outfit post: graphic print 80s does 50s dress

Whilst a picture worth a thousand words, a great picture has greater impact. Looking at the photos in my blog, most of them are taken indoors. Hence, in Shanghai, I tried something new; engaging a photographer for an outdoor photo shoot. It was a good experience!

Outfit: vintage 80s does 50s dress, belt, heels 

I bought this wonderful vintage dress during one my trips back to Malaysia in the past years. Before the trip, I managed to shorten the hem, making it a bit modern and to suit my frame. What I love about this dress is the print - blocks of black and white - such a bold print, don't you think? Minimal accessorizing works best with such bold print. The red belt adds a pop of colour into the outfit. Black, white and red is one of my favourite colour combos. What is your favourite colour combo?  

Photos by Lily Chen Photography 

Have a lovely weekend and until my next post, as always; stay chic!

wanderlust: vintage hunting in shanghai

Despite of limited time, this didn't hinder me from finding and checking out any vintage stores in Shanghai. Whilst taking a stroll around the French Concession area, I came across this tiny shop; Antique Postcard Keeper. It was name of the shop that caught my eye first, then the two dresses hung at the doors. 

The lovely tiny shop is curated with many accessories; necklaces, earrings and bags, which I believe are vintage. Worth to check it out if you are in the area.   

Antique Postcard Keeper

67, Wuyuan Road, 

Nearest metro station: Changshu Road Station 

Timeout is a good resource. I read about  Anxi Clothing Market from Timeout Shanghai and decided to add it onto my to-visit list. During my visit on a Sunday morning, not many stores opened. Many stores seems like selling new goods; shoes, bags and clothes. However, there was a shop which at the first glance looks like selling used clothes. Hence I made a quick stop to rummage the clothes on the racks. And I was lucky to find two lovely dresses circa 1980s - yay! 

Anxi Clothing Market

1335 Kaixuan Lu, near Anshun Lu

Nearest metro station: Hongqiao Lu Station

Tiny hole on the left bust. Need a bit of 'magic' to repair it. 

Egyptian or hieroglyphs print

I never thought this trip would turn out to be a fruitful one; that I managed to buy two vintage dresses (for RMB55, less than USD10!) and not forgetting gazing at the majestic view of Pudong skyline from the Bund. Oh, I wish I could have stayed longer to explore and get to know the city more. Old Shanghai, perhaps another time?

Hope you are having a lovely weekend. Stay chic!

wanderlust: the bund @ shanghai

Outfit: vintage dress

Early this month, I had the opportunity to visit Shanghai for a short trip. Just enough for me to visit couple of places of interest. And of course, a visit to the Bund is a must. The Bund's historic strip is about 1.5 km long, with early 20th century European buildings. The Bund Promenade, I must say, it is the most popular spot. Visitors flock here to look at the futuristic Pudong skyline, regardless day or night. Both offer different kind of superb views. 

I was wearing a simple vintage dress, one of my early purchases in Malaysia. It is my staple work vintage dress throughout the year and I style it differently to suit the season. In summer, sometimes I accessorize it with a yellow belt, clearly for this trip, I forgot to pack the belt! Anyway, here's the most minimalist look of the dress. 

What are your staple vintage work dresses or pieces? How long have you had the piece for? I am interested to know :) 

Have a great weekend and stay chic!

i got it from instasale

 

Tried my luck again at instasale; this time it was cutxpaste's instasale which took place in May. Luck was on my side and it was worth staying up late, sacrificing my beauty sleep. I bought a 1950s bodice laced dress that needed some TLCs. One thing that I have learnt from wearing vintage is that not every piece is perfect; there are some pieces with flaws. Learning to accept and perhaps fixing the flaws to prolong its life; making the most of it. I love to fix and give such dresses a second life.

I was so excited when I received the parcel. Inspected the dress and thought of how to fix the dress. For the stain and bleed, I purchased a new stain remover (keeping my fingers crossed it works) and for the strap, this is easy fixing. Stayed tune for the outcome. 

In the meantime, have a great weekend. Stay chic!

my first vintage 1940s dress

Most of my vintage dresses are mostly circa 1970s, 1980s and perhaps one or two from the 1960s. I have been trying to expand my collection by acquiring dresses or clothes from the 1940s and 1950s recently. In Asia, this can be a challenging task if one purely looking for these in local vintage stores. Selection or choices could be limited and the price would be a little too pricey. I believe these vintage stores most probably buying their stock from the US or Europe. A more affordable option is to buy 1980s does 1940s or 1950s. However, for someone who loves the history and nostalgia of vintage dresses, this does not feel the same as the original piece. 

Before embarking on the journey to search for the perfect 1940s/50 dress, a basic knowledge of characteristics clothing in the 1940s and 1950s is important to ensure the piece is genuinely from these periods. There are a number of blogs and websites giving tips or guides identifying or buying dresses from any period of time; making it easy to do research within a click of a mouse. The Vintage Fashion Guild has good resources and information. One major characteristic that I use as my own guide is the side seam metal zipper. 

Finally, I purchased my first vintage 1940s dress on Esty! Yay! The dress was on sale - double yay! When I received the parcel, I was so excited and couldn't wait to get home to try the dress. It fits but the hem is a bit longer for my frame. I am still contemplating whether to shorten the hemline or to leave it as it is. Another reason why I have not worn it yet;  the material is semi-sheer and I need to buy a slip.

The parcel - I love the personal touch!

The dress

A closer look of the dress - the neckline and sleeve 

 

The pattern - fern-like leaves

I could not wait to wear this lovely dress for one or two twirls around the city. But before that, one question has been answered though - to rehem or not to rehem? What would you do if you were in my shoes? I would like to hear your thoughts!