Old town

Today I went for a stroll through my favourite part of town. In the old centre of Utrecht, the area known as 'Oudegracht' is perfect for a combination of vintage, thrift and antique shops. I was looking for a tablecloth and some wine/champagne glasses today. I found both (yay!!) and stumbled upon two Andrew Sister records in the proces. But that's not all I found.... Let me take you on a tour, showing you some of my favourite adresses in Utrecht.

The first stop is a little shop called 'De Oude Pijpenlade.'  It's where my judenstil locket is from. This shop is just the cutest little place where you can literally spend hours of your time.... searching for little treasure. De Pijpenlade is filled with vintage and antique, mostly cute little thing (no furniture) like cutlery, old pictures, paintings, jewelry, all sorts of decorational materials, old records... and so on! Make sure you have some time when visiting this shop; you'll really need it, because they have a huge cellar filled with prettyness.

Second stop of the day was the Episode (across from the Pijpenlade); a vintage store selling mostly 1960s-1980s stuff.. but occasionally they'll have some nice forties/fifties accessories and dresses. It takes a bit of a search, because it's a big shop, but I always manage to find something there. Today I found a pretty embroided tablecloth and something that is just..... gorgeous....

Further up the the street (still the Oudegracht) you can find several establishments of the A.R.M. (thrifstores.) I have to say they're not cheap and you have to be lucky, but today I was... because I found the Andrew Sister records (I was looking for those for ages!) and champagne glasses there. Oh and in the past I bought a very pretty fox stole at the A.R.M., which is still one of my favourite items! They offer many different things.

Again a bit further up the Oudegracht, there is a little store that sells vintage/antique postcards, magazines and posters. The shop window alone is enchanting to look at. The owner is a really nice man, very passioned about his shop and he can really help you find what you're looking for. And if you are not looking for anything specific... just go there to look at the pretty pictures!

And here is today's most gorgeous purchase; a leather 

fifties bag with the best lining ever! 

Thrifty thrifty

Oh yes, I found it was time to hit my favourite thriftstore again! I took home a variety of things. Starting with some porcelain (how cute are those birdy cups...), two cute necklaces, two lovely leather belts, a lot of ties (leather and silk) and finally a pair of leather bikerboots in very good condition.

And to think that I really REALLY needed some sturdy black boots...
this find is perfect for me! For only 6 euro's (L)

Say smile!

Fabulous collection

Last weekend I purchased a vintage clothing lot ('lot' being a collection of items sold as a package deal)... containig approximately 120 pieces of 1930s'-1960s' clothes!! I was looking for some good vintage mens wear (for styling) and stumbled upon this great lot (containing mens and womens wear.) I went to see the bunch last week, and after short consideration picked it up last saturday. I already gave away some items as gifts, kept a few pretty things myself and brought some pieces to the fleamarket last week.

There are dresses, cardigans, jackets, tuxedos, blouses, suits, trousers and coats in the lot. I was really thrilled to find some really good thirties and forties pieces. Unfortunately not all in my size, but I spoiled myself enough with other pretty things from the lot. Here is a little preview of what is now hanging in my clothing room., and to think that is only a small part of the entire lot.... (L)

I'm planning to use the items in this lot in a few different ways. Like I said, I needed mens wear for some upcomming styling jobs... and I also wanted to collect a few good jackets to dress friends and family for our wedding. Since I feel there is a lack of good 1930s-1940s vintage sellers in the Netherlands, I wanted to gather some good pieces myself to pass on to other fashionistas in the vintage scene and for potential sales (yes... I busy planning a vintage webshop!) And of course... finding some nice items for myself and my love was a nice extra haha.

A special thanks goes out to the lovely people

selling this gorgeous lot to me!

Snow fun!

I love it... for about five seconds and then I get annoyed by the fact that here in the Netherlands, everything.... yes EVERYTHING stops functioning properly because of it. Trains malfunction, school close their doors and people can't stop complaining about the cold. However, snow is pretty.... and it allows me to wear my furry hats! What do you think of my gorgeous raspberry red dress....?

Dress: 50s vintage

Cardigan: Only

Belt: vintage

Shoes: Bronx

Hat: thrifted

Gloves: 50s vintage

Coat: 70s vintage

Mildred Pierce

The HBO mini-series 'Mildred Pierce' tells the story of a divorced single mom who tries to cope with the Great Depression, her divorce and a narcissistic elder daughter Veda. In five long episodes she opens a restaurant, falls in love with a questionable man and most of all; she tries to salvage the already-strained relationship with Veda.

The story of Mildred Pierce is based on a 1941 novel by James M. Cain and the script stays very true to the book. It's a gorgeous, sad yet beautiful story about love, pride, ambition and undying loyalty. I love that the story is (close to) realistic... you can really relate to Mildred and her struggles (without necessarilly agreeing with her.) No 'Bold and the Beautiful' hystericals; "Brooke I am you father.... and stephbrother... and I slept with your daughter...and sister. While my son was secretly having a affair with you mother... ánd uncle..." (ok I'm drifting off... but you get my point.) A beautiful story, very pleasant to follow because of the relaxed pace over those five episodes. Needles to say... The fashion is GORGEOUS.

I'll tell you a bit about the fashion and give a little introduction about the series (with complementary screenshots): The story starts in 1931 with the Depression just settling in, so money is scarce. Which is portrayed perfectly when you see Mildred wearing the same dress quite a lot in the first episodes.... there is no money and the clothes are sobre and functional. With her needing to find a job as a single mom, she tries keep Veda satisfied (in the end unsuccesfully) by finding a propper job... which after a considerate amount of let-downs leads to a job as a waitress. Of course this isn't nearly good enough for young Veda, so Mildred feels pressured to come up with a different plan; opening her own restaurant... the waitress job being for 'experience' (at first an excuse to keep Veda content for the time being.)

Since she is a magnificent cook, the restaurant (called Mildred's) becomes a great succes in no time. Leading to a increasing income for Mildred and her family. The fashion both Mildred and Veda are seen in 'grows' with the growing succes in the restaurant buissiness; they start wearing more different outfits..... and more luxurious ones I might add. Up to the most decadent looks in the end. Véry véry pleasant to watch, while enjoying the actual story. I can really recommend watching this series for the story ánd the fashion. Just look at these screenshots! (L)

Intriguing portret

Tom Lyle, with his 14-years old son Tom Lyle Williams Jr. in 1926