CASADEI vs. VICKY TIEL: 80's does 40's Battle

While digging out several new items to put up for sale this past week, I came across these two vintage gems that fall into one of my favorite genres of vintage, the 80's does 40's. I love the fact that while the 40's-inspired design and silhouette is so similar in both of these dresses, they are in fact so radically different.
First off, the raspberry colored number is by Casadei. At first glance, this can almost pass itself off as the real WWII era deal. But then there are the little details that are so indicitive of 80's obsession with all things glam/sexy/excessive. The sheer, nude insert at the bust embellished with beading and sequins, the semi-sheer fabric in vivid raspberry (just not the same as that dusty mauve from the 40's), the very bare back. Wow, very sexy and sophisticated.
Next, is a vintage Vicky Tiel. Maybe a black and white photo of this dress paired with period correct hair/make-up/accessories could possibly pull off a retro 40's feel, but in person- no way! The gathering at the waist, the form-fitting wiggle factor and the the simple neckline are really the only 40's inspiration to be found. It's all about the print, though- abstract, energetic, happy graffiti in basic black on white with little accents of bright, bold color make this dress look very "now".
It just goes to show that vintage has a little bit of something for everyone...

What to wear this spring...Vintage Suzy Perette

Vintage 1950's Suzy Perette organza & tulle party dress, originally uploaded by Vegas Laveau Vintage.

Genius! This vintage 50's frock by Suzy Perette is a masterpiece of delicate layers, combined in the most brilliant way for a stunning, yet sophisticated effect. Black organza tops a layer of black tulle with white organza underneath adding a subtle brightness. Black satin ribbon "stripes" are also sewn on the white organza, their edges are softened by the black tulle/organza overlay and they accent the large white organza and black tulle rosettes. The overall design of the dress is done just right as well- nipped waist, full skirt, simple straps. This definately falls into my category of perfection. Love it, love it, love it...

CHLOE...Ready for her close-up

vintage 80's Chloe blouse...when Lagerfeld was in charge...victorian-inspired...dramatic...in black, of course...divine

I LOVE...

...plastic bangles. Cheap & colorful, bold & bright. Just a few...or maybe way too many!

HIGH ON HEELS...Vintage Charles Jourdan

Let it be known, I am a shoe addict that is beyond intervention. My drug of choice is the high heel. Yes, I've lied about buying them. Yes, I own too many of them. Yes, I hoard and hide them in order to make it seem like I don't have a problem. Yes, I sell heels in order to buy more heels. And I could care less about any sort of shoe rehab or twelve step program so there will be more space underneath my bed for other things.
It all started with Charles Jourdan (who I have always felt was under rated and deserves more recognition). There's definately a soft spot in my heart for vintage Jourdans as I learned to walk in heels in a pair of red leather peeptoes that belonged to my mother. Up and down that apartment hallway, wobbly at first and running my hand against the wall to steady myself until I got it right. The 5" heel was a challenge, especially for a beginner, but damn...did they look good!
In the years B.C. ("before Choo"), Charles really delivered in the late 70's/early 80's as far as beautifully designed heels that flattered the female foot. And there were always the details... the gorgeous quality leathers and suedes, a flirty peeptoe done just right, that deliciously perfect heel.
So here's a little peek into the archives. These are circa 1980's, off-white patent leather with clear vinyl inserts and very "futuristic-sexy" black and aluminum cone heels and of course, a peeptoe. Just as fresh and modern as ever...

J'adore Dior!

In store now...take a peek at this vintage gem! Vintage Christian Dior girdle/bodysuit (dating back to the late 70's/early 80's)is just as fresh and wearable as ever and so in tune with spring's retro lingerie inspired looks. Yes, I've been oohing and aahing at all the fashion mags lately and love all the pastels, fluff, lace and satins and chiffons. This piece just validates why vintage is the way to go if you're going to do designer- gotta love the subtlety of the Dior logo in nude against the skin (is it lace or...wait a second, it says "Dior" all over!)How clever!

I LOVE...

Vintage1980's leopard stretch leggings with ankle zip, 80's elastic cinch belt, 80's red stretch top, originally uploaded by Vegas Laveau Vintage.

...leopard print, always and forever!