I have always been facinated with Victorian photography ever since I played in a grandmothers attic and looked at all those unsmiling portraits as a child.  To me, it is almost like a window into the past.  I love to look at all the clothing detail through the decades.  I find the history and human element so beautiful and haunting.  Having your picture taken then was a very important occasion.   Many folks only had one taken their whole life, some didn’t even have one.  I always buy them at flea markets if the price is right and I feel a connection to the subject matter.

Portraits of woman with beautiful dresses and simple farm folks in long aprons have the same appeal to me.   I love to see the the children in their finery especially the little boys in Lord Fauntleroy and sailor suits.  My imagination runs wild as I imagine myself living in that time period.

I also love room interior shots and savor all the details for ideas for decorating my own Victorian home.   Many collectors focus on specific themes such as pets, children, interiors, group photos, wedding portraits, men with fantastical facial hair,etc.

Some even collect post mortem portraits.   Death visited much more frequently in those days before antibiotics.  Most families had lost at least one child if not several. Many women died in childbirth.  I ‘m sure they grieved as hard as we would but it was just a more accepted circumstance of life for them.   Departed loved ones were often laid out in the parlor so that family and friends could pay their respects.  A photographer was often hired to take last photos of the deseased which became precious momentos to their family. Often this was the only photo they had of their child.

I find these photos facinating but I don’t collect them as the emotions I feel looking at them are too painful.

I’m posting this topic at halloween because many find Victorian portrature creepy.  My daughter absolutely hates it, says it gives her the creeps, I guess because of the knowledge they are all dead.    I’ve included a few pictures of some of my collection, I have quite a few large portraits in ornate gold leaf gessoed frames.  Some have convex glass.  They are fun to display at halloween but I find them interesting all the time.  You be the judge.

Not too many vendors at the flea section but we shopped for gourds, pastries, admired the purple asters and piles of pumpkins.  I

love Autumn, my fav time of year and I want to wear all the cool coats I have aquired.(vintage of COURSE)

Here are a few snaps of some autumn touches that have sprung up around the vintage homestead in spite of our renovating projects.

The dresses and hat will be listed for sale in the next few days.

I don’t know a lot about cars but I love the way cars from the 50′s look like!  We walked around and admired all the love and devotion the owners had put into their cars.

I shopped at the venders booths, purchasing a red wicker purse and drooling over a red cashmere coat with leopard lining.  I skipped the coat since I have about 10 great vintage coats now and don’t want to part with any.  Several are red and leopard!   I’ll have to take pictures for another post.  Somehow the fact that I have bizillions of vintage purses did not deter me in that purchase!    Gee- I didn’t have a red WICKER purse!  Rationalization-it’s a beautiful thing.   Rick never said a thing- too busy taking pics of gorgeous ladies  in vintage attire!

Everyone was very nice and approachable, friendly crowd, put up with me scurrying around asking questions.  We wan

t to return next year.  Check out the gorgeous ladies of all ages and shapes in the pin-up contest- I was enthralled withe the clothing of course.

Just to keep you updated- YES it is still a gigantic work in process here!!!!!  The new Dining room (part of old shop) is done as far as walls and floor go and now it is piled with furniture and stuff as we work on the parlors(also part of previous shop)  All the old paneling has been torn down thanks to the efforts of the vintage spouse, exposing a fine view of damaged plaster and various hideous wallpapers.  New wiring has  begun and next comes veneer drywall and floor refinishing,  painting, and new crown molding.  TIRED yet? God knows poor Rick and I are.  This stuff goes slower when you are in your 50′s, especially with my *## back!!

My new office upstairs continues to evolve as I get all the stuff out of there that goes in other places.  Poor Rick has to tote everything as I get it packed.  It’s been hard to photograph listings for the website and I long to get this area squared away so the pics improve in quality, I even have some live models lined up when that happens.  I do keep chugging along, as my back allows, slowly listing a feww new things every week so people don’t forget about Vintage JoAnn until I can get back to full speed.

You won’t believe all the vintage clothing and accessories I have to list!!! The beautiful coats alone!!!!

My goal is to eventually blog more about vintage fashion(oh yea- that’s what this is all about!)  when this Mess is done.  I don’t function well in disorder!!!!!

Ps- new puppy Colette is amazing and keeps me laughing.

Thank you, Julie, Becky, Ken, and the vintage spouse, Rick, you were all so much help. Especially since i couldn’t sleep the night before and was in a lot of pain.  So many vintage goodies left the shop! Sales were fabulous. It gives me a nice nest egg to advertise the new internet shop and buy new inventory.

 I’m up to my fanny in chaos, breaking down the store and inventoring what’s left.  I started taking pictures again today which will be added to the site tomorrow of new items for sale.   I will be adding weekly.

I did cry a little when it was all over, this was my dream and baby, but I just can’t handle the hours any more with the scoliosis pain.

Oh—- I am getting a new puppy!!!!!!!!!  In about 4 weeks she will be able to leave her mama. A darling little girl poodle.  Ziggy loves other dogs and I can’t wait.   I’m going to be posting pictures soon.    Love to all!  JoAnn

I do believe that for most woman clothing represents the history of our lives. An article of clothing can take you right back so clearly you can hear the music and smell the smells you experienced when you wore it.

The pictures are of this customer wearing her red velvet long dress about 1971. The other photo is her in Germany wearing a pair of printed, high waisted pants in an overall style with straps. The print is classic 70′s. These 2 items are currently available in the shop.

She brought many other things such as tall suede boots, black, laced and embroidered boots, a fab pair of embroidered bell bottoms purchased in Gr. Britain on Carnaby St. She also brought some great authentic 70′s platform wedge shoes. The black pants and groovy fringed vest are already sold, as are the rust, suede shoes.

Oh yes, I forgot there is also a fab velvet and tapestry shoulder bag available. It’s always fun to talk vintage clothing with customers!

Pictures will be posted soon

Merideth and her friends attended their homecoming dance looking elegant and sophisticated beyond their years wearing lovely vintage eve. attire from Vintage JoAnn.

Please check out all the girl’s pictures , as they all looked adorable!

It’s been a busy few weeks here at the shop as several local dances had retro or Hollywood themes and I had the pleasure of watching these young ladies discover all these beautiful vintage garments.

Check out Meredith’s 1940′s era red mink stole, which complimented her hair.  These girls looked like they were ready for the red carpet and I know they had a wonderful time at the dance.
View other Homecoming pictures here.

She is settling in very nicely but she doesn’t care for our little Bichon, Ziggy. Who could blame her as Ziggy has been rather rude. When she’s had enough of him she retreats to the basement. Ziggy is afraid to go down the basement steps for some reason!?

As soon as she gets her bearings and grows in confidence she will soon be hanging around the shop more. She really is quite affectionette and loves to be petted and brushed. Ellie is very feminine and has little dainty feet compared to our late departed, and greatly missed Ozzie.
Oz was so huge and galumphed around the place with those huge feet of his.

Anyhow, Ellie Mae is a lovely addition to Vintage JoAnn. Stop in and see her soon!

Lots of autumn colors are in, gorgeous fall hats, wool, velvet, fur, and lots of cozy stuff now that the weather has turned cool.  I think I am doing the 50′s thing this year as I have a black polka dot circle skirt and a full red criniline, and authentic saddle shoes.  This time of year makes me feel like a kid again!!

See you at the hop!