Pinup, vintage fashion, vintage home, Jane Austen's Emma, and Miracles from Molecules!
This was the summer of yard work! Finally, over a year after moving in, I’ve gotten my yards to a decent place.
I laid pavers in the back yard, planted oleander along the fence, installed a shed, and replanted a few favorites.
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.
My friend Monica gave me a Trashy Diva gift certificate for my birthday, so I used it to get the fabulous Jaclyn Dress in the Big Band Bows print! This one’s got a warm summer print (fruit, flowers, and bows), but the colors and cut make it totally autumnable, too! I adore the cutouts on the neckline…they’re super-1940s!
I was warned that the invisible zipper would be tough to get past the waist seams, but it wasn’t that bad. I will say that the neck opening – while perfectly comfortable to wear – is a bit close when pulling the dress over your head. So, do your hair and makeup after you get dressed to avoid getting foundation on your clothes and messing up your coiffure. Additionally, my size 14 size charted a 33.5″ waist, but I flat-measured it closer to 32″. That wasn’t an issue for me, but it might be for you.
I’m wearing it here with my 1950s copper “Sealife” earrings and cuff by Matisse Renoir and my Remix Gloria wedges, a great 1940s repro shoe!
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!”
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”