Get some SERIOUS flower power from this bold daisy print maxi dress from (who else?) DAISY FAIRBANKS
A more subtle colourway with just as much impact makes this a fantastic coat for spring, from LIST IT CAFE
Pastels are always hot for spring and this sweet 2 piece dress from MORNING GLORIOUS COLLECTIBLES
Spring is coming, get ready in vintage!
Last, but by no means least, this 1950's party dress features pink roses on the skirt. It is available from VFG member BebopaDiva Vintage.
Feel like a starlet...or a blushing bride...in this frothy little party dress with its stunning floral details.
The dress is made of sheer organza in a warm white, lined in matching satin. The top has a curvy princess fit, with spaghetti straps and layers of pleating at the top to make the most of your girls. The front has stays to keep everything in place and the straps are completely adjustable.
The full skirt falls from a nipped waist in two swirly flared panels in the lining, with two organza layers over that, one cut on the diagonal. A lush 3-D swag of hot pink roses cascades from the upper left to the lower right along that layer. The flowers are made of velvety petals, with wire-backed leaves and brown satin stems. The dress has an attached inner tulle crinoline, so unless you like them really fluffy, you shouldn't need anything else.
You'll stand out from the crowd in this sophisticated 1960's Alfred Shaheen evening suit. It's available from VFG member Blue Velvet Vintage.
This unique exotic print two piece outfit is an outstanding example of Alfred Shaheen's 60s evening wear.
Constructed of a sumputous satin backed silk shantung with geometric shapes and a striped and floral border print in shades of metallic copper, silver, lavender and olive green against a shimmery burnished gold background.
Fitted jacket/top has cap sleeves, a mandarin collar, and fabric covered buttons with loop closures.
Long slender skirt has a sexy back slit for ease of movement. Partially lined in yellow silky fabric. Back metal zipper and button closure. Label reads "Alfred Shaheen, the Master Printer".
Regal purple and rhinestones make for a sophisticated evening statement! This stunning 1930's evening gown is available from VFG member Contentment Farm.
What a glamorous evening dress and with just the right amount of sparkle! It is made of purple silk crepe with a self belt. Cut very low and sexily in the back with the front neckline being squared. The straps are attached to the front neckline with rhinestone encrusted, deco design "buckles" with only one small stone missing. The back hemline from knee to floor is cut on the bias for a little extra flare.
For those looking to learn what vintage or vintage looks those in the scene are wearing, the answers are often more obvious than you'd think. The rockabilly scene NOW has taken the traditional looks we talked about last week and caricaturized them.....souped them up, tweaked them. For the girls, that means lots of red, bold prints and bombshell figure fitting dresses that expose enough skin to show off their tattoos. Hawaiian prints are favored, along with cherries and novelty prints in bold colors....halters, strapless and backless dress silhouettes. Wiggle dresses trump full skirts. Pencil skirts, snug cigarette and capri pants, modern tank tops mixed with short sleeve vintage blouses and cardigans. Stiletto heel shoes at night, 50s sandals for day events. Some images from VLV....
Dance competitions bring out the lindy hoppers, certainly pre-50's rockabilly but the 40s look is acceptable within the scene....
Gabardine jackets with bold colors, two tone detailing and sharp cuts are favored by the men wearing vintage....
Dramatic color, exaggerated lines, wild prints and lots of RED define the contemporary rockabilly look. A parting gift.....rockabillies dancing in Japan.
Plaid for evening is always an unexpected twist, but it sure works in this 1940's evening gown from VFG member Corsets and Crinolines.
A late 1940's tartan nylon taffeta full skirted party gown by Jay Jackson. The dress is not lined and fastens at the back with a metal zipper.
It's in very good- excellent condition and has been dry cleaned and the seams strengthened by a professional seamstress so it is ready to go!
This wonderful 1960's evening gown looks so rich in that gorgeous green! It's available from VFG member Dorothea's Closet.
Sheer chiffon 60's vintage gown in shades of chartruese green. Empire waist with 2 tone satin band below sequined bodice, long draping sheer panels fall from shoulders to hemline. Satin band comes together in back with a demure bow. Divine!
One shoulder looks and floral prints are hot for spring. This 1950's evening gown proves that some styles are timeless. It's available from VFG member Vintage-a-peel.
Before World War II, Horrockses manufactured printed cottons for the thriving home dressmaking industry. In the 1950s, with a demand for affordable ready-to-wear pieces in the wake of Dior's New Look, they started producing their own collections of daydresses, eveningwear and beachwear. In the era of rationing, cotton was cheap, durable and easy to work with.
This piece is a delightful example of their superb work and would be a terrific addition to any comprehensive collection. Horrockses really were the pioneers of cotton as an evening fabric, and the full length gowns - such as this - are extremely rare. I love the extraordinary feature of the single shoulder strap, met with a bow in the back and attached to an integral drape up from the skirt.
If you haven't found a dress you like, you can always make your own from a vintage pattern. How about this glamorous 1930's gown with ruffles galore from VFG member EvaDress. Click on the link for the pattern, and you'll see the dress made up in red silk. Oh la la!
This is a remarkable example of 1930's detailing! The bodice and skirt front are in one and shaped at the waistline with tucks for fitting. Fins of narrowly hemmed flounces are incorporated at the side seams of the skirt front and back and placed along the optional sleeves.
From FREUDIAN SLIPS, a 1940's wedding dress in cream rayon with a wonderful antelope/gazelle early plastic belt....
From DAMN GOOD VINTAGE a stunning 1940's slipper satin gown.....
And this divine 1950's bridal crown headpiece and veil from COUTURE ALLURE VINTAGE FASHION....
Vintage is the perfect "something old" for any wedding!
Here's black and gold from a completely different era. This 1920's beaded flapper dress is available from VFG member Freudian Slips Vintage.
A stunning 1920's Flapper dress, mixing black satin with a gorgeous shade of green chiffon. The dress has literally thousands of tiny crimped gold sequins, grouped into floral motifs, with metallic bugle bead centres. The hem panel of green chiffon contains a huge volume of fabric and beading, which flows beautifully when you move.
Black + Gold = Drama. This chic 1950's dress by Mr. Mort is available from VFG member Fuzzielizzie.
Stan Herman was the designer at Mr. Mort, and this dress shows why the company was a popular one with young, sophisticated women. The bodice on this beautiful vintage dress is made from beautiful golden beige on black lace, criss-crossed with satin ribbon. The skirt is sheer and very full.
The back of the neckline is a deep V, with a metal zipper closing beneath, highlighted with satin ribbon bows. The sleeves are cut as one piece with the bodice, and are 3/4 length.
While I shudder a bit to think of the original pieces from the film being destroyed, it is the ultimate piece of "up-cycled" vintage! Read more about gowns worn at the Oscars, who wore them and where they are now in an article here at SIGNONSANDIEGO.COM.
You can't go wrong with black, and this 1960's black evening gown has some added bling with its sequin bodice. It's available from VFG member Glamoursurf.
Vintage 60's Black sleeveless sequin empire waist bodice full length evening party dress. Sleeveless dress has black sequins covering the empire waist bodice with a velvet bow accenting the empire waist. Balance of dress is a crepe type material. Back walking vent. Dress is fully lined. Dress is in excellent condition. Made by Flair.
You'll stand out from the crowd in this dreamy vintage evening gown available from VFG member List It Cafe.
To die for 1940's Bon-Ray off shoulder evening gown. Full sweep skirt over satin slip.
We applaud Cate for preserving both the history of fashion AND her city!
But why does rockabilly matter to fashion? What is the rockabilly “look”? That’s a question often pondered by both sellers and buyers of vintage clothing, and the answer is a little more complicated than the one above. As any genre of music has done over the years, rockabilly had a strong influence on fashions on the 50s to early 60s which have evolved into a more complex definition in today’s fashion world.
What rockabilly was to the traditional sensibilities of mainstream music of the late 40s to early 50s, rockabilly fashion was to the buttoned up, conservative look of the post war era. The wholesome pin up girl of the 40s had given way to the more racy Bettie Page types…..B-movies saw a gain in popularity and pulp fiction novel covers were inspiring the youth of America to add a little spice to their wardrobe. Watching the film “West Side Story” quickly defines the two commonly seen looks within the rockabilly scene. The youth of early 50s America were quick to embrace the sounds of rockabilly, but just as easily as social standing was defined by what side of the tracks you lived on, the looks were just as dramatically interpreted by the two social classes.
There were those less willing to rebel against their parents, less willing to take risks. The rockabilly look for those on the “right” side of the tracks was clean cut with just a dash of edge. Jeans were generally a wardrobe staple and the cuff came naturally, as pants of the era were either hand-me-downs or purchased on the longer side for "growing room"; wide cuffs were born of necessity, rather than for the sake of fashion, yet has transformed into a mainstay in rockabilly dressing to this day. Shirts, sweaters and jackets were simple in color and style, a cotton or gabardine button-down shirt or jacket wasn't too pricey and not too flashy for the "good guy". Guy's shoe wear was simple: whatever was in the closet. Penny loafers were popular as were the standard black oxford.
For girls, the look was full skirt dresses with lots of crinolines, flats or low heels and ponytails. It was an exaggerated version of the adult’s 50’s look with a girlie edge....while these girls weren’t willing or able to channel their inner B-movie girl with teased hair and bright red lipstick, bold prints and bright accessories.
Those who’s economic and social backgrounds allowed them more leeway in the realm of rebellion took the rockabilly look to its limit. Crazy colors (pink! for men!) and patterns could be seen in menswear, 2tone shirts and jackets, atomic or novelty prints made a huge splash- just not with your average joe. We're familiar with what a "ricky jacket" is, but it's actually quite a misnomer. Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy was seen wearing a 2 tone jacket once on the show, yet a whole era of rock and roll fashion was dedicated to this. The upper middle class man didn't wear such loud and crazy clothing~ you never saw Ward Cleaver or even your average dad in Anycity, USA sporting something like that.
Everyday wardrobe could include engineer boots which were a natural choice for hot rodders and bikers and the leather jackets to match, thanks to movies like The Wild. Girls had their turn in showing off their bad side and shunned full skirts and dresses which hid the body. They opted for the scandalous pencil skirt and tight sweater which didn't leave much for the imagination and stiletto heels were the final mankilling touch. While most girls then didn't know of Bette Paige, they did get their naughty fashion inspiration at the movies with the likes of Jayne Mansfield in full glory with springolators in tow.
The look was of course modified as regional influences came into play. Western rockabilly fans embraced Western Swing and quite a lot of Western as well as Southwestern fashion influences were seen. Heavily embroidered satin or gabardine shirts could be seen on men and women~ Patsy Cline for example favored the fringed western look. Patio sets, also known as squaw sets with sandals, wedges or espadrilles were in high gear. In the south, Elvis in his "early years" was partial to gingham western snap shirts and that was reflected in men's fashion. In the East, the jump and jive scenes of Harlem and some European influences were seen in refined and swanky details like the 2 tone oxford (again, another Ricky element coming into play) or drapey Hollywood pants with rayon loop shirt.
While rockabilly was a fairly narrow window of time and a style not readily "defined" by those wearing it as a specifically identifiable look, it is easy to see looking back what types of clothing contributed to what we now refer to as rockabilly. Just as all clothing from the 20s is not considered a "flapper" look, not all clothing from the 50s to early 60s is considered rockabilly. It was an influential look unique to the time & unique to itself that has inspired fashion designers and vintage fans in the many years since.
SPECIAL THANKS to Kim from FAST EDDIE'S RETRO RAGS for all the help defining what rockabilly "was" back in the day. Coming soon......rockabilly, as interpreted today!
How about a bit of bling today? This dazzling 1960's jeweled evening gown is available from VFG member Vamp of Vintage.
The is dress starts with a fabulous jeweled collar, with a neckline that was popularized by Jackie O. The collar rolls and is called Portrait style and it is paved in glistening jewels and hand set crystals and huge faceted glass aurora Borealis beads just dripping with beads, jewels, a crystals......dress is beautifully lined with a soutache lace overlay...gold metallic fine thread is interwoven with the soutache lace for a spectacular look...back zipper is offset to the right of center...sleeves have an ever so slight flair to them...
Black and white and 80's all over, this dress is available from VFG member Marian's Vintage Vanities.
Heavy cream colored rayon brocade and black velvet dramatic dress with drop shoulders and long sleeves is very well made of quality fabrics. The gown was probably made in the 1980’s but has a timeless elegance. It would make a wonderful winter wedding dress. The boned fitted dropped front and back pointed bodice is fully lined with cream colored rayon. The deep sweet heart shaped bodice neckline front has a band of 1 3/4" wide velvet. Across each upper sleeve is a 12" long, 2 1/2" wide at the middle and 9" wide velvet bows are across each shoulder. The bodice back is square with a mid back zipper. The long sleeves have 1 3/4" wide velvet band cuffs. 7" long elasticized shoulder straps can be worn down across the upper arm or up across the top of the shoulders to hold the off shoulder fit in place.
We've passed the halfway mark in our 27 dresses oddessy, but there are so many more beautiful dresses to share with you! Like this 1930's peach chiffon dress with a sweet matching jacket from VFG member Meloo.This is such a beautiful ensemble in the most delightful shade of peach chiffon...floaty...feminine....fabulous and it even has the original slip and matching velvet trimmed jacket....which makes it pretty darn special!
There is nothing sexier or more figure-flattering than a bias-cut gown, and this beauty is nooooo exception with nice wide straps and ruched pleats from the center of the bust to give added emphasis to your girls....what is especially cool is that the slip has this feature as well! The lines are long and slim with flounce at the hem...fantastic!
For as beautiful as the gown is...the jacket is really quite amazing in it's own right with huge puffed sleeves, fabric covered buttons down the front with long pointy collar, nipped in waist with peach velvet ribbon belt and flirty, fluttery double peplum....incredible style!
Knots, twists and draping galore. Now check out this 2-tone 40s dress with knotted cap from a show at the Philadelphia Museum of Art....
History sure has a way of repeating itself!
60s Pink Silk Cocktail Dress w/ Lace Appliqués from POPPY'S VINTAGE CLOTHING...
Vintage 1940's Hollywood Style Pink Satin Quilted Housecoat / Bathrobe w/ Sequins by Shrewsbury B 36 from ALLEY CATS VINTAGE....
Vintage 50's Christina Hawaiian Floral Halter Swimsuit Bathing Suit from GLAMOUR SURF....
Tickle yourself pink with more rosy toned vintage wear now showing on the public board at THE VINTAGE FASHION GUILD!
Black + Lace = Gorgeous! This 1930's evening dress is available from VFG member Morning Glorious.
From an old Vermont estate comes this amazing, drop-dead gorgeous black lace evening dress, circa late 1920s or early 1930s, in fabulous wearable condition!
This gown is very special, with amazing details, and rare. It has 3 beautiful diagonal accordian pleated panels, bias cut, across the torso, and stunning chantilly lace and black chiffon alternating panels on the lovely flowing skirt. The top part of the dress is black illusion lace over a nude silk lining. Under the skirt is a black silk built-in underskirt.
Stunning, isn't it? This 1950's Helena Barbieri evening gown is available from VFG member Past Perfect Vintage.
If you ask me, this gown from an Indianapolis estate is close to perfection. It’s a late 1950s strapless evening gown in chocolate silk chiffon and silk satin bands in hot pink, orange, chocolate and peach. With flowers. And a matching silk satin stole. The color combination is just luscious. It’s a Helena Barbieri, and once again, this gown shows her flair with evening wear. The bodice is boned and the metal zipper is hand set. The skirt is comprised of an extremely full circular chiffon overskirt that flows over a slim chiffon over crepe columnar underskirt. The long double sided stole is orange and hot pink silk satin finished at the ends with self fringe.
Let's step back a bit further in time to the 1920's. We're showing you the back of this metallic gold lame dress because it's just so fabulous! This dress is available from VFG member Poppy's Vintage Clothing.
This is a gorgeous 1920s period dress made of a gold metallic lamé fabric. The neckline is scooped, lower in the back, with a fabric "V" starting at the shoulders and running down to a bow decoration at the back. The fabric is printed with an art deco pattern in blue, green, red, beige and brown. It is cut in a classic 1920s style with dropped waist, and skirt made with insets, pointed at the top, lined with blue silk chiffon and cut with a dip at the back. There is no under slip to the dress, but the skirt is fully lined in blue silk chiffon.
Hot momma! This 1980's Frank Usher strapless gown is available from VFG member Sara's Attic.
This is a beauty, a strapless column dress with stunning contrasting colors, red & black, with asymmetrical bow detail to sides. Side split under draped bow, if only it were my size!!
This morning we have some inspiration from the 1970's with this draped goddess gown from VFG member Tangerine Boutique.
Elegant black satin jersey gown from the 1970s. The material has a wonderful drape and I think it is most likely a nylon blend. The dress is sleeveless with spaghetti straps which criss-cross and tie in back.The shirred bodice has a built in bra so a separate bra is not needed. At the waist on the left is a fabric rose. The skirt is is very pretty, it gathers at the waist and wraps around the body finishing in a pretty drape beneath the rose. When you walk it will open just a little to show a bit of leg.
We are in awe of this 1950's strapless number in gold, no less. It's available from VFG member Tasty Vintage.
Just amazing, this dress is beautifully constructed with a handset zipper, bound seams and handstitched silk lining. the fabric also feels like a silk blend - there are no labels other than the one referring to the fabric (handwoven in Madrid) but you get the feeling that this is a dress that was very expensive when originally ordered!
It zips at the rear with a concealed metal zip, and the peplum fastens around the waist with hooks and eyes. You could move the hooks if needed to give you a little extra room without it looking odd. The peplum itself is actually quite a thing to behold, stiffened fabric and lined in a silky green fabric. It's just wonderful, and quite futuristic looking!
Maybe you want to make your own dress. OK, we've got that covered too! VFG member Vintage Fashion Library offers a reproduction of this original 1936 pattern at her site.
This stunning Misses' Evening Dress or Wedding Gown dates from the 1930s and was reproduced from the original pattern. The dress can be made sleeveless or with gorgeous, large bishop sleeves. This is a very glamorous pattern!
This 1950's organdy roses dress takes our breath away! It's available from The Vintage Peddler.
Be the envy of the party in this stunning tea length party dress. Made of a floral organdy with three underskirts. The first is tulle, the second is satin and the third is pillion. This gives the dress an amazing fullness. No need for a crinoline because it's built right in. Around the waist is a peach satin ribbon belt with a matching bow. The bodice is lined in the same peach satin and the dress closes with a back metal zipper.
This high waisted 1950's bikini is available from VFG member Glamoursurf.
Amazing 1950's circle skirted sundress is available from VFG member Couture Allure Vintage Fashion.
And this darling 1950's top and shorts set is available from VFG member Denisebrain.
Take a look at lots of other VFG worthy merchandise on our Public Boards this week!
Tired of pink? How about orange for a little change of pace? This stunning 1950's beaded evening gown can be found at VFG member Vintage Vixen.
Few dresses can be called cream of the crop, but this one certainly fits the description! It's elegant and sexy, scoop-necked with a short fringe of bugle beads at the piped edge. The entire dress is hand-beaded with tiny seed beads and pave` bows spaced throughout, making it substantially heavy. There's a rounded-edge hem with a walking slit in back, and it's fully lined.