ESO: End of Summer Outfits

Jenny Dress
My Aunt Cynthia, my mom, and me at my cousin’s graduation party. I’m wearing my Pinup Couture Jenny Dress in Harlequin print. Photo by Shelly Donald.

Northern California will probably be warm until Halloween, but Autumn officially starts in just ten days! In honor of the climactic end of Summer, some outfits I’ve worn along the way…

First, a beautiful vintage dress from the 1950s that I bought from a friend. The striking color, mid-century halter-twist neckline, atomic-era buttons down the back, and metal sequin details made me fall in love with this one.

Red Vintage Dress
1950s red halter dress.
Red Vintage Dress
Another view of me in the red vintage dress.

Next, a great sale dress from Trashy Diva! This one’s the Annette Mini in Fifth Avenue Floral, size 14. I’ve been interested in this striking period floral design for some time, and I’ve hoped to pick up an Annette style for the last year at least. The fabric is a sturdy cotton sateen and the included belt really pulls together the ensemble. The strap placement is best suited by strapless bras, or you could go braless like I did. The “mini” designation is meaningful, as the dress is indeed very short. I’m 5’8″ and this one hits at mid-thigh.

Annette Dress
Trashy Diva Annette dress in Fifth Avenue Floral print.

I purchased this red Dolores Doll dress in a recent Collectif UK 50% off sale. The full A-line skirt and cute neckline details make it a good dressy-casual option. For all of its excellent points, however, the dress is not bra friendly. The shoulders are meant to sit slightly off-shoulder, so I had to wear this one with a strapless long line bra. Collectif sizing runs all over the map, too, so be sure to check the measurements on anything before you order. This is the UK 14, and my measurements are 43-32-48″.

Dolores Doll Dress
Dolores Doll Dress by Collectif.

A dressier option is Pinup Couture’s Vivien Dress in peach. With asymmetrical shoulders and a pretty jeweled applique, this one has a vintage feel and contemporary sensibility. The bengaline fabric and clever cut work together to create a lean – yet curvy – silhouette. The dress also comes in dark olive and black, but I thought the peach was cool and different. I got this one in XL.

Vivien Dress in Peach
Pinup Couture Vivien Dress in peach.

Finally, two day-dress favorites: The Pinup Couture Heidi dress in black cat print and Evelyn in baby blue with pink roses, both in XL.

Cat Heidi Dress
Pinup Couture Heidi Dress in cat print.
Cat Fabric
Cat fabric print by Joe de Blois.
Blue and Pink Evelyn Dress
Pinup Couture Evelyn Dress in baby blue and pink rose print. It comes with the matching bolero.

6 Replies to “ESO: End of Summer Outfits”

  1. Kali – I’ve working my way through your blog. I love love love love this red dress! I’m so jealous of you Cali girls who find the good vintage. 🙂

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