24 September 2009 – Paying Dress-Up, originally uploaded by academichic.Sources:
- Dress and Bolero – from my grandmother’s closet
- Shoes – my often remixed Report wedges
Endnotes:
Some of my favorite activities at my grandparents’ house include looking at old photographs and raiding their closets for abandoned treasures and vintage finds. The former we spent hours doing the other day, while the latter resulted in this fabulous find I’m wearing here. This was my grandmother’s one formal dress, which she wore to several weddings and special occasions starting in the late 1970s. It’s a handmade fuschia gown that she had custom made to fit her along with this matching purple and black bolero. Small rhinestones adorn both the dress and the bolero’s clasp, giving it an extra touch of festivity (Unfortunately, I don’t have a scanner at my disposal, so I can’t share the photos of my grandmother in this dress. You’ll just have to take my word for it that she looked stunning).
I have always thought this dress beautiful in pictures, but this was the first time I tried it on. My grandmother, now 82, could not have been more thrilled to see me take interest in it and most graciously offered it to me to keep. While I may not have any occasion for it anytime soon, I am touched to own it and have certain visions for this dress in the future. Meanwhile, I am in love with this unique bolero and would like to incorporate it into my wardrobe sooner. I would wear it for an elegant evening out to a concert or to the opera – I’m just not sure how to wear it.
What would you do to make this 30 year old bolero contemporary for a night out? How would you style it so that it looks sophisticated and stylish rather than costumey? Please advise! Thank you! S.
Hello S, I’ve been reading the blog for a little while now and really enjoying how you and your friends dress each day. I’m also enjoying your posts from Romania – I’m living in Budapest right now, not too far away! I also lived in Germany for 10 years (in the 80s/90s) so it will be interesting to read about your year in Munich. I lived in Kassel for my year abroad as a student then later in the Black Forest. Hope your grandparents continue to do well, enjoy the rest of your trip with your mum.
It’s lovely! I’m so glad you and your grandmother were able to share such a lovely moment regarding the outfit.
I’m no style expert. At all. But here’s my first idea for restyling the bolero: Black dress pants (maybe a slim cut or bootleg?) with a black top that has a sheen to it. Simple.
And then black or dark purple stilettos. Maybe?
Stunning outfit! I think the bolero would look lovely over a little black dress, or over a pair of jeans and a black turtle-neck with black stilettos.
Enjoy your time with your grandparents!
P.S.: Great blog!
Take care, Mojca.
Beautiful dress.
How wonderful to inherit this heirloom! The dress might not get much use, but that bolero sure will. You could even throw it on with skinnies and boots, over a fitted black turtleneck sweater.
LBD – strapless, straight, to the knee no frills with the bolero and some black heels (I don’t even think I would go matchy with purple…) with a rhinestone cuff or other bracelet to pick up on the rhinestone detail, and you’re letting the bolero speak for itself with a silhouetted dress as the backdrop. Sleek, sexy and sophisticated, not costumey at all! That’s how I would wear it!
wow, great ideas so far! Thank you! It seems like black is definitely the way to go, and I’m also liking the skinnies and boots idea!
Thank you, all! S.
I think I’d get more wear out of it if it were less of a cape (in the pictures it looks like it doesn’t have sleeves). I’d alter it to have sleeves and be more of a true jacket- but I totally understand if you’d rather leave it as is.
Black skinnies-boots-turtleneck… spot on.
Amethyst cuff, earrings? Maybe amethyst knee socks peeking over the boots?? Stunning :)
Great clothes! I agree with the other suggestions on here of pairing the cape with a black turtleneck and skinny pants, with a few little purple accents. Or a white top and black skinnies. Or shades of grey. But I would definitely wear it with slim pants.
Awesome bolero!
And I agree with the readers that suggested black. That can make it stand out without making it seem to costumey
What a lovely moment to have with your grandmother, and a treasure to keep. I am impressed that she had the dress made 30 years ago! Because, the little I can see peaking out, looks like something you might find in stores now! I agree with earlier comments that the jacket would look best with basic black. And the dress would be fantastic for maybe a wedding or other formal event. I would love to see what they look like seperatly. Enjoy your trip!
Ha, everyone had the same ideas as me! LBD, jeans/black pants and a black turtleneck! It’s so stunning you don’t want anything to take away from it.
I think the bolero could really pop with accessories in another color, like yellow shoes.
I love clothes with a history!!! Well, they all have history but this one is special. I think you should wear the bolero with some skinny dark denim and high boots or if you want to contrast it, wear slightly distressed denim with heels. I personally like the wow factor of evening and day wear unexpectedly mixed together.
Please don’t ask me why, but I can’t seem to shake the idea of inky-black gauchos. GAUCHOS! And a striking black boot of complimenting length. But the top should be simple, understated. Perhaps finish with a jaunty black cap to top it all off?
Ooh, forgot to suggest black gloves! Let there be no visible wrist/arm skin, only the skimming of the fabulous capelet on a seamless backdrop.
This is a gorgeous bolero!
You can share your grandma’s pic by taking a picture of it :)