Monthly Archives: March 2010

Hanger Management: Vintage Children's Hangers

Want to make a piece of vintage children’s clothing look even more button cute? Put it on a vintage hanger!

It does rather break my heart when I see today’s children’s hangers–so stiff and utilitarian when they were once a thing of whimsy.  Hangers of yesteryear had a sly little wink and giggle that added even more cuteness to an already wonderful piece of clothing.

Every now and then you can find the really old wooden hangers from the thirties through fifties.  But one word has my heart when I think of vintage hangers. Yup, Mrs. Robinson–PLASTIC. But regardless of what material they are made of, the pack plenty of punch for such a small item.

Case in point–check out these charmers:

This swell collection of wooden hangers comes from Heather Bailey, the wunderkind fabric designer.

A little boy and girl hangers set of hangers–oh!

Source: Flickr member CurdsnWhey

Cockle Doodle doo–wake up to these plastic friends with cut out chickens!

Source: Flickr member Library Fashionista

According to Galessa Plastics, the yellow and the blue hangers were made by TROL, while the peach one is unmarked. All made of injected Polystyrene plastic in Brazil in the 1950s or 60s.  I don’t know if the Scottie dogs are killing me more than the wonderful bunny in the dress.

source: Flickr member, Galessa Plastics

I have a few of these and I’m crazy for these carousel hangers.  Not only is it a carousel, but  it’s a boy and a girl on a carousel flanked with seals balancing balls on their noses.  Who thinks of these things?

From Etsy seller, Scrappy Jessi

Check out this cow jumping over the moon series in the prettiest mint green you ever did see.

From Etsy seller, Tiger Luxe. And oh my stars–you can see the stars (and even the cow udder) on these beauties!

And of course you can’t have vintage children without a little nod to Disney with these sweet Bambi-inspired blue hangers.

A gorgeous set of five from Etsy seller, She’s a Peach!

Let me leave you with this wonderful  trio of vintage plastic childrens hangers that are too charming to not sell.  As if the very simple clean lines of the pink one weren’t charming enough, the goosie one is just too sweet. But then they save the best for last with this choo choo choose me train hanger.

The level of detail on that train one is just a widge insane. I mean, you can see the animals in the zoo train and the whirls of smoke making the top part of the hanger!  Who can say no to a smiling engine like that?  Please–someone buy it them all for ninety nine cents. I’m begging you people!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Vintage Kiddo Mondays: Retro Roundup

Happpppy Monday! It’s time for the Vintage Kiddo Retro Round Up, lovelies. I really *do* need to do a theme song, no? This week we are welcoming the arrival of SPRING! That means nary a sweater or scratchy knit in sight. I have a great selection of fun vintage goodies for our weekly e-thrifting session. As always, all these picks are available on Etsy and Ebay for your purchase!

First up? The Girls. Cute dresses, bright colors and fun little details—ladies, we’re ready for some sunshine!

Bad puns aside, I am totally nutso for the wee little squirrels on this red hot dressie. OK, so they kind of look like little baby polarbear squirrels, but who cares?? Not I!


Red Squirrel Knit Dress, Etsy seller ThreeRingCircus

This sassy lil polka dot scarecrow comes with a cute stripy bum cover! I love it—and check out the wee blue bird sitting on her hand!

Scarecrow Romper, Etsy seller ThreeRingCircus

I love a classic little puff sleeve and crisp white collar, but the drop waist and teensy bow are what make this one a keeper:


Baby Blue Plaid, Etsy seller Nanzfi

I was going to quote the lyrics to Build Me up Buttercup, because of the yummy buttery daffodil color on this amazing dressie, but you know what? They’re kind of a downer. I’ve always loved the song and thought of it as this upbeat fun song, but seriously it’s all about some girl who is totally breaking this guys heart, not showing up to meet him, breaking his heart….dang! Who knew? Well this dress is like a little ray of sunshine—my only sunshine. It makes me happy when skies are gray. You’ll never know dear how much I love it. Please just buy this dress right away. Hmmm, now if only I could think of another song to quote…


Buttercup Yellow Dress, eBay seller LostandFoundVintage

This is the only long-sleeved lovely in the mix, but it’s so colorful and fun I just HAD to include it. I’d love it with colorful tights and maryjanes or with a little pair of sandals and bare legs when it really warms up.


Mod Geomtric Dress, eBay seller: debbrame6x5m

And just for fun—ze pom pom hat!!! (I think technically it’s a pom pon, but who really spella it like that anyway, eh?)


Pom Pom Hat, eBay seller wyogems

OK, now lets look at some goodies for The Boys. Look at this lil set. Gingham? Check! Cute matching diaper cover? Check! Original price tag, never worn-ness??? DOUBLE CHECK!


Gingham Romper, Etsy seller loseyoureyesvintage

My birthday is August 22 which makes me a cuspy Leo…so I mean c’mon now. How could I resist this romper???? It’s so John John meets the Zodiac. He *does* have a little bit of a goofy stance….almost like he walks around on his hind legs with his arms hanging down. But hey, he IS king of jungle. Let the man walk however he wants to, right? Rrroar!


Lion Striped Jumpsuit, Etsy seller GiggleBoss

Ooooooh Luuuucy! You got some ‘splaining to do!! This little Ricky Ricardo cutie is amazing!


Ricky Ricardo, Etsy seller ThreeRingCircus

I love the kooky style of this 70s fabric (remember those stretchy belts that say “JEANS JEANS JEANS”??). And yee haw, this one is super cute!


Little Cowboy, Etsy seller thefancytail

As with the girls I have one long sleever in the mix for our little guys. It’s just so cool I couldn’t resist! And I promise, no Roscoe P. Coletrain jokes.


Dukes of Hazzard, Etsy seller differenthues

And finally….in honor of spring…. perhaps the most “unique” item for kiddos out there right now. What what what??? These toy bouncer shoes are BANANAS.


Crazy Spring Shoes from eBay seller moneygreen

Yep, people. SPRING has SPRUNG!!

Meet Stevie, our Weekly Kiddo!


Taaa daaaa! It’s Friday and that means, it’s time for another stylish tot. We’re pleased as punch to share with you an international cutie—Stevie! Be on the look out for pieces from Joe Fresh Style, a very cool clothing company I had never heard of until Marnie emailed me these photos. It was started by Joseph Mimran who is responsible for Club Monaco, Caban and others.  Alas, right now it’s only available in Canada. (Boooo!) I love how Stevie’s style is spunky but still has girlie touches (the apple dress? LOVE it!). OK, here she is:

Pink Sunglasses: Shoppers Drug Mart
Grey cardigan: H&M
Graphic print horsey tee: H&M
Purple tiered tulle ruffle skirt: H&M
Suede boots : Joe Fresh Style

T-shirt hoodie and jeans : Old Navy
Multi stripe cardigan: Joe Fresh Style
Brown boots : Joe Fresh Style

Adorable Mod Apple Print Dress:  Joe Fresh Style
Brown Suede Boots: Joe Fresh Style


Same Apple Dressie but with added Jean Jacket : Joe Fresh Style


Mega Glam Sunnies: Mommy’s!

We think little Stevie is just tops! This spunky lil gal is 2 years old and hails from glorious Ottawa, Canada. Her mama, the very sweet Marnie, tells us that Stevie loves robots and especially likes to groove to the Backyardigans (we love ’em around here too!). Her favorite letter is W, which Wolfie was quite pleased to hear, but her favourite past time is hanging with her 2 cuddly cats – Mojo and Jojo—and her awesome doggie Waylon! This little animal lover is the cutest ever…

World’s Cutest Retro Bathing Suits: Pink Chicken

Now that we’ve had a couple of days of sunshine, I can’t help but think about getting to the beach with the Peach!  And how could I not when  Pink Chicken is offering such wonderful swimsuits and dresses as these.  Pink Chicken was started three years ago by mom of two, Stacey Fraser, a 15-year fashion veteran who started her sassy girl’s line out off her garage.  Gotta love her pep  for that alone!

But you gotta love her girls’ swimsuits even more!

Don’t you just love the little girl’s tummy? And three cheers for bringing back the old Esther Williams swim cap!

If that wasn’t enough Pink Chicken also sells the most darling diaper covers that are pure stink-town and will happily do as a swim-suit for the diaper wearing set. You can just imagine the little sandy bottom toddling towards you.

Oh–then, I innocently stumbled into the Pink Chicken sale section and just found some  insanely cute dresses and tunics and of course I fell in love with the skirts and knit tops too…  But really, how could you not?

I must admit, this is making me so excited about summer and trips to the beach! Aren’t you excited too?

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…super kiddo!


What is it about super heroes? Is it the magic powers? The ability to fly? The xray vision? Maybe. My theory, however, is that it allll comes down to the outfits. When I was a little girl I loved Wonder Woman—she was brave, strong, smart and had an invisible plane. But let’s be honest, it was the OUTFIT that was the best. Red go-go boots! A magic tiara! Those cool bullet-deflecting bracelets and golden magic lasso! I loved it all. But I think we all can agree that the quintessential piece of superhero gear is THE CAPE. There are tons of fun capes out there, but here is a selection of some we especially like.

This first lot is from Baby Pop—I really love their masks too! Super charming….


And how about this ROCK-N-ROLL superstar??

Images: Baby Pop

I’m really digging the understated “Clark Kent-ness” of the Superhero monogram shirt:


Images: Charlie and Sarah

Ya know, superheroes don’t have to be all about bad-assery. I found some really fab “indie capes” that have a softer look. Just look at this adorable little birdy cape!

And you can even get a little wee cape for your favorite lil dolly or cuddle bear—kind of awesome, no?

Image: Mousey Me

While we’re looking at unconventional capes, how amazing is this lil mod wonder?? It’s soooo the little sidekick of Orla Kiely (“By the power of the almighty elusive Target Pear Cannister!”). LOVE it!

Image: NikertyNoo

A word of caution, though. You don’t want to veer too far from the classic look or your budding superhero will end up looking like a reject from the David Copperfield Magic Academy! There are some classic visual cues that say “superhero” and sometimes I think it’s totally a-ok to reach for the lightning bolts and stars!


Images: Super Kid Capes

This last set comes to us from Little Hero Capes. The capes are all made of a thick satiny material (lined with a contrast color!) and look tres chic. My favorite thing about them, however, is their incredible Donate a Cape Project. When you purchase a “Courage Cape” they will send it to the Discovery Arts Program which will give it to a child who is undergoing treatment for cancer and other serious blood disorders. Now that’s my idea of a true superhero.



Images: Little Hero Capes

Every little kiddo has a superhero inside them, and they don’t necessarily need a cape to shine…..but you have to admit it’s so much more fun with a cape whippin’ behind you as you race around with your friends!

And don’t forget, when push comes to shove….you can always use a towel. (Hippie Beads and shades not required….)


Image: john.d.mcdonald