New (Vintage) Vera Neumann Finds

 It dawned on me that I hadn't done a Vera Neumann post in a while!
That's not good - let's remedy that situation right here and now!
First of all today, I have some bright cloth napkins to show you that I found at a thrift store:

Big, gorgeous flowers:

And another gorgeous set of napkins with the golden glow of the sun:

And that dear little Vera Ladybug:

 I found these two completely fabulous vintage linen tea towels, both with their original labels still present:

 Beautiful colors on each - and in paisley, no less!

 Lori gave me this pretty scarf for my birthday last fall:

And most recently, I found a vintage leather belt and a butterfly bath towel:

I believe that's it for today.
I'll always write more posts as I come across more great vintage Vera items to share - it just might take me a while!

Patterns From The Past: Simplicity 7394 - A Classic Chanel-Style Suit

Today's pattern from the past is Simplicity number 7394, a classic Coco Chanel-style suit.
This red mohair version trimmed in black happens to be my favorite among the variations I'm featuring in today's post:

Now THAT one truly makes a statement, in my opinion. Fabulous.
Here are three versions depicted on the front of the vintage pattern:

Make the skirt short or long; make the jacket with pockets or without - and in any fabric you choose.
It will look great no matter what you do, I think!
This one is terrific, also:

Match your blouse to the trim on the jacket - perfect:

 Trim the jacket with fringe and metallic buttons:

 Do that again, but make it in lavender with along skirt for a very elegant look:

 Or try it in black and white, with lace to dress it up this time, and wear it to your next evening soiree:

 Of course, it never hurts to add wonderful matching or contrasting  accessories such as a bag, belt, or jewelry to truly pull together a sensational ensemble!
Pattern front....

      ... and back:

(The suit versions pictured on the models here are from Family Circle magazine, a lovely article from 1976, which also featured a photo of the late, great Coco Chanel!)
You've seen nine variations here today.
How would YOU sew it up?

Vera Finds

So, I HAVE found some more vintage Vera Neumann things, I simply haven't had the time to post about them!
First up, we have a gorgeous set of yellow tulip sheets:

And the "Vera Collection by Burlington" label I'm always so tickled to see:

And another set of sheets:

And the label on those:

I had gone in to one of my favorite thrift shop and had found one of those sheets, above. One of my favorite gals who works at the store told me she was sure she'd seen another. Sure enough, she called me later to tell me she had found it, and would set it aside for me!
Thank you, Robin!
I found this one vintage vinyl place mat - it may be all alone, but it's fabulous:

A terry velour daisy bath towel:

And then one huge king-sized pillow case in the "Waterways" pattern:

And, again - the label:

I also found one scarf - this pretty striped number:

That's it for today - but I'll be back with more, and that's a promise!

Blogger Meet-Up: A Special Day In Portland!

Lori and I took a road trip up the Oregon coast and into Washington, and I am going to do a number of posts about our trip.
We got to meet Alicia Paulson of  Posie Gets Cozy and Laurie Romanaggi of Magpie Ethel on the same day, and we could not have been more delighted!
It was Alicia's blog that introduced me to the world of blogging, and inspired me to try and begin one of my own.
First we met Alicia and her adorable daughter Amelia at
Monticello Antique Marketplace and had a lovely lunch with them at Monti's Cafe:

After having shopped at Monticello and having enjoyed their company, we got to go see the famous Magpie Ethel Studio!
You know - where all the Magpie Ethel Magic happens?!

I snapped a few photos.
So much to see, I  think we were mesmerized by it all.
Surrounded by vintage delights and bits and bobs in every little nook and cranny.
And it was so much fun to meet Laurie!
Lori took this picture of us:

Thanks to Lori AND Laurie for the nice pic!

 (Can you tell I was happy to be there?)
I have always enjoyed seeing all of the pictures Laurie posts on her blog, but being there in person was pretty spectacular!

I wish I had gotten more photos.

We felt truly lucky, indeed, to have had the opportunity to meet both of these nice, talented, creative and inspirational women!
(Oh - and and I wanted to say also that getting to meet Amelia was an extra-special bonus - because we were hoping she was coming, too - but we didn't know until we saw them arrive whether she would be there!)

The Latest Vera Finds

I've only found just a few vintage Vera Neumann things lately.
First up is a brightly colored beach towel:

 I have never come across a towel before:

Some of my favorite colors: 

And I also found two linen tea towels, in two different colorways.

 With a recipe for Irish Coffee:

In red....

 And sort of a harvest gold:

 Coffee, anyone?

I am always on the lookout for vintage Vera.
If my digging results in any more finds, I will surely share them here.
Wish me luck!
(The luck o' the Irish, perhaps?)

What's Penny Wearing? #145 An Elegant Vintage Robe And Some Lovely PJ's

Today, Penny is wearing a vintage robe and a lovely pair of pajamas I found earlier this month.

The long vintage bathrobe in rosy quilted satin buttons down the front and also ties at the waist:

I love the pretty buttons and the metallic thread used in the stitching:

Rather an elegant look for an everyday robe:

I think the robe pairs quite well with the floral "Lauren Ralph Lauren" pajamas, don't you?

Note the monogram on the pocket:

So pretty together, and just in time for Christmas!

My Latest Vera Neumann Finds

I just have a few vintage Vera Neumann finds to share with you today.
I found them all recently at thrift shops.
 First we have a floral scarf in a wonderful combination of colors:

Here's a shot of the entire scarf:

Quite a lovely riot of floral fantasy.....

Next, we have this abstract design in gold and black:

Pattern closeup:

This one does not have her "Vera" signature within the body of the scarf, as do most of the ones I find, but rather just a tag on the back:

Last of all is this set of four vintage vinyl placemats, made for a round table:

I really like these; they will be fun to use next spring and summer on our glass-topped (round) patio table!

That's all of  my Vera Neumann finds for today.
With any luck, perhaps I will be finding more soon!