Embrace Your Womanliness

So we've been talking "style" a lot here on the Caravane. Earlier, Nadia created a treasury and posted a blog about her style; that delicious grunge jeans and floaty blouse combo that looks so effortless and gorgeous. Love it, Gypsy Gems and Rockstar Dreams, indeed.

I grew up believing with the pure and unadulterated power of a young soul that I was destined to be a great and sought-after fashion designer. My mother did nothing to quell this for me by, instead, fueling it through shopping trips every day and dressing me in outrageous outfits. At one point, I was going to school in ensembles like a crinkle fabric tiered miniskirt, clunky blue platforms with Pucci-like patterns, and a seersucker black tank top. It was about fashion and looking absolutely unique.

thevintagevoice Boots

And unique, I did look. By Junior High, I was known as the girl who made a point to dress herself. No roll-out-of-bed sweatpants and hoodies. I wore skirts and high-heeled boots and frilly shirts that clung to my body. I hated when whatever extracurricular group I was involved in mandated that we wear boxy Jersee t-shirts with our names across the front for the day and attempted to find out ways to turn them into sexy, tight little tops. My sewing machine and I were very well acquainted and I have scars from pin-pricks to prove it.

Eventually though, I started to simplify my outfits. I still wear skirts and high-heeled boots and shirts that cling to my body. The frilliness has all but disappeared though, and the outrageousness? It's slowly morphed into a more sophisticated silhouette. I consider it something like J. Crew on speed rather than Vivienne Westwood with her miles upon miles worth of ruffles. I also have let the fire of being a fashion designer fade into something much more satisfying for me: this vintage fashion shop and being a jewelry designer.

GreyandGrayCompany Skirt

My skirts are mini, but sweet and flirty. They're pleated or accentuated with a subtle bow. If I don't have any attention-grabbing detail on my skirts, you'll find it somewhere on my lace trimmed camisoles or my ruched tank tops. I do go dangerously short with the length, but here's the thing, at 5'2" on a good day, if they hit at a weird spot on my thigh, I look like a complete munchkin with stubby legs. I know Nadia begs to differ on this case, but that's my story and I'm sticking with it.

And of course, you can't have J. Crew without the cardigans. I swear, I believe cardigans were invented for that shop. However, the preppiness you find there all but disappears when I pair them with my watch-where-your-eyes-are-going tops and super-duper tight skinny jeans. (More about that below.) I throw these cardigans over practically anything; I have one in each black, brown, and grey. They go into my purse on hot days for those air-conditioned buildings I absolutely abhor. They go over my pretty little dresses. They're like the kosher salt of the fashion world. You have to have it on everything!

goodmorningmidnight Grey Cardigan

duende74 Skinny Jeans

Now, I may have made myself out to be some sort of tramp with said "watch-where-your-eyes-are-going tops and super-duper tight skinny jeans" but let me explain. I'm little, a petite person. Clothes that are blousey or have large details like giant bows across the front just makes me look like a little girl caught in her mother's closet. I go towards simple lines that serves to accent my body. My tops and dresses are fitted, they nip in at the waist and are usually low-cut. I love thin straps and more than that, no straps at all. My skinny jeans must be tight or else, the purpose of skinny jeans just goes out the window. In short, they are feminine and serve to embrace womanliness.

I am woman, hear me roar! So to say.

Best of all, because I make a point to choose neutrals like grey, brown, and black, I can wear anything with anything else in my closet. And thanks to my mother, who believes one should only buy the clothes one can wear anytime and for many years, I have boots I've worn since high school and a green trench coat I've had for almost seven years. No, I'm not sick of them, despite the fact my boots are truly showing signs of wear.

Don't get me wrong, though. I'm not all brown, grey, and black, (and silver because you will basically never find me sans giant round silver earrings and a simple silver necklace.) 

maggiebasile Silver Earrings

edor Silver Necklace

BetaAccessories Scarf

When I took a trip to Paris a couple years ago, I fell in love. Of course, who wouldn't? It's Pah-ree! I instantly told myself I needed to be French, and most of the work had already been done. I'm a lover of neutrals, much like almost every other Parisians. I wear simple clothing, again like the Parisians. But there was one thing I was missing from my wardrobe. That was the scarf. Alas, I couldn't be French unless I had a flimsy, gorgeous piece of fabric wrapped around my neck. I immediately bought my very first scarf at the nearest vendor: a large square black and red piece of Paris that I wrapped around my neck and strutted my stuff with. This lead me on a mission to find scarves wherever I went. I am now a proud owner of colorful confections that I wrap twice around my neck and let hang. It is the burst of color that I need on some days.

I went on to Etsy to compile a collection of gorgeous garments and accessories to help represent my style. It's a perfect mix of handmade and vintage. I didn't think that I would suddenly desire to buy each and every one of my choices. Oh dear. Perhaps you might find something to fall in love with. If that's true, you and I may have to duke it out. Just kidding. Enjoy!

What is your style? How do you define it? Who do you attribute your influences to? Comment below, we'd love to hear it!

Happy Vintaging!

Beatrice

Full link to Treasury: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c6c059ea7328eef0193544b/embrace-your-womanliness

Links to each item featured can be found by clicking on the captions under each picture as well as accessing the treasury. If you cannot get to the correct page, please contact us ASAP and we will provide you the full link.

A Night at the County Fair

So last week I went to the county fair with my dear boyfriend. Now, for those of you who have only encountered county fairs through television shows and movies, I can assure you, it is exactly like what you see on the screen. And I mean, exactly. You know how rich people like to slum it in the alleys of Beverly Hills? Well, us normal people in the rest of the economic spectrum do it at the county fairs.

I’ve been to a handful of county fairs in my life. They are all more or less the same: deep-fried food, farm animals, and carnival rides. Throw in a few haystack rides and some exotic animal exploita- I mean, exhibits, and there you have it, the classic Middle-America festival. They are still amazing though, no matter how many times I go and wade through the mud and give myself a stomachache sampling the latest fried goods.

So what was different about the last time I went?

This:

And this:

And all of these:

My boyfriend has an iPhone, and on this revered little phone is an app that could take the most amazing pictures ever. You would fiddle with all these different kinds of lenses, play with a variety of flashes, and choose your favorite film. Then, you take a picture in this tiny little viewfinder that only adds to the suspense and surprise of the final outcome. Wait for it to “develop” and “print.” And then stare in amazement at the awesome retro-ness of what you had just snapped.

There’s just something about looking at things in a completely new way. Your eye has to work harder to identify the subject, your brain has to somehow wrap itself around a new set of rules, and you just feel shocked... and inspired. Suddenly, everything around you has the potential to look aged and antique, or 70’s porno-ish (“boom chicka bow wow!”,) or melancholy and spooky. It really makes you look at the world around you more closely. Isn’t that what we all should do, stop a minute, take a look, pay attention to what we see, and find the beauty in everything? It’s all in there, waiting for you to pull it out.

A quick little story about the black cow up there. I have dubbed her “Miss Cranky Black Cow.” If you know me at all, you know that I can’t resist petting any animal I see. Bring me a frog and I will try to cuddle it. So when I see this sweet black little doe-eyed cow, one of the very few at this particular county fair, I couldn’t resist but to go up and give her a little pat. First, I couldn’t quite reach her head, so I positioned myself behind her, but to the side as to avoid any flying legs if it came to that. Then, I stretched out my hand, coo’ed a little bit, and gently gave her a single pat. Suddenly, I heard a grumbling from deep inside her, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw her adjust herself as to be directly in front of me, and pick up her leg. Instinct kicked in, I screamed, “Whoa!!” and spun myself out of the way of her deadly flying hoof. Miss Cranky Black Cow nearly killed me and all my boyfriend could do was laugh hysterically and take pictures to commemorate the moment a heifer got the better of me. Thank you, darling.

Fly Free!

Beatrice

This blog post came from Beatrice's jewelry website. To learn more, just go to www.BirdcageBohemia.com. Fly Free!

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!

Win a Necklace Made by Beatrice!

Hello guys and girls!

There is this blog that I’ve been following called (never home)maker. The name attracted me, of course, because look at how ironic and cute it is! Who could resist that? I originally came across it when I clicked on a Chocolate Avocado Pudding recipe from Foodgawker. Once I explored the blog and fell in love with the vegetarian 20-something couple from upstate New York, I was hooked.

They’re all about a healthy and good lifestyle. Exercising, healthy cooking, fun sense of style, eco-friendly living, and opportunities to host a giveaway. When I saw that last part, I jumped at it. The next thing I know, I had made a romantic Victorian inspired necklace just for them to give away to a lucky winner!

It’s really exciting, the necklace is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s free to that lucky girl (or guy if you’re smart, hehe!) Here’s your chance to snap this up for yourself. Just head on over to (never home)maker and submit an entry. The rules are simple and they’re listed in the blog. Hurry, the giveaway ends Tuesday, April 27th!

You know, it couldn’t hurt to go to the blog and (accidentally on purpose) leave the page open if you need to hint for a little surprise from your boyfriend/husband/loved one... (I’m so bad, haha.)

Happy vintaging!

Beatrice

This blog post came from Beatrice's jewelry website. To learn more, just go to www.BirdcageBohemia.com. Fly Free!

Vintage to Modern

While looking through some of our pictures, we realized just how much the bygone eras have influenced modern society. Whether is something that makes us giggle like children, or the clothes we choose to wear, or the homes we dream of owning, there is one thing that ties it all together: Something with a history makes it desirable.

When have you ever looked at a Victorian home and not imagined yourself, for a split second, baking a pie in its kitchen while three kids run afoot? Didn't you know the ever ubiquitous ballet flats of modern day also had their day once before, in the 60's? The ever classic strand of pearls has been an undying classic still. The lines of antique cars will make you stop and stare as they drive past. The retro styling of current kitchen appliances, the shabby chic characters of white bed posts, the charm of old canning jars holding pencils and pens; all still sought after today and all influenced by times past.

The two of us, residents of La Caravane Bohème, are two very modern girls. We love our cell phones and laptops complete with wireless internet. We have cars, we use credit cards, and we greatly enjoy anything with an automatic feature. However, you'll find us sporting vintage sunglasses like in our profile pictures. We'll be discussing the gorgeous molding in an old home. 70's maxi dresses and 50's cardigans will find their way into our closets. We love the historic districts of just about anywhere. 

So who are we? Modern girls with a vintage twist? Or vintage girls with a modern twist? We'll never know, but we'll never stop. Next time you inside your closet or your home, stop and take a look. You'll begin to see where history has infused your life. Once you do, you'll see the world with a different eye and with a new-found appreciation for things with a history. Of course, we'd like for you to take that appreciation right on over to our vintage shop!

Lots of love and Happy Vintaging!

Beatrice and Nadia

A beautiful spring day in New York

 Good morning, vintagers

Nadia here. In our field, we always have to be on the lookout for finding beauty in the unexpected. Yesterday I was walking down Fifth Ave with Central Park on my right and beautiful apartment buildings on my left. I was late for dinner with a friend, and thus I was rushing down Fifth trying to make a 15-block walk in five minutes (why not drive or take the train, you say? Please. This is New York. ;) )

Somewhere around 7 1/2 blocks into my mad dash, I noticed these flowers out of the corner of my eye and had to stop and take a closer look.

I know these flowers are destined to be confined to a stuffy apartment building lobby somewhere in midtown, but at this moment I caught them standing alone in the trailer of a moving truck, and I had to document it! Thank goodness for iPhones, right?

It's amazing how these flowers become the star of the show in this ugly, dirty moving truck. But when you place this gorgeous, pink explosion in its antique-looking vase in the middle of a dank, dirty, wood encasing suddenly the juxtaposition of the two creates a harmony that is simply breathtaking.

This dichotomy is really what's behind our love of vintage - vintagers can find something beautiful in what the rest of the world has written off as old or ugly. We're driven by the idea that hidden among dusty, dark corners of antique stores, we can find a shining gem. That's why we created La Caravane Boheme, to bring these forgotten pieces to you!

Besties

Good morning and Happy Easter, Vintagers!

In true Nadia form, I spent the week having fun with my bestie Beatrice instead of updating you on our good times as promised (maybe I should just start calling her that...it has a nice ring, doesn't it? Bestie Beatrice! Bestie Beatrice!). But, at long last, here I am to tell you about my fabulous week with (Bestie) Beatrice.

Of course, we didn't start the week out with work. It is Spring Break, isn't it? I arrived in Ohio for my first hot, sunny day in ages - my first few days of break were spent in New York in the freezing rain. Having lived in New York for almost two years now, I've kind of fallen into the Manhattan bubble of thinking that nothing worth seeing exists outside my awesome city. But (Bestie) Beatrice definitely proved me wrong.

Beatrice took me to see this gorgeous little town near her home in Twinsburg. We scoped out some of the antique and vintage stores there, searching for "new" and exciting additions to La Caravane's collection. Although this trip didn't offer us any finds (you can't win 'em all), it was a great experience to explore this cute little town with all its boutiques. In this picture I'm wondering why they might call this place Chagrin Falls...oh, right.

After the falls, I convinced Beatrice to drop her sexy (albeit non-vintage) slingbacks for a pair of bowling shoes and we went skiing.

Just making sure you were paying attention ;) We went bowling.

The rest of the week was spent updating our Etsy shop, and adding a few new goodies to La Caravane for you to feast your eyes upon. Check out what we listed - and there's more coming soon, I promise!

Taking full advantage of the first sunny days of spring and the fact that for once we weren't two states apart, we decided to mix it up a little and take our pictures outside next to this gorgeous antique well that Beatrice happens to have in her backyard.

We definitely had a lot more fun taking pictures together. It was a good week :)


Be sure to check out our new listings on Etsy. Keep vintaging!


-Nadia