Merry Christmas from your Favorite Starlets

Wishing you a wonderful holiday and lots of vintage clothing this Christmas! - Jayne Mansfield, Jean Harlow, Judy Garland, Lauren Bacall, Esther Williams, Doris Day and Carole Lombard.

Vintage Starlet of the Day

Lauren Bacall. Did you know Lauren was only 19 when she was given her famous role in "To Have and to Have Not"? (Shown in the 2nd photo) I never would have guessed she was that young in the movie. Maybe it's the way women used to dress, but to me she just looked so much older. Lauren also married Humphrey Bogart the following year. She was 20, he was 45.

"Find me a man who's interesting enough to have dinner with and I'll be happy." - Lauren Bacall

What's Your Real Name?

It's interesting that so many classic Hollywood starlets changed their names when they got involved in film. Here are just a few examples of some of the beautiful ladies who were not satisfied with their birth names.

Stage name followed by real name:

Carole Lombard - Jane Peters

Joan Crawford - Lucille LaSueur

Rita Hayworth - Margarita Cansino

Lana Turner - Julia Turner

Marilyn Monroe - Norma Mortenson

Barbara Stanwyck - Ruby Stevens

Bette Davis - Ruth Davis

Veronica Lake - Constance Ockleman

Lauren Bacall - Betty Perske

Ginger Rogers - Virginia McMath

Carole Landis - Frances Ridste

I wonder how different their careers would have been if they had kept their original names...

Vintage Clothing Treasures

So, I discovered this hidden vintage clothing shop in the small town where I'm staying. You know, one of those places that doesn't advertise, and is basically an old door with a hand written sign on it, and is only open a few days a week. Anyhow, once I opened the wooden door I was faced with a huge old staircase that creaked every step of the way up. Who knew what would await me? I honestly didn't think it would be more than a consignment shop with maybe some 70's clothing. After all, I don't remember the sign even saying anything about vintage. When I reached the top, it looked like a huge vintage dressing room from heaven. It was absolutely beautiful, with all the vintage mirrors, draped fabric and antique dressing tables. There was case after case of vintage hats, shoes, and every other type of clothing and accessories you could imagine. It wasn't the typical vintage store, with the racks of vintage clothes lined up. Every item in this place was just displayed so perfectly, and you could tell how much time was put into setting up the shop. Could this be the reason the it's only open 4 days a week? I wouldn't doubt it. Anyhow, half the store was vintage and the other half consignment I think. My only disappointment was that some of the vintage items weren't for sale, and only for display! Why do they do that? If I wanted to go to a museum I would! If they don't want to sell their favorite items, my suggestion would be to price them so high that it would be impossible to sell them!

What I do like though is the 1940's ladies suit jacket I found. Pure class. In perfect condition, black, nice big shoulder pads, and so Lauren Bacall. The best part though? The price, $20.

Oh, and that's my darling Carloe Landis in the photo.