Vintage Wedding Gowns: Something Old or Something New?

 With all the talk about vintage, newly engaged brides have learned that vintage wedding gowns have become just as and/or more expensive than some of the newer designer style wedding gowns. Second hand stores and small boutiques have become a great source to hunt down these vintage gems at surprisingly lower prices that will fit any budget. These one of a kind finds add a special flair and speaks volumes about your fashion sense for your very special day. So one should ask, are these vintage jewels something old, or something new?

Fashion trends have changed tremendously over time; however personal style and expression are the unique factors that set each individual apart. As you search for the perfect wedding gown, the first question you should ask is what is the theme or mood that I am trying to set? Is it fairy tale, mod, punk, etc.?  Andretta Donatello, Alfred Angelo, and Bellville Sassoon, are just a few bridal gown designers that have not only designed wedding gowns for the rich & famous but their outstanding and elegantly laid fashion blueprints have paved the way for modern fashion movements. The best thing is you don’t have to keep up with the latest fashion trends; all you have to do is be you. Is that not  the best part? Remember you only have one wedding day.

Once you have selected a theme and or time period, examine which silhouette fits your frame and accentuates the contours of your figure.  Keep in mind you don’t have to show skin to be sexy, all you have to do is be comfortable being you. Now here comes the fun part, your vintage wedding gown is a part of fashion history. Whatever era your theme falls in you get to select a character. Whether it is flapper style from the 1920’s, and you are sultry Blues singer Bessie Smith or the royal, sophisticated style of Grace Kelly of the 1950’s.

Vintage Alfred Angelo Wedding Gown

So you have found a vintage wedding gown and the size is not quite right. No big problem, find a trustworthy seamstress and you can put your own personal style into the gown by have it altered or customized.  The most important thing is examining the fabric to make sure that it withstands being cleaned. If you are not sure take the gown to your local dry cleaners to find out before you invest extra time and or money to have it revised. Most vintage finds have aged and the fabric may have begun to yellow depending on the conditions of storage.  No worries. The gown can be dyed to the shade of your liking. Whether it is a pure white or your favorite color, this can be done without destroying the fabric.

Now you have your vintage wedding gown and you have made all the necessary alterations to give it the perfect fit. Your special touch has been added by transforming the dress to your own unique taste. The big day has finally come. Whatever era or theme you decide to go with, relax, enjoy and become a beautiful bride.  The most fantastic part is that your vintage wedding gown is something old and something new.

Article Source:

Classic Wedding dress Cuts by Decade Martha Stuart

www.marthastewartweddings.com/.../classic-wedding-dress-cuts-decade

Vintage Handbags: The Ultimate Fashion Frill

    Every girl loves a handbag. If you are like me it is your favorite accessory, the ultimate must have. As a young girl, I must be honest. Many Saturdays I would frequent the local flea markets looking for the quick fashion fix for the weekend, a hot new knock off designer style handbag. Yes, the first step to acknowledging you have a problem is admitting to it. So, here is a truth moment. I like so many others used to purchase knock off handbags. But when you know better, you do better!

     As I have matured and ventured into my life’s passion, which is to style, design, and to sell clothing. I can know spot a knock off two blocks away. Now I'm not going to get into how I know it is a replica, but if you have one its time to retire it. Now don’t get me wrong I still love handbags and I am not a ballin’…yet. So now instead of hitting the flea market on the weekends. I set the money to the side in my special stash and if I have to…I go vintage.

                                                           Balenciaga Brown Printed Logo Purse - Made In France

     Vintage is a timeless trend that will stand the test of time. In the recent years, vintage clothing and accessories have been in higher demand. One could say its because of the economy or maybe it's because vintage is an investment.  If you follow all of the hot fashion trends and watch all the reality shows, most of these women will buy a vintage evening gown, handbag, and even shoes and many times you never see them do this at the mall. I know we don’t live in Beverly Hills but you can always make it a fun outing with your daughter or friends and take a Saturday and hunt yard sales and thrift stores. It’s a great big world out there you never know what you can find but be careful and know what you are looking for.

                       Louis Vuitton LU Monogram Mini Looping Handbag- Made in France

      Now, you are ready now to go out and find that special piece, but don't wear your heart on your sleeve. Before your adrenaline gets pumping, here a few tips. Make sure that you carefully inspect your new find. Look at the logos, stitching, handles, and lining to make sure that they are made of high quality materials. For instance, a real leather handbag will smell like leather no matter how old it is. Make sure there are no threads coming out of the handles or anywhere else around your handbag. And most importantly, do not assume that an authentic designer handbag is being sold at your local flea market. I'm sorry to disappoint you but they are not real. A nice place to look is an estate sale and or consignment boutique. The owners as well as their staff should be knowledgeable about authenticity, condition, grading, and pedigree of the designer handbag or purse.
     Some very sought after designers are Louis Vuitton, Christabol Balenciaga, Yves St. Laurent, Coco Chanel, Georgio Armani, Gianni Versace, Marc Jacobs, and a few more. If you don’t know what you are looking for then I would suggest getting in contact with an expert  or someone that you are for sure is a Fashion-holic…like me. My name is Joy and I don’t need rehab.

Sources:
Vintage fashion guild: The ultimate resource for vintage fashion. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.vintagefashionguild.org/