Plus Size Retro Chic Part 1

 

Got Curves?

Awhile back I had a friend of mine inquire about the items I sell in my online retro/vintage shop. I sent her the link so that she could see for herself. After viewing she asked if I had any larger sizes. I didn't and it made me wonder why. Why did I not have plus size clothing? I am not a tiny gal by any means and vary from a large to an XL. When I shop for items for my store I tend to pull things my eye finds pleasing. I never noticed the sizes of the items and maybe that's because I was not buying them for myself. After hearing what she had to say, I decided to go out on a quest to find vintage or retro chic plus size items!


I went to a few thrift shops and was pleasantly surprised by what I was able to find. I purchased a few things and was able to have a sweet collection to show to my friend. My finds are below:

 

Thrifted Retro Leopard Print Dress: $6.00

Ebay Vtg Black Bag: $4.00

Michael's Black Flower Pin: $2.00

 

Every gal needs a little leopard in her life. Right?  The V neck and A-line

cut on this dress is so flattering with curves. And if you got them..flaunt them!

All this dress needs is a sexy pair of heels!

 

 

 

 

Thrifted Retro Leaf Print Swim Suit: $3.99

Thrifted Black Belt: .50

Ebay Black Sunglasses: $3.00

 

Such a glamorous, figure flattering piece! I loved the black and white leaf motif

and the sweet skirt! Who wouldn't want to lounge pool side in this? Add some black wedges and

you got a sweet outfit!

 

 

 

Thrifted Retro Black and Gold Cocktail TARGET Dress: $5.50

Thrifted Vintage Black Hand Bag; $1.00

Michael's Black Flower Pin: $2.00

Necklace: Made Myself

(yes that's my toe)

 

This dress is lovely! The fabric, the gold ! The SHAPE!

Perfect for a cocktail party or holiday shin dig! I wanted to keep this

one but thought I should share instead.

 

 

 

Thrifted Retro Sundress : $3.50

(accessories I had at home)

 

The color and print of this dress are so summery and a little tiki! This also had a cute shape

and was in excellent condition! I also wanted to keep this one ...but.. you know.

 

 

 

 

 

Thrifted Retro Party Dress: $6.50

Accessories I had at home

 

I thought this was so cute! It could go from casual to formal with the aid

of accessories! The print was fun and that bottom ruffle ..perfect! The deep V added a little

VAVOOM and the look was retro!

 

I was happy to take all these back home, photographed and into my store. Not only did my friend

purchase one....the rest sold as well!

 

The sizes of these dresses varied from a 14 to an 18. They are mostly sleeveless and because some gals do not like to show their arms, I suggested that a black little shrug would go well with them!

 

Stay tuned for part 2 and more plus size retro looks!

 

The Retro Glam Girl

 

 

Weekend Update

 

My weekend officially began Friday at 4:30 pm! Once I was off the clock, I drove over to

my friend's house for girl time and happy hour!

 

 

 

My gal Trish had been making a batch of cucumber infused vodka!

The result of all her hard work paid off as her Cucumber Martini's

were DELISH!

 

 

It was a night of giggling and dancing (to disco music on the radio) while sipping these

yummy concoctions. Good times!

 

 

Saturday morning my husband and I ventured out to the Antique Fair our little town was having.

 

 

It was a hot day and as soon as I stepped out I regretted not bringing

my vintage umbrella! Not to worry as I slathered on the sunscreen!

 

 

Me trying to stay cool in the shade!

 

 

 

I thought this vintage ice bucket and glass set was just the thing I needed for

entertaining. I have some pieces with this same motif so this was perfect!

 

 

 

This gorgeous set of vintage luggage was BEGGING to come home with me!

As sweet as it was it was a tad to pricey so I left it and all my VACAY dreams behind :(

 

 

 

I fell in LOVE with this bag! Everything about it said

SUMMER!

 

 

These linens were simply adorable and got me thinking

of sweet vintage picnics at the beach!

 

 

Vinyl is ALWAYS a TREAT!

 

 

I have a mini collection of vintage Pyrex so I was happy to see some!

 

 

A gal can't have too many handbags.... right?

 

All in all it was a sweet little fair and we were happy to get out and support it. On our way back from the fair we did a little thrifting at the Goodwill and I found some cute things!

 

 

 

 

 

Thrifted Ann Taylor Retro Floral Dress $3.99

Thrifted Vintage Necklace: .99

Thrifted Vintage Wood Clutch: $2.00

Dollar Tree Retro Sunglasses: $1.00

White Flower: $2.00

 

This cute dress had PALM SPRINGS all over it! The color was lovely

and I loved the large white floral print! This was an Ann Taylor dress and it was

50% off because it was marked with the color tag of the week!

The necklace, bag and flower I thrifted from many moons ago and the sunglasses

were from my recent trip to Dollar Tree.

 

 

Thrifted Retro Rose Print Dress: $3.99

Estate Sale Vtg Bead necklace: $2.00

Black Flower: $2.00

Thrifted Vtg Wooden Clutch $2.00

Dollar Tree Retro Sunglasses: $1.00

 

I loved the color and shape on this dress! The floral print is sooo pretty! This was

also 50% off! I paired it with some fun items I already had at home. This dress wants to be taken on vacation pronto!

 

 

 

Thrifted Retro Polka Dot Bathing Suit: $4.99

Dollar Tree Retro Sunglasses: $1.00

 

How darling is this one piece? I loved the print and the navy color!

It has the little skirt detail and even ties at the waist. It also still had it's original tags on it as well!

 

I got some more items for myself that I will post soon. These will be added to my shop soon!

 

 

After thrifting we were a bit tired and went on home where I took a much needed nap.

My husband woke me up a little later and we decided to go for dinner.

I did a quick change and refreshed my make up before heading out the door.

 

 

 

 

We were feeling like some Mexican food and headed out to one of our favorite spots!

I loved the painted flowers, all the twinkle lights and the shiny red booths!

 

 

Chips and Salsa are my favorite appetizer!

 

 

 

Combo #14 is SOOOO Good!

 

"I'll have 2 margaritas please"

 

 

Dinner was fun, delicious and filling!! We drove towards home and stopped in Uptown so we could get out and walk a bit.

 

On Sunday we went to visit my dad and then we ventured to LA to have lunch.

Later on we came home and I nestled in for the night, happy to watch Mad Men.

How was your weekend?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The End of The Week!

 

Happy Friday! I can not tell you how glad I am that this work week is nearly done! The weekend always holds such fun with thrift store adventures and seeing friends. This weekend we plan on going to an antique fair. It's being held really close to home and we are meeting up with friends and family while browsing the goods! Last year we went and I got some really great vintage jewelry!

 

 

 

 

 

me rolling to antique fair last year!

 

 

 I am hoping to find a Lucite Box Purse as I have been wanting one for the longest time. We will also be paying a visit to my dad on Sunday and having lunch. I plan on getting some thrifting in sometime on Saturday and I am excited about that. As for tonight..... it's drinks with the gals after work and a cucumber martini sounds delish!

 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I will leave you with pics of some thrifted items I purchased many moons ago. I got a little crazy and went overboard taking these photos back then

so please forgive me!

 

 

A fur piece , necklace, gloves and hat all purchased at a thrift shop

 

 

 A thrifted 60's vintage Pendleton Wool Skirt Suit

 

 

Thrifted 60's vintage Jackie O style sheath dress

 

 

A thrifted 80's vtg polka dot secretary dress

 

 

Thrifted vintage inspired jacket

 

 

 

It's funny to go back and look through my archives.

 

I'll be sure to photo the goods I purchase this weekend!

 

The Retro Glam Girl

 

 

 

The Vintage Look For Less Part 3

 

Thrifted Vtg Inspired Rockabilly Dress: $3.00

Yard Sale  Belt : $.50

Estate Sale Vintage Blue Beach Tote: $3.00

Michael's Black Flower: $1.50

 

 

The above dress was also purchased on my mini thrifting adventure at the Salvation Army

where all clothing was 50% off. It was regular priced at $6.00 and I got it for $3.00!

Such a lovely RED color with a bandanna like print! It totally has a western / rockabilly

theme to it and I simply adored the shape of it, the sweet heart neck line and the black ribbon

straps! It just SCREAMS Ho Down PICNIC for the 4th of July!

This dress was in near mint condition and although it was too small for me, I just could

not let it go and purchased it to sell in my online shop!

(dress has already been sold)

 

 

 

 

Thrifted Vtg Inspired Fern Print Capri Pant: $3.00

Thrifted Woven Belt: $2.00

Thrifted Black Envelop Clutch: $1.00

 

 

I love the print on these pants! It just says TROPICAL VACATION to me!

The Capri pant is always so vintage to me and looks so great with strapless shirts and heels!

These were also purchased at the Salvation Army and were 50% off as well.

The fabric is a poly blend but feels so silk like. They are in STELLAR condition so naturally I had to NAB them! Because I have many Capris, I have put these in my online shop. If anyone is interested in purchasing them leave a comment below and I will send you the details!

 

 

 

Thrifted Vtg Inspired Straw Palm Springs Tote: $1.00

 

I am always happy to find a GREAT summer bag!

There is nothing more fun than to have a fabulous bag to accommodate

your vintage or retro wardrobe! Sun dresses need sweet bags like this! I picture strolling down the

street in Palm Springs enjoying the sunshine while toting this bag.

The colors remind me of Mexico and though this bag is not vintage

it certainly has that look! Though I have many, I just had to get it.

This is also available for purchase should anyone be interested.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me (2011) in Montecito Ca. enjoying some coffee and newly engaged!

 

More thrifting goodies to come!

 

 

Enjoy Your Day!

May you have wonderful thrifting adventures of your own!

 

The Retro Glam Girl

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Retro Glam Girl Gets CRAFTY

 

Okay, so I have decided to save a little money on face toner and make my own.

I read that you can use ALCOHOL as toner and I am talking about the kind you mix a cocktail with!

As soon as I read this I ran to my liquor cabinet and checked out the goods. The blog I read said to stick to a clear alcohol. I had a few bottles of Gin left over from some holiday parties. These were generic bottles so I did not mind. I washed my face, put some gin on a cotton ball and did a little swipe test. Lots of gunk on the cotton! It worked.

I must admit my hubby thought it was odd that I had a bottle of Gin in the bathroom and may have thought I took to sneaking drinks in there! The bottle was big and rather bulky so I thought I would look for something smaller.  I did a quick run over to Michael's ( Craft Store) and found these totally cute glass bottles with cork tops. I thought it would be GREAT for my Gin FACE Cocktail.

 

I wanted it to match my vanity set up which is made up of classic monsters and pin up girls. I decided to decoupage my bottle with a lovely picture of Vampira. With the aid of some MOD PODGE and a little rhinestone I had a cute bottle to add to my vanity!

 

The bottle was actually on sale at Michael's and was $7.00 however with my 50% off coupon I got it for $3.50. The picture of Vampira was simply printed off the Internet and the little rhinestone I had

from a previous project.

 

 

Because of this project I got even more inspired and ended up making this:

 

Lilly Munster Necklace

 

While at Michael's I found a bunch of round necklace pendants with epoxy stickers on sale. I bought them with a particular project in mind. My cousin had given me some rosaries she had purchased in bulk on a down town LA shopping trip. They were different colors and I loved the beads. With the aid of some pliers, jump rings and clasps, I was able to construct this necklace. I just printed a picture

of Lilly and cut it to fit inside the pendant and then put the epoxy sticker over it.

 

And...

 

it didn't stop there

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I found these green flowers at the 99 cent store. I just added another

Epoxy sticker, a little glitter glue and I had a new hair pin! I also added a little

rhinestone to this.

 

I got a little crazy on the monster glam but I had such a fun time!

 

 

The Retro Glam Girl

Vintage Look For Less Part 2

 

Thrifted Vintage Inspired Circle Skirt $4.00

Thrifted 80's Black Envelop Clutch: $1.00

Thrifted Black Woven Belt: $2.00

 

 

I was excited when I found this honey of a skirt! It was vintage

inspired, perfect for summer and... it had never been worn! It still had

it's original tags on it! I LOVE the semi ethnic print, the shape and the sequin

accents here and there. I pictured wearing it with a black halter style top and my black

espadrille wedges. It reminded me of the skirts Gwenyth Paltro wore in The Talented Mr. Ripley!

 

 

Not only is this movie great, the location and costumes are to die for! My vintage inspired

skirt has suddenly made me want to be in Italy on a Vespa! My skirt is bit shorter than hers but

the style is almost the same and the price was a dream come true!

 

I love being inspired by movies!

 

 

 

 

Thrifted Vtg Red n White Gingham Shorts: $2.50

Thrifted Red Heart Elastic Belt: $1.00

Estate Sale Find Vintage Blue Beach Tote: $3.00

Dollar Tree White Sunglasses (with my own added detail): $1.00

 

I found these cute shorts and nearly squealed with delite! The

red and white gingham print was adorable! They are 80's Vintage

by L.E.I but have such a retro 50's vibe! Can you tell that I am stocking up for Summer?

Again once I saw these I began create outfits in my head. I can totally see myself wearing these

with a white peasant blouse and sandals while on a Disneyland date with the hubs! Or I can pair

it with my Retro black bathing suit and wedges and wear it pool side in Las Vegas!

So many opportunities!

 

I found the blue tote at an estate sales many moons ago. I adore having cute summer bags!

The red belt I also thrifted a long time ago and I get the MOST use out of!

The white sunglasses were a Dollar Tree purchase awhile back as well. I added some rhinestone detail to them.

 

 

 

 

 

Thrifted Brand New Mossimo Retro Bathing Suit: $ 6.00

Thrifted Red Heart Elastic Belt: $1.00

Dollar Tree White Sunglasses: $1.00

 

 

My most exciting find was this BRAND NEW with TAGS

Retro Black One Piece Bathing Suit by Mossimo! Some people may find it

a bit sketchy buying a bathing suit in a thrift shop. I must confess that I once thought this way as well.

Because this was new with tags and still had the little strip inside, I figured I could take it home and give it a good washing. So I did. I love that it ties around the neck and has an amazing built in bra.

I needed a suit for our Vegas and Palm Springs trips this summer!

This easily pairs with the red gingham shorts and circle skirt from above! I can be chic and pool ready!

 

More wonderful finds to come!

 

The Retro Glam Girl

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dollar Tree = Glam Vintage Repro Items

 

Dollar Tree / Retro Glam Sunglasses $1.00 ea.

 

How cute are these?

 

 

 

 

Yup it's true. I was strolling along in Dollar Tree looking for some flowers to

make hair clips with when I spotted these! I thought the shape was very retro and I don't

know about you but I could always use extra pairs of shades in the summer time and at a dollar

a pop... why not? The glasses are not made out of the thickest plastic but they still add a little fun to your vintage wardrobe! You can totally glam these up a bit more by adding little rhinestones to the corners! I left mine as is and think I will go back for more to rhinestone up as I think these would make cute stocking stuffers for some gal pals. I know Christmas is way off but I'm sure these won't be there long and I often shop for little gifts all year long.

 

I have quite a few sunglasses and I have spent a lot of money on my vintage Ray Ban's. I am overly cautious with them so I figured these would be fun!

 

Go get yours now before they are gone!

 

The Retro Glam Girl

Vintage Look For Less Part One

 

Thrifted Black Issac Mizrahi Dress: $3.00

Estate SaleVintage Woven Tote: $5.00

Estate Sale Vintage Multi Strand Necklace: $1.00

Black Belt: Yard Sale Find: .50

I know I have mentioned that I LOVE vintage. Right? I am especially in love with the 50's and 60's vintage era. Because I am not a VINTAGE only wearer ..I am always happy when I find reproductions or vintage like items. Sometimes the key to wearing repro is to pair it with vintage accessories. While the clothing is getting harder and harder to find, the accessories are a lot easier and I often score pieces at estate sales for good prices.

When I thrift, I search the racks and pull things that catch my eye. I seldom leave a stone unturned because I have found that by doing that...I have left many a cute pieces for someone else to purchase.
I look at everything and pull what I like right away before someone else snatches it up. Before purchasing anything, I do an inspection of the item for rips, stains, snags, broken zippers and imperfections. Certain things I can live with like if an item needs to be mended. That's easy so I don't mind. If an item is a faded black but otherwise in good condition..I will buy and just dye it. If there is a tear in it that can be fixed by shortening the dress then that's fine too. My motto is "Grab now, inspect later".

The above dress I thrifted at The Salvation Army on a mini spree with the hubs. We went out of our area and found this great store and it happened to be 50% off Clothes Day. I scored MANY a gems that day but today I am featuring this one. This is a black cotton Isaac Mizrahi For Target dress. It clearly has a vintage look to it and what I adore most is it's versatility. It can easily be a DAY or NIGHT dress with the help of a few accessories. This dress was PERFECT and the regular price was $6.00 but I scored it for $3.00!  This look is clearly for day as I have paired with a sweet vintage woven beach tote, belt and a pop of color with the vintage multi strand light blue necklace. All I have to do is add some black wedges  or sandals and I'm ready for Farmer's Market.

For a night time cocktail look I would just add a red thin belt, red heels and vintage black bead clutch and I am ready for drinks at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

I think I may even be able to wear this to work as well!

More great finds from this trip to come!

The Retro Glam Girl

Just Me

Hello. Welcome to my blog. My name is Vicki and I thought I would just begin this blog with a mini introduction. I hope not to bore you! I have always loved the vintage look and have been thrift store shopping since I was 6 with my grandma. I will admit that back then it was merely to buy dress up clothes for tea parties but even then my taste always went towards vintage. While my grandma pulled lacey dresses ...I pulled the furs, leopard hats and evening bags!

I went to a Catholic school from 3rd to 8th grade so I naturally wore a uniform. My style was a bit bleak back then and in 7th and 8th grade I wanted more and more to get out of that uniform and into clothing of my own. I would watch old movies with my mom and idolize movie stars like Audrey Hepburn , Ava Gardner and Rita Hayworth. After 8th grade I went to a public high school and finally was able to wear whatever I wanted. Though most gals my age were shopping for ESPRIT ...I hit the thrift shops and opted for pencil skirts, polka dot dresses and anything with a leopard print. This was easy on mom's pocket book and I never had to worry about someone else showing up to school in the same outfit.

This continued after high school and thru my 20's and carry on to today. I love to pour over blogs and online vintage shops and then go on a hunt for items of my own. It is rare that I buy something new and I happen to have the best luck while thrifting as I almost always find JUST what I was looking for.When I get complemented on my outfits I am always too eager to share that I purchased it at a thrift store. In fact I often obligate myself to take friends on thrifting adventures so they too can score the deals.

I enjoying going to estate sales and flea markets with my husband and love to curl up with a glass of wine and a classic monster movie at night. I probably have way too many dresses and always over pack when going on a trip but variety is the spice of life :)

I am happily married and reside in Whittier, California ( a Los Angeles suburb).  This blog is where I hope to post my thrifty purchases and share my daily delights.  So don't be shy, come on by and say hello. If you are reading this now.... I bet we have much in common.


The Retro Glam Girl