The Appeal Of The Lace Dress
When looking for any sort of dress, it needs to comfortably fit your style. A great looking dress does not necessarily coincide with the current popular dress. The most popular dress can look over the top on you and not compliment your look. The ideal dress is one that highlights your natural beauty, hides your flaws and matches your overall style.
Lace dress is highly appealing due to its see through detail which provides an unparalleled degree of sophistication. With such exquisite beauty, this dress will undoubtedly draw the attention of many people in the room.
What makes it so distinctive from dresses made of other fabrics? Its beauty draws deeply in the material itself which oozes exquisiteness Lace is one of those materials like silk or leather that are simply irresistible when worn properly, and you will find that few men will be able to resist your charms when parading around in a form fitting lace dress.
Nothing radiates confidence and sex appeal like a black lace dress. Also, note that lace also look amazing in a wide range of colors such as purple, green, red and blue. Regardless, wearing a lace dress is guaranteed to make you look your best provided you select the appropriate color for the occasion.
It is imperative that your lace dress is appropriate for the theme of the occasion. If you are planning to wear a lace dress to a wedding, you might want to choose a color that is similar to everyone else. You certainly do not want to upstage the bride with your lace dress.
There is a fine line between dressing uniquely and dressing outrageously. When going to a party, you should dress your best; however, you should tone it down for a funeral. If you want to turn heads and be the center of attention, a form fitting lace dress will certainly fulfill this desire and you will effortlessly catch the attention of all the guys around you.
Another irresistible dress is the backless lace dress. However, once again, choose the dress to fit the occasion, as you don’t want to steal the attention at an event like a baby shower, wedding, or funeral.
A Guide to Contemporary Vintage Fashion
It is without a question that vintage is becoming one of most prevalent genre of fashion. Its unique pattern and detail exudes originality, which appeal to those seeking to stand out from the crowd. There are abundant styles of vintage fashion to suit your personal taste from all kinds of different eras. In order to look your best with vintage clothing, you need to implement it to contemporary society and hence, a hybrid blend of vintage with modern clothing is recommended. Despite how beautiful the latest vintage trend may look, it has no value if it does not compliment you aesthetically. Just think of the last time you bought something that you thought looked great at the time of purchase, only to be dissatisfied when you got home to try it on. Have you heard of Pareto’s Principle? It states that 20 percent of our effort will result in 80 percent of our outcome and this observation can be applied to our wardrobe in that most of us only wear 20% of the clothes in our wardrobe, 80% of the time. This is largely due to the subconscious influence placed on us by advertisements, magazines and fashion trends, which skew us into buying the wrong clothes for our body proportion. Therefore, it is absolutely crucial to assess your physique from top to bottom, as well as your skin tone. In essence, you need to know how to wear clothes that compliments your shape and skin tone.
One of the best ways to get started is to model off celebrities whom flaunts the vintage look successfully such as Alexa Chung. In saying that, it is important to select those celebrities with similar body proportions to you and to keep it simple. A single vintage piece can provide a high level of sophistication to your outfit. For example, you can mix your vintage blouse with a pair of contemporary jeans. The idea is to emphasize a single vintage piece by pairing it up with modern piece(s). Although optional, it is a good idea to incorporate a signature piece that uniquely identifies you such as an over-sized sunglass or scarf. Also, you may alter the vintage piece if deemed necessary. For example, the hemline can be altered or loose sleeves can be removed from blouse for a contemporary look. Although, vintage clothing may be temptingly attractive; however, to successfully pull the look off, a lot comes down to your mindset. Successful people do well because they feel good and likewise, when you feel good and confident wearing vintage, it freely expresses itself physically.
Vintage Wedding Dress – The Beauty of Lace
Lace is delicate fabric woven in a web-like pattern with open holes which involves designing a pattern for the lace on paper or fabric material, in which it is then fixed to a firm cushion like surface and many needles are placed onto the guide lines of the pattern and then threads are wrapped around the needles. Lacing making is a technique dated back in the 1400s and originally linen, silk, gold and silver threads were used. Nowadays, cotton and synthetic fiber threads are commonly used. Traditional lace making is a time consuming and complicated process; hence, machineries are used to manufacture lace today.
There are historical evidences to suggest that the technique was developed in the early 1400s in Flanders, which is now on the border between France and Belgium. Initially, lace was used by clergy of the early Catholic Church and by the mid-1500s, the popularity of lace became widespread in Europe.
Although there may be periods of fluctuating popularity of lace, it is timeless and never goes out of fashion. There is something about it that exudes exquisiteness and romance and its ability to relive and reminisce the old times. The see-through detail provides an unparalleled degree of sophistication conveying a sense of elegance and sexiness at the same time. Also, lace is versatile, as it can be used to create many different looks and styles. For example, it can be used overlaying the entire wedding gown or only in certain parts of the gown. The beautiful things about vintage lace dresses are the complexity and superior quality lacework, unique pattern and softness.
Not all laces have the same quality and thickness – ideally, they should be soft and feather-like. In General, Modern or cheap lace is stiff, uncomfortable and itchy. True vintage lace is soft to touch and flows nicely and effortlessly. Hence, it is important to differentiate between the two. You should be mindful of the colour, design and to keep it simple, as you can potentially look gothic, trashy or over-decorated. Try to keep accessories to a minimum or to avoid it altogether.
Vintage Wedding Dress – Why not?
Okay, I’m back! It’s been a busy few days for me and now I’m all fuelled up with things to write so today, I will write about why you should opt for a vintage wedding dress. Here are some good reasons:
A) Vintage themed Wedding: Planning to get married in a castle or other historical palaces? A vintage wedding dress is a must to comply with the theme.
B) Abundant of Unique Styles to Satisfy Your Ideal Look: What’s really cool about vintage wedding dress is that there are a wide range of styles spanning from a number of decades from 1920s-1970s. With such diversity, there is surely an era that will complement your body shape and make you look fantastic on your wedding day. The most popular eras for vintage wedding dresses are 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. In general, the 1930s and 1940s style had beautiful beadwork, embroidery and used satin material due to period of depression and WWII. The 1950s style is more sophisticated and consists of a nipped waist, ballerina skirt and pointed bosom dress popularized by Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Lee Bouvier.
C) Hand-made and High Quality Detailing: With vintage wedding dress provided it is genuine, you can be assured of superior quality. Back in those days, they were created by highly skilled artisans who took pride and paid every detail in their work. Such quality is unparalleled to the mass machinery-produced dresses made today.
D) Money Saving: You may be fortunate to inherit vintage wedding dress(es) as a heirloom from mother, grandmother or mother in law-to-be because most store their wedding dresses after the big occasion and hence, is most likely, still in good quality. They would need to be cleaned and altered accordingly to suit the bride-to-be’s individual style. Other than that, you can also buy one for an affordable price.
Vintage Wedding Dresses – An Introduction
It is safe to say that most girls as they are growing up think and plan mentally about their big day when they tie the knot with their soul mate. Besides finding the ideal partner, the biggest challenge is finding that PERFECT wedding dress! It is a huge deal! Most girls spend months on end – searching far and wide to find it. Ask any newlywed bride, it’s probably one of the most frustrating moments of their life. Every girl love to imagine how amazing and attractive she would look on her wedding day, to feel like the most significant girl in the wedding hall, with every right to be, after it is her BIG DAY! In saying that, looking superb is of the highest priority and hence, their emphasis on that PERFECT wedding dress..
Let’s pause for moment and picture this…
Imagine yourself walking down the aisle in that perfectly fitted, PERFECT wedding dress, sun-kissed tan, professionally done make-up and hair highlighting all your flawless features with everyone watching in awe, and your proud parents looking on – shredding a tear in absolute joy seeing their baby all grown up, so blissful and beautiful.
With all the pictures that will be taken, you want to look back and reminisce how gorgeous you looked. Everyone, particular girls will be inspecting and talking about your much anticipated wedding dress in its finest detail. Now back to reality, in search for that perfect dress, designer dresses may be temptingly attractive; however, they are
expensive and may not be within your budget. So instead of style stressfully style going to every designer store in town compromising between your permissible budget and ‘ideal’ dress, why not consider vintage wedding dresses?
How to Look Fabulous wearing Vintage Clothes!
There is no doubt that the demand for vintage clothing is on the rise and hunted by those who seek to sway away from mainstream styles and those who appreciate the style of the past. In order to dress well in vintage clothes, there are some important key fundamentals you need to be aware of and apply - understanding your body shape, inspect the piece thoroughly, add in your own twist and finally, wear it with confidence!
A) Understanding your Body Shape: IMO, the most important concept of the four I mentioned above – nothing looks worser than an ill-fitted clothing and it is apparent that the general body shape of contemporary women have changed compared to previous generation. It is probably safe to say that we are curvier than our ancestors. Body shapes can be roughly grouped into the hourglass, the pear, the apple and the rectangle. This is crucial, if you don’t know your body shape. Here is a body shape calculator http://www.calculator.net/body-type-calculator.html. Once you know your body shape, now you need to know some vintage fashion history like the key characteristics of the vintage era’s. How to Wear Vintage Style for your Body Type by Sarah Hannah Fisher (A highly recommended and must-read article addressing the body types and what to wear and avoid).
B) Inspect the Piece Thoroughly: This is common sense, you don’t want to be wearing signficantly stained or worn-out clothings. Although, with vintage clothing, it is expected to show some evidence of wear regardless of how well it is looked after, so just make sure that before you buy and wear it that you are aware of the minor flaws and comfortable with it and/or can conceal/draw attention away from it. Things to look out for is stains, fading, stretching, tears and holes and the smell. Depending on the nature of the stain, it may be removable (Refer to my article on Stain Removal). Also, with all the modern vintage inspired clothings circling the market, you want to be sure that what you buy/have is genuine! (I cover this earlier on How to Identify/Date Vintage Dresses)
C) Add in Your Own Twist: Make sure that whatever vintage piece you have regardless of how attractive it appears that it suits your own style, expresses your individuality and feel comfortable. Be experimental – mix and match vintage clothing with modern clothing (Hint: Alexa Chung) and try to accessorize. You could try wearing modern clothes and add in vintage earrings, bracelets, brooches, necklace, bags, scarf or sunnies.
D) Wear it with Confidence! Vintage clothings may be temptingly attractive with a sophisticated edge; however, to successfully pull the look off, alot comes down to your mindset. Successful people do well because they feel good and likewise, when you feel good and confident with vintage, it freely expresses physically.
Vintage Fashion Icon – Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn became one of the leading actress in Hollywood and a major fashion icon when she started along with Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday in 1953, in which is won an Oscar for her performance. From then onwards, she became one of the most photographed actresses of all time and is commonly referred as the most influential style figure of the 20th Century. The style of dresses worn by her were created by leading designers such as Hubert de Givenchy, who was also her close friend strongly influenced the fashion of the period, as her clothes and accessories continues to be imitated.
Fashion Appeal: She single-handedly revolutionized Hollywood’s standard of beauty and influenced generations of women. Her tall and slender figure was the complete opposite of other top actresses of the 1950s like Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor. Her body type was ideal for ballet flats, pencil pants and black cocktail dresses which complimented her youthful figure. Her style was simple, casual, comfortable and yet sophisticated. Check out this eHow article by Kat Consador on How to Dress like Audrey Hepburn
Interesting Stats:
Height: 5′ 7″
Weight: 110 lbs
Shoe size: 8 – 8 1/2
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brown
Measurements: 32-20-35
Audrey Hepburn’s Quote:
“My look is attainable. Women can look like Audrey Hepburn by flipping out their hair, buying the large sunglasses, and the little sleeveless dresses.”
Biography:
Audrey Hepburn was born in Ixelles, Belgium as Audrey Kathleen Ruston on 4th May 1929. Her parents were Joseph Victor Anthony Ruston and Ella van Heemstra. In 1935, her parents divorced and her father left the family, an event which Audrey accounted later as the most traumatic of her life. In 1939, Audrey and her mother moved to Arnhem, Netherlands, where they thought would be safe from Nazi occupation until they were invaded in 1940. She trained in ballet from 1939 to 1945 at the Arnhem Conservatory and became a proficient ballerina. Living conditions grew worse during the war where she relied on making flour out of tulip bulbs and limited water just to drink. After the war, Audrey and her mother moved to Amsterdam, where she continued to develop her skill in ballet with Sonia Gaskell. In 1948 she was invited to attend Marie Rambert’s ballet school. Marie commented that she had superb technique and could have a successful career as a teacher; however, not as a prima ballerina as she was too tall and slender. Confiding in her assessment, she turned to acting and began in musical theatres – High Button Shoes (1948), Sauce Tartare (1949) and Sauce Piquante (1950).
During the filming of Monte Carlo Baby, she was spotted by Colette, a French writer to be the leading role in the Broadway version of her novel, Gigi, which opened in 1951. She was awarded ‘Theatre World Award’ for her role. She was offered to star in Roman Holiday (1953) with Gregory Peck after the director, William Wyler was captivated by her screen test. She highlighted that this movie was her dearest as it was the pivotal point in her career which made her a star. A quick sequence of movies followed such as Sabrina, Funny Face, Love in the Afternoon and Ondine. By the mid-1950s, she was recognized as one of the biggest star in Hollywood and an influential figure in fashion. In 1953, she became involved with Mel Ferrer and married later that year. They had a son, Sean Hepburn-Ferrer in 1960 and divorced in 1967. She had a highly successful career in film during her marriage with Ferrer such as Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961), The Children’s Hour (1961), Charade (1963), Paris When It Sizzles and My Fair Lady (1964), How To Steal A Million (1966), Wait Until Dark (1967) and Two For The Road (1967). After 1967, she decided to devote more time with her family. She met Andrea Dotti and then later married him in 1968. They had a son together, Luca Dotti in 1970 and divorced in 1982.
From 1980 onwards, she lived with Robert Wolders until her death. She became the goodwill ambassador for United Nation’s Children’s Fund. She was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer in late 1992, which metastasized to her stomach and died on the 20th January 1993 in Tolochenaz, Switzerland.
Vintage Clothing – Stain Removal Tips
Firstly, If your vintage clothing is stained with MILDEW, you are out of luck – there is no way to remove it and therefore, it is best to leave it alone or try to conceal it depending on its position by layering over it. For instance, you can accessorize with a scarf to cover stains around the neck line of your vintage dress. Also, if your vintage clothing is made of silk and linen and is stained with SWEAT, you are out of luck – it is always permanent.
Natural methods and products are gentler on clothes, particularly vintage and should be the first line before trying the chemical alternatives, which are harsher. Here are some common types of stains and natural remedies:
Grease: You can usually remove it by soaking the cloth in sufficient cold to warm running water without detergent.
Rust: As of last post, you shouldn’t be hanging your clothes on coat hangers, particularly wire hangers for this reason – they rust. For rust stains, submerge the clothing in boiling water and then sprinkle with lemon juice before rinsing. Do this several times until you are satisfied.
Sweat: The armpit area is prone to sweat stains. Prepare a paste from a mixture of water, salt and baking soda and rub into the stain and leave it for at 20 minutes and then rinse away. Alternatively, you can try lemon juice or white vinegar.
Blood: Use a smear of plain or whte toothpaste and rub it on the affected area before rinsing. Avoid toothpaste with gels and coloring.
Last advice: Try not to over wash, but taking measures to avoid getting stains on them in the first place, as frequent washing will have a negative impact on its life span.
Happy Washing XX
Take Good Care of Your Vintage Clothes!
Just some quick pointers how to look after your Vintage clothes. They need extra TLC when washing and storaging them.
Washing: Almost always handwash your vintage clothes immediately after wearing to avoid stains using liquid detergent using cool to warm water. An exception is crepe lining clothes as the material would shrink upon contact with water and hence, should be dry-cleaned instead. Also , make sure you have a reliable dry cleaner to clean them.
Storage: Do not store them in a plastic bag, particularly wool and other natural fabrics – they need to breathe. Instead fold them and store in cedar chest or wooden drawers with mothballs, rosemary and mint to keep the pests away like moths. Do not hang them, as they may stretch and also, to store them away from light, as it will fade the fabric.
How to Identify & Date Vintage Dresses
When identifying and dating vintage dresses, there is no substitute for knowing your fashion history. And in doing so, it will save you from buying fake ones! So, you need to do alot of research on fashion history, photographs, magazines and watch old movies such as Sound of Music? Isn’t Liesl’s dress so elegant! ^_^ Anyway, I recommend this book ‘Antique & Vintage Clothing: A Guide to Dating & Valuation of Women’s Clothing 1850 to 1940′ by Diane Snyder-Haug. 1850s to 1910s is not considered vintage; however, it’s intriguing to see how fashion has developed over the decades. This book is great! – it is broken up into specific eras and outlines common features and trends with great photos to facilitate your understanding. In addition, I bumped into this Youtube video by ‘StrawberryKoi’ and learnt alot from it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ara2k4d8rcM
Here are some guidelines to help you:
Look at the general appearance of the dress and try to categorize into a given decade by observing carefully the fabrics, silhouettes, hemlines, bodices, trimmings and lines. Of course, your research and knowledge on fashion history will guide you here.
The zipper is usually a strong indicator, as vintage clothes often have metal zippers on the side or back. Metal zippers are believed to appear around the 1930s to 1950s. It is not until 1960′s when plastic and nylon zippers were used.
Look for a label – You may see a simple, classic elegant writing with no size tag and no washing instructions.This is because there is no legal obligation to have care instructions on clothes until they were introduced in the 1970s.
Lastly, good luck with your vintage hunting and refine those skills. You may not get it right in the beginning, but Keep trying and don’t be discouraged - It requires a trained eye and requires alot of practice! Practice makes Perfect 