Since 1876, Whiting and Davis have made beautiful metal accessories and clothing that have been favorites of the fashionistas. The mesh handbag is undeniably their most iconic item that put them on the map. The first mesh bag was created in 1892 by Charles Whiting using metal rings that were painstakingly joined by hand. Luckily by 1912, a machine was invented that automated the mesh making process, making them more accessible on the market. The ringed mesh was continued to be used through the 1920's until the flat armored mesh took off. The flat armor, seen in the purse above sold by Ledbelly, easily became the most popular and sought after design as it was easy to paint interesting designs on it. Each decade brought new and innovative structures and designs. They were especially popular in the 1970's. They caught the light beautifully as they danced under the disco ball. Whiting and Davis have managed to be a favorite of celebrities for over 140 years and are still being seen in magazines and on the runway today. Lady Gaga herself had a silver gate top Whiting and Davis handbag. These bags are strikingly gorgeous and make a perfect small purse for special occasions, especially weddings. 

A stylish look is never complete without beautiful accessories to complement it. This mid-century gold and white Napier earring and brooch set may be the element you're missing in your outfit. Napier became famous for their fashion jewelry in the 1920's among the most stylish women. Fashion jewelry became especially important when people realized the impracticality of wearing fine jewelry on a daily basis. It was also difficult to afford precious metals and jewels, especially with the many wars that rampaged the early twentieth century. Fashion jewelry offered all women of all classes the chance to look and feel elegant. Extravagant jewelry was no longer only reserved for the wealthy. Now everyone is able to look chic. Piercing were still considered taboo in the early and mid century, so clip on earrings offered an easy and less permanent way to adorn your ears. This set offers beautiful white beaded flowers with gold plated abstract foliage. The design follows the shape of the ear, so they almost come across as cuffs. The shape is cool and modern, even by today's standards. Wearing a brooch that matches your earrings gives your outfit a sense of cohesiveness and regalness. This set would be a great addition to your jewelry collection. 

By the latter part of the twentieth century the ear piercing market was growing, but it was still not entirely common, hence why these Roxanne Assoulin earrings still feature the clip on element. Roxanne Assoulin's designs are known to boost confidence in the wearer as well as conveying her confidence as an artist and designer. They show the creativity and individuality of those who seek to stand out and aren't afraid to be different. These gold tones earrings have an interesting woven design with scattered panels inlaid with clear rhinestones. They are versatile, which is a great asset to have in your jewelry box. They fit many age demographics and styles. I can easily see them being worn by a model on the runway or in a magazine photoshoot. They have a lot of character and retro charm. The teardrop shape is classic and timeless, so they can be worn for years to come. Roxanne Assoulin was able to create movement in a stagnant object with these earrings. The ridges in the gold braiding will catch the light in a way that makes them look alive. This is wearable art at its finest.

Here we have a gorgeous vintage Whiting and Davis bracelet with six luminous oval mother of pearl charms​. Whiting and Davis is a well respected brand that has been making jewelry and handbags since 1876. They are most famously known for their brass metal mesh clothing and accessories. They were especially coveted by the glamorous flappers of the 1920's. In 1952, Jane Russell sported a stunning gold tone Whiting and Davis mesh gown for her movie Macao, which came in weighing at 21 pounds. In more recent years, celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Paris Hilton, Shakira, and, most notably, Lady Gaga can be seen gracing red carpets with their Whiting and Davis apparel. Finding a vintage item is such an amazing condition from an influential brand such as this one is extraordinary and shouldn't be passed up so easily. This bracelet has a beautiful charm to it. You can tell it is vintage, but that is most definitely not a bad thing. The oval shape of the nacre charms is not seen too often in today's jewelry stores, which is a shame seeing how beautiful it is. This can easily be paired with almost any style such as boho, casual, pinup, business attire, western, and even goth. It is a wonderful piece with exquisite workmanship that is looking for a new home. 

If you're looking for something daring and one of a kind, look no further. These clip on earrings are hand etched and inlaid with niello. Hand etching on metal takes years of tedious practice. It is a form of art that has been around for thousands of years. The first example is believed to be from around 1800 B.C.E. (3,800 years ago). Niello is a black mixture of different metals that is spread across an etched surface, usually silver. It settles into the engraved or etched parts and leaves a dark and contrasting image on the surface. These dagger earrings feature a tiny intricate woven pattern throughout, which would've been extremely tedious for the artist, who would've had to use small tools and a delicate hand. The stamp on the back shows that these beauties were made in Siam, now known as Thailand. King Mongkut, who reigned from 1851 to 1868, gave Siam its name which remained until 1939 when it was officially changed to Thailand. The country was reverted back to Siam from 1946 to 1948 but was changed back to Thailand where it has stayed since. Thailand is known for its beautiful art, landscape, and history and has become a hot tourist destination in recent years. Its large and ornate temples may be the inspiration behind the image on the earrings, which shows a person wearing a headdress. They are perfect for the person who appreciates the beauty of different cultures around the world.

I want to start off by thanking everyone who has continued to follow Ledbelly Vintage throughout these irrational, emotional, but ever so phenomenal years.  It's been quite a while since I've posted anything new on the blog.   

Today, I am extremely ecstatic to announce...Ledbelly is back!
Plugging at it, more than ever before.   

In early 2016, we moved out of our Eastside Austin home into a tiny apartment up North.  My husband and I both worked our butts off trying to determine exactly where we wanted to end up.  We thought about Cedar Park and even building a tiny home in the outskirts of Austin.  Little did we know...   

In early 2017, my husband was offered an amazing position in San Diego, California.  We took an emotional step to leave our family and friends onto the West Coast.  At first, it was a bit tough but we have great group of friends (some we now consider family) and have quickly grown attached to our new lovely home and amazing city. 
Below are pictures of our new home and lovely San Diego.  You can see the Ledbelly charm. :)

It's now 2019 and it's so phenomenal that we're living by the ocean, doing exactly what we love! 

​While working in finance, I have saved and collected a plethora of products for Ledbelly and am excited to show you what's in store (so many beautiful heirlooms, handmade jewelry, and accessories).  

So with that, thank you again for being so supportive and understanding about Ledbelly lingering for so long.  Although Ledbelly has been semi-active for a couple of years, this year will mark a whole new beginning for the shop and I can't wait to share more!  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

- Melinda Ledbetter

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, we had the pleasure of visiting my hometown and scheduling a bridal photoshoot at some of our favorite historic buildings.  Here is the photoshoot in one of our favorite Ledbelly 1950's wedding gown, vintage ivory gloves, and a feather fascinator from Gypsies Antiques.  

The top couple of buildings is an old high school from the early 1900's which still exists today.  Interestingly, the 1st North Dakota Infantry occupied this area as a camp site from 1916-1917.  This was the first U.S. Army Component to take offensive in World War II (ref. OpenPlaques).  

In the end of this gallery, we have tiny mid-century cantina that changed many times over the years.  We couldn't tell you exactly what existed but we're sure there was plenty of suspicious activity in this building. Regardless, it's always had a great exterior and happens to be right by a thrift store.  

For more vintage wedding dresses visit us at Gypsies Antiques!
5202 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78756 
or 
online at ledbellyvintage.etsy.com

As of November, we started carrying vintage bridal dresses and posting them gradually as we clean and steam.  We are currently updating on bridal page so that all wedding gowns and accessories are available directly on our site and at our showroom shop in Gypsies Antiques.  Please stay tuned as we continue updating our store!  

Here are a few dresses we have posted thus far.  We absolutely adore every one of these!   

1950's JCPenny Wedding Gown - $265

1960's Fink Wedding Gown, comes with detachable train and pillbox veil hat - $180

1950's Romantic Satin Ivory and Lace Wedding Gown - $495

1960's Maurer Wedding Dress comes with a detachable train - $295

OR

Visit us at Gypsies Antiques
5202 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78756