When Retro Clothes Turn Into Clubwear

Most of the time, when people go to clubs, they want to get the latest clothes, straight off the rack from A|X, Urban Outfitters, or even Hot Topic. While these clothing options are often good ideas, going out to the clubs generally means that you want to make a great entrance. When you walk into a room wearing retro clothes, you never have to worry that someone else has your outfit. Your one of a kind fashion will turn heads, and also get plenty of compliments.

There are several different eras that are excellent places to begin your search for retro clubwear. The most obvious place to search for elegant, high fashion clubwear is through the 1960′s sections of your favorite retro stores. The 1960′s was an era that even modern fashion designers admire. It was the time when Mods were the kings and queens of fashion. Few times in fashion have such a huge following as the Mod Fashion Era. This movement in fashion was so avant garde that many mod clothes are still considered to be modern and fashionable. When you wear an outfit from this 1960′s fashion movement, expect people to compliment you all night long.

High fashion looks are excellent for an upscale lounge, but sometimes, you need a more rock n’ roll outfit for a laid back night out at a local punk rock bar. The days of the Cure, Led Zeppelin, and Def Leppard are excellent decades to search through for a hard rock look that people will love. Vintage leather jackets, vintage shirts, and denim jackets are all wonderful choices that were popular during the 1980′s and 1970′s. Moreover, the 1980′s are now the “in vogue” retro look that many fashionistas are trying to mimic. Invest in a couple of pieces for a super-trendy wardrobe.

If you are looking for a very old-school outfit that is sure to turn heads, search for an outfit with a 1950′s greaser touch. Men will love the super-rugged leather jackets, swing shirts, and lounge outfits. Women adore the way that 1950′s pinup clothing looks on their bodies. It’s easy to understand why women adore 50′s outfits. Few eras had fashion that offered such a feminine yet spicy touch to clothes. The allure of pinup clothing also comes into play by offering women the ability to flaunt their feminine curves without looking trashy. Rockabilly outfits are almost always 50′s-inspired, so why not go for the real thing and buy retro clothing when you’re out at a concert?

The best way to make an outfit that is completely your own is to mix and match different pieces from different decades. Why not try a 1950′s pinup dress with leather biker jacket? Men should try to add a mod tie to a modern outfit, or add acid wash jeans to their favorite button down shirt. A little bit of retro clothing mixed in with modern accessories generally makes an eye-catching outfit that will be the talk of the club. Whatever look you are after the world of retro clothing provides the answer.

All for the love of Vintage Fashion

From oldies to goodies, rock n roll to the legendary blues cruise, people still rave about music and anything else from the past. It’s not surprising that up until now vintage fashion is still on vogue and greatly influences even the modern designs of clothing. Whether the grandeur of the past is so encompassing that people wants to relive its glory, or just simply because vintage fashion has a magnetic appeal that is timeless and classic, people everywhere in the world couldn’t just get enough of the exciting era of the decades past.

Celebrities and high-profile people would be often seen parading in their vintage ensemble, from clothes, bags, shoes to jewelries, the vintage craze is still making the hubbub in the fashion industry. Vintage is such an endangered commodity that everyone wants to get their hands on, whether for sentimental reasons, or for a unique and exquisite design to add to their collection, or as a representation of memorabilia from the past, people would search high and low for their share of vintage token. Going for vintage also means going green as recycling materials are eco-friendly. Whether you are sporting a vintage dress, shoes or handbag, you are also making a contribution to the global campaign for taking care of mother earth. So wearing anything vintage is not only about dressing to impress, but as well as contributing to the great cause.

Don’t think that you can only use vintage on themed parties or events. If you look around you, the retro fashion is still dominantly present in every day outfits. You can mix and match it with your modern-design clothing and you will get a revolutionary twist of a personalized fashion statement. Modern designers have always been inspired with vintage styles and designs that most of our modern clothing has a flare of vintage appeal. From the flapper styles of the 1920s, the Art Deco styles of the 30s, the colorful swing of the 40s, the hippie style of the 60s and so on and on to the New Look, rockabilly, space age and disco era, you have a plethora of vintage style to choose from and incorporate in your own fashion statement. Whatever look you want to project, there is always a vintage outfit that would cater to your needs. A combination of vintage and modern outfit will streamline your look and make it more appropriate to wear for various occasions.

Every year there is always a popular vintage trend for the season derived from whatever era of the past. It simply goes without saying that vintage fashion is here to stay – and it will always make its comeback every now and then, maybe for the season or for whatever reason, may it just be for people wanting to go back down to memory lane, or just to celebrate the glorious years of the past through themed parties and events. If you want to get your share of vintage, you will find a lot of niche vintage markets that will cater to whatever style you desire. You can also go online and find a myriad of vintage stores that are selling vintage items from clothes to different types of accessories for both male and female. It’s quite amazing how people are replicating and reliving the trends of the past with their looks – and all these for the love of vintage fashion!

The History of Vintage Fashion

Fashion is generally influenced by economic conditions or social changes. Europe, specifically Paris, was the center of fashion in the previous century. The whole world looks to the French for trends in clothing, hair, make-up and accessories. WWII changed all that. With Germany’s occupation of Paris, so many fashion houses closed. Without Paris to take the lead fashion designers in the United States had to take it upon themselves to dictate fashion for the Americans. As the war came into full swing rationing of everything was the decree. Even fashion came under government control. Even the yardage to be used for clothing was restricted.

The early 1940s style dresses was dictated by function and patriotism. Dark greens and khakis were the colors that dominated the fashion scene. Skirts were shortened and topped by short jackets. The long flowing gowns of the thirties were replaced by evening dresses. Women on the war workforce wore trousers. People took it upon themselves to spend as little as possible for clothing as a contribution to the wartime effort, and the idea of separates and coordinates came to be to make it appear that they have more clothing than there actually were.

After the war Paris took center stage again as the center of fashion. Haute couture was once again in vogue. In 1947 Christian Dior introduced the New Look. Gone were the shoulder pads and short skirts. Military themed outfits were history. Dior’s design was statement of femininity with full skirt, below mid calf length, rounded shoulders, small waist and pointed bust.

The tailored, feminine look was the style through out the postwar period. Vintage style dresses had fitted bodice, peter pan collars or low necklines, and full skirts. Pencil skirts were paired with tailored fitted jackets with peplums in different designs (butterfly, bustle). Bolero jackets were worn to match low cut dresses. Ruffles decorated skirt hems, waists and necklines. Blouses had puffy sleeves and bows.

The mid 1950′s ushered a whole new look with Balenciaga’s introduction of the sack dress. This was a dress cut straight and fairly tight from the armhole, like a sack without a waist. The woman created her own waist by wearing a belt. Designs for 1950s style dresses were swayed by the new kinds of fabric innovated by the fabric industry. Wash and wear fabrics were preferred paving for more casual day dresses. The 1950s also gave birth to new consumers – teenagers. Because teenagers had become non-conformist, no longer interested in wearing the style worn by their parents the teenagers had a whole new line designed for them. Almost every teen and college co-eds wore skirts and sweaters. In the United Kingdom the so called Teddy Boys and Teddy Girls wore clothes influenced by the Edwardian period. Drainpipe trousers and long, drape jackets for the boys and masculine suits, that include drape jackets, shirts with high collars and black velvet ties for the girls. Sometimes the girls will even wear jeans. Teddy girls will also get up in coolie hats, headscarves, espadrilles, plastic earrings and up dos. In the US teenage girls’ vintage style dresses are with short sleeves, buttons at the front, and empire cut waist.

Make a Grand Entrance with a Vintage Evening Gown

With Prom Season just getting into full swing now is the time to find that perfect prom dress. But before you head off to the high street and risk turning up in the same dress as some one else you should consider going vintage.

Many of the Prom dresses on the market are inspired by fashion from the 1940s & 1950s but are mass produced from inferior materials and usually come at a high price. It is always a surprise to us that more people have yet to discover the joy of buying the real vintage item.

But why buy vintage? Unlike the high street option when buying vintage you are investing in a real one-off so there is no risk of bumping into someone else wearing the same dress. Apart from this you are getting a dress that has been lovingly hand crafted from the finest fabrics and not machine made in a sweat shop in the Far East. Although you can achieve a vintage style by buying a modern Prom dress you cannot fake the authenticity and attention to detail that buying the real thing give you. The dress shown below was made in the 1940s by Tina Bolyn of New Bond Street. This would have been hugely expensive at the time but now it represents a fantastic investment at only £195.

1940s Tina Bolyn Evening Gown

And of course the price is a big factor. Why spend over £100 buying a mass produced Prom dress when you can buy an original 1940s couture piece for the same money. Consider your vintage piece as an investment, if you buy top quality vintage you investment will increase in value over the years. Take the dress below for instance. This original 1940s dress is hand constructed from taffeta and has a beautiful velvet leaf design to the skirt. It is in stunning condition and is available for only £175.

Vintage 1940s taffeta evening gown

So where should you start? Come and visit us at www.devoted2vintage.co.uk for a great selection of vintage evening gowns and if you need help or advice just give us a call and our expects are happy to help you find that perfect dress.

Get You Groove on with a 70′s shirt

The 1970′s left a lasting impression in the world of mens fashion, and for good reason. This was the period where men could really start to express their more flamboyant side with vivid prints and and classic skinny fitting tailoring. These looks were made popular by rock and movie stars of the era.

Vintage 1970s Chrome disco shirt

Vintage 1970s Chrome disco shirt

Many modern designers take a lot of inspiration from this period but for a truly authentic look you should consider buying the real deal. The 70′s continues to be one of the most popular themes for parties and stag nights because of the iconic status of this era in fashion. The fancy dress industry has grown to accomodate this demand, supplying cheap “70′s style” shirts and even wigs to re-create the look. However, a growing number of people are now discovering that you can achieve a totally authentic look by buying original “1970′s shirts“.

Vintage 1970s David Roberts disco shirt

Vintage 1970s David Roberts disco shirt

As well as the event market, fashionable individuals are also buying 70′s shirts to express their individuality. The bold prints and classic skinny fit cannot be re-created with modern mass produced shirts. And they represent fantastic value for money and even investment potential with iconic brands such as Nik-Nik, Chemise et Cie, Roland and Augie.

Vintage 1970s Cellini disco shirt

Vintage 1970s Cellini disco shirt

Devoted 2 Vintage offer the largest selection of original 1970s disco shirts in the UK. All the shirts are imported from California and are selected for their style and condition. The popularity of this range of disco shirts continues to grow as new customers discover them and existing customers keep coming back for more.

So next time you are in the market for a shirt why not go for something cool and unique – buy original 1970s shirts from Devoted 2 Vintage!

New Vintage Inspired Range

Devoted 2 Vintage are thrilled to launch their range of Vintage Inspired Dresses. Authenticity is very important so D2V have carefully selected items that are true to that period. This range of clothes have proved to be very popular with both regular customers as well as new ones. The range will continue to grow as new suppliers are selected.

Included in this range are some fabulous 1940′s inspired dresses as well as 1950′s inspired dresses and seperates. Each item is created from original vintage patterns to ensure the authenticity of that period look, which is so important to us and our customers.

What’s more they are manufactured in small quantities in the UK so not only are customers getting something a little special each item has a small carbon footprint.

Want to find out more? See our new Vintage Inspired Range now.

A Designer Sunglasses Range that Really Shine

Devoted 2 Vintage launch their new range of vintage designer sunglasses from the worlds most exclusive designer brands, including vintage Dior sunglasses & vintage Gucci sunglasses. Since the brands inception, the frames have been worn by celebrities including Nicole Richie, Cheryl Cole and Mischa Barton.

Selected for their unique, super-stylish designs all our vintage designer sunglasses are the original models from the late 1970’s and 1980’s. Having never been worn, all pieces are in pristine condition and come in their original soft cases, with full tags, serial numbers and cleaning cloths.

Irrespective of the age of the frame, each pair of sunglasses are fitted with optical quality class 1 lenses that offer total absorption of harmful UV rays and surpass present EEC optical requirements. We also offer to all our customers the option to have prescription lenses fitted into their frames. The materials and the manufacturing processes used in the frames exceed current day standards and their intricate detailing makes for an exquisite added touch.

The nature of vintage means that most of the Vintage sunglasses are one of a kind so if you see a style that you like you should make your mind up quickly before they are snapped up.

Vintage Denim Jackets –A Timeless Fashion Accessory for All Seasons

Vintage denim jackets look spectacular in all seasons and are a timeless fashion that is simple and comfortable for everyday casual wear. Denim jackets are an American classic and have been popular since the 1950’s. Remember the look of James Dean and the singer Sean Coombs? That’s the trademark of a ruggedly-handsome bad-boy mystique look behind a denim jacket. Whether you want to sport a getup of a western cowboy or cowgirl look, or exploring the flamboyant rocker charm, a denim jacket is all you need to make it happen. Alternatively, you can choose to wear a lightweight blazer denim jacket for a casual and contemporary appeal.

The ever popular Levi’s jeans have been the trademark of classic American jeans for about 130 years now. Levi Strauss & Co has created the first blue jeans in the year of 1873, unaware that it will soon become a heritage that will bring about a phenomenal breakthrough in the world of jeans for generations to come. From jeans, Levi’s also evolved and eventually produced denim jackets. If you are fond of vintage denim jackets, you will know that Levi’s older denim jackets usually have a Big E on the pocket tab. Big E Levi Jackets are now very sought after. Levi’s is also known for the quality and durability of their products. All the cotton materials that are used for the jeans are harvested by Levi’s and prepared with basic features without the use of too many chemicals. The washes that are used are also incredibly varied which makes Levi’s jeans and jackets adaptable to suit your different fashion requirements.

A jacket that has been around for over a century gives a familiar and yet versatile appeal as it can be adjusted to suit any size, shape or taste. Vintage denim jackets are attractive to men as it is an easy choice of clothing that will go with any types of wardrobes. It can be worn with most other clothes without clashing too much. It can be dressed down or up according to your taste and mood. From casual every day looks, to a trendier and exciting look, a denim jacket is flexible enough to adjust to your fashion statement. Whatever the season may be, a denim jacket is a handy addition to your wardrobe. In fact, most men and women have owned at least one denim jacket in their lifetime.

While denim jackets come in many different styles and colors, the blue waist length jacket remains the classic. It is the versatility of a denim jacket that made it very popular. For women, denim is more of a fashion accessory. While for most men, it is the ideal jacket for a quick fix to dressing down after a day in the office. Retro denim jackets are simply timeless and classic and will remain popular and trendy for all people, regardless of age and gender.

Vintage Clothing

Fabulous 1950′s evening dresses

The 1950′s kicked off the feeling of hope and euphoria following the conclusion of the war and the greeting of Dior’s New Look in 1947. After this utilitarian period women turned to more luxurious feminine dresses.

The 1950′s remains one of the most popular periods for collectors of vintage fashion and for very good reason. The dresses of this period flatter the body with lovely curves and luxurious, glamorous fabrics.

Devoted 2 Vintage have a range of stunning 1950′s dresses that are typical of this period. And you can be sure that investing in one of these dresses will ensure that you will stand our from the crowd.

Take the example below. This 1950′s cocktail dress creates a beautiful sillhouette with cinched waist and full skirt. It is decorated to the bodice with lovely beading.

Another example below is made from beautiful lace with intricate ribbon detail. The sleeves and neckline is in a chiffon fabric. It has a classic shape with cinched waist.

1950s evening dress

1950's evening dress

With valentines day nearly upon us we have the perfect dress. It is made from sumptuous red velvet with full circle skirt, cinched waist and lovely rose decoration to the strap.

Vintage 1950s evening dress

Vintage 1950s evening dress

If none of these fit the bill why not browse our web page for a large selection of 1950′s dresses. With more arriving all the time why not bookmark us and keep coming back, or better still sign up to our Newsletter and you will get 20% off of your first order and we will send you updates on new arrivals.

So what are you waiting for? Want to experience the glamour of a bygone era? Invest in an original 1950s cocktail dress.

Vintage Clothing

Own a Vintage Leather Jacket – a Slice of History

Vintage leather continues to grow in popularity. Unlike modern leather jackets they ooze unique style and character. These jackets create a style that simply can’t be faked. A popular choice for rock & movie stars adds a further boost to their popularity. In particular, iconic movies like Easy Rider made the biker jacket cool. Therefore, vintage leather jackets are an essential item for any vintage wearer.

These jackets add a unique twist to your wardrobe that will get you noticed. They can be worn all year round and will complement any outfit. The details are key, with great stitch detail, brass zippers and often classic wide 70’s collar. They give a classy as well as casual appearance according to the individual’s taste. They maintain popularity for over three decades and one piece of clothing that never goes out of fashion.

There is a diverse choice of styles, including the classic US G-1 flight jackets with faux fur collars, biker jackets, bomber jackets, 70’s safari jackets, and iconic 60’s hippy leather jackets by East West Musical Instruments. Whatever style you chose you are buying your very own piece of piece of history.

Whether you are looking for something warm for the winter or casual for the summer there is vintage leather jackets are the answer. They allow you dress comfortable but at the same classy. Compared with modern jackets they represent fantastic value for money, often available at a fraction of the cost. These jackets represent unique style and value for money.

The durability of leather ensures that they stand the test of time. Like vintage wine they just get better and better the more they are worn. The imperfections from decades of wear just add to their character and define their uniqueness. It is a lasting piece of garment that offers great value for money.

These jackets are so versatile and can be worn for any occasion to define your personal style. Therefore, the vintage leather jacket is a piece of history that can be worn into the 21st century yet maintaining its popularity and fashionable trend. There is a style available for everyone and a masterpiece for your wardrobe that adds style and taste.

So next time you are going to buy yourself a leather jacket forget the high street and go for something unique. You will stand out from the crowd and if you chose well you are also buying and heirloom that will increase in value over the years. With such a huge choice online you can browse from the comfort of your armchair and get it delivered straight to your door.

Vintage Clothing