Diane von Furstenberg, Barbie and Me

Dress is vintage Diane von Furstenberg bought on Ebay, shoes from Aldo

I’m not a big seventies girl. I dig the free love and the big hair but most of its boho styles make me look more like a hippo than a hippy. One exception to this sweeping dismissal of an entire decade is the wraparound dress.

The style was popularised by Diane von Furstenberg – glamazon, business woman and sex kitten extraordinaire. In the 1970s, she sold over 5 million wrap dresses, was a regular at Studio 54 and looked utterly fabulous.

DVF said, “I design for the woman who loves being a woman.” Her dresses are cut to flatter the female form and her wraparounds are the perfect choice for curvy girls. They nip you in at the waist, separate and lift your bust and even have a built-in adjustable belt to cater for ladies who don’t fit neatly into high street sizes or have just eaten a massive lunch. They are also designed to be easy to remove in a moment of passion. No zips, buttons or awkward fumbling required.

I found my very own vintage DVF wrap dress while cruising Ebay. When I won it for a bargain price it was one of my giddiest shopping highs ever. I’m pretty sure I squealed. I am in love with the brightness of the pink, the boldness of the print and the timelessness of the design.

I was even more excited when I discovered they had made me and my dress into a Barbie doll. Now if only I could get my hair that big in real life.

Casual Vintage? Dita Has The Answers

Dressing down can be a challenge when the hallmarks of your look are glamour and va-va-voom. It inspires me to see how DVT (Dita von Teese, not Deep Vein Thrombosis) makes her vintage style work in everyday life. No heels, no spotlights, but always with her signature red lipstick.

What to wear to…

The Supermarket

I have this Wheels & Dollbaby cardigan in three colours. They called it the Dita but that was obviously a mistake.

I can vouch for its versatility as I too have pulled mine on to pop to the shop. I have also teamed it with a pencil skirt and heels for a dinner date or an extra fancy trip to Tesco. If you’ve not heard of this Australian brand, go forth and drool. When I lived in Sydney I worked two minutes from their flagship boutique. Payday lunchtimes were at once exhilarating and dangerous. Dita’s paired her cardi with black pedal pushers and a high ponytail to make her look like a 1950s bad girl.

The Gym

Sorry the pictures aren’t clearer – Dita’s obviously feeling shy in her workout wear. That’s probably why she’s hiding behind her leg. Now for the analysis. OK so it’s just a black T-shirt and leggings, but the fitted retro shapes make it special. The sweetheart neckline and capri-length trousers ensure Dita’s silhouette stays sculpted. As does the Pilates class. I bet she’s strategically chosen Pilates because it’s comparatively unsweaty, meaning her full face of make-up doesn’t end up all over her lovely top. She’s probably opted for all black to hide any unglamorous patches of perspiration that do emerge. I’m planning to follow all these tips when I go to the gym next year.

She throws on a trench coat, ballet flats and a roomy, leopard-print bag to cover up en route. These are all excellent vintage basics you’ll wear the bejaysus out of. I love her Lulu Guinness keyring in the shape of a lipstick – if you do too you can buy it here.

A Festival

Dita’s festival-wear is less structured than her usual get-up. But her impeccable grooming and attention to detail means she manages to make wearing trainers, while standing in a field, look chic. Von Teese keeps it playful in an anchor-print tea dress by D&G. The classic navy pumps fit her retro aesthetic without compromising her ability to walk on the grass.  Sunglasses are essential to disguise hungover eyes. And she’s picked a bag with a shoulder strap to leave her perfectly manicured hands free for important festival activities like holding drinks and waving about in the air.

The Airport

Dita’s wearing a dress with a circle skirt for maximum comfort and a fitted bodice to keep it ladylike. Criss-cross straps on her flats add flair and stop her shoes flying off when she’s dashing to duty free to bulk buy sunblock (vital for preserving that porcelain complexion). Movie star sunglasses conceal any post-flight puffiness and a watch ensures she doesn’t miss boarding time. She’s finished off the outfit with a must-have travel accessory – someone else who is willing to push the trolley.

Running Errands

This is my favourite of Dita’s casual looks. I love how the birdcage appliqué on the 1950s circle skirt brightens up this black ensemble. If you’re a skilled seamstress you can buy the pattern here.

When asked about her dressed-down look, Dita had this to say:

“On a normal day, I usually wear ballet flats paired with fit-and-flare 50s style dresses, or I pair a sweater or blouse with a slim skirt or capri pants. I also have lots of slim cardigan sweaters in neutral shades. Think Audrey Hepburn — you can’t go wrong with using her casual style as a model for being elegant!”

To read more fashion advice from the horse’s pout, check out DVT’s column on www.xojane.com.

A Very Pretty Dress

Dress from The Pretty Dress Company, shoes from New Look via Ebay, handbag from a vintage shop in Sydney

 

This is what I wore at the weekend. It’s my new dress from one of my favourite UK webshops, The Pretty Dress Company (also known as So Couture if you’re bargain-hunting on Ebay or scouring online sales).

I have lots of their dresses. I’m a sucker for the fitted 1950s shapes they specialise in. This dress is so well structured and the waist is so perfectly positioned that I get an hourglass silhouette without any shapewear. In fact, the dress is so supportive I don’t even need to wear a bra, which is pretty impressive considering my boobs are bigger than my head and twice as heavy.

Another thing I love about this dress is that it’s not as low-cut as their equally gorgeous but more revealing Bombshell dresses. This is great news. It can really undermine any illusion of glamour when people catch you stuffing your breasts back into your frock.

I always feel good wearing florals on a black background. The black has a reassuringly slimming effect while the colours illuminate your complexion. I chose the beaded vintage evening bag because it makes me happy, as do the hot pink satin heels. And I love the contrast of a brightly coloured shoe popping against a black dress.

One last tip – it probably depends on your body shape but when I’m buying from this site I always get a size smaller than normal for a super tailored look. In no other reality am I a UK size 10. But that’s the thing about the Pretty Dress Company – they’re just So Damn Flattering.

The Vintage Style Swimsuit Special

When I lived in Sydney I built up quite the collection of vintage style swimwear.

A 1950s bathing suit is the beach equivalent of a wiggle dress. An outfit in itself, it’s flattering and feminine, especially on women with curves. I love ones with halter necklines for complete cleavage control – it’s hard to pull off seaside chic when one boob is making a break for freedom.

For the journey to my sunbaking spot I just pull on a pair of Tara Starlet high-waisted shorts, a floral headscarf and some giant sunglasses to complete the fifties vibe.

I do own a couple of bikinis bought in moments of extreme optimism, but I always go back to my one-pieces. Who wants to be suffering midriff-related anxiety when they’re trying to relax on holiday?

If you’re looking for the genuine article I recommend Glamour Surf or Etsy. Most of the vintage originals are expensive but they are so gorgeous they could be straight out of a Hollywood costume vault. I’m currently lusting after these beauties in dark pink, lilac and turquoise.If the thought of wearing someone else’s delicates makes you want to take a shower, go for a reproduction swimsuit instead. I love the Esther Williams brand, named after the glamorously splashy 1950s movie star swimmer. Here she is doing her leg exercises.My cherry-print halter in the first picture is from their range. They also do florals, gingham and block colours in regular and plus sizes. You can browse their collection here.

Another tried, tested and adored range is Seafolly. My black polka dot and pink floral numbers are by this Aussie brand and I’m always impressed and relieved by their fit and support, as well as their beautiful retro designs. This season I’ve got my goggles on their red halter (called The Harlow) and navy floral costumes. Others making my wish list are these two in cream with black trim and green floral print (The Monroe), both from the charming UK webshop, Samantha Sage.Now if only I can stop spending all my money on aspirational swimwear, I might be able to afford a holiday to wear it on.

Happy sun-posing!

Shapewear – The Vintage Girl’s Secret Weapon

Using uncomfortably tight underwear to redistribute your body fat is a classic fashion technique favoured by everyone from corseted Elizabethan ladies to Bridget Jones in her very large pants. I don’t always use it as I’m pretty sure that can cause internal bleeding. But for some dresses I know I’ll feel more confident, although less able to breathe, if I call in reinforcements. Here is the lowdown on two of my favourite shapewear products.

 

Flexees by Maidenform Control Singlet available from Simply Be

Look how sexy she feels in hers.

 

PROS

* Streamlines and smooths out your silhouette beautifully.

* Irons out your back and eliminates bra bulge.

* No VPL issues as these panties stop mid-thigh.

* Stays in place.

* The most comfortable shapewear I’ve tried.

* Doubles as a wrestling outfit.

CONS

* Can kill a moment of passion. “Sorry to interrupt this lovely kiss, I just need ten minutes to wiggle out of my unitard.” This is not sexy talk.

* Doesn’t fit under dresses with a low back. While a brightly coloured bra strap peeking out under your top may look cute, a shiny panel of body-sucking spandex will not.

* You have to take your top off every time you go to the loo.

 

Rago 6201 Firm High Waist Leg Shaper available from The Lingerie Box

I’m pretty sure this model doesn’t need to wear this.

 

PROS

* Looks authentically vintage with its lace details.

* Comes with suspenders you can attach to your stockings.

* Very strong panelling for flattening your stomach and sculpting your waist.

CONS

* Makes my thighs feel like they are being strangled. Admittedly my thighs are pretty hefty, so if yours are more slender you may not have this issue.

* Stops below the bra so does nothing to smooth out back bulges.

* The zip on one side can make your silhouette slightly asymmetrical in a super-fitted dress.

* Would not be practical wrestling attire.

My Love Affair With The Little Red Dress

From left to right, 1. Miss Candyfloss 2. ModCloth 3. Ebay 4. The Pretty Dress Company

Why I’d choose a red number over an LBD (nearly) every time.

Perhaps it’s because I listened to too much Chris de Burgh in my formative years. Or maybe I’m just an attention-seeker. Whatever the reason, the little red dress is my fashion failsafe. I have one or two. Or six or seven. And they all make me feel great – strong, sexy and a little bit Spanish. What’s not to love? Wear one well and you can take on the world. My collection of red dresses is as essential to the smooth running of my wardrobe as my drawer of giant knickers.

Tips so you can make Chris de Burgh proud

1. When choosing a red dress you have to find the right shade for your colouring or you’ll risk looking more jaundiced than jaw-dropping. Bright red contrasts beautifully against very fair or very dark skin. Try more muted shades with a tan. And it’s best avoided altogether if you’re sunburned, unless you dig that lobster look.

2. A red dress is a bold enough statement not to need a whole lot of accessories. I normally keep it simple with neutral shoes and handbags – yes, leopard is a neutral. I add an extra bit of vintage sparkliness to up the glamour wattage for a night out. If you want to be a bit more daring, red can look terrific accented with hot pink. I try to avoid wearing black with red though, except when it’s incorporated in the dress design already.

3. Wearing a red dress encourages people to serenade you. I wore my red 1940s style pencil dress recently and three separate groups of people sang ‘The Lady In Red’ to me. I’m not boasting and this isn’t technically a tip. I’m just offering you the scientific proof that wearing a red dress makes your life more like a movie, one with your own personal soundtrack.

Five Of The Best Mad Men Fashion Moments

The scenes where costume and plot collaborate to devastating effect.

Spoiler alert – if you haven’t watched up to the end of Season 5, for goodness sake, stop reading this and go and catch up before Season 6 starts!

 

1.

Is that a pretzel on your head or are you just that fabulous? Totally sixties and totally sexy. Betty and Don are getting a little holiday role-play action and pretending they don’t know each other. This certainly isn’t the Betty we know. We’re used to seeing her as the immaculately put-together housewife, a suburban Grace Kelly. Betty never wears black, she’s all about icy pastels. But here, sipping a cocktail in a piazza in Rome, she is a high fashion sex kitten. Miaow.

 

2.

Oh Joanie. Scared she’s going to lose her job at SCDP after having Roger’s lovechild, she pays a visit to the office. To make sure they don’t forget about her she wears a party dress in printed silk and a shade of pink so shocking it’s almost garish. You can see a bit of her cleavage, which never happens at work. Add the baby in the giant pram and you can’t miss her. The effect is a little desperate but she still looks sassy and she still totally rules that office.

 

3.

Peggy’s on parade! No tartan? No mustard? No high-neck blouses and lipstick on her teeth? Following Joan’s advice, “If you want to be taken seriously, stop dressing like a little girl,” Peggy gets sexy. This dress is nothing like anything we’ve ever seen her in. Low-cut, sleeveless and bejeweled, she fits right in at the swanky gentleman’s club.

 

4.

I just love this. I laughed out loud the first time I saw Trudy in her maternity sleepwear. She looks perfect. So pink, so frothy, such a nesting homemaker. She’s finally getting the baby she’s wanted since the first season and to celebrate she’s put on a christening gown.

 

5.

    When Megan performs French pop song, ‘Zou Bisou Bisou’, at Don’s surprise party, she is the epitome of a 1960s sex symbol. Her dress, a restored vintage original, has the shortest skirt we’ve seen on the show, especially when she lifts it to reveal more fishnetted thigh. This costume shows that she’s more daring and fashion forward than the other characters. She is not just going to do as Don says. She has a mind of her own and is full of youthful energy and sex appeal.

 

And here’s a little Mad Men snack to keep you going till Season 6.

Confessions Of A Lax Glamourpuss

I may dress like a lady but I have the spatial awareness of a dopey toddler. I’m also forgetful and easily distracted. I have been known to realise halfway through the day that I’ve only coloured in one of my eyebrows.

What was I on about? Oh yeah.

I paint my nails. I just somehow manage to paint a large portion of the skin surrounding them as well. And they’re forever chipping. I try and do a quick cover-up job, which  results in a rather bumpy, three-dimensional effect.

I guess I’m just naturally slapdash. As a child every time I went to my friend’s house for a sleepover I carefully placed my overnight bag on the floor. Instantly their mother appeared to tell them off for their room being a tip. “What will Roxy think?” they demanded. All too often I found myself in the social minefield of trying not to betray my friend while trying not to get banned from ever coming to their house again.

But my tendency to slip, trip and get mud on my face does not stop my pursuit of glamour. It just gets in the way a bit. I’ll never be Grace Kelly but I can aim for Betty Boop.

Tips If You Want To Look Glamorous But Keep Falling Over:

1. Adjust your heel height. I wear heels every day. Without them my legs become hooves and my vintage look is more grandma than glamour. But I rarely wear heels higher than 2 or 3 inches. That way I still get the leg lengthening benefits without quite as much ankle spraining and early onset arthritis.

2. Cheat. Yes, stockings and suspenders are the authentic look. But no-one will know if you’ve got seamed tights on instead. I buy mine in bulk from http://www.asos.com. Back in the Blitz, ladies used to paint their legs with gravy to achieve the illusion of glamour.They must have been gutted when they realised that they smelled like Bisto.

3. Carry a fashion first aid kit. Mine includes emergency hosiery, mini make-up and safety pins for those ‘I laughed so hard my top burst’ moments. Of course, as a lax glamourpuss I often forget and leave this at home.