What to wear dilemma? Don't be “tardy for the party” or worse, discover you've got a long lost twin.

With so many winter formals occurring over the course of the holiday season, you are bound to suffer a “snow-ball” meltdown if you limit your wardrobe to the traditional retail outlets. Spending hours in the mega mall to obtain the seasonal must-have won’t guarantee that you will avoid showing up to the party of the year with a look that is identical to three other women in the room. Oh what to do? A solution is as close as friends, family, the local vintage store or your own attic.

This New Year’s Eve shake things up with a heavy dose of Glamma, Glamma, Glamma by scooping up all that glitters like jewelry with crystals and garmets made with lame. Items pictured are available at appleshaberdashery.com

Honey It's Cold Outside

Fur easily falls into my category of re-purpose for the good of the planet since it stands in opposition to our society’s “throw away” mentality. I'm a collector and I’m thrifty by nature which is why I see vintage fur as a means to avoiding the stigmas attached to contemporary fur fashions. For all you animal lovers who can’t help but to be attracted to the sumptuousness of a sexy mink, here’s your “get out of jail” pass…a vintage fur worn is an animal saved.

Still a bit squeamish about sporting what looks like your neighbor’s pet? Toss it over a chair or your couch in place of an ordinary blanket throw. Tah-dah! You’ve got an instant Hollywood decor.
Believe me, if it’s beautiful I'll find a purpose for it.

Fashion and Wine at an Open House...Just Fine!

I am often asked about the designers and labels in my collection.  I'm proud to say that Apple's Haberdashery only collects fine ladies vintage from popular and quality makers including:  Aldrich, Elizabeth Arden, Bergdorf Goodman, Bonwit Teller, Christian Dior, Jerry Silverman, Lanvin, Lilly Pulitzer, Mr. John, Nelly de Grab, Peck & Peck, Pringle of Scotland, Saks Fifth Avenue, Schiaparelli, Vera, Whiting & Davis, And many more… I will be hosting an invitation only open house this month.  If you have not received an invite and would like to visit the salon, get a peek at the collection while enjoying fine wine and deserts send me an email and I'll get one out to you.  As always, thanks for your support.  By the way, the model is wearing a 1940's lace bolero shrug, an early 1900's Dobbs 5th Avenue beaver skin top hat, 1970's Leru bracelet, 1930's burlesque tutu and 1930's Elsa Schiaparelli necklace.

Autumn’s a THRILLER

Halloween is here and things get really scarey when you’re surrounded by a sea of white-sheet ghosts and flimsy vinyl novelty costumes. If you think that I’m going to suggest using vintage and antique pieces to spice up your seasonal attire then, you’re right!

However I’m not going to suggest raiding the Salvation Army in search of 1970’s “disco digs” so that you can be this year’s cliché “pimp” (come on that’s so five years ago). There are other ways to wow ‘em!

This month’s pic was taken on an equestrian farm for a music video shoot but the premise is the same. Using vintage pieces like this vintage Christian Dior Hat, feathers and a little hot glue easily transformed a little girl into a giant bird. By the way, rent the movie The Wiz starring Diana Ross and our beloved Michael Jackson. It provides endless inspiration for repurposing what would otherwise be next summer's garage sale fodder.

Sport a Mod Bod this Summer

InStyle Magazine identified 12 Best Summer Dresses of 2009. I’m pleased to see that the 1960's Mod look made the list and rightly so. For $367.00 this jacquard dress by Tibi will take you from day to night. For a fraction of the price a homespun version can be recreated using fabric salvaged from heavyweight drapes as did Maria in The Sound of Music. Makes me wish I had paid closer attention in home economics class.

April Showers Gotcha Down? Try Some Springtime Crafts and Vintage Repurposing

Fellow vintage and antique enthusiast Dana Kemp, owner of The Dozens Artist Kits, provided me with this month’s photos and explained how her group assembles unique and edgy scrapbook kits for graphic artists who seek a stylized method for preserving their memories. Dana suggests that scrapbook designers occasionally skip the craft store and instead opt for the readily available “antique and vintage fabric, bits and bows” that seem to collect and clutter up drawers in the house. Artistically speaking, April is a productive month for Dana as, rainy days often put her in the mood to create since she’s somewhat confined by the elements. She was fortunate to have several scrapbook heavyweights involved with designing the samples for April’s kit. A simple project involves turning an ordinary notebook into a personalized journal.

Vintage is Groovy

There's something sexy about musicians and I'm not certain what it is exactly. Is it the fact that they can be in front of an audience and sweat with confidence or maybe it's all the other adoring fans who hope that one of the band members spots them, but instead, he chooses you. Whatever the reason, an all-male band that sought a vintage makeover to shape their image can only be described as fearless and smooth. This week Apple's Haberdashery provided props and styling for Gruvology's promotional photoshoot. Their live recording session will be held at Ani Difranco's Babeville in the Hallwalls Contemporary Art Center and is sure to attract the serious jazz listener. I'm told that they're expecting a sold out show...I'm hoping they save me a seat!