The Secret Lives of Dresses

Day to day I normally go without makeup, but an ensemble like this seemed to beg for lipstick. I’ve come to love the classic, feminine looks of the 1950s. This isn’t to say I condone the usage of shoulder pads or that I believe every woman should dress so poignantly feminine, but I myself feel at home in dresses like this one. 

When this dress came in the mail, I opened the package gingerly, afraid the fabric or stitching would be fragile. To my surprise, this is the most sturdy dress I have ever owned. I thought surely after sixty years of life, this dress would have withered somewhat, but it’s flawless. It’s impressive how conscientious the craftsmanship was at that time. 

Recently I finished reading a novel titled The Secret Lives of Dresses by Erin McKean. That novel has me imagining the woman who once wore this dress. I think she would have been young and exuberant, that she would have liked making tea and socializing and shopping. Maybe she was in love. And by the tiny dot of thinning fabric at the right of the collar, I know she must have loved wearing broaches, just as I do.

This is why I love shopping vintage. It’s sharing a special treasure, a secret with someone you will never meet.

Outfit Details:

Earrings//vintage 

Dress//Kay Juniors (1950s) via Etsy

Ring//Charlotte Russe

Shoes//Jeffrey Campbell