Shopping for True Vintage: My Top 5 True Vintage Clothing Finds of 2019

Retro Dee writes about music, fashion and other trends of the 1950s on this site.  Check out her blog, Retro Dee’s Guide to the Best Era Ever here, and her column here every Wednesday.

Hello mes amis and Welcome to Shopping for True Vintage!

I’m Retro Dee and I’d like to showcase my Top 5 best true vintage clothing finds of 2019!

Last year I bought a fair amount of true vintage clothing, especially considering that I don’t wear vintage everyday. There were no extremely expensive buys because I’m still learning about vintage clothing, and not ready to make a big investment.

I did, however, manage to find a few gems out there within my budget.

So without further ado, here are my Top 5 True Vintage Clothing Finds of 2019:

# 5. No Label Charcoal Gray Fit and Flare Dress, circa late 1950’s/ early 60’s

This dress fits me really well with a little wiggle room to spare in the waist (always a good thing) AND it has its original belt! I love the charcoal gray color with the little pops of yellow, pink and green from the dainty flower designs.

 

# 4. Ben Barrack / Kathryn Genevieve winter wool dress, circa 1950’s

How 1950s is this incredible wool dress? It has two labels: designed Ben Barrack inside and  Kathryn Genevieve at the back of the neck.  It’s tea length, zips in back and has it’s original belt and in AMAZING condition! I love the olive green color and bow at the neck. Perfect for a winter lunch out, and that’s exactly where I wore it.

 

 

 

# 3. Nelly Don Orange Floral Fit and Flare Dress, circa late 1950’s/ early 1960’s

I love the orange flowers on this beautiful Nelly Don dress. It’s casual yet still stylish and pretty. It’s the perfect Summer to Fall dress! I will probably have the hem let down so it covers the bottom of a petticoat better. Otherwise, it’s perfect.

 

 

# 2. Dudley’s of California Red and Black Check Shirt Dress, circa late 1950’s/ early 1960s

I purchased this eye-catching cutie from Kings Finest Vintage and it’s in the most amazing like-new condition! Whomever had it back in the good ole days must have not worn it much. It’s such an amazing find with its crisp color and detailed pleats. But my favorite thing about this dress is the embroidery. It looks like a monogram, but is actually more of a suggestion of one. It’s fantastically sewn, something you never see anymore! I might take down the hem just a tad to make it actual tea length. There is plenty of the hem to do so.

 

 

 

# 1. Betty Barclay Red and White Check Button-Up Drop-waist Dress, circa late 50’s/ early 60’s

The Number One spot has to go to this summer favorite by Betty Barclay. I wore this to Peggy Sue’s Cruise 2019 and got tons of complements, from both men and women.

Yes, this adorable number is a retro-lover’s dream come true. It fits me perfectly, although, I have very little margin for error! I love how it feels on and the buttons and collar just take me back to The Best Era Ever.

 

 

So there you have it, my Top 5 true vintage clothing finds of 2019! This is not to say that I didn’t get other great pieces, because I definitely did. I’m looking forward to sharing those with you soon!

Only a few days remain to vote in our annual Love Song Survey  There’s two different polls, one for love songs of the 1950s, and one for love songs from 1960-1963.  Pick 10 favorites from each group of years daily through February 8th at 10 PM.  You can also write in other songs if your choice isn’t listed.  Details are available here.

Listen to “The Grooveyard” following “Rick’s Redneck Ranch” each Saturday night at 7 PM on 88.1 FM on Long Island, by clicking the 88.1 FM link on wcwp.org or via the TuneIn app.  or the 88.1 FM button on the WCWP app for Android or iPhones.  You can also follow us on Twitter.

Join us for the Greatest Hits and Forgotten Favorites on. . .

“The Grooveyard”

…Where Oldies Come Alive!