I Want Candy...on My Clothes.

Just a quick post about this new top I received in the mail yesterday from the very- talented Kanaro: I love it!! I tend to be drawn more to dark colors and neutrals, but there is just something about this top I couldn't resist. It looks like it is covered in yummy little gumdrops, and it just feels like summer incarnate. So sweet! Thanks Kanaro!

A Charming "Peep" into the Past: The Victorian Stanhope

I always get rather giddy when I buy an antique. Not to sound corny, but there is just something about owning a piece of history that gives me chills [the good kind]. You never need an antique, you just want it. It is often instinctual and irresistible -- the siren call of the past? For me, it feels less like owning something and more like taking care of something that needs love.

This past weekend, after browsing lustfully through the beautiful antique jewelry in Wicked Darling's shop, I was overcome with curiosity and an unexplainable desire to own this bizarre, but lovely trinket pictured above. It is called a Stanhope [dating from around 1900], and it is a miniature photographic lens inside of a pendant...



I had never even heard of Stanhopes before this discovery, so I was surprised to learn that they were popular trinkets in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Each one contains several tiny photographs, and in order to view them, you hold the Stanhope up to a light and peep through the tiny hold in the end [they were also referred to as "peeps"]. The Victorians were quite enamored by photography, so it makes sense that these fairly inexpensive novelty items would have been popular with travelers and tourists. The one I purchased from Wicked Darling has 4 photos of Niagara Falls inside [probably purchased by a couple on their honeymoon!?].



This image of a Ferris Wheel is an enlargement of a microphotograph used inside of a Stanhope.



In 1862, a man named Rene Dagron established a factory in France to produce Stanhopes, which were then sold all over Europe and and the U.S. Stanhopes could be found inside a wide variety of objects, including: crosses, writing equipment, jewelry, smoking paraphernalia, perfume bottles, and more. To learn more about Stanhopes, check out this website on their history and manufacturing.

These are a few lovely Stanhopes for sale on ebay right now:






Examples of other "peeps" from the Stanhopes website and Camera Oddities:

This is an enlarged image of the the lens of a Stanhope that Wicked Darling was gracious enough to send me. It is truly such an amazing invention!

I cannot wait to receive my own little "peep" into the past...I will definitely take photos when it arrives!

New Accessories at A Single Charm Vintage!

New goodies in my shop: some great deadstock circle sunglasses, boxy vintage bags, sweet summer jewelry...and more. Stay tuned later this week for my Spring-inspired items [rompers, soft blouses, and some silky blazers, to name a few!]

And, I'm happy to do international shipping!

Things I Never Knew I Needed Until Now...

I'm always a sucker for a Victorian lady...and these tags would be so cute attached to a prettily- wrapped gift! Check out the quirky, nostalgic stationary and tags by DarlingDillyDilly.

The pattern on this lady-like top reminds me a bit of 1950's barkcloth, and the collar is stunningly architectural. For more one-of-a kind clothing creations, visit Supayana.

Any allusion to Marie Antoinette [or to cake, for that matter] immediately wins me over... Blu Lima has a cheerful collection of hand screen-printed posters.

I seem to be drawn to jewelry that combines daintiness with a touch of masculinity...this necklace does that perfectly. All of eRosas jewelry manages to be feminine, without being too "girly."

Fluffy, puffy flower pom-poms hanging from my ceiling? Yes please! Pom Love creates unexpected decorations, perfect for parties or everyday decor.

An engaging discussion about sin over a cup of Earl Grey seems like a jolly good time! How fun and kitschy are these plates? Visit Vandalized Vintage for more dishes featuring mature content.

It looks and feels like a sweet whipped-topping, but it's soap!!! YUM! Take a peek at all of the delightful soap creations from Fairy Bubbles...

Best of both worlds: the childhood jelly-bracelet [except in leather] meets classic gold. Kikastyle offers gorgeous celebrity and runway inspired jewelry that is easy on the wallet.

So clever! I love silk scarves, and this ingenious necklace/scarf creation is so versatile! Check out Gilbea for more.

I was going to say that my boyfriend would LOVE this quirky monster t-shirt...but, I admit I want it, too! Luchaworkshop makes clever, witty T-shirts and art prints, perfect for the geeky guy or girl [like me]...

Halston Boots is the Summer Boots

As I was having may daily dose of blog/website reading, I came across the new Halston Boots. Usually, I am not a boot-fan but after I've seen theses knee-high and calf-skimming boots in black, fuchsia suede and metallic bronze colors, suddenly I fell in love with them. I should also mention their gorgeous stiletto heels!




As you can see, these boots are like gladiator sandals. It aims to give you a chic and sleek look while enjoying the summer air with its cute cut outs.

Photo via net-a-porter magazine

Monday Mischief: 10 Reasons to Love...the Romper?

I'm going to be honest, I have been resisting this trend since last summer. Truly, I thought I was immune to romper madness. I kept telling myself things like, "I'm too old," "Not waif-ish enough," etc. But, I have been won-over! I found a couple of cute rompers to sell in my Etsy shop, and before I knew it, I was sporting one out to a party. They are actually flattering, comfortable, and cute...shocking revelation! So, here are my top 10 reasons to love the romper:

[I am wearing my amazing new/vintage boots from Cherry Pick Vintage...love them to pieces!!]

1. You can find one at practically any thrift shop.

2. They are super-duper-comfortable.

3. You don't have to sit like a lady if you don't want to.

4. They make you feel like a kid again.

5. They won't blow up over your head when it is windy.

6. They look equally good with boots, sandals, flats, heels, etc.

7. They make an excellent swimsuit cover-up.

8. You can do a somersault without fear of immodesty.

9. They are flattering and forgiving.

10. They are really hot right now!!!

[1 Reason NOT to like the romper: it makes going to the bathroom a tad more complicated...]

New Items at A Single Charm Vintage Today!

Just in case you're up for some weekend Etsy shopping, I've just added some more vintage clothing to my shop! Have an amazing, relaxing, friend-filled weekend my dears!

6 Must-Have Spring & Early Summer Looks, 2009

Here are 6 looks I'm loving for Spring/Summer, based around my 6 favorite *dream shoes* right now [and named according to 6 songs that remind me of summer...can you guess the artists?]. What shoes have been catching your eye this season??

Mexican Moon by Nothing Elegant featuring French Connection clutches

Ice Cream by Nothing Elegant featuring Chloé heels

Black Snake Moan by Nothing Elegant featuring Sam Edelman heels

California Love by Nothing Elegant featuring See by Chloé shoulder bags

Girl from Ipanema by Nothing Elegant featuring Givenchy flat shoes

Borderline by Nothing Elegant featuring French Connection clothing

More Art for Poor Collectors

I recently discovered two new resources for inexpensive, original art prints. Little Paper Planes is an amazing online community of artists, and they offer prints by featured artists starting around $30. Check out their shop or their blog to stay updated on their stock. POVeditions is a curated limited editions project from POVevolving and they also feature art prints by up-and-coming artists starting in the $20 price range.

Now, I just need more wall space...

Artist: Alexis Mackenzie. POVeditions. I love her mix of Victorian women with natural/botanical motifs.

Artist: Justin Richel. Little Paper Planes. I adore his sweet food prints -- how lovely would these look in a kitchen or dining area?

Artist: Iris Schwarz. Little Paper Planes. Her simple, yet striking renditions of women seem to have a bit of a dark side.

Artist: Sarah McNeil. Little Paper Planes. Sarah's soft, lovely, dreamy prints are both sweet and strange.