Polka Dot Rampage

To complement Friday's post on black and white polka dot dresses, here is another polka dot dress that caught my attention on Etsy. This time, it's a black and deep pinkish red rockabilly style dress that Selenesian is selling. It has a darling black rose ribboned waist and black floral trim hem. The Rampage brand dress is a size 3/XS, and was most likely made in the 1990's. Measurements are available in the listing here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/75574517/rockabilly-mama-xs-polka-dot-halter?ref=pr_shop.

Be Pert in Polka Dots

Simple, stylish, and perfect for the summer - that's how I describe these three black and white polka dot dresses that I found on Etsy recently. A polka dot dress is a must-have. They've been stylish for years, so you don't have to worry about a basic polka dot dress going out of fashion anytime soon.



If you're looking for 1950's flair, sophistication, and spunk, check out this vintage dress that RustBeltThreads is selling here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76330784/vintage-50s-black-and-white-swiss-polka. The brand is Tailored by Lee, and the size is approximately a Small. Measurements are available in the listing. Whether you're going for a rockabilly or more clean-cut look, this dress will serve you well.

RustBeltThreads also has plenty of other vintage delights in her Etsy shop.



stutterinmama is selling this vintage 1960's sleeveless shift mini dress with patch pockets and matching belt here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/76371028/beach-trip-vintage-1960s-black-and-white. Very retro chic! See the listing for measurements and more photographs.

stutterinmama loves 1940's and 1950's fashion and is an advocate for a vintage lifestyle for the sake of sustainability. Be sure to check out her shop to find more vintage gems.



seesong (Dani K.) is selling this adorable polka dot rayon and polyester blend mini dress here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72593647/vtg-polka-dot-mary-jane-mini-dress. The dress is also suitable for spring and fall. It looks great with or without a belt, and it's perfect for a variety of occasions (work, picnics, or going out to lunch to name a few). The brand is Jessica Howard Petite, and the size listed is 6 petite, but see the listing for measurements and more details.

And if you're looking for a sustainable bag, check out Dani K.'s repurposed and recycled bags here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/xbag

The Beauty of Beads

Some beauties that grabbed my attention recently:


Edismiles's vintage necklace is so classy and fairy-esque. I can't get enough of the glistening iridescent blue leaves. The necklace is available here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/70938926/black-beads-blue-leaves-necklace-and . It also comes with matching leaf earrings. You'll look as though you stepped straight out of Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene. Talk about lovely!





Simple, chic, and charming is the way to describe Bonewear's vintage necklace with clear, black, and white beads. The necklace is for sell here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/48451098/vintage-black-white-clear-beaded. This multi-strand necklace can be worn in a number of different ways, and it would work fantastically with many ensembles.





This Victorian coral, silver, and black glass necklace is sure to catch the eyes of many. You'll be a hit at the next Goth night, Steampunk event, tea party, or even if you're just out and about. The c. 1890 art deco style necklace with carved coral piece is for sell here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/65914210/victorian-coral-silver-black-glass. Kelly Macomber (lundfelt2010) also has a variety of other jewelry pieces, accessories, and gifts for sale that can help you pull off a sophisticated, unique look.




Looking for something delightful and versatile? Check out this vintage black and red lucite bauble necklace offered by Karmalings here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/74457961/vintage-black-and-red-lucite-bauble. The iridescent red beads will add some shine to your wardrobe. Whether you are headed to work or a dinner party, this necklace will come in handy. The color scheme makes it easy to pair with a plethora of outfits.




2007musarra is selling this breathtaking vintage cross necklace by Nicky Butler here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/54737064/nicky-butler-rhinestone-and-beaded-blue. It was made in England, and features black and iridescent beads in addition to glimmering rhinestones. It's undeniably fit for a glamorous rock star queen.

Latest Craft

Here's a headband I made for a steampunk event earlier this month. It consists of an artificial rose, black feathers, an antique doll, an antique watch dial, a vintage cabochon, barrette, and a headband. After gluing the smaller parts, I attached the barrette to a black headband I had. It ended up working well, and I like how it can either be a headband or a barrette.

Introducing my Etsy Shop

I recently set up an Etsy shop called SecondhandPassion. Here's a link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SecondhandPassion

The items I am selling are either upcycled, vintage, or a mixture of both. There are items for men and women, and more items should be up soon. I'm also in the process of putting together a recycled art and fashion site. As soon as it's up and ready to show, I'll blog about it. :)

This is a sampling of the items that are available:



This is an adorable black woven swing coat made by Rampage that comes with two glamorous pins that give it an Old Hollywood sort of feel. A lovely trim decorates the edge of the collar and the tops of the pockets. The coat ties in the front with a black ribbon. There are no size tags, but this would best fit someone who wears a size small or medium. Aside from the ribbon, the coat is open in the front and has a pleated back, so there is flexibility when it comes to sizing.

Measurements (taken flat) -
18" from the top of the collar to the hem
14" shoulders
22" sleeves

One of the pins is a repurposed earring that has been glued onto a pin. The pin has a top piece that is mostly black plastic and an attached bottom silver piece with a light blue tear-drop shaped stone that hangs down. Marcasite stones adorn the pin on both the top and bottom. It measures approximately 1 3/4" tall.

The other pin was made from a rhinestone brooch from the 1950s (or perhaps earlier) that was glued onto a pin. The metal is aged and has beautiful glimmering stones. The stone in the center is 1/2" in diameter and is surrounded by a filigree design. 7 3/8" rhinestones surround the larger stone, and there are 7 7/32" rhinestones with flower-petal settings on the outside.

Both pins were assembled with non-toxic silicone glue, so not only will you be wearing recycled clothing, but you'll also be helping out the planet by choosing items made with non-toxic glue.

The pins are removable for easy cleaning, and they can be placed anywhere on the jacket and on other clothing articles as well.

Selling for $40 plus shipping here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49798912/upcycled-rampage-swing-coat-womens





This is a Westclox Bull's Eye pocket watch from the 1950's or perhaps earlier. 2" diameter. Connected to a 32" metal chain and 20 mm solid brass (nickle free) jump ring. The jump ring was hand finished by Supply Pusher (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SupplyPusher?ref=pr_shop) in an antiqued/oxidized patina.

The watch no longer runs, but it makes for a great accessory. There are a couple of cracks in the plastic, but aside from that, it's in good condition.

Selling for $20 here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49752665/vintage-pocket-watch-with-chain?ref=v1_other_2





This is a beautiful beaded necklace comprised of light pink, iridescent, and silverish beads that were found at a yard sale and an antique key that is connected by a 20 mm solid brass (nickle free) jump ring. The jump ring was hand finished in an antiqued/oxidized patina by Supply Pusher (http://www.etsy.com/shop/SupplyPusher).

Necklace measures 17" long.

The antique key is approximately 2 3/4" tall. It was made in the late 1800's or early 1900's, and shows signs of age. Very nostalgic!

Selling for $20 plus shipping here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49753672/antique-skeleton-key-necklace




This is a black leather purse that has been decorated with red vintage Swarovski Austrian crystal cabochons and old watch parts. The dial and gears, which date back to the late 1800's or early 1900's, are the oldest of the watch parts. In the center of the purse is a white porcelain watch face dial by New Era. The 1 3/4" dial has cracks and chipping that give it character, and the gears show signs of age as well. The numbers on the dial are in Roman numerals. The larger of the two cabochons is 10 mm and the smaller is 6 mm. The smaller watch parts range in color from silver to gold to yellow. The metal watch face has an iridescent shine.

The purse measures 8" x 6", has a middle and back compartment, and hangs down 31" by a leather strap.

Selling for $20 plus shipping here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49801282/abstract-time-upcycled-purse





This adorable 100 percent wool cloche hat from H&M has a velvet bow on the side. Bill is 1 3/4" (approximately). 23" circumference. I added a Fortuna watch dial that is from either the late 1800's or early 1900's to the bow. The watch dial is attached to a pin with non-toxic, silicone glue. The dial still has its hands, and it has chips and cracks that give it character. The pin is removable, and can be placed on other locations on the hat or on other clothing articles.

Brand - Divided
Size - One size

Selling for $25 plus shipping here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49855144/womens-upcycled-black-cloche-hat-with




Here's a quirky, classy fedora that is sure to get some looks!

The pin features 3 peacock feathers attached to an antique pocket watch dial that dates back anywhere from the late 1800's to the early 1900's and a silver plated brooch pin base. Glued onto the watch dial are a gear from an antique watch and an antique glass doll eye from Thuringia, Germany. The entire pin including the feathers measures about 6" high. It was constructed using silicone glue, which is non-toxic, and a hot glue gun. Additional glue was placed on the back of the watch dial to protect the hat from sharp parts on the dial.

The black fedora is by Obey Propaganda, and is in excellent condition. 100 percent wool. Striped lining. 23" circumference.

The hat is very versatile. You can tone it down by removing the pin if you'd like.

Selling for $40 plus shipping here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/49754761/all-eyes-on-you-fedora

More to come!

GreenAnswers Blog

I recently blogged about clothing and accessories for GreenAnswers, which is an online social community that promotes learning and sharing knowledge about environmental issues. The title of my blog post is "5 Most Interesting Questions About Clothing and Accessories on GreenAnswers." Here is the URL: http://greenanswers.com/blog/63003/5-most-interesting-questions-about-clothing-and-accessories-greenansw

I encourage you to check out the site and join. It's a great site!

Recycled Vinyl Bangles

These versatile eco-friendly bangles are made out of vintage black vinyl records, and are only $2.99 each. You can purchase them from Red Hot Dan here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26984864

Red Hot Dan also has thicker bangles for sell for $7.99 listed here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28706994. The bangles are great for both men and women.

Be sure to check out Red Hot Dan's entire store, which can be found here: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6537217. She offers all kinds of fantastic items made out of recycled materials.