Building a rainbow of vintage dresses

 

Perhaps it's because I'm a child of the 80s, a decade bedecked with Lisa Frank stickers, that I find myself drawn towards rainbows, or maybe it's because I spent a part of my life living in Ireland, the country that all but claims to have invented this meteorological phenomenon. Or it could be the fact I've always adored the fascinating world of colours. Whatever the case, I've long found myself drawn toward  broad array of colours and love arranging items around my house in rainbow patterns, where applicable.

Take my closet for example, each item of clothing in it is arranged by type, and some further by subtype, and each of those categories is arranged in a rainbow inspired order starting with pale pink and ending in midnight black.

Organizing my wardrobe in such away makes finding the garments I'm looking for when I get dressed an absolute breeze and also helps me to quickly know where gaps in my wardrobe exist (e.g., if I'm missing wardrobe staple like a white button down blouse or black pair of pumps).

Like many of us, I've been building up my vintage dress collection gradually over the years. As each new (technically "old") dress found its journey had landed it in my closet, it was placed in order of where it fell on the colour spectrum, sandwiched between a lighter and a darker hues (unless of course it was the palest or blackest piece in my dress collection).

Last week, in preparation for our upcoming cross country move, I began packing up a lot of my wardrobe. Leaving out only the pieces which I'll be wearing between then and now, and which will be travelling with me in my suitcase. It's always a little odd to suddenly open your closest and see the bulk of your wardrobe gone, but at the same time, I'm excited about the fact that I'll soon have a larger closet in my new house to hang all of those now packed items of clothing up in.

As I took each dress out of the closet, wrapping it in archival paper and fabric safe plastic, sandwiching layers of bubble wrap, where applicable, I was struck by just how much of the rainbow my humble dress collection has come to represent.

There are holes in the spectrum still for sure - dresses in shades of orange and yellow are sparse, and I could use more in the deep green and navy blue field, too - but overall I've got the makings of a delightful sartorial rainbow.

This process didn't happen over night by any means, and I believe that it will always be a work in progress. Even if every main colour was accounted for, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of possible shades that one could always expand the breadth of the rainbow with. A thought that can't help but make me smile!

Given that my own dress collection is carefully packed up right now and awaiting life in its new closet in British Columbia, I thought it would oodles of fun to put together a sampling of vintage dresses, all handpicked from etsy (which seems especially fitting, given that so many of my own frocks were found there), that span the classic Roy G. Biv colour spectrum for you to enjoy - and who knows, perhaps even grow your own wardrobe rainbow with.

{Sweet and cheerful as the cotton candy its hue resembles, this classic pale pink button front dress is such a charming way to help your wardrobe hop back into warm weather dressing once more. Fits 38" bust/27" waist; price $52.00; available from Bohemian Bisoux Vintage.}

{Elegantly lovely as the first blushing carnations of spring, this wonderful pink lace vintage frock would be perfect for everything from afternoon teas to PTA meetings. Fits 38" bust/32" waist; price $80.00; available from Vintage Frocks of Fancy.}

{Sporting a darling fluffy white angora collar, this medium (as in hue intensity) red wool jersey dress, with matching belt, calls to mind a bowl of fresh strawberries drizzled with milk, and would be equally fitting for Christmas or a sunny July day (thanks to the short sleeves). Fits 36" bust/27" waist; price $124.00; available from The Vintage Mistress.}

{Fresh, vibrant and timelessly tailored, this deep crimson 1940s rayon dress would be so fantastically well suited to Valentine's Day. Fits 40" bust/29" waist; price $98.00; available from The Greedy Seagull.}

{There is a certain lovely quaintness to this soft peach hued dress that draws you in. Perhaps it's the upbeat hue or the dainty lace collar, and of course one can't forget the sweet tie waist either. Whatever it is, this wonderful 1950s dress is just the sort I'd be on the prowl for if I needed a pale orange frock right now. Fits 32-34" bust/32" waist; price $38.00; available from VintageNsome.}

{Bursting with a sunflower field's hues and boasting a super cute Peter Pan collar, this wonderful 1950s yellow and orange floral print cotton sundress is the sort of garment that cannot help but lift your spirits every time you put it on it. Fits 34" bust/25-26" waist; price $205.00; available from Simplicity is Bliss.}

{Zesty, fiery, and fabulous, this deep, bright orange wiggle dress is a stellar way to wear a lot of bold colour, yet still be as classy and gorgeous as the day is long. Fits 35" bust/34" waist ; price $33.80; available from Atticville.}

{Beautifully redolent of a springtime chick's fuzzy, downy feather, this happily hued yellow dress is so sophisticated, youthful, and becoming. Perfect for fancier daytime events or for an evening of fun when the sun sets, this is the kind of solid coloured, but in absolutely no way boring, vintage dress that everyone's wardrobe needs. Fits 36" bust/25" waist; price $125.00; available from Vintage Frocks of Fancy.}

{Like an autumnal wheat field gleaming in the soothing sun of a warm October afternoon, this golden hued vintage dress and bolero combo is a sure fire way to garner compliments. Fits; 28-29" bust (with a little extra room due to the design of the dress)/24" waist; price $88.00; available from Adeline's Attic.}

{Serenely done up in a becoming shade of celadon, this beguiling 1940s evening dress and matching jacket almost look like a shimmering treasure plucked from a mermaid's closet, and would definitely ensure all eyes were on you. Fits 36" bust/28" waist; price $148.00; available from Blacklist Vintage.}

{Calling to mind the first new shoots and blades of grass that spring returns to the earth, this beautiful green floral dress from the 1940s is as classic and lovely as they possibly come. Fits 38-40" bust/30" waist; price $83.00; available from Very Vintage Store.}

{Medium to dark hues of green have always been a favourite of mine (especially hunter and pine), so naturally my attention was instantly drawn to this fetchingly pretty emerald coloured knit wiggle dress (which is actually a matching sweater and skirt) from the forties. Fits 36-38" bust (with some stretch)/28-30" waist; price $275.00; available from Timeless Vixen Vintage.}

{I think that blue is one of the best and most versatile of all colours, as many of its shades have a natural affinity to partner so well with other hues. This lovely soft baby blue belted, button front vintage frock, for example, would look terrific with everything from red to camel, chocolate to ivory - making it a terrific wardrobe staple for sure. Fits 36" bust/25" waist; price $62.00; available from Center Stage Vintage.}

 

{Inviting, wonderfully relaxing shades of blue that call to mind a tropical sea reside on this darling 1950s floral print dress, complete with matching belt. I love hues like this for the dog days of summer, when anything darker is out of the question, but you don't quite feel like wearing plain white either. Fits Bust 34"/waist 44"; price $64.00; available from Vint Condition.}

{A navy blue vintage dress, like this elegant embroidered cotton example, is one of the hues in the rainbow of my closet that is currently missing - a fact which I'd love to rectify at some point during 2012. Too bad this beauty isn't my size, or I would have swopped down on it in a flash! Fits 50" bust/40" waist; price $85.00; available from Honey Bear Vintage.}

{There is such a gentle, flattering appeal to this pale dusty lilac hued 1950s dress, that's further enhanced by its trio of plum coloured buttons and charming pleated pockets. Fits 42" bust/32" waist; price $68.00; available from Raleigh Vintage.}

{You'll feel regal and playful all at once in this fantastic purple party dress from the 1950s. Pair it with hues as diverse as gold, coral, mint, or silver for an outfit that's bursting with style and pizzazz. Fits 36" bust/26" waist; price $115.00; available from Small Earth Vintage.}

{Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve loved wearing velvet frocks come the holiday season, especially those in rich, captivating jewel tones like this gorgeous eggplant hued charmer from the 1950s. Fits 35" bust/25" waist; price $55.00; available from Nicola's Vintage.}

There are many perks to building a rainbow of vintage dresses. Far beyond how beautiful it looks unto itself, it means that you'll rarely, if ever, find yourself in need of a garment in a certain colour and not having at least one dress in that hue. This point is a constant source of fashion related comfort for me, the perpetual Girl Guide, who always likes to be prepared.

If you're the type who likes to dress up your frocks further by wearing cardigans, scarves, blouses (underneath jumpers or sheaths), coloured hosiery or shoes, having dresses in all manner of hues means that you can accessorize to the moon and back. You can also pick out your dress colour for the day based on your mood, the season, a holiday, or anything that inspires you.

And speaking of inspiration, having a good selection of different coloured vintage dresses makes it all the more easy to emulate a yesteryear look you happen see  and love (for example in an old movie or vintage magazine), without having to spend any money in the moment on a new frock.

It's exciting to think about how my vintage rainbow of dresses will continue to expand as the years continue, and I look forward to sharing many of my beloved frocks with all of you in future wardrobe posts once we're settled into our new home.

For the moment though, I hope today's spectrum of vintage dresses inspires you and your own colourful closet, and would love to hear about your own vintage wardrobe rainbows.

Vintage Friday Fashionista – April 30, 2010

{Let the serene beauty and hue of the Aegean sea grace the sides of your face with this striking pair of blue glass and gold toned earrings. Classic Kenneth Jay Lane Avon jewelry from the 80s, these earrings are distinguished and beautiful, yet not so formal that they can’t be worn with any summer outfit you wish. Gold metal and blue glass clip-on earrings, $15.00 US from etsy seller Bad Baby Vintage.}



{Utilizing one of the most classic emollient ingredients in the world, this rich shea butter body polish is ripe with honey, as well as other refreshing, soothing products such as soy milk and jojoba oil. Just the thing to help keep your sun soft after days spent at the beach, out in the toasty sun and perspiring through the long days of summer, this smartly packaged 6.8 fl oz tube of Kiehl’s Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish is available directly from Kiehl’s for $28.00 US.}



{Deep gold highlights the classic, feminine cut of this long, flowing vintage summer dress, in the form of both trim and buttons running all the way down the front. Unique and charming, this elegant frock would be an amazing piece to take on a cruise, sun-kissed vacation or simply to wear in your very own backyard all summer long. Fitting up to a 36 inch bust/26 inch waist, this lightweight rayon dress – that’s fit for a vintage goddess – is available from etsy seller Nick and Nessie’s Vintage for $62.00 US.}



{Give your wrists the Midas Touch with this glimmering pile of hammered gold tone metal bracelets. Delicate yet impactful, this stack is the sort of classic jewelry item every gal should have in her treasure chest. Set of twenty gold hued bracelets, $10.00 US from Torrid.com (who are having a BOGO 50% off jewelry sale right now!).}



{A pair of graceful maidens sits leisurely, staring into a reflective pool in this immensely lovely illustration that adorns an early 20th century talc powder tin. Though the tin no longer contains talcum, it is in surprisingly good condition given its age, and could easily be refilled and used on any fashionista’s vanity. Measuring 2.75 inches high and 5 inches wide, this sophisticated vintage tin can yours for $23.00 US from etsy seller This Olde Stuff.}



{Whether in the sun or moonlight, this gorgeous clutch is sure to sparkle like a sky full of radiant stars. Comprised of golden brass hued Swarovski crystals in a classic Greek key design, this dazzling purse features a short shoulder strap and kiss-lock closure to ensure all of your belonging stay firmly put inside. What a grand sight this golden purse from Whiting and Davis, which retails for$247.50 US on Amazon, would make alongside a LBD – or LWD (little white dress) cocktail or summer dress!}



{These sandals are immensely sweet; at once rustic and worldly, made of damask satin and pale straw hued hemp, this pair of vintage summer shoes would look so pretty matched up with causal dresses of all lengths, capri pants, shorts, and breezy skirts. Crafted in Spain, these attractive wrap heel sandals fit a modern size 7 foot, and can be had for $26.00 US from etsy seller Kakalina Rose.}

♥ ♥ ♥


When I was quite young, my mom had a Greek friend named Angela. I always thought she was a lovely woman, with her strikingly dark jet black hair, pale olive and cream skin, curvaceous figure, and bold yet melodic voice. Though I knew this lady in the early nineties, she – and generations of captivating women hailing from Greece before her – is the inspiration behind this week’s Vintage Fashionista, whose outfit is meant to transmit a relaxed, beautiful Mediterranean vibe that works wonderfully in any decade.

On the home front, I’ve been a smidge ill this past week (nothing too serious, just flare-ups with some of my conditions) and have thus not been able to make it to many of your lovely blogs. I apologize for that and thank all those who have left comments on posts here recently. I adore you each and will strive to come visit your own fantastic blog very soon!

As April slips away, I watch a silky violet and pale indigo dusk being swallowed by the night sky, and feel eager for the month ahead. Hopeful that it will bless each of us with many reasons to smile and scores of creative inspiration.

Hugs and gleeful weekend wishes to you all, sweet friends!

On the hunt for crinolines (Where do you source yours from?)

There is perhaps no shape to have ever appeared in the annals of fashion history that I love more than a full skirt. This adoration hearkens back to my earliest childhood memories, and no doubt, must have been influenced by everything vintage films set in the past (Gone With The Wind, Meet Me in St. Louis, etc) to Victorian novels, Disney princesses to the covers of bridal magazines.

Though they are often associated with the 1950s, the history of crinolines stretches back considerably further in time. The first versions of what would go on to later become the modern crinoline began to appear in the 1830s (though hooped/stiffened skirts were not breaking fashion world news per se; the farthingale, a hoop skirt that was used during the Renaissance, shared much in common with Victorian crinolines). The earliest crinoline iterations were more like stiff petticoats, however, and were comprised of horsehair woven with linen (the name crinoline itself deriving from the French words for “horsehair” and “flax”).

Within a couple of decades though, crinolines grew wider and began to include other materials (such as steel or whale bone) in their construction. By the 1850s the cage style (hoop) crinoline was in use and helped to eliminate the need for several (often heavy and warm) layers of stiff petticoats previously used by fashionable ladies to extend the width and (visual) circumference of their skirts.



{As this charming photo of a prettily dressed young woman (named Kate Chase) shows, by the mid-nineteenth century, crinolines were imperative to achieve the desired full, wide skirt styles of the day. Wonderful antique image via Belle Epoque 1900’s Flickr stream.}


As the nineteenth century progressed crinolines continued to hold favour, and various styles and widths were created over the decades, dedicated by the dress fads of the day. By the time the Edwardian era had come to pass, elaborate undergarments (such as corsets and bustles) had all but fallen completely out of vogue and it seemed as though anything even remotely resembling a crinoline might be banished to the back burners of history forever.

Fortunately, due in no small part to the popularity of wider skirts (and the return to a very hour glass shaped female form – often achieved with stiff undergarments such as girdles and corselets) that emerged following Dior’s introduction of the “New Look” in 1947, a decidedly 21st century version of the crinoline began to appear.

In nearly all cases (save for some styles that were worn under wedding dresses and other very formal gowns) the crinolines that quickly found favour with ladies of the day were made of layers of materials such as tulle, nylon, satin, and cotton blends. They were generally free of any metal or boning and achieved their volume thanks to multiple layers and/or stiff fabrics; some were very full and wide, others more subtle (such a slip or petticoat with a slightly flared, and sometimes tiered, bottom), but all were designed to provide the wearer’s skirts with a greater degree of flared out fullness.



{Many ladylike, elegant fashions of the late 1940s through to the early 60s called for crinolines to be worn underneath, thus allowing the skirt or dress to flare out in a wide bell shape. Gorgeous vintage image via jeanpachett.com}


Though crinolines would fall out of fashion again by the time the mod era arrived, they have continued to resurface and enjoy a moment in the spotlight occasionally since the fifties (primarily during the fashion frenzied decade that was the 1980s). Today, I would venture to say, most people (who are not vintage fashion devotees) associate crinolines with the Halloween costumes, square dancing outfits and/or prom and wedding dresses.

To my mind there is something inherently and expressly feminine about a full skirt, especially if it leads up to a fitted or belted waist. Over the years I’ve owned many skirts and dresses that had various widths of fullness in the skirt. From modest a-line shirtwaist dresses to full-fledged poodle skirts that really did create a circle skirt when I sat on the floor and spread their fabric out around me. I’ve loved every single one of these garments – and certainly have no plans to stop adding further pieces with full skirts to my wardrobe in the future.

Yet, almost ironically, despite my passion for wide skirts, I’ve never owned a crinoline (or even a slightly flared slip). I pined for one endless as a child to no avail. I’ve stalked thrift stores for well over a decade in the hopes of finding one (I have, but alas they were always the wrong size or too short for my tastes), yet so far come up empty handed in that regard.

Given that I’m in my 25th year of life now, it really does seem like high time that I did something to rectify the serious lack of crinolines in my closet! But where to turn to find these enablers of ample skirt volume?

Of course sites such as etsy and eBay can be good places to start (and certainly I’ve been checking them frequently for crinoline listings lately) and can yield both modern and vintage gems. It seems though that many modern day crinolines are too short for my tastes (it is an absolute must that any crinolines I purchase hit at least below the knee – if not longer – because I almost exclusively wear skirts of a similar length).

While it would probably be a good idea to get some basic colours (black, white, red, etc), hue isn’t the most important factor for me on this hunt. Quality, length, and a reasonable price (into which I factor shipping and any import changes, as well as the sticker price of the garment itself) are the main points I’m keeping mind while shopping for a crinoline (all the while daydreaming as if I were a little girl again about finally being able to give my skirts and dresses that added flare and beauty they’ve always dreamed of).

As such I’ve started scouring the web rather intensely in the hopes of finding sellers who offer longer length crinolines and have uncovered a few sites, such as Unique Vintage, Pettiskirt Style, Sterling and Pearls, and Memphis Vintage.



{Colour chart of the lovely 27 to 29 inch (depending on waist size) nylon net crinolines carried by Pettiskirt Style for $44.00 (US) each.}


It great to know that these online shops exist and I may end up purchasing a crinoline from one or more (provided they ship to Canada) of them, but before I do, I wanted to ask you, my deeply knowledgeable readers, where you like to buy your (new and/or vintage) crinolines from?

I value your impute so much and would love to hear all your thoughts on crinolines and where to buy them.

Many thanks in advance, everyone!

Seven stunning vintage holiday season outfits

With December now underway, it’s time to take to think about the bevy of holiday get-togethers, both large and small, that may be looming on the horizon for you. From office shindigs to Sunday afternoon cookie baking parties, Christmas lunch at Grandma’s to a swish cocktail gathering, there is something ingrained in the festive spirit of the season that makes you want to dress up and really sparkle!

Whether you prefer to go all out (think head-to-toe sequins or yards of taffeta), shine on a small scale (a beaded cardigan, say, or a gorgeous pair of satin high heels), or meet somewhere in the middle (a shimmery brocade sheath dress, for example), few amongst us are sour on spicing up our wardrobe for the winter holiday season. Some may find that they already have a trove of fantastic pieces to pull from their own closets and drawers, others might be in need of some immediate shopping to supplement their winter garb, and others still may have a full closet, but feel the pieces there are getting a bit ho-hum and in need of some snazzy new companions to keep them company.

Whatever the case may be, I’ve compiled seven outfits, inspired by different types of vintage styles, to help inspire those days and nights in the coming weeks when dressing up is on the bill. (I myself tend to veer into the small to moderate amount of flash category, but when it comes to beautiful dresses with feminine touches, there’s no limit to how fancy I’ll go!)

Because the holiday season is already enough of a drain on our poor wallets as is, I’ve tried to keep the bulk of the items in these lovely looks on the more budget-friendly side (please note that the prices for all items in this post, unless otherwise specified, are in US dollars). It makes a lot of sense to approach your party wear with your pocketbook is mind, as the fancy pieces you purchase now may not get a great deal of use throughout the rest year, thus making their cost per wear higher than those of your more “everyday” type of garments.

If you feel like splurging on yourself however, now is the time! Treat yourself to a brand new (and by “brand new”, I mean “new to you”, the item itself may very well be vintage – and all the better if it is!) dress, string of beads, glistening brooch, elegant hat, or killer shoes. You’ve been good all year, so why not give yourself a little present this holiday season, too?


{Chronically Vintage's 2009 Holiday Fashion Guide}


~ The Sophisticate ~

Always impeccably dressed and on time to any event, the sophisticate favours elegant pieces in timeless shades that will see her through many Christmases to come. Strong lines and crisp tailoring are favourites, too, but she isn’t a minimalist by any means and enjoys the ingrained beauty of a regally inspired frock as much as that of a simple LBD.


{Long sky blue vintage evening coat with oriental inspired “frog closure” at neck , listed as fitting a “medium or large”, currently on sale for $30.00 from etsy seller Undone Eclectic.}



{Vintage faux pearl and gold toned metal clip-on earrings, $5.00/pair, from etsy seller Boxer Loving Lady.}



{Blue velvet, short sleeve 1940s dress with beautiful rhinestone detailing, fits up to a 35 inch bust/28.5 inch waist, $115.00 from etsy seller Planet Claire Vintage.}



{A forever classic, Chanel No. 5 in a 3.4 ounce bottle of Eau De Parfum, $115.00 from Essence of Perfume.com.}



{Navy blue and gold toned 1950s Margolin box purse measuring 8 inches long by 6 inches wide, $26.00 from etsy seller Bajue Boutique.}



{Stripped black and dark blue peep toe 1950s Herbert Levine heels, fits a size six, from GlamourSavvy.}



~ The Jitterbug ~

It’s as if you were born with the swing era in your blood. You love 1940s dresses and shoes, you own more bobby pins than you can count, and you’re always ready to cut a rug. Your style merges war era practicality with Hollywood glamour, part Rosie and part Rita, your holiday look could easily be home sewn or from Macy’s, but no matter what, it has a truly timeless feel to it.


{1940s golden wheat hued straw hat with red grosgrain ribbon, measures 20 inches at the interior point of the ribbon, $70.00 from Damn Good Vintage.}



{Dior lipstick in shade #622 “Graffiti Red”, 3.5 gram (0.12 ounce) tube, $23.50 from StrawberryNET.com.}



{Gold toned (vermeil over base metal) floral leaf brooch with red and clear rhinestone accents (swivel pin back), measurements not specified, $16.00 from etsy seller Carmen and Ginger.}



{1940s two piece red and gold crepe dress with matching belt, blouse fits up to a 38 inch bust/29 inch waist (skirt fits up to a 28 inch waist), $55.00 (for all three pieces) from etsy seller Little Things Vintage.}



{1950s “Kelly style” red, gold and black beaded handbag with black Bakelite handle, 11.75 inches long by 8 inches high, $169.00 from etsy seller Archivia.}



{Red 1940s velvet peep toe shoes with ankle straps (deadstock), size 8.5, $125.00 from etsy seller Planet Claire Vintage.}



~ The Gamine ~

Whether young on paper or at heart, the gamine falls head-over-heels for pieces that are sweet and airy, ethereal and delicate. She may sport a shoe with a stacked wooden heel, but the body of that shoes is bound to be made of silk, satin or another gentle material. She loves chiffon, bows, jewels in her hair, and styling her outfits like those looks one finds in the outdoors-in-a-meadow fashion shoots of couture fashion magazines.


{Handmade peach and peacock feather headband style fascinator with gold toned metal and rhinestone detail, $15.00 from etsy seller Plumes et Fleurs.}



{Hand woven, pastel faux pearl flapper era necklace, 36 inches long, $12.50 from etsy seller True Colours For You.}



{Gold toned fan shaped vintage compact made by (and signed) Henriette, $95.00 from Michelle’s Vintage Jewelry.}



{Beguiling 1940s peach hued tulle and lace formal, full length dress, fits up to 42 inch bust/31 inch waist, $84.00 from etsy seller Fab Gabs.}



{Pale dusty pink and silver beaded 1920s purse (that was made in Germany), 8.5 inches long by 4.5 high, $24.00 from etsy seller Vintagous.}



{Peach (pale pink) t-strap peep toe, AK Anne Klein shoes with a 3.5 inch tall heel, available in modern foot sizes, $49.99 from Shoefest.com.}



~ The Bombshell ~

Alluring, playful and perpetually channeling her inner pin-up girl, the bombshell adores pieces that showcase her sensuous curves. She veers towards either skin-tight skirts and dresses or those with copious amounts of volume – perhaps requiring a crinoline to hold up their abundance of fabric. Her favourite accessories are the lingering scent of her signature perfume and a mega-watt smile which is always dressed in red lipstick.


{Mauve and taupe hued rose and raspberry red jasmine blossom floral hair clip, measures 6 inches long, $32.00 from Retro Glamour Girl.}



{“Leopard Love” velboa faux fur vintage inspired capelet (stole) with black tie bow, one size fits all, $38.00 from etsy seller Talulah Blue.}



{Wiggle style burgundy velvet dress with a portrait neckline, available in stock in size “small”, $115.00 from Babygirl Boutique (on a personal note, I’ve been lusting after this particular dress for months!).}



{Shiny black vintage patent leather quilted handbag on a delicate silver chain, 9 inches long by 6.5 inches high, $22.00 from etsy seller ebielli.}



{Seemed, 15 denier fully fashioned stockings (thigh highs) with a classic point (French) heel available in black (as shown) or nude, £17.75 (UK pounds) from What Katie Did.}



{Black satin 4 inch high wedge heel shoe with rosette detail, available in sizes 6 to 12, $48.99 from Retro Cuties.}



~ The Sexy Secretary ~

Long before the office pool gals from Mad Men burst on the scene you were rocking the sultry secretary look to the max. With a penchant for pencil skirts, upswept hairdos, and prettily manicured nails, you love to extend these same style ideas to your holiday finery, adding in a touch more eye make-up and perhaps one of those swanky suit clad Sterling Cooper style gents on your arm.


{Bright blue velvet vintage pill box hat with bow, measuring 21 inches at the brim, $35.00 from etsy seller Becky Drolen Vintage.}



{Shiny blue and soft cream floral clip-on earrings with rhinestone and faux pearl details, $9.00/pair from etsy seller Mean Old Bags.}



{Silver toned, stretch band ladies vintage Bulova watch (note this timepiece needs a new battery and possibly some other remains to set it working again), length measures 5.5 inches before being stretched, $44.00 from etsy seller Bajue Boutique.}



{Light aqua blue 1950s satin wiggle dress with matching bolero jacket, fits up to a 34 inch bust/25 inch waist, $105.00 from etsy seller Sara’s Attic.}



{Vintage silver hued, top clasp purse on a chain strap, 9 inches long by 5 inches high, $8.69 from etsy seller An Eclectic Collection.}



{Gorgeous 1960s multi-coloured silk (I’m guessing) brocade flats (with a half inch heel), fits a size 7, $20.00 from etsy seller Funky Fugal Fashions.}



~ The Girly-Girl ~


The antithesis of a tomboy, you embrace your feminine side with a force to be reckoned with. From scads of lace to piles of jewelry, floral prints to soft, luxurious fabrics, you seek out and gleefully sport pieces that personify the elegance of ladies wear to an absolute tee.


{Long, soft white/ivory faux mink fur wrap (stole), measures 65 inches long by 14 inches wide, $55.00 from etsy seller Romancing Juliet.}



{1950s coral pink lace, short sleeve party dress with cap sleeves and a velvet bow accent at the waist, fits up to a 32 inch bust/25 inch waist, $68.00 from etsy seller Cheap Vintage.}



{Ivory white hued vintage wrist length gloves with pretty floral embroidery detailing, measurements not specified, $28.00 from etsy seller Blueberry Deluxe.}



{1950s vintage clutch purse with a silk flower vignette behind a layer of plastic overlay surrounded by a gold hued metal frame. Purse measures 11.5 inches long by 5.5 inches tall, and is $45.00 from etsy seller The Greedy Seagull.}



{“All My Love” 1950s style golden brass hued metal charm bracelet, measures 8 inches long, $89.00 from Babygirl Boutique.}



{1950s pink and green rose print heels with rhinestone detailing on the front, size 7.5, $32.00 from etsy seller Planet Claire Vintage.}



~ The Christmas Queen ~

While you’d never in a million years risk being caught dead in a tacky Christmas sweater, you utterly adore embracing the colours of the season and weaving them not only into the holiday decor of every room in your home, but also into the pieces you wear when gathering to celebrate. From the red of Santa’s suit to pine needle green, you’re as decked out and ready to shine this season as a string of vintage Christmas lights!


{Early 1950s green velvet hat with rhinestone trim (labeled made in France), 11 inch diameter, $36.00 from etsy seller Babylon Sisters.}



{1950s festively wrapped Christmas gift set of clip-on earrings and a (swivel clasp) brooch in gold toned metal and plastic, $24.00 (for the set) from etsy seller Carmen and Ginger.}



{Three piece set of vintage (1930s, 40s and 60s) red and green Bakelite bangle bracelets, $44.00 (for all three) from etsy seller Bakelite Bakery.}



{1950s emerald green velvet and satin dress with tulip (bubble) style skirt, fits up to a 35 inch bust/25 inch waist, $135.00 from etsy seller My Favourite Vintage.}



{1950s golden lucite and woven reed handbag with lucite handle and clasp (and a white “spill proof” vinyl lining) in excellent condition. Measures 10.75 inches long by 8.75 inches high; $65.00 from etsy seller BBBDesigns.}



{1940s Daniel Green peep toe slip on heels (mules) in a sparkling golden fabric with rosette details, fits size 6, $110.00 from etsy seller Peaceforevermore.}


After putting together this delightful selection of looks, I suddenly have the intense urge to send out party invitations and don an evening dress! While I wait for my RSVPs to come back (naturally you’re all invited), I’d love to hear your thoughts on these styles.

Do you identify with some of the fashionista profiles above or does your winter holiday wear veer in an entirely different direction? Whatever your taste in festive garb, I hope that you all get a chance to dress up this season and celebrate to your heart’s content!