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January 11, 2016

We make our own trends


Last year my lovely friend Laurence from the blog Lost in the 50s mentioned a point in the context of one her and her husband's fabulous vintage outfit posts that really resonated with me, especially since it's something that I've thought about many times myself over the years.

She mentioned how sometimes when you've been wearing vintage for many years, you feel the need to step outside of your usual sartorial comfort zone and try something new (in context of the outfit she shared in that summertime post, it was full length 1940s summer dresses) and that really got me thinking about how we within the vintage wearing realm create our own personal trends.

Now, what do I mean by this? As we draw our inspiration and wardrobe choices from the past, decades that are long done and over with, there aren't any new of-the-moment trends happening for us to follow, if so desired. To clarify, I mean that because we're not living in, say, 1935 or 1952 and experiencing the new styles coming out in the moment then, we don't get to try out new things as easily as if we were keeping up with what was in vogue in the moment.

Of course, the upside to that is that we can now look back on the decades that we adore as a whole and pick and chose what we want to wear from each, but there again, already knowing what existed and what was to come, can somewhat take the element of trends out of the equation.

Now, that isn't to say that there aren't trends of sorts amount vintage/repro/pinup fashion wearers today. One has only to look at the epic spike in interest surrounding vintage novelty prints, Bakelite, or swing dresses, for example, in recent years, to see that some items of vintage clothing really come out on top as favourites with many wearers. Likewise, in the more repro/vintage inspired realm, 2015 has seen a boom in indie jewelry designers, especially those making laser cut, hand painted wooden brooches, who are gaining major followings (especially on Instagram) and large customer bases in the process.

I'm certain that as time goes on, such trends will only continue, especially in the repro/vintage inspired realm, and new items will have their fleeting moments in the sun, whereas others will become practically de rigueur for many vintage enthusiasts.

Still through, we don't get to open up copies of Vogue, Harper's, Elle, Burda or any other fashion magazine that was hugely popular in the mid-twentieth century and have the chance to contemplate if a new trend speaks to us or not. We know, as mentioned above, what's coming up next already and has such, if we want to shake things up on the fashion front, we need to, by and large create our own trends on a personal level based on what elements of the past speak to us in terms of our wardrobes.



{We might not have the latest editions of our favourite fashion magazines to turn to inspiration on what's trending at the moment, but thanks to our ability to look back on time and to explore every wardrobe related element of an era, we're ensured the ability to always find and fall in love with new looks and in the process, keep our wardrobes feeling and looking fresh at our own pace. Vintage Vogue magazine cover image source.}


I think that for many folks who wear vintage, the longer we sport old school styles, the more we happily branch out. When we begin, it's natural to want to play it safe, so to speak, and many people (though certainly not all, of course) opt for pieces that are really emblematic of the era(s) that they're drawn to. So, for example, a 1950s fan might really put an emphasis on circle skirts, crinolines, polka dots, and cute, classic cardigans. Nothing wrong with that in the slightest and of course all of those pieces were common players in that decade.

As time goes on though, that same person may find that they want to expand their daily wardrobe options and start adding in vintage hats, gloves, play suits, patio sets/(so-called) squaw dresses), lucite handbags, (possibly) fur garments, Audrey Hepburn-esque skinny pants, cat's eye glasses and many other fashion elements of the period.

Further still beyond that though, we may discover that as even more time goes on, we want to broaden our closet's horizons and seek out pieces that perhaps before, we hadn't paid much attention to and/or found ourselves drawn to. I know that such has rung true for me in my own life many times, with new vintage fashion interests coming along on regular intervals.

I adore when my attention gets drawn towards something that I'd previously not felt super pulled in the direction of and think that this is fairly akin to the thrill of hopping on the bandwagon with trends, were there monthly/seasonal/yearly ones for us to do so with, if so desired, much like the ladies (and gents) of the decades we adore most often used to do.

There's something very special about this actually. We create trends that work for us and aren't a slave, so to speak, to fashion's whims. No matter how much you love vintage (and the volume of garments + accessories that you own), there are always more styles and pieces out there waiting to be explored, and so the act of creating our own personal trends becomes all the more of a joy that we can set at our pace for as long as we don our beloved vintage threads.

So while we might not have new copies of Vogue to flip open and fall in love with a cutting edge (vintage) style, we do have the endless possibilities that the fashions of the past hold and our tastes and imaginations alike to help ensure that, if so compelled, our wardrobes need never lack for new looks and creative options. A point that makes me, someone who was never really much one for following current fashion trends anyhow, a rather happy vintage wearing camper. How about you?

50 comments:

  1. I know for me, my own personal style has seen many trends over the years. I'm not into the same things that I used to be into and that's ok. I've really enjoyed having a wardrobe full of pieces that really feel like me and not just copying someone else. :D

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    1. Absolutely!!! I have always preferred to follow my own sense of style rather than to adhere to trends. If I happen to like a trend, past or present, so be it, but I've never felt a compulsion to dress by them. I adore the creativity that fashion, vintage and otherwise, affords us and love that, as this post delves into, we each get to make our own trends, based on whatever parameters our hearts desire.

      Thank you very much for your great comment, sweet gal. Have a beautiful week!

      ♥ Jessica

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  2. I think you're quite right on all your points here, Jessica! I certainly agree that while there aren't 'new fashion' trends in vintage, there are certainly things that seem to fall in and out of favour as you've described. And I also agree that when I first got into vintage fashion I played it very safe and stuck to really the basics of what I knew vintage fashion was, for want of having better knowledge partly! The more I look at patterns, old photos, adverts etc, the more I find things I want to try that I haven't thought of or particularly noticed before. I also find that I'm pulled towards different eras seasonally - and currently I'm going through a little bit of a 60s mod phase, for sure. I'm sure I'll swing back round (pun intended!) to the 50s as the weather gets warmer, and start exploring new avenues there that I perhaps haven't before.

    Fashion, at it's heart, has a lot of building blocks common to many eras and really trends are just variation on core themes. There's endless potential to make vintage outfits what you want them to be, really - particularly if you don't mind having a bit of fun and deviating from strictly what is 'vintage' along the way, as I often do! Great post xx

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    1. Excellently said, dear CiCi. I completely agree and love that building block element of fashion, as you so aptly put it.

      I actually really enjoy it when I get an urge to try something new or explore other decades. I find that doing so almost always benefits my core wardrobe (of 40s and 50s styles) and that I feel like I've grown personally in the process.

      Thank you for sharing some of your terrific thoughts on this topic with as. I was nodding my head off as I read each word.

      Many hugs & happy Monday wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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  3. I haven't followed fashion for rather a long time, so that in itself is nothing new to me; but I do love the freedom that having "been in" several different trends or styles affords me - I have no training or background in clothing design or fashion, but I know - roughly - what shapes suit me, as well as which I like and which I want to stay away from; not forgetting - of course - the range of 'roles': from glamourpuss to gothic pin up, via a little rockabilly, and throwing the occasional pair of Chucks in too. It's certainly fun to play with clothes - but it's definitely more fun to play when you don't follow the 'normal' fashion constraints

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    1. It truly is and that's part of the reason why it makes me a bit sad at times that we've seen such a continual casualization of modern fashion, with its ubiquitous pieces and abundance of leisurewear. Of course, to each their own, but I something think that we have whole generations now who have never (or almost never) gotten the chance to view fashion as the blank canvas that it is and to dress up, have fun, and get to experience creating a wholly unique look just for themselves.

      It's so fantastic that many in the vintage realm do just that and I am perpetually inspired by the wardrobes and personal styles of our wonderfully dressed peers.

      Thank you very much for your great comment, lovely lady. Have a beautiful week!

      ♥ Jessica

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  4. Hi Jess! I'd have to say this post is spot on. Back when I was 13 and fascinated with Vintage dresses and looks down to the pumps, Jackie O purses and crinolines it was all so very exciting. I could pick up a new look for $10.00 and love wearing it! Everything was so new to me and I had my Aunt to guide me towards pieces that worked for my figure. 1981 held a lot of promise for me as the vintage stores here in Los Angeles were chock full of dresses and coats. Now, the same or similar vintage stores are charging $300 for a dress I bought 34 years a go at $20.00. Now I really have to look for quality over The Look. I'm still a work in progress and have a few vintage dresses & the mink fur collar off of a lovely wool coat that the moths got to even though I'd been wearing since I was 16 that belonged to my Grandmother, Fairy Dawn. I just discovered WKD and am revamping my lingerie. That brings back happy memories of the vintage Merry Widow I still have from 1980. I enjoy the possibility of finding more mid century clothing and repro's that are suited to my everyday living wardrobe. Happy hunting and happy 2016 as we all look for our "look".❤️

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    1. Hi sweet Christy, thank you for sharing more about your own wonderful vintage journey with us. I can only imagine what the mid-century vintage (and thrift) store scene must have been like back in the 1980s. Wow! Do you still have any of the pieces that you picked up then?

      Big hugs & happy vintage adventures in 2016!
      ♥ Jessica

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  5. Fantastic point you have made. I can see in my own style that I have evolved and adapted as time goes on. As I get used to one style I want to break through to the next level. Also how our tastes change is so interesting. What we once held as a firm favourite now seems boring and out dated, funny considering vintage is basically as out dated as you can get and yet when you are trying something new to you it seems modern and ground breaking. Always important to challenge ourselves, so we can grow and develop.

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    1. Yes!!! I really find that to be the case for me as well. It doesn't mean that I don't still love and enjoy the others, but that I want to keep flexing my style muscles and bringing others into the (wardrobe) fold, too. Thank you for raising that point, sweet dear. I swear, it's been on my mind massively in recent months (in particular). Perhaps a whole post on that aspect of this discussion will follow one day.

      Tons of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  6. Stacy from the television show What Not to Wear called it "The Pajamification of America!" Personally I am going to "dress up" more in 2016. My new motto is: What Would Jessica Do?"

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    1. It's so timely that you should mention that, dear Elinor. Yesterday Tony and I were at Costco and saw a young woman (estimated age 16 - 19) wearing an adult onsie - and not, I'm certain, ironically. I really believe in to each their own, 100% including on the fashion front, but there is something just plain shocking about seeing an adult, even a young one, in that type of garment in public.

      What an incredibly lovely - and very touching - compliment, my sweet friend. Thank you so much!

      Have an awesome January,
      ♥ Jessica

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  7. Following where trends go within sub-categories of fashion is always very interesting. When I first started following vintage stuff waaaaaay back in my high school LiveJournal days, the classic 1950s circle skirt/Rockabilly look was very big. I've found it interesting as I started following blogs on a more modern platform that the 40s look had really taken over the 50s look as being the biggest, or more popular look to go for. I've also noticed that the 30s have picked up fairly recently as well. When you've got so many decades to look back on, it is an almost infinite wealth of inspiration to make something your own! One of the great things about following bloggers is that each person brings their own taste into their style, introducing new things readers like me would have never thought of!

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    1. Same here. It's so fascinating! I've noticed a trend towards the 30s (and 20s, too) as well. I suspect that shows like Downtown Abbey and Boardwalk Empire have played their own role there. It's possible, perhaps to a lesser extent on a global scale, that the Jazz Age Law Party is factoring there as well. Plus, I think that a lot of us vintage folks just like to continue spreading our sartorial wings and reaching back (or forward, as the case may be) to other decades is definitely a huge way to do just that.

      Thank you very much for your fantastic comment, lovely lady.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  8. I'm fairly new the vintage fashion scene (and I don't really have much in the way of vintage-inspired clothing of my own - yet!). But I've always enjoyed history of all sorts, and it seems that 1920s-inspired things have been a recent "trend" (maybe due to the increasing popularity of Gatsby parties and Downton Abbey?) Or maybe I'm just now noticing these things, because I've started delving into vintage fashion and lifestyle. :-P Anyway, I like your take on "vintage trends." We can each be our own trendsetter!

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    1. Absolutely! The 20s and 30s have really been coming into there own on an even greater level in recent years (amongst us vintage wearers, I mean). I completely agree that both of those are factors (ditto for Boardwalk Empire). It will be fascinating to see if it continues to grow in popularity of if it has essentially reached its zenith now. I'd love to see both of those decades remain much loved amongst vintage wearers and look forward to seeing if such proves to be the case.

      Many thanks for your terrific comment. Have a beautiful week!

      ♥ Jessica

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  9. for sure do we make our own trends!
    and when i need some inspiration i look at your blog! your ensembles are always so beautiful and interesting - lots of pretty ideas for colors, shapes and combinations :-)
    hug you my stylish friend!!!
    xxxxxx

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    1. What an awesomely sweet compliment, dear Beate. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

      Huge hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  10. We definitely have trends within the vintage community. I remember Swirl dresses really spiking in price. I'm currently into more of a late 50s/early 60s look, and I've noticed more people picking up things from that era, though how much of that noticing could be because I'm paying more attention I can't say.

    I do think certain bloggers are really influential, and we've seen a shift in what the 'big' blogs are as some people have posted less often, which will possibly influence the things the community as a whole is posting about. And, of course, there's a reaction against the mainstream, which has picked up on the girlier, more floral side of 1940s/1950s looks, and I think has driven people away from that somewhat. (I do wonder if that, plus affordability, could be what is driving some people towards the more graphic, even loud, styles of the 1960s.)

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    1. Fantastic points across the board, sweet Mim. I too have noticed that regarding the sway that some of the early big names in the vintage blogging world had. On both sides of the Atlantic, there were people driving trends on their blogs. Now we see that a bit still on social media (especially Instagram), but I'd argue not quite to same extent.

      I hope that time goes on, we'll continue to welcome an even broader range of vintage fans into the folds of the community and that people will create their own unique styles within the vintage fashion spectrum.

      Thank you for your wonderful comment.

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  11. I definitely agree that there are trends that emerge in our subculture and that we tend to go through our own phases of "trends" in terms of what we prefer to wear. Great post!

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    1. Thank you very much, dear Natalie. There really are and the longer we exist as a collective whole, the easier it becomes to track the tends and, to an extent (in so much as such can be the case in this unique vintage fashion context) when they died down.

      That makes me wonder, you know. If we were to look ahead another 50 or 100 years, will mid-century fans then be emulating looks of the 30s - early 60s, those of us today who have interpreted them, or a mix of both (no doubt with their own personal spins, too). That will/would be so cool to see!

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  12. Another excellent, thought-provoking post! I think I am quite the opposite of what you have described! I am still in the process of acquiring a more vintage wardrobe and I have things ranging from 1940s to 1970s, either handmade/inspired or real vintage. So in a way, I am still swinging back and forth between different styles. However, it gets frustrating sometimes because I feel the pressure from social media telling me that I gotta be a certain kind of vintage. I'm either 60s mod girl, mid-century 1940s/50s lady, or 1950s rockabilly chick etc. This post is such a great reminder that I should totally embrace this period of self-discovery and that it's ok I'm not following a certain trend or be absolutely sure that I only want to stick to a certain time period. Anyway, it should be all about MY own enjoyment of vintage!

    xo G

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    1. Please, sweet dear, rock your own unique, fabulous vintage style day in and day out. It breaks my heart that you feel pressure to conform to a certain vintage "look" (and believe me, I know the sorts of styles you're referencing there) and I truly can't encourage you enough to always stay true to yourself and to wear whatever your heart desires. I always have and always will. To anything else would feel like I was lying to myself.

      You nailed it! Wearing vintage should make you joyful, not feel like a fashion show or source of stress.

      I think you have an awesome look and really delight in seeing every cool, creative, lovely outfit that you share with us.

      Tons of hugs & encouragement,
      ♥ Jessica

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  13. I've definitely found that this is also true in goth; I think it's partially a cultural thing, not wanting to stray too much from the group norm when just starting out, but also inexperience. Vintage is interesting, however, as it is much more static compared to modern subcultures - excellent commentary!

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    1. Very much so. I realize that one might not know it to see me, but beneath my vintage garb beats that heart of a dyed-in-wool goth and I've noticed this same sort of occurrence in that subculture, too. Very good point regarding how it must happen in most where clothing/style is an important factor.

      Thank you for your terrific comment. I always love hearing your impute on any topic, Fiona.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  14. Thinking back to when I first tentatively exploring vintage my style and look was very different. I went for safe high street versions of 1950s dresses that sat well above the knee and teamed them with leggings and flip flops because they were in fashion and I wouldn't get stared at for being weird. Gradually as I began looking at what other vintage types were wearing I felt more confident to wear below the knee dresses and skirts, something I'd never really worn before. I do feel I was following their lead, their trends, so in a way they were my fashion models from Vogue.

    Roll on 6 or 7 years of exploring and immersing myself in the vintage world it's influence on me has meant that I have been brave enough to change my style to a very non-high street, non-fashion orientated 1930s era, the period I love the most. I have no idea what's 'on trend' these days and honestly don't care because like you say I make my own trend!

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    1. Truly fantastic job on embracing the era that you hold nearest and dearest, sweet Cate. I think your have a sensational style. It's powerfully chic, classic and always beautiful. I lap up each outfit you share with us and live some of my own 30s fashion dreams through your marvelous ensembles.

      Here's to marching to beat of our own style drums and sporting vintage however we see fit!

      Big hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  15. Very interesting post as always I can 100% relate. I used to scroll through the latest runway snap shots almost as soon as they were posted online and buy magazines (I think it has been years!) but since I have leaned toward a almost 95% second hand wardrobe trends don't even faze me I wear what I find locally and hunt online for dream items. I know what looks good on me and buy items fitting those guidelines.

    My style has definitely changed over the years but it has not been because of modern day trends in the least, well maybe when I know a favorite color of mine is the color of the year then I may see if i can find and items that alludes me at the thrift in that color...

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    1. Same here!!! I got excited when I read in Style at Home magazine recently that hunter (aka, British Racing) green was having an interior design moment, because I adore that hue and want it to hop over to the fashion world so perhaps I can find some more vintage appropriate pieces in it (it's one of my favourite colours ever).

      Thank you for your great comment.

      Oodles of hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  16. Hi Jessica, just dropping in to view your blog. What an interesting and unique blog you have, very creative.

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    1. What a wonderfully lovely compliment, Kelly. Thank you so much! It's a pleasure to "meet" you and your own beautiful blog.

      Hugs from snowy Penticton,
      ♥ Jessica

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  17. I very much agree with the points you've made. While not one to generally go outside my comfort zone, I certainly love shifting between the different decades in my wardrobe or just being able to add a certain element that tend to be reminiscent of a particular decade. Over the weekend, I wore a t-shirt with an illustration from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, a 50's circle skirt, flats, and a 40's hairstyle, and couldn't have been more pleased with my overall look. It's fun to mix it up a little every now and then, while still using some of your favorite go-to styles. :)

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    1. That sounds like a thoroughly charming outfit. I love t-shirts (especially cute, fitted ones with fun illustrations and/or text) sported with circle skirts, too. It's something I wear often, but, funnily enough, don't know if I've ever featured in a blog post (can that really be, now that I stop and think about...wow!). I'll have to try and remedy that in 2016!

      Tons of hugs & many thanks for your lovely comment,
      ♥ Jessica

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  18. I truly enjoyed this and identify with it all. I know when years ago I was living my retro life as I call it, I concentrated on 1940s, rockabilly and then you jump around in the 50s and 60s, I did not have one set decade or year. This go around I started with more rockabilly and a bit of pinup with a dash of kitch but quickly found being nearly 50, I am comfortable in less provocative, less kitch and gravitate towards the 50s...and a modest, classic look, so am building on that as much as I can...it's slow going...I am calling my style 50s housewife chic LOL most days it's Audrey style pants and a button up with pearls and a cardigan, other days high waisted jeans etc. When I get dressed up it's full skirts, petticoats etc. I desire to add gloves, small hats, hopefully with betting and so on and so forth. I am loving the new brooches out there, and that and a few fun earrings are the only places I plan to edge into current trends...that and a sparkly purse here and there...who doesn't need some sparkle in their life?

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    1. Housework chic is right up my alley, too! I admire, appreciate and enjoy seeing others wear, but almost never sport full on pinup/rockabilly looks myself (if anything, I'm far more gothabilly than rockabilly). I prefer the more classic and/or subtly artsy looks of the 40s - early 60s and know the same rings true for a fair number of vintage bloggers. It's awesome that we each get to put our own unique stamp on what it means to be, and wear, vintage, and I hope that never changes. Even if I don't wear certain styles/decades, I still adore seeing and being inspired by them and, thankfully, inspiration is something that is never in short supply in our subculture.

      Thank you very much for your fabulous comment, my sweet friend.

      Have a beautiful week!
      ♥ Jessica

      *PS* Sparkles for the win. Always!!!

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  19. But dear, I do have vintage magazines to flip through. I do so every Wednesday on my morning break with a cup of coffee/latte. Remember when I scanned from ALT for Damerne (everything for the ladies) on my blog? I have all the issues (52) from 1954 and 55, and only miss a few from 53. I have a lot of issues, really a lot, from the other years in the fifties.

    And once I read on another blog (dead by now) that we are influenced by what we read, and I find that it's true. For example have I never felt for fifties furniture and decoration, but now I feel I am drawn more and more to it. Because I read about it every week and see nice decoration photos (in black and white, which most photos were in Danish magazines back then, but I've also gotten used to that).

    As mentioned before that's why I follow fellow vintage girls on IG - to get inspired. Wow, she's pairing those colours, wearing that brooch there, that combination is great! And so on. I get so many new ideas, not to buy but to be creative with what I already have. But sometimes I think that if I buy a cardigan in that colour I can use it with so many things in my wardrobe. And then it is frugal, because I update so many outfits with just one thing. It is also funny to have something to hunt for. I find that for the past three years I've had vintage themes. One year it was all about petticoats, then it was plaids, then it was wiggle dresses. And I don't know what's next because the themes just show up by themselves. Great post - as always, dear. Wishing you a lovely day. :)

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    1. Hi sweet Sanne, thank you very much for your wonderful - and very insightful comment. It is indeed marvelous that we literally have magazines from the actual 1940s, 50s, etc to study, swoon over, and delight in. My own shelves house many and I will often reread them many times. Each viewing offers up new details and possible sources of inspiration, especially as one's own personal style evolves.

      I just about nodded my head clean off my neck when you wrote that you follow people on Instagram (and, I'd imagine, blogs, too - I know I certainly do) to be inspired not so much to go out and spend a whack of cash on new items, but to put the ones that you already have to new uses in beautiful outfits. I am exactly the same way. Even if I had all the money in the world, I would still make a point of actually wearing a lot of my garments on a regular and wouldn't want to buy needlessly or simply for the sake of it. I think that the best wardrobes are the ones where you can see a person's love for their items shining through in their fabulous ensembles day after day, week after week, and ultimately year after year.

      Speaking of years, you're not alone! I tend to go through wearing/shopping/daydreaming about phases like that as well. One year it will be coats, then circle skirts, than cardigans, than scarves, then....just never know! At the moment I'm especially focused on one of my all-time favourite accessories: brooches, and have been growing my collection of both genuine vintage, vintage inspired, and just plain adorable offerings a fair bit in recent months, especially thanks to some Christmas (gift) money.

      Thank you again, my beautiful friend. I always adore hearing from you.

      Tons of hugs & happy second half of January wishes,
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. You're so very welcome dear, your posts always inspire me. I also reread my vintage magazines again and again (which btw is also very frugal). Now I've started reading all the novels, articles and text at the fashion pages, which I didn't read at first. I also keep seeing new details, and notice things I didn't notice the first time I read it about two years ago. And I also often think that this would be great blogging about, but I don't want to start blogging again. And yep, I forgot to mention blogs, which is exactly the same as IG. Your outfit posts have inspired me so much, dear. Bloglovin' is for me like a lovely magazine in which you only (!) find what interests you.

      Quote: "I think that the best wardrobes are the ones where you can see a person's love for their items shining through in their fabulous ensembles day after day, week after week, and ultimately year after year." This is so true, and I think this is what makes a wardrobe personal and let it shine through that you have a style, not just follow what the latest fashion magazines dictate.

      I also have a huge collection of brooches. I've always loved them, even back then when no one wore brooches. I didn't mind, I just loved them. I have never followed trends and always worn what I loved. I have never wanted to follow the crowd, which I think is plain boring.

      Have a lovely day, dear. :)

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  20. A very well written and thought provoking post, my dear! This really resonated with me, because I've been thinking a bit about this myself recently. One of the things that I love about wearing vintage is that what we do is a bit like what fashion designers do when they're thinking about a new collection - pulling together a diverse set of inspirations and finding a way to bring it all together into a coherent statement of who we want to be and how we see ourselves. Style is such an amazing thing, because it really does reflect who you are. Pulling from different decades, or different subcultures within a particular decade, is a chance to really say something about yourself by referencing something iconic and enduring.

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    1. Brilliant point, dear Jessica. I love that you view vintage wearers as being fashion designers of sorts. That is profoundly true. Thank you so much for sharing that viewpoint. I share it, but hadn't directly thought of it in those exact terms. I certainly will going forward from here.

      Tons of hugs & happy wishes for the coming week,
      ♥ Jessica

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  21. Good morning dear Jessica,

    I popped over to Lost in the 50s and, wow, what a delightful blog that is! I love how the couple enjoys 50s fashions together - her husband sports some really sharp looking fashions.

    I usually dress with just a hint of 40s and 50s style. When I went to the state fair last summer in my 1950s dress I made, worn with a cardigan sweater, the lady at the entry booth said, "My, don't you look sweet." And another time wearing the same outfit, a man working in the shoe department at JCPenney told me he really liked the way I looked.

    I never go the whole distance of dressing head to toe retro/vintage because I don't want to stand out that much; especially as I am getting older, it makes me feel self conscious. However, ever since I was 13, I have always happily dressed with a touch of vintage, creating my own style and being quite a bit different from the average person.

    My only loves are those fashions of the 40s and 50s because those fashions complement my figure best.

    I think that it takes a strong character to dress full vintage. I adore you and your style.

    Have a wonderful Saturday, sweet Jessica,
    ♥Hope

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    1. Good morning to you lovely Hope,

      Many thanks for your wonderfully nice comment. I think that you have an immensely beautiful sense of style. It is elegant, graceful, classic and very becoming - not to mention deeply feminine.

      Aren't comments like those so splendidly uplifting? I'm sure that you inspire and touch people with your timeless fashion sense on a very regular basis. It's so rare, in most circles, these days to see someone even wear a (knee length or longer) dress and cardigan, perhaps with sensible heels and some lovely accessories, that alone is almost a throwback to a different era, even if vintage wasn't per se in the picture.

      It's awesome that elements of it often are for you and that you're able to let your own passion for the 1940s and 50s shine through your wardrobe choices. I've long said and will maintain to the end of my days, that one's love of vintage resides first and foremost in their heart. If it manifests itself through their wardrobe, to whatever degree, that's awesome, but a million miles away from necessary.

      Huge thanks and hugs, coupled with the cheeriest of wishes for this new week!
      ♥ Jessica

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    2. Dear Jessica,

      You are just the sweetest girl! And I love the way you write.

      I can just imagine going out for coffee with you, what a delightful time chatting we would have.

      I am in San Diego this week for a little get away with my darling husband. It is a combination celebration of my birthday and our coming 30th wedding anniversary. The weather is not the warmest, which is okay with me because I like wearing more clothes than fewer. What I love about San Diego is all the palm trees. Palm trees, palm trees EVERYWHERE! I love palm trees!

      Warm hugs, dear friend,
      :)Hope

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    3. Thank you ever so much, dear Hope. I know that my writing style isn't everyone's cup of tea (especially in this social media, one line update fueled world), so anytime I receive a compliment on it, I'm moved to my core.

      That would be such a blast! Who knows, one can never say for sure where life will take them and perhaps you and I will get a chance to meet in person one day. I'd just adore that!

      Have a stellar time in San Diego, an amazing birthday and an absolutely beautiful 30th wedding anniversary. My love and best wishes are with you across the board!

      ♥ Jessica

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  22. Such an interesting post. I think it is great that having a vintage or vintage inspired wardrobe allows one the freedom to pick any of the fashion trends of one's chosen era or to pick none of them and go your own way. Although I don't really wear them I do enjoy following modern fashion trends too. I like fashion magazines and I always look at the big designers new collections. I think I just enjoy fashion and fashion history so
    I like to see what is coming up as well as looking at what has been.

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    1. Absolutely! I know that not all vintage/rockabilly/pinup fans follow modern fashions all that closely, but I think that as lovers of the whole genre of style, so to speak, a good many of us do for the very reason that you said: we simply, truly, enjoy fashion, even if we aren't apt to actually wear a certain garment (or decade's worth of garments) ourselves.

      Wonderful comment, sweet Kate. Thank you very much!

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  23. Really well-written, and I do empathise with your points. I think one of the things to bear in mind is that any woman in bygone eras wasn't rigidly fixed to a particular time or style. A woman in the 1950s may well have taken great pleasure in wearing her mother's necklace from the 1920s, and at the same time absolutely pounced upon more '60s styles as soon as they were available. Fashion has always been about personalisation, let's not forget that magazines are there to provide inspiration, but they're not a blueprint for how we should dress.
    xx

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    1. Excellently said, dear Porecelina. I concur completely. Numerous times I've had older ladies share with me that they loved (be it by choice or necessity) wearing pieces that came down from their mom, sisters, grandmas, aunts, etc back in the day. It's easy to peg a few key looks from any decade and think that pretty much sums things up, but fashion is never that cut and dry, and as as you so wisely said, it's important to remember that there have always been people who took style matters into their own hands, no matter the decade.

      Thank you again. I appreciate your views here immensely.

      Many hugs,
      ♥ Jessica

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  24. I LOVE this post. I didn't start wearing vintage (or anything but skinny jeans and hoodies) until I was about 19, and I certainly played it safe- it was all about the polka dots and leopard print. But now that I've gotten a little older, my tastes have become more refined, and I'm more self-assured, I'm much more attracted to more 'elegant' vintage styles as opposed to rockabilly.

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