A legend passes...

Cowboys and Rockabilly fashion fans around the world should bow their heads today to the passing of a man who was considered the Henry Ford of the western shirt.

JACK WEIL ORIGINATOR OF THE WESTERN SHIRT - 1901-8/13/2008

Rockmount Ranch Wear founder and president, Jack A. Weil who has made invaluable contributions to Western culture. "Papa Jack" recently turned 106 years old and remains vital and active in the business he founded in the industry he pioneered. He is to western wear what Henry Ford is to the car. Jack A. introduced the first commercially made shirts with snaps and bolo ties and is responsible for helping popularize Western fashion. His original designs have become the mainstay of the Western look, a fashion uniquely American. These designs are the longest continuously running fashions in America. Those of us who know "Papa Jack" are the better for it.

Check out these cool Rockmount Ranch Wear fashions currently on eBay, both at Hang M High Vintage Western Wear!

This week is the TOPS...

After a summer break, Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage is back with the weekly eVintage blog tag!

This week is TOPS with us! Make sure you check out our friends at Damn Good Vintage who've tagged us!

1) Show us your favorite blouse or top in your inventory!

We love this swingin' western embroidered shirt currently in our inventory at Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage. 1970's from Sears Western Collection - it's rainbow colors make us happy!

2)Tee shirts or blouses, whats your personal style?

Most days - (ok almost everyday) will find me in tee shirt and jeans.

3)Favorite tee shirt EVER?

Probably my husbands 1975 high school wrestling team tee shirt.

4)Favorite era for a vintage blouse? Think 40s rayons with nipped waists, sheer ruffled 50s nylons for layering, perky 60s cotton prints…..

When I worked the corporate job - I loved to use 40s nylon blouses mixed with business suits...but the 60's mod prints go great with my funky casual look.

5)What are you tops at? Tell us what you’re better than ANYONE else at!

I am the BEST at making up excuses not to work on my sewing / repairing projects!

Now we're off to see what Funkoma has to say!

It's Summer Saving Time!

Time to Spruce up your Summer Vintage Wardrobe!

Visit Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage in Charlotte to check out our Summer Clearance Goodies!

This week eVintage is showing off our Animal Instincts with our fav animal prints! We're tagged from Damn Good Vintage!

1) Show us your favorite piece of animal print apparel in your inventory!

Gotta be the Leopard Coat - the must-have in every vintage gals wardrobe!

2) What is your favorite animal print to wear & why?

Again - nothing is better than Leopard.

3) Favorite to sell?

Coats coats and more coats!

4) Favorite pet and best pet story?

My chi's - Cisco Kid, Winnie, and Panda Bear of course!But I could go on and on boasting about them - so I won't bore you.

5) Scared of animals? Which one scares you the most & why?

Would that be Animals, or animals...sorry Wicked joke...

6) Favorite animal to visit at the zoo or to collect images of?

Definitely flamingos - I am a sucker for them and the 1950's Flamingo kitsch. But especially the Turner prints!

Now we're off to see what Funkoma has to say!

Celebrating Animal Prints - Here for our music fix is The Animals in all their 60s mod glory!

The Haute Halter!

This week the eVintage blog tag is havin' fun in the sun and we're all about Halters! Thanks to Damn Good Vintage for tagging us!

1) Show us your favorite halter dress or top!

Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage currently has this way cool 70s crop top halter for sale on eBay - just love those tie front halters!

2)Marilyn rocked the halter bodice back in the 50s, but it came back big in the 70s…..which is your favorite era for the halter?

To me - nothing true halter tops (not dresses) invoke an image of the 1970's!

3)Bare backs are vulnerable, what’s your suggestion for protecting skin from the sun?

Nothing protects like a colorful vintage shrug - or scarf!

4)Halter as top or dress, whats your preference?

As much as I treasure memories of playing in the backyard in a tie back halter, at my age, I think I'd prefer the halter dress!

5)A bra can be a challenge…..best suggestion for support?

Until they invent a adhesive bra that actually sticks - for now - just let it all hang out! :)

That's all for us - what does Funkoma have to say next?

Give it a Slip!

This week the eVintage blog tag is all about Slips! Thanks to Damn Good Vintage for tagging us!

1) Show us your favorite vintage slip in your inventory!
We love the peek-a-boo black trim crinoline of this drop waist side zipper slip - Coming soon to Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage!
2) Lace trim or chiffon trim? Whats your favorite?
Chiffon - so dressy!

3)Colors or neutrals, whats your preference?
Nothing is more scandalous than a peek of color from under a demure dress (Remember Mammy's red slip from Rhett Butler!)
4)Favorite label in vintage lingerie? (Vintage Vanity Fair, Vassarette, Movie Star, Barbizon?.)
I love Movie Star's flowing styles!

5)Full slip or half?
Full of course - Maggie the Cat wouldn't be the same in a bra and half slip!


6)Slips worn as dresses in public?..yea or nay?
Hey - if you've got the body - go for it!

That's all for us - what does Funkoma have to say next?

This week on the eVintage blog tag we honor the 10 year anniversary of Frank Sinatra's passing, thank to Damn Good Vintage for tagging us!

1) Fav Rat Pack Look?
I am a sucker for the 50's - early 60's look. Sharp suits, wiggle secretary dresses, pocket hankies, and skinny ties.
But I also love the casual look of this early Sinatra photo - wide lapel jacket, open collar with v-sweater! You can get the same look with this cool jacket from fast_eddies_retro_rags


2) Favorite Sinatra song?
I actually had the pleasure of seeing Frankie in concert shortly before his death - and there was nothing like it! When he sang "Fly Me to the Moon" - he was still dreamy - even then!

3) Favorite Rat Pack member? (Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Joey Bishop, Sammy Davis Jr. or Peter Lawford)
Oh Peter Lawford all the way - I think it's the accent!
4) Best Sinatra "era"? (40s young & skinny, 50s swingin' crooner or 60s Rat Pack suave?)
Rat Pack suave - of course!
5) Favorite Sinatra wife? (Nancy, Ava Gardner, Mia Farrow or Barbra)
Ava Gardner - what a hollywood couple!
6) Been to Vegas, how many times and best Vegas story?
Well since I have to keep it clean - I must recuse myself!

Now lets see what Funkoma has to say about ole blue eyes!

Its time for Wednesday eVintage blog tag again! Thank you Damn Good Vintage!

Let's go to the BEACH!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SWIMSUIT OR BEACH WEAR OFFERED IN YOUR INVENTORY?

OK - so we confess we don't have any cool swimwear online today (But plenty in our Charlotte shop location!) - so we've been browsing the eVintage swimwear finds and found this FAB piece from
Fast_Eddies_Retro_Rags

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ERA IN SWIMWEAR, TO SELL OR WEAR?

Nothing beats the fun and frolic of the early 1960's BeachWear!

FAVORITE DESIGNER OR LINE?

Rose Marie Reid of course!

FAVORITE BEACH RESORT?

For quiet beach time - I love Port Aransas / Mustang Island in Texas...

But to me beach also means Boardwalks, Taffy, Midways, and...Ocean City MD! Is there anyone who grew up in the Mid-Atlantic who DIDN'T spend Beach Week (senior week) there?

FAVORITE POOLSIDE, TROPICAL COCKTAIL (WITH OR WITHOUT ALCOHOL)?

Although I love a cold beer poolside - I much prefer a pitcher of margaritas while floating on my ...well, float...

FOR YOU, BIKINI OR ONE PIECE?

Definitely One-Piece...but only for the benefit of the other beachgoers!

Now we're off to Funkoma!

And now for our 80's music fix - this weeks theme BEACH! Who better than - Duran Duran of course!

Prints Charming! Prints are hot this summer - so this week on the eVintage blog-go-round - Lets talk prints! We're tagged from Damn Good Vintage!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRINT OFFERED IN YOUR INVENTORY?

We love this psychedelic tunic with zip front - currently at Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF NOVELTY PRINT?

Something funny, amusing, and oh so special...Like this naughty naughty golf shirt - also at Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage

SIZE MATTERS….WHEN WEARING PRINTS, DO YOU PREFER BIG OR SMALL?

Well - it depends on the print - But I prefer big chunky flowers and graphic designs.

COLOR OR BLACK AND WHITE? - Less is more I always say - so...black & white

WHAT DESIGNER DOES YOUR FAVORITE PRINTS? (think Shaheen, Pucci, etc) - Although I am a sucker for Pucci - I also LOVE Rudi Gernreich and his fab iconic 60s designs. This one is currently available from snyggla.

Now we're off to see what Funkoma has to say about Prints Charming!

And here's a little "Prince Charming" for the weekly 80s video fix! - I'd be Adam Ant's Cinderella anyday!

I want Candy! - that's the theme on the eVintage blog-go-round this week. CANDY! Damn Good Vintage has tagged me so off we go...

1)The colors of CANDY! What’s your favorite candy colored vintage piece in your collection?

We love this pink and yellow taffy floral 50's dress coming soon to Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage!

2)What’s the sweetest accessory you’re offering right now, or if you don’t have one for sale, tell us about one of your own!

Don't you just want to eat this purse up! Sweet 50's poodle motif wicker bag! Coming soon to Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage!

3) Sweet tooth? What’s your favorite candy?

Anything ultra sugar-y! Peeps, Circus Peanuts, Sweet Tarts...what's wrong with me???

4)Ice cream…..chocolate or strawberry, and why?

Strawberry - but only with real berries, not just pink juice!

5) “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”, classic film or Johnny Depp re-make….and why?

OK - so I have to say I am partial to the 70s Charlie & the Chocolate Factory (even though Johnny Depp is on "my List"...) - a family friend played the role of Charlie's mother (dear Mrs Sowle) - and an uncle of mine was one of the kids running to the factory in one of the street scenes. The whole film was shot in Munich so what could be cooler!

6)Is your personal style sweet or salty?
Salty of course! Does Cracker Jack count as candy? Check out this bodysuit with a Cracker Jack -like motif from the 70s coming soon to Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage!

So if you're not partial to Bow Wow Wow - how about Iggy Pop and the lovely retro B-52's diva Kate Pierson?! (Man he still makes me shiver!)

So now we're off to see what sweet stuff is goin on over at Funkoma!

The Maxi Dress is BACK!

Wednesday is Blog Tag day at eVintage - Thanks Damn Good Vintage for tagging me!

Those of us who can remember the 70's love the Maxi dress - what began as a contrast to the Mini Dress, the Maxi became a symbol of 70's style.

MAXI OR PATIO DRESS, AND WHY?

Maxi Dress - of course! Patio Dress just makes me think of Mrs Roper of Three's Company!

FAVORITE MAXI DRESS IN YOUR INVENTORY?

We love this sheer angel wing black maxi dress coming soon to Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage online!

AS A TREND, WILL IT BE A HIT OR A MISS?

Total trend of course - especially as summer comes along. A Maxi sundress is a great look - hiding all sorts of sins that normal summerwear doesn't!

Here's Jessica Biel and Kate Moss sporting great Maxi sundresses!

DO YOU WEAR MAXI DRESSES OR SKIRTS?

Of course - I love the casual yet dressy look! And I have my share of sins to hid too!

PROS AND CONS?

Pro - Don't need to be a size 4 to look great. Vintage Maxi dresses have great 70's color and prints!

Cons - Make sure your Maxi goes to the MAX - no body likes a "highwater" Maxi Dress!

That's all for us this week - now we're to see what Maxi Dresses they like at Funkoma!

NEW this week at Kitsch-y-Cool!

This week’s new Goodies at Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage in Charlotte:

• Yellow Yellow Yellow—the hot color for Spring!
• Cool new Cowboy Boots
• Loads of ties and scarves from the 50s-60s!
• Great Dresses from the 50s—60s

Only at Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage in Charlotte - Available TODAY!

eVintage Blog Tag - Mod or Mad Men?!?

This week on the eVintage Blog tag - be sure to check out the Damn Good Vintage for her fav 60's picks too!

MOD OR MAD MEN?
Well - depending on the situation - I probably veer towards the Mod look. I love the graphic prints, sharp haircuts, and sleek lines.

FAVE PIECE IN YOUR INVENTORY FITTING THE BILL?

We don't have anything nearly as cool as this piece we found at cloudninevintage

ICONIC EARLY 60s STARLET?
Who can resist the beach fun of Annette or Gidget!

LATE 60’s?
We love the mod street fashion of To Sir with Love!

SINATRA OR THE SWINGIN’ 60s SCENE?
Since they're both swingin' - who can pick!

And on we go to Funkoma! See you next week on the eVintage blog go-round!

Rockin' fashion for Viva Las Vegas Week!

This week on the eVintage Blog tag - Who's Ready for Vegas!
Be sure to check out the Damn Good Vintage for her fav Rockabilly picks too!

FAVORITE ROCKABILLY LOOK / PIECE IN YOUR INVENTORY?
What makes a rockabilly look - a rockabilly look? Cool, retro, 50s inspired, wiggle skirts, smoking jackets, leather, denim, and boots!
We love this brocade simple navy wiggle dress worn by DC Roller Girl Lydia Coffin!

DO YOU WEAR THE ROCKABILLY LOOK AT ALL?
I love the tight wiggle skirts / dresses. And of course, the Bettie Page hair!

CRUCIAL ROCKABILLY VINTAGE ACCESSORY FOR GIRLS?
I love Mary Jane shoes with rolled up denim, and (although not vintage) I love love love these new creative hair bows from Little Lily Designs!


FOR GUYS?
A good Leather for a casual look, lounge jacket for a more dressy look, and a great detailed western shirt is always good! We love this shirt from GirlBeat!

PERSONAL STYLE. SANDY OR RIZZO?
Well is it Sandy before or after the make-over?

AGE OLD QUESTION….ELVIS OR THE BEATLES?
I plead the fifth!

That's all for me - Funkoma Vintage is up next!

Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage in the News!

Check out Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage and Sleepy Poet on the cover of the Style Section in today's Charlotte Observer!

Anything to fit your fancy

Sleepy Poet's cavernous new digs hold 50,000 square feet of fabulous, vintage finds
MARK PRICE msprice@charlotteobserver.com
GARY O'BRIEN/Observer staff
Sleepy Poet Antique Mall will be one of the biggest antique malls in the Southeast, which makes it a Charlotte tourist destination. Co-owner Beryl Imboden poses with an unusual trombone lamp, one of many unusual things for sale in the 50,000-square-foot mall.

Check out pics of the rest of the mall:• Slideshow: 50,000 square feet of antiques at Sleepy Poet
Click here for a Cool 360 Panoramic view of Kitsch-y-Cool Vintage!
• Panoramic View | So Many Worthy Things at Sleepy Poet
SLEEPY POET ANTIQUE MALL
Where: 4450 South Blvd. (north of Woodlawn Road)
Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday - Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sundays.
Details: 704-529-6369; www.sleepypoetstuff.com.

It's the kind of store where you'll find plaid bell bottoms from the '60s, century-old church furniture, and a floor lamp made from a trombone, all within feet of each other.
That alone makes the Sleepy Poet Antique Mall a unique shopping experience.
But multiply such artifacts by the thousands, and you get a 50,000-square-foot emporium dedicated to the antique, the chic and the downright strange.
The mall, at 4450 South Blvd., is holding its grand opening today, or rather its grand reopening. It was located just outside historic South End for the past eight years, but recently had to move when the land went up for sale.Sleepy Poet is now housed in a former auto parts shop that is nearly three times as big, prompting the operators to boast that shoppers can literally "lose themselves" among the crisscrossing aisles of stuff.
"It's hard to narrow down what might be the most unusual thing we have in here, but my favorite is the full-size soap box derby car," says Beryl Imboden, who co-owns the mall with business partner Dickson Shreffler."Then again, we're probably the only place in town you'll find a lighted girdle display from the '40s and a suspender and garter display from an old men's store. I'm guessing it's from the '30s, and it still has suspenders and garters on it."
Who would buy such a thing, she has no clue. However, it's only $84. "Suspenders and garters sold separately," Imboden adds, with a grin.Such diversity is available because the mall is made up of 167 vendors, many of whom specialize. Old furniture, the standard of antique stores, is sprinkled throughout. But there are also areas devoted to old vinyl albums, copper accessories, antique toys and old kitchenware. One booth, labeled "Almost Art," spotlights paintings by bad artists.
The mall also has an impressive selection of vintage clothing sold by Christi Schiavo-Williams. The booth, called Kitsch-y-Cool, features casual, classy and tacky clothing from the 1930s into the '80s. Accessories include purses, hats, jewelry, men's ties and thigh-high stockings from the '60s. Prices range from $5 to $200.
"Most items are under $50," says Schiavo-Williams.
"My usual customer is 20-something and wants an individual style, but I also see older ladies who simply want a neat dress for a party, something different than what you'd find in a store."
The grand opening today will formally unveil what is among the country's largest indoor antique malls. Asheville is home to the region's largest, the 70,000-square-foot Antique Tobacco Barn, which draws more than 90,000 visitors a year.
It's believed Sleepy Poet could do equally well, given statistics that show the Charlotte region now ranks as the Carolinas' most popular tourist destination, based on visitor spending. Officials with the Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority say they intend to add it to the region's list of tourist destinations, and will play up that it is adjacent to the newly opened light rail corridor.
"We expect to see a lot of people who love antiques, but their experience is not just about shopping," says co-owner Imboden.
"It's really about nostalgia. This is the kind of place where people come in and find the kind of penny gum machine they saw at the barber shop when they were a kid, the old lamp that sat on Dad's night stand, and the dishes that they ate pound cake off at Grandma's house.
"We have many people who come here just for stress relief. They show up just to take a deep breath, walk the aisles and remember."

Have you checked out the NEW Kitsch-y-Cool in Charlotte?

Announcing our Grand Re-Opening NOW. Visit the New and Expanded Kitsch-y-Cool in Charlotte - Twice as BIG, with more New Vintage than Ever!

Only at Sleepy Poet Stuff in Charlotte NC
4450 South Blvd
Open Mon - Thur 10 - 6, Open LATE on Fri - Sat 10 - 8, Sunday 12 - 5.