The Money Coat

I don't know what the weather's doing where you are, but I am in Auckland. 'Nuff said.

We are theoretically 11 days away from summer, and yet the drizzle continues unabated. Despite all efforts to end winter, it soldiers on: like a run in pantyhose, or a trill in a Mariah Carey song, it's unconquerable.*

But there are a few upsides to this unseasonable iciness. Perhaps you like to indulge in some late November hot chocolates, or light the occasional evening fire. Personally, I like to wear coats. Into December. Rain or no rain.

Actually it's not just a long-winter phenomenon - my friends have been complaining about my excessive coatedness for years. Like drunk singletons stumbling out of a bar, I'll take 'em single- or double-breasted, in any shape or size, no matter how green or grey they might be. Yes folks, I'm a coataholic.

And why not? They are the perfect way to look chic on those days when you're too lazy / hungover to give a crap about what you wear... just add belt and heels, and you have a Vogue-ready ensemble. It's like Dressing for Dummies.

So what do I have for you today? Well I'm glad you ask. Today's coat is the kind you see on powerful Wall Street women in movies. Heavy, camel-toned, rich, just screaming money - even the lining is gold. And the label? You can find other pieces from London Affair in the fashion collection at Te Papa. (Seriously!) All in all, this coat is what I call an I'm-better-than-you garment, best worn to high school reunions and dominatrix sessions.

Curious? Check out the pics over at TradeMe: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Clothing/Womenswear/Vintage-retro/Size-14/auction-255265784.htm

And remember to add me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/vintagemadam

That's it for today, wishing you all a hot chocolatey weekend!

Double-breastedly yours,
The Vintage Madam.

*A run in pantyhose can be stopped by applying clear nail polish. I'm curious to test whether the same is true of Ms Carey's mouth.

Size on label:	12
Modern size:	14-16
Label:	London Affair (made in NZ)
Condition:	Almost perfect; a few tiny pinprick holes in the lining
Fabric:	Not specified; either wool or wool/cashmere
Closure:	Six buttons; double-breasted
Measurements:	(all taken with garment lying flat)
Armpit-to-armpit:	53cm
Waist:	51cm
Hips:	57cm
Length:	125cm (to mid-calf on an average height woman)
Features:	Fully lined in gold satin; two front pockets

Of All the Gin Joints...

Confession. I love old movies. Now, that might not seem so bad, except that I love them a little too much. Like Tom Cruise's love for Katie Holmes, my love of old movies has seen many a couch trampled under feet powered by enthusiastic quasi-religious trances. I get, shall we say, excited.

OK, so the storylines are fine and everything, and sometimes there are some nifty songs, blah blah blah. But let's be honest. We watch old movies for the clothes. You're with me, right? The sweater sets, the cinch-waisted summer dresses, the power pumps... the cream Givenchy party gown in "Sabrina," the negligee in "Butterfield 8," the gypsy skirts in "The Barefoot Contessa." It's all rather too divine.

And few movies are more iconically stylish than "Casablanca," the film so sartorially distracting that nobody can correctly quote its most famous line.* But that's understandable. Who could listen to what Ingrid Bergman was saying when she wore that luscious sandy safari jacket: that outstanding piece of outerwear that miraculously looked both Moroccan and Park Avenue; both gin-joint smart and subtly sexy.

OK, so this isn't Ingrid's jacket. But it's the closest I've ever seen, and carries the same magic. Yes, ladies, buy today's jacket for those days when your brain hasn't quite woken up, because nobody will be listening to what you say when you look so smashingly smart. (Promotions likely but not guaranteed.)

As usual, details are below, photos at the auction, and the linkies are:
Auction @ TradeMe: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Clothing/Womenswear/Vintage-retro/Size-16/auction-254641347.htm
Twitter: http://twitter.com/vintagemadam

Happy bidding! Oh, and if you win, and find that a dashing man in a white suit should kiss you passionately in the street for no apparent reason, well, don't say I didn't warn you.

Love and handcuffs,
The Vintage Madam.


*"Play it again, Sam" is admittedly much catchier than "Play it once, Sam. For old times' sake."

Size on label: 40 Modern size: Approx. 16-18, though a 14 could wear it loose Label: Kaiser Condition: Immaculate Fabric: Not specified; beige with some texture Closure: 4 buttons Measurements: (all taken laying flat) Armpit-to-armpit: 52cm Waist: 47cm Length: 66cm shoulder to hem Features: Fully lined, single-breasted with pearly buttons

A little royal purple

Well well, this was difficult... what to choose as the first ever Vintage Madam offering? I am a discerning madam you know, I can't pick just any dusty old scrap to offer my girls. Each item must be fit for a queen. Not the Elizabeth II type, mind, more like the hot queens played by Cate Blanchett in movies, or the feather-boa'd type on K Rd.

And therein lies the solution, for what is more royal than purple: the colour once so highly prized that the Phoenician monarchs had their clothes dyed in the mulberry mucus of sea snails?*

Oh dear, this is getting awfully educational... Whips! Handcuffs! Dita von Teese! There, that's better.

The point of all this is that today I present for your perusal a DIVINE, mint condition, royal purple gown. How divine is this gown? Well, I often find myself saying, while diving into the racks under the gaze of old biddies at thrift shops, "they don't make 'em like this anymore!" And this gown, dear madamettes, is the case that proves the point. From the delicate row of buttons at the wrist, to the subtle folds on the chest, to the intricate silver lacings of the buckle at the waist, this dress is all class. It's fully lined and even comes with a sleeveless overcoat to give it a different look and a bit of removable warmth.

This one's a gem-coloured gem, ladies. Details are below, photos and auction are over at TradeMe: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Clothing/Womenswear/Vintage-retro/Size-14/auction-253610542.htm

Also did you know you can add me on twitter? http://twitter.com/vintagemadam

That's it for now, I must sign off as it is evening-time and your loyal Madam has to go do seductive things with feathers.

Love,
The Vintage Madam.




*Today's garment contains no sea snail mucus. That I know of.

Size on label:	none given
Modern size:	best on a size 14 or slim-hipped 16
Label:	Camette
Condition:	Flawless :)
Fabric:	Not stated; chiffony in top / sleeves, heavier on main body
Closure:	Back zip
Measurements:	(all taken laying flat)
Armpit-to-armpit:	54cm
Waist:	45cm
Hips:	56cm
Length:	108cm shoulder to hem
Features:	Overcoat; fully lined; silver buckle at waist