Neck-n-Neck

{1- Geometry}
{2- Kinship}
{3,4,5-Fathiya, Reza, & Erykah}

If you've been racking your brain for gift ideas, rack no more!  Here's a little inspiration on what you could look for when it comes to being fashionably generous this season. Use your gift receiver's staple outfit as inspiration and accessorize accordingly. If you're planning to hunt for styles like these AND you succeed, the other gift givers have some major competition.
Geometry would go great with a classic neutral jumper for the simple dresser who likes just a bit of color. I imagine the necklaces of Kinship to be paired with something like this flowy and romantic blouse. Your free-spirited girl would love something like that for sure! If you have a friend that likes to stick to classic, chic black, then the bottom three necklaces are the best shapes and makes of metallic collars. Happy hunting, ladies!

Testing Chaos

{Sweater: BBV}

{Pants: Forever 21}

     I've always appreciated a funky sweater. On top of that appreciation, I've always loved good accessories (I am somewhat guilty of over-accessorizing, but aren't we all?) Honestly, this set was put together basing my inspiration off of the OPI nail lacquer. That's kind of hard to believe when the sweater's inky pattern is vying for attention (hence the choice in neutral pants to tame said pattern). If you have (or want) a sweater with a similar pattern, test out the combination!
     If you're not up on the latest work of Jenna Lyons, please reference J.Crew's fashion face lift. I can't speak enough about their jewelry line that is trending a contemporary take on resin and enamels that pay homage to the Art Deco era.

At least once a week...

{Cardigan}
{J.Crew Socks}
{Kent Ari Mug}

It's hard to imagine a life so fast-paced without a little down time. Right? 
Here is a perfect little trio to make your lounging time successful.

     I've come to the conclusion that the grey piece of clothing was a cardigan (uncertain due to its size).The fringe detail adds just the right amount of luxe. Imagine slipping into those socks and sipping perfectly steeped tea from an authentic mug.  I really can't think of a simpler way to enjoy that time in a comfy and fashionable manner.  This combination is a must! All you have to do is find a buttery-soft leather chaise longue.

Bet you've never seen these before...

{1. Snake skin and leather}
{2. Glomesh}
{3.Black Macrame}
{ 4. Metallic Mini}


I just wanted to give you guys a preview of the new inventory coming in next week! 
Happy Friday, friends!                                                                               

Finder's Keepers

Here's my muse for this Monday! I recently finished this piece and was able to come up with a fitting name for it! Finder's Keepers is a combination of three different chain styles with two additional ornamental accents, some of which came from an older collection of bracelets.  It hugs closely to the nape of the neckline and carries a bib-like quality with the way it cascades (due to its weighty mix of metals).

 

{Husky necklaces are dope.}

Extra thick.

Stay creative, friends!

Sweater Arsenal: December

I've decided that because this is BBV's first ever Winter, I'll be debuting its first ever sweater collection! So, don't cozy up with the same old cowl neck just yet! I must mention J.Crew's pristine take on the soft-and- shimmery. I can't forget about Madewell either! Their lookbook had a nice balance of bold blues and subdued blush tones. I love look #7 for it's lazy-Sunday layering. 

Here's a preview of the first "loved" of Winter sweaters!

Use Autumn's plaid button down to break up the sweater's sparkle!
{Pullover: Jeanne Pierre (s) coming soon; Plaid button down: Mossimo (Target)}
{Boots: Size 7 narrow, 8 watch straps; both available on BBV}

Never Never Land

    

         {Sinatra by Dannijo}

         When I first saw the Peter Pan collar I wasn't convinced that the style would stick and when I later saw Alexa Chung's collection for Madewell, I warmed up to its cutesy appeal. Recently, I stumbled upon the collar done up in an embellished metal-working style and my reservations disappeared. Dannijo designs transform the collar, usually seen on shirts or done in fabric, into something armor-like.  With the stacking of various shaped gems within the curvature of the design, it takes a few steps back from being overly feminine.

 I went back to work with some great inspiration and here are my results! Enjoy!

{click to enlarge}

Empire Influenced

     After showing my friend this piece, I was told it has a Roman influence with the foliage accent on both sides (reminiscent of Cesar's crown, Corona Civica).  Keeping that in mind, I named it Filia, meaning daughter in Latin.

Filia; hangs mid chest

A little leaf to satisfy my need for "quirk"click for enlargement

   Within it exists four different elements, three of which were taken from choker necklaces.  I think it displays an heirloom-y appeal with the slightly worn painted leaf detail and is 21st-century- updated with the sharper edges of the triptych focal point.    

I'd wear it... "Et Tu, Brute?"

Still Relevant

          Styles constantly fall in and out of fashion...or vice versa...fashion falls in and out of style...whatever the case, vintage stays true. I wondered what the term "vintage" really meant prior to my site and blog endeavor and after much reading, I decided being dated wasn't so bad.

MCM Cross body

I had to remind myself something that you buy at the thrift store does not make it vintage, but that doesn't mean that you can't find such treasures at your local thrift. Do your research on labels, brands, and markings. The history of your new found gem can be fascinating! I find myself enamored...obsessed with the hunt of the story.
     I first came across the German handbag brand MCM (Mode Creation Munich) five years ago. My original find was the "MCM cross body" (recently sold) on my website. Your eyes aren't lost in the monogrammed pattern, which can easily consume the design structure of the overall piece.  I was particularly appreciative of the brass plate placard framing an original serial number assigned each bag. Talk about making a piece your own...

Via Park and Cube
Knowing the story of MCM, I was really happy to see Shini of Park and Cube sport a hot pink mini purse, pairing it with an equally flashy overcoat. It's exciting to see a  piece like this bring life to an ensemble; because of how classic it is or how true it has stayed to its history's aesthetic.
Vintage forever, ladies!

|k.i.s.s.|k.i.s.s.|

I go through a lot of edits for a number of things and whether it be graphics, photographs, or design, just remember one thing: K.I.S.S.  No, no lips are involved... it's a phrase that I was reminded of the other day,"Keep it simple, stupid!"

Round and Round

I first create the basic silhouette of the necklace, I then add all the bells and whistles, leave it for a few days, and then revisit it. Within that time frame you realize what something should ultimately look like.

Clasp detail; Front detail

Stay creative, ladies!

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Whichever comes first...

I recently had a blow torch fiasco. Don't worry, I'm still working on taming the flame. Until then here's my latest, Whichever Comes First. It's probably the best example that one could use to describe how arbitrarily the mind works when your envisioning something. I used a penny charm from a broken bracelet, a Niagara Falls key chain, and a color changing cherub pendent from a pile (changes with temperature).

5 years?...

I've been asked the question, "Where do you see yourself in five years?" countless times since I turned 21 and I've always faltered because I don't have a damn clue.
     I had an amazing conversation with a great friend of mine today. He'll make you believe that you can fly, he has that much faith in people. I still have no idea what I'm exactly doing here, but I can reply "I don't know..." and still have a strange confidence in myself. A practice I need to adopt sooner rather than later...

Via: That Kind of Woman

Mohair: CHECK. When the temperature starts dropping, I’ll be piling on soft fabric blends and loose knits!  If you’ve seen something that you’re dying to try or if you have an OOTD that you’d like to share, please do!

Out of Their Elements

                                      
Most girls claim they're addicted to shoes, they're purse lovers, or that they can't leave the house without topping off their outfit with little sparkle. My daily intake of visual stimulation happens mostly when I get ready for the day. I'm the girl that can't leave the house without my security blanket of finely crafted metals. My hands are never left without rings. My left wrist is decorated with a gradient of metallics that vary between the rosey gold and silver. The patina of my bronze Nefertiti arm cuff almost blends in with my lower bicep's skin. Confession: "My name is Rye and I'm a jewelry junkie..." I have piles, boxes, and trays of jewelry in my room and the BBV room.  I have decided to put it all to use!

       I recently perused this month's VOGUE Brit issue and was enamored by Lanvin's choker necklace. I grabbed my needle nose pliers and got to work! I used the roses as inspiration and added two other elements. It's nothing insane, but I kinda' like it. I barely ever share my work in fear of public mockery or unsolicited edits, but here it is, ladies!

 

And the winner is....

Margaret's first BBV purchase!

   
     MARGARET of California! Thank you to all who have participated and those who take the time to stop on by the blog and the store. Everything is much appreciated! A special thanks to Margaret for her fast-as-lighting posts and her previous purchases from BBV.  Congrats, lady! The goods are on the way!  If you missed the boat, don't worry! BBV is hosting many more future giveaways. Come back, read, "like", and "tweet"! Happy Friday, ladies!

Radiohead Nostaligia

     Can you recall that exact feeling you felt when you first heard a song that would change your life forever? I was just a pup when my eldest sister was dating a hard core rock fanatic which then heavily influenced her taste in music. Up until this point I listened to hip-hop, r&b, and held an appreciation for artists like Eric Clapton and Van Morrison (Thanks to my father).  I had eventually gotten a hold of her Amnesiac CD, pressed play and within a few minutes my perception of music was shattered. I was obsessed. I fell in love with Mister Thom Yorke and the genius musical styling of Radiohead. 

Image via: The Cover Lovers

The reedy lament of his voice made me feel solace for the first time; solace for experiences and knowledge way beyond my years. At the tender age of thirteen they quickly became my favorite band. Thanks to them I have found my niche in song choices in which I sang and have been introduced to an ever-abounding list of musical artistry.

The legendary band has since release albums following Amnesiac, Hail to the Thief (2003) and In Rainbows(2007) (both of which have served as the sound track of my journey to semi-adulthood). Front man, Thom Yorke released solo project, The Eraser, in 2007 and has endeavored into guest dj-ing, eccentric dancing, and environmental concerns.

With their latest release, King of Limbs (February 2011), they have shown and proven to be THE most musically intellectual band in my book.  They will forever be the band that you’ll never regret skipping school for, the band that you can put on loop for a full 24 hours and never tire of, and the band that you and your best friend find common grounds when engaging in musical discussion. It’s amazing what a rock band can do. Happy Muse Monday! 

Summer Sale Swoon

     On few occasions I have bumped into customers wearing the jewelry that I have sold to them in the past. I must say the feeling is wonderful! Prior to putting items up on the site, I kind of make up the future owner in my head. It's something along the lines of, "She's gonna' look so dope if she pairs this with a cognac leather mini-purse and a pair of heather grey, suede pumps..."  (How amusing internal monologue can be when it's put into writing).  It's a great feeling to see the person you meet is nothing like what you could ever image, but pulls off the piece effortlessly.  Well, prepare your necks, wrists, and fingers...WE'RE HAVING A SALE!

Silver Toothed Tiger- $28 NOW $19 (shipping not included)

Pearl Cocktail-$68 Now: $58; Webbed cuff-$36 Now $27; Arrowhead$

In order to have these chance opportunities to blossom into frequent run-ins, BBV is taking 25% off all jewelry inventory! I understand the feeling of leaving something beautiful behind and more than anything I recognize the gleam in a girl's eye when she knows something was meant for her. Cheers to the possibility of me and my customers bumping into each other. Enjoy the summer sale swoon while it lasts!

Perfectionist's Paradise

Could you even begin to imagine how precise each shot had to be? You're dealing with timing, distance, framing...not to mention these guys' handsomeness (usually not taken into consideration as far as technicalities are concerned, but a factor none-the-less...) In an cinematic-regard, they got it right! Sharing your talents, adventures, and smiles simply inspires others!
(via MOVE/ Black Eiffel)

Hooray for August's Giveaways!

Via:The Looks for Less

Seeing as though we have a little over a month of festival days and venue-d nights, Bread Box Vintage would like to celebrate the avid concert goer in you. BBV is hosting a giveaway starting Today (August 18th) until Thursday, September 1st.

 
      Since you've moved on from your Lollapalooza attire and you have yet to wash your Outside Lands outfits, wouldn't it be great to have fresh accessories sent to you? Be apart of the giveaway at a mere click of your mouse!

The package includes two delicate necklaces, a pair of sterling silver feather earrings, an embossed metal plated belt, and a sterling silver ring accented with genuine turquoise (along with a few more baubles). All of which are, oddly enough, apropos for a well seasoned concert line up!  (Electric Zoo, Burning Man, or Rock the Bells.)

Here's what you do to become eligible to win:
"Tag" THIS blog entry link and the BBV store link to your Facebook account (status/friend's walls) by "liking" our Facebook page and reposting  "@Bread Box Vintage" OR "Tweet" THIS blog entry and BBV by following us on Twitter and shouting us out with "@breadboxvintage" (all lower case) now until the end date. Our super sophisticated computers will handle all the counting, tracking and number crunching. Posting as many times as possible ups your numbers and your eligibility!
Good luck!

Muse Mondays

      Whether it's visual, audible, or tangible, there is always something in the universe that sparks a reaction within you. On the very first of my Muse Mondays posts, I'd like to share with you the musical ensemble, sentimentally named Efterklang (meaning "remembrance" in the Danish language).
      After forming in 2000, Efterklang has added three notches to their musical belts since having released three studio recorded albums. These Danes not only create beautiful music; they foster it.  They are currently signed with label 4AD and  had been previously signed with the Danish-dubbed Rumraket: a personally owned label of the band that has signed several other names such as Grizzly Bears and Canon Blue.  The band announced early June the future closing of the endeavored Rumraket.

Released in August of 2010, their latest album Raincoats  has introduced my ears to the indie rock sounds.

In Sequin-tial order...

(Via: American Archive.)

We've all seen them before, ladies. I'm talking about those glamorous, yet slightly tacky sequined tops.  Whether it comes straight from your mother's back-in-the-day section of her closet or your local thrift, you've asked yourself, "To wear or not to wear?".  I say DO IT.  Definitely take weather conditions into consideration, but when is there going to be an absolute appropriate time to wear such flecks of shimmer?  Since looking fancy is never out of season these tops will probably haunt us until boho-chic styles stop walking this earth...which I don't predict happening anytime soon. If you're not a fan of butterflies they come in even more toned down styles, so fear not and wear with confidence!

(Image courtesy of Dave Austria)

Mister Louis C.K.

I've been introduced to a very talented man on the television, Mister Louis C.K., and must admit that his  cynical/hopeless romantic character is amazing.

via awesome people hanging out together

Summer Sheers

Image via: American Apparel

      With my love for knits and with the summer heat rising, I have found myself reaching less for my lived-in chunky sweaters and leaning more towards the intuitive “wear less, sweat less” mentality. This should not be an option when the currently trending sheer button downs exist. Billowy and airy, this option is a go-to for the layer lovers of autumn and winter. Through the years I have built up an interesting collection of such tops ranging from a cobalt blue that features a geisha to painterly mustard yellow depicting a provincial street scene…some less bizarre than others,but each in the line-up for this summer for sure.  American Apparel features these tops in a racier manner, but offers it in an amazing color palette.  Labels like Coincidence and Chance and Silence and Noise, found at U.O., make the blouses ultra femme with touches of pleating and scalloping.

Don't you just love the sunlight shining through? I wear this top when I'm feeling fancy and with its length almost hitting my knee, a slip will do the trick for covering up.  

Purchased from the local thrift shop, the blouse is a great display of how varied these pieces can come: colored, patterned, AND textured! With this in mind, I kept the accessories to a minimum. 
Happy hunting, ladies!

Love: now,then, later

Most of the emails that BBV receives are from customers inquiring about a product that had previously become ''sold out".  Please know that BBV very rarely comes across more than one of the same exact item, making shopping on the site quite an adventure! That’s the love and hate of vintage: once it’s gone you’re not likely to come across it again.

(Serpent Arm Wrap: now owned by a Cali. dime)

(Loves Me Wheel: now owned by an Ohio honey)

     Think about it this way: how many times have you left a store/site and mulled over purchasing a particular item? You leave yourself thinking about it for days on end. Now, come back to the place your first fell in love—GONE! You call the other place that might carry it with fingers crossed...DAMN! They only have your item in size 37 and the lame purple-sequined version of your original love. Heart-broken, you return to your now-inadequate closet, lacking that 'pie de resistance', only it's not your closet, it's your jewelry tree, or your purse collection.  Think about passing on that vintage piece to your future, hypothetical daughter who ends up sharing the same passion for beautiful, vintage, statement bib necklaces as you do! But with all seriousness, keep your credit and cash situation correct and let's shop with no regret, ladies!  Don't miss out on the opportunity to being one step closer to a more one-of-a-kind you!

On that SWAG grind...

It has come to a small business' much needed attention that when you know good people, things run smoother.  Thanks to the fabulous women, Stella and Elisa of mona et june, such smoothness was achieved. We have recently re-stocked our swagadocious inventory and urge you all to take a look. So don't sleep on us and stay up on your SWAG while it's still relevant.


image via: Lockerz
 *In no way is Donald Glover in direct support of/affiliated with the production of this shirt. He is seen wearing said shirt due to fortuitous events and serendipitous path-crossing.*

Vintage for everyone!

(Facebook send-out)

For my fans on Facebook, my frequent site visitors, and my recent customers, (a much deserved) Thank You for all your love and support.  For those of you that have not been on my blog before, this the first of many entries to come- updating you on new products, sales, along with vintage inspiration or musings.  I recently held an invitational promoting Bread Box Vintage and it was such a great experience!   A special thanks to all of you who made it out. I'm excited to inform you all that the site is up and running and items are waiting to be purchased. I look forward to your opinions, feedback, and any advice you may have for me!

   One should know that things aren't possible without a great support system.  My parents, who drive me to better myself, thank you, thank you thank you... my manangs, Racquel, Rhoda, and Robin, who took a very large and much appreciated part in making this happen- with sketches of layouts, general interest, shameless plugs, invitation edits, moving, packing...the list is never-ending like the love that I have for them. Chris, who made it to the event early and muscled bags, boxes, and shelves for me. My guys who have no interest in women's vintage accessories, thanks.

     A super special  thank you to photographer, Dave Austria, for the photographs of some of BBV's beautiful customers. To my buddy, Philip Bosco, thanks for the promotional video and letting me use your cool props. Thank you, Dodd Studios of the Khmer building (Philadelphia, PA) that housed the event and uber-meta-love goes out to DJ Jgus (Justin Tanjuakio) for keeping the beat.

(please take a gander at some glamour shots...)

Miss Nicole

DJ Jgus

Mister Samuel W.

Dodd Studios

MS Productions

Mr. Adorable Glasses

Twin Dragons

Mr. and Ms.

Miss Peachy

Nikki James Cando

Miss Mei Mei

Creepin'

Dr. Samodio

Come back soon, guys! Adventure is ahead!