Lady in Purple

Flashback Summer: Lady in Purple - 1960s 1950s dress/ 1940s tilt hat/ vintage outfit

You know those moments when you're walking through a store, and you spy some amazing vintage item with so much character, personality, and uniqueness that you can barely handle it?  Personally, I gasp and may possibly squeal a bit as I rush over to inspect the item further with a sparkle in my eye.

This purple hat was one of those things.

Its funny, wavy, asymmetrical shape and vibrant color immediately spoke to me, not to mention the purple veil covering it!  I've been waiting a few months for the perfect outfit to debut it with (anyone else do that?), and I finally found one!

I spotted this purple velvet dress in a flea market for $10.  I'm thinking it's from the 1960s because I have a pattern for a dress almost exactly like it, but what do you guys think?  Though it was in amazing shape construction-wise with no flaws whatsoever, the fabric had some stains down the arms, as if it had been hanging in a closet and something dirtied either side.  It was also just generally dusty, and when I tried it on, the top was a bit too big.

But it was $10, and it's too beautiful not to be saved!  I did all my alterations planning (I needed to shorten the bodice at the shoulders, narrow the shoulder width, and bring in the side seams a bit), prayed that I wouldn't kill the garment, and got to cutting and re-stitching.  It worked!  Then, I filled bath with warm water and laundry detergent to wash it all and try to get the stains out.  To my dismay and horror, the dye immediately started running out of the dress!  I grabbed it from the water and tried again with cold water, only with the same result.  I looked at the dirty, dusty garment and figured, "Well, it's too icky to wear now.  I think I'm just going to have to risk it."

I washed it and hung it to dry.  And it still looks fine!  PHEW. Praise the Lord.

I paired it with the wavy 40s tilt hat, a rhinestone/gold jewelry set, gold belt, lucite bag, Fergie "Saraghina" lipstick, and gold snakeskin pumps.  I really like this outfit, and you'll probably be seeing variations of it soon!  The velvet is warm but light, and the shape of the dress is modest with a hint of sass.

I got a lot of comments from the little old ladies (and a couple older gentlemen as well!) at church that were very kind and made me feel more confident in the outfit, for I had been nervous that it would be too "loud".  My mind is put at ease, and now I thoroughly love this outfit!  Although the hat is a poor choice for a windy day (hence me holding it on in nearly every picture), it shall become a well-loved part of my wardrobe!

Outfit Details
hat and dress: flea markets (hat from Michigan, dress from Urban Market)
necklace, earrings, and Avon ring: Amazing Finds (Adrian, Michigan)
belt: YOTO Thrift Store
lucite bag: Relics
shoes: Payless
lipstick: Fergie Wet 'n' Wild Saraghina

P.S.  There are more photos from this shoot on the Flashback Summer Facebook page.

Flashback Summer: Lady in Purple - 1960s 1950s dress/ 1940s tilt hat/ vintage outfit

Flashback Summer: Lady in Purple - 1960s 1950s dress/ 1940s tilt hat/ vintage outfit

Flashback Summer: Lady in Purple - 1960s 1950s dress/ 1940s tilt hat/ vintage outfit

Flashback Summer: Lady in Purple - 1960s 1950s dress/ 1940s tilt hat/ vintage outfit

Flashback Summer: Lady in Purple - 1960s 1950s dress/ 1940s tilt hat/ vintage outfit

Flashback Summer: Lady in Purple - 1960s 1950s dress/ 1940s tilt hat/ vintage outfit

Flashback Summer: Lady in Purple - 1960s 1950s dress/ 1940s tilt hat/ vintage outfit

13 comments

  1. Love this outfit! The dress is quite a classic shape so you could probably style it towards a number of decades.

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    1. That's what I thought, too! Which, of course, is very exciting. It has personality in the color, but I think it's going to be quite versatile!

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  2. Perfect outfit! No wonder the older people at your church liked it so much :)

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  3. Lovely outfit and amazing hat. I've been thinking more about the color purple lately. It's my favorite color and I can't quite say that I have anything in solid purple. A grand outfit:)

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    1. Thanks Joanna! Those were my thoughts exactly. I rather like purple, too, especially in winter, but I don't think I own anything else that is purple besides this outfit. That must change, I think.

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  4. This outfit isn't "loud" at all, but does definitely sing out with the voice of stylish, violet clad angel. It's elegant, sophisticated, becoming, beautiful, and sweetly fun all at the same time.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Well good, I'm glad you think so! I shall wear it more readily now!

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  5. I think I would have been drawn to that hat as well if I saw it in a shop. A very striking color!! That shade of purple is not really my color but you look wonderful! I don't think the outfit is loud at all. :)
    -Emily

    Emily's Vintage Visions

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  6. I totally agree with Jessica, this outfit is elegant and sophisticated ... a tip, when you wash a garment in water and discolor the garment ... add the water a large pinch of salt .... or vinegar (they have the same effect) and this will cause the color gripping to the garment. Happy week, dear.

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    1. Oh wow, that's brilliant! Thanks for the tip, Rosy! I'll try it out next time!

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  7. Do act the same way! And that hat is AMAZING! Also love the ring!

    xoxo
    -Janey

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  8. Only $10 for that dress! It is completely fabulous and looks so great on you!

    Wendi

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