Category: Fashion Reviews

Information about vintage, pinup, and repro fashion brands and sellers.

Posted on

Summer Preview: Red Poppies from Bettie Page Clothing

Bettie Page Clothing Poppy Seed Red Circle Dress
Bettie Page Clothing Poppy Seed Red Circle Dress.

Given all the amazing Memorial Day sales online, I had to pick up several things. I wasn’t really planning on purchasing anything but my new red Dita Cardigan from Wheels & Dollbaby, but the Poppy Seed Red Circle Dress by Bettie Page Clothing really, well, popped out at me as I browsed the sales!

Bettie Page and Unique Vintage were sold out of my size, so I purchased mine from ever-reliable JBR Clothing in Brea, CA. JBR’s regular price for this dress is $10 less than Bettie Page Clothing’s, plus they offer regular free shipping on this dress! Even though I ordered on the Friday before Memorial Day, JBR shipped the very next day. The dress reached me on Tuesday afternoon, a mere four days (one a Sunday, another a holiday) after I ordered!
Continue reading “Summer Preview: Red Poppies from Bettie Page Clothing”

Posted on

It’s back: the Wheels & Dollbaby Dita Cardigan!

Red Wheels & Dollbaby Dita Cardigan
Red Wheels & Dollbaby Dita Cardigan.

Australian company Wheels & Dollbaby is known for exquisite vintage-inspired fashions for women, especially its famous Dita Cardigan. The Dita is a design collaboration with contemporary burlesque queen Dita Von Teese, perfect for ladies who like a bit of girlish glam in their cool weather wardrobe. These usually sell out fast, so we’ve been anxiously awaiting this season’s options for months!
Continue reading “It’s back: the Wheels & Dollbaby Dita Cardigan!”

Posted on

Cool casual summer outfit toppers: cardigans and boleros!

Heartbreaker Betty Bolero
Heartbreaker Betty Bolero.

Summer’s hot, but that doesn’t mean you’re comfortable baring lots of skin. Whether you dislike your arms, like to maintain modesty, feel like every outfit deserves a finishing touch, or simply want to avoid sun damage, there are ways to top your sleeveless and strapless looks without going all wool crewneck on yourself. Personally, I’m a fan of lightweight cotton cardigans and boleros, but shrugs are another good option for folks looking to maximize ventilation without going sleeveless. Here are some of my favorite options (almost all are available in plus sizes, too!):
Continue reading “Cool casual summer outfit toppers: cardigans and boleros!”

Posted on

Outfit of the Weekend: Vintage cocktail dress

Here’s one more quickie! It’s a 1950s cocktail gown from Relic Vintage in San Francisco. The lining is a pleasant peach color, overlaid with black flocked organza with sparkles. No label, but it fits wonderfully over my Goddess longline bullet bra!

Continue reading “Outfit of the Weekend: Vintage cocktail dress”

Posted on

Summer Vintage Preview

Vintage Dress
Pink vintage sun dress.

I like labels, but I’m happy to buy something homemade if it’s beautiful and fits well. This bubblegum-pink vintage sun dress – purchased last year on Etsy – totally fits the bill! The fabric is incredibly unique, with its vast harbor scene and vibrant color.

Here, I’m wearing it with a white patent belt by Deadly Dames and white “Polly” style slides by Bordello. Perfect for summer!

The earrings and brooch are vintage ivory from Japan.
Continue reading “Summer Vintage Preview”

Posted on

Outfits of the Season: Jenny skirts, Jenny dress, and ye olde Vamp tops

 

Jenny Skirt
Jenny skirt in Harlequin print with Vamp top in mint.

A few months ago a mentioned some of my most-anticipated spring clothing items, among them Pinup Couture’s Jenny circle skirts and dresses.

I’m pleased to report that the Jenny items are vibrantly colored and very full. The cotton sateen fabric is thick enough to stay crisp, yet lightweight enough to help you stay cool in summer heat. The skirts are very nearly a complete circle, and look very authentic over crinolines. They are also tea-length, while the Jenny dress comes up just a bit higher.
Continue reading “Outfits of the Season: Jenny skirts, Jenny dress, and ye olde Vamp tops”

Posted on

Outfits of the Week: Collectif Gretel dress and Whirling Turban wingbust dress

Collectif Gretel dress
Collectif Gretel dress.

For some months now, I’ve been interested in the adorably gingham Gretel dress by Collectif. It’s got everything a gal hungry for summer really needs: red gingham cotton (you know, picnic style!) fabric, heart buttons down the front of the bodice, lace trim, and well-placed halter straps. I know that lots of people aren’t comfortable wearing halter-style dresses, but this one’s different. With a good strapless bra, the ties put no pressure at all on the back of my neck! Continue reading “Outfits of the Week: Collectif Gretel dress and Whirling Turban wingbust dress”

Posted on

Spring colors and wish list!

While much of the northern hemisphere is still frozen stiff, the roses are blooming in good ol’ north-central California. It’s nowhere near warm, but the light’s changed and our days are getting longer. Spring is almost here, and you know what that means: IT’S PANTONE TIME. Continue reading “Spring colors and wish list!”