Once upon a time in a kingdom called Tejas there lived a queen called Rita. Now Queen Rita was not a benevolent ruler. Oh no, not Queen Rita. The rule in her kingdom was what's yours is mine and what's mine is mine.

Now recently in the kingdom of Tejas Queen Rita cruelly sold the Marx Disneykins Castle display right out from under it's inhabitants. In addition, Queen Rita also sold into slavery some of the inhabitants of the Marx Disney Castle as well. The castle and its inhabitants were shipped to another kingdom called the Dukedom.




Just when the inhabitants of the kingdom of Tejas thought it couldn't get any worse Queen Rita struck again. "Bwa ha ha ha", she cackled. She decided that she had recouped so much of her gambling debts by selling the Marx Disneykins Castle display and its inhabitants that maybe, just maybe she could make some more ill gotten gains by selling the rest of the inhabitants of that castle. So in her most wicked way Queen Rita put up for sale to the highest bidder the rest of the Marx Disneykins.

The Marx Disneykins are hoping against hope that someone will buy them and reunite them with the rest of their loved ones. Where might you find this dastardly listing? Well right here of course!


Marx Disneykins 1st Series Candy Boxes Set
of 34 + 10

It was a long hard trek to Paris to see his sister. Through the Pyrenees he hiked and since he was a naturalist and a nudist to boot all he wore was his hat and what a hat it was. He trekked through Bordeaux where he sampled some of the best wine he had ever had. Along the way he sampled the wine and cheese of the different regions he trekked through. It was pretty much the same reaction where ever he hiked. "Did you see the nude wild mountain man with the fur hat on his head? Sacrebleu what a wonderful hat!"

Once arriving on the outskirts of Paris he was picked up by the local police. They provided him with a lovely green sweater to wear in the cold jail cell. There he was interrogated an entire day and long into the night but still he would not divulge the information they all lusted after, where he had bought the hat.

Finally admitting defeat the police released him to his sister and they went home to her chateau. After a fine dinner of poisson frit et frites and a glass of white wine his sister asked him, "So Pierre, where did you get that luscious hat?" And Pierre replied, "I got it on Ebay."


Issey Miyake Men Mongolian-inspired faux fur hat to XL

Today I'd like to introduce you to the two newest vintage sellers on Specialist Auction. They are Wyoming Vintage and Wyo Gems Vintage. Now these fine sellers are both from the state of Wyoming and can and will ship their items together so don't forget to check both their shops out! We're featuring holiday party wear so get a gander at what they have available.

Wyoming Vintage has this

20's NAVY CREPE PINTUCK BUBBLE HIP
COFFIN PLEAT DRESS S


and this


VINTAGE 60s SILK BROCADE
ORIENTAL BOMBSHELL DRESS S

and so much more!

Wyo Gems Vintage has this

40s BLACK CREPE BOMBSHELL
HOLIDAY PARTY DRESS SWING S


and this

VINTAGE GREEN 50s PARTY
DRESS CIRCLE SKIRT XS petite

and so much more as well!

So check out our newest sellers and all the other vintage fashionistas at Specialist Auctions. If we don't have what you're looking for you don't need it!

I promised a preview of menswear from Specialist Auctions today, however, things are being re-arranged there to make the hunt for mens clothing easier so I'm going to wait until that's finished and ready to roll.

So today I'm going to blog about what I'm thankful for. Now in the day to day trials and tribulations I sometimes think "I just hate what's happening here."

However, after some time passes I come to realize that things happen for a reason. The reason isn't always (okay rarely) clear at the time. But somewhere down the road it becomes very apparent why I've had to go through some particular hard time.

So here is my list of what I'm thankful for:

A loving husband and two great daughters (okay, so they do drive me pretty crazy on occasion but aren't they supposed to?).

A supportive family including brothers and sister, in-laws, grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. They may not get my obsession with vintage clothing but they are supportive of me doing something I love (thanks Aunt Louise for letting me use your picture!).

Being able to run my own business my own way and actually make a living from it. It's a challenge to come up with new ideas but it keeps my mind sharp and there's a lot to be said for that.

My customers because when they are happy I am happy.

My colleagues at the DPC and Vintage Fashion Guild because they truly understand and share my interest in vintage clothing and many other things.

Most of all I am thankful for my parents. Without them I would not be what I am today. They are both gone now but will live on in me and my children and generations to come. There is not a day that goes by that I don't miss my mom and dad. However, I know they are together watching over me and occasionally giving me a thump in the back of my head when I need it. Without them none of the things listed above would have ever happened.

Everyone have a joyous Thanksgiving and a safe trip if you are traveling!

Check out more of the best in evening and party wear from our vintage shops at Specialist Auctions!

Our featured vintage sellers today are: Wyoming Vintage, Alley Cats Vintage, Bodaciously Yours Vintage, Artizania and Born Too Late Vintage!



VINTAGE 50s 60s FUN GOLD METALLIC SILK BROCADE DRESS S



VINTAGE 80s BLACK VELVET HOLIDAY COCKTAIL DRESS 8/S



Vintage 40s Designer Fred Perlberg Satin Gown



Vintage 70s Floating Chiffon Ruby Cocktail Dress



VINTAGE 80s CREAM POLY DISCO MAXI DRESS XXL TALL



VINTAGE 30s BROCADE COTTON & SILK GOWN, MINT M B36



40s peplum cocktail dress with faux lace B 36"



80s Hanae Mori velvet & satin tulip dress B34"



Vintage 1980s Sexy Gold Pleated Gown XXXL B 60 W 60 H 64



Vintage 1960s Red Rose Brocade Gown B 28 XS



Come back again soon as we feature menswear both vintage and modern. So whatever type of attire you're looking for come check out

Now Specialist Auctions Clothing section is not just about vintage clothing. The modern side can certainly hold their own with what is being offered elsewhere. Today we're promoting the sellers Gorgeous Me, Mirror Image Boutique (a branch of Born Too Late Vintage), and Artizania. One of the nice things about these sellers is that they have plus size items available as well as other sizes.


Gorgeous 100% Silk Butterfly Dress/With Silk Wrap


Sexy Chiffon Evening Dress/and Tennis bracelet



Frank Usher chic draped black cocktail dress B 34



Frank Usher sequinned blue halter neck dress B 36



Pink & Copper Metallic 3 piece Party Ensemble Plus Size 2X



Cocktail Dress Size 8Adrianna Papell Blue Silk Sequin&Bead


Come back again soon as we feature more vintage party and holiday attire from our other sellers! So whatever type of party or holiday attire you're looking for come check out

Check out the best in evening and party wear from our vintage shops at Specialist Auctions!

Our featured vintage sellers today are: MK Hopkins of Vintage Vineyard, Miss Jayne Vintage Fashion, MojoGeno Vintage and Bodaciously Yours Vintage!



Vintage 80s Red Silk Off
Shoulder Formal Dress




1950s Lace/Tulle Halter
Neck Prom Dress




Vtg Sweeping Psychedelic Paisley 1960s
Maxi Dress




Liancarlo Silk Bubble Dress S B 34 Tall


Come back again soon as we feature more vintage party and holiday attire from our other sellers! So whatever type of party or holiday attire you're looking for come check out

Let's talk holiday parties. Some people just don't understand the importance of having that killer outfit to wear. Let's face it. Not everyone looks good in the same thing. With that in mind Born Too Late Vintage and Mirror Image Boutique bring to you the best in holiday wear both large and small. So without further ado here's to party wear past and present!

Vintage 1960s Blue & Silver Brocade Gown B 34


Pink & Copper Metallic 3 piece Party Ensemble Plus Size 2X


Vintage 1970s Saks 5th Avenue Cream Lace Gown B34


Sexy Black Beaded Lawrence Kazar Rayon Dress Plus Size 3X


Vintage 1980s Sexy Brown & Copper Glitter Gown 14


Sexy Black Copper Bronze Sequin Sheath Plus Sz 1X


This is just a very small selection of what we have available vintage and modern so come on over and check out what's new at Born Too Late Vintage and Mirror Image Boutique!

Today is the fourth and final installment of our interview with Jenifer Klier, grand niece of Helen Bond Carruthers. I again want to thank all the Carruthers and Klier family members for their generosity in accepting our request for an interview. It has been a delight!

In closing our series of interviews Jenifer stated, “The other thing I would like to say is that, while I have come to realize that Auntie was a very savvy businesswoman and extremely busy most of the time, she always had time for my sisters and I. She never had any children of her own, but no grandmother could have been more devoted to us. We spent may a day (and night) at that house, and she would read to us, tell us wonderful stories about when our dad was little, and scratch our backs until we fell asleep. If she was sick for very long before she died, I was unaware of it. To me, it seemed to happen almost overnight; she appeared to be her strong, dynamic self right up until the end. I was devastated.” (Mrs. Bond Carruthers passed away in the summer of 1970). Jenifer stated, "As for the sweaters, again I am not really sure, but I don’t believe she ever stopped—although towards the end she was in more of a supervisory capacity."

In closing Jenifer and her family have graciously provided family photos to share with those interested in her Aunt Helen. Jenifer has provided the information of who is in each picture. The pictures span quite a bit of time so for ease of viewing we have listed them in chronological order as best we can.



















This is a picture of Bolivar and Helen Dean Bond, with their first three children (from eldest to youngest): Helen Thomas Bond (Auntie), James Edward Bond (“Jim Ed,” my grandfather), and Uriah George Bond (“Doc”). Auntie was born Nov. 15, 1894; Granddaddy Feb. 16, 1895; Uncle Doc Mar. 21, 1896 or ’97). My Aunt Jesse was not born until Nov. 3, 1911—so there is not a family picture of all of them.




















Helen Thomas Bond Carruthers—this is one of my favorite pictures of Auntie.





















Jesse Lillard Bond Boulton (Helen's sister)at the Derby—note the hat; it made the paper.





















Helen Bond Carruthers and Roy Carruthers on their honeymoon.















Helen Bond Carruthers at unknown racetrack, presenting prize to Willie Shoemaker (very famous jockey).



















One of the many birthday parties I had at the Bond House—on my left is Auntie, on my right is my paternal grandmother, Henrietta Blackburn.



















Auntie with my sisters and I. That was her chair. She, Granddaddy and Jetti always sat in the same chairs.


Again I want to thank the Carruthers and Klier families for sharing Helen with us. This is my favorite picture of Helen Bond Carruthers.

Today in our third segment we are continuing our chat with Jenifer Klier, great niece of Helen Bond Carruthers about just how her great aunt actually produced her beautiful sweaters.

One thing in particular that I wanted to ask Jenifer about was where her Aunt Helen got her piano shawls. The crewelwork from these shawls was used to embellish the sweaters that Mrs. Carruthers made.

Jenifer answered, “None of us have any idea if any of the embroidery came from piano shawls. We really never saw them before the embroidery was removed. My dad thinks that a lot of the shawls come from a warehouse in Louisville which was purchased by my aunt before she ever started the sweater business. He seems to think that she discovered all of these shawls and then had to come up with an idea for using them. I don’t know if this helps, but I know I never saw one on a piano.”

Jenifer did ask if I would be interested in the process of making the sweaters and of course I said I would be, as I imagine anyone reading this would be.

Jenifer said, “#1. Constructing the sweaters is best described in two parts:
A) The embroidery.

This primarily came from silk shawls, but also from old-fashioned lace curtains and the like. They placed iron-on backing on the wrong side and then trimmed out the designs intended for use on the sweaters. This was a fairly tedious process, and everyone who could use a pair of scissors helped. I was even allowed to do this after a certain age. The cut out designs were placed on square, divided paper plates, and it was not unusual to see paper plates with embroidery pieces and pairs of tiny embroidery scissors lying all around the house. Any time someone had a few minutes to spare, they would trim embroidery. I don’t know if you can still get those scissors, but I still have a pair (there were originally hundreds) and will include a picture when I get to that point.

B) The sweaters.

As I have previously mentioned, these came from Bergdorf Goodman, and arrived without any ornamentation whatsoever, except for plain, matching buttons. The sleeves were shortened, and the ribbing around the bottom of the sweater was removed and replaced with grosgrain ribbon, which was turned up into the hem. Over this they placed her label. The embroidery (prepared as described above) was then applied to the front, back and sleeves. Originally, Auntie was the only one who did this, but later on there were at least two other ladies employed by her to do this as well. However, all their designs had to be approved by her. Once the design was approved it was pinned on, also a very tedious task, as you might suppose. After this the embroidery was sewn on by hand. The sweater was then lined with chiffon, and the buttons were changed. I remember a large cabinet full of tiny drawers, each holding different kinds of exotic buttons. There must have been hundreds of those drawers. The other thing I remember there being hundreds of were boxes of thread. Each box held maybe a dozen spools of the same color; but there was every possible shade of every possible color in the known spectrum. It was amazing.

Basically, that’s the process as best I remember it. I confirmed this with my Mom. At the time I was a school-aged child (roughly mid to late sixties), the sweater were selling for $150 each, which was incredibly expensive at that time, believe it or not."


When I asked Jenifer where her aunt came up with her design ideas Jenifer stated, “I honestly do not know where she got the ideas or themes. I wish I could tell you. There is probably no one alive now who could. My dad certainly has no idea.”


In talking with Jenifer I asked if her Aunt Helen had employees that assisted in the making of the sweaters. Jenifer said, “None of us are really sure exactly when she began hiring people to help her. I do know that there was a fire in 1954 or 1955 that damaged most of the third floor of the house, which was primarily being used for her business, and all that had to be restored. When I was a child (I was born in 1958) I can recall at least six women who worked on the third floor full-time. These women were primarily seamstresses who hemmed, sewed in linings and labels, changed buttons, sewed on embroidery and such. Also, the lady who ironed the backing onto the embroidery worked up there. Obviously, a large part of this work involved sewing by hand, but there was also quite a bit of machine work going on. There may have been as many as eight black Singer sewing machines up there. Most of the clothes we wore in those days were made by those ladies, and we used to “hang out” up there, and actually became quite close to many of them. They taught me to sew, and I have made many garments for myself and my daughter over the years. There were also several other women in the community who would work from home. They would pick up a sweater that had embroidery pinned on it, take it home and sew it on (all by hand, of course). My mom tells me they were paid ten dollars per sweater for this work.

As to the other employees I remember, there were two ladies who did designing and pinning (all approved by Auntie). This work was done on the second floor, in my grandfather’s bedroom. He didn’t seem to mind; he really didn’t spend much time there—he had his own real estate business and was very active in the community; I seem to remember he served as a judge part-time. (This was “Jim Ed” Bond, Auntie’s brother. Her other brother, “Doc” Bond, was a famous horse auctioneer—he even did a Corn Flakes commercial!) As I have already mentioned, Auntie had a secretary to help her run the business. She had her own office on the second floor. I remember watching her take shorthand while my aunt dictated many a letter. I was fascinated!”

In closing this installment we have pictures Jenifer has provided for our viewing pleasure. We have pictures of another gorgeous sweater, tools of Mrs. Carruthers' trade, Mrs. Carruthers herself and of one very famous Hollywood legend, Elizabeth Taylor, sporting one of her ten Helen Bond Carruthers creations.



Helen Bond Carruthers



















Tools of Helen Bond Carruthers trade
















Elizabeth Taylor wearing one of her ten Helen Bond Carruthers sweaters (picture from the October 24, 1954 issue of the NY Sunday News)

Today I'd like to introduce you to my other love. No not DH, although he is a wonderful fellow. My other love is well made contemporary clothing. Having two daughters, my husband and myself to shop for I'm always on the lookout for the best that I can find for the least amount of my money.

I'm always keeping an eye open for that contemporary item that in the not too distant future will be considered a keeper as a vintage item. The trick is to find items made of excellent fabric, great construction and attention to the details.

For over a year now I've been offering items from designers such as Christian Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo, Oleg Cassini, Liz Claiborne, Rena Lange and Donna Ricci. I've also offered items from companies such as L.L. Bean, etc. However, those items have been languishing alone and unappreciated.

So I'm combining my stores Born Too Late Vintage and Mirror Image Boutique to offer you the best of vintage clothing and accessories from the past and also to offer you the best of the vintage of the future.

So come check out what we have to offer both past and present. You'll be glad you did.

Today we are continuing to explore the life and times of Helen Bond Carruthers with her grand niece, Jenifer Klier. So onto the second of our interviews!

Viviene: Did your aunt make the entire sweater herself (i.e. knit or crochet them) or did she purchase sweaters and then apply all the embroidery, appliqué work and beading?

Jenifer: No, she did not knit them herself. She purchased the un-embellished cashmere sweaters, if I am not mistaken, from a company named Bergdorf Goodman in a variety of colors. After the designs were applied (which was a multi-step process) she added a lining and her label, and changed the buttons. They also shortened the sleeves before applying the design. I can still see the vast amounts of boxes of sweaters, thread, fabric, buttons (of incredible variety of size, shape and color).

Viviene: Do you have sweaters your aunt made for you and if so would you be willing to share the story behind them and also photographs of them as well?

Jenifer: Yes, I do have six of her sweaters, but she did not make them for me, as I was only a child when she died. In fact, by the time I came along, she was more of an “overseer” of the whole thing than an actual designer. I have no doubt that any sweater made it past the design stage without her approval, but she did have several employees at that point to do the actual work (whom she personally trained, of course). I am a relative technophobe, so I’ve enlisted the help of my daughter (Kelly, age 22) in getting some digital photos to you.

Viviene: Knowing that your aunt started out making her sweaters as a hobby, did she ever feel pressured once the sweater making turned into a business for her?

Jenifer: As I mentioned in the beginning, by the time I came along Auntie’s business was well-established and she had a large staff, including a secretary, to assist her, and I was a child and would probably not have picked up on the more subtle nuances of running a business. My memories of her are of a happy, confident woman who was devoted to her family and community. My fondest memories of her are of her reading to us or scratching our back for “hours” on end, telling us stories about when our dad was little or when we were little, or designing beautiful dresses for her seamstresses to make for us (unfortunately, all three alike). She was an incredibly talented and dynamic woman, who made a name for herself in the days before it was “acceptable” for women to do that, and I still miss her, even though I am almost fifty years old—she was an extraordinary influence on my life in many ways.

Viviene: Your aunt traveled and did trunk shows. Were you ever able to accompany her on any of these trips?

Jenifer: Sorry, I think she had probably stopped doing that by the time I was around. My mom did find a few things, but no trunk show announcements. She did say that the shows were almost always associated with racetrack meets (all over the country). As you probably know, the tracks are only open for (live) racing for a few weeks out of every year, with the times depending upon what part of the country they are in. For example: Keeneland and Churchill Downs, here in Kentucky both have meets in the spring and in the fall (not concurrently, but one after the other), whereas Belmont Park in NY meets in June (and maybe another time—I’m no racing expert). I’m sure places like Hialeah, in Miami, are open in the winter.

Viviene: Did any of your family members apprentice with your aunt to learn how she made her sweaters?

Jenifer: Sadly, no, none of us were old enough to appreciate the legacy she left us at the time…although I believe my daughter has the passion and talent to carry on Auntie’s work, she never saw anything except some vintage sweaters…which she adores and has worn, by the way…

Viviene: Did anyone other than a family member ever apprentice with your aunt and then go out on their own to make custom sweaters.

Jenifer: I don’t believe there is anyone alive who worked with her.


So in closing this installment of our interviews we’d like to again share another beautiful sweater that Jenifer has inherited made by her grand aunt. Keep checking for our continuing blog about Helen Bond Carruthers.