Vintage Cardis: The Summer Wardrobe Must Have!

As we enjoy some deliciously warm weather in May we can hopefully look forward to even more great weather in the coming months.

Here in Ireland, our summer climate tends to be a little (ahem...) unpredictable. We just might not get the high temperatures that other countries experience so extra coverage may be needed!

It's not exactly cold enough for a jacket but our shoulders can feel the chill.

So... what to wear?

Why, a vintage cardigan of course! 

These woollen beauties are the perfect solution. Each one is unique, with their own beading and embroidery. They can be worn dressed up to a special occasion or draped over your shoulders with a white t-shirt and skinny jeans/Capri pants for a more casual look.

They are my go-to item for Summer!

Be inspired by these original vintage photos below and then check out the vintage cardigans we currently have in stock in store. 

 Image by Nina Leen for Life Magazine,  1949 

 1952 Sweater

 1959 photo

 Model Kitty Dolan, 1957

 Photo by Nina Leen, 1952

 Photo by Nina Leen

 Nomotta California Collection, 1954

Photo by Frances Mclaughlin-Gill, 1950

DIRTY FABULOUS VINTAGE CARDIGANS IN STOCK

 

Retro Swimwear

Do you have any holidays coming up? Even a little staycation where you might actually get near a pool? You've probably spent more time that you would have anticipated mulling over your swimwear! It might be time to try out a retro style swimsuit...

Swimwear as an element of fashion practically exploded in the 1950's and 60's. It was finally totally acceptable to expose your legs and arms on the beach and designers clamoured to create the most beautiful swimwear imaginable! It opened up a whole new avenue on which to show off their clothing. 

I'm quite the pear shape so I love how much coverage these original swimsuits gave to the bum, no dental floss for me, thank you very much!!! But whatever your shape or size I'm pretty sure you could find a retro style to flatter and enhance what your mama gave you... 

How stunning are both of these! If I owned either as a swimsuit I'd be fairly hesitant in getting water anywhere near them!!!

Caroline and I both own original vintage swimsuits from the 1950's (I won't be posting up any images of us wearing them mind!) which we got at different vintage fairs over the years.

The originals are amazing and you can try sourcing them on Etsy or Ebay but this might not be everyone's cup of tea as you can't try them on.

Luckily, retro style swimsuits are pretty easy to find online and on the high street. Just take a look at these fabulous numbers that take their inspiration from the pinup girls and the 1950's and 60's.

These are all from Unique Vintage which is a great American site with lots of retro styled fashion for all sizes. I'm a little bit bonkers about the last red striped two-piece and I'm thinking I might need it for my next holiday! Don't forget to add the extra customs and charges when your calculating your total!

These pretty vintage style numbers are from Floozie by Frost French. They are available in Debenhams

Black and white stripes are always a chic choice and this high waisted bikini from Next gives a happy little nod to the 60's. Just add a wide brimmed hat and big sunglasses for a Bardot babe look!

Not only can you find the originals there but Etsy is a great place to look for amazing handmade vintage style swimwear too

Proms, proms and more proms, who doesn't love the 1950's!

1950's pale blue and cream polka dot prom dress with lace trim €320 

B32" W27" size 8

1950's raspberry pink satin brocade bubble prom dress €220

Bust 32" waist 26" size 8

1960's pastel lime prom dress with draped shoulders €250

Bust 34" waist 26" size 8

1950's I. Magnin cobalt blue silk chiffon prom dress €240

Bust 36" Waist 26"

1950s hot pink ruched bubble prom €360

Bust 34" Waist 26" size 8

1950's pale apple green prom dress with embroidered waist €290

Bust 36" Waist 28" size 10

Aren't these delish! I'm such a huge fan of the prom dress and these gorgeous gals are a few of my favourite's in the shop at the minute.

These vintage dresses are some of our smaller ones and are all around a size 8.

We have lots of other dresses in different styles and sizes.

Call us on 01 6111842 or email info@dirtyfabulous.com for your appointment.

It's all about the ankles for award season!

Did you watch the Golden Globes? We watched the red carpet entrances for the fashion and a little of Tina Fey and Amy Poehlers hilarious hosting.

Even though, this year, a huge amount of movies that are on my "must see" happen to be up for nominations, here at Dirty Fabulous HQ we're all about the fashion!

The first thing we noticed about the Golden Globes red carpet was that many a Starlet had their ankles on show.

This may be a new trend for the red carpet but one that we are very familiar with. It was the norm from the 1940's to 1960's to show off your elegant shoes and wear your dresses raised to the ankles.

It can be hard to get your head around this style when you are used to wearing full length dresses that skim the floor but we think it's only gorgeous to show off some killer heels and shapely ankles!

1960's ivory lace wedding gown with dipped hem at back. 

1950s Cobalt Emma Domb gown with contrasting lining.

 

1930's Charteuse velvet gown with rhinestone pins.

 1950's emerald satin gown with train detail.

1960's ivory lace gown with train.

1960's fully beaded column gown.

1960's Emma Domb Satin Brocade empire gown.

1950's lace wedding gown

All these and more fabulous gowns in stock!