The romantic mood that has been haunting me for the past couple months hasn’t waned. I’m still very much into lacy little blouses, bows, scallops (eying all the fantastic scallop shorts that have been popping up!), delicate jewelry… basically anything that is pretty and feminine. Still couched very much within my adoration of the 40s, but branching out back to my love of the Edwardian period (one of the “original” eras that got me into vintage styles) and making things all the more whimsical (something I’m always drawn to). I thought I’d show you some of the things that have been hanging around my closet (or the vintage boxes)–pieces that have been inspiring me and making me daydream about romantic summertime outfits…
What is it about warm weather that always makes me indulge in my adoration of lace and especially pretty things? I tend towards a much more tailored, classic look in the colder months (partially because I hate layering, and would much rather wear as few layers as possible, providing they are thick and warm!), but come spring all bets are off! I think the return towards romanticism in some fashion lines hasn’t been helping, nor has watching movies like Pretty Baby and Picnic at Hanging Rock lately… I think what I’d really love this summer is to find an Edwardian white dress that fits and is in decent condition (or only needs minor mends) within my minuscule budget. Or maybe I should make one (eventually). After all, I do have a pile of antique lace…
What particular styles are catching your fancy for summertime wear?
Your blog is lovely, and the lace pieces are all very pretty, the first one in particular. I will be visitng again.
~ the dandelion girl ~
Oh wow. i did a review last week or two weeks ago for Picnic at hanging Rock. That movie was so odd but the dresses are so lovely.
This season my eye keeps catching eyelet dresses and shirts. Something about them gets me! That and I love gauze, so much so that I had to buy my latest dress that I posted on my blog.
I love the pretty things you posted.
I’m definitely in a romantic mood as well! I seem drawn to ruffles, as well as lace AND I’ve got a growing obsession with carved celluloid. Now that it’s warm enough I’m excited to sleep in my 30s silk and silky rayon night gowns.
I love later Victorian and Edwardian fashion so much, too. I almost passed out over the most amazing blue plaid day dress I saw at a vintage fair in March. Just one of a kind. Of course, the dresses you’ve shown above are so dreamy as well!
Funny–I’ve been in the same mood. I dug out my Victorian and Edwardian blouses last week too. My husband bought some vintage underwear patterns for me this past week. I threw everything else aside so I could play with them. They’re from the Folkwear line which has an Edwardian dress and underthings patterns.
Thanks for showing the vintage beauties!
There is just something about Spring………..your photos are lovely.
Mom
Oh, you and I are so similar! I can never get enough of the Edwardian style…my wedding dress had Edwardian touches, enough to be romantic, but not look like a costume. I think that’s really the key to bringing back an one hundred year old style.
I’ve been searching for a white dress JUST LIKE the one in the third photo. Sigh …
So beautiful! The lace up boots are so special and the white slip would make a perfect summer dress! i think edwardian clothing is what got me into vintage too. I have this sheer with lace pale lilac dress at home, that fits everywhere except the waist (corsets anyone?), that would be fabulous if I could actually wear. I think it has a bit of a train too.
I, too, am in love with all the lacy, feminine, ruffly clothing this spring–especially light pink, paired with cream lace….
I too was into a sort of minimalist, tailored, chic look this winter, but now I’m drifting towards a sort of hippie, flowing style for summer.
For me, summer should be easy and comfortable, and I have to be able to go all day, all night, and then all of the next day without worrying about my outfit; but still look oh so stylish
Loving the lace though, it looks perfect for sitting under an umbrella on the lawn, reading in the sun.
I’m divided between smart 30s separates and wanting a pile of swishy, frothy full skirted dresses. I better get to work!
Oh Casey, your musings are truly elegant! I love that first top and the shoes below it.
I did once find an Edwardian dress at the pay-per-pound goodwill outlet (in good condition too) so these miracles do happen and I’m going to send my Victorian/turn of the century thrift karma in your direction in hopes that you will find something amazingly lacy and then show us.
I myself am very into 20s, 60s and 70s fashions for summer, specifically the more sportswear inspired looks of those decades. I love to be active and until recently though it was in direct conflict with my vintage tastes, until I started reading about the popularity of athletic activities and clothing for women in the 20s. Jordan Baker from The Great Gatsby anyone?
These images are so lovely!
For summer I’m thinking florals, bright colours, and swishy skirted dresses. Maybe a bit of lace too!
Thanks for sharing your lovely inspirational pics!
these photos are stunning, i really wish for more lace,more whimsy, and all in all pretty
Oh, man…that white dress. I LOVEEEE it!!!!!!
I’m making sixties style shift dresses for summer. And fifties bonnets. I love your blog!
Ooo, I say go for it on your own version of an Edwardian dress. I usually find most vintage older than the 1920′s just too fussy to wear for everyday (especially the hot summer) mostly due to fitting issues. I’ve run into so many dresses/skirts made for corseted waists, and we can also take into account the fact that people were just generally smaller then. Use some of that lace, and maybe even try your hand at some fancy embellishment.
I just love the peachy-ness of everything you have posted. That vintage peach lingere shade just make my heart beat a little faster. Just lovely!
As usual I have an eclectic mix, but I am leaning towards lace. My new purchases have been all lacy and on my want list is a nice pair of linen shorts to wear with the lacy tops. I bought. I also bought embroidered wool for circle skirts, but those I will save for Fall I think
I am working on 3 or 4 weights of linens this summer. And piping, insetting lace and tucks are some sewing skills I want to practice.