My girlfriend and I made one of our quarterly trips to the little town of Elora and the fabulous vintage clothing store of Sweet Trash a couple of weeks ago. They were in the midst of moving shop so there was a store wide sale going on.
Most of the lovely displays were being disassembled and inventory was looking a bit thin. Since we had made the trip I decided to try on a few things, " just for fun". I swear!
I have the ability to choose items of clothing that will look good on me like a wizard. It's a skill that I sometimes wish I didn't have. It makes my wallet very anorexic. Why couldn't I be good at guessing lottery numbers instead? Some of us are just cursed.
I started out with this lovely skirt that fit perfectly and although the blouse I'm wearing isn't the best and doesn't fit me I only tried it on because I needed something to wear on top other than my skin coloured bra.
The skirt would need to be shortened…but definitely a contender in the high temptation game of " I swear…I'm not buying a thing".
Then I tried on this baby…
Gawgeous! Think 1940's scaled down version of sophisticated Green Acres Zsa Zsa Gabor farm wife.
Then I went for something totally different…
Do you remember Laverne and Shirley? I don't know why but this early 1940's dress really reminded me of that show. Maybe because it looks a bit like a uniform.
I loved this dress. It was so unique and had pockets. You know how I feel about pockets. Plus that yellow detailing and the turned up sleeves were divine. The back had a pleat as as well. It was very wartime working girl/pin-up all wrapped in blue gingham and trimmed in canary yellow.
I even posed for a photo of myself and the town crier in it. Yes, Elora has a town crier that apparently likes vintage clothes as well as he was in there picking out a few ties for himself on his days off.
Honey the pug/Jack Russell terrier mix was stationed on her throne giving me her valued opinion on each outfit as I dramatically flung open the velvet red curtains of the fitting rooms. She was an easy crowd.
This 1970's maxi was stunning and a bit overwhelming. As a skirt on it's own it would have been gorgeous. The colours and pattern were vibrant and a bit like a Ukrainian Easter egg. I could have been part of someone's Easter basket.
How about this orange gold brocade gown? The gold embroidered pattern reminded me of fancy throw pillows from the palace of Versailles. Or maybe it was the curtains.
Even Hazel got in the action…finding herself this black beaded treasure, perfect for her evening of dancing.
As mentioned before I hadn't planned on buying anything…these were the only pieces I took into the dressing room, each one fit and each one was very tempting.
Do you think I was able to hold fast or do you think I broke down and bought one of these vintage frocks?
If so…which one do you think I chose?
Which one would you have chosen?
I haven't shared the best piece I found yet though…top secret, makes me feel like I'm on the red carpet, bulbs flashing, fans screaming, Marilyn Monroe hottie tottie va-va-voom I-feel-like-a-zillion-bucks, you-so-don't-fit-in-my-life but I long with desire for you anyways frock.
It's so freakin' fabulous it needs its very own post.
Linking up with: Visible Monday , Sunday Style, Yolo Mondays, Watch What I'm Wearing Monday Mingle GFC Collective Blog Hop My Style Thursdays Favourite Things Monday Bloom Sami's Shenanigans Passion For Fashion Wardrobe Wednesday Style Sessions 52 Pick Me Up
Mmmmmm, you put a thumbnail of the skirt at Visible Monday, which lured me over here. The checked dress is pretty outstanding as well. Oh, and the Easter egg dress… decisions, decisions… My “no buying” will would have broken big time!
Suzanne those dresses are so cute. What great finds.
Wow, you do have dress-radar! I think you bought the gorgeous skirt with yellow roses. If I am right – will you share it with me? : > Thanks for linking up with Vis Monday!
Every dress looked great on you! Lucky you for those finds~
These dresses are so fun and you look great in each and every one!
blue hue wonderland
First off, what an incredibly fun and creative post. I felt as though I was sitting right along side of Honey and cheering with each new dress. Yes, your radar is fantastic. I’m voting the green Acres or maybe the maxi (I couldn’t have left that store without that maxi.) Can’t wait for the next episode.
Seeing you in these dresses Suzanne, makes me feel I’m living in the wrong part of the world. Never found so many gorgeous vintage dresses here in a shop. Each of them is extraordinary and pretty. But my abolute favorite is the blue maxi dress with its gorgeous pattern. You look fabulous in it!
Sabine xxx
If I were you, I think I would have gone for the yellow with blue gingham dress! It really does look so unique!
I’d pick the blue maxi. I would probably commit sacrilege and shorten (maintaining the border) to knee length. Great stuff. Great pug critic.
I think that you picked either the floral skirt or the Lucille Ball/Shirley and Laverne number…yes? Buying happens to all of us, IF we even find anything to try on! Super cute post!
First I have to correct you – it was Eva Gabor on Green Acres (prettier than Zsa Zsa in my opinion). I only remember her wearing her signature negligees. She was adorable!
I love the yellow rose skirt that you put on Visible Monday. And the maxi. It does have it’s own address, but it looks gorgeous on you!
Ha ha how right you are! I always got the two mixed up.
Isn’t that floral pattern on the skirt gorgeous? It did the trick by luring you over here : ) Thanks for stopping by.
ps: thanks for linking up with 52 Pick-me-up! Perfect!
If you didn’t buy the skirt, how much? I think I MUST have it… Fancy some proxy shopping?
I wish I could have taken them all home. Of course I would need a totally different life full of fancy galas and exciting soirees out on the town every night of the week.
I could really see you in that skirt Patti : ) No problems on the sharing…that is…if I got it ; )
Thanks for popping by Paula.
Okay Ann…I’m really curious…which one would you have chosen?
Thanks Trina : )
I have to say this shop is extra special. They really choose only the very best vintage pieces. It’s not cheap, but I appreciate that each item is so unique and well maintained. I always find something that I love every time I go.
I could really see you in that dress Rachel.
Yes…I having a pug audience was fun.
Thanks Dawn : )
so fun! I love vintage dresses! I’m obsessed with you in that long blue printed dress!
Lindsey
Thrift and Shout blog
Okay, you are right about finding things that fit you. I have that ability with pants, but not always with the rest of me. That first skirt is A-MAAAAAZING
I so hope you broke down and bought at least two. I would have definitely gone the gingham with the yellow trim and pockets. Awesomeness incarnate. And I really like the OTT seventies maxi. I’ve got my fingers crossed!!
i hope you got that blue maxi dress because it’s stunning on you!!
Not fair, you leaving us on the edges of our seats.
Oh, to choose just one of these dresses!!! Oh dear! I have to say, I’m totally smitten with the blue gingham and yellow stripe, and it looks lovely on you. But, the long blue maxi….Man, if you had an event to go to, you would be the belle of the ball. It’s gorgeous on you. I like the orange brocade as well, and you always look good in the vintage-y prints, but I’m gonna go with the blue with yellow stripe.
Don’t keep us waiting too long,
Sue xo
That first skirt and dress <3!
Love them!!
Thanks Lindsey. All of these looks would be great on you too. Especially that blue maxi ; )
I know right? Deciding if I was going to buy anything almost made my head explode.
LOL You and I have very similar tastes ; ) but my lips are sealed.
I do so love that colour of blue.
I definately need more events to attend in my life. Maybe I could hire myself out, “Middle aged woman with large closet willing to appear at high profile events, parties and galas.”
Haha, love your description of the Ukranian Easter egg… but it’s the one that I think looks amazing on you! The fit is stunning! I might cut down the neckline a bit, but WOW!!! They all look great and what an amazing store. We’ve been scouring them on a trip to Denver lately and certainly haven’t hit any jackpots like you have. But then again, we don’t have your super skills 🙂
xo ~kim & chloe
popcosmo.com
The 40s dress is absolutely fab on you! I’m a bit partial to that sort of shape anyway though!
Oh my gosh first of all that dog cracked me up, what a great Consultant 😀
I bet you got the first floral pleated skirt, if not GO back and get it, ist beautiful. I can see you Pairing it with an orange top and some cute unique shoes, it would look phenomenal with your hair colour.
Also really love this 1970’s Dress, not sure if your got it though 😉
ani
http://www.fleurani.blogspot.de
I like the floral skirt on you best, but I would have chosen the 70s maxi and had it altered to mini!
Very interested to find out what the mystery frock is like…
Ah! That first skirt is the most gorgeous thing! But my favorite thing on you was the blue dress you posted second. Fit you to a Tee!
I think I would have picked Zsa Zsa. My guess is you picked either Zsa Zsa or Laverne and Shirley. I’m leaning towards Laverne and Shirley. Looking forward to your secret post! Thrifting posts are fun. Debbie @ ilovemylemonadelife.com
I like them all on you, of course. I’m guessing you bought the one with the yellow piping, but I like the blue maxi on you the best … or perhaps the very pretty floral skirt. Hmmmm. Can’t wait to find out.
How do you find places who will let you in with your dog? People are really crabby about even the cutest doggies in businesses here. Mine hardly get to go because it’s so miserable here that there’s no leaving them in the car for even a minute. Dan can’t leave me alone in the car when it’s hot, either My howling draws a crowd.
I love shopping at Sweet Trash whenever I can get down there( I’m the town crier in Hanover). Shayne Coffin is the name of the Elora’s town crier and newest member of the Ontario Guild of Town Criers. Maybe loving vintage clothes is a town crier thing?
Good guesses Ani.
That dog is a sales clerk at the store. No joke. She is a shop dog. I love shop dogs.
Great guesses Debbie! I think you know me too well : )
Jan that dog is a shop dog. She goes to work with the owner of the shop. Lots of our consignment/thrift shops around here have them and I just love them. They always add some personality and warmth to a space. I think every store should have some pets in it.
Thanks for popping by Jenn. I had no idea that town crier’s were so pervasive in Ontario. Obviously I need to get out more : )
LOL you chose well Kristian : )
Sometimes I curse my brilliant vintage finding skills. I know my husband does.
I will get you a price. I have a feeling it was $95 but there was a sale on too. Will get back to you on that.
Suzanne, my favorite is in navy plaid with yellow accents. Very chic!!!
http://www.impromp-two.blogspot.com
Got the price on that yellow skirt for you… it is $95 and she can mail it to you if you are interested. : ) Waist is 27″
Vintage and you get along pretty good together- there are soooo many dresses you look good in, it’s hard to have anything specific to say- only wear more vintage!