This past weekend my family, friends, and I had the pleasure of attending the Living History Day at Sugar Pine Point State Park on the beautiful Lake Tahoe, CA. The park is home to the Erhman Mansion, a grand 1930s house situated on acres and acres of rollings hills, pine trees, and lake front views. … Read More about 1930s Playsuit Outfit
How to do Vintage Style Makeup : 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
I have a few tutorials/history lessons on vintage makeup. These include both day and evening looks, popular colors, and application tips: Victorian Makeup – 1830s to 1900s early makeup use 1900-1910 Makeup & Beauty Products 1920s Makeup History and Tutorial 1930s Makeup History and Tutorial 1940s Makeup History and Tutorial (with a bit on finger … Read More about How to do Vintage Style Makeup : 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s
Plus Size Vintage Style Dresses and Brands
Over the past few weeks, I have added new pages and new clothes just for plus size gals. I know how hard it can be to find the perfect vintage style dress in your size. Whether you need a flapper dress for a 1920s costume party or a swing dress for the next 1950s sock … Read More about Plus Size Vintage Style Dresses and Brands
1950s Men’s Hats Styles & History
The 1950s were a great time for men’s hats. After two decades of little change in style or variety, the 1950s came rolling in with splashes of color and fun new shapes. Little did they know that this would become the last decade of men wearing hats as required fashion. It was both the golden age and the … Read More about 1950s Men’s Hats Styles & History
1940s Men’s Hat Styles and History
A hat wearing gentleman of the 1940s continued the tradition of wearing most styles of hats from the 1930s. The classic fedora, homburg, and flat caps were worn with only subtle adjustments in style. The Derby or bowler was still worn in Britain by some from the generations, but the overall trend was for more … Read More about 1940s Men’s Hat Styles and History
1930s Men’s Hat Styles and Fashion History
The golden age of Hollywood immortalized the polished, good looks of a well dressed man. The hat was not just an accessory — it made the man who he was. Gangster or hero, ladies’ man or comedian, 1930s men’s hats had a style for everyone. Formal attire required the silk top hat, while the Homburg … Read More about 1930s Men’s Hat Styles and Fashion History
Make a Victorian Carriage Parasol | Victorian Parasol History
I have wanted a Victorian Parasol to wear with my Victorian and Civil War costumes for a long time. Ready made lace parasols can be quite expensive. Cheaper “costume” quality parasols are OK, but often have very short handles, making them uncomfortable to hold up for any length of time. The Carriage parasol has a long … Read More about Make a Victorian Carriage Parasol | Victorian Parasol History
Mad Men Dresses -1966 Fashion
While season 4 left us with many personal changes for Don, Betty, Joan and the rest of the Mad Men gang, it also marked a pivotal change in fashion. The early ’60s with their heavily ’50s influenced full skirts and shirtwaist dresses has come to an end. The mid to late ’60s style is much … Read More about Mad Men Dresses -1966 Fashion
Being a ‘Louise’ – Guest Post from Vibrant Vintage
Being a ‘Louise’ by Mrs. Williams of Vibrant Vintage Classy. Common. Sensual. Elegant. The mindset has existed for years now that there cannot be one without the other; women are either wholesome or whorish, sleek or provocative. There’s been no end to the typecasting and labeling, sometimes brought on by no more than natural … Read More about Being a ‘Louise’ – Guest Post from Vibrant Vintage
New Steampunk Clothes – Skirts, Jackets, Corsets, and Boots
This past weekend, I dressed up in my latest steampunk clothes for a photo event. It was a fun day and I have to say my outfit turned out pretty good. It is especially good considering I’m now 32 weeks pregnant and finding anything to wear is an especially big challenge (pun intended). Thankfully. … Read More about New Steampunk Clothes – Skirts, Jackets, Corsets, and Boots
Fifties Dresses: 1950sSwing to Wiggle Dress Styles
The 1950s have been a popular vintage fashion trend over the last 10 years, if not more. The classiness of women in 1950s style dresses appeals to our modern tastes of beauty so much that it is almost impossible to visit any retailer and not see elements of the ’50s in today’s modern dresses. Let … Read More about Fifties Dresses: 1950sSwing to Wiggle Dress Styles
1920s Stockings, Tights, Nylons, Socks History
Roll ’em girls roll ’em girls Go ahead and roll ’em Roll ’em down and show your pretty knees Roll ’em girls roll ’em ev’rybody roll ’em Roll ’em high or low just as you please Don’t let people tell you that it’s shocking Paint your sweetie’s picture On your stocking Laugh at ma, laugh … Read More about 1920s Stockings, Tights, Nylons, Socks History
My 2012 Meets 1920’s Vintage Fashion Prediction
It’s the start of a brand new year. 2011 was a pretty great one for me, so I can only hope 2012 will be just as amazing. How about you? Instead of setting New Year’s resolutions (which I always break), how about I make a New Year’s prediction. When it comes to vintage fashion, the … Read More about My 2012 Meets 1920’s Vintage Fashion Prediction
1920s Boardwalk Empire Shoes
At last! I found them! Ever since HBO’s Boardwalk Empire TV show came about, I have drooled over Nucky Thompson’s shoes in the opening credits. It is very rare to see shoe advertisements or photographs from the 1920s showcasing black and tan wingtip oxfords. Usually 1920’s men’s shoes were solid brown, brown on tan, or … Read More about 1920s Boardwalk Empire Shoes
Joan Crawford Tips Wearing 1950s Vintage Fashion
By Guest Blogger Kay Noske, Movie Star Makeover Want to know the secret to confidence? Well, if you listen to Joan Crawford, she’d say it’s all about image, specifically one’s figure and costume. Sure, I could say “clothes”, but if, like me (and Shakespeare), you believe that all the world’s a stage, and every … Read More about Joan Crawford Tips Wearing 1950s Vintage Fashion
Vintage Sneakers History 1910s-1950s | Women’s Converse and Keds
In the late 1910s, Converse brand Hi-Top shoes were one of the official makers of athletic shoes. Their brown leather and suede shoes with the round classic Converse label made for a striking contrast to the everyday lace up boots and Oxford shoes. Initial lines were called “Big Nine” and “Non-Skid,” later becoming All Stars. Eventually … Read More about Vintage Sneakers History 1910s-1950s | Women’s Converse and Keds
1920s Mens Casual, Sporty Outfits
Looking for an easy 1920s men’s casual or sporty fashion outfit? You can put together a casual 1920s men’s outfit with items from your closet or local thrift store. Here’s how: What you’ll need: Plain, plaid, check, or tweed pants/knickers and suit jacket (optional) Long sleeve stripe shirt with white collar Knit vest or wool … Read More about 1920s Mens Casual, Sporty Outfits
Peaky Blinders & Boardwalk Empire: Men’s 1920s Gangster Clothing
Those sharply dressed 1920s gangsters on Boardwalk Empire (HBO TV Show) and now Peaky Blinders are the envy of men’s fashion hounds and period costume admirers alike. If only I had the same budget as the costume designers who make custom wool suiting and hand tailored clothing for each actor. Alas, I don’t, and I’m … Read More about Peaky Blinders & Boardwalk Empire: Men’s 1920s Gangster Clothing
1940s Cocktail, Pin up and Bombshell Dresses Guide
The terms 1940s cocktail dresses, 1940s bombshell dresses, and 1940s pinup dresses have all been used to describe any sexy dress that is “vintage inspired.” I love that these clothes have become so popular with designers in the USA, UK and AU that they have opened up online and offline stores to cater to the … Read More about 1940s Cocktail, Pin up and Bombshell Dresses Guide
Make or Buy Titanic Rose Dress Costumes
Redirected With many upcoming events centered around the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s sinking and the re-release of the 1997 Titanic movie, there is great demand for period-accurate movie costumes. All of Rose’s dresses are very popular to buy and easy to make yourself from the many patterns available. Read on to see what ready-made … Read More about Make or Buy Titanic Rose Dress Costumes