Vintage love: Vivian's evolution

Not on one strand are all life’s jewels strung.
 – William Morris, English artist, writer, textile designer, and socialist

Almost a year ago, I found Vivian in a shop across from Fat Apple's Restaurant in El Cerrito.

She was in the display case of the cluttered shop full of antique and vintage jewelry, furniture, home décor, and housewares, vintage-inspired clothing, and oddly enough, a floral shop within the shop. The store was closing its doors for good, and I happened to come at the right time, when the prices of items were being discounted. As I asked to see what looked to be an old, very thin lighter, I was told by the shopkeeper that women immigrating to this country often wore document holders around their neck while on ships and pulled out their paperwork when they arrived on Ellis Island. I loved the backstory, and Vivian immediately came home with me.

To read the rest of the blog post, go to The Dress at 50 or click here.