Accessories!
Now here is a little tip I learned straight from the ladies in the 40's.
If you don't have a lot in the way of attire for whatever reason, be it, space, money, time, a war (much of these styles were created during a war) etc. accessories are the way to go to glamorize your look without sacrificing any of the above.
As a working gal my outfits can't always be too glamorous, however you can see at least three accessories here; Bangles, earrings, and a brooch I made from a broken headband.
Now here are some of the different things a vintage gal might have to glamorize even her nightgown.
Brooches are a cute way to personalize any outfit, let's say if you found a vintage inspired top on sale at Target. A few people may have the same top but only you can give it that vintage vibe with a cute brooch.
You can make your own, with back pins from Michael's. Stick those things on anything your imagination will allow, or if you would rather buy some pre-made etsy is flooded with cute handmade brooches (
wackytuna on etsy has some cute ones). Also there are the thrift stores and vintage shops of course.
Bangles are a great way to bring a little life to any outfit and they are fun to hunt for too. Specifically Bakelite as those are the most sought after for their vintage appeal. Women of the late 30's and 40's liked Bakelite for the same accessorize to glamorize idea we're talking about here.
This bangle is Moonglow a product released after Bakelite but still pretty as the light appears as if coming from within. A whole article about Bakelite and various reproductions to come soon.
Anyway I digress...
Necklaces offer the ultimate glamour. This area though can be tricky, because its a fine line between a vintage vibe and costumey when buying necklaces on the cheap.
However if you are able to try it on and it feels right, looks right on you, like anything else, the confidence you feel will exude and turn your cheap find into the finest of pearls. Even those black little ball looking things have their place when I feel great in my outfit.
Earrings are a great addition, especially if like me you tend to feel a bit insecure about the roundness of your face from time to time. Hey it happens and I am glad that when my hair is up in some nice victory rolls my earrings are there to say its okay doll you look peachy!
Fun hair clips are a great accessories for a vintage gal not only do they cover a rogue roll end or a naughty wave, certain ones like these flowers bring an elegance to your everyday look.
Last but certainly not least...
Purses, bags, or a nice clutch to carry your modern day accessories like phones and such pull an outfit together. I bought this one in unison with my Moonglow bangle for a whopping $5 at the thrift store. So never fear they can be just as cheap as the rest of the accessories.
As far as space is concerned you really only need two. One for daytime and one for going out. If you are really savvy or find a great purse you could pull off just having one.
Now none of my accessories cost more than $4 a piece accept the necklace in the middle of that picture above which cost me $12. So by adding to your collection a little at a time it is doable with the smallest of budgets.
You may be asking what about scarves? No vintage doll can be without scarves.
Again we have come to a subject that requires its own post. At least I love them so much it does, along with snoods, hats, and shoes. So stay tuned for that chickadees!
Thank you for reading and remember vintage isn't scary it's fun and doable for everyone.