As the title suggests, this post is about my love for vintage charms and charm bracelets. I have a number of them in my collection and continue to add vintage charms. I love wearing my vintage charm bracelets as they represent history and certainly are a conversation starter.

What I mean by ‘represent history’ is two-fold. One, charm bracelets have endured long throughout history and each bracelet represent a particular time period. Two, when one wears a vintage charm bracelet you’re actually wearing someone’s personal history. To me, that’s fascinating! Every charm on a 1950s bracelet that I wear was hand-picked by some woman of that era. I often wonder who she was, what she was like, what happened to her? I digress, so let’s move on.

Charming Beginnings

Charm bracelets can be traced back to around 500 to 400 B.C. At that time, the bracelets were worn for religious, spiritual or magical reasons. It wasn’t until the mid-to-late 1800s that charm bracelets were worn solely for fashion. Queen Victoria was key in making charm bracelets popular in the late 1800s.

Apparently she loved wearing them and giving them as presents. When Prince Albert died in 1861, she started a new trend, ‘mourning’ charms. Mourning charms were charms that commemorated the dead. These included miniature portraits, locks of hair, jet carved charms (check out my post ‘A Lesson in Jet‘), lockets and any other items that represented the deceased. The Victorian mourning charms and bracelets are incredible. The craftsmanship, quality and beauty astounds. I wish I had one in my collection!

Victorian Charm Bracelet http://www.imobsessedwiththis.com/2012/05/02/vintage-jewelry-victorian-bracelets/

Victorian Mourning Bracelet, pinterest.com

During the Victorian period, articulated or mechanical charms were introduced. Articulated charms are charms which have a moving part. When you push a level or pull a chain, parts of the charm will move. Victorian mechanical charms are one of the most highly collectible and sought after types of charms.

Articulated Beer Stein Charm, Etsy

Articulated charm, http://www.sandysvintagecharms.co.uk

Train articulated charm, http://www.alvr.com/

Art Deco Charm

During the 1920s to 1930s, diamonds, other precious stones and platinum were introduced to charm bracelets and charms. Charm bracelets of this era were very elegant and had become more angular looking, reflecting the Art Deco style. Geometric shapes were utilized with smooth lines and streamlined forms. Art Deco charm bracelets had sleek elegance and looked very sophisticated. Let’s have a look at some gorgeous examples of charm bracelets of this era.

Art Deco diamonds & emeralds charm bracelet, http://www.inspiredtreasures.co.uk/

Art Deco diamond charm bracelet, http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry

Art Deco charm bracelet, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/

I hope you’ve enjoyed ‘It’s a Charmed Life – Part 1’. Stayed tune for the second installment where charm bracelets of the 1940s and 1950s are explored; my favourite era!

Stay charming,

xoxo

Black Dahlia

I hope that all of you had a happy and healthy Christmas & New Year!

As you know from a prior post, Fashion Icons Part I, I am a huge Betty & Veronica fan. I’ve been collecting B&V comics, dolls and memorabilia since I was a child. In junior high, I even did a project on the ‘origin of Archie Comics’. I guess you could say I’m a devotee, which is why I’m so excited about the upcoming MAC Cosmetics Betty & Veronica Collection!

Source: http://blogue.us/2009/06/01/veronica-vs-betty/

Are you a Betty or a Veronica?

The MAC Cosmetics Betty & Veronica Collection will be available in Canada on February 7^th, just in time for Valentine’s Day! The collection includes: lipsticks, glosses, eye shadow quads, powder, mascaras, eye liners and a set of makeup brushes. I rarely get excited about MAC Cosmetics ‘limited edition’ series. The colours usually are the same or very close to previous products. However, this time is an exception. I am excited and truth be told, I don’t care if the colours are truly ‘new’! I’m just a sucker for the packaging!

Source: Elle.com

‘Ronnie Red’ MAC Cosmetics, source: cdn.specktra.net

Speaking of the packaging, I am very pleased that they selected classic, vintage Betty & Veronica images for the product tubes and packaging. How damn cute are they!? It just wouldn’t have been the same if they had used modern illustrations of B&V. MAC Cosmetics has certainly ‘sexed’ up our classic Betty, Veronica and Archie in the accompanying marketing images!

Source: http://www.sweetelectricblog.com

Betty & Veronica are wearing wigs and rubber! Hmmm. Also, Archie appears to be wearing several earrings? I personally would have preferred that the photos be classic and more vintage, but this is ‘marketing’ after all. And, yes, sex sells! Perhaps the S&M crowd will be lining up in droves to get some MAC B&V makeup!

B&V Collection

Ok, enough of my mild social commentary. On to the makeup!

‘Betty Bright’ MAC Cosmetics, source: cdn.specktra.net

Source: http://glitterismysunshine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/archies-girls.html

Source: http://glitterismysunshine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/archies-girls.html

Source: http://glitterismysunshine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/archies-girls.html

When the collection comes out next month, I’ll review the products I purchase. Until then check out Glitter Is My Sunshine’s post and  Sweet Electric’s post for more photos and information.

So, are you a Betty or a Veronica? I guess I’m more of a ‘Veronica’ due to my dark hair and keen fashion sense. Really, I adore them both and will buy items from both of their lines.

XOXO

Black Dahlia

I know, it has been far too long since my last blog post. I have so many ideas and information to share with you, but haven’t had the time the last several months. I do hope this changes, as I dearly miss blogging and interacting with all of you.

As the title suggests, today we’re going to have a look at some vintage witch pinups! No, not a look at the typical Hallowe’en witch; no warts here! Hallowe’en is my favourite time of year (for those that do not know me). I started counting down the days to this spooktacular event on October 1st. Perhaps I’ll share my celebratory ways in another post.

There are thousands of lovely Hallowe’en vintage pinups and photographs, far too many to share them all. That’s why I chose to narrow this post to witches! Who doesn’t love Hallowe’en? Who doesn’t love pinups? Who doesn’t love a good witch? If you didn’t answer ‘yes’ to all three questions, do stop reading this post!

Bubble Bubble Toil and Trouble!

http://www.flickriver.com/photos/judibird/tags/vintagehalloween/

http://www.halloweenforum.com/

http://theselvedgeyard.files.wordpress.com/

http://rockmymakeup.blogspot.ca

http://raleighvintage.blogspot.ca

Pumpkins and More!

http://www.halloweenforum.com/

http://www.keyleestyle.com/

http://www.esty.com

raleighvintage.blogspot.com

Brooms Away!

sophialorens.tumblr.com

http://vintagegal.tumblr.com/page/19

http://craftychick1221.blogspot.ca

gravesandghouls.tumblr.com

Witchy, Witchy Women!

woodsmokeandpumpkins.tumblr.com

http://klavieratrek.tumblr.com/

anostalgichalloween.blogspot.com

raleighvintage.blogspot.com

I Put a Spell on You!

http://th03.deviantart.net/

http://www.pinterest.com

http://bombshellphoto.blogspot.ca/

http://scallywaif.files.wordpress.com/

Because You’re Mine…

sexywitch.wordpress.com

merlettovintage.blogspot.com

Hope you’ve enjoyed the witches on flight!

What are you dressing up as for Hallowe’en? Do let me know!

XOXO
Black Dahlia

Just as the title suggests, this post is about my love for vintage dress clips. I love that I can add a set of clips to a favourite dress and easily alter the look of the ensemble. Jewellery isn’t just meant for your ears, neck, wrists or hair. Your vintage dress calls out for adornment also. I can’t help it that I like sparkly, shiny things!

30s rhinestone dress clips, Black Dahlia’s Collection

Dress clips were made from the 1920s to early 50s and came in a variety of styles, colours and settings. These clips became particularly popular in the 1930s. I’m unsure how far dress clips date back prior to the 20s, but perhaps they were around. If you know when they first started being manufactured and/or have examples, please do tell me.

Dress clips were worn to accentuate the neckline, lapel or back of a dress. I particularly love how dress clips look on a vintage dress that has a sweetheart neckline. Also, the square neck cut of a 30s frock looks just fabulous with a dress clip at each side. Most jewellery manufacturers, whether costume or fine jewellery, had their dress clip line. One just has to pick up a vintage costume jewellery book to see lovely examples of dress clips made my Trifari, Coro, Napier, Eisenberg, Miriam Haskell, Sherman, etc.

50s party dress with 30s then 40s dress clips, Black Dahlia’s Collection

Types and Manufacturers

Dress clips were made in a variety of types, styles and materials. Silver, rhinestones, diamonds, crystals, enamel, wood, Bakelite and various metals were used to craft gorgeous dress clips. Some were made as two separate clips, others sold together as one larger clip (or pin) that you could separate and wear as two clips. I love both varieties and am lucky to have examples of both in my jewellery collection (thank you Mom).

Metal and lucite dress clips, Black Dahlia’s Collection

40s metal leaf dress clips, Black Dahlia’s Collection

In 1931, Coro patented the “Duette” and its locking mechanism. Some sources claim that designer Adolph Katz patented the  Duette, where other sources state it was Gaston Candas. For the sake of this post it doesn’t matter, but it’s an interesting question as to who was the originator. The Coro Duette was a set of dress clips that locked together and could be worn as one large piece or two smaller dress clips. 

Coro Duette 1948 Ad, http://www.emcity.com/coro.htm

It was only five years later in 1936, that Trifari created their version of the Duette, called the Clip-mate. Duettes and Clip-mates look similar to me, but can be distinguished by their locking mechanism. I could try to explain the difference, but I’d only struggle at the description. Do check out TruFaux Jewels for the utility patents on both Coro and Trifari’s dress clips. It’s easier to notice the difference in the locking mechanism by looking at these illustrations.

I have only one dress clip that is locked together like the Duette and Clip-mate. I’m unsure who manufactured it, as the markings only indicate that it was made in Canada and is British patented. Let’s have a look at my beauty!

30s rhinestone double-clip, Black Dahlia’s Collection

This is another of my favourite dress clips, a sweet 1940s cherry clip. Sadly, it has seen better days and is chipping a bit. Still, I love it so!

40s cherry dress clip, Black Dahlia’s Collection

You have to love this 1930s Trifari Clip-mate bangle desinged by Alfred Philippe! The dress clips come off the bracelet, so you can wear them on your dress. Genius!

Trifari Clip-mate Bangle, http://www.trifari.com

 If you love dress clips as much as I do, do check out Illusion Jewels; an excellent resource.

xoxo

Black Dahlia

I realize it has been a long time since my last blog post, my apologies. More posts are in the works and I hope you will stay tuned.

I started the ‘Fashion Icons’ series back in February 2012 and since have profiled Betty & Veronica, Bild Lilli and Nancy Drew. Now it’s time for my next installment, so without further ado – welcome to Twin Peaks!

TP sign, http://nlg-steampunk.blogspot.ca

Twin Peaks is one of my all time favourite TV shows, right up there along with Granada’s Sherlock Holmes. The TV series began in 1990 with  a pilot episode, which I watched with fascination. I was hooked on the show straight off and never missed an episode. I even taped all the episodes on my VCR! I was obsessed with the show and bought soundtracks, books and magazines devoted to it. I still have my ‘Wrapped in Plastic’ magazines, which are, ironically, wrapped in plastic! 

Laura Palmer, Black Lodge http://90salt.tumblr.com

The series was created by David Lynch and Mark Frost and aired for two seasons on ABC until it was cancelled. When the second season was airing, at the end of each episode, there was a ‘save Twin Peaks’ spot. It encouraged people to write in to save the show. I didn’t send a letter because I never thought the show would be cancelled. Also, I was in my early teens at the time and not much into ‘following through’ on anything!

Twin Peaks Fashion

I was inspired by the fashion displayed in Twin Peaks without a doubt. How could one describe the style of the show? A strange mixture of 40s, 50s, 60s and 80s fashion – at its best and worst. Like the show, the fashion was often dark and mysterious. It wasn’t hard for me to affect a TP look at the time as 50s sweater sets, plaid school girl skirts and camel coats were readily available in my mother’s vintage shop.

The women of Twin Peaks were fashionable, each in their own way. Several of them wore vintage with Audrey, Laura, Donna and Maddy often sporting an innocent 50s ‘school girl’ look. Who can forget Audrey’s iconic 50s saddle shoes?

Audrey’s Shoes, http://ifzombiesweresupermodels.blogspot.ca

The ‘school girl’ look wasn’t the only popular style on the show, so was the ‘sultry siren’. Vampy, curve hugging dresses adorned almost every female character on the show at one time or another. Even Norma at the Double R Diner was fetching in her vintage diner dress!

Norma, Twin Peaks http://cuizine.tv/2011/11/the-double-r-diner-twin-peaks/

No wonder the show had a strong style following! References to the fashion of the show were everywhere at that time, in magazines and even on other TV shows. I even remember Brenda of Beverly Hills 90210 going through her ‘Twin Peaks’ phase!

Newspaper article, http://industrialsymphony.tumblr.com/

A Look At Twin Peaks Fashion

By far, the best dressed female on the show was Audrey Horne (played by the beautiful Sherilyn Fenn). So let’s have a closer look at some of her fabulous outfits!

Audrey, http://oldnewcharm.blogspot.ca

Audrey, http://www.wornjournal.com

Audrey, http://i-wanna-be-adorned.com/2011/10/05/twin-peaks-fashion/

Audrey, http://twinpeaksfashion.tumblr.com

Audrey, http://twinpeaksfashion.tumblr.com/

Audrey, http://www.fanpop.com

Audrey, http://www.dugpa.com

Looking for more Twin Peaks fashion photos? Check out the episode stills at  http://twinpeaksfashion.tumblr.com/

Now I seriously need some cherry pie and coffee!

xoxo

Black Dahlia

1950s Pop-it Bead Card, Ebay Seller: catering_n_collectables

Happy weekend lovelies!

I know it has been ages since my last post, my humble apologizes. To answer some of the email queries: 1) I am alive 2) the blog is not going to be deleted and 3) I hope to resume more regular posting. 

I’ve been having trouble adjusting to some of ‘life’s circumstances’, but will try harder to make time for posting. I will respond to emails and comments just as soon as I can (I have limited net access). Now, let’s get down to brass tacks!

Pop-it Beads

I love and adore Pop-it beads! What are Pop-it beads? Plastic, lucite, celluloid or polyethene beads that pop, or snap together to form necklaces, bracelets and earrings. They are also known as ‘Pop Beads’, ‘Snap Beads’ or ‘Snap-it Beads.’

Pop-it beads started being produced in the early 50s as an inexpensive alternative to real pearls and other jewellery. This meant that all women, no matter their budget, could afford a higher-end look by buying the plastic alternative at the ‘Five and Dime’ Store. Pop-it beads were a huge fad in the 50s & 60s with girls, teenagers and women.

Coro As You Like It Bead Ad http://www.jewelrypatentproject.com

I have been collecting and coveting Pop-it beads for many years now, as influenced by my mother. Everytime one of us gets a new strand, the other benefits by getting their fair share. Which reminds me, I need to mail my mom some of my latest acquistion!

Not too long ago, I purchased the below ‘As-You-Like-It’ cherry red Pop-it beads from the great vintage costume jewellery manufacturer, Coro. They are, without a doubt, one of the most exquisite examples of Pop-its I have ever seen *swoons*. They still include their original Coro tag and price tag; they were originally sold for $2.00.

Coro ‘As You Like It’ Pop-it Beads, Black Dahlia’s Collection

Colours & Styles

1950s Pop-it beads came in a variety of colours, sizes, shapes and styles. The beads were originally sold in very long strands, approximately 50-60 inches long. They were sold at this length so the customer could pop them apart to make a variety of necklaces, bracelets, etc. One could even wear them as a belt if they so desired! 

How to Wear Pop-it Beads,  http://www.jewelrypatentproject.com

Women of the 50s bought Pop-it beads in droves. This was an extremely popular novelty with women buying many strands of varying colours and mixing and matching their pieces. Choker style Pop-it bead necklaces were also available and usually came with matching earrings. One could buy seperators and attachments for their strands to make their own chokers and unique styles.

50s Pop-it Choker w/separator Ebay seller: asavvyflea

Pop-it beads came in a variety of colours: bright rainbow colours, pastel shades, gold & silver, autumn colours, etc. In the 50s, the rainbow colours were more popular with girls and the pastel and gold & silver shades more popular with grown women. The sheen on the beads was either pearlized, matte or shiny. 

80s Pop-it Beads, Black Dahlia’s Collection

The most popular variety with women was the white pearlized strands, which were fashioned to look like real pearls. These are also the most commonly found variety today. You often see these strands at yard sales and flea markets.

Common Pop-it Bead Colours, Craigslist Ad $5 for All!

Shapes & Sizes

The most common Pop-it bead shape is round, but other shapes were manufactured such as oval and barrel-shaped. I have a variety of shapes and sizes in my collection. It’s really fun to mix and match the shapes, sizes and colours for a truly unique vintage look!

Pink Barrel Pop-it Beads, http://www.rubylane.com

The round Pop-it beads came in a few different sizes. I’m not sure how to measure the different sizes accurately, so I’ll just provide an image to illustrate, with three different sized strands. The smallest size strands were more commonly worn by girls, with the medium and larger sizes worn by women. 

Pop-its Sizes (blue are 80s, the rest are 50s)

Buying & Value

Several companies manufactured Pop-it beads in the 50s including Coro, Richelieu and companies in Hong Kong. Pop-it beads are still being manufactured today and are readily availiable at toy stores and online. 

Pop-it beads that were cheaply made in the 50s, haven’t stood the test of time. You will often come across a strand where the coating is flaking or the beads are sticky. However, don’t let that disuade you from buying them. You can always chip off the remaining coating and remove the stickiness.

Coro Pop Beads, http://www.rubylane.com

Pop-it beads that were made by higher-end companies like Coro are very well preserved. According to an eHow article, the reason for this is that “better brands used a thermoset technique that baked the color into the bead.”

50s Pop-it Beads, Black Dahlia’s Collection

Pop-it beads are readily available and you can come across them at flea markets and yard sales. They are also available online at antique jewellery stores, Etsy and Ebay. If you buy online, be careful as sellers can (and do) pass off 80s and present day Pop-it beads, as 50s strands.

50s Pop-it Beads, Black Dahlia’s Collection

Prices for Pop-it beads range anywhere from $1 to $65, depending on the condition, colour and length. Pop-it bead sets that come with their original earrings appear to sell for higher prices.

Do you have any Pop-it beads?

XOXO
Black Dahlia

Good afternoon lovelies!

I realize it’s been a long while since I’ve posted. I apologize for that. Life, stress, worries – they all get in the way of me posting! The nerve of those forces, how completely impudent of them. Well, I won’t rant away about those things. That’s not the kind of blog I want to have, so let’s move on with this post!

If you remember, back in February, I did a post entitled ‘What’s in Your Vintage Handbag.’ It was a fun little post where I encouraged other style bloggers to share what they had inside their purses. It’s now Summer and time to share again! I change the handbag I use very often, as I’m sure you do. I like it to match my outfit and the decade of clothing I’m wearing, when possible.

So, let’s have a peak inside my vintage summer handbag! 

First, a look at this delightful bag. I bought it several years ago on a trip to the US at a T.J. Maxx store. No, it’s not vintage, but I don’t give a damn! I’m crazy about this cute little Tiki hut bag. It was truly meant to be that I own it, as I’m terribly fond and obsessed with Tiki! 

Oh, how I love anything Tiki!

And what’s inside?

What’s in your vintage summer handbag? Black Dahlia

Tiki hut handbag and contents, Black Dahlia

What is that stuff?

I can surprisingly get a lot shoved in this little purse:

• Eye magnifier – for when I need to look closely at something, like jewellery markings
• MAC ‘Lady Danger’ bright red lipstick and ‘Redd’ lip liner 
• Yu-Be Lip Chap
• Lipstick rhinestone pen 
• I-Audio device
• Metro pass
• Vintage sailboat measuring tape – this was in my last handbag post also, I always like to have my trusty measuring tape handy.
• Piccadilly Circus Stratton Vintage Compact – I love this so. You can read more about it in this post. 
• 50s parrot red coinpurse – yet another thing I collect is vintage coinpurses. I adore this one from the 50s! Although, I’m not certain those are parrots?
• My keys/key chain
• Body Shop Tea Tree Facial Blotting Tissues – in case this lady perspires!
• 50s Saint-Pierre Miquelon ship wallet – oh how I love yard sale finds!

Tiki hut handbag contents, Black Dahlia

Tiki hut handbag contents, Black Dahlia

Tiki hut handbag contents, Black Dahlia

Tiki hut handbag contents, Black Dahlia

What’s in your vintage summer handbag?

I’d love to see what’s inside your bag! If you do a related post, do be sure to let me know and place a link in the comments section!

xoxo

Black Dahlia

I thought it very fitting to do a post today about the wonderful costume jewellery designer, Sherman. Why is that fitting you ask? Today is Canada Day and Sherman is Canada’s most renowned costume jewellery designer! It’s also been a while since I’ve written a post about a jewellery designer. Do be sure to check out my previous post on Miriam Haskell.

Gustave Sherman 

Gustave Sherman, a former jewellery salesman, set up his first factory in 1947 in Montreal, Canada. (Since I’m here in Montreal, I actually thought about trying to track down the factory location – but I haven’t had the time!) Sherman used his knowledge of the jewellery industry, design and techniques to create an amazing signature collection. Sherman costume jewellery was created from 1947 until the early 80s when the factory closed. During that time, his pieces were very popular and widely available at department stores.

The Sherman Look

Many costume jewellery designers utilized rhinestones and cyrstals, but Sherman’s were unique. Sherman pieces were only created using top quality Swarovski rhinestones and cystals. You notice this straight off when you look at a Sherman piece, as the sparkling, multi-faceted stones really stand out. They sparkle so much they practically light up a room! Sherman produced a variety of pieces including necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings in a variety of colours. Pieces that are commonly found are necklaces, earrings and brooches. Sherman bracelets, on the other hand, are hard to find and much sought after.

Sherman sets, http://shermanjewelry.blogspot.ca/

Colours and Cut 

Sherman jewellery comes in a variety of colours including clear, blue, purple, black , yellow, fuschia and red. The most common colours are clear or blue. A rare colour, which is highly collectible, is Siam red. A signature of Sherman’s work is the use of navette (or marquise) cut stones. Navette/marquise cut stones are identified by the oval or ‘boat’ shape. They are a multi-faceted oval stone that has a point at each end and a flattened top. Another identifier of Sherman’s work is that the stones were always prong set and not glued. Meaning that the stones were set and then the metal prongs were bent over top of the stones.

Navette or marquise cut stone

I thought I had several Sherman pieces in my collection. However, when I had a closer look I discovered that pieces I assumed were Sherman were actually Weiss, Austria, Boyd Bond, etc. No matter, I still found a few gems to show you! Find below a lovely 50s bracelet I’m sure is Sherman, however it is unsigned. The beautiful amber navette rhinestones just sparkle! As an aside, there’s an ongoing debate as to whether any Sherman pieces were sold unsigned. It appears that when a set of earrings, bracelet and necklace were sold that perhaps only one piece in the set was signed.

Unsigned Sherman Bracelet, Black Dahlia’s Collection

Below you’ll find a lovely example of a Sheman rhinestone brooch and bead clip on earrings. I’ve included a photo of the back, so you can see what Sherman hallmarks looked like. It is useful to note that if the name appears inside of an oval shape, the piece is from the 1950s. If the name appears inside of a square shape, the piece is from the 1960s. The below brooch is then probably from the early 1960s.

Sherman Brooch & Earrings, Black Dahlia’s Collection

Here is a lovely example of a Sherman 1950s rhinestone necklace. I bought this at a flea market last year for $1! I was thrilled and amazed at how sparkly it still is. It looks practically like new! In the photo of the back, you can see the Sherman hallmark in an oval shape, denoting the 1950s.

Sherman Rhinestone Necklace, Black Dahlia’s Collection

Let’s have a look at more Sherman!

Sherman set, Siam Red, http://www.letsgetvintage.com

Sherman Cuff, http://www.caroletanenbaum.com

Sherman Brooch, https://intotemptation.wordpress.com

Sherman Necklace, http://www.jardinantiques.com

Value

Sherman jewellery is highly collectible, especially the rarer pieces and colours. If you’re lucky you can find inexpensive pieces at flea markets or yard sales. If you purchase Sherman jewellery online you’ll probably pay within the hundreds if not thousands. However, Sherman brooches are more common and you can purchase those online anywhere from $30-60 depending.

Sherman Resource Page – a great place to look at the variety of styles and colours of Sherman jewellery!

Sherman Vintage Jewellery - wonderful blog dedicated to Sherman jewellery. 

Do you have any Sherman pieces?

XOXO
Black Dahlia

http://tinselwig.wordpress.com

Good afternoon lovelies!

‘Oh, for the Love of…Niagara’ is the title of today’s post. No, I don’t mean Niagara Falls, though I love them and may do a future post on that! I mean, Niagara the artist. Previously, I talked about other artists I adore like SHAG and Gil Elvgren. Now it’s time for some Niagara!

I discovered Niagara’s art about five years ago and have been a fan ever since. I have several of her prints, which I need to get framed so I can hang them properly.  

From Detroit, Niagara got her start illustrating in the 90s by designing album covers for the band she was in, Destory all Monsters. Since then her style has grown, as has her following. Her art has been exhibited in galleries around the world and is much sought after.

Why do I like Niagara?

I love everything about her art. The women, colour schemes, concepts, images and messages. The contrast of 30s/40s ladies with 60s pop art colours – love! I love how she draws her femme fatales usually with clever quips, very pulp comic-like. Everything has a film noir feeling, which I adore. Her illustrations are fun, punchy and quite catchy. Sometimes, when I’m in a certain mood, I feel a piece of Niagara art says it all. I guess she captures my mood at times! 

So, let’s have a look at some Niagara art!

I’ll let you guess which of the below best describes my current mood!  

http://www.niagaradetroit.com

http://www.niagaradetroit.com

http://www.niagaradetroit.com

http://niagaradetroit.com

http://www.niagaradetroit.com

(damn cute cherry outfit!)

http://niagaradetroit.com

http://niagaradetroit.com

http://niagaradetroit.com

http://www.niagaradetroit.com

http://niagaradetroit.com

Well dears, I could post Niagara illustrations all day, but I recommend you head over to her website for a better look!

Niagara Detroit

xoxo

Black Dahlia

Dad’s First Car

Happy Father’s Day lovelies!

Today, I’m going to focus on someone very dear to me, my father. If you remember my post ‘Vintage Runs in the Family,’ you’ll remember that vintage does indeed run in my family with my mom and my sister-in-law. However, it doesn’t end there, which is why I’ve entitled this post ‘Vintage Runs in the Family Part II.’

Ever since I can recall, my father has been buying, selling, restoring and driving antique cars. He’s owned so many vintage cars over the years that I can’t even remember them all, and I doubt he can either! *lol* I thought it being Father’s Day, this was a great opporuntity to chat with Dad about his love of antique cars. The little I know about cars, I learned from my father. Though, ironically this vintage gal doesn’t know how to drive! An oversight, perhaps.

It all started in 1967, when my father and mother were out for a drive. During the journey, my father spotted a racing green 1964 Austin Healey Sprite and just knew he had to have it! And so, he did just that – he bought his first British car and the rest is history! Let’s look at a photo of this car, for it plays a key part in the family history (my parents went on their honeymoon in this car). Isn’t it cute?

Dad’s 1964 Austin Healy Sprite

Let’s sit down with the Best Dad in the World, to find out more about his love of antique and vintage cars, shall we?

One of Dad’s MGAs

Black Dahlia: Happy Father’s Day Dad! What are your favourite kind of cars?

Best Dad in the World: My favorite cars are British from the 30s to 60s. My favorite make of car is the Austin Healey which were made from the mid 50s to 1967.

Black Dahlia: When did you begin restoring antique cars? Do you restore the inner workings and outer (body/paint job)?

Best Dad in the World: I always have done my own mechanical work and leave the body shops do the exterior.

Black Dahlia: How many antique cars have you owned? How many have you restored?

Dad’s 1932 MG J2 (one on the right)

Best Dad in the World: A few cars I can remember are 1. Austin Healey Sprite 2. Three Austin Cambridges 3. Three Austin Healeys 4. Austin 1800 5. 1932 MG J2 6. four MGA’s 7. 1967 MGB GT 8.1979 Catherham Super 7 9. Triumph TR2, TR3A, TR4 and a GT Plus 10. 1959 Jaguar MK11 and maybe five or more I cannot remember. The restorations have been in the last ten years because back in the old days we just fixed them up to drive not to win shows or look like new.

Black Dahlia: Wow, that’s a lot. I don’t remember all of those! I really did love the Blue & White Austin Cambridge. Wish we’d kept that one. Maybe it could have been my car! Did you sell a car in the past that you wished you’d kept?

Best Dad in the World: I would like to have the white 1957 Healey and the 1979 Super 7 back.

Our Austin Cambridge, wish we still had it!

Dad’s 1957 Austin Healey

Black Dahlia: I remember the Super 7, that was a cool car! What is your dream antique car (if money was no object)?

Best Dad in the World: My dream car is the one I have now the 1967 Austin Healey MK111.

Dad’s current car: 1964 Austin Healey MK111

Black Dahlia: What do you like best about antique cars Dad?

Best Dad in the World: Antique cars have beautiful lines and are a work of art. The sound of the exhaust and the smell of the leather interior keeps me young. And I love working on them to make them run the way they should!

Black Dahlia: Thanks Dad for taking the time to chat about cars with me and for scanning all these amazing photos! Oh, and last but not least, for having ME! ha ha. Love you and let’s go for a spin!

Hope you’re all celebrating your fathers today!  

XOXO

Black Dahlia