February 9th, 2017 by retruly
Cowboy boots, or western boots have been have been a fashion staple for decades. Today, everyone from the Hollywood star to the regular style conscious is sporting this versatile, iconic footwear. We have become used to seeing them, but where did it all start?
A Brief History
It all started in 1880s America with the cowboys, men who made their living herding cattle on ranches in the ‘Wild West’. In the early days, these boots were made exclusively of cowhide leather. The boots were designed to protect the foot and legs while riding on horseback and while working in rough conditions. A typical pair of cowboy boots worn by herders featured a high top or shaft to protect the lower legs and pointed toes to help guide the boot into the stirrup of the saddle. The high heel of the boots kept the feet in the stirrups while riding and were also designed for the fitting of detachable spurs.
The design of the first cowboy boots were influenced by the vaquero tradition of Spain that dates back to the 1500s. The vaquero is a livestock herder who works on horseback. The vaquero tradition also took hold in Mexico. According to history, cattle herders from Mexico travelled to the US in the late 1600s, bringing with them the vaquero traditions which includes the clothing and boots worn. It was the traditional footwear worn by these men that became the foundation for the American cowboy boot. The earliest cowboy boots in America were all individually handmade by boot makers who sold the footwear in settlements and towns in western states.
A Fashion Statement
You don’t have to live on a ranch to embrace the cowboy boot. These versatile boots are always a firm favourite with the fashionisters. Paired them with your favourite denim jeans, maxi skirt or leather jacket for your stylish, individual look.
Originally these boots where simply made from leather, but now you can buy vintage cowboy boots trimmed in snake, lizard, ostrich or croc skin and with such an array of cuts and styles you are sure to find the perfect pair.
Take the pair of LOVELY Vintage ‘Justin’ Ostrichskin/Leather Cowboy Boots. below right. These were made in the 1950s with great patina, made from leather and ostrich skin. Priced at £140
Or this pair of Black Vintage Alligator Skin Cowboy boots by Judy Rothschild. Priced at £120
These are just two examples form the extensive range available on RETRuly. You can see the full range by clicking on the link below:
See < Men’s Vintage Cowboy Boots >
See <Women’s Vintage Cowboy Boots>
Posted in Vintage Clothing Tagged with: Vintage cowboy boots, vintage shoes, western boots
February 7th, 2017 by retruly
Although purses and handbags became popular for women in the 16th century and late 18th century it was the Victorian era which is considered to have seen the greatest evolution in handbag design.
Many modern handbag designers are influenced by the vintage designs of the past but for the purist only an original vintage handbag will do. You just can’t reproduce the authenticity of the genuine vintage handbag, one that has had a life, has a history, with it’s own story to tell.
In this blog we will share 8 popular vintage handbag styles for you. Each one available on RETRuly.
Vintage 1950s Blue Leather Kelly Style Handbag
A pretty vintage Kelly style handbag that was made by Freedex in 1950’s in Republic of Ireland. It will be shipped with original packaging and mirror.
Dimensions: 10. 5 x 7 x 3 inches
Price: £36.00
Vintage 1930’s Tapestry Handbag
It’s quite comfortable, soft and cute handbag especially for women. It will glamorize your personality in public gatherings. Made in the 1930’s. Peach silk lining.
Dimensions: 11 x 11 x 3 inches
Price: £42.00
Vintage Navy Blue Raffia Handbag
Beautiful vintage navy blue raffia handbag made in the 1950’s in Japan. A lovely example of an original 1950s handbag.
Dimensions: 11 x 5 x 8 inches
Price: £24.00
Vintage Beaded Bag – Doves In A Cherry Tree
Although this beaded bag is a vintage one, it’s still very much in fashion. It clearly demonstrates the innovation and attraction attached to this vintage bag in different arenas. It also has pull cord through the top. A couple of black beaded handles are also attached with it (14 inches). Inside material is made up of plain black cotton
Dimensions: 15 x 16 inches
Price: £22.00
Vintage White Rattan Handbag
This white Rattan handbag was originally made in Hong Kong and particular recommended for summer season
Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 8 inches
Price: £25.00
Vintage 1950’s Kelly Style Handbag – Pale Green
This pale green hand bag by Kelly Style just catches the attention in any social gathering at the first site. Its vintage value is unique and attracts others to praise it. It was originally made in the US by Gammins in 1950’s. It’s interior material is made up of peach silk
Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.5 x 3.5 inches
Price: £32.00
Original 1980s Vintage White Leather Clutch Bag
This white leather clutch bag has an envelope style and its leather is not detrimental to suede lining. It was vintage made in 1980s and is available in good condition
Dimensions: 10 x 5.5 inches
Price: £18.00
1950s French Silk Vanity Vintage Handbag
Its ivory fabric interior, large beveled mirror, ivory silk coin purse and small gold toned perfume bottle just hypnotizes everyone who looks at it. Its outer shell demonstrates Chinese scenes whereas its corners reveal the delicacy of the handbag
Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 1 inches
Price: £45.99
Why not start your vintage handbag collection today. RETRuly has a lovely selection and with new items added weekly you are sure to find the perfect piece.
Posted in Vintage Clothing Tagged with: 1950s handbags, vintage clothing, vintage handbags, vintage purses
January 27th, 2017 by retruly
Hamilton Carhartt was founded in 1899 with 5 employees and 4 sewing machines in a dusty loft in Detroit.
Their heavy woven overalls where aimed at Detroit’s blue collar workers. A that time Detroit was the industrial hub of the U.S.A. so the demand for durable work wear was high.
The “Union Made” label stitched into every garment was a guarantee that made the products so appealing to the blue collar work force. Each garment was American through every stage of production, supporting a unionised work force that were treated fairly and well paid.
Carhartt has established themselves as a premium heritage brand. The early 1990’s saw a rise in interest from the street and music scene, which cemented Carhartt as a classic vintage staple.
Some of our sellers on RETRuly have a great selection of these iconic jackets. See some of the current range here.
Posted in Vintage Clothing Tagged with: vintage carhartt jackets