A vintage dress for our May exhibition

We opened our May show last night with a reception party at the gallery, attended by guests and locals as well as one of the artists, Amanda Hoskin. See the full exhibition online here


I bought this vintage dress when I was in Harrogate last month; one of my favourite dresses from that shopping spree I think and that's down to all of the detailing - the huge shoulder pads, accentuated by frilled edging as well as tiny pleats below. (A note to any of my readers in Yorkshire - do take a trip to Harrogate for this one particular charity shop-St Michael's Hospice-as it's more like a boutique than a charity shop. All of the goods are designer or top end pieces from the high street and the shop itself is teaming with every kind of accessory too, all of the best quality.)


The minute I put it on I knew it was for me. The shoulder pads made me feel very Sue Ellen from those Dallas days. The shape is very flattering with an elasticated waist; the perfect counterpoint to the huge shoulders. The 80's were all about emphasising the female form. No zips or buttons to complicate matters either, just pull if on and you're ready to go. 


I'd not come across this 80's designer, Diane Freis before, but you can read a bit more about her here


Oh don't I look so fabulous darlings! Oh dear, maybe not - I'm being photo-bombed!


I've had these kitten heels for yonks and only rediscovered them when I did my seasonal changeover recently. They were the perfect height to wear for the whole evening without any of the usual shuffling and tweaking I have to do in higher heels.



I decided on my jumbo pearls to help balance out the over sized shoulders, and the patterned metal of the stretch belt seemed like a good choice to tie in with the print of the dress (looks like I didn't clip it fully together though). Preloved rings and rose gold bangles finished the look.



And last, but by no means least, here's my happy team of helpers by way of Max, Polly and Ruth. Thank you ladies for doing a stalwart job as usual! Ruth had spent the day on the beach with her family and boy, isn't she glowing from all of that wonderful Tresco sunshine!
Anna x

Share:

16 comments

  1. Nothing compares to a brilliant piece of vintage and this is wonderful!

    I've been discovering loads of great 80's pieces lately. Many people automatically discount that era saying that it was all "overdone" but there are wonderful pieces to be had as you've shown here.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vintage does indeed cover a multitude of sins and this has to be one of the finest examples that I own so far. I've found more from this designer online coming in at almost £200 making me feel suitably smug at the £15 I paid.

      Have a fab week!
      Anna x

      Delete
  2. This dress is quite remarkable. It's not difficult to conclude that the lovely styling and attention to lovely detail are a cut above the average dress from TJ Maxx! I love the bright blue and orange and the mix of unusual prints. This is a special vintage frock and I'm happy it's all yours Anna! You'll give it the love it deserves!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All of the intricate details make this a real find for me and I think I'll be wearing it a lot this year - it deserves to be loved, worn and seen! So pleased that you appreciate it as much as I do.

      Anna x

      Delete
  3. Super dress Anna, looks bang up to date. The beauty of vintage pieces is that you know you won't see anyone else wearing the same as you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to agree with you Gail - it's the lure of something unique that draws me into the fray of charity shopping time and again. Not everyone finds it fun, but that means all the more chance of me snapping up something like this.

      Anna x

      Delete
  4. It's so very Sue Ellen! I love the vintage cut and the fun print of this dress - you'd never find something like this in a store now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The dress is in immaculate condition to say it's from the 80's. It was a prize find and one that I'll cherish for years too.

      Have a great week!
      Anna x

      Delete
  5. The 80s are probably my least favourite fashion decade but this dress is gorgeous. I absolutely love the colours and the metallic accessories are just perfect with it. You look lovely and very elegant.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Vronni. The 80's fashions with those huge shoulder pads weren't always the easiest of outfits to wear, but this dress was so well made it didn't feel overdone at all. And yes, it felt elegant too!

      Cheers!
      Anna x

      Delete
  6. Your Diana Fres dress certainly was quite a find. It was sold here in a couple of very high end boutiques and was quite the thing in the 80's. The joy of vintage finds is their quality and the uniqueness . You look so very stylish.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're so right Jill, it's all about quality and the fact that you're not going to come across another like it. I think we strive to be individual and vintage delivers that every time.

      Thanks,
      Anna x

      Delete
  7. Love the dress, and your little additions make your outfits really pop - cute belt Hun. Jacqui Mummabstylish

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The dress didn't really need much styling, but it was just a matter of trial and error until I got it right.

      Thanks Jacqui!
      Anna x

      Delete
  8. what a fabulous dress, and it has lots of interesting details!, and you look pretty elegant in it!, stunning outfit!
    I'm taking notes about how to style 80's dresses! You rock!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm not sure if I'm an expert in styling 80's dresses - this was just a matter of trial and error for me, which is pretty much how all my styling efforts go! But no matter, the dress is teaming with lots of lovely details which makes it rather special, I must agree.

      Have a lovely weekend!
      Anna x

      Delete

Created by bo design