Vintage Bathing Beauties - Have a Lovely Memorial Day, Everybody!

Hello there, vintagers!

Nadia here, reporting to you from the Windy City, Chicago! And on this unofficial opening day of summer, Chicago is also the hot, muggy, and rainy city. We at La Caravane Bohème think it's time we get ourselves revved up and in the mood for summer, since it seems Mother Nature has other plans for us.

Expect some swimsuits to pop up in our caravan pretty soon, especially for our vintagers who favor the 50s and 60s. We all know how fun it is to emulate our favorite pinup bathing beauties like Betty Grable and Jane Russell. That's why Beatrice and I are keeping our eyes sharp for gorgeous swimsuits. Our lovely vintagers all over the world will be bathing beauties in no time as the sweet weather kicks in.

I do have to add a little side note here - I think a bonafide Moment is in order to appreciate this particular picture of the lovely Jane Russell. It really emulates just what this season is all about: brightness, happiness, and simply enjoying the sun and warmth. I think we can all agree that this particular kind of beauty just doesn't come along all that often anymore.  But that's what we're here for, right?

I've got my eye on a couple of bathing suits in particular at some local vintage spots (I'll be spending a few weeks in Chicago), and I plan on perusing some estate sales for some hidden treasures for our loyal Caravane followers.

In the meantime, enjoy some of our great treasures already hanging in La Caravane like Daphne, an adorable little 70s sundress that doubles as a great bathing suit cover up! Just toss this little number in your beach bag to wear when things get a little chilly at the beach or even to dinner at your favorite boardwalk spot that evening.

We've had a great start to La Caravane's journey, and we still have a long way to go. So here's to a bright, warm summer ahead of us filled with sun, fun, and of course beautiful vintage fashion!

Have a safe, lovely, and bright Memorial Day, vintagers!

Keep Vintaging!

-Nadia and Beatrice

Tips for Identifying Vintage Garments

When the two of us first decided to open up a vintage shop, we had no doubts that we could spot a vintage dress a mile away. After all, when you spend nearly your whole life immersed in fashion and the art of design, you learn a lot about vintage garments. However, we realize that while we know we offer you quality, authentic vintage clothes, you may find yourself in a shop somewhere wondering if the skirt you're looking at truly is from the 70's. There's no Beatrice and Nadia there to help you decide. That's why we compiled this guide. 

Here are a few things you should look for:

1. Find a tag. We find that if you come across a garment with a single tag labeled with "Lot" followed by a number, it was most likely made between the late 50's through early 70's. Another tag to look for is the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union or ILGWU. The use of this tag was prominent from the 1900's through the 70's. If a size label is found- before the 1960's, the number was the hip size in inches, but after the mid 60's the numbers were the better known size 8, 10, 12, etc. numbers. Care labels, if you find one, popped up in the mid 60's and became very common in the 70's. If there are no tags, the item was most likely homemade. This is very common in garments from eras before the 1970's.
 

2. Examine the construction of the garment. Look at the seam finishing. While serged seams have appeared on garments as early as 1900 and 1910, you can trust that the serging will look significantly different from modern-day serging. As time went on, more and more threads were used in a serged edge. They did not become very commonly used until the 70's, but remember that you can find garments from the 40's, 50's, and 60's with serged edges. If the seam edges are pinked, they were probably either homemade or from the 50's or earlier. Handsewn hook and eye closures and snaps are another indicator of vintage garments. 50's dresses usually had internal bra-straps and underskirts made of net, tulle, or muslin.
 

3. Look at the zipper. Metal zips were widely used before the 1970's. There's nothing like the satisfaction of zipping up a heavy metal zip, so you can't miss it. It was not until the late 60's when vinyl zips were common. The location of the zipper is also important. Before the 1950's, zippers were typically on the side of the garment. In the 50's and 60's, the zip slowly moved towards the back.
 

4. Feel the fabric. It's typical that vintage fabrics had a much better quality than modern fabrics. In vintage garments, there is more heft to a heavy fabric, a more delicate feel to a piece of lace, a finer smoothness to a length of silk. It would be a good idea to spend time in a reputable vintage shop, touching the fabrics so you can develop a feel for it. If you find either a fabric content tag, or are able to identify fabrics, the type of fabric is a good indicator of the garment's age: In the 50's- taffeta and rayon were used, in the 60's- polyester and nylon were popular, while in the 70's- polyester ran rampant. Eras earlier than the 50's typically used natural fibers such as cotton, rayon, and wool. Remember, Lycra didn't come about until the 80's.
 

5. Judge the style. This should be the most obvious way of identifying a vintage piece. Of course, given our perchance for bringing back styles- shoulder pads were popular in both the 40's and the 80's, 50's style shirtdresses are popular right now, ballet flats popped up in the 60's, then the 80's, then the present time again- it is not a surefire way of dating a garment. However, if you are able to successfully find a vintage garment using other indicators, the style will easily help you pin a date on it. Some quick tips on lesser known facts: wiggle dresses featuring fitted hourglass shapes were popular in the 50's along the full skirted dresses; miniskirts and shifts came into vogue in the 60's, and maxi dresses and skirts along with tight fitting styles and low necklines were popular in the 70's.

As you spend time at estate sales, vintage shops, and the like, you'll start to gain a feel for what is vintage and what is not. The best part of finding vintage clothes is the thrill of the hunt. What will you find in the very back of that rack? Are these gloves truly 1930's gems? Did you just get your hands on a gorgeous 40's blazer with padded shoulders and a nipped in waist? There's truly nothing better than finding a piece of wonderful history, except maybe discovering that it fits you perfectly!

We love helping people find vintage gems. If you have any questions or additional tips, feel free to comment or e-mail us at LaCaravaneBoheme@live.com.

Of course, happy vintaging!

Beatrice and Nadia

Taste of Success

Aahhhh! Since we've opened up shop on Etsy, we've worked long and hard to get the La Caravane Bohème name out. Lots of discussions (and only one argument!) ensued as we pieced together a collection of the most stylish vintage finds showcased by the perfect banner, the prettiest pictures, and the most creative descriptions we could think of. So when we receive recognition for what we do, it tastes sweet.

Case in point: Our dear Etsy has a blog which thousands and thousands of buyers and sellers read called the Storque. They extend the goodwill by picking and choosing relevant items from lucky shop owners to feature in each posting. Today, we were the lucky ones as Alarice, our lovely 80's black jumpsuit was shown in conjunction to an ode to Denise Huxtable, that stylish girl from The Cosby Show.

Ladies and gentlemen, we have arrived.

Read the blog here and cheers to a lucky girl in Texas who bought Alarice! She's going to be one happy girl. 

Happy Vintaging!

Beatrice and Nadia

Summer! We're Free!

Bonjour, mes amies!

Summer is finally coming on and we are ready to take it on! Bathing suits, hot sandals, and sexy dresses will be flying out of our closets. Can you tell we are total hot weather and sun people? Well, Nadia is finally out of school for the time being and I can come out of deep-winter hibernation, (I don't do well with snow,) so you will be seeing a lot more going on with La Caravane Bohème. In fact, Nadia's already gotten down and changed up our shop banner and avatar. They are fabulous and I can't get over how perfect they are for us!

Of course, the ubiquitous blue cart is still a part of our banner. We can never get rid of it. It embodies just what our shop and lifestyle means- taking something old and turning it into a funky, modern piece. After some extensive discussion, we have decided that dear old blue cart is here to stay. So if you happen to spy a funky wooden cart in a strange color, you know we're somewhere close by!

Some other exciting news, since we tend to get way too excited about little things: Since our shop opened, items have literally been flying out the door. We've sent that romantic pink tulle and glitter confection of a dress all the way to Sweden and the gorgeous blue 60's evening gown (seen right) found its way to Spain. Someone in Florida is prancing around in our fur collar swing coat while a dear Georgian is showing off her figure in our 70's secretary dress. I wish I could pull up the destinations of where all our wonderful items went, but this post would go on forever. We're just so happy to know that our gorgeous vintage garments have found new, loving homes.

Which begs the question, how long will that item you've been eyeing be in the shop? Hmm, I guess if you don't hurry and snatch that precious piece up, someone else might give her a good home. Summer is coming indeed and we do have some lovely skirts and dresses waiting to help cool you off in a hot summer breeze!

So, enjoy the upcoming warm days, sip some lemonade, and always, always be true to yourself and express your vintage modern side! Happy Vintaging!

Beatrice and Nadia

Why Nadia Rocks

Hey Guys and Gals,

It's Beatrice, and I'd like to take a minute to congratulate the other half of La Caravane Bohème, Nadia. As you all know, she's a Fashion Design major at FIT in NYC, otherwise known as the pit in which my dear friend disappears into for two semesters a year. She is nearing the end of yet another year, and as part of her bribe to actually get to summer, she had to design a dress inspired by Valentino and make it into her school's year-end fashion event. 

Now, we've always known what an amazing artist, designer, and creative mind Nadia is so I had absolutely no doubt in my mind that she was going to make it into the show. I mean, look at it! It's a work of art. The beautiful red fabric, the special care with which she applied the lace, the design of it overall. It's gorgeous! And of course, she made it into the show, much to her own surprise. Oh, the modest girl she is. That's why she has me, to be her immodest and boastful alter-ego.

What's more, not only did she make it into the show, but she won the sought-after Critic's Award! The critic, seen right posing with Nadia, chose her as best of her class. I just can't express how happy and how proud I am of her. Nadia truly deserves a round of applause from all of us!

Whoo hoo, Nadia!!

Happy Vintaging!

Beatrice

The Wonders of Slips

Slips, they are the fabulous secret of the vintage fashion world. Most people don't think too much of them, viewing them as strictly underwear. Instead, they spend all their time going after insanely overpriced 50's button-up cardigans and 70's maxi dresses. Have you ever tried to bid on a flower child bright yellow maxi dress on eBay? You don't have a prayer if you have a tiny wallet.

So we bring in the Slip. They come in so many shapes, sizes, and types: half slips, full slips, silk fabric and nylon, lace trims, ribbon details, a bit of stretch, or featuring zippers, sexy as all get out or demure as an angel, and just so much more.

"Yes," you say, "but they're underwear." 

"No," we say, "They're lingerie. However, have you taken a good look at these precious gems?"

We have a gorgeous full slip made by Seamprufe. A 50's jewel, knee-length, with delicious lace trims and a pleated bust. You can't go wrong with a trendy, modern black. The fabric is nylon, the feel is silky. Best of all, it's completely opaque which allows you to dress it up with heels and a stole for a glamorous night out. Which 50's bombshell do you become when you put this on?

Then, there is this wonderful half slip. A creamy light latte color with a gently flared shape in a comfortable silky fabric. The elastic creates flattering ruffles that slide over your hips. A little surprise awaits on the back in the shape of a kick pleat, bordered with a stunning lace piece. This can hit right at the knees or below depending on waistband placement. Opaque as well, this would be a wonderful summer skirt with brown braided sandals and fitted top. (Listing coming soon!)

There is also this gem. Crisp and white and elegantly simple. This is a great American Maid slip with endearing details. An incredibly flattering shape as the hips curve out in an A-line but ends in a straight and simple silhouette, and the kick vent in the back provides a little bit of tease. A simple white skirt? Not at all. It feel wonderfully comfortable to wear and works for any event. Dressed up or dressed down, this skirt is a great piece you'll hang on to forever. We like this best with a tailored blazer.

Or if sweet and cute is what you're looking for, this beautiful slip may be what you need. Shorter than most which makes it novel but still adorably modest, it features a lace hem with a pale blue ribbon border. A tiny bow finishes it off. Its darling versatility allows you to playfully pair this with a cute cardigan top for sweetness or lace camisole for a hint of sexiness.

There are so many types of slips ranging from elegant to completely bombshell sexy. On top of that, many of these slips are just so versatile. They transform their personalities with whatever you pair them with. With tailored jacket and tights, you're ready for that business meeting. Then, swap the jacket out for a floaty peasant top and it's time to go to the farmer's market and soak up the sun. Once you find the perfect slip for yourself, you'll never want to give it up or replace it. 

The residents of La Caravane Bohème, Beatrice and Nadia, are always finding wonderful new slips to offer you. Just keep checking back until you find your "One."

Happy Vintaging!