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!”
Outfit of the Week: Valentine Flowers
Spring’s not quite in the air, but love’s already in bloom.
One of my favorite pieces is this Pinup Couture Doris Skirt in red floral fabric. It’s relatively easy-care – you can machine wash it cold – and the A-line shape also makes it easy-wear. The cheerful red blooms are evocative of the Valentine’s Day holiday without being too obviously heart-y or anything like that.
I’m wearing the skirt here with the Pinup Couture Laura Top in red.
Outfits of the Season: Black & White
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.
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
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!
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!
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!
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.
The hand-painted skirt’s maker is “Ginette.” I’m wearing it with my Dixiefried boned bustier in red and vintage jewelry.
Must-have dresses from Pinup Girl Clothing
The wide variety of vintage-inspired, retro, rockabilly, and pinup-style fashions available online is both a blessing and a curse, especially if you like to wear dresses. There are literally hundreds of options available at a variety of price points, from slinky and elegant pencil dresses in work-perfect, subdued colors to frothy tulle gowns in bright tones. It’s fun to check out all the pretty clothes, but it’s also really easy to get overwhelmed.
If you’ve never done business with an internet clothing seller, how can you be sure of fit, color, quality, and service? Will the dress that comes to your door be as beautiful as the dress you saw on the web page? And perhaps most importantly, is the sense of dresslust you sate by clicking that order button really worth the money you spend? If you’re wanting to jump into the online vintage-inspired clothing world but you’re afraid of making decisions you’ll regret, Pinup Girl Clothing is a wonderful place to start. In fact, I have six versatile, high-quality, American-made dress choices pulled from the Pinup Girl house brands to get you happily on your way in the world of retro-fabulous fashion! Continue reading “Must-have dresses from Pinup Girl Clothing”
Outfits of the Year: Pinup fun with Holly West, Deadly Dames, and new friends!
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!”
Holiday Fashion: Lilian and Monica
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”