Our style guru Ellen Carey will be hosting a the show called Baubles and Bubbles at Vermillion this Thursday December 9th and Friday December 10th. Check it out if you can, it's sure to dazzle!
Dear all,
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the George Eastman House, it is a National Treasure in Rochester, New York. It houses one of the world's most important photography and film collections. Open to the public and just a stone's throw from so many geographic locations, it's worth the trip.
Wednesday nights’ event was a hit! I was joined by Julia Grieve and Nathalie Atkinson. The turn-out for our lively discussion, about fashion’s new trend, ‘upcycling’, was terrific- a full house! We focused our discussion on the creation of beautiful objects made from materials considered to have no intrinsic value. Also the idea of embellishing the "old" into new designs. There were some interesting comments and questions from the audience as well, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject!
We just received a copy of the new book, "Mrs. O". A great read! Michelle Obama's wardrobe, like the woman herself, feels both inspirational and familiar. Combining high-end labels with more affordable brands, the focus is on craftsmanship and artistry. Mrs. O has ushered in a new era of "fashion democracy". Plus, there is a healthy representation of CTVC in her wardrobe and documented in the book! To see more, visit Mary Tomer's site http://mrs-o.org/ and view the Youtube clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMINBJO0efQ
Check out this beautiful and creative arrangement of brooches Michelle Obama sported on her neckline at the 121st IOC Session at the Copenhagen Opera House on October 1st. Take Michelle's lead and try a great arrangement on your next outfit. We will be featuring some gorgeous brooches at an upcoming event at Stefanie's on October 15th. Please come by and check it out!
My dear friend Ellen Carey of Seedhouse in New York is my fashion Guru. She has predicted so many trends in fashion over the years. Sure enough, her red-hot color prediction was right on for this season, inspired by the Chanel Russian collection . That's great for Vintage Costume Jewelry, as red has always been sought after by collectors, in Bakelite, Sherman, etc. Here are some "dandies" I couldn't resist!!!
I am constantly asked who my favorite vintage designers are. I love different designers for different reasons. I must say that I cannot refuse an unusual Henry Schreiner, any Coppolo e Toppo's, and Hobe's early filigree jewels. I would love to hear who your favorite designers are and why.
Great news!!!
I was recently interviewed by Collectors Weekly.com. I am very impressed with the clarity of questioning and the accuracy of reporting, and wanted to share this with y'all!
Shhh! Don't tell anyone. But the best kept secrets in vintage collecting today, are the wonderful Bakelite era wooden brooches. I never could figure out why they haven't been recognized for the wonderful "folk art" that they are! They're the best kept secret in the industry. Prices are still affordable. And the best news is that you can still find excellent examples of them. A great book on the subject is Wooden Jewelry and Novelties by Mary Jo Izard. For some fun brooches click here.
On a recent trip overseas style icon Mrs. Obama sported a fabulous vintage papier mache flower brooch. To see some of our pins from the same series please click here.
For those of you living or visiting NY this summer, there is a terrific show at the Met. Wonderful installations of dresses worn by the top Models for Dior, Rudi Gurnreich, Yves St Laurent and Calvin Klein. It talked about the evolution of the model. A must see for all the fashionistas out there. Can't you picture Twiggy in this wonderful Judith Hendler necklace, for Courreges.
Celluloid jewelry, otherwise referred to as French Ivory, is a type of thermoplastic capable of creating countless color combinations as well as being easily pressed and stained with precision. The invention of celluloid in 1869 set the stage for the making of costume jewelry from synthetic materials. The production of these pieces was inexpensive, and done in large quantities during the depression era. If anyone knows what design houses manufactured celluloid jewelry, please share with us. We are always learning!
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As a follow up to the lovely article in June's issue of W Magazine, I wanted to share some rare pieces from my personal collection, many of which I bought from The Moss' in the early 90s. These jewels rarely appear in the marketplace in original condition these days. When buying vintage Haskell, be aware that when pieces look "to good to be true"... they usually are!!!
Who doesn't lust after humongous rings - perhaps 2 or 3 on one hand. Whether they be cocktail rings or other, these finger treasures always make us feel good! Check out our rings section, and you will see what I mean!
I would enjoy interacting with all you passionate vintage jewelry collectors and fashionistas. Please contact us @vintagecollection@caroletanenbaum.com with your requests. We look forward to hearing from you!
My extremely creative son is an avid vintage watch collector. He has developed this line of cufflinks, just in time for Father’s Day! They are made from very fine inner watch mechanisms. They range from $80-$120. I am doing a blog on them, because I cannot think of a more creative gift for the man (men) in your life. You can contact him directly @dantanenbaum@gmail.com 
Where have all those long, gorgeous show stopping earrings gone? I think they are being replaced by gorgeous show stopper cluster earrings. And CTVC has great examples. Take a look, click here. The beauties above are by Robert, Circa 1950.
Spring has finally arrived, and it's gorgeous! Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and we've got some beautiful vintage finds ripe for the picking in our new spring spotlight.
It's Spring time here in Toronto at a chilly 9 degrees, and everyone's got the blues. If you're looking to vintage for a pick me up, click here to see some blues we don't mind!
If you love vintage, please check out the HBO movie, Grey Gardens, premiering Apr 18 at 8pm. The jewelry was supplied by none other than Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection. In People Magazine this week, you can see a clear preview of our necklaces on Jessica Lange, a favorite of mine. She is wearing an emsemble of Czech necklaces from the 30's. How exciting!
If you are looking for something special for Mother's Day, you might want to consider a great name or initial pin, which always makes for a personal gift. We'd be happy to look through our collection to see if we can find the name or initials you are looking for. Or if you have an item on your wish list, just send us an email and we'd be happy to help!
I am frequently asked why I feel the Fashion World is so attracted to Vintage. It is very exciting to take an "old piece" and recycle it into new concept. It makes a sophisticated and creative fashion statement. It brings back a sense of nostalgia with a present day point of view. So throw on an aunt's brooch with your long chain necklaces, or group your grandmother's bracelets with others from more recent decades. You will be adding your own personal touch to a very cultured "now" fashion statement! For some great couture pieces, check out our newest spotlight.
It was the night of the 81st Annual Academy Awards and it might have just been the best ever! I loved how they used previous winners as presenters for the actors, and of course the fashions were fabulous. Not to mention the bling, lots of big necklaces, multiple bracelets, and long statement earrings.
In the 40s, two major costume jewelry manufacturers, Coro and Trifari, launched a line of figural brooches called jelly bellies. A major part of these highly collectible pins, often in animal form, consists of a central lucite belly. They literally stop traffic when worn. I like to group them, when I wear mine. Check out this Trifari jelly belly fly brooch. 
I recently came across this great designer who makes pieces with remarkable color gradations. To learn more about this artist, see below.
Hello! Canada Magazine hit the stands today with an amazing article on Carole and her collection. We couldn't be happier about this wonderful coverage! How great to be included in these exciting times.
As an ex patriot of the USA, I cried, I laughed and I listened with a new feeling of hope that I haven't felt for a long time, for a new beginning for America. My kids were watching me watching the inaugural day on CNN. This election renewed my patriotism once again. So I pulled out my duplicates from my personal collection. They were generally produced during and after the war to remember loved ones. I wear them to remind me of the pride I feel for this Obama Administration. A great book has been published on this topic "A Tribute to America" by Carla Ginelli Brunialti. Be sure to take a look at our new Patriotic spotlight. 
Check out page A3 of the Globe and Mail for a great article on our famous brooch, 'The Pin with Provenance'! Or click here to see the online version. Also featured in the Toronto Star, this brooch has taken on a life of its own!
The buzz at CTVC has been wild today. So much interest from the media! We will be featured in the Globe and Mail tomorrow in the style section as well as the Mrs.O Blog. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments.
We are so excited…Michelle Obama wore a Victorian brooch from the Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection at the Inauguration ceremony yesterday. The brooch took on the appearance of a necklace as she wore it close to the collar. How bold and creative of the First Lady to wear an historical brooch in keeping with theme of the day! It is not surprising to see someone with so much style and class opting for unique vintage pieces. Visit the National Post's Blog and FirstwaterNews.com for more details.
The V&A Museum have their permanent collection of jewelry on display. As with everything in that museum, their collection of jewelry is spectacular. It dates from ancient times and goes right to the present. The display is enough to make you drool. They published a catalogue that represents the scope of the collection. What a treat. I was thrilled to see a pendant by Robert Kulicke, NY, as I was given a similar one in the 70's by the artist. You never know!!!!
After seeing the Golden Globes, I am reminded of the exquisite show stoppers by Canada's own Alan Anderson. Anderson searches for unusual vintage stones and creates some of the most beautiful necklaces I've seen. Check them out in our newest spotlight! You will be the"Bell of the Ball".
A 30's curiosity. I was walking through the Palm Beach Gem Jewelry show a few years ago (just looking, of course) when I came upon this exquisite platinum, enamel and diamond Disney charm necklace. The story was that a member of the original family was gifted this for a first anniversary. I was blown away, mortgaged my house, my children, and bought it. Note the incredible detail of each charm. We'll never see another! Click here to have a look at some other great charms.
Chanel shocked the world in the 20's when she produced her iconic pot metal frog brooch, a bold departure from the tailored elegance that branded her collection. She claimed that jewelry shouldn't be made to make one look nice, it should be made to adorn. Her influence on the industry elevated the role of costume jewelry to that of major fashion accessories. Since then, every designer has used figurals as part of their oeuvres. Snakes, flowers, birds... here are a few delightful examples. Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection Blog All rights reserved © Blog Milk Powered by Blogger
