Dusty Rose Vintage

FNO launch party!

2011-08-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

I can't even begin to express how excited I am to announce the launch of our vintage t-shirt collaboration with Mel of Une Vie Geniale. This is our first fundraising effort with proceeds going to the feminist collective Permanent Wave - a girl friendly group of activists getting stuff done in the city!!!

Mel picked out 100 Dusty Rose Vintage tees that will go from this

to this.

We will be having our launch party in our booth at the Artists and Fleas in Williamsburg as part of our Fashion's Night Out celebration.

Here's the deets:

Be sure to make it out before 9 to take part in the outfit styling photo contest. The winner gets a $50 Dusty Rose Vintage gift certificate!

If you have any questions or would like to help out, please email dustyrosevintage@gmail.com.

See you there. xo

She was an American girl

2011-06-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

When I was younger I thought being an American was basically an indictment in and of itself. It wasn't until I started living outside of the country that I started to see some things about my country that truly made it a great place. It's vastness and diversity alone are unparalleled. Of course, it's not without its flaws, but what country is perfect anyway? (Pipe down, Sweden, you have your own issues!) I didn't go all teabagger or anything, but in a from-a-coast, lefty-liberal kind of way, I'm now proud to be an American. So here's a little vintage tribute to the red white and blue.

1960s geometric print hostess dress available here

Somehow Wild as a Mink's Nickie Sixx always ends up in these prim dresses. It's perfect for hosting your 4th of July party! If you are a classy lady, that is. My rooftop BBQ outfits always end up being a little more low brow -denim cutoffs and a Bruce Springsteen muscle tee or something along those lines. Maybe some day I'll have a 4th party to go to where snazzing up would be appropriate.

1950s plaid playsuit/romper available here

What's more American than a tattooed pinup girl? Ok, so Mel of Idee Geniale is actually a Canadian, but much to their chagrin, no one can tell the difference based on site alone. That's why they plaster that flag all over themselves when they travel. Secrets out, Canadians. We all know why you do it. I'm just glad you don't have the flags all over your suburban homes and pickup trucks. There's pride and then there's just plain tacky.

1980s red silk polka dot Albert Nipon dress available here

This look seriously cracked me up. Brooke of One Red Balloon literally looks like Nancy Reagan in these shots. Which is pretty funny because it's all the rockabilly girls who usually love this dress because red polka dots are a huge part of the quintessential 50s Americana uniform. So it just goes to show how much hair style and accessories can completely transform a garment. Imagine this with a shrunken blazer, Bettie Page bangs and saddle shoes. Yup, you see it.

That's what's so awesome about clothes. You get to do whatever you want with them. I like to be someone slightly different every day. I think some of the folks in my neighborhood think I'm a lunatic (which is probably true) but it's still fun to keep them guessing.

Minimize and Maximize

2011-06-10T17:29:00.000-07:00

Thank you 1960s London for your Swinging 60s and for giving us Mary Quant. Her daring styles gave birth to the mini skirt. I could go on about how both liberating and terrifying this invention was for many women, but really all you need to do is see a micro mini and the historical significance just shows. Right?

1960s mod mini dress available here

But over in the States this look would not have worked for all the drug crazed festivals and such. Imagine going to Woodstock in such a tiny number! Although some certainly did, many flower children opted for the more comfortable maxi dress. No embarrassing panty shots in one of these!


1960s halter maxi dress available here

The Status Set

2011-02-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

These regal colors and status prints on these garments scream high society. Perfect for a socialite gathering in the 80s. They make me think of those amazing passages in Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities where he describes in such great detail the clothes that people are wearing at the parties Sherman McCoy attended. I remember being really impressed by the way how descriptive he was about the fashions of the status set. I'd love to read his take on these babies.

Joan Threat wears a

1980s black and gold ESCADA silk blouse with Medieval calendar print

Kill E Kepowski wears a

1980s pure silk RALPH LAUREN lion crest scarf print wrap skirt

Snowflake wears a

1990s pure silk MAX MARA regal print blouse

I'm Your Secretary

2011-02-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

Long before Maggie Gyllenhaal took my breath away in the movie, I've had a special place in my heart for the demure yet naughty mystique of the secretary. So prim, high collared blouses are at the top of my love list. What I particularly love about this little collection is both the way the colors work together, and the fact that they're all high end labels. When it comes to classic wardrobe staples, I'm a strong believer in going both vintage and top quality. These pieces will stand the test of time and can be worn in so many ways that they can stay relevant in your closet for decades. They're perfect for pairing with modern wares.

Showgirl Godzilla wears a

1980s silk fire engine red YVES SAINT LAURENT kitten bow secretary blouse

Joan Threat wears a

1980s burgundy ST JOHN kitten bow secretary blouse

Kill E Kepowski wears a

1970s honeysuckle peach PACO RABANNE silk ruffle blouse

Romping Around

2011-02-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

What is it about rompers that just gets me every time? They really shouldn't because I have a bladder the size of a walnut and am regularly in NYC bathrooms that aren't really safe for basically totally undressing to have a wee. And yet my love for them endures.

This 90s revival darling is so light and airy that I can imagine Showgirl Godzilla contorting her body into any of the amazing shapes she's capable of without the slightest resistance.

Downtown Doll SCARlet Fever couldn't possibly be more adorable in this 60s panda print playsuit.

The Dolls go demure in Dusty Neutrals

2011-01-27T15:56:00.000-08:00

It's in the name, so it's probably obvious that I love dusty, muted tones. Don't get me wrong, I'm way more known for loud, in your face colors and prints, but that comes from processing thousands of pounds of clothes a day. When you see that much stuff, your eye tends to be drawn to the outlandish. But I really do love these dusty pastels. They remind me of the things I actually loved about living in the Southwest... infinite pink horizons broken by sage colored cacti and purple mountains... Actually, these colors kind of make me think of the special "Southwestern Theme" McDonalds in Sedona. The city had (has? haven't been there in soooo long!) really strict policies about commerce and all the businesses had to use a very specific color palette.

What a weird thing to be reminded of. I think all of the epic snow New York is getting this year is actually making me miss the desert. And maybe messing with my head a little bit.


Joan Threat wears a 60s DITSY FLORAL print dress and a 50s cream handbag

SCARlet Fever wears a 90s grunge revival HONEYSUCKLE romper

Snowflake wears a 50s sage wool BOBBIE BROOKS sweater

Polka dots, leopard and lace

2011-01-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

Just a few of my favorite prints...

This is our first photo shoot with the Downtown Dolls. We're an all star cast of spitfire gals poised to take over the world, so remember that you heard it here first.

Our founder and president, Joan Threat, wears an 80s faux fur LEOPARD PRINT jacket

Our treasurer and tiny dancer extraordinaire, Kill E Kapowski wears an 80s GOLD LUREX disco skirt

Our hair stylist and art director, SCARlet Fever wears a 90s polka dot BETSEY JOHNSON maxi skirt

Introducing Brooke Johnson, aka Kill E. Kapowski

2010-12-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

Woh, it's been a REALLY long time since I posted! A lot has changed since then. One of the greatest changes in my life has been the birth of our grrrl gang, The Downtown Dolls. Nickie of Wild As a Mink and Mel of Idee Geniale are also members, so look out for some group gang photo shoots soon!

Brooke Johnson is our treasurer (yes, we take this seriously and all have important positions) and resident silly gal extraordinare. She can be found roaming the streets as Kill E. Kapowski. Don't get in her way when she has that special twinkle in her eye cuz she make look sweet as pie, but she's an undercover badass who takes no prisoners!

So, you're originally a west coast girl. How did you land in NYC?
After graduating college in Utah, I decided I wanted to try life in the big city. So I figured why not move to the biggest one? I love the history of New York and all the opportunities it presents just by living here. It's also possible my obsession with Felicity played a very small role in my moving here, haha.

Describe your perfect NYC day.
I'll describe one of my favorite days I've had so far: My best friend Kim was visiting and we rowed boats in Central Park, had a shopping adventure on Canal Street, lunched in Little Italy, moseyed around Williamsburg for a bit, ate a delicious dinner at Fada then finished the day off with drinks and some photo booth fun at Union Pool.

How about a perfect west coast day?
There are 3 things I love to do whenever I'm visiting California: 1. Take down a Double Double from In & Out, 2. As a big fan of the ocean, I'd frolic on the beach for an afternoon, and 3. Visit an amusement park- Disneyland or Knott's Berry Farm (Ghostrider is the greatest wooden roller coaster on the planet!)

I understand you are in a girl gang. (Wink wink nudge nudge) What's that like?
How did you know!? Well being apart of the Downtown Dolls is pretty much the greatest thing ever. All the girls in the gang are so wonderful and it's so nice to have such a great group of like-minded friends. I feel like we're pretty intimidating... I wouldn't want to run into us on the streets of Brooklyn!! :)

Tell us about your blog: What does it mean to you and why did you start it?
My friends inspired me to start blogging and since I'm learning more about photography, I thought a blog would be a great platform to share my photos. My blog is titled One Red Balloon- I feel like a single red balloon is a classic image that conveys a sense of wonder- an underlying theme I hope comes through in the pictures I take.

How would you describe your personal style?
Hmm.. I feel my style is an East Coast/West Coast blend. It has a scholastic vibe, something I associate with the East Coast, but it's West Coast in the sense that it's simple and laid-back. In short, Nerdy Chic... with flip flops.

What was your favorite look from the Dusty Rose shoot?
Oo so hard to pick just one! I loved the first dress- the short black one with the big sheer sleeves - I felt very glamorous in it. I also really loved the black military jacket with gold trim, gold sequined bra and high waisted leopard skirt. I felt like a cougar on the prowl in that outfit!!

Thank you so much for letting me play dress up in your amazing vintage clothes, Dusty Rose!! I had such an amazing time!!
The pleasure was all mine, darling.

The ladies of Stepford

2010-07-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

I spent my formative years in the lefty, lady power Pacific Northwest, but sometimes after a backbreaking days work, I find myself daydreaming about being a perfectly coiffed homemaker whose main duties are keeping the house clean and the highballs coming when my darling breadwinner comes home. (Sorry, Portland, please don't hate me.) Of course, I'd never last because cooking and cleaning are not my strong suit, and I go nuts when I'm away from work too long.

But in my fantasy, these would be my summer grilling clothes. I'm such a sucker for 1950s tops. I love the structure and the cinching. I love that you need good posture to look good in one. My comfy clothes make me lazy!

Wild as a Mink looking smoking hot in a 1950s pale yellow SEERSUCKER top

Showgirl Godzilla doing cute girl glam in a 1950s GINGHAM top - SOLD

Dames in Denim

2010-07-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Three different decades offer their take on denim. James Dean, we thank you for taking this lovely textile from the rugged workwear world and making it something people could wear to make a statement. And what a statement each of these little numbers make!

Idee Geniale wears a 1980s denim BUSTIER with silver buttons and ruched back

Showgirl Godzilla wears a 1950s DENIM ROMPER with tie back halter top

Wild as a Mink wears a 1970s DENIM HALTER top and 1970s SURFER STYLE striped beach trunks -- BOTH SOLD

Woodstock Bathing Beauties

2010-07-15T17:38:00.000-07:00

OK, yeah, I like to dress beautiful ladies in clothes that are far more sexy than anything I'd ever wear. But it's cool if it's all consensual, right? And seriously, if you look this hot in a crochet bikini top, you should be out there flaunting it!

Photos edited by photographer Elle Ribera

Showgirl Godzilla wears a Cream 1970s CROCHET string bikini halter top

Wild as a Mink wears a 1970s pastel pink CROCHET string bikini halter top

Mean Reds

2010-07-10T15:42:00.000-07:00

Actually, these reds are the opposite of mean. I don't think Holly Golightly would have felt anything other than elation if wearing one of these dresses. I'm loving the super 50s rockabilly vibe of the anchor embroidery as well as the bandana print. Think of all the fun 50s hair styles that you could play with when wearing these babies!

Idee Geniale wears a 1980s nautical SAILOR GIRL tent dress, a 1980s navy and white nautical striped SASSON logo shoulderbag, and 1980s white leather southwestern NATIVE AMERICAN motif sandals

Showgirl Godzilla wears a 1980s red bandana print BABYDOLL dress

Abstract Expressionism

2010-07-08T20:20:00.000-07:00

I feel like it's a constantly evolving process, but one of the most challenging things about planning a group photo shoot is deciding what pieces to put together. I try to go for themes, color schemes, similar silhouettes... but this time it was more about the prints. They're both abstract watercolor blocks of color. It was a stretch, but I still kinda liked the two together.

I think there are probably many people out there who will be very pleased to see Mel and Nickie in an Olan Mills style portrait, like two sisters hamming it up during a family photo session. Super cute, right?

Nickie wears a Pastel 1980s ABSTRACT PRINT wiggle maxi skirt with ruched details

Mel wears a 1980s abstract watercolor print TUNIC tent dress

Burnt Orange

2010-07-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

So this is our THIRD group photo shoot with Idee Geniale, Wild as a Mink and Showgirl Godzilla. We started with "close to the studio", moved on to "in the park (and by Nickie's apartment)" and the decided to go with "urban rooftop". Little did I know that in one week my landlord would decide that he wanted to give our apartment to his son (we move out on our four year anniversary in this spot!), so I'm glad we got a rooftop shoot in before it was too late. Sigh...

Our bedroom before the gals arrive

Preparing for these shoots is always super fun and super intense. Trying to find themes that work together, praying that something will fit each body, finding the right accessories... and then when the ladies come over with their shoes and their jewels, it all just works itself out.

I put these two looks together because I thought the burnt orange in the garments looked nice together. But it turned out that BURNT was the overall theme of the afternoon - it was so hot that even with about 15 minutes of shooting, we were all melting until we got back down to the AC. So thanks to these ladies for braving the heat!

This is my dream outfit, but it doesn't fit me. But I knew it would be perfect for Mel. And lo and behold, when she and Nickie saw it they both laughed about how perfect it was for her.

1970s ETHNIC PRINT linen top with boat neck

1980s preppy DOONEY AND BOURKE duck logo handbag

1980s burnt orange shorts with SCALLOP detail - SOLD

I think I've at least alluded to this before, but Nickie has a body that doesn't quit, so (as you'll see in some coming looks) I kinda end up putting her in some more, ahem, "sexy" looks. But I thought it would be nice to see her in something more elegant and classic. Don't worry, the sexy stuff is coming and it will be worth the wait!

1950s floral print FULL SWEEP school girl skirt with polka dots

1980s UNGARO structured handbag with textured faux aligator skin

Introducing Elle Ribera

2010-06-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

I saw the photo above in the daily Lookbook.nu newsletter. I was instantly smitten and when I saw that the photographer, Elle Ribera, lived in NY I contacted her immediately! You can look forward to more photo shoot collaborations with her, but she's so striking that we really wanted to shoot with her in front of the camera as well. She has great look and a wild shock of intensely blond hair that often gets her mistaken for Lady Gaga. There are worse things in the world...

The weather wasn't kind to us on our first meeting so we ended up having to shoot most of the looks indoors which is never as fun. But stay tuned for some of her shutterbug magic soon! And if you are looking for fresh talent, better snag her before someone else does!

Black 1980s BODY CON bandage dress with PEEK A BOO cutout

When did you first get into photography?

I actually only first got into photography a little over a year ago. My major was undeclared during my freshman year of college and I really had no idea what I wanted to do until I took a photography course as an elective. I have always had an interest in the arts, but until then I never knew exactly which medium to concentrate in. Photography really felt like the perfect fit.

Your photographic style sometimes seems really magical and ethereal. How do you come up with the concepts for these shoots?

I draw a lot of inspiration from my past. Growing up in Newport, RI with beautiful gardens by the harbor, I tend to be drawn towards soft colors and lighting. A lot of the time when I'm trying to come up with an idea for a shoot, I try and think of things that I can make happen in a photograph that would be rarely, if ever, seen in real life.

Now that you're living in NYC, what are your plans?

Trying to find a job! Once I get that all squared away, I'll just work all summer and continue to do some freelance photography on the side. I'm hoping to work with more models this summer, so I'm very excited about that. Then in September I'll be starting classes at The School of Visual Arts studying fashion photography!

In your dream world, what are your goals as a photographer (or anything else)?

I really hope to take my love of fine art and conceptual photography and bring that into the fashion industry. I need to be in a career where I can be creative and express myself.

Where can we find you online?

Lookbook
Flickr
Tumblr

How would you describe your personal style?

I'd describe it as being very similar to the style of my photos. Definitely very romantic, ethereal, and soft.

What was your favorite look from the Dusty Rose shoot?

The pastel colored sequin dress was beautiful! I also really liked the high-waisted leather skirt with the striped top, which is surprising because it's definitely far from my usual style, but the pieces worked really well together.

Pastel 1980s ABSTRACT WATERCOLOR beaded cocktail dress

1980s black leather CHIA puff skirt with deep yoke

Our dress went to the Tony's!!!

2010-06-14T19:48:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite beauty queens, fashion blogger extraordinaire Showgirl Godzilla, is becoming a stylist to the stars. Some of her Broadway friends are so impressed with her style that they've enlisted her services. As she is a regular in our photo shoots these days, she's become intimately familiar with our stock. Sherie Rene Scott asked her for a few dresses for some fancy events, and, just our luck, she loves vintage! Here are some pics of her in Dusty Rose Vintage digs.

Sherie at the Tony's in a 1950s white rhinestone dress

Sherie with Nikka Lanzarone (aka Showgirl Godzilla) at the Everyday Rapture opening in a vintage Dolce and Gabanna LBD

Sherie at the Drama Desk Awards in a 1950s floral dress

Florals!!!!

2010-06-12T09:08:00.000-07:00

There are so many ways to do florals. In these two shoots we focus mainly on the pastel abstraction of an 80s liberty print and the Victorian chintz of 80s Laura Ashley.

We sell to a lot of very crafty ladies on Etsy, so we left these dresses their original length rather than raising them hem because there are so many fun things one could do with all that extra material. An oversized hair bow, a bag, a braided necklace, etc. Or, there is always the option of leaving the dress long. Hems are crawling up as much as down. And a long dress is PERFECT for that garden party/picnic if you're looking to maintain your modesty. No panty flashing here!

Showgirl Godzilla wears a
1980s strapless chintz FISHTAIL dress

Pastel floral 1980s LAURA ASHLEY sundress with bow detail

Wild as a Mink wears a
1980s floral LAURA ASHLEY sundress

1970s pastel ABSTRACT PRINT Saks dress with angel sleeves (SOLD)

Idee Geniale wears a Pastel floral GARDEN PARTY gauzy cotton babydoll dress

Neutrals

2010-06-05T16:03:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I have a taste for the more flashy and extreme when it comes to clothes, but I can get into a nice neutral look as well. There are limitless styling possibilities with a simple beige or khaki. My inclination is to splash out with florescent pink or orange - I just can't help myself!

I love how different all these looks from our shoot with Idee Geniale, Wild as a Mink and Showgirl Godzilla are. They span the decades and yet look so cute together.

Idee Geniale wears a 1960s mod dress with PETER PAN collar and floral print

Wild as a Mink wears a Beige 1980s striped SEXY SECRETARY dress

Showgirl Godzilla wears a 1970s beige wrap dress (SOLD)

Kitten Bow Cool Kats

2010-06-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Those of you who follow any of my fashion ramblings know that I have a wee little thing for the sassy secretary look. It started before having my mind blown by Maggie Gylennhaal in the movie Secretary, but I'm pretty sure that intensified it quite a bit. And then along came Peggy Olson in Mad Men. There truly is nothing like a well dressed woman with a bow at her neck.

Here are a few demure office lady looks from our spring shoot with Showgirl Godzilla, Idee Geniale and Wild as a Mink.

Wild as a Mink in a 1960s paisley print KITTEN BOW secretary dress (SOLD)

Idee Geniale wears a 1960s mod KITTEN BOW mini dress

Showgirl Godzilla wears a 1960s mod print mini dress with KITTEN BOW ascot

Hecho en Mexico

2010-05-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Mexican wedding dresses are perfect for a day in the park. If you live in a place that gets humid they're even better. The light gauzy cotton breathes so well, so no clingy mishaps.

This is yet another look from our Park Slope shoot with Idee Geniale, Showgirl Godzilla, and Wild as a Mink. Getting these gals together is so fun because they all become something so different in front of the camera.

Mel looking effortlessly adorable in a 1970s embroidered MEXICAN mini dress (SOLD)

Nikka gracefully sporting a Cream 1970s embroidered MEXICAN WEDDING dress

Nickie sassing it up in a Pink 1970s gauzy MEXICAN tent tunic with ruffle shoulders

Ma Vie en Rose

2010-05-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, maybe it's my riot grrrl past, or some part of me that wants to rebel against my super PC womens studies college education, but I can't seem to get enough of gals in pink. I always end up with a ton when I go buying, so I feel like I might have enough to always have one all pink photo shoot. If the models will allow it, of course. I know not everyone is as keen as I. But they all just look so darn GOOD in it!!!

Showgirl Godzilla wearing a 1970s pale pink POINTELLE KNIT mini dress

Idee Geniale wearing a Pastel pink 1980s micro mini BABYDOLL knit dress with cream floral print

Wild as a Mink wearing a 1960s mod dress with pink Victorian TOILE print

Maximize your life

2010-05-10T17:59:00.000-07:00

This is look two from our photo shoot with fashion bloggers Idee Geniale, Wild as a Mink and Showgirl Godzilla. We went from mini to maxi. We love maxi dresses because they're perfect for a picnic in the park. You can sit on a blanket without any indiscreet panty shots!

We did these shots later in the day, so we had basically been surviving on a liquid diet. Nickie was nice enough to make sandwiches for props, but they disappeared pretty quickly once we took some pictures.

Mel and Nickie walking out of Prospect Park. It was pretty much impossible for the ladies not to get stares when they were dressed in somewhat similar getups with two lackeys following them with four giant cameras. They gave Park Slope a whole afternoon of entertainment!

1970s pale yellow EYELET LACE sundress

1970s maxi dress with BIRDS and rural scenery print

White 1970s PRAIRIE maxi wedding dress

Minimize your life

2010-05-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

OK, it's official. We LOOOOOVE doing photo shoots with this unstoppable trio. Showgirl Godzilla, Wild as a Mink and Idee Geniale all bring something slightly different to the table, and when they all come together it's like a Japanese anime moment where their super powers meet and create this SUPER super power. Once they pick out their own outfit, hair and accessories start flying as they style themselves and eachother. If you like looking at pretty girls in cute clothes, it's a slice of heaven. Here's what Nickie's bed looked like with only some of the accessories.

For this shoot we did a cream mini look. These dresses actually all used to be maxis, but when I gave them to my tailor to make them into minis, she really went for it! Mel is the shortest of the bunch, and she still had to wear denim cutoffs just in case!

Cream 1970s FLORAL PRINT micro mini dress with puff sleeves

I'm five feet tall, so I have a special place in my heart for Mel's brand of adorable. As long as you put her in something that's not going to swallow her, she's guaranteed to bring the cute. It's seriously bizarre to see how quickly she can take a piece and make it completely her own.

Cream 1960s mod FLORAL PRINT mini dress

Nickie is fun to play with because she's as sassy as Dolly Parton, and similarly, um, ahem, "endowed". Her legs are impossibly long, and finding a top that will accommodate her is a challenge we're always up for. And somehow she always ends up looking a bit like a 1960s cocktail hostess, so clearly she has another calling in life. Her tray skills are unmatched!

1970s cream CANDI JONES romantic wedding dress

And Nikka... she has the shocking beauty of an exotic bird and the grace of, well, of a dancer. A showgirl, to be precise. When she throws her limbs around effortlessly I just keep telling myself "We all have different talents and you are still a totally respectable human being even though you can't wrap yourself into a pretzel." Her body is always perfectly poised and she has this smoldering look that kinda makes me weak in the knees.

Thank you, thank you, ladies for another great day! There are still so many more lovely photos to come!

xo

Up in the Air

2010-05-02T17:05:00.000-07:00

This was the final look for our last photo shoot with Idee Geniale, Wild as a Mink, and Showgirl Godzilla. I love jumping shots, especially when there are three ladies up in the air all at once!

My goal this summer is to take full advantage of my new living room layout and my beautiful rooftop view by having plenty of fancy cocktail parties. I'm not really much of a cook, but I love to create new summer cocktail recipes. And fancy cocktails always taste better in a fancy dress, right? I guess that's why I'm such a magpie when it comes to hoarding vintage evening dresses. It just seems like so many occasions are improved with a touch of formality.

Idee Geniale wears 1960s black LACE cocktail dress with ruffle neck

Wild as a Mink wears Black 1980s HEAVILY BEADED spaghetti strap dress

Showgirl Godzilla wears Black 1980s off the shoulder SUEDE bandage dress

Glamour Gals

2010-04-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

I love cocktail parties, as much for the clothes as the actual cocktails. I'm a sucker for pretty drinks made of top shelf mixers that I've never even heard of. But I will always make up for what I lack in knowledge of spirits with great style.

Here are some lovely little cocktail dresses from our last shoot with bloggers Idee Geniale, Showgirl Godzilla, and Wild as a Mink.

A party dress for every occasion!!

For a more young and hip event, Idee Geniale wears a 1960s black and gray STRIPED cocktail dress

A versatile LBD that can be worn many ways, Showgirl Godzilla wears a DOLCE AND GABANA black bandage dress

For a black tie formal affair, Wild as a Mink wears a Black 1970s sexy MAXI evening dress with empire waist

Nice day for a WHITE WEDDING

2010-04-11T11:46:00.001-07:00

Yet another look from our photo shoot with Idee Geniale, Wild as a Mink and Showgirl Godzilla.

This futuristic dress is perfect for a spacey, sci fi prom queen. The shoulders remind us of the structural 80s Theirry Mugler pieces that make us swoon.

Idee Geniale wears 1980s VAMP SHOULDER peekaboo back body con prom dress

This dress screams Madonna: Like a Virgin. Just add some crimped hair and black lace gloves and you’re good to go! Then again, maybe you're more in the mood for a little Billy Idol: White Wedding. Either way...

Wild as a Mink wears White 80s sleeveless LACE OVERLAY tiered ruffle prom dress

Victor Costa was famous for the quality of his copycat work. We’re not sure who he’s imitating with this design, but it’s spot on. The form-fitting, rouche-pleated top tapers down to a flattering pencil skirt. And the oversized bow in the back is the perfect embellishment. The metallic silver polka dots add some interest without being over the top. You can be the most glamorous one at the party without wearing a dress that screams for attention.

Showgirl Godzilla wears 1980s STRAPLESS silver polka dot VICTOR COSTA party dress

The Belles of the Ball

2010-04-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

My day to day wear is pretty casual, so I love absolutely any excuse to get dolled up. But I have to admit that I'm partial to spring or summer events like weddings or prom (and these can extend WAY beyond high school - just slap any ol' noun or adjective before the word prom, get your friends to participate, dress accordingly and you're sorted!). Winter holiday parties are grand, but I'm a weather wuss so I'm always FREEZING.

All these dresses could be worn in the winter with appropriate accessories, but they are so much more fun when they can shine on their own. This is another formal look from our shoot with fashion bloggers Wild As a Mink, Showgirl Godzilla and Idee Geniale. I'm so glad they love playing dress up as much as I love dressing them up!

Wild As a Mink wearing 1980s black OFF THE SHOULDER dress with OVERSIZED BOW and rhinestone buttons

Showgirl Godzilla wearing 1980s teal and black prom dress with PEPLUM and rhinestone accent bow

Idee Geniale wearing 1980s Black and Gold METALLIC shelf top prom dress

Pretty in Pink

2010-03-31T13:04:00.000-07:00

Sigh... John Hughes, you are missed. Although flawed, there really is nothing like a good 80s Brat Pack film. I don't think I could pick an actual favorite, but Molly Ringwald's character, Andie, in Pretty in Pink was definitely an Idol for me. I grew up reconstructing used and vintage clothing, so I had a special place in my heart for her New Wave craftster skills. Plus, how cool was Annie Potts as Iona in this movie?!?!

So when I decided to to a prom photo shoot with bloggers Wild as a Mink, Showgirl Godzilla and Idee Geniale, I had to have a Pretty in Pink look! What do you think - Would you wear these dresses as is, or would you remake them into something completely different?

Wild as a Mink in 1960s pastel pink STRAPLESS dress with rhinestone buttons

Showgirl Godzilla in 1950s PASTEL PINK prom dress

Idee Geniale in 1980s PASTEL PINK party dress with chiffon bow

Married to the Mob: A widow's tale

2010-03-28T15:02:00.000-07:00

This is another look from our shoot with Showgirl Godzilla, Idee Geniale and Wild as a Mink. The original theme for the shoot was meant to be "Prom", but after putting them all in so much black with such extremely 80s styles, all I could see was Michelle Pfieffer with her crunchy blonde hair screaming at her mob man "I want a divorce!" Don't they look straight out of a mobster movie funeral?? With slightly less extreme hair, of course.

I feel like they all look perfectly capable of taking the widow matter into their own hands. Maybe a little rat poison in the coffee or a dropped toaster in the tub...

Showgirl Godzilla showing us her skills in a sheer 80s deep v dress

Idee Geniale in an 80s batwing ruffle skirt dress

Wild as a Mink in an 80s Albert Nipon pleated peplum dress

Seeing Spots

2010-03-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a crazy beautiful day in NYC. I'd already been planning on having brunch with my favorite fashion bloggers, Idee Geniale, Wild as a Mink and Showgirl Godzilla. But a day like that with a group like this was just begging for a photo shoot. Let me tell you, there are very few things in life more fun than playing dress up with a group of gals who love clothes!

I decided to do a group shoot because I thought it would be a cool way to list our prom dresses. But once I started grouping dresses into themes, I got a little carried away, and these first photos were some of the most fun. It was so unlikely that I happened to have three polka dot garments, all in primary colors and they all looked perfect on these ladies, right????

Idee Geniale in 1980s Bergdorf Goodman yellow POLKA DOT spring trench

Wild as a Mink in 1980s red and white POLKA DOT sundress

Showgirl Godzilla in 1980s ALBERT NIPON blue and white polka dot halter dress

I sincerely CANNOT WAIT to do a group shoot with these ladies again. Stay tuned for the rest of our looks from Saturday, and feel free to share any awesome theme ideas you have and we'll see if we can pull them off!

Dusty Rose goes dude with Thomas Isaac

2010-03-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

Dusty Rose doesn't usually sell men's vintage online, but we couldn't miss the opportunity to to interview the talented Mr. Thomas Isaac. So we pulled some pieces normally reserved for in-person clients and did a quick photoshoot with him on a sunny Saturday in Brooklyn. Our adoration for Thomas is somewhat biased because we've known him since he was getting his MFA at UPenn in 2006. He is a brilliant visual and performance artist, always full of ideas that we want to be a part of. That's why we were eager to learn more about his latest endeavor.

Tell us about the project you're working on in Arizona.

The project began with the concept of sustainable housing on the Reservation where I grew up. I have always wanted to give something back to the place I was raised - part of the Painted Desert within the Navajo Nation. Several ideas have been buzzing around my head for years. But this one project, based on the Navajo hogan, has started to gather some momentum. Our project is called "RE-HOGAN".

What is a hogan?

The hogan is the traditional dwelling of the Navajo (pronounced "ho-gahn"). There have been variations on the structure throughout history, but the common structure is octagonal with wooden, log walls and a wooden ceiling with an oculus (opening) in the roof. The exterior is covered by mud or adobe. Besides being very robust in a desert climate, the hogan is an extension of the spiritual side of the Navajo people. Different sides of the hogan represent different aspects of Navajo spirituality, so the hogan is very much rooted not only in the land but in the people and their history. Many people today still live in hogans or at least have them for ceremonial purposes on the reservation. My collaborators and I want to experiment with this structure, to create a piece of sustainable housing designed for visitors, while holding onto the cultural and architectural heritage of our home.

It sounds like intensely personal work...

It has deep meaning for me. The area for the RE-HOGAN is where my father's people live. Building a RE-HOGAN close, very close, to where my family live has deep and flowing symbolism. With this project, I not only want to build a bridge between the outside world and the Navajo but also between my own family roots and myself.

What stage are you at?

We are still at the design phase of the project, so there are many more steps to go. But we have traveled a long way. We have completed the first phase of drawings. You can see a map of where we intend to build here, and some photos of the site here.

I cannot express enough gratitude to my collaborators: Taka Sarui and Julia Molloy. They are the principals and founders of the XLXS architecture firm. Without them, this project would be nowhere. The way we collaborate, I convey what elements and principles I think should be incorporated into the structure, and then trust their design intuition and ability to realize a unique yet culturally appropriate design.

It's my hope that, once completed, the RE-HOGAN will help bridge the cultural gap between the Navajo and the outside world, through tourism. Our goal with RE-HOGAN is for tourists to visit the Navajo Nation, and live in this modern dwelling as a private hostel. Visitors will experience the beauty of Northern Arizona - its sun and its silence - and make a more complete connection to desert beauty. With the initial design phase complete, we're moving to secure the site, create the business plans and build the structure. We are looking to the spring 2011 for groundbreaking and then a quick completion. Hopefully, if all goes well, you will be able to experience the RE-HOGAN in AZ in the spring or summer of 2011.

Can readers volunteer to be involved in construction, or help in any other way?

Yes, absolutely. Anyone inspired by the project and curious to learn more or get involved should email Dusty Rose, and you guys can share my contact info. That would make me happy.

Last few questions. How would you describe your personal style?

It used to be grunge, but I never thought I was cool enough to be completely grunge, for some reason. But now, I'd say it's western wear, with a sense for the 1890s. But I like to try and push myself fashion-wise, albeit on a low-cash budget.

What was your favorite part of the Dusty Rose Vintage shoot?

I really loved the Han solo tan jacket. And having fun on the streets being a model. And the fact that there was a wedding that involved bagpipes happening in the background for a lot of the shoot.

Thanks, Thomas!

Poetry in Motion

2010-02-26T16:16:00.001-08:00

delicate clothes of yore|
fall you might on future babies|
beautiful thread of life
make me clothes beautifully!!!!!
SO! that an athena-lanza-nikka dances
into a binary future.

I'm pretty sure people don't spend too much time reading the comments on blogs, so when our dear friend Thomas Isaac left this one, I felt like I had to let it see the light of day. Plus, our readers will be hearing more about him in the future. With all of the androgyny and "boyfriend" this and "boyfriend" that going on in the sartorial world right now, we've decided to roll out some of our favorite unisex wear, and we're hoping Thomas will be our first model. He is an extremely interesting guy with a lot of extremely interesting things going on in his life, so this will be an interview you shouldn't miss!

She's a Showgirl Godzilla

2010-02-15T20:20:00.001-08:00

Gush... Nikka Graff Lanzarone is just one of those girls. She's a tall, slender, raven haired beauty with intense eyes that are a color that's almost impossible to describe - just let the photos do it for me. She's drop dead gorgeous AND she's filled to the brim with amazing stories. (I know, not fair, right?) She comes from a long line of performers - how many of your parents have Wikipedia pages?? - , so she basically came out of the womb dancing. During our shoot we talked about being bicoastal, staying sane in Las Vegas, and the meaning of that adorable swan tattoo on her foot. We can't wait to do it again!

So, you were born in California, but raised by native New Yorkers. That must have been interesting...

Interesting, yes, but very much the norm for me. We went back and forth to NYC a lot when I was a kid, and I feel like that shaped me a lot as well. I've always had a lot of family on both coasts, and felt at home both West and East. My parents brought a definite New York sensibility to their LA lifestyle, which made for fewer beach days, but the kind of cultural education I might not have had otherwise.

Describe your perfect day in New York.

Funnily enough, I just had one of those perfect NYC days a couple of weeks ago. I think you can't plan the perfect New York day, it just has to unfold as the time passes... This particular perfect day was spent with my dear friend John- we went to the Tim Burton exhibit at the MoMa (incredible), wandered the design store, wandered through the city a bit, found a place for dinner, and then walked up to Lincoln Plaza just in time to see "Broken Embraces" and then kept on walking. Perfect New York days just happen, and you have to be open to the idea that anything could be next.

And LA?

As long as there's an In-N-Out Burger or a Phillipe's French Dip in there somewhere, I'm good! Thrift shopping, people-watching, browsing through Amoeba Records, visiting with old friends. LA days have become more about making the most of my time there.

What was it like being an only child with parents in showbiz?

Pretty normal, actually- we still had dinner together at the kitchen table almost every night. My parents were never too into the Hollywood scene, which I'm grateful for. Growing up in LA, I went to school with a lot of kids who barely saw their parents because they were off in another country doing a movie or something, so I consider myself extraordinarily lucky to be part of such a close-knit family.

You write the amazingly titled blog Showgirl Godzilla. How did that start?

Haha, thanks! Showgirl Godzilla started while I was working in Vegas. I had obsessed over style blogs for awhile and toyed with the idea of starting one myself, but never actually did it. In Vegas, I was, for the first time in an awfully long time, inundated with free time. I was a little depressed (my boyfriend goes to school in the Caribbean, I had a lot of time to think about that as well as being so far away from home), and to pull myself out of it and remind myself to be grateful to be working and for the experience I was having, I started the blog. I thought it would help me to be obligated to do something every single day as well as explore my creativity outside of my field, and it did all of that and more for me.

The name comes from a twofold story- the "showgirl" part is pretty obvious, as I am a tall dancer who has been known to wear feathers on my head on more than one occasion, but "godzilla" comes from a coworker of my boyfriend's. When my boyfriend and I first started dating, apparently his coworker got sick of him always calling me "this girl I'm seeing," so he nicknamed me Godzilla, and it stuck. I also feel like an awkward monster a fair amount of the time, so it works in my regular life as well :)

What has been your experience with blogging so far?

I'm still so new to the scene, I feel like my nose is pressed up against the glass a lot! I'm amazed at the beauty and creativity and support in all these bloggers, and the wonderful community I've been staring at for so long has begun to embrace me. I love meeting people with all different styles and skill sets expressing themselves through fashion, and I can't wait to ensconce myself further in the world. It's great fun, a welcome release, and full of the sweetest people anyone could ever meet (much like yourself!). <-- [Thanks, Nikka!] :)

What is one of your favorite things about being a showgirl?

The feeling that I'm continuing a long line of people who have come before, with my own kooky version of glamour. The theatre community is just a wonderful thing to be a part of. Also, sparkly EVERYTHING! I have become a fiend for DIY rhinestone things.

Least favorite?

Hmm....I'm trying to think of something, and the only thing I can think of is trying to stay smiley and sexy when I'm PMSing and need to be on the couch with ice cream! But really, that's not even that bad. I have a couple of good falling onstage stories, those days weren't my brightest either!

So, what's the story with the swan tattoo on your foot?

Around four years ago, my life as I knew it crumbled right out from under me. I was pretty devastated, and I had to figure out what came next. I did three shows that year, and played birds or birdlike characters in two of them. Since I am a pretty obsessive researcher, I started looking into why I might continue to be cast as a bird (and not just because of the beak-nose on my face...), and started finding things talking about the molting process (here's some nerdy research on it). It doesn't happen all at once, it's kind of a pain for the bird, and it takes a lot of time and energy- but when the molt is finally complete, the bird is a better bird, a stronger flier. The swan on my foot has a few feathers coming out of it to symbolize the molting process as it relates to growing up and trying to become the person I want to be. Ugly duckling to swan, if you will...

How would you describe your personal style?

I like to say that I'm built like a cartoon superhero! I'm obsessed with Jane Birkin, Edie Sedgwick, Karen O, Chloe Sevigny, Bob Fosse, Alber Elbaz and Marc Jacobs (of course). It's an interesting mix and there are tons more, but those are the first that come to mind.

I love structure, studs, and sparkles mixed with super-feminine pieces. Details are key, as is visual interest. I like juxtaposing textures and patterns with layering and proportion. I like to mix high with low, and vintage with street style. I love thrifting, and have a twinkle in my eye to start altering and remixing my own clothes (the huge pile of dresses that need to be hemmed should start to get smaller soon, I hope). There is rarely a store I won't try out, I'm open to everything! I love statement jewelry- the more the merrier! I also have a pretty outlandish shoe collection, which just continues to grow...

What was your favorite Dusty Rose piece?

I will probably have to say the jumper- it was so much fun to wear, and I could see myself lazing around in Central Park all summer in it!

Thanks, Nikka!

A day in the eyes of UnoCosa

2010-02-08T17:25:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to meet up with the inspirational blogger UnoCosa. A mix of art, fashion and philosophy, her blog details her personal experiences with the visual world.

On a cold NY afternoon, UnoCosa and Velizar made their way out to our studio in Williamsburg. They documented their journey in photos, and once inside the studio, she took several pictures of objects that spoke to her in some way. These are items we see every day. In fact, they have become so mundane that we don’t really see them at all, so it was nice to take another look through someone else’s lens.

Here are some of the photos. We don’t want to take away from her descriptions, so please check out her blog post to read about it in her own words.

It was great to talk to UnoCosa about her experience as a designer here in New York. She has a very intellectual relationship with the design process. She told us that she has to try to protect her inner-self so she can maintain her independence and creativity in our ever-more commercial and corporate world. I was personally struck by her ability to let go of the designs she had poured her heart into. She explained that, working for a commercial fashion company, she can easily loose her creative edge because of the expectation to make things in the most economic and efficient way. No matter how wonderful a design is, most likely it will not be manufactured the way it was originally designed. Rather than feeling dissatisfied by this, she makes the conscious choice to separate herself mentally to keep from getting too attached to her work. During the design stages, she pours everything into the process. She cares about each design, collection or project and gives her complete attention to every detail. But, when the designs are out of her hands they get manipulated into their final forms through the production stage, and she simply lets go of them and their fates.

UnoCosa compares designing commercial products with parenting a child. No matter how careful you are when raising a child, there is always a chance that when they fly the nest, they will live a life that you might not think is best. So, by choosing not to attach herself to the final outcome of her designs, she can preserve her energy for continuous creativity, and pursue other independent design projects, where she and her partner, Velizar, have full control from beginning to end.

Once UnoCosa started digging through the racks, we were able to truly see her unique sense of style. She put pieces together in such unexpected ways, never even needing to remove any of the clothes she came in with. She was drawn to layers and mixing colors and textures. Here you can see her mixing a heavy wool Missoni coat with a very lightweight, gauzy shirt dress and a rope belt.

And here you see her mix a very fuzzy, bright pink mohair sweater with a more neutral aqua knit dress.

And a fuzzy mohair sweater with a stunning abstract print.

This is one of the dresses we chose specifically for her because we know how much she loves black, as well as texture and form. It’s a 1960s mesh tent dress with rickrack squiggles all over. It’s one of the more breathtaking pieces we’ve had the pleasure of finding in our fifteen years of searching. And I’m pretty sure we’d be safe in assuming it was UnoCosa’s favorite piece of the day (listing pending).

It was so cool to read about her experience, so please check out her blog post about her day with us.

Thanks for the fresh perspective, UnoCosa!

CREDIT: Photographed by Velizar Iordanov. Editing by UnoCosa @ DS Art Studio.

She's WildasaMink, but sweet as Sodapop!

2010-01-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

This week's Dusty Rose: Nickie Schaad.

Nickie is an eveningwear designer for Alberto Makali, and she's a fantastic blogger too. We spoke to her about textile factories, Rocky Top, and being the tallest gal in a subway car.

How did you get into the fashion business?

When I was ten years old I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer and live in New York City. I was obsessed with a toy called Fashion Plates (remember that?!?), read fashion magazines front to back, watched MTV's House of Style religiously - but whenever I went to the mall, I could never find the kind of outfits I had in my head. So I had to make them. I studied fashion design at Kent State in Ohio. I'm from Evansville, IN, and Roy Halston is also from there (well, he moved there when he was 4), so I always had that example. I always thought: "if Roy Halston can come out of Evansville and define American sportswear - maybe I can make it too".

After college, I was sending out resumes, and my friend told me about a position at Alberto Makali. I rushed down to Kinkos and sent out my portfolio, and before I knew it, I was hired over the phone and on my way to New York. It was incredible. (This is a picture of Nickie in an Alberto Makali jacket we found before we knew where she worked. Awesome coincidence!)

Was it hard to make the transition to evening wear?

About one year into my time at Alberto Makali, I started to learn more about the factories that supply our evening wear materials. There were hiccups - whenever I communicate with places overseas, they all still seem to think I'm a man. Email correspondences start with "Dear Mister Nicole". But it was a great change. Now when I go into a store, knowing where the fabric comes from, how much it costs, etc makes me more conscious about buying clothes myself when in the back of my head I remember seeing that exact same fabric and how much it cost when we were in fabric appointments/meetings.

Was was your favorite piece from the shoot?

When I first looked at the clothes, I thought that the warm and cozy ivory sweater dress would be my absolute favorite.

But now, I have to say the Meat Loaf t-shirt. I could incorporate that into what I wear every day. But I would never go out wearing it as a t-shirt dress! Every time I raised my hand above my shoulder I'd be holding it down.

The http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17136708 was great too. It was bright, fit me perfectly - I would wear it with more muted shoes and accessories and make that dress the centerpiece.

Tell us about your blog.

My blog is called "Wild As A Mink But Sweet As Sodapop". It's a line out of Rocky Top - an old honky tonk tune I grew up dancing to at weddings. If you've ever been to a small town wedding, I'll bet you've danced to Rocky Top. I started it in April, because I was interested in street style - what people wear every day. Plus, it's a good place to write down all my stories. The response has been pretty great. The weekend recaps are the most popular - I call it the Weekend Rewind.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style is - comfortable, weather-appropriate... with impractical shoes. I incorporate heels with everything. I think I only own one pair of flats, and they make me feel stumpy and short. I have a secret obsession with being taller than everyone on the subway. I get upset when the train stops at Broadway-Lafayette and any model gets on. Then I have to sit down.

Thanks for talking with us, Nickie!

An interview with Idee Geniale

2009-12-24T10:33:00.000-08:00

Melanie is a fashion merchandiser for the Kensie/Kensiegirl/mac & jac brand, and an independent fashion blogger living in Brooklyn. Originally from Canada, she writes about style and posts daily outfit pictures at her blog, Idée Geniale (‘bright idea’ in French). Melanie is one of our favorite fashion bloggers and must-reading here at Dusty Rose Vintage. We were so excited to see her unique take on styling some of our clothes.

When did you start the blog?

In 2008, but I only started getting serious about it in June of this year.

Why did it get serious?

I think because of Chictopia [a social networking site where the fashion loving individuals post their style for commentary from their peers]. When I saw that people would actually read what I wrote about my outfits, and leave lots of comments, that’s when I decided. I was taking pictures of my outfits every day anyway. So why not see what other people had to say about them?

How did you find out about Chictopia?

Through Teen Vogue. I saw a blurb for it in the magazine, and got hooked. Once you start with that thing, it’s impossible to stop.

Have you always been so into fashion?

Definitely not. Actually I had no interest in shopping or clothes growing up. My mom and sister used to put outfits together for me as I had no sense of what matched. Then as I got older I fell into the jeans, sneakers, and hoodies routine. I was never particularly girly since I had nowhere to wear skirts or dresses. I was really into snowboarding so that lifestyle took over my sense of dressing. Then about 5 years ago I finally broke out of it and one summer decided I was only going to wear dresses that whole summer. I slowly started to build my wardrobe with girly dresses, and skirts, and then got into blouses and eventually dresses weren't only for summer. I was wearing them all year round. That leads me to the style I have now.

What makes you get up and take your outfit pictures and post everyday, it must be very time consuming?

It is, especially that I take all of my pictures myself and sometimes am running late! Then I started getting emails from readers asking sincere questions about not only my outfits but my life in the fashion industry and how to go about getting into fashion as a career, it made me realize that girls are looking up to me for advice and I want to help them out with as much information as possible. I'm so happy that girls feel comfortable asking me questions and want advice even though they've never met me. It's really exciting to get email from readers all around the world.

Do you wear vintage exclusively?

No. I feel like I have a split personality. Through my work at Kensie, I own a lot of contemporary clothes, and that leads to some very contemporary looks. But all the contemporary stuff I like is very vintage-inspired. I wear a lot of Kensie/Kensiegirl and Mac & Jac, but if I did not work in fashion, it’s possible I would wear only vintage.

Do you still go to a lot of thrift stores?

I’m a hardcore thrifter. But thrifting is too expensive in New York. Plus the racks are so picked over anyway. I go to Canada and stock up. I get the best scores at the Value Village in Vancouver. It’s called something else in the States.

Savers?

That’s right. There are a couple in the city, so if there are any Vancouverites reading this, don’t go to the Value Village in Hastings. Too many hipsters got there before you. Go to the one in Burnaby.

What is your proudest moment in thrifting?

I have a true Canadian Eskimo parka, made in Manitoba. It’s white with a vivid purple lining and fox fur trim on the hood. I’m vegan, but I will make some fur exceptions for old garments. This is one of them. I got it for just a few bucks, but it fit me perfectly the second I put it on, and I’ve worn it every winter since. That was fifteen years ago. And I’m still in love with it.

Of all the Dusty Rose pieces you modeled, did you have a favorite?

My favorite item would have to be the Emporio Armani shorts. Too bad they're actually one size too small!! But they're so versatile that I could've paired them with anything. They're dressy enough to pull off a fancier look (like with the lace top) but can also be paired with something more casual (like the pendleton jacket). I think they'd definitely be a staple in any wardrobe...of someone who's smaller than me of course.

Thanks, Melanie!

One of our favorite fashion bloggers, Idee Geniale

2009-11-28T07:18:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to do a collaboration with the lovely and talented Idee Geniale. She has such a unique personal style, so we were really interested to see how she would style the pieces she picked out. We follow her blog, Idee Geniale, as well as her posts on Chictopia, so we were curious to see what she'd choose when she came to our studio. Some of the pieces were not what I would have expected, and I was amazed at how she added her own uniquely modern vision to the looks.

This is a 1960s Pendleton jacket that were were digging for it's country rustic feel, but she threw that image on it's head and glammed it up by cinching the waist with a belt and pairing it with some shmancy Armani shorts. We were tres impressed!

This is a 1950s school girl cropped sweater. I was thinking deep indigo jeans, thick cuffs and saddle shoes. I'm a vintage lass at heart and tend to take things very literally at times. So I was so stoked to see her take. I feel like her styling makes this look totally 50s French Bohemian. She looks like she was a card carrying member of the Beat Generation. Awesome!

And not only does Idee Geniale's have impeccable fashion sense, she also makes adorable hair accessories on Etsy!

Stay tuned for more photos and an interview!

Join us at the 2009 Bust Holiday Craftacular

2009-11-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

If you are in New York, come out and see us at the Bust Holiday Craftacular. It's Sunday, December 6th from 10:00 - 7:30 at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 W. 18th Street, btwn 6th and 7th Ave).

We will have tons of stuff that's not listed in our shop, plus lots of fun gift items like housewares, pulp fiction and jewelry.

Hope to see you there!

Why we love vintage...

2009-11-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

When we were shooting this look an Austrian girl on the street came up to ask if this jacket was vintage. When we told her yes she was overcome with nostalgia and told us that when she was a child all the kids wore these jackets. She said she couldn’t believe she was seeing this blazer on a random street in Williamsburg and that it was such a nice piece of home.

And then we felt all warm and fuzzy. :)

More at our shop

SugarHill Works Round 2: Ciel Mahoney

2009-09-19T13:07:00.000-07:00

Ciel Mahoney is an artist and entrepreneur who lives in the Sugar Hill neighborhood of Harlem, New York City. She is a partner in SugarHill Works, a small business specializing in custom websites, scanning, and printing, which she runs in part with Jenny Burgos – who has also modeled for Dusty Rose - as well as Dan Weisser and Tan-ya Gerrodette. After our photo shoot, we spoke with Ciel about stoops, suburbia and photomontages.

Where are you from?

I was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Wisconsin and Montana (separate parents), then passed through Seattle.

The pictures of you look amazing. We hope you liked them.

It was a little embarrassing to be in front of the camera, but I think they came out well. I've worked in photography for years, & printed millions of fashion photos in the darkroom. Us photo lab rats are habitually camera-shy, but I had a lot of fun with your shoot. And after looking at so many bland fashion images, I really admire what you're doing, using "real people" to model your clothes.

What was your favorite piece from the shoot?

I actually loved the first dress I tried on, that green one - it was a pretty color. And the white one with little colored shapes on it made me feel like a happy little kid.

Tell us about what clothes you usually wear.

I don’t actually own any dresses, even though there were a lot in the shoot. I used to wear short skirts, which are kind of comfortable. Now, anyone who knows me will laugh at the idea of me in a dress... I'm totally gonna show off the pics from your shoot, for shock value! I mainly dress in a utilitarian way, and for comfort - my roommate calls me a "comfortarian". I haven’t actually bought any clothes for the last few years, because I’ve been doing the whole ‘starting a business and being totally broke’ thing.

What do you do for fun?

In theory, I work on my own photography and artwork, but in reality, now I work on managing SugarHill website projects so much that for fun I just do simple things like read, cook, go for walks, play with my cat. Building a business kind of takes over your life, and writing website code all day has made me a bit of a hermit.

What would you like to do?

I’d love to travel, a lot. I’m obsessed with India right now, but I want to go all over the world. I've decided that if the US gets too bad, I'll just outsource myself, and go work in some remote place, or be a nomad.

You told us that you like to make art with digital photo montage, often with found images. We love the image that you shared with us. Can you tell us about it?

It’s called Earthly Delights. It’s inspired by a Hieronymus Bosch painting called The Garden of Earthly Delights, which is a triptych that represents the Garden of Eden on one side, Hell on the other, and something else in between. Most art historians consider the central panel to be a warning of the peril of life's temptations. My version was a take on the weird, modern earthly delights in our somewhat sterile world of suburban subdivisions. Like, is this what we really think is an important ideal? You can see there’s some Disney imagery in there, the Magic Kingdom, yet some of the elements give a sense of trouble in paradise. This is our idea of earthly delights today: a shiny gated community.

That’s kind of the opposite of where you live.

We live in a great historical building surrounded by a community that actually still talks to each other. After we moved in, we became friends with a great guy called Azie Faison. He grew up there, and his mother still lives in the building. You should look him up. He’s a bit of an urban legend, a former drug dealer who turned his life around and became a hip-hop artist with a mission to encourage youth to follow a different path. His life story was made into a movie called ‘Paid in Full’. He knows everything about the neighborhood. A few minutes talking to him on the stoop and you’re up to speed.

No one makes you feel unwelcome?

No. Most people are friendly and used to looking out for each other. The only problem I’ve ever had is with some single men who just come right out and ask ‘are you married’ or ‘do you have kids’? It seems an odd way to get a date. I usually just say yes, and I don’t want any. It’s fine, really.

You mentioned stoops before. The Harlem stoop seems to be one of the few places left where people can really meet and talk to strangers in New York and it not be weird.

That’s true. The neighborhood is so strong and tight-knit, the stoop culture is important to that. I’m actually kind of angry right now about the changes gentrification brings. We've been flagged as a 'high crime' neighborhood, which means that armies of cops are on patrol everywhere, harassing people hanging out on the stoops, even old men with their domino games. Recently, there have been some horrible rapes in our neighborhood, and the police and the TV news have come in and put on a big show for everybody. But with the police hassling the regular guys on the street, less people are hanging out on the stoops. And that just makes the neighborhood more dangerous, because there aren’t those people looking out for each other all the time.

That seems pretty stupid.

It’s a disconnect between how different people think about ‘quality of life’ issues. The yuppies buying up brownstones and the cops see people on the stoop as some sort of disorder. It’s the opposite. They create a community, which creates safety. Some people just have an image in their head: stay in your sanitized apartments, go to work, come home and go back inside. It’s the gated community fantasy, I guess.

Thanks, Ciel.

Meet Dusty Rose Jenny Burgos

2009-09-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

Jenny Burgos is the co-founder of SugarHill Works, a boutique printing, scanning and web design company based in New York. We spoke with Jenny about design peeves, elephants and stimulus.

Where are you from?

I grew up in Nutley, New Jersey.

Why the name: Sugar Hill Works?

We live in the Sugar Hill neighborhood, which is a little part of Harlem. We run our business from our apartment, so that’s why we chose the name. We have no affiliation with the hip-hop outfit The Sugar Hill Gang. Apart from liking them.

You and Dan Weisser are the co-owners of this business, which you run from home, and also room-mates. Do you see too much of each other?

We have a great relationship, so it’s not really a problem. Dan can do a lot of work off-site, so if it gets really claustrophobic, he can work from a café or friend’s house. . We also have two other co-partners in the business: Ciel Mahoney and Tan-ya Gerodette. Ciel also lives in the area, so they work at her place too.

It sounds wonderfully incestuous…

Dan and I worked in a rental darkroom together, and we gradually got tired of working for other people. So we decided to start a boutique business of our own, producing high quality inkjet prints, excellent film and flat art scans and building custom websites. Ciel and Tanya are friends who donated their time and ideas and are now partners.

What is the biggest start up challenge?

When you start your first business, you don't realize all the costs and minor details there are. Also finding customers and earning their trust is always a challenge. We have their livelihoods in our hands. We are handling their negatives or running their sites, which are their main contact with their customers.

That makes sense. It should be. What are you most proud of, so far, in running this business?

First of all, we’re just proud we did it. And people give us props for offering low prices to people who are just starting out in the business, and I’m proud of that too. One of the coolest things we did was hosting a free gallery show for all out clients. We rented a gallery space in Chelsea and invited all of our clients to submit a piece of work. The broad theme was “Elephants and Candy”.

Elephants and Candy?

Candy for SugarHill, Elephants, because Dan likes them. He likes them an enormous amount. What's not to like about elephants? The show was a great success, one of our clients sold their work.

You design incredible websites. So many sites online are just terrible. What are your design peeves that make you scream ‘you should have used Sugar Hill’ at the computer screen?

It’s got to be navigation. I’m putting together a bridal shower for my sister at the moment, and shopping for gifts and stuff for the event. So many sites make it so hard to see their merchandise. It’s as if they secretly think that if they make their website bad enough, you’ll just give up and make a trip to their physical store. I won’t. Photos looking unprofessional I obviously hate. Clashing colors, fonts that don’t catch your eye… the list is endless.

Until those sites beat a path to your door, we hear you’re asking President Obama for some help?

Yes! We are trying to get a small business loan from the Stimulus Package. There are not many available, but I think we have a good shot. The loan is up to $35,000, which would really help a lot.

What was your favorite piece from the shoot?

That first dress I wore – the black lace one. It was really short but had a high neck line. I don’t wear things like that very often, but it was wonderful. Modest and sexy and classy, all at the same time.

Thanks, Jenny.

Dusty Rose Vintage Photo Shoot!

2009-08-05T17:12:00.001-07:00

We were so excited to be asked by the talented photographer, Po Ewing, asked to use some of our clothes for a photo shoot. We ADORE the results!

Introducing Loribeth Capella

2009-07-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Loribeth Capella is a musician, artist and girl-about-town in New York City. We took some pictures of her wearing our clothes, and spoke about music, found objects and Mexican iguanas.

We put some of your collages on our site. We love them. What’s going on in your work?

These pieces are from a fictional family album series I have been working on for a couple of years. It is inspired by family scrap-booking, mixed with ideas from Victorian decoupage. I use found and my own photography, as well as textile prints, antique jewelry, old catalogs, anything that catches my eye at the swap meets.

There’s an absurd domestic thing happening in your work that Dusty Rose loves.

Yeah, I guess they are pretty surreal family scenes. Sometimes I sneak images of my family and I into the work. Most are distorted childhood memories. Sugar sweet but slightly creepy at the same time.

Did you go to school for art?

I went to Parsons School of Design and studied illustration, but in some ways my work developed in opposition to what I experienced there. A lot of my classmates were into hyper-realist work, and I tried to work that way. But I pushed against that after graduating, because I was kind of bored of it. I got more into using found images and blowing them up and then cutting them up so they are unrecognizable. That’s way more fun for me.

Do you show your work in the city?

No, I need to. I’ve been a bit shy about it, but that is the plan. Sometimes I think I'm going to end up like Henry Darger and no one will ever see my work until they find thousands of collages in my apartment after I die.

You’re also in Dusty Rose’s favorite named band: Musik Klub.

I’m glad you like it! Musik Klub is all about hanging out with friends who don’t take themselves too seriously, but still want to play good music you can dance around in your underwear to. We play fun, keyboard/ synth dance music, and we also use a kindergarten-sized glockenspiel on some songs. I have to play a kids’ one because I’m kind of small and its easy to carry on the subway. It’s hard to explain what we sound like I'm not even sure I know. Someone said we sounded a little like Tom Tom Club. I can dig that.

We want to put one of your songs on our blog.

Definitely. We’re just finishing up a new track in the studio right now. We’ll send it to you as soon as it’s done.

Have you been in other bands before?

I was in a funny punk band when I was younger. We were called ATM. We wrote some silly songs, but the Music Club project is a little more mature.

You just got back from Tulum, Mexico. What was it like?

It’s heaven under the sun. It’s a hippy resort, the kind of place where you can walk barefoot in the jungle, and hang out next to iguanas on the oldest cliffs in the world. Everyone is really happy and peaceful, there’s no crime or anything to worry about. I felt so inspired there. Maybe it was the Mayan spiritual healing. Everyone needs a Mexican holiday. And Tulum is hurting after Swine Flu, so it’s really cheap if you book your trip now.

Did you enjoy taking pictures with us?

Yes, you guys have wonderful taste in vintage. I especially liked that little kids’ dress with the British policemen on it. That, and the cool mom slacks with the plaid shirt. That was fantastic – I felt six feet tall in those pants.

Thanks, Loribeth.

We'll be at the launch of the W'burg Flea Market

2009-06-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

Come check us out Sunday, June 14th from 10 -6 at the launch of the Williamsburg Flea Market. It's on Wythe between S 2nd and S 3rd Street. Not sure what to expect, but figured it was worth a shot. The weather looks iffy but we have a canopy.

See you there!

This week's Dusty Rose: artist Ariana Page Russell

2009-06-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

Ariana Page Russell is an artist living in New York City. Ariana has dermatographia, a condition which allows her to painlessly draw patterns on her skin. She photographs the patterns (which fade over about 30 minutes), and uses those images to create tattoos, wallpaper, installations and other artworks. Ariana did a great shoot for us, then talked to Dusty Rose about her work, the wonder of wallpaper, and being modest when your subject is your own skin.

We picked a work of yours called Click 'Flora' to show everyone the kind of art you can create with your skin. Tell us about this piece.

The pattern is from an old sample of wallpaper that I found. I traced the design, and turned it into a stencil. My father is a wallpaper hanger in Portland, Oregon, so over time I’ve become really interested in this form of decoration. He would send me sample books and scraps of old wallpaper from homes he worked in. Some designs go back decades. Wallpaper shares some of the features of skin that interest me. They both display the passage of time: when you strip wallpaper, you see layer after layer marking different time periods. Skin does the same, with wrinkles and freckles. But both provide a space for adornment, too. That idea partly led me to work with tattoos.

In the pictures from our shoot, we can see the large tattoo on your back. Did you get that before you started making work with dermatographia, and what does it mean to you?

It was after. It’s about a year old. I like the simplicity of the design, and I really like circles. Also, the tattoo on the back of my neck covers up a kanji tattoo I got when I was very young.

You say your work investigates how ‘shifting exteriors reveal as they conceal’. It seems like your tattoo is an example of that.

Sort of. Skin protects us and hides our interior from view. But it can also reveal things about you, like when a person blushes or becomes sick. Recently I’ve turned some of the patterns made from my skin into temporary tattoos, which decorates my skin in a different way than drawing on it directly. I scan the cut photographs of my skin adapted from clothing and wallpaper, then turn them into the tattoos. I remove some of them and place them on the wall or window after they’ve made contact with my body. They leave traces of cells and hair, and holding a record of my skin at that moment in time.

Does it feel strange to be so present in your own work, displaying all these images of your exposed skin?

It can be strange. Some people think that because I show photographs of myself, I must be an exhibitionist or something. But I’m actually a very modest person. I don’t like to wear revealing things.

Did you have garment from our shoot that you liked more than the others?

I loved the plaid dress. It was the first thing I tried on and it was great. I love plaid and I love little dresses. It would keep me cool in the heat: this is going to be my first humid New York summer, so I need to buy more summer clothes.

Thanks Ariana.

This interview has been edited for length and content. It is not a transcription.

Our Latest Dusty Rose: Diana Whitten

2009-05-22T14:49:00.000-07:00

Diana Whitten is a documentary filmmaker, currently working on her first feature-length film, ‘Vessel’. Vessel is the story of Women on Waves, and organization that provides reproductive health services to women in countries where birth control and abortion services are illegal. They invite women onto their specially designed ship, and by doing their work in international waters, they evade prosecution and spare women from the horrific risks of unsafe abortions.

We spoke with Diana about this incredible project, and why you should get a job at Fashion Week.

How did you first hear about Women On Waves?

I was getting my Masters in international media at the New School, and one rainy afternoon, a classmate asked me if I’d heard about this abortion boat. We started looking it up together, and something just clicked. I just knew it would make a great story.

The driving force behind Women On Waves is Rebecca Gomperts, an activist and medical doctor from the Netherlands. You can see from the film’s trailer, everywhere Rebecca goes, a media spectacle ensues..

As soon as I started making it, I became fascinated by the way video is used as a social activist tool. In a way, the media attention is the most important part of what Women On Waves do. They certainly save women’s lives, but the ship isn’t a sustainable solution. They can only stay in one place so long, and they can only help a handful of the people who really need them. The media spectacle helps show how absurd this situation is: women have to sail into international waters to excise their human rights. This absurd act becomes an event that activists can organize around, and boost reproductive rights campaigns on a national political stage.

What I love about this group is how many ways there are to tell their story. It’s a story of activism and media theatre, but it’s also a romantic story of outlaws – human rights pirates. And it’s also a simple story about passionate people who are trying to right a wrong. Now the film is turning into a mini-courtroom drama. I’m shooting in Spain soon, where one of the doctors featured in Vessel is being prosecuted for helping Women On Waves. He wants to use our footage to as evidence that he didn’t break the law.

Where can our friends learn more about the film?

Watch a trailer and more footage at www.vesselthefilm.com, and stay up to date at our blog www.vesselthefilm.wordpress.com. If you can spare a donation to help us finish the film, you can donate there. The film is entirely funded by grassroots supporters and their tax-deductible donations. And every little bit counts.

Dusty Rose agrees. Everyone should watch your amazing footage, donate, and then buy a piece from this photo shoot. Did you have a favorite from all the looks we shot?

That’s a hard question. I loved the spotted, ‘Stepford Wife’-style dresses. And maybe that yellow sundress. But they were all great. I can’t choose just one. I do freelance camera work at New York Fashion Week, and I try to play the same ‘which one would I take home’ game. But it’s impossible.

Fashion Week sounds like a dream gig.

The best thing about working there is you usually have access to the tents, so you can see the clothes up close. They are so exquisite, more sculpture than clothing.

Thanks, Diana.

Artists and Fleas market in Williamsburg

2009-05-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

We've lived in the neighborhood for three years, but we've never tried out any of the markets before. But as the weather starts looking nicer, we thought we'd give this one a try. We're not really sure what to expect, but if you're in the area come check us out!

Artists and Fleas is on N 6th at Bedford in Williamsburg. We'll be there Saturday, May 16th from 12 - 8 pm.

Hope to see you there!

http://www.artistsandfleas.com/

This week's Dusty Rose: Rachael Pease

2009-04-27T17:05:00.000-07:00

Rachael Pease is an artist based in New York. She is currently making work on fabric and paper. Rachael has shown her work across the U.S. and Canada. Her last exhibition, “Coming to Terms with Life”, was shown at the Beaux-Arts Des Ameriques gallery in Montreal.

Thank you for this great shoot. Which piece did you like the most?

I don’t usually wear romper suits like the ones in your store. But they were super comfortable and cute. I hate really binding clothes, so I liked that they were loose but still made me look good. The hooded plaid one was my pick of the bunch.

You use fabric a great deal in your work. Why do you make that choice?

As a medium, it can give you a kind of transparency. I use very fine fabrics that make layering easy and create a kind of ephemeral quality. I love the way fabric allows for bleeding, seeping and staining. It can make art look a lot more fleeting than fixed. Lots of my work deals with shadows and Rorschach-like imagery, and the tension between revealing things and concealing things. (See more of Rachael’s art at www.rachaelpease.com)

What are you working on right now?

I’m currently working on a family tree. This tree is more chaotic than the typical family tree, in which you can see clear relationships between generations or groups. In mine, there is one main bulb at the base of the tree that depicts figures in a dance. This dance, the meshing of their original human forms and parts, generates the new creatures in the smaller bulbs. These creatures are meant to be emblems of the self.

One of the pieces we feature is part of a collection called ‘Marriage’. Can you tell us a little more about it?

I struggle with titles, so you can’t read too much into that. But the piece has some images that are melodramatic, and some that I really want to have a monumental quality, even though the scale is small. The tension of marriage can be like that, melodrama mixed with monumental moments and emotions. I think a lot about ‘Of Mice and Men’, and Lennie loving and petting a rabbit so hard that he kills it. Plus there’s that great Bugs Bunny cartoon (‘Hiawatha Rabbit Hunt’, 1941) which plays with that idea.

So you’re saying your husband is a little animated bunny who you try to love, but are crushing to death?

Pretty much!

You and your husband Tadashi Moriyama live in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. Do you like it?

It’s good. There are a lot of artists around, and lots of temporary galleries popping up everywhere. It’s a very diverse neighborhood too, with lots of different pockets of communities. I feel there are more Puerto Ricans than any other single group. But maybe that’s because they fly more flags. And they wear the flag on their clothing, too.

Did you grow up in a city?

I grew up in Franklin, Indiana, on a farm. I told you at the shoot that we didn’t wear a lot of clothes when we were children. You don’t have the same self-consciousness about appearances in a rural area, compared to the city. We basically ran around in our underwear all the time.

Why underwear?

I think because my underwear was always so much cooler than my clothes. I liked my She-Ra print the best. My sister had Wonder-Woman underwear, so we would run around playing the characters in their underpants. We didn’t like being bound up by all this restrictive clothing. I guess it’s a power and independence thing. It certainly explains why I like your comfortable rompers. In middle school I went the other way. Because my school wouldn’t let me wear anything fun, for I while I would come home and change into as slutty an outfit as possible. My mom would say I looked like a street-walker. And she meant it. She has no filter, God bless her.

What would she say about the pictures from this shoot?

“Eh. Whatever. I did what I could.”

Thanks, Rachael.

This week's shoot was photographed by David Wharton

Our first Dusty Rose: Julia Brown

2009-04-15T11:54:00.000-07:00

Julia Brown is a fundraiser and event planner for museums and cultural centers. Until last month, she ran the Guggenheim Museum’s phenomenally successful First Fridays event, which transforms the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structure into a monthly party space. This month she’s moving to London to work her magic with the Battersea Arts Center. Before she left, Dusty Rose caught up with Julia about contemporary art, dealing with DJs and New York’s hidden cocoa parlors.

First Fridays at the Guggenheim is now a fixture of life in New York. Why do you think it worked so well?

There is so much choice in New York, about everything. But First Fridays is still a unique experience. It’s rare to be able to socialize in an iconic, landmark building. That just makes a person feel special, to be able to drink and dance in this dramatic, Frank Lloyd Wright rotunda. It’s a temple-like building, and it makes you feel exclusive and cool.

Were you the first people to do it?

Yeah – we were the first major U.S. museum to host a late-night event like this where people could come and socialize, dance and drink and see art until 1 am as an alternative to going to a bar. It has become a popular model now with the Whitney, MoMA, and the Ruben Museum doing similar late night social events for young people. The Getty in LA also saw what we were doing and copied the format, although their event is outside and does not go as late. I hear even the Tucson Museum of Fine Art is on the bandwagon.

Some of the biggest DJs in the world play First Fridays. Do they know what they’re getting into?

Yeah, no. They don’t. When you’re in this room surrounded by priceless art, and you see Matthew Dear smashing a laptop over his bandmate’s head at the end of a set, you kind of realize that.

And some don’t get that the Guggenheim is essentially a non-profit, so we can’t splash out on riders like a nightclub. XXXChange – Spank Rock’s producer - wanted five cases of lager, two bottles of Moet and a bag of scratch lottery tickets. We didn’t give him anything, but his people said he understood ‘the constraints of the venue’. I think he was just seeing what he could get away with. Which I think is pretty funny.

But sometimes we don’t always know what we’re getting into. We booked Diplo in 2006. The Museum’s capacity is 1,500. We filled up instantly, and had 3,000 angry techno fans outside screaming to get in. I was physically holding back the crowd at some points. Then the neighbors complained about the 3,000 angry techno fans milling around their street, and I got a public disorder summons from the NYPD for my trouble.

I’m sure you won’t miss our lovely Police Department. Have you had some good last days in New York?

Absolutely. It was totally appropriate. I tried to take a last look around MoMa, and the International Center of Photography. But I’d been having such a great time eating and drinking all day with friends, they were closed by the time I got off my ass yesterday. Very New York: you aim for culture, but you hit bars.

Is there a non-touristy experience in the city you’d recommend for a Dusty Rose fan?

The Neue Gallery café on 86th and 5th Avenue. They have incredible Austrian cakes and wines, and they’ll serve you hot cocoa on a silver platter while you enjoy the view over Central Park. The trick is to get a booth and stay there all afternoon with the sun streaming in. It’s a great little place that not too many people think of.

And look out for Ryan McGinley photographs when he next exhibits. Last year he had an exhibition at Team Gallery called “I Know Where the Summer Goes”. Naked people running through landscapes and fireworks. They are such playful, beautiful images. If I could own any artwork, it would be a McGinley print. Hands down.

If we’re talking about photography, your shoot for Dusty Rose was fantastic. Did you have a favorite piece from the session?

Choosing one is hard. The zebra jumpsuit and trench-coat outfit was incredible. I felt like a bloody superstar in that. And the denim cut-offs and waistcoat look was so simple but totally great. It had that Williamsburg, androgynous little boy/girl thing going on. And you can feel cool wearing that all day, anywhere; lounging in the park or going to an opening or whatever. Plus you guys are just so great at styling and pairing. When I order from you in the UK, I’ll buy outfits, not pieces, because you put things together perfectly.

So you’re moving back to England, where you’re from. What can Dusty Roses in London expect at the Battersea Arts Center in the next few months?

Well, I have some ideas, but I’ll keep those cards close to my chest for now. Watch this space, is all I’ll say. And this month the BAC is still showing Don John, which is a threatrical take on Mozart’s Don Giovanni set in punk ‘70s Britain. So go see that before it closes.

What’s the first thing you’ll do when you get back to England?

Get down the pub for a gin and bitter lemon. And I love a good packet of Maltezers, so I’ll buy some of those next. I should probably start looking for a place to live first. But bollocks to that. Life’s about priorities, isn’t it?

Thanks, Julia.

Introducing our new project: Dusty Roses

2009-04-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

We are very excited to launch our new project:

Dusty Roses - a semi-regular interview series with Women We Think Are Great.

We want to promote ladies who do great things while dressing them up in our beautiful clothes. They model our latest clothing, and talk about their life, work and passions. We hope you enjoy it. Sign up for our Facebook/MySpace/Twitter feeds to see the new content and images as soon as they are added.

Facebook
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Huge Vintage Sale!

2009-01-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

We are moving our showroom soon so we've marked down over 1/3 of the items in our shop. Sale items are from 20 - 60% off!

Get some great deals here:

Etsy Shop

Etsy Gift Certificate Holiday Promo

2008-12-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

Hello all! Dusty Rose Vintage is participating in the Etsy Vintage Team "Walking in a Vintage Wonderland" gift certificate giveaway.

One vintage shop will be featured each day, and if you are the winner, you will receive a $10 gift certificate for that shop.

Here are the details:
etsyvintage.blogspot.com/2008/11/evst-shop-of-day-10-holiday-gift.html

Hello World

2008-11-11T19:24:00.000-08:00

This blog will contain the fashion obsessions of us at Dusty Rose Vintage. We love vintage as well as current looks and are most inspired by personal style. Whether it's outlandish, du jour or classic, we love to see people who look truly comfortable in their clothes.

At our shop, www.dustyrosevintage.com, we strive to bring all vintage and eco-fashion lovers of the world beautiful clothes to fall in love with.