Vintage Gift Ideas for YOU – 2020

This is the week where we all get slammed with emails and ads for Black Friday / Cyber Monday deals.  I am not much of a “deal” motivated shopper but I do enjoy seeing what’s new from my favorite brands. So instead of a list of sales this is a list of a few of my favorite things that I think you might like as well. First the women’s and then the men’s.

Wardrobe Shop

This year Christmas dinner at home still deserves a nice dress. Something easy to wear, beautiful, and timeless. The Nataya Downton Abbey Tea Party Gown  from WardrobeShop fits the bill perfectly. It comes is 12 colors and sizes from small to 3XL.  The loose fit is comfortable and the embroidery is very elegant. It is one of my go-to dresses for 1910s to early 1920s styles, especially when I want to avoid the flapper look at 1920s events.  At $250 it is an investment dress but well worth it. I have had my Nataya dress for almost 10 years and it still looks new.

I am so glad to see Victorian lace-up boots back in fashion. They never really went out of style but they hit the mainstream this year.  WardrobeShop has a wide selection of Victorian Boots as well as some more modern (and fun!) inspired boots in classic and unique colors.  Have you watched Jingle Jangle on Netflix? They have some colorful lace up boots- red, blue, green- that have inspired me to break out of my black boot mold and add some festivity to my everyday footwear.

Speaking of everyday style. Do you wear Edwardian or 1920s as part of your everyday style? Its not easy to do with these earlier decades without looking too costume-y but with a top like the Vintage Inspired Art Nouveau Top in Black by Nataya you can easily wear it with jeans for a modern take or with a long skirt for  an authentic fashion.  A sheer embroidered top like this is VERY difficult to find. I am so glad Nataya made these.

What about a gift idea under $50? Gloves are one of those things you can never have to many of. Long and short, winter and summer, lace or satin. It is good to have a pair of every kind in your stash. See WardrobeShop’s gloves.

Use code BlackFriday20 for 12% off your order.

WardrobeShop has timeless dresses, tops, boots and gloves

Deco Haus

Deco Haus is known for their amazing glass beaded 1920s dresses copied from authentic Art Deco era gowns. There isn’t much call for those right now but they have some stunning coats, wraps and loungewear that will have you feeling like an Old Hollywood movie star.  Their new accessories would also make wonderful gifts without the stress of picking the correct size. Browse the 1920s purses, headwraps, gloves and jewelry.  20% off Friday to Monday with code DECOTHANKS

Deo Haus IS Art Deco elegance

Secrets in Lace

Vintage lingerie, nightgowns and pajamas seem to be at the top of gift lists this year. I have helped a few gentlemen pick up some lovely bedroom ensembles this week. Victorian style nightgowns are are the most requested items following by robes and vintage panties.

Secrets in Lace almost lingerie you may need. See their latest collection of red and green lingerie sets for the Holidays or sheer mesh lingerie and stockings for everyday vintage glamour. Everyday they are taking 20 % a select item. Today is the darling Emma Pajamas. Sign for their emails to see what tomorrow’s special is.

Vintage lingerie from Secrets in Lace

Sewing Patterns

There has been a wave of new vintage clothing pattern makers this year as well as expanded lines from established brands.

Reconstructing History added 1950s skirts, tops and petticoats this year.  She also has a new line of Getting Dressed Guides for women in men for each era 14th century to. These are practical guides on finding or sewing reproduction clothes for each era so you can participate as a reenactor, museum host, or attendee of a historical event. She does what I do here on VintageDancer but for the earlier periods I don’t cover.

Black Snail Patterns 1890s Edwardian fan tail skirt, vest and blouse are current best sellers. You all must really love to sew the Edwardian era! That’s good because I will be writing a new series on the Edwardian era in the new year.

Vintage Sewing Pattern Co is the newest pattern maker, taking original vintage patterns for women, children and men and scaling them for modern day sizes. They are also based in the UK although most of their patterns are available as digital downloads.  So far the reviews are excellent. Give one of their patterns a try and let me know how you like it.

See more patterns Victorian, 1920s, 1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s-70s and men’s patterns.

1950s circle skirt pattern by Reconstructing History

Princess Highway

My last share for women is for the fabulous Princess Highway. This Australian company loves fun patterns and vintage clothing inspired by the 1960s.  I am a BIG fan of wearing patterns too so we are a match made in vintage heaven.  They also have a full range of solid color pants, coats, knitwear and blouses. They are just now starting to stock swimwear too.  Currently the entire site is 20% off.

For USA shoppers, Modcloth carries some of their line. (Modcloth has a 30% Off Sitewide and an extra 40% Off Sale until 11/27.)

Princess Highway 60s inspired fun clothing

Mens Gifts

Schott NYC is a new brand to me although they have been making menswear since 1913! They specialize in leather jackets, most of which are reproductions from their manufacturing lifetime. The Perfecto motorcycle jackets started in 1928 and continued into the 50s greaser phase.  They have ww2 military and civilian jackets, pea coats, and some quality sweaters. They also carry some women’s jackets and knitwear.  Check them out and see if you see a *must have* jacket like I do.

Schott NYC for men’s vintage repro leather jackets

Kai D Utility is another company I stumbled upon recently that has an entire wardrobe of vintage casual/workwear unique men’s clothing. They have everything Oscar wants for his fall wardrobe and have given me plenty of outfit inspiration for the blog. Shop more men’s workwear. 

Kai D Utility. How did I not know about this company until now?

I am pretty sure most of Oscar’s hat collection has come from Christmas gifts from me. We prefer new hats over genuine vintage because my boys like to wear Dad’s hats and let’s just say they are not very gentle with them.  Hats.com by Bollman has one of the best ranges of new classic men’s vintage hats and some trendier styles.   These are the best sellers:

Frederick fedora, Big Boss homburg, Darron Pork Pie, Wool Arnold, Marnul Vintage Army Cap, Waits Braided Pork Pie

Wide leg pants are the other must have item for any dapper gentlemen. These blue pinstripe 1945 trousers from Seamstress of Bloomsbury are very well made and at a decent price point ($125 USA/  £89 UK.) This style can work well for the late 1920s to early 1950s.

Swing era trousers by Seamstress of Bloomsbury

One final brand I love for the 60s and 70s retro look is Madcap England. I wish they were in the USA but most retro reproduction brands are from the UK. It is well worthy buying a few of their knit shirts and jumpers and splurging on the shipping (free UK shipping on Amazon.co.uk) Shop 60s men’s shirts.

Madcap England has one of the best collections of 60s and 70s clothing

Well, those are my best gift ideas for 2020. I hope you found one or two things to add to your list. If you need help finding the perfect gift, feel free to ask me for help.

Please have a safe Thanksgiving and happy shopping online this weekend!

Debbie