Shopping For Vintage: Flapper Style

I love thrift shops. I used to shop them solely for books, but I've learnedly that you can find great bargains on vintage clothes too -- if you visit the right location. Vintage has always appealed to me. Be it clothes, furniture, radios, etc. I've always had a respect for the quality craftsmanship that went into so many things from days gone by. In a time when pretty much everything is disposable, and by the time it gets in our homes it is already surpassed by the next best thing, it's hard to find something lasting.

In recent years films like The Great Gatsby and the smash British TV series Downton Abbey, the vintage fashions of the Roaring Twenties have made a comeback. The sleek lines of Art Deco, Egyptian archaeological finds, and the influence of jazz could be seen in the wardrobes of the younger set and marked a turning point in women's style. It's no wonder these styles have regained their popularity. A few yards of material combined with sometimes thousands of glass beads and sequins and you had an outfit that was a true masterpiece! Have you seen the dresses in this post? The stunning beading rivals stained glass! 

These past few months have found me on a quest for a new vintage piece --the flapper dress. I'm planning a 20s themed bachelorette party for my best friend, and a beaded dress is a must have item. A search on eBay will get you thousands of results for contemporary takes on the flapper (some are truly awful!) as well as a few true vintage originals. It's amazing that 100 year old textiles are still around let alone wearable! However, I do believe that all flappers were indeed waifish! A 30" inch bust measurement is not uncommon on the vintage market. Yowzas! I don't think I was that tiny in the 4th grade. If you find something to accommodate a curvy girl, it's pretty rare, and unfortunately that usually means a bidding war. The struggle is real! Hopefully, by this August I'll find the perfect flapper dress. In the meantime, please share your favorite stores, online or off, where you shop vintage. If you have a favorite vintage find, please share a photo of it! 


Comments

  1. Tales of WhimsyJune 2, 2015 at 11:18 PM

    OMG yes. I can so relate. It's one of the reasons I don't wear much vintage. It's like the gals back then couldn't afford eating or something.
    Best of luck! That party sounds like it's going to be a smash!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)June 3, 2015 at 12:13 AM

      Ha ha! I think you are correct, Juju! They must have spent all their money on their fabulous wardrobes.

      Delete
  2. SukoJune 2, 2015 at 11:58 PM

    Renee, I hope you find the perfect flapper dress. I rented one several years ago from a costume shop not too far away, but I'll bet you could find one on eBay or elsewhere online. I like to browse in vintage clothing stores although I don't usually buy very much--I just take a look around for ideas. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)June 3, 2015 at 12:14 AM

      That's awesome! I called a costume shop (there aren't many left these days) and they unfortunately didn't have anything in my size. I have my eye on a dress on ebay, so keep your fingers crossed. 😉

      Delete
  3. RissiJune 22, 2015 at 9:31 PM

    It looks as if you're having some success and lots of fun with your flapper fashion (via IG), and are doing quite well creating something all your own. Glad something is working out for you, Renee! And your 20's party? It sounds cool. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Renee (BlacknGoldGirlsBookSpot)June 22, 2015 at 10:38 PM

      Thank you so much, Rissi! I'm so excited for the party, it's unreal. 😀

      Delete

Post a Comment

I love your comments, keep 'em coming!!!

Popular posts from this blog

Book Birthday Party, Day Two: Author Julie Lessman

Image
What it's day two already?! Wow, time sure does fly when you're having fun. Miss out on day one 's action? Go here to keep the party going with Laura and enter the giveaway. Today I'm so pleased to introduce one of my very first blog guests and friend the talented Julie Lessman. Please welcome her and feel free to leave comments on the excerpt that she's chosen to share. I'm sure Miss Julie will be stopping by all day long even though she's a super-busy lady. ******** A Heart Revealed (Winds of Change Book 2) born September 1, 2011, to Julie Lessma n and Revell Books From Revell: Her heart is tied to a youthful vow . . . but can true love set it free?Ten years ago, Emma Malloy fled Dublin for Boston, escaping the husband who scarred her beautiful face. The physical and emotional wounds have faded with time, and her life is finally full of purpose and free from the pain of her past. But when she falls for her friend Charity's handsome and charming b...
Read more

Book Giveaway!!!!

Image
This month I was mistakenly shipped a copy of Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark from Jim @ Bethany's House's Book Review Program. When I let Jim know about this mistake he let me know that I could keep the book...sooooo I decided to offer it to you, my wonderful blog readers! Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark Copyright 2009 Bethany House Publishers 316 pages ISBN: 978-0-7642-0711-2 Contemporary Fiction Here's a preview from the Bethany House website : An Emotionally Gripping Story of Broken Relationships Restored Kendy Laswell and her daughter, Maisey, used to do everything together--until one fateful summer when Maisey witnessed something she shouldn't have, and their relationship fractured. Now, Maisey is back home to get married and Kendy realizes this is her last chance to reconnect with her daughter. Will Kendy and Maisey be able to reclaim the bond they once shared? Maisey asked for a bride doll the Christmas she was five,...
Read more

Interview with Cerella D. Sechrist, author of Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania...PLUS A Giveaway!

Image
A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to meet another great new friend, author of the soon to be released Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Cerella D. Sechrist. Before I even got to know Cerella and read her book she volunteered to do a special interview AND offer a terrific giveaway, for you, my lucky readers! I hope you get to know a little bit more about my new friend Cerella and her delicious debut novel, Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania! RC: Hi Cerella could you tell us a little bit about yourself? CS: Here's the dating ad version: I'm thirty years old, single, I love pug puppies and the rain… (LOL!) Additionally, I live in southern Pennsylvania - I'm only an hour's drive from Hershey, where my book takes place. I work for my dad's small construction business, as his office manager, and I'm currently taking classes in holistic health. Love Finds You in Hershey, Pennsylvania is my debut novel. RC: How long did it take you to get your first book pu...
Read more