Cocktail Hats: The Perfect Little Toppers

A feather, a veil, a few sequins or beads--it doesn't take much to make a vintage cocktail hat. These little confections--generally brimless hats with extravagant embellishments, intended for evening wear--are the perfect complements to a vintage dress or suit. It's no wonder they're sometimes called whimsies.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Blonde mink hat from JoJo'sRetroandVintage

First up is a circle hat, or circlet--this one is made of mink, but they're often some kind of fabric or velvet; always with a veil for a peek-a-boo top.

Birdcage veil hat from unionmadebride

This birdcage veil hat (sometimes called a whimsy) is nothing more than a veil, with a bow on top. Some of them have feathers or chenille dots; some of them nothing more than the allure of the veil.

Feather cocktail hat from TheVintageHatShop

This is feather cocktail hat has a wonderful asymmetrical design, with feathers sweeping across the front and down one side.

Beaded skull cap from Alexsandras

This last beauty is a wool skull cap with bugle beads in a luscious pink. I love the free form shape of the front of the hat.

Fresh Picks: Animal Attraction

To incorporate trendy animal prints into your wardrobe, think vintage! These wild clothing and accessory finds go beyond the commonplace, for a look that’s uniquely yours.

70s vtg animal print loungin... JojosRetroandV... $44.00	Snake Skin Animal Ethnic Vin... TRUECOLORSFORY... $12.00	Vintage Victoria's Secre... FancyPantsAndM... $8.00
vintage sequined leopard bla... charlesvintage $40.00	Vintage 1960s Leopard Print ... alexsandras $68.00	Vintage 80s Silver Taffeta L... hillbillyfilly $22.00

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Welcome New Members: Hamilton Bay, Jojo's Retro and Vintage, and Vintage NH

Hamilton Bay is named after a spot in Bermuda that is dear to Patricia of Los Angeles. What's most unusual about her antiques and vintage shop is that everything is from her personal collections. It's impossible to choose one piece representative of her exquisite offerings, but my favorite is this wonderful boudoir set.


Josette from Minneapolis is the proprietress of Jojo's Retro and Vintage, a bright and beautiful vintage clothing and accessories shop. Her threads range from the fun to the formal, but all are fabulous and wonderfully presented. Aren't these 1960s shoes spectacular?

From the West Coast to the Heartland, and now to New England! Vintage NH is a sweet vintage home decor and housewares shop featuring lovely treasures from New Hampshire and beyond. At the height of popularity in vintage trends is this vintage Himark cheese plate with cloche!

Today we traveled cross-country to introduce these new members of the Etsy Vintage Team. Welcome!

The Littlest Details Make the Biggest Impression

You've got the lighting right. You finally got the mannequins head at the proper angle. The fabric drapes just perfectly. You capture what you think is the perfect shot. Later, when uploading it to Etsy.com, you realize you cut the head clean off.  The thumbnail photo is how you attract your buyer. If they don't click, you don't sell. This first impression is vital to your success.

Thumbnail version

Vintage  navy blue dress by jojosretroandvintage

The photo above by Jojosretroandvintage is fabulous. First, she's using a live model, which is always attractive to buyers. Second, the model has a cute pose that brings style and attitude to the outfit. Third, she's using a plain white background, making the dark hair, red lips and blue dress just pop. Fourth, she got the face of the model in the thumbnail.

Thumbnail version

Red Industrial Box by dahlilafound

The above photograph by dahlilafound has everything just right. Notice how the red box is centered with equal white space around three sides? The thumbnail is clear, easy to define and stands out. There is no clutter to distract the eye, which goes with the industrial theme of the item. The old wooden stool contrasts with the smooth metal nicely. The thumbnail is sharp and easy to see.

Thumbnail version

Antique French Opera Glasses by hautecountryvintage

This photograph of opera glasses by hautecountryvintage is very different than the previous examples, but captures the proper elements perfectly. The tan colored box in the back brings out the coloring in the mother of pearl detailing around the eyepieces and the white book contrasts enough to emphasize the tan.  The book also brings a sense of history to the photo.  The thumbnail is visually interesting and draws the eye in. Overall an excellent way to photograph an antique. 

I'm still working on my photographs. I took hundreds of photos when I was madly getting ready to list. Now I realize that they're horrid thumbnails. My goal for January is to retake all the needed photos and clean up the shop visually. Not a fun task, but one that will set my items apart. Join me!