Falling in Love with My Closet: 1980s Lace Party Dress

Posted on November 13, 2012 by Sarah S.

This dress is probably one of my most expensive vintage purchases at $75. I discovered it at a Chicago vintage fair and fell in love with the lace detail and the classic silhouette (and I can’t complain that lace dresses have been spotted just about everywhere this fall!). I had to get the dress professionally tailored but still consider that investment worth it. The dress was perfect for all the formal sorority and graduation events last year, and I am eager to find an occasion post-graduation to wear it again.

To see more of my favorite closet finds, check out my Ferragamo collection and my new (vintage) oversized wool coat.

Ciao!

Sarah

Falling in Love with My Closet: Vintage Oversized Coat

Posted on November 5, 2012 by Sarah S.

Last week, I started blogging about some of my favorite pieces from my closet (check out my Ferragamo shoe collection here). It’s an attempt at reminding myself of all the amazing clothing, shoes, and jewelry that I’ve accumulated over the years– and more specifically over the last few months after graduation. Most of these pieces are vintage or antique, which I think makes them particularly unique and interesting. This is one of my newest finds; it’s a vintage (circa late 1980s or 1990s, I believe) oversized coat in a gorgeous cobalt blue. I’ve sen some oversized coats out there (Once Upon a Time fans will recall Mary Margaret’s cocoon coat from season one), including at Topshop and J.Crew, so I was thrilled to find this vintage piece for $20 at my local Good Will. The coat is 100% wool and is in great condition. Hate to say it, but I’m looking forward to the colder temps to try out this coat!

Falling in Love with My Closet: Ferragamo Shoe Collection

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Sarah S.

Lately, I’ve been experiencing closet remorse. For most of my life, I spent relatively little on clothing and accessories, but as soon as I entered the work force, began earning an income, and started working in the apparel industry, I’ve since built a nearly completely new closet. As a result, I’ve felt a bit guilty about my wardrobe collection. To be fair, I shop primarily resale, and I’ll be honest, clothes shopping is now a (serious) hobby of mine. In an effort to remind myself that I’ve built my closet into a solid (but not frivolous) collection of quality items, I’m going to feature some of my favorite pieces on Mia Prima Casa. I’m excited to showcase these unique pieces (most of which are vintage or antique) and I hope they inspire you a bit too!

My first feature is probably my favorite: my Salvatore Ferragamo shoe collection. Most of these heels are vintage circa 80s and 90s, but the burgundy pair on the end was a deal from the Florence Ferragamo outlet. I could go on about the quality and comfort of Ferragamo heels and the amazing history of the man (like my own great grandparents, he grew up poor in Southern Italy), but I’ll leave you all with one of his many sage pieces of advice:

Better to wear a shoe that’s too big than one that’s too small.

That could be akin to “make no small plans,” don’t you think?

Great Finds: Vintage Perfume Necklace

Posted on September 4, 2012 by Sarah S.

I discovered this unique contraption at a local antique shop, and though I first spotted it for its gorgeous exterior, was even more intrigued when I learned what was inside. The back of this pretty vintage necklace (circa 1970s, is my best guess) opens up to reveal a spot for cream perfume. There is still some old perfume left (yuck!) so I’ll have to clean it out, but I do intend to add my own fragrance. What a perfect way to freshen up in the middle of a work day or a long night out!

Even better is knowing that I got a great deal for the find too! I bought it for $10. It’s selling online for $78 on Ruby Lane.

Ciao!

Sarah

Great Finds: Vintage Patterns & 1970s Vogue Sewing Book

Posted on July 23, 2012 by Sarah S.

I ran across these unique vintage patterns at two different antique shops in Wisconsin. I’m going to attempt to sew using the patterns, but if I have no luck, I’ll be glad to use them as decoration in my bedroom. Sew, Mama, Sew! has some useful tips about sewing from vintage patterns. One of them happens to be buy an “old school sewing book.” Thankfully, I picked up a 1970s (my era of choice for patterns incidentally) copy of The Vogue Sewing Book of Fitting Adjustments & Alternations at Good Will.

Total Cost?

$7.50 for the vintage patterns

$3 for the Vogue sewing book

______

$10.50 (plus whatever I end up spending fabric–don’t worry, I’ll keep you updated!)

Have you ever tried to sew using vintage patterns?

Ciao!

Sarah

Great Finds: Vintage Native American Rug

Posted on July 5, 2012 by Sarah S.

My sister and I just moved to a new town, and we recently explored the local antique shops. For my bedroom, I had decided to find a Native American-inspired rug in subtle pastels.

Urban Outfitters offered a pretty one, which was $40 at the time (and can be found here), but then I ran across a

beautifully worn down cotton rug at the local antique shop for $30. Not only did it cost less, but to me, it felt more real and less like a trendy buy. I’m excited to incorporate it into my bedroom soon.