Florals for Spring...Groundbreaking

As Miranda Priestly notoriously said in the 2006 movie, The Devil Wears Prada, "Florals for Spring isn't the most ground breaking idea". Every year when spring come, flowers appear everywhere! Whether they're in your garden or in your favorite store or closet, flowers are unavoidable. As basic as this trend for spring is, I do enjoy my fair share of floral print. Who wouldn't be excited over an okra flower print romper?! Scroll through and see the Cavortress take on this seasonal trend!

1960's Cotton Saks Fifth Avenue Dress:$88.00

1960's Printed Dress: $62.00

1980's Rayon Floral Jumpsuit: $32.00

1960's Pucci Silk Maxi: $850.00

1940's Matching Needlework Change Purse: $34.00

1980's Beaded Flower Purse: $48.00

1960's Resin Floral & Glitter Ring: $22.00

Tis the Season of Festivals!

As Winter comes to an end and Spring right around the corner, music festivals all over the U.S.A. are coming up. Whether its Firefly, Bonnaroo, or Electric Forest, your festival outfit should always be killer. Music festivals give people the chance to experiment with different  looks that they wouldn't be able to try in their everyday life. However, when choosing your festival outfit one must take in consideration of the weather! Music festival are all day, outdoor events and a patron should be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at them. For example, an all leather outfit at Bonnaroo, where it is very hot, humid, and has no shade, would be a big no no.
 Here some tips for deciding what to wear:

• Closed toed shoes should be an absolute must (you're feet are going to get stepped on like crazy).
•  However, if you decide to wear open toed sandals, make sure they are strapped on to your feet! Spending the whole day only wearing one shoe would be a total drag!
•  Have an eye catching purse or fanny pack, to put your essentials in (phone, money, keys & etc.).
•  Have a pair of fun sunglasses; this can pull your whole outfit together and you won't be blinded by sunlight or have to wear eye makeup.
•  Wear clothes that are easy to jump and dance in! Concerts are no fun if you're standing around; dance like nobody is watching!
•  Don't be afraid of accessories! Stack on some tribal bracelets or wear a gold necklace.

    
Thai Spike Bracelet: $48

 

Turquoise Jewelry:*prices vary check website*

            

Leather Halter Top:$42

                       

 

Silver Shorts:$68

                    

Black & White Sunglasses: $23

      

Floral Sunglasses: $42

 

Vintage Asics Sneakers: $38

                      

Leather Fringe Dead Stock Messenger Bag: $48

Real Flowers Die - Valentine's Day Gift Guide

For centuries, flowers have symbolized fertility, love, marriage, and romance.  The Victorian Era ushered in a time of proper etiquette among the upper class in England during Queen Victoria’s reign (1837-1901). Among the many rules and customs, there were expected behaviors that prohibited outright flirtations, questions, or conversations between others.  Soon it became popular to use flowers to send secretive messages. Flowers were often utilized to relay positive messages of interest, affection and love.  Flowers could also send a negative message and at times, the same flower could have opposite meanings depending on how it was arranged or delivered.  Years ago, it was possible to have an entire conversation using only floral bouquets to pass on non-verbal messages.

A few years back when I was working on my Masters at Canisius, a gentleman and I were just getting to know each other.  By Valentine's Day we had accomplished two successful dates and a number of enjoyable phone conversations. He asked me out to dinner on Valentine's Day at The Left Bank and arrived at the door with a bouquet that was absolutely stunning. Presented with lace ferns were:  white lilies, asters, gardenias and Shasta daisies, lavender gladiolas and snapdragons, red poppies, light pink double cabbage roses and (the clincher) a red trillium. He knew I was raised as a student of both domestic and native WNY horticulture.  Needless to say, I was both speechless and impressed.  His sister informed me that he had gone to the library to research and procure an entire bouquet of flowers where each bloom and color had meaning.   February in Buffalo, NY rendered the death of these pretties less than 2 weeks later.  The bouquet was accompanied by Turkish delight chocolates (made with rose jelly) and a bottle of Stoli Vanil. 'Because chocolate is customary and in case you didn't like chocolate,' he said.  This guy covered EVERY base, but didn't have to break the bank on a bouquet. I definitely  LOVED it but kind of felt bad. Gladiolas in February for Valentine's Day in Buffalo? I can't imagine what that cost!  Even though I know the red trillium came from his grandmother's sun room (making it a possible impossibility AND hands down, priceless); lets face it- flowers are a tremendously more expensive near Valentine's Day than any other time of the year.


Here are some unique ways to give flowers that won't die:

1.  Floral Accessories
Vintage 1940s Needlework Change Purses $32:

Rose Gold Rose Thorn Earrings by Beth Coiner $125: 



 Thai Tribal Lotus Flower Cuff Bracelet $46:


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2.  Floral Literature/Epherma:

Farmer's Almanac $9.99/year



Vintage 1909 German Lithograph of French Floral Upholstery Design $28
 

Encyclopedia of Roses:  $29.95 on Amazon


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Floral Clothing:

Betsey Johnson Rose Dress:  $128



Dolce & Gabbana Carnation Print Dress:  $2545



Vintage 1990s Silk Floral Burnout Velvet Dress:  $88 

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4.  Floral Scents:

Cool Water's Sea Rose  $29

Tom Ford's Violet Blonde:  $70





Bond NYC's Chelsea Flowers:  $280

Looking Back on Counterpoint- view from a Cavortress intern

As a Cavortress intern I have been fortunate enough to take part in various fabulous events!  My name is Meghan Bowes and  I am a Senior at the College of Charleston.  One of my favorite experiences thus far has been attending Counterpoint music festival.  Cavortress headed to Atlanta, Georgia September 27-29.  There we were a part of  3 days of house, dub, and electronic madness with artists such as Skrillex, Pretty Lights, Lotus, and so many more! As venders we had full access to the VIP sections putting us front row for the shows and kicking it in the lavish VIP tent.

Julie and I hitting up the VIP tent

Cavortress was vending 24/7 rocking the hot pink Cavortress tent filled with crazy fabulous vintage everything!  Despite a minor setback from a whirlwind storm, the trip was a total success. Luckily we were able to keep the inventory dry and were back in action in no time.  We gave the Counterpoint fans the vintage they needed to top off their crazy outfits!

Vintage Cavortress belts! Just some of the great stuff we were selling. 

Check out some of the pictures I managed to capture during the mayhem that was Counterpoint...

A view of the crowd from the front row during pretty lights! Check out all those totems 

Word on the street is Cavortress is heading to New Orleans for Voodoo next!!
Check back to learn more about our Halloween festivities!

My Vintage Collection on Etsy!

1. Early 1990's Red Leather Flats: Super comfortable Vintage Sam & Libby flats!  Genuine leather, manmade sole, and made in Brazil. 

2. 1950/60's Ivory Lace Cutwork Blouse:  This unique and fabulous 100% silk blouse has exquisite detailing and is in impeccable condition! It has handmade silk frog closures, covered buttons on cuffs, and delicate scalloping on cuffs.

3.  Early 1990's Dolce & Gabbana Floral Bustier Dress: This adorable sundress has the classic fitted, tailored, and flattering Dolce and Gabbana style.  Features include wire cupped bust, boning on sides, side zipper, and adjustable straps. Yellow hydrangeas and cabbage roses on print.

4.  1960's Venetian Lace Raw Silk Light Pink Dress: This 100% raw silk dress is lined with linen to keep its structured shape.  It is hand tailored and exceptionally made with its flattering princess seaming at the front and back and delicate venetian lace down the front.  

5. 1950's Red Velvet Cocktail Hat:  Spice up your wardrobe with this funky yet classic piece!  The cocktail hat has French veil netting and decorative bows on both sides. Also in excellent condition! 

6.  Early 1980's Fine Cotton Weave Pink Blouse: For your everyday try out this loose fitting, lightweight, feminine blouse.  This Linnay piece has two functional pockets on the breasts, cap sleeves, and a slight shirt tail hem. 

For more details on the items above and to view a larger selection from my vintage collection check out Cavortress on Etsy!   Purchase your favorites while they're still available and check back to catch the latest items before they're gone!!