Indian Summer Vintage

#113: Limited Lifetime

indiansummervintage — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:37:37 +0000

Why have I been wearing the same sweater everyday for the past week? My favorite winter sweater has a limited lifetime and I’m trying to squeeze all the seasonal festivity out of it before it’s too late. I didn’t make up the rules, but, however lovable and timeless, the deer n’ snowflake (or anything n’ snowflake) motif seems permissible only within a certain proximity to Christmas, like a two week radius in either direction. Am I wrong? If I am wrong, save me a bout with anguish and let me know.

Otherwise, pardon me, I’m about to tuck this one away until next winter.

#112: Barn Theory

indiansummervintage — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 17:35:07 +0000

As if you even had to ask! (Not that you did…)

I love barns. I’ve been positively barncrazy this past week and here I lavish some fruits of my barnlust. (Another thing I love, apparently, is trespassing on other people’s property…)

This barn has been happily converted into an antique store which was unfortunately closed the morning after Christmas, when these snowy photos were taken.

The brown shingles and yellow siding are so unique. This small barn rests on a compound with a very large yellow barn, a yellow farm house, and a tall red silo.

The snowies above were all taken in Northern Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire. The rest were all shot on my home turf. My previously mentioned trip to the Northwest has been postponed, so I spent some time in the country this week doing little in the below freezing temperatures but barn hunting and sitting by the fire… And seeing Avatar in 3D with Dad.

Before I was born my dad would ride a horse that was stabled just the next barn over. The grass was dead, overgrown, crunchy, and creating a pattern of waves throughout the pasture.

Same yellow barn, different view.

Which is your favorite?

Wishing all you darlings a beautiful and Happy New Year. Sincere thanks to those who read and subscribe, send kind emails and comments, and to fellow site proprietors who have shared ISV with their readers. You have all made working on ISV in 2009 so much fun. XOX

#111: On the road to Happy Holidays

indiansummervintage — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:16:31 +0000

For the next two weeks I’ll be looking for inspiration in New Hampshire and the Pacific Northwest. I’m checking out of here until 2010, but not before imparting each one of you with a kiss and my very best wishes for the merriest and happiest for your holidays and New Year.

XOX

(pictures and postcard all from the Wisconsin Historical Society)

Oh, and my favorite little-kid picture of Dad, whose face says everything that these words can’t:

#110: Same Old

indiansummervintage — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:32:10 +0000

Beeear with me, more Native American silver and turquoise. Perhaps just let it lend extra meaning to my moniker?

Matching Harvey era pins from the 1930’s, Navajo crafted. One for me, one for my sweet sister.

The symbolism:

Arrow: protection

Thunderbird: Bearer of unlimited happiness

Headdresses on either side of the arrowhead: ceremony, like a ceremonial dance

Shaman’s eye at base of the arrowhead: wisdom

Sun rays on the wings of the thunderbirds: constancy

Turquoise stones: believed to protect the body and spirit, to possess the virtues of health and happiness

While happily entrenched in my Navajo kick, for your sake and mine I’ll shake things up again soon. (I love a good self-fulfilling prophecy!) Meanwhile, happy holidays dear darlings.

#109: Signs

indiansummervintage — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:47:09 +0000

While out West my eyes must have trod over hundreds, maybe thousands of old Harvey bracelets and adornments. I wrote this post a while back about the history of Mr. Frank Harvey and his influence on the Navajo jewelry and turquoise trade, why his pieces are so abundant and so wearable, and, so, won’t go into it here. I love these pieces because of the intricate silver work, and the Navajo spirit inlaid in each little carving.

1930’s pin

The Native Americans believe the thunderbird to be the bearer of unlimited happiness. This pin is interesting because of its raised wings, which give the piece dimension. Usually a pin will lie flat.

Early Harvey bracelet, 1920’s

Sun rays (emanated out from turquoise stones) symbolize constancy. The single arrow symbolizes protection, and the running water (markings at bracelet terminals) means constant life.

WARNING! Insane nab!

I’ve had this cuff a while now but this is it’s first appearance on ISV. I saw a similar one at a trading post in Arizona for some absurd sum of money that wreaked emotional havoc on my mortal wallet. I pulled it together and walked away. Back to New York, I nabbed this one on eebz for an equally absurd undervalued price.

From left to right: rattlesnake jaw design (outer rim of bracelet) symbolizes strength. Mountain ranges (squiggles above/beneath rattler jaws) for abundance. The line of suns between the rattler terminals symbolizes the passage of time. Water houses (small, on either side of the thunderbird) symbolize life.

Broken arrows meaning peace. Warding arrows (arrows facing one another, at cuff terminals) to ward off evil spirits.

Late 20’s or 30’s bracelet

Left to right: tiny crossed arrows for friendship. Suns (out edges) for the passing of time. Arrow heads, facing in either direction away from one another, for alertness. Single arrow for protection. Bear tracks, a good omen.

Love what you plunder.

#108: Badlands

indiansummervintage — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:33:57 +0000

As winter descends, let’s not hibernate. Let’s remember why we are built the way we are, and go places.

Or, make really, really good use of our Netflix accounts. (Yeah, I’m awful. And a sucker for a night in bed with Terry Malick. Remember this? Still waiting on this one.)

Badlands, 1973 by Terrence Malick. Starring Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek.

The story of Kit and Holly is based on the killing spree of murderer Charles Raymond Starkweather who nicked 11 people in the late 1950’s while on a road trip with his little girlfriend Caril. Obviously makins’ for a most endearing love story.

Kit in his Levi’s 507xx denim jacket (get yours here), white tee shirt, and barely pictured Levi’s 501s. Not pictured: bad ass cowboy boots.

Holly makes being a murder accessory look innocent and sweet as pie.

(perfectly featuring ISV favorites Mickey and Sylvia on the soundtrack)

Love, mmmhm, love is strange.

#107: Happy Holiday

indiansummervintage — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 12:46:23 +0000

Dear Darlings,

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Eat up, it’s the law.

big kiss,

Dana

all photos taken in October in or around Monument Valley on the Navajo Reservation.

#106: Speaking of…

indiansummervintage — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:55:15 +0000

Mmm, yes, speaking of putting money back in the pot and plumping up that little nest egg… Mmm, yes… But when a one-of-a-kind-something-or-other sings its siren song, there’s one of three ways things can go: 1. nab it without hesitation, live happily ever after; 2. walk away with little to moderate hesitation, let its memory fade; 3. Walk away with gripping hesitation, let its memory stain you until your dying day. The latter two emerge naturally over a period of a few hours to days, and so you don’t choose them, they choose you, unforch. True, my topic isn’t terribly germane to the forthcoming holiday season and spirit of giving, or to lessons in frugality, but then again they rarely are. Such is my lot in life, c’est moi.

To the point, have you yet to fall in love with the new Forest Bound Harvest series? All my hugs and kisses go to Alice who put much heart and soul into creating this singularly unique and beautiful collection of tote bags. Read about the charming provenance of the vintage materials that compose each piece on her website, and if a certain piece is singing your song? Nab it without hesitation, live happily ever after.

#105: eBay Lament

indiansummervintage — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:09:11 +0000

We’ve all been here, right? I’ve got you by my side? The heartrending pain that descends deep into the bowels of your being after losing an auction on eBay. The subsequent soul searching, all of life’s questions staring you dead in the eye…yeah, life’s tough. OK. But I really, really wanted this one.

Late 1930’s or 40’s Jantzen sweater, knit paratrooper motif. Absolutely amazing, and so individual not only for the design but because of what it represents about America during the time it was made, when the people and the government stood behind one common goal — *company breaks into a chorus of You’re a Grand Old Flag* Ha! Look at me, sittin’ here pretending I know things. Anyway, this sweater is beyond, and for $300 bones at auction, it should be. Congrats, whoever you are.

This guy. I love him.

A penny saved is a penny earned. (And a penny that can be applied to more shopping. This weekend, if you’re in New York check out ACL’s Pop Up Flea.)

#104: Dreamweaver

indiansummervintage — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:28:40 +0000

‘ “Beauty” is a quality that the Navajos particularly appreciate; it is a repeated theme in their songs and chants and it is manifested directly in their weaving and jewelry… Set in a dry and austere environment where food and water are scarce, the seminomadic Navajos are all the more remarkable for their artistic accomplishments. They directed their creative energy toward blankets… and items of personal adornment that they could take with them since they were constantly on the move.’ – author Larry Frank

I am so fascinated by the Navajo’s sense of balance, harmony and beauty. It’s a deep and abiding appreciation that my Dad inspired in me that has only grown since I began frequenting the Southwest. I feel fortunate with each visit to return home with a special piece of a culture that I have utmost reverence for, and to give each piece a new life beyond the four walls of a store or glass case.

Navajo weaver, outside of a Hogan

Navajo weaver at the loom

Recently in Santa Fe, Dad took a plunge and procured what may be the pièce de résistance of our family’s collection, after many years of teetering on the desire to do so.

Third Phase transitional Chiefs Blankets c. 1890 (two of ‘em — one for each daughter, me and my Sis)

… this one with incredibly aged blue-dyed yarn that reminds me of the world’s most perfectly worn in pair of vintage Levi’s…

This one features an Eye Dazzler pattern in the center serrated diamond.

120 years old, still so strong and vivid.

For more information about Chiefs Blankets and Navajo weavings, and the different phases and values of weavings, www.chiefsblankets.com offers a great informational read.

The strength of these weavings, derived from the people who made them, seems never to wear away.