The Paraders : A Fresh Vintage Wardrobe

Shop Update

2012-05-04T09:32:00.000-07:00

This week's shop update is loaded with new goodies. About half of what you see is now in the shop, the other half will be in the shop by tonight! Check out the dresses here : www.theparaders.com !

SHOP UPDATE

2012-04-27T06:43:00.002-07:00

I decided to have a little fun with today's shop update. Click here to see our newest dresses!

NEW WEBSITE

2012-04-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Well, well...our new website is FINALLY HERE! After months and months of hard work and late nights, the website is complete. Although there are still a few things to finish before it's up to snuff with my standards (like the blog link), it's good enough for me to show the world and take a much needed computer break! I am so super proud of it.... (I made it almost entirely by myself!) I get to brag a little bit, right :)? After the third or fourth attempt in trying to find someone to create the site that didn't cost an arm and a leg, I decided to just do it my damn self. And I'm really glad I did...now I can add "web designer" to my portfolio. I will also be back to blogging regularly and with some new features, too!

TAKE A LOOK AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK! (I appreciate criticism as well, just FYI :)

www.theparaders.com

PLEASE TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO SEE! ... AND BE HONEST

2012-02-11T18:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!! As we are working super hard on getting the new website up and running, we're taking a tiny blog break in order to make things bigger and better for you when everything finally pulls together! In the meantime, it would be VERY VERY helpful if you would take two minutes to fill out this small survey. It will help us know what you really want to see on the blog and what we should do without. Also, being brutally honest is more helpful when filling out the survey than just telling us what you think we want to hear... the SURVEY IS ANONYMOUS! Thanks so much for your continued support and I'm so excited to share what's to come in the near future!

Rachael

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SALE TODAY

2012-02-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! Use the coupon code: JUSTBECAUSE for 25% off everything in the shop today! Also, The Paraders will be going on a short blog break in order to spend all extra time and energy on finishing our new website! Don't worry, we'll be back before you can say "new and improved www.theparaders.com".

BACK AT THE RANCH PART 2

2012-02-03T05:13:00.000-08:00

Here is the second half of the photos I took at the ranch. See "PART 1" here.

AND MY FIRST GIF!!!
I hope you like it!

BACK AT THE RANCH PART 1

2012-02-02T07:47:00.000-08:00

I've been back in Chicago for a few days since my recent trip to Missouri. I've been saving these photos to post because I always like to look back at them once I'm in the city and really appreciate the outdoors.

My grandparents live on a horse ranch and resort that they opened when I was about three years old and have had it since. I grew up there and spent many, many hours exploring, riding horses, fishing, hiking, and building things. I had virtually a 5,000 acre back yard, full of horse trails, caves, creeks and lakes. My grandparents have since turned the land into a resort where people can camp or stay for a week-long organized trip of riding horses, going on hayrides, doing karaoke, eating home-cooked comfort food, and enjoying the outdoors.

Here is the first half of the photos I took during my visit...complete with some awesome antique finds...bottles upon bottles and even an old child's shoe!

Stay tuned for more photos (of horses!) tomorrow...

NEW OBSESSIONS

2012-02-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Things I'm loving this week and why...

Designer Anne Fogarty created this evening dress in the 60s. I would love to feel the details...it almost seems like the flowers are actually growing in the dress. So beautiful. dress via the MET

This top is so classically cute. I love the way it's simply styled and the delicate nature of the fabric. top via style me pretty

I usually have mixed feelings about West Elm, but these hanging terrariums are too cute. I love the varied shapes and the rounded "rolled hem" openings. Shane Powers collection via west elm

As an umbrella collector, I naturally fell in love with this one. I have several vintage umbrellas that I refuse to get rid of and I might just have to add this one to my collection. Sidewalk traffic beware! umbrella via design boom

How could anyone in their right mind not think this is the cutest photo ever? The colors are incredible and tiny things in general are my favorite! eggs via wild delaware

As if Kling could be any more awesome. Their spring collection has some of the cutest dresses I've seen recently. The real reason I'm obsessed though, is the font and art they used in this promo. It's pretty much perfect. photo via kling

Anything with this color palette is bound to break my heart, but the quality I like best about this bangle set is the graduating sizes. bangle set via asos

What a cute stitch pattern! Fruit? With faces?! I'm sold. adorable project via stitchy stitcherson

EST MAGAZINE

2012-01-31T08:03:00.000-08:00

The newest issue of Est Magazine is out! Est is a design magazine loving all things old and new alike. The magazine highlights numerous amazing homes and spaces...all with an Australian twist. Check it out for yourself! Here are a few of my favorite screenshots - compliments of Est Magazine.

OUTFIT VOL4

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

I found this dress in the back of my closet a few weeks ago and realized that I had never worn it before. That doesn't happen often - every time I buy something new, I wear it for days straight until I'm bored of it and move on to the next victim. It's now one of my favorite dresses. Has that ever happened to you?

Ps. While you're reading this post, I'm driving the 8 hour trip back to Chicago! Home, home on the range.

cardigan - thrifted

dress - vintage

belt - calvin klein

tights - uo

shoes - I've had them forEVER

jewelry - all vintage

photos by Ruben Cantu

SHOP WE LIKE SUNDAY : LEOLA'S VINTAGE

2012-01-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's been a long, long while since I've posted a "shop we like sunday" series post, but I'm back at it again...this time with a brick-and-mortar shop! Leola's Vintage, a small shop in Ozark, Missouri, is an amazingly curated shop full of vintage goodies and stylistic antique finds. Each corner of the shop is sectioned off into "rooms" with a cohesive theme or style. Everything is absolutely adorable and fits the shop's aesthetic perfectly. I left with a paper doll, vintage Valentine's Day card, and vintage book. I nearly bought the dress form, and have one day to decide before I head back to Chicago. :) Without further ado, here are some photos of the best finds in the shop!

MISSOURI ADVENTURES IN INSTAGRAM

2012-01-28T05:22:00.000-08:00

I'M HAVING A BLAST IN MISSOURI!! I've spent the last two days thrifting and sifting through antique shops, and exploring hidden treasures on the ranch. My grandparents have a 5,000 acre ranch (where I also grew up), and yesterday my grandfather and I spent hours walking by the creeks and caves and found a really amazing collection of some broken and unbroken bottles from what looks like the early 1900s. I brought them back to clean up and display around my apartment...I'm a sucker for old bottles. Especially antique medicine bottles. More updates later, but for now... INSTAGRAM RECAP... photos from around my parents' house, the ranch, and antique shops!

Ps. The photo of the bear is from my view in the dentist's chair...no lie.

SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO. 1908

2012-01-26T08:22:00.000-08:00

I finally made it to Missouri late last night after a long day of driving. I left at 10am and arrived at my mom's house at about 9pm. It should have taken about 8 hours, but my car seemed to be having some issues. Every time it would see an antique shop off the highway, it would pull off and just park itself in the lot. So of course, I had no choice but to go in. I have some photos of all the lovely things I found...which I'll be posting over the next few days.

In the mean time, my parents have the most amazing Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog from 1908 that I wanted to share with you. The prices on some of the items are unbelievable! My favorite thing about the whole catalog is the poem in the front...

NEW OBSESSIONS : LINGERIE

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I've been seeing tons of super cute vintage and not-so-vintage lingerie online. I thought I'd share a few of my favorites with you...

What are YOUR plans for Valentine's Day? Fancy date? Staying in? "Glad We're Single" party?

As always, I'm sure the boyfriend and I will have a non-valentine's day night... dinner and a movie at home probably. I've never been much into the Hallmark holiday.

1940s bullet bra via bless that dress

adorable lingerie via journelle

scarlet apron via zwzzy

bra via allsaints

Christian Dior teddy via dear golden

1940s bullet bra via bless that dress

NEW OBSESSIONS : BAGS

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

Things I'm obsessed with this week and why...

Besides being a great color, this bag reminds me of a velvety suede pillow. I'd make sure to bring this on my next flight for sure. clutch via pour porter

Backpacks are so easy to love. They're so practical and can be such a cute accessory. backpack by dusen dusen via pour porter

Triple flap?! Details in garments and accessories really sell an item for me. This bag is no exception. bag via miss moss

Named the "leather explorer satchel," I can only imagine that if I owned this bag I would waltz around the city Harriet The Spy- style and collect all sorts of secrets and evidence. bag via kimmy d crafts

When I first saw this clutch, I thought it was an attachable bow. That's exactly why I fell in love with it. The fabric color is stunning as well. clutch via sola wu

I love a good oversized, catch-all bag. Especially one with style, an impeccable pattern, leather and vintage flair. bag via salvage life

I can't help but to love a vintage coach. Especially a red one. Red leather slays me. bag via my favorite vintage

Vintage tapestry bags always amaze me. It just seems like the tapestry got confused about it's purpose in life and somehow found itself as a bag. Either way, I'm glad that's the case, because some of my favorite vintage bags have been beautiful 60s tapestry bags. purse via bling it on girl

I wish doctor's bags were more suitable to use as luggage. When I see a great vintage doctor's bag, it inspires in me a vision of traveling and exploring the map. bag via bo mode

I'm not normally taken by cotton or canvas bags. However, this one is really something else. The color choice is perfect and the delicate pleats are my favorite. bag via ika bags

OUTFIT VOL.3

2012-01-17T07:12:00.000-08:00

I've recently been obsessed with wearing headbands and hair accessories. I NEVER used to wear them, but I found my stash of colorful vintage scarves and I finally displayed all of my flower pins and bows where I can see them and use them more often. Here is evidence:

headband - vintage

jacket - vintage

top - topshop

pants - stone love

boots - dr. martens

jewelry - vintage

photos by Ruben

SHOP UPDATE : BLACK AND WHITE

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

Today's shop update is all about black and white. All of these dresses/tops/coats will be in the shop today and tomorrow. If you see something you like that is not yet listed, email theparaders@gmail.com to reserve it.

ps. Like the new layout? :)

PARADERS PLAYLIST VOL3 : LONG DAY AHEAD

2012-01-13T06:01:00.000-08:00

Today's playlist is all about feel-good, upbeat music to get you through your work day. These are all songs that I regularly crank up when I want to get something done! If the flash isn't working, you can follow this link for the playlist.

Long Day Ahead from theparaders on 8tracks.

DATING VINTAGE CLOTHING : TRUE BEAUTY

2012-01-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to waste your time by talking about this dress. Just look at it. That's all. It's probably the most beautiful dress I've ever seen.

Photo and information compliments of the MET
Philippe & Gaston
date: ca. 1925
culture: French (probably)
medium: silk, beads, metal, tortoiseshell, feather

NEW OBSESSIONS

2012-01-11T07:04:00.000-08:00

Things I'm loving this week and why...

This stunning coat is such a great color and cut. Most of all it reminds me that even when it's deathly cold, you don't HAVE to look frumpy. coat via sophia zhang

Even though I only own one pair of red shoes, it seems like that's the color I'm most attracted to. These flats would be perfect for a day in the city...shopping and brunching. :) flats via ellen ten ten

The Jason Wu by Target line is really impressing me. The use of color and lines is out of this world. dress by Jason Wu via racked

Beware: I have a new favorite store. That means that you're going to be seeing a lot of it in the near future. All Saints has got some of the most stand-out dresses and coats I've seen in quite some time...and what do you know?...most are in my favorite clothing color: black! dress via allsaints

This print is just adorable. I love the simplicity and especially the hats. Can't forget about the hats. print via h prints

Tiny suitcases as lunchboxes? I'm totally in. I want those cookies. lunch via better homes and gardens

As with all of Thrush's dresses, this one really catches my eye. What I like most about it besides the silhouette is the bustline structure. It's offset nicely with the extended bow. dress via thrush

OUTFIT VOL.2

2012-01-10T07:20:00.000-08:00

Today is my second outfit post in all of The Paraders blogging history. :) I'm still not sure about it, but I like to do personal posts every now and then to give readers a peek into the faces of The Paraders and how things work from day to day.

It's been uncharacteristically warm in Chicago and I've been celebrating by skipping the winter coat!

cardigan - vintage

top - h&m

pants - buffalo exchange

necklaces - gifted and vintage

ring - forever 21

photos by my dear friend Ruben Cantu

AS YOUR FRIEND AND STYLIST

2012-01-07T09:55:00.000-08:00

As your friend and stylist, here's an outfit idea!

1. poncho 2. top 3. pants 4. sunglasses 5. hat 6. shoes 7. ring

JEWELRY BOX

2012-01-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

I go through phases where I hate jewelry and sometimes I love wearing it. I'm stepping back into the "loving it" mode, and going through all my jewelry when I haven't looked at it in a while is like Christmas all over again! I thought I'd share some glimpses into my jewelry box and of the rest of the goodies I've got laying around. Most is vintage, some is new. Enjoy!

What's in YOUR jewelry box?

NEW OBSESSIONS

2012-01-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

Things I'm loving this week and why...

This photo is darling. I'd really like to start watching more 30s and 40s films. I've seen several 50s and 60s films, but am lacking in the 30s department. :) Deanna Durbin and Judy Garland, 1930s via we had faces then

I think I might make my first purchase from Hive and Honey soon! I'm eyeing these mustard bows...really everything in the shop is great! mustard felt bows via hive and honey

Fifties party dresses are a dime a dozen, but this one really stands out to me with the varying textures...velvet bodice and taffeta skirt! I really adore the fit and style of the waist. little black dress via custard heart vintage

Another etsy gem, these Russian nesting dolls are insanely cute. The pastels and golden color are really stunning. nesting dolls via retro and co

This gal's style is impeccable. As I'm sure you know by now, black and white are my favorites and together with the bleach blonde hair, this is stunning. photo via kerti

As someone who doesn't wear perfume, I am obsessed with scents in other light forms...lotions, lip balms, oils, etc. I'll take anything that smells like a pastry or like I just ran through the woods. Mmmm. lip balm via for strange women

I know I've posted library wall photos before, but this one is just incredible. Spanning two floors, this open wall filled with bookshelves is perfect. library via design boom

Delicate lace and delicate tights are such a good mix. Although I wouldn't normally mix these patterns, it works well and pulls off a very feminine appearance. Love it. photo via the pursuit aesthetic

SHOP UPDATE

2012-01-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

Here it is...the first shop update of 2012! I'm celebrating The Paraders' birthday today by doing a little shopping of my own! Enjoy!