My Pin Up Bombshell Vixen Style.... On a Budget

I love to shop online at a certain clothing store however my pocket book doesn't always think this is a good idea. While I love how simple it is to click on a pretty dress in my size and have it shipped to me, I am not loving all the ways I have to scrimp just to pay for said item. I decided to take my love for crafty and thrifting and combine the two to see what I could come up with on a much friendlier budget. I hit the thrift shops in search of pin up style clothing. It mattered not if they were vintage. They just had to have the right look. How did I do? See for yourself!

 

 

 

 

I found this pretty black with purple floral print dress at the Goodwill half off of it's 7.99 price tag. I loved the colors and the asymmetrical peplum. It's vintage era 1970's however with the right accessories I knew I could get the look I wanted. Monster Glam Pin Up Chic. I added a think black belt I already had at home and I made the floral corsage.

 

 



I bought purple flowers at the dollar store last year so I already had them. I used two rose flowers and one of the green leaves. The glitzy spider I had purchased at Michales last year around Halloween with my 40% off coupon. I believe they came 4 in a pack. I had also had some pin backs at home as well. With a little glue I created my accessory and felt it tied in the look I was going for.



I was lucky enough to find a second dress later on that same week. This dress was marked at $3.00 and although there was not a sale ..I felt the low price was amazing enough! I got it a little thrift shop near my house and not a Goodwill.

 

 

I felt the gingham and polka dot print really made this 80's dress have a more retro look. The fruit print was an added bonus! I had the thick black belt at home and made another floral corsage for this dress using dollar store red carnations (which I already had) and some Holiday Cranberries decorations that I also had (purchased at an estate sale). I thought they could pass for cherries and add to the fruit theme. No monsters here but I still thought this look was super cute and something I would love to wear to work!

 

 

Again I used two flowers and a green leaf along with two cranberries for cherries and a pin back I had at home.

 

 

 





This challenge was fun and I have gotten compliments on both outfits. I will note that I did not find what I was looking for in ONE day but I had a lot of fun searching.

Thrift Haul Scores of Late......

 

I don't always buy my clothes at thrift shops. Sometimes I shop Ebay and Etsy and then there is that rare event that I find treasures at estate sales. Lately the thrifting Gods have been kind and I have been able to score some sweet things.

 

Take a look!

 

 

This darling pink and black dress is actually a modern piece

by H & M styled to look more vintage. It is in lovely condition so I had to have it and at only a

few bucks... why not?

 

 

This blue dress is vintage. It's cotton, buttons up and even has a sweet little red and white belt.

The piping on this is in red and blue. Very patriotic and perfect for a 4th of July picnic!

 

 

 

This black cocktail dress is also vintage and was a mere 1.00 at an estate sale.

It was not in my size but at a 1.00 I picked it up and it quickly sold in my Ebay shop.

How sweet is that?

 

 

 

 

 

With Tiki Oasis coming up, I thought this dress was perfect!

This dress is not only vintage but it sets the tiki mood so perfectly!

I love the mandarin collar and sweet buttons on the front!

 

This is a great modern skirt with a great tiki-ish floral print. This is a perfect summer

skirt to wear with strapless shirts and sandals! I found this at Goodwill where the skirts were on sale

for 1.99.

 

 

I also found this pretty aqua skirt at the 1.99 sale! It looks like a wrap skirt

however it has a side zip and just ties on the side. The bottom has a bit of a leopard print which I love and the color is just so Summery!



 

 

 

Just a few of the many things I got.

Sometimes I wish I could thrift all day! All these items were purchased locally so I was very lucky.

 

 

 



 

 

Thrift Haul

 

 

It's true. I'd rather be doing this any day of the week! Lately I have found some really great things. It's always nice to be able to switch out a few things for some new to me thrifted items. I have bee working on ways in which I can wear a few summer things in Fall and Winter and I think I have it nailed! I have a basic black spaghetti strap dress and basic black strapless dress. Both cotton. When the weather gets cooler, I tend to stay away from arm bearing items. I have found that by wearing a blouse over these items and tying it in the center, I end up with a more polished work look that's perfect for the cooling temperatures.

 

 

 

Sort of like this cute gal

 

 

I liked this look SO much, that I went out and thrifted 4 more blouse to wear with the two dresses.

I got a polka dot one, a striped one, a sheer floral and a navy one. I believe they were only 4.00 each although 2 were half off so I got all 4 for 12.00! The skirt on both my dress is A LINE like in the photo above and with tights it's sure to look great!

 

I thought I would post some of my recent finds for some inspiration:

 

 

Vtg Halter Tiki Dress

 

This was all wrinkled up and even though it was made in the

1980's, I felt it had a more retro vibe about it.

 

 

Vtg Red and White Polka Dot Blouse

 

This also is an 80's piece with a much more

Mad Men vibe. I love that it has bow accents

and the color is wonderful for Christmas!

 

 

Vtg Red and White Print Dress

 

Once again, probably 80's. I saw the potential and

slapped a mini petti underneath.

 

Modern Dress

 

This sweet dress had the BEST print. I loved the Fall color of it

It is non vintage but I think it's super cute!

 

 

Modern R&K Originals Dress

 

I love when I find vintage or non vintage R&K.

The florals and polka dots are soooo sweet.

I can wear this with a little sweater on date night!

 

Modern Denim Look Dress

 

This one may have to wait til next summer!

 

I had all the accessories at home already and had fun playing dress up.

 

These are just some of the gems I scored recently. Stay tuned for more

as I am planning a thrift stop right after work today!

 

If I find some real great things I just may do another post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Channeling Your Inner Lucy Ricardo and Betty Draper

I have always adored watching I Love Lucy. Not only was she funny, she also had such great style! Her outfits were always so well put together and she looked so marvelous in them! Whenever I see polka dots I am always reminded of her. I have a few black and white polka dot print items, a dress, a jacket and a blouse. I even have a red and white polka dot top. While out at an estate sale I ran across this little number and I just had to have it.

It's a vintage 1970's sheer poly navy polka dot print dress but to me, nothing about this dress screamed DISCO.  It has a V neck with faux white shell and belts at the waist. I loved the full skirt. The belt was attached to the hanger although I do not think it's the belt that originally came with it as the polka dot print is larger than the print on the dress but I did not mind at all.  It reminded me of Lucy and I just had to have it and at $1.00 who could blame me?

The sale was wonderful and it was stacked with many dresses and shoes most of which where from the 70's and 80's. While looking through them I was surprised at how much the prints and shapes reminded me of this lady.

The elegant housewife, Betty Draper!

I knew with some simple styling these dresses would be close to something she would have in her wardrobe so I was sure to snatch them up and yes, they each were only $1.00

This is a 1980's Vintage dress by Orvis. It's a rayon blend with a gorgeous aqua floral print.

It's full skirt is pleated and it buttons on the bodice with these amazing sparkly lavender buttons! It belts at the waist with original belt and has short sleeves. 

This one is also from the 1980's by Draper & Damons. It has a semi geometric print

in muted colors, full skirt, belts at waist with original belt, v neck and 3/4 inch sleeves.

This one is from the late 60's to early 70's by Willi of California. It's got a lovely floral garden theme is pastel colors. The fabric is a cotton sheer. This dress has long sleeves and a button up bodice, V neck and belts at the waist with a full skirt. 

I added small petticoats to these dresses to give them a bit more volume and give them a more retro look.

I also found this sweet apron which I think paired with the polka dot dress gives a perfect retro housewife look:

Once again my bargain hunting was successful. 

Til next time

The Retro Glam Girl

New at DeLovely Delux

 

Isn't that shop picture wonderful? Oh what I would give to go back in time

and browse in THERE!

 

 

I have recently added some new items to my Ebay shop!

I offer a variety of vintage, retro and repro clothing and accessories. I try and stock my store weekly as things tend to go fast. If you stop by, you may see a few familiar things!

 

 

 

 

 

Vintage Black Evening Bag

 

 

 

Vintage semi formal metallic polka dot dress

 

 

Retro Faux Fur Sweater

 

 

Vintage Satin Formal Wedding Style Dress

 

 

Vintage Polka Dot Secretary Dress

 

 

Vintage Faux Fur Trim Jacket

 

 

I will be posting more lovely things there tonight as well!

 

Here is the link

 

http://stores.ebay.com/DeLovely-Delux?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

 

The Retro Glam Girl

 

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?