How do we decide what we buy for the store and from the public? The 5 C's CUT COLOR COLLECTIBILITY CLOTH AND CONDITION. Here at Pretty Penny we don't believe in fast fashion, come and go quick trends or influence culture, we believe in the power of the high value product based on the 5 C's to learn more see our website selling section.
Pretty Penny
2981 College Avenue
Oakland, CA. 94705
Hours
Mon-Sat 12-6
Sun 12-5
Los Angeles-based designer Holly Harp (1939-1995) began her fashion career in the late 1960s, designing theatrical, psychedelic clothing for iconic performers such as Janis Joplin and Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane. Harp's early designs were in tune with the catch-all aesthetic of late 1960s hippie fashions, and her garments quickly gained a reputation for "being wild and wonderful, feathers and fringe."1 A maxi-dress worn by the singer-songwriter Dory Previn was typical of Harp's aesthetic. Constructed of an old table cloth, green doily and a piece of vintage satin, it was described as a "clothing mosaic."2 In 1968, Harp opened Holly's Harp, a small boutique on the Sunset Strip where she sold both her ready-made and custom-designed garments.
Within a few years, Harp's designs had taken on a very different character. Instead of merely incorporating bits and pieces of the past by using vintage textiles, Harp started designing slinky, overtly sexy dresses and separates that referenced the glamour of Old Hollywood. Using silk textiles such as jersey, crepe and chiffon, Harp created what she called " fantasy-oriented...mood clothes."3 These mood clothes often referenced 1930s evening wear, as in the Holly's Harp bias-cut dress seen here.
INFORMATION: ASU FIDM MUSEUM more information on their website
We buy incredible vintage daily. And some days are better than others and we hit the jackpot on rare, one of a kind and truly special pieces. This set is an example of one of those amazing purchases. 1970's suede his and her set of vests. They are embellished with metal studs and a fringe bottom detail. Marked L and S these two pieces should stay together although they can be sold separate. The seller was the granddaughter of the previous owner, she said "they bought these during their brief hippy phase". I hope this set sells to a collector, movie stylist or just someone with amazing taste. More information on measurements and price in our "new arrivals" section.
Freyrs sunglasses. UVA UVB. Acetate frames. Wire Stems. Comes with a case and cleaning cloth. One year warranty.
Available In Store And Online
I recently was contacted by an 85 year old woman living in Berkeley, CA. I went to her house to look through a 1970's vintage collection of items from Iran, Pakistan, Ecuador and India. The items came from her personal collection that were left over from her and her husbands import business. She was very knowledgable and gave me a story from each piece I purchased. You can find these pieces on our website and in store. Vintage with a story.
Curated Collection by Pretty Penny includes clothing, apothecary, accessories and gift items.
All of our items are hand picked for quality and priced for accessibility and longevity. For example a brand we love is Le Bon Shoppe. Made in the USA, women owned and made from high quality cotton, made to last. The silhouettes are flattering and timeless. Le Bon shoppe makes a great gift item for yourself or someone you love. These products also pair well with vintage. Just a few of the brands we carry listed below:
Freyrs
Le Bon Shoppe
Baggu
Perimade
Chunks
Nomad
Wiley Body
Species By The Thousands
Happy French Gang
Putnam Candles
Blomb
Our weather has been very extreme these past few months. How do you dress and/shop when the weather is so unpredictable? Layers, cotton and versatility. Tank tops and t shirts are a great staple item to have that can layer easily for all weather conditions. Long skirts are also great because you can pair with a tank top or a turtleneck sweater plus boots or sandals. Having a versatile wardrobe that has layer forward clothing options will keep you cool and clothed for this 85 degree weather in March.
