What's in a name? Vintage Trifari.

I'm always drawn to vintage pieces signed by Trifari. The pieces are well designed, beautifully made and in excellent condition. I often repurpose them into hair accessories like the one above.  They are extremely popular with my customers. 

As I learn more and more about the history of the brand it's no surprise that I'm so enamored with it. In fact I found it quite ironic that the original brand, founded by Gustavo Trifari and his uncle in 1910, made hair combs and elaborate hair accessories.

In the mid-1920s as hair styles changed and the market for hair accessories declined the company switched to manufacturing costume jewelry. They also brought on board the French jewelry designer Alfred Phillippe. Phillippe believed that costume jewelry should be as much a work of art as expensive jewelry, and brought fine jewelry making techniques to Trifari.

The techniques Phillippe used included using invisible settings, hand-setting rhinestones and using high-quality materials. Phillippe also used design techniques learned in his work for Van Cleef and Arpels, such as filigree work and 23-karat gold triple-plating that mimics the look of solid 14-karat gold.

Mamie Eisenhower in Trifari

From the 1930s the brand flourished. In fact in 1952 Mamie Eisenhower, wife of President Eisenhower, broke with tradition by asking Trifari to create costume jewelry for her to wear to the 1953 presidential inauguration. Trifari produced three triple-strand pearl choker necklace sets. One was worn by Mrs. Eisenhower, one is in the Smithsonian Institution, and the last is kept in the Trifari archives.


Trifari jewelry is highly valued today and in great demand by collectors. I always have vintage pieces in stock so please contact me if you are interested in commissioning jewelry or a hair adornment featuring vintage Trifari.

Picture Perfect. Custom Wedding Dress Hangers.

Vintage Adorned Wedding Dress Hanger

Lately I've had a lot of interest in my vintage adorned wedding dress hangers. I couldn't be more thrilled as I adore them. I think they add that little extra detail to the photos of your gown. My twist on the hanger is elegant, timeless and refined. Lately, I've been in the studio creating even more styles to choose from. (see the sneak peak below) Do you plan to have a special hanger for your wedding photos? I'd love to hear from you!

How she wore it: Vintage Rhinestone Daisy Comb

I just received this lovely photo and a note from another Love. Honor. Upcyle. bride named Libby of New South Wales, " This was the PERFECT accessory for my hair on my wedding day! I love it so much - thank you for all your assistance in getting it to me in time for the day - came just in time!"

The vintage rhinestone daisy comb.

This rhinestone comb suited her perfectly and she was a wonderful bride to work with. Her time-frame was tight and we were worlds apart (Philadelphia to New South Wales) but we pulled it off!

Sneak Peak: Garters

Sheer Elegance. Ivory Organza Garter with Vintage Pearls.

It just seems fitting that garters be added to the vintage lovelies offered by LoveHonorUpcycle.  I've been working on some designs since early January and I'm thrilled with the direction they are taking. Sophisticated, sexy and of course vintage adorned. Here is a sneak peak at one of several designs I'm launching this week. Ready to ship and Custom Designs available.

Belle of the Ball!

In case you missed it. My romantic filigree comb was featured in the Etsy Weddings newsletter yesterday. Thank you Etsy!!!

How she wore it: The Simone Comb.

This lovely was one of my favorite creations and I was so thrilled to get a note last week from Amy, the bride who wore it.  She  sent the photo below along with these kind words, "Loved it. Thank you so much, it really was perfect!"
 

If the shoe fits.

Head to toe, it's the accessories that make the girl right? Just ask Marie Antoinette. I'm considering her likeness for a Halloween costume. Speaking of Marie,  she is the inspiration for these dreamy shoes from Oxford Heaven at Etsy.

Fluttery Pink Butterflies. Ooh La La!

Love the Pearl and Pink Tassel Detail.

Velvet Roses. Pure Romance.

These shoes are ready for a high tea or a bridal shower perhaps. So frilly and full of romantic detail. Even if I'm not Marie Antoinette for Halloween I may order a pair to wear when I design my hair accessories. Who wouldn't be inspired while wearing these lovelies?

How she wore it. The Lisel Comb.

Here is one of my beautiful brides, Jill, wearing the Lisel comb.  Doesn't she look gorgeous? I am so honored that she chose one of my lovely creations.

The Lisel comb.

Fabulous!

 

Best Dressed> Joan Shum.

Swoon! This lovely and amazing wedding dress by Joan Shum was found at Etsy:

The best part, it is made of separates. I would totally wear the corset/off the shoulder bodice top again. This dress has inspired me with a few new ideas for some hair combs and jewelry. In fact,  I think it would look great paired with the Caroline comb below:

This & That> A Little Romance.

There's nothing like a few pops of lace to add a touch of vintage romance.

This:

Victoria Comb (Love. Honor. Upcycle.)

With This:

Jessica Garter (JL Weddings)

And That:

Ring Pillow (Grace Art and Antiques)

This & That> A Peacock Wedding.

Today I'm aflutter with color, especially the rich blues and greens seen in the peacock wedding themes at Etsy.  My peacock inspired creation is this vivid pair of blue and green crystal hair pins re-purposed from vintage signed Laguna baubles.  I've paired the pins below with a little "This & That" to make a perfect bridesmaid gift.

This>

Laguna Peacock Hair Pins (Love. Honor. Upcycle.)

  

And This>

Silk Clutch. (Ellen Vintage)

and That>

Thank You Note. (The Original Pear)

Pinned.

Martha Stewart Weddings once featured boutonnieres pinned with handmade beaded corsage pins.  I loved the idea and wanted something similar for my wedding. Unfortunately time got the best of me and I never ended up making them, until today.

 I made these for one of my dear friends who is making her own bouquet as well as her groom's boutonniere. I think these pins adorned with vintage pearls and swarovski crystals will be the perfect touch to her white floral theme. She can use one for the groom and the others to fasten the ribbon around the stems of her lovely white roses. I'm so enamored with the result I may add them to my Etsy store. Do you agree?

Craftabulous!

Etsy Craft Night Philly was fantastic. It was set in an amazing and inspiring loft space thanks to our wonderful hosts at The Midwives Collective and Gallery. The open crafting was casual and full of easy going conversation and yummy treats (a.k.a the best chocolate chip cookies). In between meeting wonderful new people I managed to rubber stamp some thank you notes for my Etsy packaging while others others were busy with embroidery, clay, porcelain painting and card making. It was a lively group and I knew I was among kindred spirits when we all cheered over a coveted pair of scissors won as a door prize. All the door prizes were wonderful and included everything from craft supplies to vintage goods. I was the lucky recipient of a darling zipper pouch from a fellow Etsy seller Crispy Creations who lives up to his tag line "Boys Sew Too!". Thank you Chris! The night was such a success it looks like we may make it a recurring event. Cheers, count me in!