Internship Piece No. 2: Jeunesse

Jeunesse: A covert and romanticized saga...

This is an original Jeunesse, silk blend cocktail gown designed by George Halley. He began working under this specific fashion house with his (this) label in the mid-1950s, and the dress most likely came about between 1960 and 1965. Halley had worked his way up to the top and was called the "master of draping" by Charles James, of Lord and Taylor. He then began working for the fashion house owned by Richard and Sydney Browner-Jeunesse, where this piece would call home. Here, Halley was able to create his own designs with his name included on the ticketing. To find out more about Halley's fashionable history visit here: vintagefashionguild: George Halley. 

The fashion innovations at the time were all about the new silhouette. Before the 1960s, dresses were usually cinched at the waist and envied a full skirt just skimming the mid to lower calf. These newer shift dresses were a respectful nod at the 1920s flapper, but had a more subtle femininity about them. For instance, this dress still exudes sex appeal with the cut out back, but the bow and ornate beading adds just enough detail to let the dress speak for itself. The bold powder blue is a color that was carried on into the late 1960s and early 1970s. The shift shape is also making a comeback into today's trends, including designers like Valentino, Michael Kors, and Louis Vuitton placing them in their spring collections from the past year and the line to come.

We are so grateful to be able to showcase amazing vintage pieces such as this one at Mosaic. We price to sell these beauties, but still want to give them the credit they deserve. The stitching is impeccable and the lines and unique details are hard to come by these days. Stop in and take a look at this dress and other garments we are excited about. Possibly pair this garment with some Maryjane's and chandelier earrings to keep it classically 1960s, or take it more modern with a nice pump and a pastel scarf tied around the waist or neck.

Enjoy!

Right Now

What I am reading:

 

What I am listening to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae9_RGZLZhI

 

What I am wearing:

 

 

The first is a great book about Marshall Ulrich's running journey. I am reading so much for my school and thesis work, but I have to step outside of that and read about, what else? Running! He does not leave out the gritty or dirty details, nor does he skimp on the truth. It is an eye-opening, heart racing, kick you in the arse sorta book that I am excited to keep exploring.

 

The second is Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Thrift Shop" song (clean version!)...It is literally a song about what I love to do- and take very seriously. Lyrics include things about borrowing your grandpa's sweater and showing up in a $2 find in a room full of people wearing $50 t-shirts...

 

And, the third photo is Betsey Johnson's inspiration for her new line coming out in the spring. She said she is going back to her 70s roots and this was one of my favorite looks, I cannot wait to see what she comes up with! The mixture of laid back comfort and movable lady-like fashions is always right in my eyes.

 

Enjoy! xoxo

Internship Piece No. 1: The Planet

This piece is a 100% cotton, 3/4 sleeve, loose fitted jacket by the brand "The Planet." The colors are a (barely) off white with a faded black and a mosaic, painted pattern. The sleeves are widened and there is only a small clasp closure, but it seems the jacket is better left open. We have it paired with a black felt beaded stretch belt, a simple LBD, and some copper knotted chains and beaded strands. The piece is also reversible with the colors switched but the pattern stays the same. 

"The Planet" is an obscure brand these days, but they specialized in clothing and gifts from around the world. The other items swirling around on the web are currently of high quality and not of imitation. Another neat aspect of the brand's items are their originality. This jacket is one of a kind with the pattern not being replicated. Many of their clothing items sell for well over $100 and $200, therefore with concerning the piece's uniqueness and quality it is priced at $65.00 and is available at Mosaic. 

I was hoping to find more information about the label's history and how the jacket was made, but with absence of new and continued production it was difficult. What I can guarantee is its one-of-a-kind detail and quality fabric, there is no mixture, just 100% pure and soft cotton; more rare than it used to be. Come in and check it out for yourself, try it on with a pair of skinny denim and ankle booties or pair it with a pop of orange or blue underneath for a bold contrast.

Hope to see you in the shop soon!

Friday Fun

I have some great posts to come- recipe, running, DIY....and, my first internship piece! But, for now I wanted to share something sweet with you- no sugar or calories included. The song "You Are My Sunshine" is a song that my dad used to sing to me when I was little; I even walked down the aisle to a very pretty acoustic version of it. Whenever I sing it to myself...to Jake, or even to our puppy, Monroe, I can't help but feel warm inside and smile. Go ahead, try and sing this without smiling to yourself...or better yet to someone else :)

You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When the skies are grey

You'll never know dear

How much I love you

So please don't take

My sunshine away

xoxo

Update

Good Morning :)

I wanted to give this blog and its readers, I hope you are still out there, an update. This last semester is going to be very nutty. I am also doing an internship while continuing to work and train for my half marathon. Shew? Yes. So, my blog is going to be here and there and also there will be many more fashion posts- as part of my internship. I am interning at a shop here- I will choose a vintage piece per week, historically research it, and write up a PR work for it and post it here as well on the store's website :) I was unaware until last semester that my minor also needed an internship, so I ran onto the bandwagon as fast as possible. I apologize ahead of time for the scatter-brained-ness that is to come, but your understanding, patience, and giggles are appreciated.

So lately, my running has been a work in progress. After Christmas I was slacking and did not consistently run for about 1 1/2 weeks. I did take a yoga and total body toning class with some friends as a part of our local community center's entrance into the new season. I really enjoyed both! This past Monday I got back into it with a 6 mile run plus lower body and core, took Tuesday off (crazy school schedule and I also tutor on these days), Wednesday was devoted to volleyball and cinnamon buns for dinner, yesterday was a simple 4 miles, and today I woke up early to get in 5 miles plus upper body and core before work-I may go on another run this afternoon just because the temps are way above normal.

I love the gym in the morning. There are very few people, and those that are there are mostly super dedicated and sweet people. There was this older gentleman on the track with me and I definitely just paced with him- he did not mind....he was a beast too, he had been running for a long time and only stopped a little before I ended my run.

Ooohh, I also picked up some DVDs at the bookstore last night: 2 Biggest Loser workouts: yoga and high calorie burn, and Mari Winsor's Cardio Pilate's.  I am pretty excited. I had a really great Pilate's workout DVD, but Jake said it magically disappeared...he lost it. We have about a million movies and sometimes they get placed into the wrong box, which we thought was the case, but alas no such luck. I guess it is good that I think he is really cute...so, I just got another...DVD that is ;) I will give a review on these as soon as I use them (planning on Sunday).

How is your week back to reality going? Any new goals?

Have a great day, xoxo.