Pinup, vintage fashion, vintage home, Jane Austen's Emma, and Miracles from Molecules!
Information about vintage, pinup, and repro fashion brands and sellers.
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.
As a person whose style is by definition not very trendy, it seems silly for me to care about Pantone’s seasonal color palettes. If you think about it, though, it does make sense. Even if I wear primarily vintage and vintage reproduction clothing, current color trends are going to affect any new accessories and repro-used fabrics I’ll be considering. So, why not do a little planning ahead? Forwarned is forearmed!
While normally a Made-in-USA kind of girl, I appreciate Eshakti’s traditional Indian cotton fabrics and whimsical prints. Many of their designs are retroable, and almost all are customizable! For a modest fee, you can have any piece made to your specific measurements (through plus size 36!). You can also choose sleeve, neckline, and length for many styles.
Through the middle of this month, new customers can use code TANY4177 to get $40 off. Give Eshakti.com a try!
My friend Monica gave me a Trashy Diva gift certificate for my birthday, so I used it to get the fabulous Jaclyn Dress in the Big Band Bows print! This one’s got a warm summer print (fruit, flowers, and bows), but the colors and cut make it totally autumnable, too! I adore the cutouts on the neckline…they’re super-1940s!
I was warned that the invisible zipper would be tough to get past the waist seams, but it wasn’t that bad. I will say that the neck opening – while perfectly comfortable to wear – is a bit close when pulling the dress over your head. So, do your hair and makeup after you get dressed to avoid getting foundation on your clothes and messing up your coiffure. Additionally, my size 14 size charted a 33.5″ waist, but I flat-measured it closer to 32″. That wasn’t an issue for me, but it might be for you.
I’m wearing it here with my 1950s copper “Sealife” earrings and cuff by Matisse Renoir and my Remix Gloria wedges, a great 1940s repro shoe!
I celebrated Independence day with some great new American-made accessories by Jean Peplinski at Planet Pinup!
Her pinup-inspired fabric hairflowers, hairscarves, 1940s-style snoods, bows, fascinators, and other fashionable frills are beautiful, filled with personality, and totally original!
As the weather heats up, so do the summer shindigs. If you’re looking for something cute and festive, Pinup Girl Clothing’s Deadly Dames Malibu Tiki Dress in blue and red is just the ticket! The adjustable straps, structured bodice, sarong-style side tie, jaunty bolero, and vintage Hawaiian floral print give this dress set the style and class of a mid century Alfred Shaheen design. It’s truly worthy of any hukilau, luau, or other tiki-tastic event!
Continue reading “Summer Preview: Deadly Dames Malibu Tiki Dress”
Trashy Diva does vintage style like no other. This New Orleans-based shop cluster and fashion line offers authentic looking designs in beautiful retro-print fabrics. The two-piece Pontchartrain Beach Set (named for the lake, I assume) is a playful, summery take on the usual Trashy Diva aesthetic, featuring a cropped top with pretty square neckline and a high-waisted skirt. The fabric is a cool cotton voile, woven with a purple-and-turquoise plaid pattern. Large, white rose buttons close the bodice and decorate the large pockets on the skirt.
Continue reading “Summer Preview: Trashy Diva’s Pontchartrain Beach Set!”
I’ve shopped with Orange County, CA- based plus size clothing manufacturer Kiyonna since 2007. Their fashions are classy, made in the USA, and designed with curvy figures in mind. What’s more, a good portion of their dresses and separates are retro-inspired. Some of their best sellers include gorgeous 1940s-inspired lace cocktail dresses in sizes 10-32 US. That’s right; 0x-5x! Over the past six years, I’ve worn everything from Kiyonna size 0 to Kiyonna size 3, so I’m well-acquainted with their fit.
Continue reading “Review: Kiyonna’s fabulous 1940s lace dresses…in plus sizes!”