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