It’s finally fall. This week the temperatures dropped, the air crisped up, and sudden pumpkin cravings set in.
One of my favorite things about fall is sweaters. My love of sweaters is well-documented. Sweaters are a key part of fall vintage style, and autumnal style in general. But sweaters aren’t the only fall clothes I’m excited about.
This year, I realized everything I like falls into four distinct categories. So I named them and made Pinterest boards because that’s the kind of nerd I am.
Looking for an easy project with almost instant results? Try the Popover Dress from Gretchen Hirsch’s latest book.
If you sew vintage-style clothing, you’ve probably encountered the work of Gretchen “Gertie” Hirsch. She’s a pattern maker, fabric designer, blogger, teacher, and all-around superstar sewist. I couldn’t resist her latest book, Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses, because it promised easy patterns, limited fiddling, and quick projects.
We’re having weird weather in the Midwest. Sunday was the opening of farmer’s market season, and it was definitely not a sundressy day. Instead, I needed TWO layers of sweater.
This camera angle is making my face look uncannily like my grandmother’s.
I love retro brands, but nothing can replace the thrift store.
Thrifting was how I got into vintage when I was a kid. Little did I know that the mid-nineties were vintage-thrift heaven. Nowadays, true vintage usually gets snatched up quickly by vintage sellers, or never winds up in the thrift store in the first place. Gone are the days of finding bunches of 1960s cast-offs for a couple bucks.
Still, it’s possible to create vintage-style looks from the thrift store, even if finding actual vintage pieces is rare. This outfit struck the just the right 1940’s notes without looking too costumey, and is comprised almost entirely of thrift store pieces.
Blouse, skirt, knee socks (you can’t see them, they’re just socks), all thrifted.
Chicago is a comedy town, and I have the good fortune of knowing and loving some truly delightful goofballs.
Take the illustrious Brittny Congleton, and her alter-ego, Aunt Nance.
This is Aunt Nance.
Yes, she has a giant cardboard cut-out of her face. Why wouldn’t she?
Aunt Nance is an aggressively Midwestern, ever-tipsy, brassy, sassy broad, who gets up to all kinds of mischief. This year, she invited my alter-ego to come sing some tunes in her Hot Flash Holiday Cabaret. It was a delight, and all kinds of silly. It was also an opportunity for another #VintageDecemberStyle outfit.
You cannot see how truly giant my beehive was, and that is a shame. Dress–Lindy Bop, Charlotte. Petticoats–two of ’em. Sweater–Pinup Girl, maybe? (I don’t buy from them anymore). Stockings–Frederick’s of Hollywood, seven (?) years ago? Hair scarf–literally a strip of chiffon Shoes–Payless, also about seven (!) years ago.
Things I learned, out and about in this outfit.
Why wear one petticoat when you can wear two?
If you dress like this, old men in bars will really want to talk to you.
The gingham + peppermint stripes almost crosses into lady clown territory, but narrowly escapes by going easy on the accessories
While this might be a little much for a company Christmas party, it was excellent for a visit with Aunt Nance!
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
