Eventually she married Victor Norman and became Mrs. Bette Norman. Victor’s family business was Kenton Machine works which was located just blocks from where my shop currently sits in North Portland. To commemorate Oregon’s centennial in 1959 the boys at Kenton Machine works built the now well known Paul Bunyon that you’ll find at the end of Denver Street. Bette loved shopping and has a particular affinity for super tight cigarette pants, the Portland staple Pendleton plaids, and this ridiculously adorable nautical school girl dress.

More items from her collection are still being photographed and listed. Find this gem for sale on Etsy.

While antique malls tend to be more expensive (read: retail) I can often find something that fits into my aesthetic and my budget. I stopped at a stall where I have found several good hats in the past, like this 1940s Seal Fur & Feather Hat and my friend Heather’s current favorite hat.

It was my delight to find a turquoise feather hat of the 1950s bearing a Union Label. The perfect something blue for Union Made Bride! Find it for sale here. Right across from that booth is a case that once held a dozen crepe paper New Year’s Eve hats I purchased on my last visit. Immediately my eye was drawn to a 1940s blush colored feather hat by Gladys and George.

It isn’t in the best of condition. Some of the plumes have been wired together and the glue securing the feathers to the base has yellowed and is becoming less and less effective everyday. Once I got home with it, I noticed the dealer had used double sided TAPE to secure some of the loose feathers. I delicately removed the tape and reglued the errant feathers into place. While I normally steam dents out of vintage hats, I was too afraid the moisture would damage the base feathers more. Sometimes it’s best to leave well enough alone. Despite it’s less than stellar shape, the dramatic design and quality materials of this 1940s tilt topper could not be over looked. A guest or bride wearing this to a wedding is sure to garner as much attention as Princess Bea at the recent royal nuptials. Find it for sale here.

While I was waiting for the clerk to bring the key, I spotted an “I Love Lucy” style 1950s hat. Large brimmed and trimmed with velvet millinery flowers encased in champagne colored tulle, it immediately made me think of a scene the wornderful 1968 film, Funny Girl starring Barbara Streisand. Particularly the portion beginning at 2:39 in the following clip I found on youtube.

His Love Makes Me Beautiful

The color of the hat and trim brought the spectacle of the movie musical to my mind’s eye and I kept hearing:

“The autumn bride is prudent and wise at sweet sixteen or twenty

And as a wife in future life she’ll hold the horn of plenty”

It was decided that I must share it with the world on the magical internets. You’ll find it available for sale here.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66652776/vintage-1959-white-tulle-wedding-dress

In February 2009 she heard AlexSandra of AlexSandra’s Vintage Emporium on OPB’s Think Out Loud.  After hearing about the 2009 Vintage Bridal Show, she visited http://alexsandras.com and sent a message inquiring if there was any interest in her wedding gown, still packed in it’s original box.  What excitement!

Adorable old timey clothespin cuff links in gold toned metal with shocking pink enamel.  The perfect gift for new parents.

Measurements

Clothespins are 7/8 of an inch by 1/4 of an inch.

Length of link shaft is 1/2 inch.

Condition

There is lots of missing enamel, but these were so cute we felt we had to share them despite their condition.  Gold toned metal is in great shape.

Grade: Good

This item sold to Carla in Ohio in July of 2010 for $55.

Unused, mint in box 1965 Fabulous Jewel Tone Handbag by General Crafts. Box reads: No. 905 Flowers Natural Fabric.  These kits were manufactured in the 1960s after Enid Collins’ themed box bags and linen totes rose to the heights of popularity.  You can follow the directions or make it your own.  This beauty still has it’s sequins, stones, and the turn lock closure in the original bag that has never been opened.  Every piece is guaranteed to be present.  Canvas bag has mahogany wood bottom and plastic double handles.  Make this bag your self (by number, even!) with NO SEWING and NO STITCHING!  Made in the U.S.A.

There are three sheets of paper included.  One is the folded up instruction sheet.  There is also a tri fold brochure showing you other styles of Jewel Tone kit handbags.  Including the often seen Butterfly, Owl and my favorites, Travelogue and the Poodle.  It’s a nice reference guide.  There is an extra sheet advertising the new styles available in black.

Measurements

Finished bag is 11 inches by 12 inches not including handles.

The box is 13 inches squared and 4 inches deep.

Condition

Mint in Box!  There is some wear to the box, but otherwise it’s good as new.

I made a wholesale bulk purchase of Mr. & Mrs. Jenkins clothing and accessories.  So many items came to us from this couple that eventually we all began crying out: “Jenkins” while pricing or selling much of their things.  I was particularly fond of this hand painted tie dating to the 1940s and decided it must be shared with the world.  It sat on my desk for a while when one of my friends excited exclaimed: “There’s a signature on that tie!” (What do you want, she’s into calligraphy.)  Lo an behold, when you turn this tie to the side it morphs from a colorful urn like set of squiggles into Edwin Jenkins signature and it’s reverse with the center of the tie acting as a mirror of sorts.  Make this tie part of your collection and let Edwin Jenkins, Attorney at Law (as his card I found in a suit pocket alerted me) live on forever.

Measurements

52 inches in length

4.5 inches wide in front

2.5 inches wide in back

Condition

Great shape with only slight discoloration in the lining which can not be seen while wearing.

Grade: Very good