I'm an addict

Hi my name is Raven, And I'm addicted to vintage clothes. 


Yesterday I mentioned that I'm a cheap bitch when it comes to buying clothes. I should clarify this statement, or put a foot note on it. "I am a cheap bitch when it comes to clothes; accept when it's vintage clothes".  I have a very large weak spot when it come to all things vintage. be it house wears, accessories,  my glasses frames, shoes, cars, music... but especially... dresses. *swoons*


There is just something about the vintage shape of clothing, it really does flatter the form of the curvy. And do you know why? I mentioned it in my fatshion rant; Structure! The way the clothes were cut, and then fit to a body were built in such a way that it accentuated that good parts, and ignores the parts you'd rather ignore. 


SO this being what every fat chick likes but can't find in todays clothing hell, I tend to shop.. and spend waaay to much money on vintage dresses. And really buying vintage stuff in the bigger sizes.. isn't cheap. worth it... but expensive as far as addictions go.


I have a small but amazing collection of dresses I adore! but I also go the extra mile and snap up vintage patterns to sew my own clothing. I'm lucky that my grandmother taught me to sew, and read patterns. she was an amazing seamstress. The woman looked like Sophia Loren back in the day. she was one hot bitch! (i'm willing to overlook her being the poster child for eating disorders, before such things even had a name... but I digress). My Gram knew how to rock a hand made dress and she lovingly helped fat little Raven over the years with making many a costume, and dress.





I have also learned a few tricks for the vintage look on a dime. Easy fix for something shapeless and down right ugly.. like this awful yellow house coat/dress/possible tent I own.. the thing is super shapeless but vintage,  has a metal zipper, has cute pockets! and I payed maybe $10 for it. I can see there is potential, just need to figure out what it needs, other than a to be burned for being so fugly. 


*Side note* The best look on a curvy frame unless you looked like Marilyn was, for late 40's through the early 60's was the shirt waist dress. simple classic clean look. structured top, and a nice full bottom. in a bevy of colors, patterns, sleeve styles, and embellishments. good for work and play!


Now how do I transform said sack of yellow tent into something that shows my curves like the dress mentioned above? And without getting out my sewing machine; since I want to be out the door in 5 minutes? Simple and easy, with every girls favorite accessory! A simple stretchy belt worn on the high waist almost at the under bust. < This simple fix for something that fits too big and has no shape will then create a shape by hugging the body at what should be its smallest point, drawing attention to the bust area then flowing out to the full bell of the dresses skirt. I call it the instant hourglass effect. 


For a more permeant fix I can simply dart the dress in a few key locations to give it the same structure and effect. The stretchy belt is a damn good fix all on its own. Especially for those of you who don't sew (like my sister, who wouldn't know how to turn the damn machine on to save her life).


So my addiction to vintage, is also a lesson on what fits your body. Even the illusion of structure in clothing makes frumpy look fantastic. I highly suggest everyone own at least one belt that can be used for such emergency measures. I also suggest that every curvy girl learn what flatters her body. find one really nice vintage thing, give it a loving home and let the structure in that stuff speak for its self. what you pay for a fantastic vintage piece of clothing will be worth every penny.


Alternatively you can lean to sew! Even make nice with other chicks who are crafty bitches. Heck you can even find people on etsy willing to sew you something that will fit your body.


Don't be afraid to get something ugly on the cheap either! If it fits and you like something about it; alter it and accessorize till you like what you see.


Kisses!
Raven