Who's Idea Was It to Put Zippers in Leather Jackets Anyway?

Recently at a very "conservative" estate sale, I found a surprise tucked in the back of the closet ~ a very old, vintage leather motorcycle jacket. No Harley's in the garage, no helmets on the shelf, of course its not unusual to find the unexpected at estates, but here was just a single leather jacket with zippers among Brooks Brothers suits and starched white shirts.

Laying on the seat for the drive home, as I looked at it I wondered who on earth thought of adding zippers to a leather jacket? Its a great look, style and of course, tons of secure pockets!

Research was fun. It lead me all over the place and to a most interesting history of zippered leather jackets.

A Russian immigrant's two sons, Irving and Jack Schott began making raincoats in 1913, selling them on the street door to door in Manhattan and they were a huge hit.

Inspired by his two favorite things, the Perfecto Cigar and motorcycles, Irving changed forever attire to wear riding motorcycles, and named his first leather jacket with zippers the Perfecto in 1928, selling them to a Harley Davidson dealership.

In 1954, the Perfecto jacket was made famous by Marlon Brando in the movie "The Wild One".. but were banned in high schools for their association with "hoodlums." Actor James Dean was always seen wearing his Perfecto.

As all fashions go, the Perfecto was once again resurrected in popularity in the 70s and 80s by punk rockers.



Blondie (Deborah Harry), Joan Jett were women leading the pack in leather~

as well as groups like the Ramones.






Still an American Classic style, still produced by the third and fourth generation of the Schott family, in the same factory and with many of the same vintage sewing machines, the Schott Perfecto is proudly made in the USA.




And my incredible vintage Schott find? it never made it home. My brother grabbed it immediately, and I'm really pleased it will be treasured for another 50 years and will stay in our family.

Find us all over the place ~


VintagePretties on Facebook


VintagePretties on RubyLane


Our VintagePretties Blog


Vintage Pretties on Pintrest



Vintage Pretties on Twitter

Pretty Olga Nightgowns in Pretty Colors A Style for Every Taste

Surprise that special someone in your life by getting out of those flannel pajama pants and into something a bit more glamorous and feminine! Try an Olga Nightgown. They are glamorous, super comfortable, romantic and comfortable! Olga definitely knew a woman's body as she designed styles for her company. From the "Sleeping Pretty" line with built in bras, to the "Cuddle Top" which features a brushed nylon ultra soft flannel, there's a style for everyone from dramatic to demure.

The construction is superior, the fabric fabulous; which is why 30 years later most Olga gowns still look like new despite years of enjoying them. If you own and Olga you already know how wonderful they are, if you haven't, try one to see what all the Olga fuss is about. Almost as comfortable as flannel pants, and WAY more glamorous!

Choose your own favorite from these we have available this week at

VintagePretties on RubyLane

And to read a little about the history of Olga, enjoy our blog~

There Really Is An Olga



Vintage Olga Nightgown Teal Bodysilk Lacy Full Sweep Butterfly Lace




Vintage Nightgown Olga Blue Cozy top Secret Hug full sweep Long Sleeve M L




Vintage Nightgown Peignoir Set OLGA sheer blue chiffon XS bra top sleeping pretty Lacy




Vintage Nightgown Olga Deep Teal Lacy Sleeping Pretty Bra XS S




Vintage Nightgown Olga Long M L Flannel Top Silky Nylon Skirt Long sleeve pink ivory




"Like" VintagePretties on Facebook


Vintage Pretties on Pintrest



Vintage Pretties on Twitter

Kate Middleton - A Duchess Thrifts Fabulous

It's always exciting to see a celebrity in vintage, and fortunately there are many. From Michelle Oboma to Julia Roberts the rich and famous are "discovering" the beautiful style and fabulous quality construction of vintage. Of course as a seller, it "validates" us in a way, making vintage, as well as second hand good quality non vintage even more popular.

It's also fun to see someone famous make it their own. Recently the Duchess of Cambridge wore simply a teal jacket over a little Davina dress. Adding just a simple little accessory ~ a belt, she gave the jacket a peplum look, so hot this year!

And, rumor has it Kate Middleton is also shopping thrift stores! Well, kind of ~ she has a "secret shopper" doing it for her according to the
Huffington Post she thrifted this Jesire dress, a company no longer in business.





You have to admit the dress is darling (love the collar!!) and that it IS great that even Kate Middleton is green, with the ultimate recycling ~ second hand clothing. In our economy, what a wonderful example she sets for the world!




VintagePretties on RubyLane


Like us on Facebook