Saturday, March 26, 2011

Purple Peril

This weekend I've missed out on one of Brisbane's biggest vintage fashion fairs for the third year in a row ... **blowing raspberries**.
So I did the next best thing and dressed up in the late 1930s dress and bolero I bought at the last one I went to.



It's a damn shame about the perilous fading but what to do?
Risk further damage with dye or brave it and be proud of its flaws?



Well I don't believe I should be hidden away because of my age-related flaws, so why should my clothes be hidden away for being far less than perfect?
So I wear it as is.
Besides, it's purple!  'Nuf said.


When I first spotted this lovely bias-cut frock and jacket, I just couldn't turn away from it - I mean it's homemade and someone's gone to the effort of hand beading all the lovely embellishments.
Here's a bit of a close-up of the gold and silver beading.




I've always been a sucker for a bit of a puffy sleeve and super-soft satin lining.



The deep calf-length feels wonderful swishing around my ankles and the leopard-print satin wedges slapped me repeatedly, yearning to be worn, to see and be seen.


And yes, I mash-up my animal prints, yes I do!




If you're out and about digging for vintage treasures this weekend ... enjoy, break out of the mould and wear what you love.
Desiree xoxo

18 comments:

  1. You look gooooo geeee ous D and I agree with this statement
    "Well I don't believe I should be hidden away because of my age-related flaws, so why should my clothes be hidden away for being far less than perfect?
    So I wear it as is.
    Besides, it's purple! 'Nuf said."
    That made me laugh.
    Hope you get to next years vintage.I havent been to one at all yet but one day I hope to.

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  2. Thats a beautiful outfit, you look great. x

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  3. You look absolutely amazing! What a find that dress and bolero are! I think you should wear it as is - from the photos the colour still looks fairly vibrant and I think part of the charm of vintage is the slight flaws that come with its age. I love the mix up of animal prints too - awesome wedges!

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  4. Wow, hand-embroidered? That must have taken ages - someone was very diligent, not to mention incredibly talented, back in the day. I agree about proudly wearing flaws. I mean, look at all those purposefully ripped and bleached jeans that people end up paying ridiculous prices fore... Also, the color and cut look really great on you!

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  5. GORGEOUS! You look amazing - please do not try to dye this treasure. It's beautiful as it is and I can't even see any fading. The shoes are bloody marvellous and as a fellow animal-print-masher, I applaud your exquisite accessorising!

    Sarah xxx

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  6. Well I don't believe I should be hidden away because of my age-related flaws, so why should my clothes be hidden away for being far less than perfect? Quote of the week!
    I agree with Sarah, I can't see any fading I'm just dazzled by your inherent style and beauty. xxx

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  7. That outfit is gorgeous! The beading is so nice.

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  8. My dear Desiress, that dress is fabulous, and you wear it like the queen you are.
    I adore puffy sleeves, and I see no flaws.
    Loving your sandals , and the way you mix animal prints.
    You are fearless, as it should be.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  9. What an eye-cheering violet shade, and the bead work is amazing! I wish modern clothes had the soft but sturdy satin linings I experience in vintage clothes. Good for you, bringing this sensual beauty out to play.

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  10. YOU INSPIRE ME! YOU ARE JUST SO BEAUTIFUL. I have so many vintage things and wish i new the story behind these items. there are so many places you would love that i go to here in my town to get vintage things.

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  11. That purple looks amazing on you, I love the detailing on the dress. Such a unique look! I hope you're doing well my dear!

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  12. Oh my, my, my! That dress is fantastic and looks like it was made for you! Absolutely gorgeous! You look amazing. I wouldn't dye it, I think it is perfectly charming as it is. I got married last year in a heather-coloured early 40s crepe day dress with a little fading and more than a few moth holes. I didn't want to change a thing. I'd fallen in love with it as soon as I put it on. I feel like you do about the flaws - my dress has lived a life and while the fabric is strong it has plenty more life left in it! Kind of like me! Catherine xx

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  13. OMG Desiree, I bet that gorgeous dress was waiting for you and you're able to make it look up to date.
    Love your animal print touches as well as your 'new' header pic. Have a blissful Sunday, ciao!

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  14. Lookin lovely!
    I love your nailpolish shade! AND THOSE SHOES!! AHHH they are GORGEOUS!

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  15. I love the drape of this! What kind of fabric is it? That might tell you whether is is dye-able or not.

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  16. Love the dress and jacket, but am totally insane about those shoes. Are they new- old? Who made them.

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  17. gorgeous dress. loooooooooove it.

    http://wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

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  18. Ooh I love this dress! The cut is very flattering and the little bolero/jacket is just great!
    - Emily

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Just do it ...

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