In Love in Germany

As I look out my frosted windows over cold and desolate Hartford, I am finding myself longing for summer. 

This past summer was magical for us. As classical artists, my husband and I feel a bit like fish out of water here in the states. That isn't to say there isn't amazing art happening in the states or there aren't incredibly talent musicians hidden in every tiny town and big city, but our art form comes alive in Europe.  

To walk the streets Mozart and Beethoven did, see the town where Goethe wrote his poetry, or sit at a café Puccini frequented is to gain a deeper understanding of our art form and life. I know, spoken like a true artist, right?

Jerron and I traveled to Saarburg, Germany where we spent two wonderful weeks full of rehearsing and practicing and evenings performing for the most appreciative German audiences.

I was given the most fabulous 1960's wiggle dress to perform in. The German audiences loved it; I was actually asked if I was a movie star when I wore it! Yesterday's Lady knew exactly which dress  would travel well, fit perfectly, and steal the stage! 

We lived those two weeks. 

We ate rich and delicious food, drank world famous wine, danced in the streets, sang for hours, walked cobblestone streets, biked winding roads and hiked among grape vines. Just like I said, it was a magical summer.

Here are a few of our favorite moments!

Vespa, anyone?

On the way up to ride the Rodelbahn!

The sweetest corner of Saarburg, The biergarten at the Hotel-Villa Keller!

Top of an old castle with Saarburg in the background.

Little Italy in the middle of Saarburg

The Saar river in the heart of Riesling country

A Vintage Travel Love Affair: The Dress

It's been too long, my vintagistas! A lot has happened since we last met here: I am now a married woman! I have been meaning to share all my wedding plans along the way and it just never happened. *sigh*  As they say, better late than never. So, I thought "why not start now?" And here it is folks: A Vintage Travel Love Affair. 

The Dress

To be perfectly honest, I had no idea where to begin to find the illusive "perfect" dress. I scoured pinterest, etsy, and 5th St Vintage to no avail. I felt lost, chunky, and broke. It was as if every dress I was drawn to was too fancy, too small, or too expense. Then my mom, Yesterday's Lady, worked her magic and found the perfect dress.  

The dress is a beautiful vintage lace cocktail dress worn by my grandmother on her wedding day. I had only seen photos of the dress and wasn't sure in what condition it was or what size it was, but with my whole I wanted wear that dress.  

And sure enough, it was in great condition (albeit a bit dirty from 60 years in a closet)! I wore my husband's grandmother's crystal earrings and necklace from the 1950s and paired them coral colored gloves, a birdcage veil, and stilettos.

My "something borrowed" was a gorgeous nude silk clutch that my sister picked up from a flea market in Connecticut and a vintage fur wrap from my mom that has a label from Hovlin-Swanson in Lincoln, NE. It seems as if once I found the dress, everything fell into place!

Up next: The Ceremony!

Salut,

The Vintage Chanteuse

Style Scenario: Tiki Party

Hi! The Vintage Chanteuse here. Things are getting steamy here at 5th Street Vintage so this week are throwing ourselves a Tiki Party! Here is Yesterday's Lady's guide to the perfect Tiki Party Dress. All you need is a brightly colored flowered dress, some beach sandals and flower in your hair--and certainly don't forget your lei! It is so easy to achieve this look!

 

Now, for us at 5th Street Vintage we believe every dress has a story and here is the story of this gem from 1959!  Jeri from Geneva, Nebraska wore this 1959 Hawaiian Fishtail Muumuu to her wedding on a Hawaiian Beach.  She recalled dancing barefoot on the beach with her new husband with the ocean waves as their music. This dress is a classic. The royal blue and teal palm leave pattern is accented with ruffled sleeves and a fishtail train which is perfect for twirls!

These 1960's beach sandals, vintage plastic fruit necklace, and bamboo fan add that extra tropical flair to the outfit.

If a dress isn't your style, check-out this adorable 1940's cropped top and high-waist lounge pants in a Polynesian pattern. Just throw on some teak wood clog shoes and you will be the best dressed at the Tiki Lounge! Think Carmen Miranda!

In the mood for some hula dancing?! Try this 1960's grass skirt and bamboo hat on for size! All you need is a retro bikini and you are set for the beach!

Ready to set up your own Tiki Lounge? Here is some advice for creating your own Tiki space. Check out Our Tiki Lounge post!

Aloha!

The Vintage Chanteuse