I collect vintage midcentury “Hawaiian label” clothing from brands like Alfred Shaheen and Kamehameha. Unfortunately, none of my real vintage fits at the moment due to health issue-related weight gain. Fortunately, Unique Vintage has licensed the Kamehameha and Shaheen names, labels, clothing designs, and fabric prints to bring us reproductions of some of these great labels’ most popular styles (swing and sarong). Even better, everything in these lines is on closeout, so if you can find your favorite style and print in your size, you’ll get a deal.
Bolero by UV/Kamehameha, vintage bakelite necklace and earrings, and hairflowers by Nicoco Creations.
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!”
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!
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.
Unique Vintage reproduction prom dress.
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.
