Cardigan: Friends of Couture (remixed… sort of)
Skirt: Asos (remixed… sort of)
Petticoat: Domino Dollhouse
Belt: Portmans
Shoes: Wittner
Tights: Sussan
Today my good friend San and I ventured into Melbourne’s misty morning to visit the Love Vintage fair that was taking place up at Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition Building.
We easily lost several hours pawing through the most amazing collections of vintage frocks (and yes, frou-frou) that I think I’ve ever seen in one place, and I was reassured to see so much larger size vintage (though a lot of it still too small or too rich for me).
I did manage to find a gorgeous beaded 1950’s cardigan at the very first stall we visited that I couldn’t leave behind, but apart from that I was content to run my fingers over the dresses, and dream.
Weren’t the clothes from the 1950’s and 60’s just to die for? It makes me sad that dresses like that aren’t really being made anymore. I mean, look hard enough and you can find similar silhouettes; but the textiles, embroidery, finishing elements that make a vintage piece so amazing seem to be lost.
I’ve got it into my head that I want to wear a frothy 1950’s vintage prom dress to a wedding in October, so I’ll be on The Hunt for the next few months. Let me know if you spot anything, ok?
I know there’s gorgeous plus-size vintage out there…. I saw enough BEAUTIFULLY put together bigger girls at the market today. I just wanted to run up and make them twirl for me then grill them on where they got their clothes.
I donned my (barely) remixed Friends of Couture cardigan (I sewed up the front, and replaced the self-covered buttons that Just. Kept. Falling. Off. with little sparkly black numbers) and my barely remixed Asos skirt (it used to be longer).
Realistically, my May(de) item today is the Domino Dollhouse petticoat, which has rapidly made its way to the top of my rotation pile. Who can go past a crinoline, right?
It’s far too cold to feature my other DD item, the strawberry dress, so I’m glad to be able to share something. They’re a great indie label, and well worth checking out. Especially their current “!” print range. I’m a little obsessed with their “!” print range.
I have recently found your blog and enjoy your use of vintage dresses and skirts! I really like today’s combination.
I noticed right off that this post includes a buttoned up cardigan. I am not sure why I love that look but I often find that it works well for me, too. I rarely see it though. For me, the buttoned up cardigan is smooth fitting enough to make it almost a t-shirt, yet doesn’t make my bust look uniboob.
Hey Kitty – I’m glad you found me, and that you’re enjoying reading!
I don’t always have luck with buttoned up cardigans, as they tend to gape, but with a few that I always wear buttoned up I tend to sew them closed up the front to make sure I can wear them tight!
I have the ! print dress. So cute!
Do you? It’s such a great print!
So jealous of all your adorable Friends of Couture items. Whenever one pops up on here, I squeal in delight. Unfortunately, it seems like it’s almost impossible to get them here in the States, SO I shall continue to admire from afar… via your blog. =P
You look beautiful as always, Lilli! Can’t wait to see what you have in store for us tomorrow.
Hey Kelsey,
If you ever fall head over heels for one in particular let me know, because I’m happy to buy and send to you. Otherwise I know that The Cardigan Store stocks some of the range and ships internationally: http://www.cardiganstore.com/friends-of-couture-cardigans
I saw you Lilli but I was too shy to come over and say hello.
Wouldn’t a plus size stall be amazing?! I wish someone would put one together.
Back in the day, ladies had a lot going on underneath the dress. We run out the door in a bra and knickers, but girls were working cinchers and girdles which can pull you in by inches…….that’s what I tell myself when I look at those beautiful dresses longingly.
Hi Toni,
Oh you should have said hi! Were you shopping, or did you have a stall?
Dig for Victory on Etsy custom make the most adorable prom dresses. You can even use material of your choosing. I have two of Eleanor’s dress & along with Louise’s tea dresses are far & away the best things I have ever had custom made. I am about to have a third made for a wedding later in the year 🙂
PS A belated Happy Birthday to a fellow May baby!
I’ve heard good things about Dig For Victory, Jo. If I can’t find something vintage soon, I might contact her for an order 🙂
I just want everything in your wardrobe <3
LOL, thanks Sabrina 🙂
Love this look-tres chic! The cardi sits beautifully and looks very glam with the skirt.
Thanks Rochelle 🙂
I fell in love with this lovely Asos skirt and FINALLY decided to buy it, only to discover that my size (UK 16) is out of stock. they are even out of the 14 (i thought i might be able to squeeze into one). what to do?! the skirt is absolutely perfect and now that it is out of reach I’m completely obsessed 🙁
Hey Kilda,
How about this one? http://www.modcloth.com/shop/skirts/essential-elegance-skirt
It’s looks like much the same skirt, and I’ve heard excellent things about the quality. If I had a narrow enough waist I would have bought this one months and months ago, but I only just fit into the 18 at Asos
Thank you for the quick reply and great suggestion! the ModCloth skirt is lovely and I’m seriously tempted…
the only bummer is that the Asos skirt has these great pockets- how i looove the pockets 🙂 but i guess once i have the modcloth one i can always make a similar one with pockets….(i smell a project!)
again, thank you for the reply, and I’ll take this opportunity to say how much i enjoy your blog and what an inspiration you are- you have a fan in Israel!
Just a quick update- I bought the ModCloth skirt. A total impulse purchase and I’m struggling with a bout of buyer’s remorse…. but I decided to let it be. The skirt is gorgeous and I really do need a basic black skirt (quit a few social events coming up). I hope the fit will be okay (went for the XL- I think I was previously too optimistic in my perception of my waistline). Wish me luck!
Good luck! Let me know how you go with it when you get it 🙂
My local vintage shop will most certainly deliver x
The Diamond Dog
105 Charles St
Seddon 3011
Love Jenni
Thanks Jenni – I’ll check them out next time I’m in the area 🙂
I went to this on Sunday and found it to be just alright. The dresses were super expensive and found them be small for me as well. I really had my heart set on finding a perfect vintage brooch or necklace but never quite did. The only thing I really liked was a silver locket but it was over $400… O.O my oh my.
Have you heard of this designer? http://erstwilder.com/?page_id=133
I found them in a little store in Daylesford recently. I bought the girl holding balloons brooch! Really love it. Think I’ll get the squirrel sweater vest next.
P.S Loving the May(de) posts! Love your style.