You heard it here first

So excited about this event: Dame has been invited to participate in a Boldfacers Vintage Pop Up Store. Thurs 9/9/2010  6-10 pm at the W hotel complete with DJ and cocktails. Super great list of Vintage folks involved jewelry/art/objects. Sponsored by PBD Events and the W Hotel.

What a fun night on the town. Can't wait to meet everyone and probably do a little shopping myself.

PS. Bringing out some extra special inventory just for the occasion. 

Feels like Fall

Ok so it really feels like fall and if you're anything like me, you can't wait! Those sweaters, boots and tights are just calling my name from the storage closet. 

The shop is changing over for Fall. New jackets; tweeds and leathers are coming out and a big new add of dresses from the 1930s-1950s, in fact serendipitously enough, we put out about 10 new LBDs, which according to all the Fall fashion reports is a must have for Fall 2010, but really when is a LBD not in style. The 40s are know for gorgeous detailing in construction and tailoring on even the simplest of dresses. There's also a couple of super mod wool knits that are perfect for wear to work ala Mad Men style.

If you are familiar with New England than you know summer is not over. The warm weather is coming back and we can have beautiful days straight through to the end of September. Check out these photos for some of the new warmer weather gems updated in our new stash. 

Summer Sale rack is still out, but clearing out

AND

Don't forget first Thursday 9/2/2010

Old Hollywood Glamor 1930s fishtail bustle gown this would make a stunning wedding dress

Great Gatsby Sumer Frock

1940s/1950s Navy Sundress with the prettiest pleated detail along the bustline 

Doesn't Taylor make a great model!

1940s sweet cut work blouse and 1950s canary yellow striped circle skirt.

That's it for summer folks from here on it's all about Fall! 

New local Blog - Boston Urban Safari

Cristy came into the shop one day when my Mom was minding the store, she shares our love of the city, New England, Oysters and of course Vintage. Cristy shares her tips and secrets for getting out around town. Check her out her blog here for ideas and adventures to be had in the Hub.

The Fall Fashion Issue

New York Magazine's Picks for Fall 2010 Trends. Love a lot going on here. Carmel Hues, LBDs, Chunky knits and dressed down formals. Fall in New England is my first love and I can't wait.

The Fall Fashion Issue

Update for the Dandies

I'd say our collection of Men's Jackets albeit small, is pretty swanky and unique right now. Also added a batch of sweet summer Men's shirts to the sale rack. Just sayin...

One of my favorite Men's style blogs Kempt posted and linked to this Gallery of 25 never seen Rat Pack photos. This was definitely one heavy era for Men's glamor! 

August Hours update! New **EVENING** hours

It's going to get up into the 90s for the next three days! It's August in New England, the students are away and everyone is on vacation or wishes they were. We think nighttime is the best time to be out and about in weather like this. 

There are so many great reasons to be out in JP for an evening stroll, from The Hallway Gallery, to JP Licks, to one of the many cool restaurants or happy hour hangouts. In fact, check out the Boston Globe write up here, 9 ways to spend the evening in JP.   

In the spirit of livening up South Street at night and providing a wider range of shopping hours (I work 9-6 so know how hard it is sometimes to get to your favorite shop after work) too, we are changing our weekday hours to be open 4pm-8pm Wed -Fri. We are in-between James Gate and JP Licks, so start at the Gate and stop by on your way for ice cream. Or start at JP Licks and stop by on your way to the Gate for a drink on the patio. 

We're walking distance from Forest Hills and right on the 39 bus line, get off after the Monument or when you see Harvest Co-Op. 

M-Closed

T-Closed

W- 4-8

R- 4-8

F- 4-8

S- 11-7

S- 11-6

A little Rearranging, all things New, Summer sales and First Thursday

No better time than August to give the shop a good makeover. Come on in for First Thursday 8/5/10 to check our new goods, summer sales and August'sArtist Premier, Elizabeth Sheehan, check out her portfolio here


Elizabeth Sheehan is a visual artist and poet based in Dorchester, Massachusetts.  She has exhibited in many exhibitions, open studios, and benefits.  Elizabeth draws inspiration from Fauve painters and German expressionists, as well as her favorites Paul Klee and Marc Chagal


PS. Don't you LOVE the lilian asterfield upcycled beaded neck piece. Also, if you haven't seen it yet, her new website is gorgeous, check it out here. 

More of the New

Happy August everyone! I'm so excited about changes in the store. We've been arranging and rearranging and I'm please to say that our Independent Design is beginning to take up a bigger place in the shop. In addition to this all these swanky goods handmade with love and craft by local friends. Lots of new top shelf vintage in the shop in all sizes, vintage designer dresses and to-die for hats. The swimsuits are selling out like mad but there's a couple left. 

If you like a bargain, we're making room for Fall, just look for the blue tags, lots of cute things on clearance and ready to roll for the remainder of the summer.

What else?:

Cool and original Bronze castings by Ashley Vick

Handmade and Refashion knits by Whistling Sparrow Designs

Handmade from Vintage patterns 1940s styled high waisted shorts by Sarkas Collection

Silk screened Organic knits by Alena Hennessy

lilian asterfield upcycled neck pieces, ascots, necklaces and fringe

  

Vintage Summer it never gets old

New Handmade Items at DAME

Here at DAME, we are always trying to expand our collection of Handmade and Refashioned items, with an emphasis on including the work of local designers using recycled materials and vintage styling.

Our newest additions to the rack are two pairs of 1940's inspired high-waisted shorts from Šarka's Collection.



We have also acquired some great pieces made with 'upcycled' t-shirts by Whistling Sparrow.


A tank with t-shirt ruffles and a cleverly collaged hip-hugging skirt


A sweet 'Sound Of Music' sun dress in shades of blue


These items and others by Whistling Sparrow are available now at DAME. For more from these designers, be sure to visit them at SOWA (The South End Open Market).

Rediscovering Jamaica Plain - Boston Magazine

Everyone knows we love Jamaica Plain but we are pleased as punch to see that Boston Magazine does too. Check out the nice mention we got along with a bunch of other local businesses. Summer is great time to spy on our Boston hood, so easily accessible by public transportation.

Rediscovering Jamaica Plain - Boston Magazine

Next Seamsters Meeting Wednesday July 21st

The next Seamsters drop in group will be 7/21/10 from 5-8.

If you haven't been yet, it will be a great time to stop by. So far we've all kinds of textile work going on in the shop, sewing, refashioning, embroidery... So far the group is shaping to be a kind of 'stich and bitch' with a focus on sharing work and inspiration, which we love. It's great to see everyones creative point of view.

Like Makeda here, dressed head toe in her own handmade clothing. I love the fabric choice of the dress and the contrast of the tailored vest.  

We've also been sharing some cool resources and blogs for sewing tips and techniques. Some of the things we all seem to like are:

Gerties New Blog for Better Sewing

 Gertie's got a cute retro style and shares lots of instruciton as she works her way through 'Vogue's new book for better sewing'

Male Pattern Boldness

A, gasp, male sewing blogger who has taken it upon himself to learn how to sew and blog about his progress. He's really great and is a perfect illustration of how easy it is to learn to sew if you just give it some heart and soul.

An awesome fabric resource is  Spoonflower 

Not only can you order custom made fabric in thousands of design choices but you can make your own. There are weekly thematic contests that you can particpate in or just vote. All fabrics are 100% cotton and come in any weight you could possiblly need.

If you've been coming to the group, send in pictures of your projects and we can put them on the blog. There are several works in progress that I personally would love to see the end result.

Happy Sewing

Monday Night at the Midway A night of Fashion & Music to raise funds for Girls Rock camp Boston!

We are totally excited to be participating in such a cool event for an even cooler cause. Girls Rock Camp Boston needs you! There is so many reasons that this is awesome, if you don't know then I don't know what to tell you. Read about the founders here and check out the organization for yourself here.

And come to the Midway on Monday Night, July 12th doors- 9pm.

Considering Summer

Thinking about changing July and August summer hours on weeknights to something like 4-8. 

Seems like a good way to add to the fun of strolling in town on summer evenings. 

 What do you think? 

Let us know, we'd love your input! 

Independence Day Sale 7/1/10-7/3/10

Thurs-Sat celebrate the 4th in style

Three day Sale

30% off dresses 50% off the rest

(CLOSED SUNDAY)

have a great holiday and enjoy the fireworks

Dame Seamsters On for Wednesday June 30th 5-8pm

Our first sewing group met the week before last and it was so fun to see everyone projects and inspiration. 


Jennifer Griffith of Šarka's Collection joined in with her own refashion projects. There were vintage patterns open on the floor and hand sewing on the couch. In fact I was inspired enough to start two new projects this week.

If your're new to sewing or to the group, check out the introduction post here to get an idea of what to expect and what to bring. 

Next Meeting Wednesday 6/30/10 5-8 Just drop in 

July 1st is First Thursday

New works by Lauren Kenneally. Lauren was a featured artist last year during the First Thursday season and her paintings were so popular, we asked her back & gave her more space. It's summer at Dame, the shop is loaded, looks great and we love First Thursdays on South Street. 

Stop by 5-8(or so) look at some great art, sip some punch and preview our 4th of July Sale! 

All rights reserved Lauren Kenneally

Mid Summer Sale,Three days 7/1/10-7/3/10 Happy 4th!

Summer's here and in full swing. We want to help you celebrate the 4th of July in style with our Mid-Summer Sale. 

Three days 

7/1/10-7/3/10

Thurs-Sat to take advantage of our Summer discounts. (closed on Sunday)

Special bonus First Thursday, stop by to check out our First Thursday artist and sip some dame punch. 

Vintage, Art & Punch it doesn't get more Dame than that. Here's to a steamy 4th full of fireworks!

June 16th Drop by for our Sewing Group 5-8 PM

Seamsters,

We're excited to get this group started Wednesday night, drop by with your projects, questions and suggestions. We'll customize the group as we go. All levels are welcome, sewing is a great skill to share with others and can make the learning process that much quicker.  

 

Some topics we may cover:

• Pattern advice, sizing, choosing fabrics, cutting patterns
• Machine basics and hand stitching
• Beginners Projects on hand
• Advanced topics as needed
• Repairs and refashion

 

Some suggestions of things to bring:

• A piece of clothing you are interested in refashioning
• A pattern that you have questions about, sizing, skill level. You can learn how to cut patterns in the shop (bring paper scissors)
• Fabric that inspires you
• A a work in progress that you would like to discuss & work on
• Advanced questions in progress, setting sleeves, zippers, finishing seams

 

Please bring materials you will need to use, if you will be working in the shop, thread, needles, scissors, fabric facing etc. 

 

If you don't have a sewing machine at home, I strongly recommend picking one up. There will only be limited access to machines in the shop. If you have a featherweight, by all means, bring it along. A great resource for refurbished machines and repairs is the Davis Square Singer shop here

 

 

Happy Sewing

Happy Memorial Day Everyone

Dame will not be open on Monday, we've got some grilling to do. Enjoy!

Sewing Group Drop in starting June 9th 5-8pm

To be on the list for more information please sign up here seamsters@jpdame.com