We all know by now that I’m a dreamer who has a borderline questionable relationship to clothing and fashion, so it’s no surprise that when I thrifted this dreamy vintage frock (oh yeah, it’s a frock), I heard it calling out that it wanted to be worn and be loved anew. It’s perhaps one of the oddest prints I’ve seen in a while. The fabric print was dubbed the following: dreamsicle gardens, aboreteum wonderland, neon wee villageland, and polyester pink fairyland by various friends. I’m not sure what this pattern was called back when it was made, but one thing is for sure, this vintage frock lives to twirl another day.
Buffalo Exchange resale ($15)
Fashion Huntress tips:
1) Whenever I shop vintage, I always look at all of the seams and all of the fabric closely. Unfortunately, some places do stock vintage that is beyond repair (at least in my book) with holes that can’t be mended, etc. Holes that are in the middle of the fabric can be tough to repair, whereas a zipper can be an easy fix. Personally, I took for vintage that doesn’t need any repairs, as I have limited repairing skills. I also wash all vintage inside out, on a gentle cycle, and then line dry the pieces.
2) This dress looked flat-out costume-y on the rack (especially the sleeves, as they are huge!), but looked a lot better once it was on. Vintage is one of those things that requires trying things on, and thinking of how you might style something to give it an updated vintage look. I like to think, in advance, about how I might style something. If I don’t think I can figure out a way to style it, it will just sit in my closet unworn! With this dress, modern heels and a cardigan do a lot to add an updated feeling.
Anyone else have vintage tips? Falling in love with vintage prints? Thank you so much for stopping by, lovely readers! I appreciate it so much!
the fashion huntress 
OH, Yeay, Baby!!! This is so COOL!!! (((HUGS))) Amy
Super cute!!! Love the print!
So pretty! But then I’ve always been partial to prints with cottages or huts in them (it definitely makes me think “magical wee fairyland”).
-Sarah
That’s so funny!! Me too! I love cottage and hut prints!! Kindred spirits, I guess 🙂
How cute are you?!? Love this!!
What a fine print. And it looks cool on you, babe. 🙂
You are looking so pretty in this dress! I love the print and your nails! Keep such beautiful looks coming! 🙂
http://littlebookoffashion.wordpress.com/
Oh, that print is gorgeous! You really captured its natural whimsy in the photos 🙂 I follow similar protocol when looking for vintage items–always check for holes/tears/stains, and try it on when possible. I do a lot of my vintage hunting online, so I make sure in that case to also double-check the listed measurements and ask questions of the seller if there’s something I’m not clear on.
That’s a great point! I agree that sometimes online the measurements can seem confusing (or maybe it’s me not being great with measuring myself?! ha!), so it’s a really good idea to double check with the seller. I also agree that online vintage is a great way to find pieces that you might otherwise never have seen in a store!
On Tue, Jun 24, 2014 at 6:10 PM, The Fashion Huntress wrote:
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What a unique print!! I agree with your second point…clothes can look so different on the rack than actually on!
I love that mod print!
Yes you are rocking that fabulous frock!
This looks so fun!
The print is AMAZING! “Arboretum wonderland” – love it.
Nice vintage shopping tips too! Could probably be applied to all second hand/thrift store shopping, not just vintage. Only today, one of the buttons fell off my secondhand top. At least I noticed and can easily sew it back on, but small signs of wear and tear always seem to show up the first time I wear something that isn’t brand new.
-Rebecca
Idealism never goes out of fashion
http://mn2nz.wordpress.com
Beautiful dress! Love the pictures! Xx
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Instagram : @littleprettymess
You look so pretty in this!! xx
http://www.sweetcandydreamer.com
Love this print!
Wow you are totally rocking the look… You are right about the trying on part… who would have thought such a different frilly sleeve will look so good when worn 🙂
Oh dear God, I love that dress!…and I love, love that you called it a frock too…rock the frock, girly! Fabulous find…its so awesome when you find something unique and beautiful like this one. 🙂 xx…Cortneybre…
http://cortneybre.com
oh gosh, i love this dress- whimsy and pretty and perfect for warm weather 🙂
That print is perfect! Vintage finds are the best! It looks like Chicago is finally getting some amazing weather:)
xx Cara
You are rockin’ that frock beautifully! Great colour and how fun are those sleeves?!?!
It’s so true vintage shopping definitely requires trying on an item instead of judging it on the rack.
xo, Jackie
aaack, I LOVE YOUR FROCK!! ❤ ❤ and i'm gonna give a new name for the print: psychedelic Japanese garden (because of the bonsai-looking tree, LOL).
do let me know when you're tired of your old clothes and decide to throw a super sale, i want to be the first in line. 😀
I love that name!!! And yes, I will definitely let you know of any Huntress sales! Lol!!
On Thursday, June 26, 2014, The Fashion Huntress wrote:
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I love the flutter sleeves on your sweet frock…such a great find!
Love it all, especially the nails! 🙂
What an adorable frock you found! ❤ I really like the necklace you paired with it. Super cute!! I haven't shopped for Vintage clothing before so I don't have many tips. I'm learning from you!! hehe =)
What a beautiful print dress. The pattern is so chic and it looks very beautiful on you.
Beautiful dress!!!
Lovely and summery!
Love a bit of vintage..great shape on you and adore that print! xxx
You amaze me every time!! The dresses and the patterns you choose, flatter you and look so beautiful on you!! Its just unbelievable!! Love this dress on you!
Love the print! I vintage shop too and vintage prints always stands out. Love how you add a touch of modern style with the shoes.💕
What a gorgeous retro frock! Love it 🙂
the dress is so pretty!
You look so great in loud/flowy dresses 🙂
If you find something and YOU LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the DESIGN, and it’s not in the best shape…and of course the price it great
~ buy it and turn it into a purse or pillow or whatever. The possibilities are endless.
I love the colours and design! Beautiful dress
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