Vintage vintage vintage

I have always had a soft spot for the past. At school I was a history buff, when out with friends, we dance to soul, and when dressing, I love the aesthetic of full skirts and fitted tops. 

Even when I was younger, I was left wondering amongst hand bags and jewellery, rather than the pretty vintage clothes in charity shops, or vintage clothing stores. 

It is only now that I have come to realise that there are 3 different types of vintage. There is genuine vintage:

 This is a size 26 dress, made of a shiny brown lace, with a beaded neckline. It was lovely! I was wearing it over the top of a dress with a full skirt and petticoat, so that is why there are no better photos of the dress!

These dresses were purchased for Dotty for Vintage, a partnership that scours for vintage plus size clothing, so we don't have to!

There is then home made vintage:

This dress was made by my Grandma for my Mam when she was in a show about 12 years ago? 

And then there was reproduction vintage:

The blue and white dress as from http://queenofholloway.com/, and was a perfect fit in the 24, other than the buttons gaping. The pink polka dot dress was a Lady Vintage dress, with the square neckline showing off a little more bra than I'd like! 

But why do I stick with it? Because I love the shape, the cut and the feel of the dress. The way that it hangs, the way the blue dress sits below my knee:

Now, my challenge is to wear this dress to work, and make it less 'costume' like. I was called a nurse and a midwife when I last wore this dress, so I'd like to think of a way to wear it, where it is more versatile. 

So ladies, Vintage is ours, we just need to reclaim it!

Much love my lovelies, 

K x