Blast Off

Tomorrow night "The Astronaut Wives Club" premiers on ABC. Based on the novel of the same name by Lily Koppel, the series centers on the wives of the "celebrity" astronauts of the 1960s. It remains to be seen whether the period series will rise to the level of "Mad Men", but certainly it will fill the void left for those of us who love a show with lots of vintage clothing! Dorothea's supplied some pieces to the wardrober, but we'll have to wait to see what makes it past editing!

Meanwhile, I've curated a few items on the site based on this ARTICLE about the different styles the wives wear. Anxious to watch the show and see all the clothing!! ASTRONAUT WIVES CLUB COLLECTION at Dorothea's Closet Vintage

Au Revoir Madame

French designer Madame Carven has passed away at age 105. Born Carmen de Tomasso, she orginally opened her design house with the petite woman (like herself, standing at only 5'1") in mind. The name "Carven" was a combination of her own first name and the last name of the aunt that inspired her love of couture, Josy Boyriven. In the years following WWII she dressed such French luminaries as Edith Piaf and Leslie Caron. Her talent combined with her knack for marketing led to contracts designing uniforms for over 20 different airlines as well as Paris's female traffic wardens. Her elaborate designs for bustier bodices also led to her patent for the push-up bra! A brilliant talent, her gowns are breathtaking works of art.

Spring 1951, this detail is incredible.

That's a Bra

I love to keep up with what TOM & LORENZO of Project Rungay have to say about modern fashion. They're witty, charming, catty and most of the time right. I also see things I don't get to see with my head buried in vintage fashion all day every day!

For instance, this. Dolce and Gabbanna Spring 2015.

That's a bra. And a crinoline. The hair, cute...love the lace socks with strappy shoe. But that is a bra and a crinnie. So today's get-that-couture-look tip o' the day is to invest in a black vintage 1950s/60 longline bra and a full 1960s nylon crinoline. Bam. Under $150. You're welcome.

Some bras from DOROTHEA'S CLOSET VINTAGE to get you started!

Suit UP!

Every once in a while I find customers in my local boutique have NO idea that the woman's suit exists. They pick up the jacket and are aghast to find it has a matching skirt! Unfortunately, I think the suit in modern times has become equated with mediocre business women. And maybe some modern styles are mediocre. But the vintage suit is far from that!

A well styled vintage suit is every bit as fabulous as a vintage dress. Great textiles and colors available, cuts for all shapes...the boxy Jackie Kennedy jacket, the nipped waist of the classic Lilli Ann. Gorgeous trims from fur to lace to unique buttons. Instant class. And if the matching set isn't the right look for you, consider the jacket and skirt as separates! A great pencil skirt will go with nearly anything, modern or vintage...it's simply a must-have for a basic in a vintage wardrobe! The jacket can be dressed up over a cocktail dress with a statement necklace or brooch, or dressed down over a v-neck tee and denim. The possibilities are endless!

So next time you run across a vintage jacket you love with a matching skirt you don't think you want, don't sell it short as a fun piece to build new outfits around. Some examples from Dorothea's...

Happy 8th Birthday To Dorothea's!

Dorothea's Closet Vintage boutique in Des Moines, Iowa turned 8 years old this week! Some photos from opening day....

And today! More photos on our FACEBOOK PAGE.....