On the fringe

The name of the post refers both to the location of the store and the purchase at the store.  It was arduous getting to C Madeleine’s, a vintage store that a couple of readers recommended on 13702 Biscayne Blvd in Miami but it was well worth the grotty bus ride up there and the feeling of not knowing where the hell I’m going.  I’m now convinced that in every state of USA, a humongous trove of a vintage goodness exists seeing as I discovered the most wonderful vintage archive at Texas last year.  C Madeleine’s though is not just for looking through as a museum archive but everything is for sale and it’s all minty vintage goodness.  By ‘minty’, I mean high-quality, carefully selected and with historical breadth.  Literally, name a Western Europe/American designer from 1930-1995 and there is bound to be an example of it here…

I very bluntly declared to the shop assistant there that it was quite frankly one of the best vintage stores I had ever visited.  Yes, London has a fantastic selection but I hadn’t come across one this well organised and well represented.  You would walk in there with a very specific idea of what you’re after and C Madeleine’s will produce it.  I felt like I needed a map to navigate through the store but it was quite conveniently sectioned off into…

Period Categories: Victorian-20’s // 30’s-50’s // 60’s-70’s

Thematic Categories: Cocktail/Party Dresses // Ethnic // Beach

Accessories are again neatly displayed…

There was also a section for rarities and couture pieces which I ventured inside only to gingerly touch the pieces which was VERY minty indeed…  They also had rails of C Madeleine pieces ready to be used in a fashion show that will be taking place on the 7th Nov, which I would have loved to see. 

However, in such a cavernous vintage store, this doesn’t mean it’s cheap as chips and of course it could never be so when you have Alaia, Valentino, Chanel, Balenciaga and Thierry Mugler jumping out at you as well as a display of high craftsmanship especially in the older pieces.  I did have to comb through a bit to find something that didn’t break the bank but came out with a black silk fringe jacket and matching skirt.  In the process, I also lost my fringe virginity as I’ve never been too keen on looking like a walking curtain.  In black and in the perfect size, needing no alterations though…. it’s surprisingly workable both as separates and together (though caution is required to prevent looking like said curtain…).

It’s no wonder that C Madeleine’s has been visited by the likes of Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan for ‘inspriration’.  Much like the 20th Century Vintage Fashion farm, I’m not surprised designers walk right in grabbing a load of stuff to take back for inspiring their collections.  I just didn’t think a place like this would exist in Miami….

21 comments

  3. I think the US has a lot of untapped great vintage spread out over the states. Some of it is priced too high for normal people to purchase. But for me, just living in los angeles and now las vegas, I have been able to find so many things just thrifting.

  4. ohh that really looks like a vintage heaven! by the way: the jacket you bought is fantastic
    Keep on writing, i adore your blog, your blog became one of my daily routines!:)

  5. I’m so glad you went!!!!! It’s incredible. It was literally seconds away from my apartment when i went to school at MiuA&D. It’s like a museum except you can touch everything. And I’m digging thoose skinny black & blue trousers you’ve got too.

  7. I love the first outfit!
    Also so where did you get your shoes? xx

  8. Just in those pictures I can see 3 things I want.
    Talking of a designer’s inspiration, perhaps mr deacon popped in before you bought that wonderful fringed jacket and made a much worse shaped (and probably worse in many other ways) jacket similar for his gold for new look collection. Im so glad to have seen you in this one in all it’s vintage glory, as it’s made me come to my senses about buying the aforementioned one!
    Your blog is a joy!
    xx

  10. your shoes are fantastic! the fringe on the skirt n jacket is so classic i dont think it could ever look like a curtain!

  14. Glad the fringe hasn’t made ppl shudder with curtain fear!
    The shoes are REALLY old Topshop Unique… actually they were an eBay find and have gotten so many comments!
    The trousers are my faithful Jens Laugesen navy wool and satin pants…they’re not two-tone, just two materials! Have worn them to death but I love them so!
    I forgot to say that C Madeleine’s will also be launching an online store selling their ENTIRE stock the end of Nov…will report on this when it is live! The mind boggles how much money I’ll end up spending here…

  17. Okay wow, I want to shop there.
    I hope this isn’t obnoxious or pushy (I love your blog, and I really don’t want to be a pain), but I just wanted to remind you that the deadline for the Blogging Society Challenge is on November 10th. I haven’t heard from you since you signed up, so I just wanted to make sure you’re still set to participate. Thanks!

  18. ahh
    i really do love your shoes and the outfit does have alot of fringes but it makes it look alot better–nothing like a “walking curtain” haha –without them youd probly look like some strict work-women
    the whole thing looks abit “latina” but i think you should use more colour instead of just black
    but nevermind–as ive been living in japan for a while i really have quite forgotten how people normally dress..

  19. Oh my godness you WERE in Miami!!!
    I was there on holiday and walked past you in Urban outfitters in Miami Beach and thought that it must juts have been someone who looked like you! Wasn’t the art deco district stunning? Looks like you got some great finds!
    kate
    x

  21. Hey Susie! We just found this entry on your blog. We always follow your blog and love your style. Let us know next time you are coming in! :D.
    -C. Madeleine’s.

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