Chantilly Lace

Chantilly Lace - The Dressed Aesthetic

It’s no secret that I have a weak spot for border prints…but a vintage border print masquerading as eyelet lace? That is definitely something I can get behind. I love the concept of art imitating life imitating art, and this might be one of the most beautiful pieces of vintage art imitating floral printed lace that I ever did see…

I tend to operate under “vintage rules”, which is that I will do minor tailoring or serious repair if it means saving a dress from the trash heap, but I try to preserve the integrity of a vintage garment wherever possible. I also “try” to leave well enough alone when a dress won’t fit – as if she is not meant to be (and let’s face it, my sewing pile is threatening to topple and suffocate me one day as it is).

One look at this dress, unfortunately, and all bets were off. When I first spied her, this beautiful dress was several inches too big in the waist and bust for me. Generally, I leave those dresses alone, as I know how hard it is to find vintage garments in wearable curvy sizes. As well intentioned as I am, however, I admittedly threw The Rules to the wind and scooped her up in glee, cackling maniacally the whole time (I KNOW. Don’t hate me. Wouldn’t you make her fit at all costs? Look at that print). A quick flick on my Bernina for a simple tuck at the side seams, and this beauty was ready to dance…

Chantilly Lace - The Dressed Aesthetic

Chantilly Lace - The Dressed Aesthetic
Outfit styled using Dressed for iPhone

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When I’m styling a dramatic print, I usually try to scale back the drama of the shoes. Since this dress was all about breaking the rules, I figured the only way to go was in the complete opposite direction. Which generally means glitter. I got these wedges for an absolute steal about a month ago and they offset the fuchsia roses so perfectly, I knew they were a rebellious match made in heaven.

I love when the perfect look comes together, just in time to greet the weekend. We’ve had a visitor in the lab all week and I’ve been busily soaking up a few new techniques. Learning nerdy science in the most perfect, vintage border print dress? Yeah, it may be weird, but add a martini, a sewing machine, and my darling husband, and that sums up what I picture the great vintage shop in the sky to be like…

Speaking of (my version of) heaven, a quick reminder – if you haven’t entered my amazing Etsy Giveaway, today is the last day! You could win $100AUD Etsy gift card to spend in the Etsy shop of your choice. The giveaway ends tomorrow at midnight, and the winner will be announced next week. See details on how to enter here.

Happy Friday all! Now, where’s that martini…?

 

 

xoxo

Outfit Details:
Dress: HepCat Vintage UK (similar modern or vintage herehere & here)
Necklace: Vintage, from Legendary Beast (similar here & here)
Belt: Nishe, from another dress (similar)
Handbag: Vintage (similar here & here)
Shoes: Betsey Johnson

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The Dressed Aesthetic

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