Vintage Lane Bryant Advertising...EEK!

DAHLINGS -

Your faithful correspondent was, as usual, deeply annoyed when clicking through plus-sized mainstream clothing sites. Almost all of the models are size 0, making the clothes look like badly pinned tents. However, it could be worse...







I wonder if they still sell "Husky Boy" clothes. Can any of the men out there enlighten me?

Ciao,
Elisa

Love, Loss & What I Wore During NY Fashion Week

DAHLINGS -

Well, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring 2010 has faded from memory...almost. How to describe the freezing outer tent, the steamingly hot runway tents, the many fashionistas sneezing, coughing and wheezing as we all caught the flu? After it was over, your faithful correspondent took to her bed. And it means something when I take to my bed alone.

Even though my reportage was cut down in its prime, nevertheless I feel it my duty, mes amis, to share with you some belated reports. This first post is devoted to the fabulous fashion that adorned my equally fabulous body.

On Day 5, I was photographed for a Japanese newspaper in a stunning ensemble by Mad Couture, made in green with zipper trim, and a fabulous custom-made hat from Ellen Christine! Note that the photographer made certain to have me stand next to a woman of average height.

On Day 7, I again wore a phenomenal Ellen Christine creation...there are no photographs that do it or moi justice! It was a tower of peacock plumes and blue glitter, which I wore to the Milliners Guild show. "Hothouse Flowers Of The Runway," about which more in a future entry. Suffice to say both my assistant Lola and I agreed it was the single most enjoyable show of the entire Spring Fashion Week!

At Ms. Christine's request, I wore my own 1950s cocktail dress and backward-fastening jacket. I only wish that in many of these photographs I had remembered to put my press pass behind my shapely back!

On Day 8, although running a temperature, I managed to look splendid in a 1980s Watters & Watters gown and a top hat custom-made for me by Ellen Christine Millinery. This odd pose is because I was sniffing the sad smell of failure at the Trias show. Pity.

I shall be writing up more Fashion Week memories (it's the most dignified thing to call them) tres soon. But it is this writer's duty to have you admire me first.

Ciao,

Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Vintage Jewelry and Vintage Plus Size Dresses for YOU!

DAHLINGS -

I don't make it a habit of writing idiotic titles like the one above, but one must bow to the almighty search bots. My pet peeve is ads that state "the (insert here) you love". How do they know if I love comfort, or rubber, or burlap? Impertinence, say I.

Ahem.

I am listing beautiful plus-size vintage dresses on (ugh) Ebay, as well as Christmas gifts for milady. And many have FREE shipping. Here is a small selection to whet your appetite:

A beautiful gold satin flocked silk dress for the taller woman, XL B45

http://tinyurl.com/yju2knt

From the 1930s, a feminine flowered cotton dress, M/L with a gored skirt and large Bakelite buttons:

http://tinyurl.com/y93pg9t

A stunning 1940s black silk dress, also for the taller woman, with a wide v-collar front and back, and black button trim around the collar and along one hip:

http://tinyurl.com/yh2wnhw

A vintage lightweight goldtone "statement" necklace, so on-trend!

http://tinyurl.com/yjnqnok

A glorious turn of the century Italian cameo ring, in a rare Navette setting, on sale:

http://tinyurl.com/yglkeh3



Soon to be listed, this dazzling rhinestone-front vintage maxi-dress, perfect for holiday parties!

Do have a look at my store, Elisa's Bodacious House of Style, for more precious, one-of-a-kind finds. Oh, and do me a favor--buy them.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Gorgeous Plus Size Vintage Coats At The House of Style!

DAHLINGS -

I may not be feeling tremendously creative these days. However, I can shill some of my goods in the meantime.

First, and ending SOON, is this amazing, freshly cleaned, like-new vintage dark brown unsheared beaver hooded ski jacket, size XXL:

http://tinyurl.com/yfwkyjx

Also ending soon is this luxurious cashmere princess seamed coat, with a genuine broadtail lamb collar. By Ronnie Sophisticates, size XL:

http://tinyurl.com/ylf3yd2

And in my store, there is a vintage 1950s evening coat in lipstick red, with rhinestone buttons and a shadow stripe design! It's priced to sell, so do please take a look:

http://tinyurl.com/yz2glvv

There will be more coats listed this week, so remember to check back often!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Wonderful Plus-Size Dresses At My Ebay Store!

DAHLINGS -

I thought I would take a break from relaxing by the sea in my beautiful (featured in Architectural Digest) oceanfront mansion and dictate a blog-thing entry to my latest assistant, Smithie. I call all of my assistants Smithie; they come and go so fast it's not worth it to learn their names.

GET THAT LOOK OFF OF YOUR FACE, YOU, BEFORE I SLAP IT OFF!

I do despise it so when the common folk disturb my concentration! See what you've done, Bucky is growling, you've upset him, too. Keep away, that's his biting growl. Calm down, Bucky dahling, Momma is here and she'll protect you from the big bad assistant and her cheap Wal-Mart bathing suit.

Ahem. As I was about to say, I have a number of wonderful plus-size dresses in my store that are simply begging to be snatched up at bargain prices. Not to mention vintage plus-size swimsuits, stylish vintage jewelry, and an adorable vintage manicure set made to look like a pocket watch, with rhinestones set in red leather:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=390065670800

There is this lovely lipstick red lace dress, 16W, perfect for the mother of the bride who does not wish to be ignored!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=390047872918

(Sorry, mon chers, the hat is not for sale.)

Speaking of mother of the bride, how about this sexy number by Karen Miller? Both the dress and jacket have beaded necklines. Wear the jacket in church, take it off for dancing the night away!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=390013617390

And this lush contemporary Hilo Hattie Hawaiian print dress, size XL:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=390064733589

Then there's this stunner of a gown in navy satin and chiffon, perfect for prom, homecoming, or a formal wedding:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=390061997645

Or this summer-perfect vintage Nelly de Grab designer cotton voile dress and matching short-sleeved cardigan, stunningly modern! M/L Tall!


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=390035203614

Do visit my store at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Elisas-Bodacious-House-of-Style to see more of my things, and shop, shop, shop!

Back to relaxing...ah, the sky is so blue...

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

I'm Back, With Curvy Vintage Plus Size Swimsuits!

DAHLINGS -

Life has returned to a semblance of normal, so that means that I'm preparing to go to my oceanfront mansion (featured in Architectural Digest) in the Hamptons. Don't fret, I shall still be maintaining this blog-thing from afar while you, my readers, sit and sweat wherever you are. Unless you're in Australia. It's cold there now, isn't it? Serves you right for being on the other side of the world.

It is such a relief to be back at work! I'm stocking my (ugh) Ebay store with summer pieces, including a number of beautiful vintage bathing suits! All of them plus size, of course.

First, this elegant swimsuit by Darlene with black roses twining up the top, and a low plunge back, XXL:




















How about this gorgeous Sirena suit in a rich blue floral print, with a tie front and structured bra, also XXL?




















And here is something I doubt you've seen much of--a size XL 1960s Mod bikini! (Bodicea is 6 feet tall, and measures 44/32/45.) You can be a plus size Bond Girl in this gorgeous, never-worn bathing suit, made in France. Black and white check with red accents!




















There are more to come! Please do take a look at my store over the next few days, when these glorious beauties shall yours for the taking.

In the meantime, Bucky and I wish you the very happiest of summers!

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Plus Size Vintage At My Fashiondig Shop!

DAHLINGS -

There is simply beautiful merchandise on my Fashiondig shop, The Mad Fashionista's Plus Size Boutique! Please do follow the link on the right and take a look. Here are some pieces to whet your appetite.

1930s Royal Doulton brooch and clip earrings

1960s cashmere long jacket with genuine broadtail collar, size XL













1970s maxi dress with rhinestone trim, size L













Sheared beaver jacket with rolled collar and cuffs, size XXL














1960s silk shantung embroidered dress, size L

And oh, so much more! Do stop by and take a look!

Must dash--more later, dahlings!

Ciao,

Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog

Vintage Auction Ending Today - Plus Size Tops!

DAHLINGS -

I need to let you know that in coming weeks I shall be listing a number of wonderful blouses in silk, cotton and other materials in my (ugh) Ebay store, as well as on Fashiondig (links to your right). Ending in a day or so, I have an auction of eight vintage blouses, all from the same estate, all XL (busts 42-46). My mannequin, Bodicea, is six feet tall with a 44 inch bust, and all of these tops fit her beautifully! Here is a selection from the auction to whet your appetite.

First, a mint green sweater in a shimmery cotton blend knit, covered with sequins:


Next, a Lord & Taylor silky blouse in a Pucci-esque 60s print:


Perfect for Viva Las Vegas, a rockabilly mockneck red and white polka dot top:


A 1950s linen blouse, with each seam done in openwork embroidery, as well as embroidered trim in every conceivable place:


And four other beautiful pieces, at the ridiculously low starting price of $9.99! You can find them all at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390035266097

Coming soon, this Bonwit Teller silk button back blouse:


And this lovely white and black cotton striped top:


Have a lovely Sunday, dahlings, and enjoy the time change! Remember to change your clocks! (At least my American readers.)

I'm Featured On The Specialist Auctions Blog!

DAHLINGS -

Specialist Auctions, the United Kingdom-based site where I have one of my shops, has a special entry by yours truly today. There is also a breathtaking picture of Bucky the Wonderdog, working his special magic of cuteness that has kept me from killing him despite all of the biting.

Here is the link:

http://specialistauctions.blogspot.com/2009/02/delightful-plus-size-pieces-at-my.html

Do have a look, and happy shopping!

ciao,
Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog

A Fabulous Party--In Brooklyn, Of All Places!

DAHLINGS -

I am still not quite myself, but nonetheless, I simply could not RESIST when I received the following invitation:



Deb Malkin has dared to open a shop in these troubled economic times, and I say BRAVA! Yes, we sell similar merchandise in some ways, but as I have written before, a rising tide lifts all boats. And the shop is in Brooklyn, where my high heels have barely, if ever, trod. Nevertheless, I gave the order to my limo driver to take me there!

Well, it was quite the evening! Your faithful correspondent usually goes to soirees where Krug is flowing and the male guests are in black tie. However, this was a walk on the wild side if ever there was one! Male guests, when one could spot them, most times turned out to be female.

My wardrobe choice was a cobalt blue suit from the 1960s with a sheared beaver collar dyed to match (it was, after all, 7 degrees outside). As for the more obviously female guests, my beloved readers, they were almost entirely plus sized, and it was an absolute SEA of cleavage! Deb herself was wearing a tartan-trimmed bustier skirt combination that had been custom-made for her, and her bounteous bosom was certainly on show. I brought a hostess gift of eight polyester maxi-dresses...it seemed the only appropriate thing, don't you think?

Being a woman of broad mind and loose morals, I was not thrown for a moment by being probably one of the few heterosexuals there (and as my long-time readers know, I am ready to cross over if it means a particularly lucrative sale). In fact, it was delightful to be surrounded by large, lovely ladies in beautiful clothes from all eras, proudly showing what they had! Take THAT, Karl Lagerfeld!

So I drank sparkling apple juice served by a handsome woman in an impeccable suit and tie, nibbled on some nibbles. One friend who was in attendance was the ever-witty Stephanie Schroeder, my publicist, and our friend Lisa Haas, a playwright. However, they were fatigued and left before the show started.

They missed a treat! There were not enough chairs, but fortunately for moi, my height proves to be an advantage in these situations. Les danseuses were, with one exception, ecydiasts (look it up) from the old school of burlesque. World Famous BOB (not certain why her last name is all caps, but celebrities are funny that way) is called that for a reason...it was as if one was watching Gypsy Rose Lee crossed with The Lady Bunny.

Photo by Sara Macel

There were also go-go dancers of considerable heft, and a belly dancer from Washington, DC who proved that you don't have to be built like Madonna to shake it and not break it. Oh, mon Dieu, did I just write that? One believes one did. Her name is Miasia, and the photo does not do her justice! Her website is http://www.miasia.org/.

Now that I am feeling slightly better, you shall be hearing from me more often.

Ciao,

Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

CYBER MONDAY IS HERE!

DAHLINGS -

Cyber Monday is here...now, will somebody explain to me what that is?

I believe one is supposed to trumpet one's merchandise on sale to drum up business. How this differs from all of the other times is beyond me, but since my email box is overflowing with emails screaming "CYBER MONDAY", I suppose I must scamper with the other lemmings.

First of all, as you know, in my (ugh) Ebay store, Elisa's Bodacious House of Style, I'm strewing bargains right and left! First, this enormous wholesale lot of over 100 items of men's and women's vintage in three huge boxes, described in an earlier entry:


Ending over the next two days,
a) this heavy wool tweed black and white vintage coat, XXL, with flecks of bright blue and red in the tweed:

SOLD!

b) This 80s acidwashed unisex jacket, with pearly beaded trim on the front and back yoke, back seam, and silver topstitching:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=390012743014
c) These blue satin pumps, size 12M, with rhinestone-studded bows on the toes, originally $135:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=390012737225
d) This glamorous nylon jersey Empire Waist evening gown, trimmed with silver pearl bead embroidery around the neckline and bust, XXL:

SOLD!
e) To smell like heaven, dust this Hypnotique by Max Factor dusting powder over yourself. Comes sealed, with powder and monogrammed satin puff!

SOLD!

Meanwhile, over at the Mad Fashionista's Plus Size Boutique on Specialist Auctions, you can find gems such as this elegant emerald Bill Levkoff off-the-shoulder evening gown, size 1X:

SOLD!

How about this vintage 30s gold lame' evening clutch, dahlings?

http://www.specialistauctions.com/auctiondetails.php?id=1144194

If you are willing to splurge a bit more, at the Mad Fashionista's Plus Size Boutique on Fashiondig, you'll find these treasures. We're still getting established over there, so the selection is not quite as large as at my other shops, but do go have a look.

What about this magnificent heavy silk jacquard gold dress, size XL, to go with your clutch?

There is this sheared honey beaver vintage custom made ski jacket, size XL, as soft as a cloud!

http://www.fashiondig.com/shop/detail.asp?ItemMasterID=20206&ItemID=35702

A glam-rock 70s silver faux leather floor-length coat, size M/L with rhinestone buttons and a back belt:

http://www.fashiondig.com/shop/detail.asp?ItemMasterID=20155&ItemID=35651

A vintage black/white cross mink beret:

SOLD!


Any item purchased from my shops can be gift-wrapped and sent to the recipient of your choice. Just let me know and I'll get one of my assistants on it. Not the one who got her hands all wrapped up in packing tape, of course.

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky the Wonderdog

Black Friday & The Vintage Blow Out Sale On Ebay

DAHLINGS -

It's Black Friday, and this week the vintage sellers on (ugh) Ebay are having a Vintage Blow Out Sale. Everything--clothes, jewels, accessories--is on sale for $19.99 or less, mostly less.



I myself have listed some things in my little shop. Do go have a look, won't you? Remember, it's cheaper and safer to shop online!

For example, this fascinating estate ceramic earring and brooch set, probably Japanese in origin:



Or this pretty sheer printed rayon 1940s dress with a gathered skirt and large pockets:



Happy shopping! Just type "VBO" into the search subject line and use "ending soonest" in the drop-down menu instead of the diabolical "Best Match". You'll be up to your eyes in bargains before you know it.

And if you are looking for a truly MASSIVE bargain, I'm selling over 100 pieces of men's and women's vintage clothing and accessories for less than $4.00 a piece. Hard to believe, I know, but there are Oscar de la Rentas, mint condition thigh-high stockings, and men's suits by Hart, Schaffner & Marx in these lovely brand new cardboard boxes:


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=390012275554

Ciao,
Elisa & Bucky The Wonderdog