Fashionable History: Vintage Catalogs

Oh! The selection! Wish I could order from these now.

Catalog snippets from the 40's and 50's. 

Fashionable History: Espadrilles

Espadrilles are classic. These lightweight shoes made from linen or canvas with a rope or braided jute sole come from Spain and have been worn since before the 13th Century! Traditional espadrilles are handmade from Alpargateros, like the lady pictured above. The production of espadrilles quickly spread during that time and also became popular in France. They were worn by everyone from peasants, to military soldiers, to Priests!

In the 1950's and 60's espadrilles became more than just affordable and practical, they became fashionable. Yves St. Laurent special ordered espadrilles to be made with a heel, something that had never been done before. They were an instant hit and the fashion world hasn't given up on them yet! Now espadrilles can be found in the traditional handmade from Spain version ( I just bought a pair of red ones the other day!) or from a variety of shoe designers in all sorts of shapes and reinterpretations. I also have a pair of wedge heel cherry print ones with red ribbon ankle laces that I bought at Macy's a few years ago! Either way they make a stylish and comfortable summer shoe!
Picasso wore them! Love the stripes!

JFK wore them with ankle ties!

And the lovely Grace Kelly wore them!

Mid-Week Inspiration: Pretty Vintage Shoes

I'm not sure where I found this image. I just want a pair of each of these shoes!

My Vintage Vanity: Shoes

I'm excited for this new feature here at Bobbins and Bombshells called My Vintage Vanity. In it I will be showcasing some of my favorite vintage items from my own closet and home! It will alternate every so often with the On My Wishlist segments. While I am always coveting some fabulous item out there that I can't afford, I also do extremely appreciate all that I have! I would also LOVE to share some of YOUR favorite vintage items and scores from your fabulous vintage collections! If you would like to participate drop me an email with "My Vintage Vanity" in the subject to be considered. My email is femmefatalevintage@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Today I am showcasing my vintage shoes. Being a tall gal with size 10 feet I find myself lusting after vintage shoes more than purchasing them. Trust me when I say these were very hard to find! After ALL of my years buying vintage I only have two pairs!
Above are my late 40's early 50's black leather and suede slingbacks. I found these at Beacon's Closet here in Brooklyn for under $20. I nearly died when they fit!

And these beauties are my favorite. I bought these rhinestone studded gunmetal 50's pumps at Hollywood Regency Vintage in Phoenix, AZ. They are amazingly comfortable! I am lucky my foot is narrow or my chances of fitting into either of these shoes would be even slimmer.

On My Wishlist: Spring-o-lators

Today I am introducing a new segment here at Bobbins and Bombshells called "On My Wishlist". It is replacing "Vintage Finds of the Week". I have enjoyed showcasing vintage Etsy sellers over the past year and half but now I'd like to showcase items of my shopping obsession, vintage and otherwise, from all over! To keep things lively, I will also be slipping in another new segment here on Tuesdays called "My Vintage Vanity". There I will be showcasing vintage items I have acquired in my personal collection. I may even have some surprise show 'n tells from my vintage loving friends....so stay tuned!

This week I'm really craving a pair of Spring-o-lators. These glamorous high heels are a true vintage treasure. With an elastic inset under the instep they help keep your mules on and add comfort for dancing. The styles are almost always very Old Hollywood movie star glamour. Have a look at some vintage ones I found on flickr.

Now unfortunately, all of the vintage ones I have ever found while vintage shopping have been in tiny sizes. Size 6 I am not, so I have almost given up on the dream of ever owning a pair.

Until I discovered that Bernardo has infact brought back the Spring-o-lator! Bernardo is no stranger to vintage glamour. They are famous for dressing the stylish feet of Jackie O and the 1960's Lily Pulitzer set in glamorous thong sandals. Still in business, I am thrilled for their continuing appreciation of the past.

I am now saving up for this leopard pair that are available in my large size 10!

Newly Listed This Week!

There are lots of newly listed vintage goodies in stock in my Etsy shop, Femme Fatale Vintage!

Have a look at what's new:

I listed 9 vintage patterns! A few have already sold!

These shoes are fabulous! Dark chocolate brown 1940/50s Jerro New York suede and leather peeptoe slingbacks! Size 8N. $110

Sweet and sexy! 1950s black sheer mesh pumps by Red Cross Shoes with bows and rhinestones. Size 7AAA. $75


True Italian style! 1960s Rosina Ferragamo Schiavone black leather and butter snakeskin pumps. Size 7. $92

Perfect for the office! 1960s Nordstrom's brown lizard pumps. Size 10AA.
$46.

And don't forget to shop my CLEARANCE SECTION for amazing vintage deals with all of the proceeds going to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund!

Newly Listed This Week!

I've listed a few items in Femme Fatale Vintage, my vintage shop on Etsy, this past week.

Take a look!

1950's Gold Glitter Encrusted Clutch Purse-$26

1960's Daniel Green Comfy Brocade Slippers with Bows-$28

1940's Black Rayon Lace Illusion Double Peplum Dress -$65

Vintage Tea Party Pics

Vintage shoe and purse displays.


The most gorgeous 195o's cardigan with mink collar and rhinestone buttons!

Here I am in one of my favorite vintage dresses with one of my oldest BFF's Derek Warburton from Derek Loves Shopping fame!

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I hosted a vintage shopping tea party this past weekend in a beautiful parlour of a Brooklyn Brownstone. Thank you to everyone who came and to all of my friends for their support. It was a lot of fun and some great vintage items found new homes!

Sneak Peek! Femme Fatale Vintage

1960's Christian Dior Black Satin Pumps

1940's Black Perforated Suede Shoes

I am slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things here. Whew! The last couple of weeks have been crazy with the closing of my brick and mortar store, Ouvrez La Porte, and with relocating everything to my very small studio apartment. I hope to be back on a regular posting schedule soon. To give you something new to look at here is a sneak peek at some fabulous shoes that will go up in my eBay store, Femme Fatale Vintage, tonight. Every Thursday night I list new items for auction and will be giving you a sneak peek here first. You deserve it!