vintage vibe

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Oh my, readers…I spotted this vintage find from a mile away and it was love at first sight. Is it from the 60s? 70s? 80s? It’s unclear…but with an updated pair of heels, this vintage find stole my heart. I love when clothes find a second (or third or fourth) life with a new wearer. I just imagine who may have designed this dress many years ago, perhaps wondering how long it would remain in use, perhaps not. Either way, this vintage dress lives to tell another story- this is a totally vintage vibe Monday.

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Dress: vintage via thrift ($6)

Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 via Saks Off Fifth ($10 marked down from $60)

Shoes: Kohl’s ($23 marked down from $55)

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Fashion Huntress tips:

1) I would be the first person to say that this dress is not for everyone. It’s actually a very flattering cut, but quite a bold print that could be off-putting if you’re not big into colors/prints in combination. Because the pattern does look quite vintage, I added a very modern heel to keep the dress from looking too vintage-y. For a fall styling, I will add a cardigan, tights, and knee high boots, to again, keep the look modern and fresh. 

2)As much as I like designer vintage shops (and there are plenty in Chicago), you definitely pay a premium on vintage pieces in “vintage shops.” I like to find my vintage pieces in charity shops/thrift stores, as the vintage pieces are the same price as any other dresses in the shop. In the Chicagoland area, it’s very common that vintage shop owners will dig through local charity shops on “new arrivals” day and then re-sell the vintage finds in their store-at a marked-up price. I’m guessing this is probably true in other areas, though, of course, cannot be sure. If you are short on time and love vintage, a vintage shop is the way to go. If you don’t mind taking some time digging, you can definitely scope out your local shops on “new arrivals” day yourself and save yourself quite a bit of cash. Just ask your local charity shop when new pieces tend to hit the store- and you’ll probably be thrifting with local boutique owners! 

Anyone else have vintage dress styling tips? Thanks so much for stopping by, readers! I appreciate it; happy Monday!

35 replies to “vintage vibe”

  1. Beautiful find! I love when you can get something unique just by adding a little bit of extra effort in, aka searching! I love how you styled this it makes it look so classy and polished.

    Reply

  6. Love love love this outfit! Thanks so much for introducing me the world of thrifting! You have such a good eye for finding great pieces and styling them perfectly!

    Reply

  9. Um, I’m not too sure with this one, Melissa. This is most definitely not me. It’s just too busy and I like sexy but simple, or designs that seem “opposites” yet match. I do like those shoes, and again, IF I was younger … darn! By the way, is it me or is your hair getting longer? *sighs* I remember when my hair was half way down my back. Ah, youth …. LOL (((HUGS))) Amy ❤

    Reply

    1. WOW AMY! This really made my day!! Thank you so much~!!
      Would you open to sending me a PDF of that photo? I would really like to frame it- if you are open. Though, of course, it’s your art, so I would also understand if you would prefer I do not! ❤ Either way, thank you so much!! xo

      Reply

      1. Melissa, I’m not sure if I can do a PDF but I will see if I can. Secondly, it now is in JPEG form. Would that be OK if I am unable to do PDF? Thirdly, the size it is now is 12×8. What size do you want? Would a 9×6 be OK, or something smaller, or the size I have it now? I would have to do a bit of editing in order to make it printable for you, so let me know. I’ll send it to you via email.
        And you are most welcome!!! (GRIN!) Love, Amy ❤

  21. Sweet vintage score! I love the heels your paired with your dress, nicely done. I’ve always found it funny that vintage stores buy from local thrift shops and then marked it up over 100%… it feels wrong to me. And annoying!lol

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

    Reply

  23. So cute! I love the pleats on the front. The shoes are fabulous as well, as usual!

    Many of the thrift shops here mark up the vintage goods. It’s a real bummer. Then there are of course a couple of vintage specialty shops which are ridiculously priced. *sigh*

    Reply

  25. Wait a min!! Those shoes are from Kohls?? Are you seriously kidding me now??? Whoa!!! This has to be the best summer version of floral outfit I have seen yet!! This vintage piece is beyond gorgeous..I seriously have dress and shoe lust right now!!! Too pretty for words..
    xoxo

    Reply

  27. I think I love this dress more than I love my cat. I would say my man, but I love him way more than the cat, but this dress is something special. Okay, this turned into a rant, but I love it okay

    Reply

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