BEYOND THE SALON: REAL DEAL VINTAGE

Want a real vintage look you’re not finding in the salons? White not quite your thing?  Maybe you just want to go Art Deco or sport a to-the-floor suit you can’t get going the traditional route?  You may need to go beyond the the salon to find what you want.  Where to start?  

VINTAGE CLOTHING STORES AND SITES

Most Vintage clothing stores stock actual gowns from by-gone eras as well as ‘retro-inspired’ selections that are brand new. The bride in love with a particular era of clothing usually checks vintage clothing stores first. Not all brides opt for an actual gown that survived her favorite era though. Some choose a newer style reflecting the period instead. Why? Because that authentic 1925 chemise may be so delicate, without proper restoration it could literally fall apart. Think of gowns belonging to the ages like you would certain antiques: some so precious to be considered museum quality. Depending on restoration, the rule of thumb is, the older the gown the less they should be worn. If you are set on wearing that 1910 dress find a specialist in restoration who can advise. Also know your1910 dress can be an expensive but wise investment. For instance, if you invest in an original 50s-60s style, you’ll pay a lot less than the 1880s-1913 originals that, if intact, could be the equivalent to some down payments on a house.

The dresses shown here come from Divine Elegance, a savvy vintage retailer in the San Francisco Bay Area (and on Etsy).  The  blue ball gown a la 1950s was authentic vintage and sold to a bride in Paris.  The gold and white dresses are also true vintage gems--a great option for any bride who wants to explore the beyond the salon concept . . . .

Photos:. . . . . Bryan John Hendon