Daily Glam Shirt, Simplicity 1093

Flashback Summer: Daily Glam Shirt- 1944 outfit/ simplicity 1093/ simplicity 1692/ retro velvet shirt

Velvet is, in my opinion, of the most luxurious of fabrics.  Not to mention, its general fussiness to work with also makes it a "high maintenance" fabric.

Thus, the perfect marriage of the feeling of luxurious velvet and the practicality of home sewing and everyday wear is found in crushed panne velvet.  It's far cheaper than other velvets, has a fluid drape with just enough heaviness to it without being bulky, often has a slight stretch to it, and is breathable.  It's also used in a lot of vintage garments, especially in the 1920s and 30s.  (My 1930s evening gown is made of this type of velvet.)

And, I was lucky enough to have gotten a patch of it for free from a friend that was cleaning out her stash!  I've been saving it for a long time, petting it every once in a while and loving its feel but completely stumped as to what I could make with such a small square of fabric.  It measured about 36"x40", which is enough for..... pretty much no complete clothing item that could fit me, or any adult for that matter.

But I had to use it.  It was so pretty, a gorgeous jewel-green sort of color, a color I love but don't have much of in my wardrobe.  I also adore the idea of working in "evening" fabrics into daywear in small amounts, just to add a bit of luxury for myself while I do the boring "day stuff" like school and errands.  So I set about really pondering it and finding a way to use it.

Flashback Summer: Daily Glam Shirt- 1944 outfit/ simplicity 1093/ simplicity 1692/ retro velvet shirt

Flashback Summer: Daily Glam Shirt- 1944 outfit/ simplicity 1093/ simplicity 1692/ retro velvet shirt

I first checked my patterns to see which ones use the least amount of cloth, which usually leads me to the early- to mid-40s (woooo fabric rationing!).  A skirt was out of the question, so I looked at a blouse that is made of only two main pieces, a front and back, that I have done before in a cotton fabric, Simplicity 1093.

However, when I laid the pieces out, I was still short on length.   So.... as my mother would say, "Real creativity happens when you don't have all the supplies you need."  I decided to use some black scraps in my stash as the bottom bodice portion that would be tucked into the skirt and unseen, thus leaving enough velvet for the top!  I then used some green cotton for the facings and shoulder pads (which I would recommend anyway when working with a slightly stretchy or high maintenance fabric to keep it all laying right).  I found some glitzy buttons to pair it with, and voilà!  I now have a shirt made completely from my stash in about six hours, problem-solving time included.

Flashback Summer: Daily Glam Shirt- 1944 outfit/ simplicity 1093/ simplicity 1692/ retro velvet shirt

I also left out the shoulder pads until the next day when I wore it.  I compared how the shirt looked with and without them, and I really do prefer the stronger shoulder shape of the 40s with the shoulder pads (although I made mine about 1/2" thick instead of 3/4" as the pattern called for).  I LOVE this pattern, and it's easiness to work with and endless options for customization make it one of my favorites of all time!

Flashback Summer: Daily Glam Shirt- 1944 outfit/ simplicity 1093/ simplicity 1692/ retro velvet shirt

Flashback Summer: Daily Glam Shirt- 1944 outfit/ simplicity 1093/ simplicity 1692/ retro velvet shirt

(I also realized that a summary of all this above info, like Stephanie and other sewing bloggers do, would be hugely helpful to you readers.  So.... I shall begin doing it!)

Fabric: green crushed panne velvet
Pattern: Simplicity 1093 (reprinted recently as Simplicity 1692, but I used the original)
Year: 1944
Notions: six buttons, five snaps
How historically accurate is it? Very accurate!  The only not-so-accurate part would be the "filler" cloth at the bottom. (I think it's something synthetic...)
Any tricky parts to the pattern?  On this version, just the button loops, simply because I've never done those before.  They actually aren't hard at all once I figured out how, though!
Did you change anything?  Just the width of the shoulder pads from 3/4" to 1/2"
Hours to complete:
First worn: January 2014
Total cost: Just time and whatever the cost of the snaps was when I bought them a while ago!

Outfit Details
shirt and skirt: handmade
belt: thrifted
shoes: Kmart
tights: Kohl's 
hair clip: gift (Kohl's?)
necklace: gift

Save the Date Video!


My maid of honor and best friend, Maureen, created the FABULOUS Save-the-Date video below for Jacob and I!  While shooting in frigid, wind-tunnel conditions, she made this amazingness.

And, yes, these are both original, real 1940s outfits!  They are both answers to prayer, too (yes, I do pray for these things), an example of the fact that God answers even our smallest prayers.  I've included the story about them below!


It's long, but here's the story:

I obviously really love the 1940s, and I wanted to incorporate it into our wedding theme and engagement photos/video.  I also wanted to acknowledge Jacob's military service in the Air Force and my goals of joining soon as well.  Thus, I thought a great combo would be to find a World War II Army Air Force uniform.  (The Air Force as a separate branch was not created in the U.S. until after WWII.)  However, as any re-enactor would know, these uniforms are difficult to find.  They are not only WWII uniforms, but the uniform has to be Army, and then it has to from a specialized unit in the Army that was part of the Air Force.  And then it has to be in wearable condition with enough pieces to be historically accurate.  And Jacob's size. And it has to be within my price range.  Dang.

I searched and found pieces here and there in flea markets, but never anything Air Force and never anything Jacob's size.  I was losing hope.  I checked online, and it was frightening how expensive even just the Eisenhower-style jackets are.  Really losing hope.  So I prayed a prayer that sounded something like this, "God, I know this is kind of dumb, and it's not important in the whole giant scheme of things when eternity is taken into consideration, but.... I would really like a WWII uniform for Jacob.  It doesn't even have to be a very nice one, it could just be the shirt and pants and I could make up with the rest.  It would be really cool to use it in our engagement photos and I would basically melt inside with happiness at how historically accurate they are, but I realize it's kind of a vain thing to ask for in comparison to all the issues in the world.... but it would still be really amazing.  I know you can do it, God, and I would really appreciate it.  But if it's not meant to be, it's okay.  It's just something I would like, but it isn't something I need.  You've provided the totally awesome man, and that's quite enough right there."

Then last summer I went to a flea market in Michigan with my grandmother, and as I rummaged through I turned a corner and......... GASPED.  Peeking out from the corner, I saw a clothing rack.  And I saw the outline of little 8 with wings. 
"THAT'S A WWII AIR FORCE PATCH," I thought to myself.
I ran over and nearly fainted.  It was a full WWII.... Army.... Air Force..... OFFICER.... Complete..... Wearable..... uniform.... IN. JACOB'S. SIZE.
And you know what was next to it?  A 1940s HAWAIIAN PRINT DAY DRESS IN EXACTLY MY SIZE (even length)!!!  It belonged to a woman who bought it on her honeymoon to Hawaii in the 1940s.  AAAAAAA!  Provenance!  

I just had to stand there and hug them for a second (quite literally) while my grandma asked what it was, and I elatedly explained my plan for photos and stuff.  Next I looked at the price, and although very reasonable, it was beyond my budget.  My grandma stepped in and offered to buy both pieces as an early engagement gift.  Needless to say..... I was/am very grateful!

I told the shop owner that the uniform was for an Air Force vet (you'll see why in a second), and he took off some money to leave the entire uniform at the price of....
Just guess.

EIGHTY DOLLARS.

It has a tie, two two-point caps, two shirts, pants, and the Eisenhower jacket.  They all belonged to the same man at whose estate sale this flea market owner bought the uniform.  This man's brother's uniform is in a museum.  That's how nice it is.

Now if that weren't amazing enough, keep reading.  Jacob HATES the two-point style caps (which are still worn today, much to Jacob's chagrin), so I set out to look for a "bus driver" style for him.  I found the one in a video in a flea market in Springfield a few weeks later!  Oh, and it's an officer's hat and, from my research, I am 98% sure it is a "crusher cap", a style of cap created for airplane pilots and crews that was made to be "crushed" and put in a pocket or worn under headphones.  These hats can sell for $300 apiece, and this one was $30.  Wow.

Now all this long story to say, isn't God good?  I know there are much more important things in the world that he didn't have to answer my dumb engagement photo prayer, but you know what?  He did.  'Cuz he can, and that's the kind of God he is.  Some people would call it a coincidence, but.... go ahead and look for a complete WWII officer's Army Air Force uniform in a size 32-33, with insignia, of a man who was deployed, in nearly perfect condition with a $30 crusher hat, and find it at exactly the right time in a tiny corner of a random flea market in the boondocks of Michigan near where my family happens to live so you can examine it in person before buying--Oh, and make it $80--and tell me how easy it was to find, how coincidental the whole thing is.  God is good.  'Nuff said.

An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s

Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s- 1940s fox fur tilt hat, dress vintage outfit

24 January 2014


Dear 1980s,

       I would like to begin with an apology for all the judgment I have heaped upon you and your shoulder-padded, Malibu-glittery fashion trends.  I have acted rashly and globalized all of your fashions without getting to know them at a deeper and more personal level.  Not all of your styles are the same, and I'm sorry for assuming they are.

      While I am still not a huge fan of all of your styles (cough, stirrup pants, cough), I do admit that I better understand how you drew inspiration from previous decades and made it your own, much like what I do today with vintage clothing.  We are not so different as I thought.

      Pictured above and below I have included the 1980s "Ragtime" dress I received for Christmas that has changed my mind.  Reminiscent of and even named for earlier times, it's really a great dress.  And you, oh 1980s, produced it.

      While I still prefer earlier 20th century trends, you have a lot to offer a girl like me. Your clothing tends to be cheaper, more durable, and more plentiful while still creating an older vintage silhouette that I enjoy.  For this I am grateful and will seek out your items more often.

      Please accept my apology, 1980s, and realize that since I now know you better, I know your true character.  My previous hatred was from judging you too quickly, something I shall attempt to remedy as I hunt through racks of thrift stores in the days to come.  I know there are treasures to be found from your time, and I shall endeavor to no longer dismiss them in judgment but to embrace their beauty.

        Sincerely,
                  Emileigh

Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s- 1940s fox fur tilt hat, dress vintage outfit

My Outfit Details
1980s dress: gift from Jacob's mom
shoes: Payless kids
fox fur hat: flea market
tights: Kohl's?
black and silver necklace and earrings: Yemen, gift from my mother!
lipstick:  Estee Lauder Rebel Raspberry

Ten Fabulous 1980s Dresses Not to Judge:
(including a store coupon!)
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s- 80s does 1940s
80s does 30s-40s from Jennie Rose Vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1930s-1940s
80s does 30s-40s from trashy vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1940s-1950s
80s does 40s-50s from Pinup Brooches
(use the code FLASHBACK to get 20% off anything in the store!)
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1940s-1950s
80s does 40s-50s from Created and Collected
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1930s-1960s
80s does 30s-60s from Moneypennys Vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1910s-1930s
80s does late 10s-30s from far from here
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1930s
80s does 30s from Moon Walk Vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1950s
80s does 50s from Fancy That Vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1950s
80s does 50s from little stars vintage
Flashback Summer: An Open Apology Letter to the 1980s/ 80s does 1940s
 80s does 40s from 2 Sweet 4 Words Vintage

What Does the Fox Say?

Flashback Summer:  What Does the Fox Say? - 1940s fox fur tilt hat outfit / black silver Yemeni jewelry

(Was that post title cruel?  Quite possibly.  But I couldn't resist.)

Do you own/ have you ever owned a vintage hat that was so not modern, so not subtle that you had to work up the courage to finally wear?  Stare at it for weeks, even months until the moment is finally right and you break it out?

This fox fur hat was that hat for me.

I've had it for months, since the beginning of May, I think, if not before.  It has been hanging on my wall, and every time I looked at it, I thought.... Man, I like that hat.  And dang, what am I going to wear with it?  It has to be exactly right.

I plucked up the courage yesterday to debut the fox hat.  I figured, it's winter, and winter is a good time for fur.  Not to mention, I got a new 80s-does-40s dress for Christmas (which I will post about next), and I liked how it went with the fur.

All day, people looked at me with incredulous/ confused/ amazed/ intrigued faces, but I went the whole day wearing it, and I feel quite good about the hat now!  I have worn it, borne the attention, and now I can wear it again without insecurity, huzzah!

Flashback Summer:  What Does the Fox Say? - 1940s fox fur tilt hat outfit / black silver Yemeni jewelry

Flashback Summer:  What Does the Fox Say? - 1940s fox fur tilt hat outfit / black silver Yemeni jewelry

80s-does-40s "Ragtime" dress: gift from Jacob's mom
black and silver jewelry: from Yemen, gift from my mother!
makeup: Estee Lauder
lipstick: Estee Lauder Rebel Raspberry

Flashback Summer:  What Does the Fox Say? - 1940s fox fur tilt hat outfit / black silver Yemeni jewelry

Flashback Summer:  What Does the Fox Say? - 1940s fox fur tilt hat outfit / black silver Yemeni jewelry

A Boy's Sweater Will Do

Flashback Summer:  A Boy's Sweater Will Do- 1930s 1940s sweater vest outfit

I bought this sweater a while ago at an estate sale and fell in love with it.  It's missing one button, but besides that it's perfect!  I think it's a 1930s/40s boys sweater (it's shaped like a short rectangle), and this is the first time I've worn it.  I do like it, but I think I'll do a bit of sewing to give it some more of a womanly shape.  I'm also a huge fan of the gray and super-bright-red combo!

I haven't owned any other vintage sweater vests, and I discovered how amazingly easy this outfit was to put together with a vest!  It was simple to accessorize with a monochromatic feel, and the sweater easily classed up the otherwise plain look.  I'm going to have to make some sweater vests!

Which, speaking of sweaters..... my "Knit For Victory" project is a bust.  To put it in a nutshell..... I killed it through ignorance.  I went in with too little knowledge and just didn't do it right.  I'll be unraveling it and using the yarn for something else.  I ordered a book on vintage knitting over Christmas that I LOVE (and will review soon!), and it has HUGELY helped me.  I have a great plan now, and I'm working on a proper sweater that I'm 97% sure will turn out correctly!

Outfit Details:
skirt: handmade
shirt: Banana Republic
shoes and headscarf: thrifted
tights: estate sale
necklace: me-made from African beads!  (Thanks for sharing those, Mother!)
sweater: estate sale
lipstick:  Estee Lauder "Nectarine" (highly recommend!)


Flashback Summer:  A Boy's Sweater Will Do- 1930s 1940s sweater vest outfit

Flashback Summer:  A Boy's Sweater Will Do- 1930s 1940s sweater vest outfit

Flashback Summer:  A Boy's Sweater Will Do- 1930s 1940s sweater vest outfit

Flashback Summer:  A Boy's Sweater Will Do- 1930s 1940s sweater vest outfit

Flashback Summer:  A Boy's Sweater Will Do- 1930s 1940s sweater vest outfit

Flashback Summer:  A Boy's Sweater Will Do- 1930s 1940s sweater vest outfit
A close-up of the amazing engagement ring!

My Wedding: Bridesmaid Boxes DIY

Flashback Summer- My Wedding: Bridesmaid Boxes DIY Tutorial

The wedding planning has begun!

Amidst the phone calls, google searches, lists, and planning sessions, I want to be sure that the ladies I ask to be my bridesmaids feel informed, important, and loved throughout the whole wedding process.  They aren't wedding lackeys; they're my best friends, and I wanted them to know that!

So, to ask each woman to be my bridesmaid, I created these boxes to reflect the wedding theme (You guessed it! 1940s/mild Americana!) and provide them with details and expectations for the big day.  After the wedding, they can use it to put photos, invites, wedding favors, etc. in and remember our good times.  I could also see these as great gift boxes, a Mother's Day gift, all sorts of things!

I created six boxes (only three are shown here), and they are all different.  However, they could all be made the same as well, and I don't think it would be a problem.  Just do what suits you and your maids-to-be best!

Supplies:
 - wooden box
- acrylic paint
- scrapbook papers
- fabric scraps
- plain paper
- yarn
- pre-made Valentine hearts
- silver Sharpie
(These are just what I used.  The world is your oyster on decorating the boxes however you want!)

Instructions:
- First, I painted the outside and inside of each box in red, navy, and white and let them dry thoroughly.

- While they dried, some friends and I made paper and fabric stars and flowers to decorate the boxes.  Here are a few tutorials that could help you expand your flower-making repertoire:

Flashback Summer- My Wedding: Bridesmaid Boxes DIY Tutorial

- Next, I wrote something on the front of the box to ask or lead to opening the box.  For the drawer box, I couldn't write anything inside that would be seen immediately when the drawer was pulled out, so I just wrote the question on the outside.  The other boxes led to the question inside.  Here are some of the phrases I used:
(outside) "I just have one question for you..." (inside) "Will you be my maid?"
(outside) "Will you be my maid?"  (inside) "...And my maid of honor?"
(outside) "Now that I've answered the big question, I have a question for you..."  (inside) "Will you be my maid?"
Of course, you can write whatever you want that fits your occasion!

Flashback Summer- My Wedding: Bridesmaid Boxes DIY Tutorial

- After this, I hot glued the fabric and paper flowers, stars, and Valentine hearts on the insides and outsides of the boxes in ways that looked right to me.  Personally, I don't prefer a lot of symmetry, so I went with more asymmetrical layouts.  They just seem more visually interesting to me.

- Now for the contents of the box, I took some of the fancy paper and wrote a personal note to each girl, folded it, and tied it with a cute yarn bow.

Flashback Summer- My Wedding: Bridesmaid Boxes DIY Tutorial

- I also created a little booklet that has details for the wedding that bridesmaids would like to know, such as the date, place, their role, their dress, etc.  I just made this on the computer, and each booklet page was 1/4 of a printer paper page.  Then I punched two holes in the top of each booklet and tied it with a yarn bow too.

Flashback Summer- My Wedding: Bridesmaid Boxes DIY Tutorial

- Here are some other ideas for things to include in a box:
a picture of you and the bridesmaid
the story of how you met
a printout of a poem or song you both find special or memorable
a drawing or doodle your bridesmaid would appreciate
a friendship bracelet/necklace (no school like the old school)

- Then I wrapped the boxes in some tissue paper, placed them in bags and delivered them to my awesome bridesmaids!  From what I've seen... they've been a success!  I've gotten a yes from every girl so far that's gotten her box!

My Wedding Theme Revealed!

Flashback Summer: My Wedding Theme Revealed!  1940s military air force wedding
source
As I got to share with all of you in this post, Jacob and I are now engaged, and I am in full wedding-planning mode!

The process of figuring out what kind of wedding I want and the theme has been  organic, free-flowing, and very abstract.  A lot of it has been me just laying on my couch with my eyes closed trying to picture different things and visualizing what I want.  Below I've shared my thought process, and also some inspiration photos that help describe the feel Jacob and I would like.

Flashback Summer: My Wedding Theme Revealed!  1940s military air force wedding
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I also had to ask myself logistical questions such as these few below in order to narrow things down further for myself:
- What time of year is the wedding?
- What time of day will it be?
- How many people will be there?
- What venue will it be in?  Will it fit the theme or need some transformation work?
- What is my budget?  What are my top priorities that will get the largest chunks of the decorating budget portion?
- What kinds of items/decor will pack the biggest punch and most concisely embody my theme or really create the feeling I want at the wedding?

Flashback Summer: My Wedding Theme Revealed!  1940s military air force wedding

Then I asked myself more personal questions to narrow it down:
- What are things I have dreamt of having at my wedding?
- Does this theme reflect me and Jacob?
- Does this go with Jacob being an airman and us having a military wedding?
- Will this theme be inclusive of our loved ones?
- Is the theme classy and timeless, or is it faddish?

Flashback Summer: My Wedding Theme Revealed!  1940s military air force wedding

Once I answered these questions and figured out what kind of feel I want my wedding to have, I began thinking of the specifics of decor like colors, fabrics, lighting, etc. and other elements that add to the theme like food and transportation.

And after pondering, the theme can be described as this:
1940s Vintage Americana!
The main colors are red, navy blue, and silver (come on, it's a military wedding), but it's definitely not going to be matchy-matchy at all.  I want it to look as if the entire neighborhood came together to create a wedding and brought lots of linens, silver, and dishes for us to borrow.  It's really going to have a "ya'll come" sort of vibe to it!

I'm really excited about this theme!  As I go along in the planning, I'll be sharing tidbits that you all may find interesting and/or useful!  WOOOO WEDDING!

Flashback Summer: My Wedding Theme Revealed!  1940s military air force wedding
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Guest Post: How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers


The following is a post from Helen Mae of Lovebirds Vintage on ways to meet other vintage lovers.  I wish I had read a post like this early in my vintage journey!  UK vintage lovers may find this post especially helpful as well!
Meeting other people who love the same things that you love is great. Talking about things you enjoy with others who are passionate about those same things is one of the best things about a good friendship. Personally really love meeting other people who like old things, and I am making it my goal for 2014 to connect with more people who share my interests. Here are some of my suggestions for places for meeting people who are interested in vintage, whether that be clothing or décor, for example, or even people who are interested purely in the history.

Social Networking
Social networking is a growing part of modern life, and there are even social networks and similar sites designed purely for those with an interest in days gone by. 
Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers
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Vintagers is a relatively new site designed to allow vintage wearers and sellers all over the world to connect with each other, discuss vintage and recommend places to shop. You can find my profile here, and they are also running a competition to win a KitchenAid which you can enter just by signing up for the site and becoming an active member. 

Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers
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The Fedora Lounge is a forum aimed mainly at the gentlemen, but which also includes a space for the ladies to converse. There is some really useful and interesting information contributed over several years by vintage lovers. I particularly recommend the hairstyling thread and the vintage underwear thread.

Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers
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The 1940s social network is mainly UK-based but does have some members from all over the world. This is a great site for finding out about events, chatting with people interested in the 1940s including re-enactors, and sharing photos and blog posts. You can find my profile here.

Re-enactment
Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers
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Re-enactment is a great way of connecting with people who are passionate and knowledgeable about the past. Here in the UK, there are events which take place all over the country. You can read about some of the events I have attended here.

Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers
If you live in the UK, Rod’s 1940s Events Calendar  is a great way to find out about the events that are happening in your area. Also try checking the events calendars of local attractions such as museums and National Trust properties. Alternatively I have found some events by Googling phrases such as “1940s events [place name]”. 


Vintage Fairs
Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers

Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers
Lou Lou's source  |  Judy's source
As well as being great places to shop, vintage fairs can also be good places to meet new people. I have found that shop owners as mostly quite happy to discuss the items they have for sale, which can be a good conversation starter. You might also find that you run into the same sellers at multiple events, and they are more likely to remember repeat customers. If you live in the UK, you can try fairs such as Judy’s Affordable Vintage Fair or Lou Lou’s Vintage.  Google is also a good tool for finding events like these in your area. 

Rock and Roll Gigs
Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers
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If you enjoy music from the 1940s and 50s, rock and roll gigs make a great night out. If you can swing dance, it’s a fun way to practice and enjoy your dancing, if you can’t swing dance then it might just be the place where you can learn. Check out local pubs and clubs to see if they have any live bands, or if you live in the UK, you can try the Rock and Roll gig guide

Blogging
Flashback Summer- Guest Post:  How to Meet Other Vintage Lovers
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Blogging has been one of the best ways for me to meet new people and although most of the people I have met live a long way away from me, I still feel like I have been able to build some good online friendships. If you don’t currently write your own blog, I’d really recommend it. Blogging has helped me in lots of ways, and I’ve only ever found the online vintage community to be welcoming and friendly. You can check out my blog at www.lovebirdsvintage.blogspot.co.uk.