Paper costumes

 

Flora, 2006 inspired by the ca. 1482 painting Spring by Botticelli

Isabella de'Medici, 2006 inspired by a ca. 1565 portrait attributed to Allori

Elizabeth I court dress, 2001 inspired by a ca. 1599 portrait by the studio of Nicholas Hiliard
Delphos dress and coat, 2006-2007 inspired by a design by Fortuny (1871-1949)

Detail of the collar of Marie de'Medici, 2006 inspired by a 1595 portrait by Facchetti

English sporting dress, 1998 based on a ca. 1870 ensemble at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Day dress, 2000 based on a ca. 1900 dress designed by Callot Soeurs

Evening dress, 2000 based on a ca. 1924 dress designed by Coco Chanel

"Bar" suit, 2000 inspired by spring-summer 1947 New Look suits by Christian Dior

Detail of Maria de'Medici, 2006 inspired by a ca. 1555 portrait by Allori

The work of Isabelle de Borchgrave was recently on exhibit locally. Borchgrave is a Belgian artist who makes life-size, detailed reproductions of period costumes out of paper. P-a-p-e-r. Mindblowing. Sadly, I missed out on seeing the collection in person but a friend did loan me a book on her work with lots of great photos.

Photographs courtesy Créations Isabelle de Borchgrave from the book Pulp Fashion, the art of Isabelle de Borchgrave (Copyright 2011, Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco)

The best Christmas ever

We are having a baby! More specifically, we are having a baby boy. He'll probably look like some combination of little me (left) and little Soren (right) when he arrives around Christmas. I've spent the last three months worrying, napping and eating lots of snacks. And transitioning to stretchy-waist pants, of course. No belly photo to share yet - I pretty much just look like I've spent the spring enjoying too much beer. Not cute at all.

It has taken a while for us to get to this point and Soren and I feel very grateful that we finally get to be parents. One of the most difficult things for me as we worked to start a family was trying not to be painfully, bitterly jealous of other women/moms. That's the ugly truth. Long story short: I am keenly aware that just because I'm expecting doesn't mean you are or that you particularly care a lot about it. So I promise that while I will occasionally share some baby news here with you, I'll keep my focus on Jean Jean Vintage. So please don't run for the hills.

Softly, tenderly

1950s Victorian style cameo pendant

1920s rhinestone sash slide || 1950s heart locket brooch

1940s cameo pendant || 1940s celluloid dress clip

1904 engraved heart pendant || 1920s molded glass tassel necklace

1940s identification bracelet

Maybe it is the engraving. Or maybe the soft colors. Or perhaps the classic cameos. For some reason, I grouped these pieces together for today's shop update.  I hope you enjoy it!

Muir Woods

Last weekend we went hiking in Muir Woods. The trees there are very old and very tall. That's pretty much the gist of it. This weekend, however, there will be no fun and games because we will be busy packing up and getting ready to hit the road. Our California sojourn is almost over!

Tiny time capsules

Not very many pieces of antique jewelry are dated. Those that are tend to be sentimental (lockets, wedding bands, etc.). I rarely, rarely find a dated piece but when I do it is such a joy. It is like finding a little piece of a time capsule. That's how I feel about these two pieces -an 1894 locket and a 1904 heart pendant. Can you believe that the locket is nearly 120 years old?! Wow. You will see the locket in the shop a little later this summer the heart pendant will be part of Monday's shop update.

Silk tee tizzy

These hand painted and dyed silk blouses from Rachel Rose have me in a tizzy. Can a girl have too many silk tops? I don't think so.

Photos courtesy of Rachel Rose

Looks like coral

This necklace from Need Supply Co. looks like coral branches, but it is actually made of seed beads. Rad!

Photo courtesy of Need Supply Co.

House things

art deco desk lamp, Modish Vintage || receipt clip board, Every Eskimo

shelf with blackboard, Now Vintage || shabby card rack, Every Eskimo

vintage large French pot, Haven Vintage || bottle holder, Every Eskimo

hand dyed pillow, Enhabiten || old mirror, Modish Vintage

kitchen table organizer, Old New Again || wire rack and drinking glasses, Now Vintage

metal locker basket and rustic shop drawer, Haven Vintage

I love these house things. I already bought the receipt board and the white filing thingy for my office.

A patch of violet

1910s brass and glass brooch

1930s sterling, glass and marcasite pinkie ring || 1950s glass earrings

1910s rhinestone studded locket with a butterfly and crescent motif

1940s British porcelain pansy earrings || 1930s faceted glass necklace

If you fancy purple then today is your day! These pretty pieces are headed to the shop this morning. Happy Monday!