Pinup, vintage fashion, vintage home, Jane Austen's Emma, and Miracles from Molecules!
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.
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!
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!”
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”
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”
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!”
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.
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”