Blue Velvet Vintage: Classy fashions for classy dames

So reads the tagline on Blue Vintage Velvet's instantly eye-catching website, and goodness are they spot on with that apt description.

Housing a captivating blend of genuine vintage garments as well as plenty of vintage reproduction pieces from brands such as Betty Page Clothing, Trashy Diva, and Blue Velvet Vintage's own in-house line, Classic Dame, this is an online vintage seller whose passion for what they sell is evident the moment you click onto their website.



{One of the many thoroughly beautiful vintage reproduction dresses - this one from the site's house line, Classy Dame, that Blue Velvet Vintage Offers.}



Founded in 2002 by Theresa Campbell McKee, Blue Velvet Vintage quickly established itself as one of the best sources of vintage fashions to be had online. This is in no small part because they believe firmly in helping women to express their own unique, wonderful styles through the diverse selection of garments and accessories they stock.

In addition to having a major passion for, and wide selection of, party dresses, Blue Velvet Vintage is immensely keen on assisting customers in finding just the right attire for vintage related events, very much including weddings (they stock a great selection of vintage and vintage appropriate wedding dresses, such as the breathtakingly beguiling 1940s inspired beaded lace strapless wedding gown pictured below).





To quote site founder Theresa Campbell McKee herself, "Many gals come to us with no clue as to what to wear for a vintage themed event. Even though I very often enjoy going out in head to toe authentic vintage, not everyone wants to adhere that closely to the actual or find it difficult to locate an authentic outfit in their size. So we help them put together beautiful outfits that capture the spirit of the era they are going for." This personal passion for vintage and dedication to their customer's needs is a huge part of why Blue Velvet Vintage shines.

Their vast selection - which includes everything from shoes to flapper dresses, handbags to LBDs is certainly another, as are their (very) frequently updated stock (new items are added every week).

As someone whose wardrobe is a solid mix of true vintage, vintage reproduction, and vintage appropriate pieces, I wholeheartedly adore the fact that all three of these categories can be had at Blue Velvet Vintage, and that they understand the same applies to many of their customers as well.

By opting to not simply focus on one of these categories, but instead offering up an expertly curated blend of all three, Blue Velvet Vintage quite literally becomes a one-stop shopping destination for anyone with a passion for yesteryear fashion.



{An example of the timelessly classy, stunning genuine vintage garments that BBV stocks around the clock on their website. This charming 1950s dress has already sold, but there are plenty more awesome yesteryear fashions to be had amongst their site's listings.} 

I got my first home computer back in 2004, and can remember very shortly thereafter discovering Blue Velvet Vintage during one of my inaugural searches for vintage fashion online. I've been a die-hard fan of theirs ever since, and constantly swoon over their diverse, engaging, reasonably priced offerings (not to mention pin some of their pieces to my Pinterest boards), so it was with no small amount of joy that I recently welcomed Blue Velvet Vintage as one of Chronically Vintage's newest blog sponsors.

In addition to their vintage fashion daydream inducing website, Blue Velvet Vintage also run a terrific blog, and can be found on both Twitter and Facebook. They also provide a great email mailing list, which allows new fans and returning customers alike to stay up-to-date with some of the site's most interesting going-ons and upcoming sales.

It's an honour to have Blue Velvet Vintage as a blog sponsor, and to get the opportunity to share more about this stellar website with all of you.

If you haven't already (or recently) paid them a visit, be sure to do so today - chances are you'll instantly fall as head-over-heels with BVV has I've been for many years now – plus you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled here over the course of the summer, as I'll be modeling one of BVV's wonderful offerings later in the season.

Photographic proof that own more than one pair of pants

It's scarcely a secret that I'm not a big trouser wearer. I don't inherently have anything against pants, it's just that - whether we're talking vintage, repro, or modern - I tend to have a really tricky time finding any that fit even remotely well. Add to that the fact that (due to medical) reasons it's almost always hard for me to wear anything tight and/or heavy (as I find the waist bands on many pants to be) around my midsection and there's a reason tumble weeds blow through the area of closet reserved for trousers.

Throughout 2012, when I appeared here in pants, it was always either my beloved Freddies of Pinewood side button jeans (as seen in outfits like this one) or my equally cherished Nine West denim capris (a summer wardrobe staple for days like this one spent yard saling). The only other pair of pants I've ever worn on camera to date here, have been my cute Freddie's overalls (dungarees), which tend to be reserved for especially outdoorsy days.

There are a couple of other pairs of pants in my wardrobe, but they very rarely see the light of day, because (and I do apologize if this is a tad frank) I have to be extremely un-bloated (aka, not bloated) and to have my pain levels at a certain spot for me to even contemplate slipping into them. For the first time in months, I recently had one cold winter evening like that, so I jumped on the chance instantly to wear the third pair of Freddies of Pinewood pants that I own: their Classic Pedal Pushers.

Now, as I mentioned a couple of weeks ago in this post, the lighting - especially during the winter and in the evening - in our darling little house is anything but stellar. We don't get very much natural light at the best of times and there's a shortage of overhead lightning on the main floor, so top-notch results one is not likely to achieve (without the addition of studio lighting) anytime soon, especially when shooting - as in the case of the photos in today's post - when an iPhone. Nevertheless, it's such a rare and wonderful occasion when I get to wear these pedal pusher jeans, that I couldn't let the night slip past without grabbing a few quick shots.

Outfit details

Gingham hair wrap/scarf: eBay

Silver hued star burst earrings: Dollar store in Kelowna

Sterling silver & Swarovski crystal cherry pendant necklace: a beautiful gift from Tony ♥

Red ruched neck tee: Mariposa 

Grey dolman sleeve cardigan: Freddies of Pinewood

Cherry print bangle: etsy seller Faux Flowers

Other bangle bracelets: Assorted sources

Denim pedal pushers: Freddies of Pinewood

Black 1940s style shoes: Thrifted
Lip colour: Red Apple Lipstick's Red Lipstick

Vintage Saks Fifth Avenue black patent purse: etsy seller MK Retro


Photography by Antonio Cangiano   ♥ ♥ ♥

Now, generally speaking, pedal pushers are supposed to stop (or be cuffed so that they hit) about mid-way down a person's calf. On someone like me however, who is 5'2" and by no means leggy, most pedal pushers hit me at ankle height. This could be seen as a negative, but I actually see it as a positive, because it means that it's like I get two pairs of pants in one out of my pedal pushers. I can either wear them as is (as I did on the very cold and snowy evening when these pictures were taken) or roll them up a bit in the warmer months so that they look like pedal pushers instead of tapered jeans.

I love Freddies of Pinewood. Aside from the fact that I was once hit with a large courier fee bill (on top of the usual Canadian customs fees) - much as like what happened to me when I ordered from eshakti last December - I have had zero qualms with this company (and to be fair, that's more the courier's fault than Freddies). I know a couple of people in our vintage circle who've had rough experiences with Freddie's customer service team, but thankfully I've not run into such issues myself and found them to be very pleasant to deal with the one time I emailed them back and forth about sizing.

To date I own four pairs of pants (my side button jeans, overalls, front pocket jeans, and these cute, classic denim pedal pushers), as well as a small number of tops (including the grey one in today's post) from them. I really hope that over time further Freddies products, especially their jeans, will make it into my wardrobe, as theirs are the only vintage reproduction pants that fit me well (I've bought other brands over the years and had zero success in terms of finding a good fit) .

For those shopping outside of the UK in particular, Freddes can be a touch pricy (their prices are in UK pounds), but I can attest to the fact that they're very well made and durable. I've probably worn my side button jeans at least 30 times, and they look as crisp and fresh as the day the arrived in the mail. The same goes for all of the other items I own from Freddies, and I consider my jeans to be one of the best wardrobe investments I've made in recent years.

As you can see here, my wig (Pin Up from the brand Jon Renau) is holding up well so far. The curl has dropped a little in spots, but over all, I'm really impressed with the quality and durability of this inexpensive synthetic wig. As you know, I hope to buy a good quality real hair wig one day, but that's just a dream for the time being (especially after the string of super big expenses - from taxes to car repair bills - that we've been hit with already this year). In the interim, I'm very happy to stick with Pinup (and/or other similarly styled and prices synthetic wigs) while I work towards the (very) long-term goal of saving up for a really nice real hair (or alternatively a super high end, heat resistant custom made synthetic) wig.

I adore wearing this wig with bows (the Bettie bangs and flowing curls just look so cute, if I may say so myself, with it), be they wee little ones or great big vintage inspired bowed hair wraps like this fun black and white gingham one (which, interestingly, I believe was last seen here on the blog in another series of grainy evening shots during a night of fishing, however the weather then and the weather now couldn't further apart from each other!).

So, while my collection is pretty darn slim at best, I'm not completely without a pair or two of jeans to slip into on those days when durable trousers are called for or simply desired. A closet full of pants might be nice, but so long as I have a couple of pairs that I can rely on, I'm a happy (Freddies jeans wearing) camper. :)

Ten of the UK's best vintage reproduction clothing sources

After a month filled with much online vintage shopping (or at least a ton of virtual window shopping and a bit of buying) ,as I go about trying to fill in many of the gaps in my wardrobe, it seems fitting to wrap up the very last day of January with a post that ties into that fact.

On the other side of the giant pond, the fine folks in the UK know a thing or two about vintage reproduction clothing. In fact, I'd tentatively argue that the UK has more vintage repro clothing sellers than the US, and certainly more good ol' Canada (which is woefully lacking in this area).

For those vintage fashionistas who live in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, I'd imagine that this must be ultra handy and a great way to regularly update your closet with excellent old school style threads.

So long as we're willing to face somewhat steep exchange rates however, those of us outside of Europe can often avail of the products such UK vintage reproduction retailers offer online. In the past couple of months I've placed my first ever (but very long anticipated) orders with two such sellers, and had sparklingly wonderful transactions with both.

As such, I decided to put together a list of ten vintage reproduction clothing sellers, including the two I've ordered from myself (Freddies of Pinewood and Heyday Vintage, both of which had excellent customer service), as I know many of you are also continually on the prowl for good quality reproduction/vintage inspired styles from our favourite mid-twentieth century decades.

Here then is a roundup of ten terrific vintage reproduction clothing sellers from the UK. Happy wish list making and online shopping!

 

Big Beautiful Barbara Brown: Offers a wide selection of 1920s - 50s reproduction garments, plus some rockabilly wear, and even a handful of 60s and 70s styles, too. Vintage inspired pieces include high waisted trousers, playsuits, skirts, tops, suits, dresses (such as the darling ruffle sleeved Flirty Thirties frock pictured above), and shorts. Most items are available in an assortment of different types fabric and/or patterns in a wide array of sizes, and are made on a per-order basis.

 

Dolly Dagger: All sorts of delightful vintage inspired and rockabilly styles abound at this fun site, which houses skirts, jeans, dresses, sweaters (like the wonderfully cute Nautical Nancy sweater shown above) shoes, stockings, swimwear, coats, purses, jewelry, hair accessories, and much more.

 

Freddies of Pinewood: Known the vintage repro loving world over for their top-notch selection of both women's and men's denim (such as the classic side button jeans shown here), Freddie's also offers customers shirts, jackets, capri pants, overalls (dungarees), and accessories.

 

Heyday Vintage: Housing a roundup of really lovely 1940s and 50s inspired dresses, trousers, tops, and suits, Heyday is one of the vintage world's most loved sources of reproduction sites. I recently ordered their Fleur wrap dress (named after, and model by, well-known vintage blogger Fleur from Diary of a Vintage Girl) in the English Rose on white pattern and cannot gush about it enough!

 

Lady K Loves: To quote the homepage of this site itself, Lady K Love features "high quality clothes for rockabilly gals, pin up chicks, and kool katz". While many styles do channel an alluring pin-up vibe, others such as the 1940s inspired Rosie trousers shown here, have a somewhat more "every day" feel to them.

 

Puttin on the Ritz: With a name that instantly evokes images of chic, fabulously fashionable vintage nightlife, this high end vintage reproduction clothing seller offers a striking array of beautiful dresses, blouses, jackets, skirts, trousers, suits, coats (like the timelessly pretty April in Paris coat pictured here), eveningwear, and accessories, as well as a selection of garments for gentlemen, too.

 

Revival: With areas devoted to styles from the 20s, 30s, and 40s, plus swing dance and men's wear, too, Revival's assortment of old school inspired clothing and shoes is sure to provide you with a few new must-have items. If ever I wanted to tap into my inner 1920s flapper gal, I'd be highly tempted to pick up Revival's vibrant red Tango Dress shown above.

 

Tara Starlet: Boasting a highly pretty gathering of feminine vintage inspired looks in the form of dresses, tops, skirts (such as the wonderfully wearable Victory Skirt shown here in red and white houndstooth), playsuits, party dresses, bottoms, suits, outerwear, accessories, and more, Tara Starlet's pieces are just the ticket when you're in the mood to mix demure and alluring.

 

20th Century Foxy: Chocked full of pieces spanning looks from the 30s to 60s, this site is a vintage reproduction clothing lover's dream and includes items as diverse as crinolines (aka, petticoats, like the ruby red number shown here) to knitwear, hosiery to shoes, dresses, headwear, hair flowers, separates, coats and much more.

 

 

Vivian of Holloway: Undoubtedly one of the web's best known vintage reproduction sellers, Vivian of Holloway's inviting selection includes a bounty of dresses, tops, skirts, trousers, and accessories (such as snoods, jewelry, flowers, belts, and petticoats). I'm particularly smitten with their pinafore trousers in blue denim highlighted in the image here.

♥ ♥ ♥

This list certainly does not cover every last seller (be they a company or individual) who is currently producing vintage inspired garments in the UK, but it's a great jumping off point if you're looking to do some overseas shopping.

As time rolls on, I hope to shop with all of the sellers listed above, and would absolutely love to hear about your own experiences with these (and/or any other) online UK vintage reproduction sellers.

Oh, and should any of you happen to be, or know of, Canadian repro sources for 40s and 50s garments, definitely feel free to spill the beans!

(Vintage 365) Found: the perfect little black pencil skirt

✯ Day 50 of Vintage 365 ✯

 

There are certain items of clothing - classically tailored cardigans, elegant cocktail dresses, the perfect pair of natural coloured pumps - that never, ever go out of style. Their ability to do so would be like if air stopped sustaining life as we know it here on earth. In that category of highly revered (and I think absolutely-must-own) items of clothing stands the pencil skirt.

Though I know some gals feel that they can't pull this timeless piece off, I believe that virtually anyone can - so long as you get one that fits well (snuggly, but not constrictively), has a hemline that falls at a flattering length (which for me personally means a smidge below the knee), and is in a perpetually stylish (and very wearable) hue like grey, black, navy, dark red, beige, or denim blue.

Amongst the beautiful offerings from Australian vintage reproduction clothing seller Hot Couture, I recently spied a pencil skirt (see photo directly above) that I think fits all of the criteria outlined above. The Harlow Plain Skirt is a chicly fantastic black pencil skirt made from stretch cotton (making it both comfortable and stylish) that's available in XS to XXXL, thus helping ensure that vintage fashionistas of nearly all figures are accounted for (this skirt retails on Hot Couture's website for $75.00 Australian).

When it comes to practicality and versatility, you'd honestly be hard pressed to find any garment of clothing that is going to give you more millage - or styling options - than a sophisticatedly lovely black pencil skirt. You can dress it down with a flirty summer top, up with a pearls and a faux fur stole; add a satin blouse and some seemed nylons and you're ready for a night out, whereas a good twin set and a classic pencil skirt will see you through spring and fall in elegant style.

I love, love, love pencils skirts (and I say that as a petite, short legged gal with her fair share of curves), and think that Hot Couture has hit it out of the ballpark with this glam, yet terrifically practical, black cotton number!

Vintage Fashionista Friday – May 14, 2010

{Understatedly pretty and perfectly versatile, these vintage screw back earrings feature small red ruby coloured crystal stones and brass-gold hued metal, that work splendidly together to telegraph a sophisticated yet playful vibe that would make these earrings at home as much on a picnic as they’d be on a formal dinner date. “Cherry Red Stone Vintage Earrings”, $10.00 US from etsy seller Cozy Studio.}



{Vintage grace tumbles forth from this exquisitely lovely 1950s gold coloured compact, which comes complete with a lipstick tube and a perfume tube, respectively, attached on either side (brilliant!). Ideally suited for even the tiniest of handbags, this gorgeous vintage compact could easily be refilled and used today, or alternatively, put to splendid use as a purely decorative object on your vanity. “1950s Gold Tone Compact”, $39.00 from etsy seller Cassie’s Attic.}



{This dress is like a quick wink from an admirer across a crowded room. It’s alluring yet not intimidating, flirtatious but still entirely ladylike, it’s the sort of reach-for-it classic that all glamorous women should have in their fashion arsenal. Sporting a faux leopard skin print around the collar and cuffs, a wildly feminine fitted skirt, and 1/2 length sleeves, this vintage reproduction dress is one of those stellar frocks that would see you through any season – or situation! “Blondie” dress, available in ladies sizes up to 3X, $178.00 US from Stop Staring.}



{I really do believe my heart skipped at least three beats when it I discovered this enchantingly wonderful Anna Sui nail polish set. Bursting with intoxicating beauty and feminine elegance, this rose bedecked kit features a sublimely gorgeous carrying case/make-up bag, two shades of impossibly pretty nail polish, an emery board, and jewel nail stickers, for that added dose of sparkly charm we all crave from time-to-time. Anna Suit “five piece Nail Colour Set 02”, $48.00 US from Yesstyle.com.}



{Glitz and glamorous collide in this glimmering beige stain clutch, complete with tiny feather and rhinestone detailing atop a gorgeous double bow. Couldn’t you just imagine carrying this purse with you on a warm summer night, its sandy hue just the right compliment to your gently sun-kissed skin. Carlo Fellini.”Tuscan” clutch handbag in beige (it’s also available in black and purple), currently on sale for $39.99 US from ebags.com.}



{Sweetly little red camellias, vintage 1940s glass pearls, and antique brass team up in this beautiful handmade bracelet, which would look divine with a myriad of outfits, from sundresses to cashmere winter sweaters, felt skirts to playsuits. This delightfully lovely bracelet measures 7 inches long (plus a 1.5 inch extender chain, for a total maximum length of 8.5 inches), and is available for $29.50 US from etsy seller Bumbershoot Designs.}



{Lively colours, ageless construction, and a jaunty 4 1/2 inch heel combine in this sleek pair of 1940s inspired pumps to create a positively knock-out pair of shoes that would be an amazing accompaniment to many a stunning ensemble. “Tempt Champagne and Black with Bow Heels”, available in ladies sizes 6 to 12, $65.00 US from Unique Vintage.}

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Dreary weather this past week and a lack of energy myself, have left me yearning for bright colours, gobs of vitality and anything upbeat. In particular I’ve been craving the colour red (I often “crave” having a certain colour stand out prominently in my life for a spell – does anyone else feel this way too?), so hence why this week’s gorgeous vintage fashionista, Laurinda, is decked out in this radiating, invigorating, timelessly powerful hue.

Red evokes thoughts of luscious roses, just-plucked-from-the-tree cherries still warm from the sun, romantic hearts doodled in school notebooks, fiery chili peppers, sumptuous velvet robes, perpetually gorgeous lipstick shades, and (in the more recent of eras) the crimson soles of a certain brand of designer heels. It’s a regal, fascinating, moving colour that seems right at home in the middle of May, a month that can be such a turbulent blend of weather extremes and the prolific appearance once again of gardens teaming with this passionate shade, that never ceases to give me a much needed jolt of vigour.

On the blogging front, I want to say thank you dearly to everyone who left comments on Chronically Vintage posts this past week. I truly appreciate – and adore – your visits, and want you to know that I treasure each thought you share with me.

Wishing one and all a deeply lovely weekend, complete with countless moments of tranquil bliss!