September 26, 2016

Meet Karen LaPorte: Driven businesswoman, talented crafter, and big time vintage lingerie fan


Interestingly, the person - a long-time member of our online community - that I'd originally thought I'd be interviewing for September's edition of Meet a Fellow Vintage Blogger very recently opted to retire from vintage blogging and also from wearing yesteryear styles on a regular basis.

Much like the seasons themselves, people and their interest change and while I will sincerely miss this individual's presence in our midst, I'm happy that she has a clear vision of where she wants to take her wardrobe, blogging and life in general going forward from here, and wish her nothing but the best on all fronts.

It would have been a lot of fun to chat with that person, but it is every single bit as much so to sit down and have an awesome public tête-à-tête with none other than the very sweet, very talented Karen LaPorte (pictured below) from the engaging vintage blog Bobbins & Bombshells, which has been online for an impressive eight years now.




In addition to her blog, Karen also runs a beautiful Etsy shop, which she stocks not only with covetable vintage items, but also with her own line of handmade products, such as the darling hand crocheted fingerless gloves that I featured in an outfit post here last winter.

Karen is a great lady. I've had the pleasure of knowing her through her blog for many years now and, in more recent times, we've developed a lovely online friendship along the way.

Smart, motivated, creative, caring, warmhearted, and a pleasure to interact with, this terrific lady was kind enough to step in on a moment's notice and be this month's Vintage Blogger interviewee.

I'm thrilled that she was keen to do so and am equally excited that she wanted to share so much about herself and her interests here with all of you. I just know you'll adore Karen - as well as her blog and Etsy shop - as much as I do!

Read on to hear more about Karen overcame a serious injury to keep her love of crafting alive, what old school lingerie items she thinks need to make a major comeback, her passion for yoga, and so much more!


Thank you very much for chatting with us here today, Karen. For those who may not have encountered your terrific blog, Bobbins & Bombshells before, can you please tell us a bit about when it started, the story behind its name, and some of the topics that it covers?

It's my pleasure! Thanks for having me! There's a bit of history related to how I started my blog. I owned a brick and mortar boutique in Brooklyn called Ouvrez La Porte from 2003 - 2008. I sold handmade factory-free indie designer lines, including my own with the same name of the shop, and vintage items.

Prior to that I worked on Seventh Avenue. I always loved the craft of fashion and became a little discouraged when production started heavily leaving NYC and going overseas. Fashion was going in a faster direction and designers started having to compete with H&M and Forever 21 etc.

As a designer (I earned my BFA in Fashion Design from Parsons), naturally I wanted my own line, but I also wanted a place to sell to and soon became connected with other designers from around the country who were like-minded on this front. It was - and still is - a great community and I was happy to have a place where they could sell their wares.

When I closed my shop in 2008, my blog was born, as I couldn't entirely let go. Bobbins refers to Handmade or the craft of fashion and Bombshells refers to Vintage such as Hollywood starlets and pinups. I wanted to stay in that community and stay connected with slow fashion and vintage.

A whole blogging world opened up for me as I met even more creative and vintage inspiring individuals. Topics included Fashion History- which I'm still crazy about, Retro Looks in the Modern World, My Projects- where I share my sewing and knitting projects, Shop News, Inspirations, and more!





You mesh crafting with vintage and your deeply rooted passion for yesteryear underpinnings. Did this engaging mix come about organically or was there a conscious decision to make each of those elements a part of your blog?

It's very organic, I can't even imagine anything else. If I look back to my childhood I was always crafting. I grew up in Maine and spent many winter days and nights doing some sort of craft or another by the wood stove. I also grew up in hand-me-downs from my older sisters and hand knit mittens and hats that my mom would make us.

It was the 70s and my mother was very resourceful. As a teen, I discovered real vintage clothing. Both of my grandmothers passed away in my teenage years and I remember getting bits of costume jewelry and old photographs that they had owned. This had a huge impact on me. I was a very sentimental child and loved looking at what people wore or did in the past.

My mom also introduced me to old movies, she loved Hitchcock. I devoured the fashion while watching those movies with her. Me and one of my sisters would save our babysitting money and buy vintage clothing when we could. We reveled in dressing unique and having things you couldn't find at the mall.

In my designer days, after college, I was always inspired by lingerie, especially vintage lingerie. The trims, the laces, the attention to detail gets me every time. With modern manufacturing you can't recreate some of the details that were available then, at least not a price point that can come even close to affordable! So buying vintage was my ticket to not only that workmanship but also a unique piece. This really directed my style. None of this has changed for me.




On top of blogging, you also extend your love of vintage in the online world to your wonderful Etsy shop (also called Bobbins and Bombshells). What inspired you to launch B&B on Etsy?

Thank you. Yes, well it didn't start out as Bobbins and Bombshells on Etsy. At first I opened The Sparkling Cocktail in 2008. After I closed my bricks and mortar shop, I had merchandise to move from my line, which was mostly silk charmeuse and lace (see the lingerie influence!) cocktail party wear! I also sold some trims and notions, things of that nature.

As well, I started to make handmade bridal garters because I had so much lace trim and elastic left over. Bridal accessories are really fun to make and didn't take up a lot of space in my tiny NYC apartment. So that store was handmade oriented.

I also opened another Etsy shop called Femme Fatale Vintage, where I sold some vintage merchandise that I had. Even though I had a B&M store combining both, I didn't think about combining both on Etsy - as so few people did, or do, save for re-fashioners.

I had two Etsy shops, which for me was hard to run. A year later in late 2009, I had a horrible accident and injured my right hand severely. I was in occupational therapy for a year to gain the use of my hand back. Needless to say, my Etsy shops sat there for awhile.

After I recovered, I had to get a job with a salary to make up for being out of work for a year. I got a job managing a lingerie store in Manhattan and as a result Etsy and my blog became a hobby. Not having a lot of time, I put more energy into my blog.

A bit over a year ago, I got the itch to put more energy into the shop side of things again. I had already closed Femme Fatale Vintage and put some of the leftover vintage items in The Sparkling Cocktail. I then decided to change the name of the store to match the blog, because it really sums up what I'm about.

I created my website Bobbinsandbombshells.com and moved the blog over from the Blogger platform so that everything would be all together. Even though I was working full time crazy hours - now as the Regional Manager at that lingerie company, I knew I had to get back to my core.

That is how Bobbins and Bombshells launched on Etsy. I'm a firm believer in not giving up and directing your energy where you want it to come back to you. You never know what that road will look like, but I'm still connected to what makes me happiest!




You are such a strong, resilient woman who has done amazingly in the face of dealing with such a challenging injury. As you’ve been there (on Etsy) for a while now, what have you found to be some of the most surprising things about being a part of a big community marketplace site like that?


I absolutely love being in this community. When I had my boutique, Etsy wasn't a "thing" yet - or it was in it's early "felt years". Now, it's filled with so much inspiration and the very thing I loved being connected to when I had my store. I've sold great things to great people.

I can also really focus on my store, as I don't have to worry about servers and too much tech stuff. It's been wonderful to see the handmade and vintage world grow! Etsy even has a wholesale division now. That would have been a dream for me when I was a Brooklyn store owner!


Looking back, is there anything you wish you would have done differently with your Etsy shop?

I wish I kept my true vision at the start and combined things like I do now in it's Bobbins and Bombshells reincarnation. But sometimes you have to try many paths to find the one you were on all along. Sometimes, I find myself wondering if I should, say, open another store just for my handmade knits, and then I tell myself to be quiet. I'd rather have one store with twenty things in it, then two with ten a piece in them.

I'd also rather have my store reflect myself. I don't only live in vintage, I love quality handmade items too. Why can't we get that in one shop? In the blogging world, it is not as divided as it can be on Etsy. Most of my vintage blogging/wearing friends sew and knit!


Any advice you’d like to share with those who may be looking to combine both handmade items and genuine vintage finds in their own online shop?


Go for it! Share your passions! The one thing I think people confuse the most is assuming that the vintage is re-worked or re-fashioned. So be clear about what you are selling. I'm not into refashioning vintage items, I don't even change a hem! I love true vintage and true handmade!





Speaking of handmade creations, please tell us more about the beautiful creations (including your awesome fingerless gloves) that you make and sell in your shop?

The two areas of handmade are the bridal accessories mentioned before (see examples in the photo above) and handmade knits.

As I start giving myself more time for my shop, I'd love to expand these categories. Handmade knits are my new love. I taught myself how to knit and crochet in 2008. I had to re-learn in 2010 while hand was recovering from my accident. I now can't stop knitting!

I started selling some fingerless gloves to keep yarn money coming in. Now, I actually am creating new items each season and sell my knits on Etsy Wholesale as well as in the shop. I currently have three series of fingerless glove styles; Lady Bows (which you so gracefully shared in a wardrobe post!), Miss Sailorettte, and the Tweed & Heather Cables.

This fall, I'm debuting a cowl and a pompom toque! They may be in the shop by the time this post is published!






Do you currently sell online only through Etsy or can folks purchase your wares (vintage and/or handmade) elsewhere, too?

Online is Etsy only at the moment. The shop link on my site directs to Etsy. This Fall, I will be starting to sell at local markets and bazaars which I am really excited about! And a selection of my handmade knits will be in a new shop in Three Oaks, MI called Goods + Heroes that is opening in November! I'm honored and thrilled!





You’re a passionate fan of yesteryear lingerie and sleepwear. What are some of your favourite types of such garments?

I love it all, but slips and nightgowns are my favorites as they fit the best! For me it's really the details that make it all so special. 1930's bias gowns, 50's and 60's peignoir sets, 20's tap pants.... bows, lace, lace bows...love it all!


Is there an old school underpinning or nighttime piece that you wish was still much more commonplace these days?

The bed jacket! I love to sit and read in bed. Who wants their shoulders to get cold? Also, we should really bring back the word peignoir. I love a floaty full length peignoir with matching nightgown worn with boudoir slippers!




Have you ever considered launching your own line of vintage reproduction (or more contemporary, as so desired) lingerie and/or sleepwear?

Great question. Having worked in lingerie industry for the past six years, I know some wonderful lingerie designers. I would love to collaborate on a vintage inspired line! Absolutely! However, I also love slow fashion and would need to find a way to balance the manufacturing process.

This is the area that makes it very difficult for designers starting out. The fashion industry has changed a lot. I must say that What Katie Did and Dita Von Teese are great collections! I'm a huge DVT lingerie fan!


Do you have a large collection of such yourself?


My lingerie collection is sizable - both modern and vintage. It's crazy addiction! Any favourite pieces you’d like to tell us about? I must say, my vintage boudoir slippers were a holy grail purchase for me! I'm a size 10 and never thought I'd find a pair my size.




Are there any – aside from your own, naturally - vintage related lingerie blogs and/or websites that you’d recommend for those who are wanting to learn more about this topic?

The Lingerie Addict is great because Cora covers everything- reviews, sales, body image, trade news, and vintage.A Slip of a Girl is a great resource for vintage lingerie. She has featured a few of my pieces and finds some great finds!


And by the same token, any books or magazines (vintage or modern) that you’re recommend for fellow vintage lingerie/sleepwear fans?

Honestly, I don't own any lingerie specific books- but that doesn't mean there aren't any great ones out there to be had. Keep an eye out for museum shows. There was a great one at FIT a couple of years ago. I also love to find vintage lingerie ads on Pinterest. They can tell you so much!





To my mind, perfume and lingerie are often highly intertwined. Do you feel this way as well and has perfume/scent played a role in your own vintage fashion journey so far?

When it comes to perfume, I'm a classic French perfume kind of girl. I wear Chanel's Coco and Coco Mademoiselle. Perfume is a huge world that I can't say I've fully entered into. But it is the second thing I put on I every morning. Lingerie, then perfume!


Do you wear vintage on a regular basis yourself?


Yes, but not head-to-toe and not everyday. My summer wardrobe is filled with vintage dresses and purses, which I love. In the winter, it's mostly beaded cardigans, vintage coats, and holiday dresses. I also wear handmade clothes, too.

I've been trying to amp up my wardrobe with my own projects. Mostly from vintage patterns which is really fun! I really admire the vintage bloggers, such as yourself, that make the time and effort to share outfits of the day! I'm lucky to get to share a handmade skirt!





How would you describe your current style? What decades are you (presently) most drawn towards when it comes to your own wardrobe?

I'm eclectic mixing modern with vintage and not dedicated to one era. I really love to mix things up and I hate rules. I would say I lean the most towards 1960s Riviera and French New Wave styles.

I have a Pinterest board that is called Le Ciné, it's filled with images of Anna Karina, Brigitte Bardot, Catherine Deneuve etc. I love that look and always return to it!





Five fun, quick facts that folks online may not know about you?


1. I've been married to my husband for 5 years!


2. I got married at age 39 and couldn't be happier.


3. I have just completed my 200-hour yoga teaching training and am now a teacher!


4. I have lived exactly half my life in Maine and half in New York City. 22 years each!


5. If you follow my personal IG (@bobbinbombshell) you might know that I love to travel. I caught the travel bug when I was 12. My family went on a cross country road trip from Maine to Oregon and back. We drove in a van with my Mom, Dad, 2 Grandmothers and 2 of my 3 sisters. It was a blast!



When not crafting, blogging, sourcing and selling vintage, what might folks find you doing in your downtime?

Yoga and meditation. Enjoying a glass of wine with my friends. I also love to cook and bake!





Granted it’s only late September, but as we look ahead to 2017, do you have any new and exciting plans in the works for B&B for next year that you can share with us?


Well, I've dedicated this past summer to laying the foundation for what I hope will continue to prosper and grow!

On the blog, I will continue to have educational posts on fashion history with the Fashionable History and Label Love series. I love to share knowledge and hope it inspires young vintage collectors and designers! I will be resurrecting My Vintage Vanity series late this fall to include inquiries into my vintage loving friend's closets and furniture favorites!

I also hope to find more time to complete sewing and knitting projects for myself to share in My Projects series. I will also be sharing Tips & Tutorials and am hoping to include some free knitting patterns!

I've started a newsletter (you can signup on my About page) that will keep you updated on all my postings and events - plus it offers a discount to my Etsy shop!

In the shop, I have expanded into vintage designer clothing and accessories, too. Some current labels that I have in listings for include Valentino, Bill Blass, and Courreges - to name a few. And finally, I hope to expand my handmade offerings with new styles and reach more stores with my wholesale division.





And last, but certainly not least, what’s currently on your needles as we head into fall and winter?

I have two projects in rotation. One for a personal project- working on a sweater for myself! And the other is work- Tweed Cables for my wholesale order!



Connect with Karen on the following sites:










(3 different Instagram accounts to enjoy) Business Personal | Crafting related











Meet the past interviewees who have taken part in this delightful ongoing post series:

February 2015: Emileigh | March 2015: CiCi | April 2015: Helen Mae | May 2015: Esther | June 2015: Ms. Falcon | July 2015: Jessie, and Laurence & Sylvain | August 2015: Holly | September 2015: Rhia | October 2015: Franny | November 2015: Emily | December 2015: Porcelina | January 2016: Nora | February 2016: Kate | March 2016: Carla | April 2016: Jessica E. | May 2016: Skye | June 2016: Kate-Em | July 2016: Janey | August 2016: Nella




♥ ♥ ♥


Thank you very much for this fantastic interview, Karen. It was a joy getting to know you better and to discover more points that we have in common (from a love of bed jackets to adoring the act of meditation).

Karen really is a gem of a person and her blog is a must read for anyone with an interest in early to mid-twentieth century fashion - lingerie very much included. I highly encourage you to add Bobbins & Bombshells to your feed on the double - you'll have a blast following this charming blog.

Next up, as we embrace the return of my all-time favourite month (October), we'll be earning some more frequent flyer miles as we board Air Vintage for a lovely jaunt back to the UK.

Once there, we're sit down and talk with a highly knowledgeable vintage fashion blogger who has a particular penchant for beautiful jewelry, classic scarves, a great lipstick, and a well organized dressing table. You won't want to miss it, so be sure to watch this spot for that interview towards the end of next month.

And speaking of months wrapping up, it's hard to believe that September is nearly over. What a full and exciting month it has been on this end - in no small part because of our twelve day trip to Edmonton.

Before we wave goodbye to September entirely though, I'll be sharing a couple more posts (including the first one here with outfit snaps from Edmonton) and then we'll progress quickly into an exciting string of fall, Canadian Thanksgiving, and Halloween related entries, coupled with the usual assortment of outfit and other types of posts here.

It's going to be spooktacularily fun!!! Smile





44 comments:

  1. Another talented and fascinating person from the vintage world I hadn't come across before! I'm starting to wonder if I live in a bubble...! I feel inspired to delve more into the world of vintage lingerie and I quite agree about bed jackets - it's not like lounging around in bed has gone out of fashion so why have they?! xxx

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    1. It's awesome that this series helps to introduce you to other vintage folks that you haven't encountered before. Love that! Especially since such was (for all of my readers, I mean) a huge driving force behind the launch of this interview series. I hope that I can continue to introduce you to many more new-to-you members of our wonderful blogging community as time goes on, sweet CiCi.

      Bed jackets are so charming! I have a quilted fifties one that I absolute live in. It's held up so well, even after numerous years of wear, and will be a key player in my (at home) fall/winter wardrobe again this year. I like, too, that they're often available at very reasonable prices, as they're not as widely sought after as some other types of vintage garments.

      Many hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  2. What beautiful vintage treasures. The shamrock dress is awesome! I love the lingerie. Modern pieces just don't have the beauty and elegance that vintage does.

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    1. As a general rule, I feel the same way, too. There are some beautiful fashions on the market today as well, but we've definitely lost the widespread elegance and classic beauty that was still prevalent during the mid-twentieth century. It's a huge part of what has drawn me to such styles since I was a little girl and why I adore rocking them these days. :)

      I hope that these final days of August are going splendidly for you, sweet April. Thank you so much for all of your great comments throughout the month.

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  3. Umm Karen is such a cool lady! I loved reading this and getting to know her! Definitely going to check out her Etsy shop soon. What lovely pieces!

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    1. She really is! I just adore how seamlessly she marries vintage and modern styles in a lot of her outfits. That can be trickier than it looks, but she just nails it to a tee.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Nice to meet Karen! Love the vintage treasures ♥

    summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com

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    1. Same here! She lists such fabulous pieces - handmade and vintage alike - in her Etsy shop. Right now I'm especially smitten with her selection of mid-century handbags.

      Thank you very much for your lovely comment. Have a splendid week!

      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  5. Beautiful tasteful pieces how refreshing. Thanks for highlighting Karen. I'll be checking out her shop and tweeting about it!

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    1. That's so sweet of you to do, dear Tam. Thank you very much for sharing about Karen and her awesome Etsy shop.

      Big hugs & happy start of fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. I loved meeting Karen, dear Jessica! She is so nice, I am checking her blog and Etsy shop for sure, after I comment here :) I also love Hitchcock movies and I love the clothes there :) Meditation as well, though I never tried yoga - and she is now a teacher, how amazing! Also, amazing is that she has a fashion degree from Parsons!!! Maine and NYC sound as great places to live! And yes, dear Jessica, people change... remember one of these days I also wrote about that... some bloggers that we share common things and then change, or we change, and we just wish them all the best, of course! Loved your post, as usual! Hugs and regards!
    DenisesPlanet.com

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    1. Isn't it though? She is such a dynamic, multi-talented modern day Renaissance woman.

      Definitely, sweet Denise. And I often feel, when bloggers chance their courses, that it's important reminder to all of us that we have the ability to do so ourselves, too, if so desired. It's easy - and natural - to feel like we have to stick with something for life, just because we've already invested a lot our time/energy/passion/etc into it, but usually we can move on, if that subject (or style, etc) is no longer speaking to our heart in the same kind of way or we just feel that it's time for a change. Nothing wrong with that in the slightest.

      Many hugs & happy tail end of September wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Those are some lovely lingerie garments! Vintage lingerie really was more practical, and prettier, than the stuff sold today. It seems as though the rise in a certain type of so-called "entertainment" dominating so much of our culture had a big hand in the move from those pretty, sensual, practical garments to these modern-day thongs and barely-there bras.

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    1. Aren't they though? So classic, classy and alluring at the same time. Interviewing Karen this month has definitely had me accessing the state of my current vintage lingerie collection and adding some more items to my wishlist there.

      Many hugs & thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica



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  8. What a great interview vintage lingerie is the best

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    1. Agreed! I don't have a huge lingerie collection (especially if we take full slips and pettiskirts out of the equation), but most of what I do own is true vintage. It's so well made, comfortable, flattering and just plain fun.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  9. Those gloves are so cute, thanks so much for sharing these
    xo
    www.laurajaneatelier.com

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    1. My pleasure, lovely Laura. Karen's gloves really are fantastic! I absolutely lived in the pair that she sweetly gifted me last winter. They're awesome for indoor and outdoor wear alike.

      Have a terrific week!
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. I love vintage lingerie too- so much prettier than a lot of lingerie we see today. I have never come across Karen's blog or store so far, so thank-you yet again, for introducing us all to another vintage lover!
    (And I also cannot believe it is the end of September already either!!! Where did the month go?)
    The Artyologist

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    1. You're so very welcome, sweet Nicole. I'm thrilled to have been able to introduce you to Karen, her blog and Etsy shop. She's so inspiring across the board!

      Many hugs & happy tail end of September wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. Those crochet and knitted gloves are so beautiful, they add a lovely Victorian or steampunk vibe to an outfit, not to mention they are extremely practical. I'm always in awe of people who manage to turn their passion into a business, I really wish I had the confidence in myself to be able to do that. Karen is completely right, a full lingerie ensemble is just so evocative, and coupled with a good perfume, well.....! Looking forward to next months blogger xx

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    1. Very much so! I lived in the beautiful pair that she sweetly gifted me last winter. They were perfect as well suited to the dog park as they were evening spent at home blogging up a storm on the computer.

      Thank you sweetly, dear Emily. I'm really looking forward to interviewing October's vintage adoring lady. She's one of the most elegant dressers I've ever known and absolute fount of knowledge on many different vintage related topics.

      Tons of hugs & happy start of fall wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. How interesting this series is! And it seems Karen shares so many of my own interests (aside from knitting, which I can't do!). I am now following her blog x

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    1. It's fantastic that you two (all three of us :)) share so much in common. Chatting with Karen this month has reminded just how much I adore vintage lingerie and that I should add a new piece or two to my closet this F/W.

      Many hugs & happy Wednesday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. Fab interview yet again Jessica. How lucky was she to find those mules! I found some years ago, they're one of my favourite finds.

    Yes, why aren't bedjackets' still fashionable? That's an odd one. A magazine I subscribe to promised a pattern for a crocheted bedjacket, but it never surfaced, which is curious.

    xxx

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    1. She really is! I don't own a pair myself (you can thank my hard-to-fit feet for that), but have long wanted some. Hopefully some day!

      You know, that one perplexes me a bit as well. I adore bed jackets. I have a quilted fifties one that is an absolute staple of my cold weather (indoor) wardrobe. I'm looking forward to slipping into it again soon this autumn. On the plus side to us vintage fashion fans, the fact that they're not super common helps to often make bed jackets one of the more affordable vintage lingerie/loungewear options on the market these days (I don't think I've ever paid more than $40 - $45 USD for one of mine).

      That is strange...hmm! Perhaps you should contact them and ask if the pattern will be forthcoming after all or not.

      Big hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Thanks for introducing us to Karen, whose blog I'm definitely going to check out. That vintage lingerie is just soooo pretty. xxx

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    1. Isn't it though? Chatting with Karen this month made me realize that (somehow!!!) I don't have a Pinterest board devoted solely to vintage lingerie. I'm hoping to have some time soon to (finally) launch one and remedy that. :)

      Oodles of hugs coming your way,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Sorry to hear about the bow out of your original blogger. It was really great to read more about Karen and Bobbins and Bombshells though! Such an interesting read and it was so nice to learn about her history and the history of her Etsy shop!

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    1. That's very sweet of you to say, honey. Thank you so much. It's okay. I'll really miss this person's presence in our midst, but wish them nothing but the best in the next stage of their life (online and off).

      I felt the same way. I hugely enjoy hearing about the paths that lead folks to launch their blogs and/or businesses.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Wonderful post yet again, I have found myself almost exclusively looking for vintage inspiration on Instagram as of late and have not really read or kept up with most blogs I used to follow. It is always great to see you share and promote fellow bloggers and etsy shop owners:)

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    1. Hi Daphne, thank you very much for your comment. You're certainly not alone there, as more and more folks become solely (or very nearly so) social media focused these days. Nothing wrong with that of course, it's just a different way to enjoy and benefit from the web. I appreciate that you're still reading my site and appreciate your comments here big time.

      Have a fabulous start of autumn!
      xoxo ♥ Jessica

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  17. Wonderful interview! Karen sounds really fascinating, and I envy her her undoubtedly beautiful collection of lingerie. That's something that I've always thought I wanted more of, and it's lovely that she's able to engage so much with something that she's so passionate about. And as a crafter, getting over her injury must have been such a struggle, I'm glad that she made it through.

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    1. She really is an inspiration on so many levels, overcoming a serious hand injury to keep crafting majorly included. I don't believe I was aware of that challenge in Karen's life and was profoundly touched that she opted to share something so personal here publicly with all of us.

      Many hugs & thanks for your wonderful comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. Those fingerless gloves are beautiful! Fall always makes me want to knit and crochet :)

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    1. Doesn't it though? Ditto for wearing all the knit things! :) I've already been slipping into some again this month and gosh, you know, does it feel good. One almost forgets how beautifully a well fitting knit garment hugs and comforts you.

      Wishing you a splendid tail end of September,
      ♥ Jessica

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  19. I've never come across Karen before I saw your post that featured her fingerless gloves. However, after reading this interview I now know we have a lot in common. And weirdly enough, my old roommate at fashion college in the UK went on to lecture at Parsons where Karen studied. I think she would've probably have graduated by the time he got there, but what a coincidence.
    Right, now I'm off to follow her blog and social accounts, as well as checking out her goodies on Etsy. Yes, another fab girl who crochets to follow!! xx

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    1. Thank you very much for your wonderfully nice comment, dear Cate. I'm tickled pink that I could introduce you (via that previous post) to Karen and now to her social media accounts and Etsy shop. Many (if not most) of her creations are perfectly well suited to us vintage wearing gals and all are beautiful, expertly made and fun. I absolutely lived in the cute pair of fingerless gloves that she gifted me last year (worn both indoors and out), and look forward to doing the same again this F/W.

      Many hugs & thanks for your great comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Oh I love this series so much! Thanks again for sharing so many inspiring ladies with us.

    Many hugs
    Sandra <3

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    1. You're sincerely welcome, dear Sandra. I'm always struck, in posting a new interview here, how quickly the months (and ultimately, years) fly past. It often feels like no sooner have I interviewed one person, as the next such post is appearing here. I don't say that negatively in the slightest, it just drives how how rapidly life moves along.

      It would be an absolute pleasure to interview you here, if you'd ever like to take part in this series, too, honey. Please don't hesitate to email me, if you would.

      Big hugs & happy start of autumn wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. I'm deeply touched by all of the wonderful comments here.Thank you all! I've been a big fan of Jessica, her blog, and her shop for years now and it is an honor to be interviewed and share my story. Thank you so much!!<3

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    1. You're endlessly welcome, sweet Karen. Thank you again for the awesome interview and for being September's Vintage Blogger of the month. I'm constantly inspired by all you do and share online, and feel so grateful that we've not only gotten to know one another, but formed a lovely friendship in the process, too.

      Huge hugs & joyful autumn wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Another great interview. I follow Karen on Instagram where her lovely crocheted pieces caught my eye. I am off to investigate her blog now too. Just loving this series!

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    1. Isn't she a terrific lady? It's awesome that you two share a strong love of needle arts in common and that you've been following her on Instagram for a while now. Each of her accounts there is a delight.

      Thank you so much! It has really become one of my favourite reoccurring post series and based on the feedback (and view counts) received on each new entry, they've clearly proven to be a hit with my readers as well. I adore that and look forward to bringing everyone here a bevy of exciting new interviews throughout the coming fall and winter months (and beyond! :)).

      Many hugs & happy mid-October wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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