Outfits of the Season: Black & White

 

The Darling Dames dress
The Darling Dames dress.

Black and white is (are) in this spring. While I’m not really a trendy person (loving vintage style runs kind of counter to the idea), colors, color combinations, and retro-revivals are trends even I can do!

My response to the Spring, 2013 black and white trend includes the Deadly Dames polka-dot wiggle dress and Unique Vintage’s Lovely Lady in Lace reproduction prom dress.

The Deadly Dames polka-dot wiggle dress is designer Micheline Pitt’s answer to the white-with-black-dots dress worn by Traci Lords in the movie Cry Baby. In my opinion, it’s even better than the piece that inspired it! The removable skull brooch and vinyl patent belt are nice little badass touches to an otherwise elegant midcentury-style cocktail dress. I bought the XL, which is my usual Deadly Dames top size. I’m in between the XL and 2x sizes at the hip, but I can normally squeeze into the smaller size.

Unique Vintage reproduction prom dress
Unique Vintage reproduction prom dress.

The Unique Vintage Lovely Lady in Lace dress is kind of a departure for me. I wouldn’t normally spend money on a poofy tulle prom dress, but since this one’s based on a real 1950s prom dress, and it’s on clearance for $48, I figured it was worth a try. I ordered the 2x on the advice of the size chart, and it was a good fit.

Overall, I’m happy with the dress. I love the colors. I love the floof. I love the two layers of tulle and two layers of satin lining. I like how the skirt looks with my white Malco Modes crinoline petticoat. I adore the rows of tulle rufflework on the double-layered bodice.

My measurements are 43-32/33-48.”

The wonderful world of PANTS: Part Deux

Laura Byrnes High-Waisted Trousers
Laura Byrnes High-Waisted Trousers and Joanie top.

Back in November I posted about pants. I’m happy to report that the long Laura Byrnes High-Waisted Trousers in black fit as well as the cropped version I love!

They hit just below the ankle, which is a good length for cigarette-style pants. The high front waistband totally controls my loose midriff skin and the stitched front leg creases keep the pants looking crisp and fresh.

Here, I paired them with my Laura Byrnes Joanie top and ReMix slides. The result is very Kim Novak circa Bell, Book & Candle with a dash of cowl neckline from an original series Star Trek skant.

Those who want in the high-waisted trousers in other colors (they come in red and a rich royal blue, too) should know that the blue version runs a bit leaner than the black. Size accordingly!

Laura Byrnes High-Waisted Trousers
Laura Byrnes High-Waisted Trousers.

For the record, I’m 5’8″ tall with about a 34″ inseam.

I purchased the 2x size for my 32/33″ waist and 48″ hips.

Outfits of the Week: Fresh vintage!

Mexican circle skirt
Hand-painted Mexican circle skirt.

Just a couple of nifty vintage 1950s pieces I picked up last week: a hand-painted Mexican circle skirt and an autumnally-colored rayon dress!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nelly Don dress
Nelly Don dress.

 

The dress features a harlequin-style textured diamond print fabric in pink and magenta. The label is “Nelly Don.” I’m wearing it with my Deadly Dames vinyl “patent” belt.

 

 

 

 

 

Skirt closeup
Skirt closeup.

The hand-painted skirt’s maker is “Ginette.” I’m wearing it with my Dixiefried boned bustier in red and vintage jewelry.

Outfits of the Year: Pinup fun with Holly West, Deadly Dames, and new friends!

Kali by Holly West
Kali by Holly West. Makeup and Hair by Rockwell DeVil.

Most of you probably know that I’ve lost around 150 pounds over the last several years. I’ve battled with crappy body image for much of my life, and medically influenced massive weight gain in my mid-twenties certainly didn’t help. My goal has never been to get “skinny” or hit some sort of arbitrary weight goal. I’m happy just to feel comfortable with my body again, and the photo shoots in which I’ve participated this year have definitely helped with that. My most recent shoot happened this September at a custom car shop in Sacramento, with the superlative photographer Holly West. Continue reading “Outfits of the Year: Pinup fun with Holly West, Deadly Dames, and new friends!”

Your Disney Doppelgangers and Alter Egos

April
Besides this one…

Everybody has at least one fictional character with whom they identify. I have dozens, including my own literary alter ego, whom I wrote about for years. Visual character representations are most relatable for more people for obvious reasons, and some of the biggest “personal totem” characters are Disney animated – and sometimes attraction-based – characters.

Here are my “Disney Doppelgangers,” chosen because they represent how I look, feel, or approach the world in one way or another: Continue reading “Your Disney Doppelgangers and Alter Egos”

Holiday Fashion: Lilian and Monica

Lillian Dress Detail
Lilian Dress Detail: Trashy Diva’s Lilian Peacock Dress plus vintage sunglasses.

People tend to create longstanding relationships with the clothing brands that fit their bodies and their lifestyles the best. Two of my most meaningful fashion relationships have developed with New Orleans-based, vintage-inspired Trashy Diva and Los Angeles’ Pinup Girl Clothing. This holiday season, in true fangirl fashion, I’ll be wearing pieces by both Trashy Diva and PUG! Continue reading “Holiday Fashion: Lilian and Monica”

Q & A: Readers ask about size and shapewear

Lorelei Dress
Lorelei Dress from Pinup Girl Clothing, worn over Spanx Slimcognitos and What Katie Did’s Morticia corset.

I don’t get a ton of email from readers, but I do get enough useful questions to merit an irregular feature on the subject. Since a large part of the blog involves fashion, fit is an obvious concern. To consider how an item or style might fit you, it’s important to know the circumstances of my photos and reviews. With that in mind, I’ll address my first two questions: Continue reading “Q & A: Readers ask about size and shapewear”

Seasonal Fashion: Fuzzy vintage sweaters, perfect for fall!

Pink Vintage Sweater
Beaded pink vintage sweater.

I know I beat you guys over the head with my cardigans all the time, but having just acquired a new one, I thought it might be handy to remind everybody what a super accessory a vintage cardigan can be!

Not only are they practical – they tend to be well-made, warm, and competitively priced (beaded vintage is almost always a better deal than the contemporary alternative, for example) – they’re adorable! My latest is a pink wool, Angora, and nylon blend from Hong Kong. It’s lined and profusely beaded, which makes it perfect for work or a fancyish event of some sort. Continue reading “Seasonal Fashion: Fuzzy vintage sweaters, perfect for fall!”