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Welcome to Metro Retro Vintage!

Shop till you drop at Metro Retro Vintage! And enjoy a variety of vintage jewelry, clothing and fashion accessories. From antique cameos to hippie shoes, vintage perfumes to 50's dresses, Art Deco purses to retro hats, and much, much more!

We used to be "Docwoman's Dresser" (and why our Squidoo lens has that name, lol). At Metro Retro Vintage, we add fresh vintage merchandise daily, so be sure to stop by.

We hope to see you there! :)

P.S. 100% of the royalties generated by this lens, are directly donated to the Humane Society of the United States.

"Sow" Many Memories, Sew Little Time!

Patterns of the Past & Styles Which Last Forever

It was absolutely my favorite dress -- and was a buttercup yellow with tiny hand embroidered flowers along the bodice, along with oversized pockets. Everyone sewed back then, and this particular dress had been made for me by a distant relative. At that young age I simply assumed that everyone made their own clothing (didn't they?), until I grew older and lifestyles changed.

It's been awhile since I've sat down at my trusty old Singer, and yet when coming across these fashion treasures of the past, I'm transported back in time and inspired to construct a one-of-a-kind garment just for me!

So whether you're a seasoned sewer or a first time beginner, there are vintage patterns for every experience level, fashion style, era, and size. Check out these terrific links for all of your vintage pattern needs.

Sewing Patterns
Let Miss Helene be your guide and explore the interesting history of sewing at home, along with some fabulous tips on dating vintage patterns.

Patterns and Sewing Mall at Main Street Mall Online
Check out this fun Squidoo Mall with links to Vintage Pattern Sellers and sewing aficionados.

Mojogeno's Vintage Collectibles
When it's time to shop for vintage patterns, stop by Mojogeno's and drool over the extensive variety. This shop owner & expert will answer all of your questions - and the friendly advice is always free!

Chez Cemetarian
Learn about sewing patterns and their history at Chez Cemetarian -- including Vogue, Butterick, Simplicity and more.

Metro Retro Vintage on Etsy

Vintage Goodies from the Metro Retro Vintage Shop

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Don't Hate Me 'Cause I'm Beautiful!

Putting Your Best Face Forward for the Best Vintage Look

So you've picked out the perfect vintage outfit with vintage accessories to match - the shoes, stockings, jewelry, pocketbook, and even the lingerie. But wait! What about the hair?

You can't wear a lovely lacy Edwardian dress with the latest buzz cut can you? (Well maybe, but that's another topic) nor a fabulous retro forties dress suit sporting Farrah Fawcett wings!

If you're going for the complete "look" of a specific era, you'll want to get the hair and makeup just right. Right? Even if it's just "getting back to Woodstock", lol!

Here are some fun web sites to inspire you, including a few talented Squidooers. If you send me a pic of yourself in your favorite "blast from the past" moment, I'll post it here with a link to your site.

*** HAIRSTYLES ***
1920's Hairstyles
Purists will love this site, so if you want to get just the right "bob", "shingle" or "wave" stop by.

Fifties Fashions: Makeup & Hair
For all you Rockabilly-ers who need help with hair rollers (remember - no pain, no gain!)

L.A. Nocturne's Vintage Hairstyle Instructions
Excellent comprehensive how-tos from Flapper to Retro.

HairBoutique.com
Get "big" hair ala 60's & 70's with good teasing and back combing techniques.

Punk Hair
Express your personal style with punk hair (it ain't all mohawks ya' know).

Hairfinder
This site has links for hairstyles from every decade.

*** MAKE UP ***
The 20-to-40 Style MakeUp Guide
Nice pics and make-up color charts for getting a 20's, 30's or 40's look.

Fifties Fashions: Makeup & Hair
Don't let the web name fool you - includes the 60's and 70's as well.

Miss-Vintage.com
Tips, techniques, and even make-up brands used by famous Silver Screen bombshells.

Free Beauty Tips
This site has every era covered - from the 'Jazzy 20's' to 'Retro Glam Goddess' to '80's Disco Queen'. Hair and make-up tips galore.

Necklaces are Forever

Stretching Your Neck Out, Won't Stretch Out Your Budget

Ah, the classic necklace! They are one of the earliest forms of adornment, and have been recovered from ancient grave sites since the beginning of human history. Comprised of a simple strand of one or more decorative elements - from single bead, to a plethora of stones - it can do wonders to compliment an outfit, finish a look, or simply light up one's face.

From Bohemian glass beads to Deco rhinestones, natural seeds to carved bakelite, faux pearls to silver pendants - a treasure of overlooked and undervalued vintage costume necklaces can often be found at antique shops and online auctions.

What to buy and how to wear them is entirely up to you. You may favor a simple pendant choker one day, while layering multiple beaded strands on another. Mix it up and experiment! With so many lovely vintage baubles priced in the low double digits, it's easy to afford a generous collection for wearing on every occasion.

Quickie Necklace Length Guide

* Choker - 14 to 16 inches
* Princess - 16 to 20 inches
* Matinee - 20 to 26 inches
* Opera - 28 to 36 inches
* Rope - 40 inches and over

Don't forget to visit us at Metro Retro Vintage NY and check out our ever changing stock of vintage jewelry.

Maxi to the Max

70's Dresses Make a Come Back!

The fashion of the 70's is back with a vengeance and enjoying a new resurgence in it's second go-round. Once the anti-fashion statement of the counter-culture, the lengthy maxi dress provides a generous canvas for some of the wild prints and bold designs of the period - whether in easy-care poly or earth friendly cotton!

This fast changing era also marked a period of many fashion contrasts - from micro mini skirts to long flowing muu muus, high platform shoes to flat 'water buffalo' sandals, big teased hair to long and natural tresses! If it was fun, whimsical, and comfortable - all the better!

Remember that nothing beats the feel of the "real deal" - so if you're seeking the genuine article, stop by Metro Retro Vintage NY and travel back in time!

Haute Hats

They Aren't Just for Granny Any More!

Hats are back! As the trend for stylish vintage clothing continues to grow, fashionistas are rediscovering the allure of these elegant head adornments. From the modest pill box cap to helmet cloches to petite berets to sculptural toques - the well dressed woman seeks just the right headdress to compliment every outfit. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

For best fit, style your hair as you would normally for wearing that particular hat, when trying it on.
Clean a dusty hat by placing it into closed bag and gently shaking. Follow up with a lint roller or brush.
Use a steamer to reshape a felt hat, or hold it near a steaming kettle (best to use gloves). Use a soft but firm clothing brush to brush back into shape.
Never stack hats, but store each one separately. Place softly crushed tissue paper within to help them retain their shape.

Ready to shop? Stop at Metro Retro Vintage NY! And begin your quest for the perfect chapeau!

Jewelry Joke Junction

Who Knew Jewelry Could Be Funny?

Heh, heh - betcha didn't think there was humor in them thar jools! Didja? Just for fun, here are a few yukkety-yuks! (Created by moi of course!)

What did the clasp say to the necklace when they parted?
You will never bead forgotten
Why did the pendant visit the therapist?
It wanted to be a pin but couldn't brooch the subject

What kind of music does turquoise like best?
Soft rock and the blues

What did the angry cameo say to the pearl?
Go to shell!

Where does Amber like to vacation?
In Yellowstone Park

What does a rhinestone do when it gets lost?
Calls a cab

What band do agates like best?
The Stones!

Fun Fashion Facts

And You Thought History Was Boring, Eh?

Did you know that ...

* The women of ancient Egypt shaved their heads and bodies entirely, wearing colored wigs and open pleated skirts to reveal this fact!

* The ancient Romans were so pearl crazy, that during the height of the empire, rich Romans adorned their couches and clothing with the little molluscs gems, General Vitellius financed his entire military battle with a single pearl, and Caligula graced the neck of his beloved horse (who he named as Consul) with a pearl necklace.

* The early Greeks are credited with forming the first brassieres, by wrapping ribbons of cloth 'over' their robes, that tightened around the shoulders and bodice. The women would frequently pad them with the excess folds and voila! Instant "wonder bra".

* Queen Elizabeth I owned over three thousand jewel encrusted dresses, but with no place to store them, she had a special room made with a separate hook for each garment - hence the invention of the "closet".

* The zipper, first patented in 1893, was not designed with clothes in mind but for speeding up the tedious task of buttoning shoes (aren't you glad we have shoe laces?).

* In the late 1800's, the average American woman had measurements of 36-22-40. Thanks to the corset of course (and a tapeworm perhaps?)

* In 1988, Andy Warhol's collection of bakelite baubles goes on the auction block at Sotheby's, realizing record prices and the highest sale of plastic jewelry to date!

Coconut's Corner

Bunny Picks Favorite Lenses

Every now and then Coconut the Rabbit cruises Squidoo from her wicker basket throne, seeking lenses that tickle her fancy.

Sunday Day Vintage sells an incredible array of quality vintage and designer jewelry, and an assortment of yummy fashion items.

From Hattie to Haskell, Sunny Day carries all of your jewelry favorites.

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If you're looking for that special gift, ricochet on over (heh heh) to
A Well Dressed Bullet and enjoy a fun and creative selection of firearm style gifts.

From pens to party lights, you'll find it here. And don't forget to tell 'em Coconut sent you!

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Coconut loves Norman, and you will too! Please read about this fabulous furry -- Norman, A Very Special Kitty. You'll note that Norman is quite the handsome fellow, and has a loveable personality to boot!

So stop by and visit with Norman. No extra charge for the cute kitty pix!