D.C. ROADSHOW

Karen is doing 'The Antiques Roadshow' this weekend in our nation's Capitol. I hope she'll be seeing great stuff! When she does, we do! I love watching her on camera sharing all that amazing knowledge with us. Its very cool, huh?  GOOD LUCK!!!

WAY TO GO!

Now this is how to do vintage! Of course the shoes don't really need to be as expensive as a mortgage payment, but you get the idea. You think, yeah, but I'm not Drew, so how do I pull this off?  Ve r y simple. You find the era you can relate to best, look at yourself in the mirror and see if your body can too, ( don't be too critical, but be realistic, if you don't have Miss Scarlett's waist, don't choose her style ) then go to the Sturbridge auction and find just what you're looking for. This look can be achieved in reverse too you know. If you want to look like Marilyn, but the birthday party dress has already been sold, get a new dress and buy the vintage 60's Marilyn style shoes at the auction! There, see how easily this can be done? I'll see you on the 8th.   Just be sure to come early, so can can preview everything. You won't want to miss out on the best buy of the day because you never knew it was there.  Ciao Bella!

GEARING UP FOR SEPTEMBER 8 SALE

1800'S MORNING DRESS

1860-80'S CHILDREN'S DRESSES

1920'S OPERA COAT

In just a very few weeks August Auctions will be having their Sturbridge sale during Brimfield week. As usual its going to be fantastic, with amazing things from amazing collections, which gives us another chance to add to our own amazing collections.( I'll be bidding on the coat, I've already been seen in all my others, but you can bid on the morning dress, I'm not that fancy in the A.M.) This sale will be run just like the last one, no left bids, no phone bids and no internet bidding. If you're not there, you won't get to buy. SOOOO, I'll see you there! September 8, 2010, Sturbridge, MA.   And as the sayings go...let's not be L7, be there or be square.

NEWS!!

August Auctions site has a brand new look! Check it out. Now you can use Augusta Auctions for it fabulous new feature, searching their database of all past auctions for photos and prices realized. It also translates the text into over 100 languages. And of course most importantly, you can keep abreast of all upcoming auctions. Exciting isn't it?

DEAR LITTLE WOMEN

Remember these little sweeties? Maybe they are 1850 designer kids, at the price they went down for at auction anyway. Two lots of these little dresses sold for $1200.00, each lot. So, do the math and each little calico dress sold for $200.00. Good thing their mother's didn't have to pay such a dear price to cloth her little dear! I guess the secret is, if its well made, taken good care of and Never thrown away, even our clothes are an investment for the future. Good way to justify  shopping, hmmm?

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

CHINESE ROBES AND SKIRTS RETURN HOME

Something quite lovely is happening in the Asian textile world. The Chinese garments and textiles once sold to Americans in China and brought home to the U.S.A., are now being purchased back by the Chinese and taken home to China. This has dramatically increased the prices these items are now being sold for at auction. The garments pictured here were sold at Augusta Auction's Sturbridge, MA. sale in May. The 19th C. blue Kesi Jifu tapestry weave man's robe in the center sold for $2700.00. ( a few years ago, it would have been more like $500.00) The gold Kesi robe and a similar one ( not shown here) went down at $1440.00 and the two 19th C. silk embroidered skirts sold for $480.00.  So I guess Confucius might have said it would be wise to auction your Chinese textiles now, or collect them and see their value grow!

IT WAS A GREAT SALE!

The big event took place on Wed. and it was a fantastic auction. I will post some pictures and details soon, so please visit again!

BELLE EPOQUE VIDEO

LITTLE WOMEN

Precious, aren't they? Some mother long ago put much time, effort and love into making sure her little girl looked pretty in one of these dresses. No designer kids then! Nor was there a closet full of more just like these. Even now there aren't many to be found just like them, which is what makes this sale so unique, because you'll be finding several to choose from, all in one place. So if just looking at this picture is pulling on your heart strings a bit and bringing thoughts of reading Louisa May Alcott again, go ahead!  Have a good read, a good cry, a warmed heart and I know you'll be in the mind set to enjoy a good sale.

ROLL OUT OUR RED CARPETS

All of these beautiful oriental rugs are from a museum collection, new to us, but genuinely antique carpets that once decorated the floors of some very important people. This of course, is just a small example of what will be available at our sale next week for your shopping pleasure. So whether these lovelies are for your personal collection, or for your future customers' collection, they will be a bargain at any price! And we will just keep rolling out the red carpets for you until every last one of them are sold, because there are no reserves at this sale and everything shown will be sold that night. How's that for the red carpet treatment?

THE BELLE EPOQUE' OR GOLDEN AGE

Ah, would that I lived in the Golden Age, from money of course! Edith Wharton, the Asters, the Bellamys, my family, back up, my family?,  (they were there, only they were the downstairs). But I'm here now and all that is here of them is the unbelievable clothing! Lucky me/us! And if I actually had the body to fit in it sans all the binding, I would be prancing around just like a Vanderbilt! So maybe I'm not built like Consuelo, but I totally appreciate her taste and would own one of these in a Newport minute! I won't presume to try to define the Belle Epoque', Karen is going to delight you with this, but I'll be at the sale with my hand up, fair warning! So shall we go aboard the yacht ' Good Ship Lollypop' now? Jeeves, please make certain the guests are quite comfortably seated for the voyage to Sturbridge.

TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

Love shoes? (I know, silly question) this is just a little teaser, but as you can see, the selection is endless, no matter which era you prefer. Actually, even if you like every era your in luck! ( I mean Love every era..oops) Why are you in luck? Because there are hundreds and hundreds of pairs of 20's and 30's and 40's and... "get the picture?, yes we see"   SHOES!    So I say 'hey momma, take a walk on the wild side'. Just be a little more careful than the two chicks in the very front of the line were. 

HOW ABOUT SOME KICKS?

LOOKIN FOR KICKS? PEOPLE USED TO REALLY KNOW HOW TO GET THEM, BUT HEY, DON'T BE DISCOURAGED, JUST CUZ "KICKS JUST SEEM TO GET HARDER TO FIND,.......IT AIN'T TOO LATE!!!'. HERE'S THE WAY TO FIND SOME,  THERE WILL BE AN UNBELIEVABLE INVENTORY OF THINGS FROM PEOPLE WHO REALLY KNEW HOW TO GET KICKS, AT KAREN'S  MAY AUCTION IN STURBRIDGE, MA. IT WILL BE A KICK TO BE THERE, IT WILL BE A LOAD OF KICKS TO BID ON ALL THE FABULOUS STUFF, YOU'LL HAVE KICKS BRINGING ALL OF YOUR PURCHASES HOME WITH YOU AND THEN YOU WILL BE ALL SET TO HAVE REAL KICKS!!!

ONE OF MY FAVES

I absolutely love this blouse! And the early hot weather makes me long for it even more. Its light airiness and fun frills will be perfect for the summer weather. I have my outfit all planned around this one. Black linen  pants and a little camisole, some great jewelry.....or maybe white ones, or a white skirt, a white petticoat? there are going to be beautiful petticoats at the sale, I think I need one of those as well...  hmmmm.  Well, I have time to figure out the details, because the auction isn't for a week yet.    But I need this Blouse! (and a petticoat and a camisole)  Don't worry, there is going to be plenty for you to choose from too. Just remember its May 12th, 4:00 sharp.

ELIZABETH HAWES VIDEO AND DEBUTANTE CLOTHING

WOW!! Thank you Debutante Clothing for featuring Karen Augusta doing our video about the American designer Elizabeth Hawes, produced by Gilly Moon. We are so proud to be seen on your Blog!

ELIZABETH HAWES

Remember this great gown and jacket? It was a feature for us in our video and one of the great finds at our last NYC auction. If you missed out on being there, I thought I'd fill you in on how it did, which was absolutely fabulous!!!!! It brought $720.00!!! So if you have one of these very special American beauties in your closet and want to cash in, you know now where to go. If you want one of these very special beauties in your closet, you know where to go to find one!! Please view the video Karen did, again, in case you want a little refresher now that you've seen how truly grand Elizabeth Hawes' work was. Take another look.

THE AMAZING TEXTILES

FOR THOSE OF US WHO JUST CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH WE LOVE TEXTILES, CAN WE BELIEVE HOW MUCH WE COVET THESE??? I CAN ONLY GIVE YOU A MERE GLIMPS HERE, (SORRY) BUT OUR MINDS ARE WORKING OVER TIME JUST THINKING WHAT'S TO COME HMM? SEVERAL PAISLEYS INCLUDING A FABULOUS ONE THAT HAS AN INCREDIBLY UNIQUE HUGE CENTER DESIGN. TERRIFIC QUILTS WITH GORGEOUS PATTERNS. MY MOTHER WAS A QUILTER, SO SHE TAUGHT ME HOW TO REALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE SKILL, TENACITY, ART AND LOVE THAT EACH QUILTER PUTS INTO HER MASTERFUL WORK, NOT TO MENTION THE BEAUTY, WARMTH AND COMFORT THEY GIVE US!  THERE WILL BE ASIAN PIECES, EARLY AMERICAN PIECES, 17TH CENTURY THINGS, EARLIER, LATER, DECORATIVE, ETHNIC,,,, SHALL I KEEP GOING?  THAT WOULD MAKE FOR A BORING READ, BUT!!!!  I PROMISE YOU ALL THE ETC.'S ARE GOING TO MAKE ONE UNBELIEVABLE EVENING AT AUCTION. SO, DON'T FORGET TO COME, ( WHICH IS THE  MOST IMPORTANT FIRST STEP, BECAUSE THERE IS ONLY ON THE FLOOR BIDDING THIS TIME! ) DON'T FORGET TO DO A THOROUGH PREVIEWING, DON'T FORGET TO MAKE YOUR LIST OF FAVS SO YOU REMEMBER WHAT TO BID ON, DON'T FORGET YOUR MONEY, ( BRING AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AFFORD, YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT ) AND D O N' T FORGET TO BID BID BID....ITS ONCE IN A LIFE TIME, AND BECAUSE THIS LIFETIME IS YOURS!!!!!  SEE YOU THERE!

SURPRISES

Have you ever noticed what you don't see always seems more exciting than what you do? As Carly Simon sang 'ANTICIPATION'. Well I can't really tell you all that's inside these boxes, but I will tell you that there are these and more that will be in the discovery part of Karen's auction. How the discovery works is like this, a box is opened up and everyone gets to look through to find some items they like best. If you choose a piece, you will be expected to start the bid at $20.00. The crowd has the opportunity to bid as well, but many times you can walk away with your find for the $20.00. Then, when everyone has finished picking out their favs, the whole rest of the box is auctioned off for one money. Cool, huh? That's why you need to plan to stay for whole auction, I would hate to have you miss out on some of the best buys of the night! Its too thrilling.

WHAT'S UNDER IT ALL

Here's a small portion of what will be coming in May, and these unmentionables are more than worth mentioning! If you're like most of us and have a fetish for pretty things, this group is going to really get you going. There are silks and satins, ribbons and lace, pinks and blues and just too much to 'mention' here. But we can accommodate everyones own special desire with all this lovely lingerie and unlike the original owners of long ago, you can wear them outside! Oh how pretty!

GETTING READY FOR STURBRIDGE

Just in time for the formal season! I'll bet the ladies who originally wore these dresses just had the best time picking them out, trying them on, purchasing them and then anticipating the big event until they could enter the hall with all admiring ( or jealous ) eyes upon them. Well guess what? You get to relive history doing the exact same thing! All you need to do is be with all of us at Karen's next big event in Sturbridge, Mass. on Wed. May 12, 2010 and bid like crazy until you too, get to purchase the dress of your dreams. ( and your grandmother, the 50's dresses, and your great grandmother, the 20's dress ). And it won't end at the end of this night, it won't end for you 'til the clock strikes 12...or 1, or 2, or......? on the evening of your own big event!  Fun isn't it??

AUGUSTA AUCTION COMPANY'S FAB SALE MARCH 24 IN NYC.

Wednesday is the big day!  Don't miss it!! 12:00 sharp at St. Paul auditorium, be sure to preview first though, so you know exactly what to buy. GOOD LUCK!

TAPESTRY FROM THE 1500's

Has anyone watched 'The Tudors'? They had these tapestries all over the walls of Windsor Castle, except that was in the 1500's. This tapestry could well have been one of them because it is from the 1500's. It just leaves me in awe to have been able to not only see this work of art, but to have even touched it, examined  it closely and  seen how it was made. Because people had only very small looms in the 16th C. they would weave small sections at a time, then construct them all together to complete the entire tapestry. Awesome, in the truest sense of the word.  BUT, here's the very best part, you could own this tapestry. I'd say this was about a once in a life time opportunity, Don't miss it!  ...........every man's home is his castle.

VIDEO OF ELIZABETH HAWES DRESS AND COAT

Please be sure to check out older posts so you don't miss our video of Karen telling us about ELIZABETH HAWES.

1940's COCKTAIL CLOTHES

I want to be one of these ladies and be wearing incredible cocktail clothes. I forgot! I can be! and so can two of my friends. These two dresses and the beautiful jacket are done in crepe and made knockout with all kinds of beading and rhinestones. I've put some detail pictures up so you can see what I mean. Enjoy.

SOME DETAILS

This is not a brooch and a pair of clips, this is embellishment imitating jewelry, cool huh? Glass beads, turquoise blue stones and clear rhinestones are creating this illusion and its fabulous. Makes you wish the auction was happening right now.

SOME DETAILS

These roses are 3D and done in rhinestones and silvered glass beads. Extraordinary! you'll be wearing jewelry sewn right onto your clothes.

1982 STAVROPOULOS GOWN

How much do we love this! I'd think I was the Queen of an exotic country wearing this gorgeous gown! The orange silk is an extraordinarily rich color and if there is such a thing it's Royal Orange. It has appliqued gold blossoms and golden embroidery all over the gown and a diaphanous scarf/shawl, which can be worn draped any way her majesty chooses. I believe we all need a gown like this one to make us feel enchanting.

DETAIL

Each one of these blossoms are tacked on so they look like they just happened to gather there from a gentle breeze. And they are golden! So it must have been one of the ancient gods who sent them. I can't even describe how amazing this gown is, guess you'll just need to be at the auction to see for yourself. Be prepared tho, I think there will be great competition to win this queen's enchanted gown.

AUGUSTA AUCTION COMPANY'S FAB SALE MARCH 24 IN NYC. DON'T MISS

Everyone who's ever attended an auction knows what a blast it is. But if you never have been to one,  I'll give you tips from an auction insider so that you'll know the ropes when you get there. You'll feel like a pro.

Everything is set up for viewing by the afternoon of the day before the sale. (March 23) Go to St. Pauls. We'll have all the lots set up in the order of the sale. Enter the hall to do your previewing. This is where you 'll look closely at absolutely everything that's there, make a list of the lots that interest you and register for your bidding number to use at the auction sale on Wednesday.

After you're done, and still thinking clearly, look over your list and set a maximum figure you'll be comfortable spending when the bidding starts.  Say you love a 1920's opera coat. Write down the lot number, the items condition and what you feel you can spend on it. Check everything carefully so you know the exact condition and value of the items you want. After you give yourself an idea of the top price you would bid, sit, watch and wait.

When it's your turn, hold up your auction paddle for as long as you can afford to and win your selections. When you've purchased the lots you came for, you can either check out and gather your booty, or stick around to the end when there can be some real bargains. This happens because some of the crowd has already left or will have spent to their limit. If the crowd is lighter, the bidding tends to be less competitive.

The end isn't the only part of the auction where you can purchase a sleeper. Sometimes the crowd gets distracted and an item is overlooked. Many sell for way under the money. You're already ahead of much of the crowd because you've previewed the sale and made detailed notes so you have a good sense of value. When these opportunities arise, hold your paddle up as quick as a rocket and win the lot for a bargain price.

Now, as a seasoned action goer, you'll never be able to shop the old way with much enthusiasm again. AND, you'll find incredible museum quality items at far less cost than new ones.

There will be food and beverages served on site so you get to enjoy a full day of fun without leaving the auction hall Come early the sale day, pick out a good seat and prepare for the best fashion shopping experience you will ever have. I guarantee you'll be hooked!

MOD SERENDIPITY OUTFITS 1965

Feelin groovy? If you were, you would have worn this type of fashion in 1965 and been really far out. I think we all still love maxis and minis and its happening all over again here. Just tune in (to the auction) turn on (to great fashion) and drop out (of the boring everyday stuff). Get hip with this man.

A great little video on Elizabeth Hawes made by my friend Gillian Farrell.

Fabulous Forties Floral Hats

So, grab your hats girls and we'll do lunch. I can't get over how wearable these darling forties hats are, especially with the cute hairstyles we have today. Bring your purse to the auction,  hold up your paddle and Bid!

WWll Summer Wedges

Okay, who's ready to Jitterbug? Look at these shoes! I love them. Try a carved Chinese village to lighten your step or wearing a red V for victory (whatever your victory might be). If you attend the sale you can bid your way to victory and walk out with these incredible shoes!

4 Piece Ladie's Kimono from Japan, 1870

This kimono set is Wonderful! It belongs in an important collection (yours), but I must admit I'd absolutely love to wear this Kimono ensemble at least once before I put it into my collection. Then again, why not leave all options open. But you'll need to be at the sale to even have options.

1920's Gold Lame Opera Coat

Fashionable ladies of the 20's would wear these luscious printed gold lame coats when they were off to the opera. Fashionable ladies of our decade should be seen wearing them out for a chic look as well ( there are at least four coming up at the sale). So think 1920's fun in 2010 and have a glamourous time on the town! You'll most certainly be the talk of it!

Rare ELIZABETH HAWES 1930'S Dress & Jacket

This dress is a fabulous example of the famous ELIZABETH HAWES couture for the everyday woman of the 1930's. If you watch the video you'll be able to learn all about her from Karen herself. This dress will of course be offered at the N.Y.C auction. So be prepared to bid, so you don't lose out on an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of owning your own piece of American Couture history. (See Video on YouTube)