My Vintage Mom #1

Our first vintage Mom profile is of Claire Heistek,

mother of Annex Vintage owner Gen Heistek:

I was home this weekend for Easter and dug up some photos of my Mom in the mid 60's to early 70's. During this period, she was making most of her own clothes and she'd come up with some pretty unique numbers like this incredible mother/daughter set of matching mini dresses.

My Mom and Dad both worked at the NRC (National Research Council) as technicians in the mid-60's (I think this is where they met). This is my favourite photos of this era; it's a shot of her welding in one of those super-short micro mini skirts that were so popular at the time.

I have a vivid memories of this faux-fur coat hanging in the front closet years after she'd stopped wearing it.

These photos of my mom and dad look like they come from a tourist brochure! They were taken during their honeymoon in PEI

My mom in her wedding dresses.

I love this matching sweater/hat combo.

What a beautiful lady!

Vintage love "Ye Ye" style

Last week, we got a visit from the very lovely Izzy of the blog Ye Ye Style.

Izzy has the most incredible style and has a magical touch when it comes to mixing colour and opposing patterns. We are big fans of her blog!

We showed her around a bit, and even took her into the basement to see our super-secret cash of dead-stock (ie never worn vintage) shoes from the 80's. (We're going to be having a dead stock presale party really soon! "Like" us on facebook for the details!)

She's posted the nicest write-up about the store with some really great photos. There's also a recent photoshoot using a bunch of our stuff including a pair of bright yellow 80's Hang Tens from the aforementioned dead-stock shoe collection. Looks amazing Izzy!!!

Please visit at http://laviecestyeye.blogspot.com

Pocket Finds: Sorbet Recipe

We found this delicious sounding strawberry/lemon sorbet recipe tucked in a leather satchel probably from the 70's or 80's. It looks like someone was planning a party with an a invitation list on the back and instructions to "double the recipe". If anyone makes the recipe, please do let us know! We'd be curious to hear how it works out.

Before and after: our new vintage display case!

We got our new display case delivered today and it is fantastic!

It comes from an old department store and was a total wreck when we first saw it. We got it from a guy who refurbishes old diplays and he did a great job: changed the smashed glass, put in some shelves, fixed the lights and painted it a beautiful, dark brown. And voila! A pretty new place to put lovely things!

Here it is before:

And after!!!!!!

Photos by Nico Stinghe

A month or so ago, this really nice guy came into the shop and asked if we'd be willing to lend him a couple vintage pieces for a photo shoot. Alot of people ask us for things like that, but he was especially sweet and polite so we said sure!

Well - it turns out that the guy was Nico Stinghe - a very accomplished art and fashion photographer who's done campaigns for companies like Adidas and Diesel. Sure enough, a few weeks later, this series of photos turned up in our in-box. They feature a number of items borrowed that day: a couple of dresses, a sweater, and colourful silk jacket. It's so nice to see the clothes come alive like this! And so very sexy!

Thanks so much Nico! Please come back anytime!


















All photos Nico Stinghe
www.anothersidewalk.com

Retrospectives: Serge Nancel and the Work-Chic Wardrobe

For once I can't find any juicy historical tidbits about my chosen designer, Serge Nancel of Paris. Fear not! The blouses we have in stock from this label provide enough food for fodder. We're lucky to have a particularly nice blouse featuring the signature seahorse logo pattern. In general, vintage Serge Nancel blouses feature cute abstract prints and well tailored collars.

Serge Nancel Paris blouses, $26 in store

We also have an 80s print top that is out of this world! Make a statement with the side clasp collar and the geometric print. Both blouses will be a classy touch to your "workplace chic" wardrobe. I love the look: figure-hugging pencil skirts, classy blouses, cinched in belts, cashmere sweaters, trench coats and high heels. Top it off with a pair of vintage frames (in store, $25), a colourful clutch (we've got lots!) and ooh-la-la!

In recent years celebrated fashion designers have caught on and are giving this look a shot (thanks, Mad Men), helping ladies rock the fifties and sixties-inspired work-chic look. A Serge Nancel blouse gives that look a little 70s-80s edge. Even though Nancel's story has disappeared into the netherworld, we are always so pleased when we have his vintage designs in stock.

Sigh, I suppose it's time to go back to the grind. Better slip on my leather pumps. Until Next time!

- Meaghan

1980's eyeglass frames

We Just got in a huge lot of vintage dead-stock eyeglass frames!

These come from an actual 1980's optician. Some are demo models (meaning they have fake non-prescription lenses in them) while most are lens-less and are ready to have your prescription put in. Or if you prefer, you can also have them made into sunglasses! Any optician should be able to hook you up.

We have many many different styles to chose from which we will be putting out over the coming weeks. And there's even a couple "names" brands in there including Geoffrey Beene and vintage "Guess"!

Yours for 25$ a pair!