LA DOLFINA

After reading Haute Couture Ateliers I was inspired to dig out several beautiful things I've found over the years that look like they could have come out of the Craft Ateliers of Paris, France! I just found this incredible Chinoiserie Sewing Box last week at a vintage sale.     I picked it up first thing upon entering the sale and carried it under my arm for at least half and hour before I found a spot where I could set my things down and inspect it. Imagine my surprise when I opened it up and saw a jumbled up version of this!   As I was contemplating the contents I looked up to see a very tall woman staring down at me.     I asked her if I was in her way and she responded, "no, I'm just watching you." A few minutes later she reached down and picked up one of the small bone accessories and held it up to her eye. She eventually told me what it was and that it was supposed to be screwed int...

In keeping with the theme of unusual finds I've come across this summer, I wanted to share with you this opera cape that once belonged to Angelina Alioto, former first lady of San Francisco. I had the good fortune and great timing of showing up at one of my favorite thrift stores on "vintage day."   Angelina Genaro Alioto, matriarch of one of San Francisco’s most powerful political families, former first lady of San Francisco and divorced wife of ex-Mayor Joseph Alioto.   They squirrel away the best of their vintage donations all year in anticipation of this annual event. I wasn't initially aware that many of the gorgeous vintage dresses, coats, and furs belonged to the infamous Angelina Alioto.    In fact, it wasn't until I was at the register that I was informed of its provenance.  And then told this now legendary story about the former first lady of San Francisco...     Apparently nothing r...