Shopping Vintage

How does Betty Draper’s dress flare out?

Feb 182011

Mad Men Betty Draper Crinoline Petticoat Dress

I think I saw this question in a forum recently. And the answer is: she’s wearing a crinoline petticoat. It adds fullness to skirts and dresses without the aid of underframing or boning.

In the 1950′s, rustling crinolines to fill out full-skirted dresses were all the rage (poodle skirts, anyone?). Nowadays, it’s mainly seen in the bridal and formal market (prom dresses). For her first solo collection, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood looked to the crinoline for inspiration. The collection, titled Mini Crini, featured shorter crinoline skirts with more flexible plastic hoops.

The crinoline is also used in costuming, especially square dance, can-can and national dress – and of course by vintage enthusiasts!!

Where to buy Crinoline Petticoats

Secrets in Lace has an abundance of these on their site, in Curvy Woman sizes as well as standard sizes. There are three fine quality soft chiffon styles. They’re beautiful and often featured with contrasting trim!

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First Lady Michelle Obama Stuns in 1950s Vintage Gown by Norman Norell

Vintage Clothing 1 Response »

Dec 212010

For TNT’s “Christmas in Washington 2010,” First Lady Michelle Obama chose a 1950s Norman Norell black lace dress to celebrate the holidays. Mrs. O wears a ton of vintage-inspired pieces, so I’m thrilled to see her seamlessly incorporate true vintage into her wardrobe now as well. You can see that she’s styled this outfit in both a classic and modern way with black kitten heel pumps and dangling diamond statement earrings.

This image from the archives of LIFE magazine first appeared on June 6, 1960.

Fashion Designer Norman Norell Assisting Student Designer Deanna Cohen fit Dress She Designed

by Joe Scherschel

The 1950s frock was pulled from the New York Vintage archives and may very well be the first time she’s ever worn a vintage piece.

The store’s co-owner Jon Schneck couldn’t be happier, saying:

“[This is] truly an historic event, as this may be the first time a First Lady has worn a vintage dress. Other dresses from the archive have being scheduled for use by the First Lady later this year. We are truly honored that the First Lady has chosen a gown from New York Vintage as her first venture into vintage couture.”

Norman Norell is credited as the the “father of American high fashion,” who paved the way for Halston, Bill Blass and James Galanos. Get your own Holiday Black Dress at Dorothy Perkins, Marks & Spencer, Miss Selfridge or ModCloth!

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Mad Men’s Betty Draper Style Dresses

Rockabilly Clothing, Vintage Clothing No Responses »

Oct 012010

Betty Draper’s style is perfectly coiffed and adorned. Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant describes Betty’s look as “… quite simple but so gorgeous. And you know, you still see women like this. That beautiful classic style from the period that they’ve carried on for their entire lives…”

Betty Draper definitely takes inspiration from Grace Kelly. To get her look just right, you’ll need a petticoat to get the skirt of your dress to flare out full-circle.

The Blue Dress from Mad Men’s Season 2 Studio Photos

The Look-A-Like

Silver Jubilee Dress by ModCloth

Betty’s Floral Dress (from a photo shoot)

The Look-A-Likes

Rose Conservatory Dress by ModCloth

Atop the Grand Staircase Dress in Floral by Pinup Couture

‘Priscilla’ Retro Vintage Swing Dress by Stop Staring

Available at Atom Retro , here on Amazon and at JBR Clothing.

To die for! Vintage inspired Retro Dresses from Stop Staring!

Take a step back to the fabulous Fifties with the new ‘Priscilla’ Floral print dress from Stop Staring! White with bold black and pink floral all over design. Sleeveless with flattering plunge V crossover neckline. Fitted bodice and retro Swing circle skirt, figure hugging in all the right places, and supremely feminine!

Thick shoulder straps which can be worn on or off the shoulder for a little Fifties glamour! Vintage style gathers in the bust. Zip fasten on reverse. Retro chic, a timeless classic!

Betty Draper’s Grey and Black Plaid Dress

The Look-A-Like

Ponderosa dress
Graceful details abound in the Ponderosa dress, from the gathering at the waist to the gently puffed, banded half sleeves. The classic slim silhouette accentuates feminine curves while keeping an office-appropriate length. Made of a sturdy and fuss-free woven poly blend, you’ll love packing this soft plaid number for a weekend getaway.

Don’t forget the accessories!

Get yourself imitation Mad Men jewelry from Emitations.

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Vintage Van Raalte Lingerie with Lace Applique & Embroidery

Vintage Lingerie No Responses »

Sep 192010

Van Raalte was an elegant brand that was sold in the nicer department stores during the Golden Era.
Van Raalte was founded by Emanuel Van Raalte in 1913.

50s Vintage Van Raalte Lacy White Pleated Slip
The fancy lace pleating of this lovely white half slip from Van Raalte drips with precious femininity. Alternating layers of sheer chiffon, scalloped lace and floral embroidered pleating hang elegantly from the bottom of the opaque tricot slip adding 12.5 inches of texture and beauty to the classic vintage style. Half slip doubles as a light petticoat under circle skirts or leave a glimpse of the elaborate hem exposed to add character to a basic dress. Original tag reads, “Van Raalte, Opaquelon.”

1960′s Yellow women’s vintage babydoll nightgown by Van Raalte. Flowing nylon chiffon with solid lining in soft yellow. Pretty applique and delicate lace trim. $18 at Vintage Trends.

Van Raalte’s half slips were often trimmed with flouncy ‘accordion pleats’ or scalloped lace edges, which are incredibly beautiful and usually cannot be found in today’s lingerie market.

50s Vintage Van Raalte Opaquelon Pleated Lace Slip
Pleats and lace are a vintage lover’s delight. This Van Raalte Opaquelon full slip features a chiffon lined lace bust adorned with matching lace trim along the V-neck and underbust. A seven inch hem of crisp pleated scalloped lace adds wonderful texture and enticing movement to the classic, collectible piece. Available in a variety of colors and sizes at Dollhouse Bettie.

The lace often was a different color than the satin of the slip (aqua blue trimmed with pink lace, green trimmed with beige lace, etc.) and some of their slips were cut in unusual cuts such as a ‘tulip cut’. These slips can be found for sale at varying prices and are sought out by vintage lingerie collector’s.

50s Vintage Van Raalte Deep Pleated Navy Lace Slip

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Cheap Vintage Nylon Stockings $10 and Under!

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Sep 142010

Buy Vintage Stockings Ad “Nylon by DuPont” here!

Found some very cheap true vintage nylon stockings.

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Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks Models Vintage Bustier

Vintage Lingerie No Responses »

Sep 042010

Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks models some vintage corsets in New York Mag. She also models her own vintage bustier!

These can easily be found online – saving you the time of sorting through a dusty bin at the local second hand thrift store.

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Vintage Inspired Fashion Shabby Apple 1943 Collection

Vintage Clothing No Responses »

Aug 232010

What a gorgeous Collection from Shabby Apple I’ve posted some of my favorites above. I’ve been posting lots of swimsuits lately, but now I can’t wait for Autumn to get here!

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