March 8, 2013

A passion for paisley



1950s vintage paisley dress, brown velvet hat_2


Outfit details


Brown velvet Frank Palma vintage hat: etsy seller Nostalgia Vintage
Brown and white plastic cameo earrings: Handmade by me
Vintage aqua plastic bead necklace: Salvation Army thrift store
1950s paisley dress: etsy seller Firefly Vintage
Royal blue skinny belt: eBay
Bangle bracelets: Assorted sources
Vintage maroon gloves with buttons: etsy seller Antiqueelegance
1950s corduroy bucket purse: etsy seller Rue 23 Vintage Clothing
Teal tights: (New stock) Value Village
Dark brown faux letter heels: Pipsqueaks and Damsels Consignment Store
Lip colour: MAC Diva


Photography by Antonio Cangiano
 

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When one thinks of the swirling droplet-like motif that is paisley, chances are the decade that springs to your mind first and foremost is the 1960s. Indeed, this almost hypnotic pattern, which can trace its roots back to the Sassanid Dynasty of ancient Iran (beginning nearly 1,800 years ago), was highly popular during the era that saw the Summer of Love and fashion designs that were often heavily influenced by classic ethnic sources. However, it was in use long before then in the western world, and though you may have to dig a bit harder, it's not impossible to find pre-1960s paisley print garments.

I have always, always loved paisley. When I close my eyes and think back to my first introductions to this intricate pattern, I see men's ties and a richly woven scarf my mom had in the 80s, as well some of the ensembles worn by musicians, fittingly enough, on the covers of a few of my parents classic folk and rock albums from the swinging sixties.

Paisley can come in all kinds of sizes and colours, it's kaleidoscopic like swoops dancing across the fabric, beckoning one to fall under its enchanting spell. I own two 1950s dresses, both so strikingly similar actually that I'd debated selling off one or the other, but can never bring myself do to it, knowing full well that pre-60s paisley don't come along in my size (and price range) everyday. Aside from a similar colour palette, paisley size, and tailoring, these dresses both also share in common the fact that they're a touch too big for me. No matter though, that's nothing a handy-dandy belt (in this case a matching royal blue one) can't help take care of in the blink of an eye.

As you may recall from earlier vintage outfit posts this year (such as this one), Tony and I have been on an ongoing mission to try and find a decent place to shot indoor outfit snaps (for those days when the weather just does not want to cooperate outside) in a house with very little natural light and few blank walls/suitable spots.

To date, I think these shots have probably been the the best of the locations we've tried. They were taken in our basement using the wall against the staircase, which is part of my craft room, as our backdrop. It was already evening when we took these snaps a few weeks ago (before popping over for a visit at my mom's house), so we used the lighting in the room and Tony's Canon flash to help illuminate them. They've not perfect, but hey, they document what I was wearing, which is the key thing, and I really don't mind the lighting in the upper-body-only photos.

I was in the mood for a riot of colour that day, so I partnered some teal tights with this bold paisley dress, as well as a fun vintage plastic bead necklace, handmade cameo earrings, some bangles (natch!), my beloved (and often worn) maroon gloves (last seen in my Valentine's Day outfit) and 1950s corduroy bucket purse, a vintage brown velvet hat, and a pair of brown heels. It was a fun, fairly warm (important as it was cold and snowy that day) ensemble and one that finally gave me a chance to photograph one of my much adored vintage paisley dresses.

My eyes are always peeled for 1940s or 50s paisley whether I'm window shopping online or thrifting in person. I've found two dresses so far and like to think other pieces featuring this eye-catching pattern will join my closet over the course of time.

Paisley don't get anywhere near the pre-sixties play of, say, polka dots, leopard print, florals or even novelty prints, but - prone to cheering for the underdog as I am - some how that just makes me love, and want to wear it, it all the more.

What can I say, like the title of today's post proclaims, I have a passion for paisley! :)



44 comments:

  1. Wow! This combination of colors and paisley design look so good on you. Exceptionally so. I had a visceral reaction to it, in a positive way. You look great!

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  2. (pressed the wrong button so i try again)

    pretty outfit jessica!
    this dress have all the things i like : shirtwaist, full skirt, color and pattern.
    and you did a good job with matching your accessoires.
    i love paisley too. have some scarves and blouses with this print.

    maybe you should prop your fotospot with a plant or something... :-)

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  3. Such a cute print in that dress, I love the colour! You look so pretty :)

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  4. I have several patterns that i am fond of - houndstooth being number one and closely followed by paisley.
    Over the years I have had several paisley items enter my closet but at the moment I can only think of a dress that I have not worn in a while.
    Your post made me remember those red men's tie with paisleys.

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  5. You have great wood floors in your basement. I am surprised you were able to take such good photographs in your basement. No way I could do this:) Your paisley dress looks grand on you and I love the hat. A perfect match! Your outfit is also quite timeless and looks great with tights! Lovely write up Ms. Jessica!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Joanna. The credit for these floors go entirely to my parents, as my step-dad installed them for us shortly before we moved in (my parents run a reno company that specialize in flooring and decking).

      Thanks again - big hugs!
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Lovely! I love bright tights - it is a great way to add colour :)
    Gorgeous paisley too!

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  7. Love how the necklace picks up the hints of turquoise in the pattern.

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  8. You look great. Those burgundy gloves are fabulous. I've paisley too but feel that it's hard to pull off if you aren't petite.

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    1. Thank you very much, darling gal! It's interesting that you say that, because I actually think it can tricky to pull off if you're petite. They say you should keep the size of the pattern in keeping with the overall size of the wearer, and at 5'2", I sometimes worry a bold, big paisley like this might overpower my petite frame. Honestly though, I think paisley looks great on pretty much everyone regardless of height or size, and am sure you could rock it wonderfully.

      ♥ Jessica

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  9. You are right! I didn't even realize that I didn't see paisley that often pre-60's, but now that you mention it, I can't conjure up images of paisley very often before that. You look super cute and the light is much better in your new basement location. :-)
    -Jamie
    ChatterBlossom

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  10. That is a dress I would def wear! Like the blue belt detail also.

    thriftshopcommando.blogspot.com

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  11. What a fantastic paisley dress, and I love the richly-hued accessories you paired it with! I had to search for similar paisley frocks on etsy immediately, and I think I'd have to buy this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/117903419/50s-paisley-dress if only it were my size!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear. That dress you found is marvelous - and more than a little tempting (if only it didn't have a tear, still...yikes, it's calling my name something fierce!).


      ♥ Jessica

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  12. very cute ,I too love me some paisly.just finishing up a paisly dress from a 40's pattern,just need some buttons sewn on and then its picture time.

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  13. Its a lovely free wall to have my dear! I know that issue too...blog photos indoors can be tricky! I find paisley takes more confidence to wear than leopard prints but I do love both! Hope you are feeling much better this week and having a fabulous weekend!
    May xx
    www.walkinginmay.com

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  14. You look fabulous in paisley! I'm a bit of a fan of it myself and bought a dress with the print just last week.

    Love the burgundy and blue accessories too :)

    www.mancunianvintage.com

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  15. OMG paisley, paisley, paisley how do I love thee...let me count the ways :-)

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  16. Looking gorgeous as usual!! :D
    I used to dislike paisley (when I was a child we had to go for naps, and I didn't want to. When I would have to nap I would stare into my parents closet in boredom, and see this one paisley shirt that my Dad had (so I guess I associated the two haha))., but the older I get the more I like it XD

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  17. so pretty dress and colour combination!
    and i love the shade of your lipstick^^ :)

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  18. Hi Jessica,

    I learned a love of paisley through my mother. (I tend to like thinks my mother likes. Most of the plants and flowers I grow were kinds she grew while I was growing up.)

    1950s and paisley combination is definitely a winner!

    :) Hope

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  19. You always blend and match your outfit colours beautifully. I love love the little heels and your hat is so darling! I've also been noticing the way you always have a pair of gloves which perfectly matches each outfit - I very much admire this and am aspiring to do the same when we finally get some cold weather over here!

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    1. Thank you very much, sweet dear! I love that you're working on putting together a rainbow vintage gloves, too. I do have quite a few pairs, it's true, but there's always other shades and styles out there to keep hunting for (yay!).

      ♥ Jessica

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  20. Oh Jessica I have a beautiful paisley scarf that is almost the same colors to your dress! I love paisleys too, there's something mysterious about those swirls!

    Nora
    NoraFinds

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  21. What a beautiful outfit! And your hair is stunning.
    Jillian - PS, if you have a moment, I would love invite you to check out the giveaway we're hosting for a $50.00 giftcard to Shabby Apple!
    http://epic-thread.blogspot.com/2013/03/shabby-apple-giveaway.html

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  22. You're right, the pattern really is like a kaleidoscope! Love it! This dress actually reminds me a little of a dress Betty Draper wears in the first season of Mad Men :D
    These photos look wonderful too, I think this is a great location for indoor outfit photos! I know only too well how hard it is to find a suitable place for photos inside, getting a spot where the lighting is good can be so tricky.

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  23. What a stunning outfit! Your paisley print dress is beautiful. And it goes perfectly with the necklace and hat. Well it all goes together perfectly. Your taste is impeccable Jessica! Love, love, love this!

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  24. Jewel tones look absolutely stunning in you, my dear! It contrasts wonderfully with your milky skin and eye and hair colour. I love paisley myself as well - if I were to come across a nice piece like you have there, surely I would indulge!

    -Holly

    Veronica Vintage

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  25. Ah you look beautiful the dress and hat are exquisite on you x

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  26. I love the colors of your outfit! Beautiful!

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  27. That necklace gives your outfit just the right pop!

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  28. Olá doce jéssica.. depois de meses, sem ter como comentar por estar com meu notebook em péssimo estado, eu voltei, amando cada vez mais a as combinações que fazes, com tamanha delicadeza...Amo azul, e a combinação de seu look hoje, ficou ótima...voltei a escrever em meu blog, aguardo sua visita, beijos com carinho, Penélope.

    maniasdapenelope.blogspot.com.br

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  29. Stunning outfit! I love all the details and colors match perfectly together! ♥♥

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  30. Wow, fab dress! I love those colours.

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  31. I think these photos look great! I was surprised to find out they were taken in your basement!

    I have the opposite problem...I long to take more photos outdoors, but need to invest in a good tripod before I venture outside. One day I'll get around to it...I guess I have to stop buying clothes and save some of my money for a tripod! lol!

    Lisa.

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  32. Gorgeous colors all together. I would wear this whole set without hesitation hahaha. I love paisley as well, as long as it's not post 1950s... Very calssy!

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  33. I'm crazy about paisley, too. This dress is one of the loveliest paisley prints I've seen. I love the contrast of the bright necklace against your darker accessories.

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  34. These colors are spectacular against your beautiful complexion. I too love paisley and yes, most people do not realize how old the print actually is. :-)

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  35. You look beyond stunning!!! I adore these lovely pictures!

    Hug,
    Alicia

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  36. I love that lipstick so much, that matte burgundy really flatters you! :D
    xx

    nancywilde.blogspot.com

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  37. wow not only that you look again absolutely beautiful here, but also i can see you are a real perfectionist, the color of your lipstick even matches your gloves;) i have so much for paisley patterns too! never cease to amaze me;)
    kiss,mary

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  38. I have a passion for paisley too! One of my fave dresses is a 60's paisley number that I mod up with platform shoes. You look divine as always Miss Jessica, and the hair color suits you to a T.

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  39. Your hair and lipstick look so perfect to the dress. :)

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