It is probably a good thing this vintage clothing store is in my old home town, and not where I live now.  If it were closer to me, I’d have to build on a room addition just to hold my vintage purchases.  I was there earlier this month, and came home with four awesome dresses.  Here they are, starting with my fave, which I’ll wear as soon as the hottest part of summer is over:

Dress #1 is a  vintage 100% cotton calico print elbow-length sleeve shirt dress will be worn as-is, with a lightweight cardigan in chillier air.  The center front button placket stops at the waist, eliminating the need to fuss with buttons down the front of the skirt.  I’m not sure where it has been hiding these past decades, but it has never been worn or laundered.

Dress #2 still had the store tags on it, so it too has never been laundered or worn.  It’s the one I’m less sure about than the others.  I think it is lovely, but I’m not sure about the style on me; not sure it is ‘my’ style.

On me, I like its appearance better with the long ties tossed back over the shoulder (see below).  That modification would be a shame though, because it’s main feature is the long ties down the front, and I love that feature.  Maybe it is the pleated skirt that isn’t right.  I could easily remove the pleated panel and replace it with a different fabric, or leave it off and make it a tunic instead of a dress.  As a tunic, I think the long ties down the front would be okay.  Bottom line, this one is going to be a puzzle.

Dress #3 is handmade of lightweight wool or wool blend, unlined.  It’s nicely sewn, and the fit is perfect.  It doesn’t look boxy like a suit jacket; it fits like a dress.  I’ll wear it this Autumn with a thin turtleneck or blouse underneath.

Dress #4!  Burberry plaid has been on my wish list for a long while now, so this lined rayon-cotton (I think) jumper that was on the half-price rack, was a no-brainer.  It too is handmade.  I hope to wear it to the office this Autumn with a white blouse underneath.  Because of the roomy pleated skirt, it should be great for the bicycle commute.

I am making one modification to this dress, and that is to turn half of the pleats the other direction.  The way they are now — pleats all turned one way, is interesting, but looks awkward on me.

More coolness from Burberry.  They have dynamite live music for their runway shows……