A vintage suit

Ah, another chapter approaches. I was feeling blue these past couple of weeks, but to shake myself out of my gloom I have to remind myself that to get somewhere I have to do something about it. So, while not-blogging I was kept myself occupied reading new blogs. I found myself increasingly reading blogs with a definite vintage theme, and it occured to me, that while I make no claims to be a fashion blogger, I am passionate about vintage fashion (while acknowledging fashion history). This is not reflected in my day-to-day uniform of jeans and high tops. So when I dress up why not share it!

It got me wondering, what of the vintage scene in Ireland? It's far more fluid and apparent in our nearest neighbours, the UK. There has been an increase in vintage fairs and stores here in the Republic in the past few years. Events like Film Fatale have done much to bring some vintage glamour back to Dublin, once a month. However, where are the vintage bloggers? I only know of Little Ruby Robin, Vintage Irene and Enchanted Vintage Ireland (whose base is here in County Sligo). If anyone can make me some recommendations, please comment, because I'm not sure where to look.

I am the proud owner of some lovely vintage and retro garments in my wardrobe (bought at what my purse could stretch to at the time). I do pull them out and shake some life into them should an occasion call for it. (The definition of 'vintage' is something I'd like to touch upon at a later stage, a lot of stores are getting it wrong). So, while I do not possess a DSLR (a battered 2009 Canon Ixus for me), an SO with photo skills to snap and touch up for me, I won't left that deter me, so I'm going to go ahead and make some outfit posts, because I can. It's empowering in a way to have a platform to share these on, even if only for my blogger friends, because we have a mutual interest, that we discuss and indulge in across continents. My vintage 'scene' is primarily online, and with that in mind, I'm going to start sharing more, put more effort into it, instead of cooing over my friends vintage finds. So it begins.

1960s silk dress & jacket (label Wanda Zaklika, London), tights; uniqlo, shoes; melissa, bag; accessorize (circa 2007)

I loved being ridiculously matchy matchy with this one, turquoise and purple feature heavily in my wardrobe and fashion is about having fun, so I threw in this pink floral bag to clash with the whole outfit in acknowledgment of my OTT-ness (I hope you appreciate my posing). It was a wonderful coincidence having all these separate pieces, that go together (or not) so perfectly. I love 1960s suits, so often when buying vintage the individual pieces have been broken up to be sold separately, so its a thrill to find a two-piece. Check out the artistic inclusion of industrial silver stove pipe in background. I love this dress, it doesn't fit perfectly, its quite loose on the hips and waist, so I wear it a lot. I'm having trouble washing it though, because a lot of the dye ran last time I hand washed it. There's a some cigarette burns on it too, but while it baffles my mum, I appreciate all these flaws as part of its character and reckon the lady who wore it in a past life had the craic* on the regular.
I like to think of this of 'junior librarian goes for cocktails with co-workers'. In fact I was going over to a get-together of co-workers on Friday for a ladies night. Gin and champagne were consumed (sensibly, obvs), and I made my chili chocolate truffles.

*Just to be clear, this is the type of craic I'm talking about.