.
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'80s Betsey Johnson giraffe micro-mini

Trademark Betsey: outrageous b/w giraffe print, daringly skimpy, and lots of stretch for maximum vamp effect. Labeled a medium, about a modern 6-8. Punk label, good condition.
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'70s Mollie Parnis plum chiffon evening gown


The classic fairytale dress with the perfect dose of '70s, this Mollie Parnis plum chiffon is a super-flattering dream. The bodice is boned and quilted without being bulky; the skirt is semi-sheer and lined with a nice full sweep. No size label, about a modern 4. Excellent condition.
SOLD
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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com

Monday, December 10, 2007

Fend off frostbite in these natty knits

Around this time of year, the merest mention of sweaters is liable to induce panic attacks (or at least a few holiday horror stories). Don't reach for the re-gifting drawer just yet - these knits are are a far cry from grandma's homage to Rudolph & co.

'70s Electric Blue & Patent St. John sweater
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Dear St. John,
Please start making knits like this again. Tiny patent leather appliques and awesomely bold colors = better image overhaul than slapping a powersuit on the nearest pillow-lipped screen siren. Also see below dress for further reference. Thanks,
Pinky Guest Vintage
-no size label (about a 2-4), partial zip up back and slightly puffed sleeves. Excellent condition.

Early '70s St. John Naughty Nautical Dress
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Again, we wonder why the ritzy knitwear brand took a turn for the regal grand dame scene - this fantastic striped shift is begging for a night on the town! No size, about a modern 4-6. Shown with amazingly fabulous one-of-a-kind orange rubber corset belt (available by custom order at a surprisingly low price!). Excellent condition.
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Mid '80s Missoni ethnic print sweater dress
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F/W '07 Checklist:
1) Slouchy Knits
2) Modern takes on ethnic prints
3) Luxurious Lambswool from legendary Italian knitwear house
Done, done, and done!
Shown belted for minidress/tunic fit - unbelted it hits just at the knee. Photos don't do this one justice. Range of sizes depending on preferred fit. Excellent condition.
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More Missoni - late '70s rose-print cardigan
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Unless you're a strong-willed type who manages to resist the glossies, you know that prints are white hot. In flexible jewel tones and soft lambswool, this chic Missoni cardigan is the perfect year-round piece. No size label, it'll be slouch on the skinnies and saucily snug on an hourglass. Excellent condition.
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Marvelous Mugler '80s angora sweaterdress/coat
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Thierry Mugler is best known for his strong architectural shapes that often bordered on the severe (his armor-like suiting put the power in powersuit). This buttery angora sweaterdress/coat is pure Mugler but with a softer side. The asymmetrical snap closure and figure-friendly dropped waist make for pure comfort without sacrificing an iota of chic. Labeled a 44, about a modern 6-8. Good condition with minor pilling.
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Knit and vinyl appliqué Kansai Yamamoto skirt
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Most famous for his legendary work as David Bowie's costumer, Kansai Yamamoto is one iconic designer whose work appears in museums but has somehow missed the mass adoration of his like-minded peers. With his genius blend of traditional and trashy, his pieces are instantly recognizable and this skirt is no exception. With enormous black and red vinyl appliques and figure-skimming stretch knit, this one really proves that knits need not be dowdy! Labeled a small, it's about a modern 4 with some minor fraying at the waist.
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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com


Sunday, November 11, 2007

All that glitters.....

.....is instant sartorial gold. Maybe it's the blinding effect of all those sequins but we're suckers for anything spangled. Luckily for you, these are more glam rock than rest stop so add a little glitz to your wardrobe. Warning: it's addictive.

Early '80s Oleg Cassini sequined mini dress

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Black, backless and bedazzled, this sizzling Oleg Cassini mini dress pretty much defines the word show-stopper. The slouchy top and dolman sleeves keep it just this side of scandalous and the black sequins are sparkling, not scary.
Labeled a size six, it's more like a 0-2.
SOLD
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Late '70s I. Magnin sequined harem jacket

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If the windbreakers looked like this, we would've never skipped P.E. ! Dripping in black, silver, and gunmetal sequins, it's short in the front with a rounded longer back and two front hook & eye closures. Amazing over drainpipes or a mini.
Labeled an 8 but its slouchy style will fit a range (0-8)
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Early '60s lime beaded & sequined evening dress

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Comparatively demure, this floor-length confection is the perfect cure for the winter doldrums. Figure-skimming, with elaborate floral beading all around the neckline. No designer or size labels but a "Made in British Colony of Hong Kong" label - impeccably made.
Will fit a modern 6-8, hem is creased, not unstitched.
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'70s "Tally Boutique" sequined tulip skirt

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Concerned that there just wasn't enough disco ball taking place with this black slit-to-thigh skirt we took the liberty of throwing a hologram sash on over it. From "Tally Creations - New York" this bit of seventies sparkle can also be worn as a top. Labeled an 8, it seems pretty true to size. Sash can be included. -
SOLD
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For more information or to purchase e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com

Friday, November 9, 2007

Check out Pinky Guest Vintage on Behind Big Glasses - this style arbiter's site is a treasure trove of fashion eye candy and wallet-friendly finds!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Luxe Labels = Arm Candy

The logo-print waters can be tricky to navigate: "replica" bags reign supreme and even a hand-crafted Karl creation can start to look like a bit much. Problem solved with the unmistakable chic of a vintage signature print bag. We've always liked a logo that looks like it's been around the block a bit.

Very Vintage Gucci Tennis/Gym Bag

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Unapologetically enormous with bold interlocking Gs and a fat red/blue stripe, this amazing Gucci tennis bag will have the stylish but sedentary reaching for a racket. Use it as a weekender or haul it to pilates - this glamorous duffle will add a dash of sportif to your accessories wardrobe.
* Needs a bit of sprucing-up (top zipper is detached and key to lock long-gone), nothing a good shoe/bag man can't tackle.
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'70s Gucci cream and tan logo satchel

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This coated canvas and leather satchel is of a subtler breed, with the palest beige interlocking Gs on the cream canvas and a quietly embossed monogram. Surprisingly roomy with an adjustable strap, lined in suede. Wear to the corners means it could also use some brand-aid (hardy-har).

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'70s Gucci Accessory Collection Doctor's Bag

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The Doctor's bag is a perennial fashion favorite, with the storage capacity of a hobo but a sleeker streamlined shape. This one features the smaller print seen in Gucci's late '70s accessory collection and has a detachable longer strap. The inside is peeling and cracking quite a bit, outside wear is moderate.
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'70s Gucci traditional print shoulder bag

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A classic camera-style shoulder bag in signature Gucci print. Measures about eleven inches across and three inches deep. In excellent condition with just a few minor scratches and pen marks inside.
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'70s Gucci black tasseled frame bag

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A fantastic day-to-night frame bag in classic black with tassel detail, about nine inches wide and 2.5 inches deep. Strap has split and will need to be repaired.
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Vintage Fendi striped camera bag

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Excellent condition with adjustable strap and monogrammed details galore.

Friday, November 2, 2007

Grecian Formula: Five Divine Dresses

We're not talking about the mid-life crisis variety - these beautifully draped and diaphanous dresses are guaranteed to bring out your inner deity.

'70s Halston Sublime Silk Jersey Dress

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A dream of a dress, this black silk jersey dress is classic Halston. Impeccably draped in ethereal tiers it moves beautifully for heart-stopping glimpses of skin. Original Halston label (not diffusion lines), no size but approximately a contemporary 0-4.
SOLD
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'70s Holly's Harp black faux-wrap dress

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Pictures don't do this one justice - it's quite a bit racier in reality with its plunging v-neck, keyhole back closure, and figure skimming semi-sheer fabric.
Labeled a medium, this will fit a range of sizes up to about a modern 8.
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'70s Stan Herman for Van Raalte slip/dress

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Technically, this one's lingerie but we think it's even better as a dress (partially lined in the important places). By Mr. Mort designer Stan Herman, its turquoise tiers were made for the dance floor. No size label, will fit a modern 0-6.
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Early '60s bronze metallic wiggle dress - anonymous

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This spangly cocktail dress is dripping with Old Hollywood glamour from the gathered halter neckline to the nipped-in ruched waist. If you're looking to up the bombshell factor in your wardrobe, this is the dress for you. Unlabeled, about a modern 0-4.
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'70s Halston crimson cashmere day dress

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Another killer Halston, this time in the lightest tomato-red cashmere. With built-in pockets and a changeable side-tie neckline, this is the perfect dress for day to night. No size label, about a modern 4-6.
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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

More Betsey!


Another bold print from Betsey Johnson! This punk label gem is in slinky stretch velour and has a seriously saucy plunging back. Not for a shrinking violet (but definitely a racy rose!) Labeled a medium, but clingy stretch fabric means this will fit smaller sizes as well.

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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com

Friday, October 19, 2007

Heavens to Betsey!

Betsey Johnson has been bringing us these witty Peruvian meets Punk prints since the Alley Cat days. This sweater mini dress is from her early punk label years and also has a Neiman Marcus label. Featuring beach balls, tugboats, and birds - in primaries on the front, pastels on the back. An irreverent take on the season's ethnic prints trend!

Betsey Johnson Punk Label knit Mini Dress

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Labeled "One Size", it'll be slouchy on the skinny minnies and saucier on girls with curves.

For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Oh Mr. Beene!

Geoffrey Beene revolutionized the American aesthetic with his body-conscious cuts and innovative materials. Worn by socialites and stars, the divine Mr. Beene was known for his flattering and wearable designs.

Mid '60s Geoffrey Beene babydoll coat

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This stunning wool coat is a masterpiece of construction and as breathtaking today as it was nearly half a century ago. In heavy lichen-green wool with box pleats from the empire waist. Features both Beene and Bonwit Teller labels and matching wrap (not shown) A contemporary 0-4.
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1980s Mr. Beene silk trapeze dress

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This navy silk trapeze dress by Geoffrey Beene for Neiman Marcus is a testament to the power of subtle detail. With short cuffed sleeves and tiny buttons at the neckline, it's perfect for day and night. Labeled a sz. 6, about a contemporary 4.
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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com

Monday, September 3, 2007

Jump Around!

It's official: jumpsuits are back and we're thrilled! These two from Pierre Cardin and Norma Kamali exemplify the very best of this trend.

Late '70s Pierre Cardin cocktail jumpsuit

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This is one hell of a sexy jumpsuit and from Pierre Cardin, who's surprised! Sheer floaty sleeves, nipped-in waist, and plunging neckline. Shown with 60s Cardin modernist belt. Labeled a sz. 8, fits a contemporary 0-2.
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Norma Kamali '80s harem-leg jumpsuit

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In a bold fiery red with harem pant and button-down front, this Kamali is everything a jumpsuit was meant to be! Cool and kicky, the suit is sort of bean-bag shaped and transforms when belted. Labeled a sz. S, fits a contemporary 0-4.
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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com

K is for Kamali

Norma Kamali's distinctive silhouettes and signature fabrics have kept her designs in the spotlight for decades. With pieces that are both easy and stylish, it's not hard to see why!

Early '80s Norma Kamali parachute skirt

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Loyal Kamali fans know this piece well. With its detachable suspenders, high buttoned waist, and volume galore, this parachute skirt is a guaranteed head-turner. In vivid plum with convenient inner pockets. Labeled a sz. 10, fits a contemporary 6.
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Late '80s Kamali gingham prairie dress


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A little bit 1950s, a little bit Big Love, this full and twirly prairie shirt dress is fantastic for Fall. Pair it with gladiator sandals now, then a snug sweater and towering boots as the temperature drops. Labeled an 8, fits a contemporary 4-6.
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Mid '80s Norma Kamali snap-down sweatshirt dress

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In her trademark sweatshirt material with thermal-style snaps down the front and inverted pleating at the full, kicky skirt. Labeled a sz. P, fits a contemporary 0-4
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Mid '80s Kamali Sweatshirt Ensemble

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This classic Kamali ensemble is wildly versatile - the fishtail hem skirt can also be worn as a minidress and the boatneck top is fantastic as a tunic over jeans or leggings. In comfy sweatshirt material, these structured separates are labeled a sz. 8 but will fit a range (particularly the top).
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Early '80s corduroy cocoon dress

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Another of-the-moment Kamali cocoon, this time in red pinwale corduroy with snaps all the way up the collar. Shown belted, it also looks great as a slouchy tunic and has cuffed dolman sleeves. Labeled a sz. L, this one's also pretty flexible and can be worn up to a contemporary 10 or so.
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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com