The 1950's "Dita" Dress

Where From?
Ebay

How Much?
£3.99!!!!

How Vintage!
Ok, so the truth is, this isn't an original 1950's dress but it's a damn good 1980's lookalike (much like myself 1980's pretending to be 1950's)! I wish I had a better photo too, as these ones just don't do it justice. Full skirted, "off the shoulder" and cinched in at the waist it screams Dita Von Teese, 1950's glam! The dress is made up of two layers a silky (possibly polyester) base layer, covered by a felt/velvet floral cutout layer. I was astounded not only to be the only bidder and win the auction with an almost invisible £3.99 price tag, but that on arrival it fitted PERFECTLY! I bought this for my graduation back in July as I just HAD to attend in vintage get up. To max out it's 1950's vibe, I teamed it with a vintage black petticoat (bought in Dollymix for £22) and an original 1930's black belt with silver & diamante clasp (also Dollymix - £10). This helped to really accentuate my figure, also helped by my GORGEOUS new shoes from Office!

1970's Festival Chic!

Where From?
Dollymix, Leicester

How Much?
£30 (plus 10% student discount)

How Vintage!
I cannot express the joy I felt when I found this beauty! Not only is it a genuine 1970's maxi, it has the most exquisite white on red paisley detailing and large handkerchief sleeves for that super festival chic feel! I like to pull this out of the wardrobe on a hot sunny day where I know here will some serious partying (check my coconut!). It's floor length and best worn with sandals or flip-flops, big sunglasses, some beads and boho hair (which I'm still working on). You cannot go wrong with one of these in your summer wardrobe!

The would Be 1930's Dress

Where From?
Gold Rush, Leicester

How Much?
£10 (plus student discount)

How Vintage?
This is a 1980's (according to the price tag) black floor length dress, which is made of the most odd fabric, most certainly man made and rather see through due to all the teeny tiny holes punched out of it. Regardless of this though I absolutely adore it and never anticipated how much I would end up wearing it. Which, at only £10, makes it a complete BARGIN! It is incredibly simple, with modest sleeves and a cross over v neck. It is elasticated at the waist and drops almost to the floor. Trimmed with delicate black lace for that UBER vintage appeal, it's true WOW factor lies with its incredibly revealing thigh high slit! This dress oozed 1930's glamour and I have taken to wearing it out particularly when I know a good cocktail will be in store! The bonus is that it can either be worn as it is, with black undies, or for a more modest approach (for public outings) works well with some black leggings and a strappy T underneath to preserve dignity.

I love to match this with various accessories, vintage inspired headpieces and a particular pendant necklace I bought at another vintage fair (but that's another blog post).

Apologies for churning out the stuff you've probably seen me wearing quite recently, but I haven't quite got up to speed on getting the other items in my wardrobe photographed.

The "Public Schoolboy" Blazer

Where From?
Dollymix, Leicester (back when it was in the market)

How Much?
£15 (plus 10% student discount)

How Vintage!
I bought this near enough 3 years ago, just after arriving in leicester. It was the very first thing I bought in Dollymix! I love how bold it is (not to be worn without bravery). It has a label inside for a boys school, I have no idea how old it is, or if it even is that old! Downside? I had to get to altered so that it was a bit more fitted and nipped in at the waist, this only cost me a fiver though. The one other downside is that the sleeves are a little on the short side.

The "Perfect little wifey" dress

(Please excuse me from not bothering with my hair today)

Where From?
The Affordable Vintage Fair, Leicester

How Much?
£25

How Vintage!
Again, from the label I'd say 1970's however, SERIOUS 40's housewife vibe going on here! The sleeves are fitted at the upper arm and bell out to a wrist fitting cuff, though I've opted to wear the sleeves rolled up above the elbows. Fits perfectly, no alterations needed. £25 was a little more that I'd have liked to have spent on it, but it's 100% cotton, thick (but not too thick) and a beautiful print. Also, I LOVE brown in my vintage clothing, almost like dressing in sepia! It has a fantastic amount of fabric in the skirt, so it really swishes around. I'd probably wear this as a day dress in the autumn, though I'd be tempted to wear it out in the evening too! From listening to the woman running the stall chatting to another lady, it may well have come from Paris as she apparently gets alot of her stock from there. The shoes, by the way, are from Dollymix, were £12 and are 1980's, but as with most of my vintage wardrobe, I try to pass them off as 1940's!

The 1970's "Goddess" Dress

Where From?
Dollymix, Leicester

How much?
£25 (but with 10% student discount on top)

How Vintage!
This dress was a star find! I was actually hunting for something to hire for this photoshoot, but the dress turned out to be a perfect fit (which is difficult for me to find in vintage clothing). I'm no expert yet but I'd say from looking at the label it's 1970's, but has quite a nice 1940's look about it. Downside? It's 100% polyester which means there is no chance of me being able to dye it a different colour. Luckily, the white is growing on me!