Check Out These Vintage Designer Goodies from Local Etsy Shop, BelleBea’s

photography courtesy of BelleBea's

In case you missed last weekend’s Vintage Clothing & Jewelry Show, never fear. There’s always Etsy, the online marketplace for all things vintage and handmade—and one of my personal favorite places to shop on the web. It’s full of gorgeous antiques, and guess what? Some of them come from right here in Dallas.

My latest discovery is BelleBea’s, a local Etsy boutique stocked with designer clothing and accessories. My personal picks include a fabulously oversized pair of Yves Saint Laurent sunglasses, a Christian Dior silk scarf, and graphic black-and-white Salvatore Ferragamo pumps—so fresh for spring.

Though there are a few pricier pieces (like these amazing Alpina aviators), most items in the shop fall under $200, so feel free to stock up.

Jessica Mitzner is a ShopTalk intern.

Champagne at Cupcakes at Thrift Kitten Grand Opening Party

photography courtesy of Thrift Kitten

There’s still a void in my soul from the closing of Ahab Bowen, but my heart is open and willing to love anew. I’m looking forward to shopping the scene at new Thrift Kitten (update: now named Mieux & Mieux) on Boll Street. Owned and operated by local gal Kelsey McLain, the store offers “new and gently loved brand name women’s clothing and accessories.” I suggest you make a post-work pit stop this Friday for champagne, cupcakes, and a storewide 10 percent discount. To RSVP, text 214-886-1377.

Shop Local Vintage Boutiques Online, Hooray!

photography courtesy of retailers

Thrifting and vintage shopping is no piece of cake. (Cake is all I can think about today.) There’s digging, long drives, and frustration involved. Not when you shop Dallas’ Factory Girl, which is edited down to only gorgeous, recycled designer pieces that would blow Nicole Richie’s mind. For a limited time (like, the next four days), you can head to Fab.com and shop a selection of Factory Girl goods online. (There’s a Bottega Veneta saddle bag that’s screaming my name.)

Perhaps, you’re looking for a few affordable basics? Try Dallas girl Tasha Robinson’s Imperfect Concepts e-boutique. Brands include lines like Calvin Klein, J. Crew, Liz Clairborne, Nine West, Ralph Lauren, and Splendid, but I spied a few fun designer steals, like these Dolce & Gabbana velour waistband shorts, this retro Givenchy hot pink and black windbreaker, and this awesome iridescent sequin blouse.

Like It Or Not, Factory Girl in Deep Ellum Has Seriously Cool Stuff

The store's collection of vintage designer duds includes jewelry, handbags, hats, and shoes among the apparel.

Sure, there’s drama surrounding Factory Girl co-owner Heather Hayler and her history. But there’s a reason we named her a “Taste Maker” back in 2008. Girl’s got style. I don’t know where the glorious goods in her new vintage shop come from, but they sure are cool.

Jump for more of an inside look.

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Find Repurposed Vintage Pieces at the Gift Fest Trunk Show

Vintage is the name and repurposing is the game this Sunday at the Gift Fest Trunk Show taking place at ART is ART. From 1pm-4pm peruse the creations of local designers Jewel Rehab, Vintage Dreamz, and Yomono. Touting merchandise such as purses made of recycled fabric and vintage trinkets turned into rings, you’re sure to find a “must-have” piece from one of these crafty labels. Fingerless gloves, one of a kind necklaces, and cute bracelets and earrings await you.

Look What I Found at Lula B’s

I love Lula B’s. The outdoor banner advertises for “cool dealers.” Ain’t that the truth. For those who haven’t been: Deep Ellum’s Lula B’s (there are two locations) is a big, two-story warehouse full of retro stuff. Shop for furniture, clothing, jewelry, kitchenware, barware (lots of barware), lighting fixtures, shoes, and crap, I mean, um, weird odds and ends. Take a look at my favorite finds from yesterday:

1. Bag, $27
2. Vintage teal velvet cape, $26.50
3. Sequin tops are all the rage, and these vintage versions ring in at $25, $18.50, and $35 (from left to right).
4. Chic lamp
5. The store’s packed with colorful crystal under $20.
6. Bugs, bats, and flying lizards for sale.
7. Who wouldn’t love this sunshiney phone for $45?
8. Not old, but super cool. Alice in Wonderland-themed jewelry box.
9. Bug-filled bracelets, $25

Calling All Former Highland Park Scots Cheerleaders

Dan over at Park Cities People found a vintage megaphone at Dolly Python. Is this yours?

Dallas, Meet New Vintage Store, Factory Girl

(left to right) vintage dress at Factory Girl, Charmaine Marshall baubles, and Heather Hayler

The thing I love most about this city is its creative people and the fact that they love to share their ideas with the public by opening storefronts, restaurants, and galleries. Tomorrow night you should really get your hiney to the opening of Factory Girl, Deep Ellum’s newest vintage shop owned by trendsetter Heather Hayler and uber talented photographer Scogin Mayo. In it you’ll find antique threads (that are 20 years and older) from both major designers and unknown labels, vintage jewelry, handbags, and accessories, and also new jewelry. Regular trunk shows (tomorrow night’s is a jewelry sale from Dallas jeweler Charmaine Marshall) will let shoppers see wares from up-and-coming local designers and original artwork from artists around the world. Stop by at 3005A Commerce St. tomorrow night 6 pm to 10 pm to be part of the shop’s first day of business. There will be cocktails from mixologist Doug Tucker and live tunes by DJ Woodtronic.

Ahab Bowen is Reopening (For a Little Bit)

Ahab Bowen is reopening up shop this weekend for some tax-free shopping. The space is still available and the warehouse is still full of vintage clothing, so why not? Shop the late Boll boutique for three days: Friday, August 19 through Sunday, August 21, and enjoy thrifty, old-school finds for great prices AND without tax.

Gratuitous Roundup of Designer Duds at Vintage Martini Right Now

photos courtesy of vintagemartini.com

Chado Ralph Rucci fall 2009 fringe coat, $1,425

Vintage Martini sent an email blast, bragging about this Chado Ralph Rucci polyamide fringe jacket from fall 2009, right. I clicked to view it, clicked on another page, clicked again, clicked a thousand more times, and wound up in the middle of shoes. An  hour later, I’m bringing you this roundup of all kinds of deliciousness available now at the Carrollton vintage shop. Jump for photos.

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Food Trucks, Meh. Vintage Clothing Trucks! Yeah!

photography courtesy of The Vintagemobile

How cool is this? A green bus-turned clothing store owned by a couple selling vintage wares! The Vintagemobile actually keeps weekend hours, when you can find the on-the-go store parked outside Smoke at the Belmont Hotel. There’s even a dressing room in the back of the bus! What a ridiculously fun way to shop vintage. (Ahab Bowen, get yourself a bus! We’d follow you around.) Vintagemobile, we’re looking forward to checking you out this weekend.

After 35 Years, Ahab Bowen is Closing its Doors

photography by Elizabeth Lavin

Michael Longcrier, owner of Uptown vintage shop Ahab Bowen, has confirmed the sad news. The pillar of vintage shopping in Big D will make its final sale in the cozy cottage at the end of the day on July 30. Even former mayor Laura Miller has called the shop “a Dallas institution,” according to Michael, and it’s true. We’ll really miss trying on all the full skirts, band tees, and jackets (oh, how I love the jacket rack), perusing the funky assortment of shoes and hats, and the room full of chunky costume jewelry. There is a silver lining, however. Everything in the shop is 25 percent off right now, and the floor is still being restocked daily. Come Monday, everything will be 50 percent off. There might even be a warehouse selling off the rest of the merchandise in the future, but stay tuned. Until then, we’ll see you soon, Ahab Bowen, to stock up on some vintage gems to remember you by.

*Update: A reader asked for the reason the store is closing: Michael told me after three years without seeing much profit, the store was becoming more of a hobby than a business. It’s financial, folks.

Vintage. Sigh. How Do I Shop for It?

There are those people who throw on their vintage finds without care and look effortlessly cool. (Looking at you, Charlotte.) Then there are the rest of us. So, when a reader recently wrote in, asking for advice on thrift store shopping, I knew I needed an expert and stat. I went to vintage reconstructor Bobette Cohn, who was in town at Nest for her trunk show last weekend, and our beloved Char from CharlotteWatch, who cleverly throws vintage pieces into her ensembles almost daily. Jump to see what they have to say.

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