"I would see these fantastic clothes, Ginger Rogers in a glamour gown from the 1930s dancing with Fred Astaire, and I just loved it," LoAlbo said.
LoAlbo has been a business owner in the borough since 1991. Now she can add author to her list of accomplishments in the world of vintage clothing and accessories. Her book, "Vintage Fashion Accessories," was released in November by Krause Publications, with photos by Jimmy Lin.
"The reason I'm attracted to accessories and the reason I wrote the book is because I feel like you can add a vintage purse or a vintage necklace to an everyday wardrobe without it looking out of place," LoAlbo said.
The book's colorful collection of hats, shoes, bags and jewelry represents roughly 100 years of fashion from the 1880s to the 1980s, according to LoAlbo.
LoAlbo said some of her favorite items from the book include a crystal brooch once owned by Bette Davis in the shape of a mask and a Dutch purse from the 1950s with a battery-powered light that enables the user to find her keys in the dark. A plastic shopping tote from the 1970s with swirling colors of black and red graces the cover.
"It's a $20 plastic purse, but it looks like it's worth $100," LoAlbo said.
LoAlbo, a Bridgewater resident who at one time was pursuing a career as a math teacher, said she wanted to craft a fun and modern book that doesn't just catalog the accessories but instead presents them as "eye candy."
LoAlbo said most of the items in the book are from her collection but some specialty pieces were borrowed from other dealers, including antique dealers in Somerville. The MH Art & Framing Gallery, 9 West 20th St. in Manhattan, is hosting an exhibit of accessories featured in the book through Feb. 27.
With one book under her belt, LoAlbo hopes to next write a book about vintage fashion advertising.
Purchase Stacy LoAlbo's book online at www.vintagefashionaccessoriesbook.com. Learn more about Incogneeto at www.incogneeto.com.
I will be having a book signing at my local library from 2-4 pm.
Somerville Public Library The following Saturday, March 27th 2:00 pm
A Vintage Weekend of Events at Somerville Center Antiques
I will signing books at 34 W. Main in Somerville along with FREE appraisals!
Click on the pic to read the article!
"Vintage Fashion Accessories." 
I have been a lover of vintage since 1980 having been a thrift store shopper as a teen. I enjoyed finding unique items to wear and subsequently learned the value of such items to be superior to anything purchased new. As many of you may know, vintage clothing and accessories were made in a time when construction and design were given much more thought since these items were generally not outsourced for the making. Designers spent more money on creating a garment as this was the norm. Attention was paid to detailing an article of clothing. Of course, this holds true for accessories as well. Quality leathers were used in shoes and bags, hand work was incorporated in the beaded bags, and jewelry was crafted with the finest Austrian crystals!
So this love of vintage has turned into a sincere passion for fashion for me!
I opened my first vintage shop at a large indoor flea market (US 1 in New Brunswick, NJ)in 1986. That opened up the opportunity to buy and sell beautiful things that weren't my size or style! With an excuse to shop, the collection grew! By 1991, I opened my first official storefront in Somerville, NJ. I mainted the flea market locale since it was only on the weekends and business was booming there! Within a few years, I had the flea market and 3 stores including one in Somerville, NJ, one in New Hope, PA and a prestigous location on Nassau St. in Princeton, NJ. In 1994, my mini-me- the younger maven that goes by the moniker Hallie, was just entering the world. I pretended to be Wonder Woman for a while and shuffled back and forth between stores with a baby sack on my back! Burning the candle at both ends began to wear down the wick too fast, so I slowed it all down by opening one huge 6000 sq ft store in Somerville. With all my eggs in one basket (Jeez! I use a lot of cliches!), I was able to concentrate on better serving the customer/costumer all in one place!
Bex Koehnen, customer from Brooklyn, NY
Stacy LoAlbo offers gowns attracting young customers
Belts offered by Connie Schwab
Elaine Klausman
Jamie Shenkman
Funky Fashions offers "dainties!"
Vintage with a Twist
Incogneeto
