New at Calamity Layne!

WOAH! It's been a while, but there sure is a lot going on. I will be posting updates about my travels and new discoveries soon, but to keep you in the loop check out what's new in my shop!

Spring Fever!

Hi All!

I hope that spring is treating you well! Ours has been CRAZY busy! The new puppy has added a lot of chaos to our schedule, but I think we're getting the hang of it! Which brings me to today's post!

I got a little spring fever yesterday and spent a whole lotta money on new spring clothes and accessories...This was probably not the best idea, since i have a trip planned to New Orleans at the end of this month...BUT at least I'll look cute for it! ;)  On my shopping trip, I sniffed out a new store that may be of interest to some of you.

Francesca's

It's not a vintage store, but I really liked it! Apparently it's a national chain, but it felt like a cute local boutique. As I wandered into the Evanston location yesterday I was pleasantly surprised. The ladies who worked there were nice, the place was full of cool girly stuff, and it wasn't outrageously priced....YAY! The shop was set up by color (which I always really like) and I found some STEALS! If you pay a visit to one of these stores, make sure you check out the sale racks! I got a $38 shirt for 9 bucks! Check out some of my sweet finds!

Flowy Star Shirt!

 Sparkly Scarf 

Open back spring dress with stretchy waist! 

Awesome springy flats $38

$9 Shirt! 

Our Newest Addition!

Hello there!
Introducing....Bourbon!!!!

Our new puppy!!! Dave and I have been trying to get everything back on schedule after Bourbon arrived on Friday and we're slowly getting the hang of it! She's 2 months old and is a pretty smart little cookie! I should have my regular blog postings up and running this weekend! YAY!

How to Date Vintage Clothing

Hello There! 

Today I'm going to talk to you about how to date and object (not like GO on a date...how to tell how old something is).  This is not always an easy task. Sometimes a dress can look like it's from the 50s, but is really form the 70s. So, ho can you tell if something is as old as you think it is? 

Here are a few quick tips on what to look for to date your item!  

Metal Zippers -  Metal zippers are a good way to tell if your item is vintage. The position of the zipper is super important. Usually, garments from the 50s have zippers up the side instead of up the back. Also, they didn't start using zippers until the 30s, so if your garment is snaps and buttons only it MAY be from before the 30s. Also, keep in mind that even if the zipper is not metal, you may still have a vintage item. Someone might have had to replace the zipper. 

"Union Made" Tags -  “Union Made” ILGWU (International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union) tags will help you date a garment super quick! The ILGWU split into different unions throughout time which resulted in different tag types. I found a timeline on EBay!

Timeline:

1900 – 1936 ILGWU AFL
1936 – 1940 ILGWU CIO
1940 – 1955 ILGWU AFL
1955 – 1995 ILGWU AFL-CIO
1975-1992 – Look for the Union Label campaign
1995 – 2004 UNITE!
2004 – UNITE HERE

You can see a great example of the different types of tags on the Vintage Fashion Guild Website. 

Labels - Labels are probably the best way to judge how old a piece is. Study the font and style of the label. You can check out the Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource. You can search by brand to find info on your label.   

Care Labels - If a garment lacks a sewn in care instructions label, we know that the piece was made before 1971. Before 71, if a garment was not hand made it sometimes came with a care manual, but it was not sewn in. 

Polyester - Polyester was invented in 1941, but was not used as clothing material until the 50s. So, if your garment is made from polyester, it's 50s +. 

Need more tips or have more questions?? Check out the Vintage Fashion Guild's Tips and Tricks Section! 

 

Stuff I Made!!!

I've been frantically getting ready for the new arrival to our family...We're getting a 2 month old puppy on Friday! YAY! We're adopting a standard daschund mix (I think Jack Russell) from Wright Way Rescue. Her name is Violet, but we are going to re-name her. We have a few ideas, but we're no concrete yet!

I've also been busy making earrings! I use vintage stackable flower beads and charms, and also use some modern items too! Check out my latest creations!

Buttercups & Bows!

Want em'??

Shakespeare inspired earrings

Love's a Gamble! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!

Elvis!

Hello There!

We're almost to the weekend!!! I'm excited about this weekend because we might go visit puppies at the shelter some time this weekend. Yay!!! I'm hoping we can bring one home :)

I recently went on a shopping trip with Jen from Hell Razor. You can check out her blog on the plastic tomato she brought home, but the only thing I brought home was a $10 ceramic bust of Elvis. As I was trying to find a new home for it, I realized how much Elvis stuff I have. Check this out!

My new ceramic Elvis

My husband, Dave gave me HE BEST anniversary present ever....I've wanted one for years and now I finally got...a velvet Elvis!

Yessssss!!!!!!

This huge paster is in our living room. The Elvis pillow I got from my aunt when I was still in high school, my new ceramic Elvis is hanging out there, AND my Elvis makeup bag is hanging out in the corner.

I still need to replace the hands on this clock, but I found this thing at a thrift store in Ohio for $4!!!! I LOVE this thing....it's really heavy and kind of hard to hang on the wall in our apartment. I think I might try and find a spot on the mantel for it....

Before I left my 9 to 5 job, one of the guys gave me these buttons. They are pretty awesome and hey spruce up my wall mounted ribbon holder!

My friend gave me this bendy Elvis for Christmas one year...He hangs out next to my desk. I also have random Elvis mugs and other Elvis stuff, but I thought you may be bored by now! ;) Stay tuned for more vintage postings this weekend!!!