My partner in Sixties vintage couture crime, artist Joan Davis, called me the other day and said I had to check out Torso Vintages, an ultra cool used couture outlet in San Francisco’s Union Square.

In town just a few days to pedal her flower-powered paintings, Joan had immediately sensed where to dig up archaeological relics of Pucci and Gucci – the way my pug can sniff a German Shepherd or hamburger a mile away.

I jotted down the name to this source for  shifts and clutches. Sure, there are ample …

Tags: bags , classics , clutches , couture , designer , fashion , Gucci , jewelry , leather , Pucci , retro , Sixties , sunglasses , vintage

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There’s “penny pinching” and “getting your money’s worth”, but what happened to “more for your money”? Where went the possibility of making a true investment and feeling secure and confident that yes, you spent your money well?

In these trying, financially frenzied times, the possibility of more of anything is very rare indeed. That’s why UK-based Vintage Academe is so significant. It’s much, much more than a fancy internet shop.

It all began last November 24th when the website launched with little more than a vintage frock or two …

Tags: couture , designer , fashion , shopping , Vintage Academe

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It’s great to hear women’s entrepreneurial success stories.

Katherine Sturgis fits into one of her own.

After working for several years in corporate fashion, buying and merchandising mass-market items, Sturgis came to a conclusion: big business simply wasn’t for her. Instead, she opted to follow her passion and be more creative in the confines of her own home.

Utilizing “Disparate elements and materials to create pieces that are playful, elegant and above all, wearable,” Sturgis says, she creates chunky sterling silver chains entwined with silk thread, strands of vintage rhinestones, and strings …

Tags: artisan , designer , found object , jewelry , Katherine Sturgis , reclaimed , vintage

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Known and adored for his kinetic modern sculptures, paintings and avant-garde mobiles, Alexander Calder was also an eco jewelry maker long before anyone knew what that meant.

During his lifetime, the American artist produced some 1,800 pieces of brass, silver, and gold body ornaments, using wire he twisted into wearable art. Like the stunning flower necklace below, these were often embellished with found objects such as beach glass, wood cuttings, ceramic shards and pieces of mirror.

About 90 of his inventive designs are on exhibit at the “Metropolitan Musuem …

Tags: art , artisan , artist , Calder , craft , designer , jewelry , reclaimed

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The UK is in the grip of the coldest winter in years and in recent weeks heavy snowfalls have blanketed much of the country. Even London had about a foot of the white stuff last week – the heaviest snowfall in two decades – and there’s no sign of it warming up any time soon. Meanwhile, in North America, you’re set for another six weeks of winter – at least according to Punxsutawney Phil.

Why not rug up with one of these beautiful artisanal …

Tags: artisan , Blacker Designs , designer , fashion , scarf , tussah silk , UK , wool

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Camelot once ruled the Washington fashion scene, but the times they have changed.

While Jackie Kennedy wowed the throng in lavish couture gowns (such as the one depicted in the figurine above) and the signature Cassini pillbox hat, Michelle Obama will most likely not be following suit, even on Jan. 20th, Inauguration Day.

More the well put-together working mom than DAR dilettante, she opted for slim and tailored silhouettes on the campaign trail, wearing affordable J. Crew on talk shows …

Tags: celebrity , designer , fashion , reuse , secondhand shopping , vintage , women

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Over the last 12 months, we’ve seen some of the best, worst and most unusual that green architecture has to offer, from shipping container hotels to conference yurts. We’ve seen a host of exciting new ideas brought to the table – and here are a few that particularly won us over.

Bricks and mortar…on water?

It’s been hard to escape the Lilypad this year – thanks to a stunning …

Tags: architecture , city , design , designer , environment , green , housing , lifestyle , lighting , Living , prefab , sustainable , technology , trend , wood

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I have a major rug fetish, and no designer has impressed me more than the renowned Christian Rathbone. In fact, his work does more than just impress beholders. It dazzles us. Taking this craft beyond the basics, he is the master of creating fine art for our floors. Plus, all of his pieces are completely handmade to ensure the highest quality and colored with vegetable dyes for an eco-friendly appeal. Are you an abstract addict? Then, you’ll consider the Decline rug one of this talented artist’s most evocative works. Want some insight into Rathbone’s …

Tags: art , decor , designer , floor , green

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As Nancy Dong sees it, eco-stylish footwear is the “sophisticated grown-up sister to the old crunchy granola hippie sandals”. The young designer behind Kailia Italian footwear is both a longtime vegetarian and a veteran in the fashion business. Having already created looks for BCBG Max Azria, Ermenegildo Zegna, Charmone Shoes, and Shoes with Souls, we’ll trust this woman with our feet any day.

Nancy moved to Italy and invented Kailia under the principles of cruelty-free and sustainable practices. According to the website, the factories pay fair wages …

Tags: cotton , designer , fashion , hemp , organic , shoes , vegetarian

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