My immediate question when Pam announced that we would travel to Las Vegas to attend KBIS for the launch of our new Retro Renovation® by Wilsonart® boomerang laminates: What should I wear? So when Pam gave me the go-ahead to get two new retro-style dresses and a pair of shoes for the two days of the show, I was super excited! Shopping with my boss’ dime for cute clothes that I get to wear and keep? I love my job! Of course Pam treated herself to some new threads too, and my oh my, we have been having some fun trying on these fabulous frocks to pick our favorites for the trip.
Today: Take a look at our options. Which do you think we should have chosen?
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Kate’s KBIS choices:
When Pam told me to go shopping for dresses, I already knew just what style I wanted. Being a curvy, 5′-5.5″ 155 lb, 38-29-39, I wanted to make sure I chose dresses that had a retro feel without being costumey, overly cutesy or too pin-up girl. Because of my bust size, I need to find a dress that fits like a glove on top without having too low of a neckline, cinches at the waist and then flares out from there. Dresses that are too fitted all over have a tendency to make me look a little too va-va-voom for a professional setting. I also stayed away from busy patterns in favor of solid colors that wouldn’t add visual bulk. To get a little more height, I know I’d be wearing some low heels with the dresses. I already had one pair of black, retro-style shoes that would likely go with whatever I ended up buying (the Seychelles, which are very comfortable, low heels), so I set out to find one more pair of shoes — in red. The two dresses and one skirt and top that I decided to try were all a nice fit and flair style of dress that didn’t feel too voluptuous on my curvy frame.
I’m usually a huge fan of Modcloth, but for whatever reason I wasn’t finding what I needed there this time. Instead I hopped over to Unique-Vintage which offers the same type of retro style clothing but has a slightly different variety of styles.
1. Miz Mooz Carissa in Red — My goodness these shoes are a thing of beauty! I’m already a huge fan of red shoes — probably 70% of my shoes are red — and these red shoes are my new favorites. While they are heels, which I don’t typically wear, they are surprisingly comfortable to walk in. I’m thinking it has something to do with the high back on the shoes, which act as some ankle support and the fact that the front buckle has an elasticized attachment to the shoe, allowing for movement and flexibility while walking. Before heading to Las Vegas, I wore these shoes around my house for several days to assess their comfort.
2. Vintage Style Black Button up Cap Sleeve Blouse – Unique Vintage — Usually I stay away from form fitting button up tops, because it is difficult to get a good fit, but this black top — made by Banned Vintage Clothing — is well made and fits nearly perfectly. Based on the measurements, I ordered the large and found it to be a good fit. There is one tiny gap between buttons, but I can add a snap to ensure no weird gapping occurs. If I had sized up to the XL the rest of the shirt would have been much too large on me.
3. Hell Bunny 1950s Style Green High Waist Crepe Ellie May Swing Skirt – Unique Vintage — Usually I order dresses and skirts in size large, but the measurements for the Hell Bunny clothing suggested that it ran big, so I opted to order the medium in this skirt. The medium fit perfectly, with enough room in the waist to comfortably tuck in the blouse and still not feel too constricted. This teal colored skirt is very well made with a nice weight of fabric and looks good with or without a crinoline slip’s added fullness. Bonus, this skirt has pockets!
4. Hell Bunny 1950s Black Crepe Cap Sleeved Rosina Swing Dress in Black – Unique Vintage — When I first saw this dress, I instantly loved it. I was a bit worried about the faux buttons going down the center of the bodice, which can sometimes not be flattering on busty gals like myself, but I decided to give it a try anyway. Following the sizing guidelines, I ordered the medium and found it to fit perfectly. Surprisingly, the top of the dress is extremely flattering on my curves. The length of the dress is good, and it is very comfortable to wear, too! I liked the weight of the crepe and the dress itself is very well made. This is a new favorite!
5. Unique Vintage Red Polka Dot Happily Ever After Swing Dress — I liked the fit and flare shape of this dress, and the sweet heart neckline is usually flattering without being too revealing on me, so I decided to give it a try. Based on the measurements, I ordered the large and when it arrived I found it to fit quite well except it was a little too tight across the chest. I could zip it up without issues, but I felt that taking a deep breath was too restricted in this dress. The fabric was silky and lightweight and had a light sheen to it. I was not in love with the fabric, especially after trying on the heavier-weight, more quality-feeling Hell Bunny dress. All in all, the dress was cute, should I wear it?
6. Trip the Light Fantastic black heel – Seychelles Footwear — I have two pairs of this particular style of shoe — the black and a yellow pair — and have had them for several years now. As far as heels go, they are extremely comfortable. The stacked heel is low enough at about 2 inches to be comfortable, and the leather uppers have never given me even the slightest discomfort. They have a great retro feel to them, and I get compliments nearly every time I wear them. While they are technically summer sandals, I have worn the yellow ones in the fall and winter with black tights, which really makes them pop. It seems that Seychelles puts out a few new colors of this style every summer, so if you can’t find the color you are looking for, more may be available in the spring.
Pam’s KBIS choices:
Pam taking over for Kate here. I had never shopped at ModCloth before and now admit, I’ve become a bit obsessed.For this Las Vegas trip, I was aiming for a certain look in my mind’s eye: Vintage 50s, to match Kate and the laminates… not too costumey… I wanted to emote businessperson authority, but at the same time, retro-blogger friendliness.. and the dress needed to fit well, look good on me and be comfortable. We all have “body type” to deal with — I am 5’8, 150 lbs., 37-30-39, with broad shoulders and a long waist. Like I just said, I became a bit obsessed with ModCloth — I ordered six different dresses — one, in two sizes — to try and find “the winners.” (I will return the rejects.)
How did these dresses shape up – literally and figuratively, on me?
1. Just in Timeless Dress in Florets – ModCloth — Woah, this dress by Emily & Fin is nice. At $125, not cheap. But I thought it was really well made. Invisible back zipper, lined, pockets. After reading buyers’ comments, I ordered a Medium. But is the fit right, or not? Throwing more FedEx money at the problem because I started late and was running out of time, I ordered a Large. Would either one be a keeper?
2. Itinerary Execution Dress – ModCloth — Lovely dress also! I ordered a Large, and it fit well. Maybe a tad big on me, but I like comfortable. It’s not really “retro” but I liked it so much I kept it for other occasions. I got it on sale — 70% off — yay!
3. Vintage 1940s Dress – Retro Genies in Northampton, MA — To prepare for this event, I first scavenged my closet. I have a fair amount of vintage clothes, but many of them are too costumey or … just weren’t right for what I had in mind for Las Vegas. This lovely vintage dress, which I bought at Retro Genie’s in Northampton a few years ago, could fit the bill for Las Vegas, though. I also have a vintage black beaded cardigan to go with. I also took another trip to Retro Genie’s to scope for the Las Vegas trip. I bought two dresses — a Lanvin shirtdress and a Jaeger bat-wing 70s number. Both terrific, but neither 1950s… although the Lanvin, in an eye-popping 80s (I think) print, looked so great and was so comfortable I considered breaking “must match Kate and the laminates” filter.
4. Emily and Fin Star Studded Performance Dress in Dots — ModCloth — Cute dress, but in a Medium waaay too small on me and also, too short on me. It was immediately off the list and will go back.
5. Way of the Blithe Dress – Modcloth — Loved it. Bought it in a Large, fit great. Also got it on sale 70% off. Looked great with my hair color and with the brown shoes I also bought from ModCloth.
6. Stop Staring! Mighty Marvelous Dress – ModCloth — This one gives me lots of pause. It looks kinda stunning on me, everyone who saw me try it on kept using that word. But: Is it too va-va-voomy? Kate told me, “If you still got it, flaunt it.” This was the first dress that I purchased in my ModCloth Madness, and I kept it at the front of my mind while I assessed the incoming alternatives. I also gave up carbs for two weeks, went on the treadmill every day for an hour, and embarked on Shapewear Quest 2016. (I am not overweight, but I definitely am not in shape.) At every stage, this dress remained a strong contender given the Yowza factor. How much does Pam want to stand out (and need to remember to suck in her gut while wearing this number), that is the question.
7. Sacha London Vera Mary Jane Pump in Black Cow Suede – Amazon — Awesome shoes. They make you like 3″ taller, but because they are platforms, you’re really only on the equivalent of a 1- or 1.5″ heel. I bought these shoes locally a few years ago. They are very comfortable. You can also get them on Amazon. I love these shoes.
8. Vanity Fair Women’s Smoothing 22-inch Chemise with Lace — Via Shapewear Quest 2016, this was my key find. I wanted that length; most shapewear slips I found looked way too short, and I thought there was no question they would ride up. I got a Medium, and it seems to do the trick in creating a smooth line. Putting it on is like trying to pull a ginormous rubber band up around your body. Kinda fun. Once on, it’s comfortable, though, although you can’t walk too fast and plan more time for pit stops.
9. Hell Bunny Dean’s List Diva Dress in Cardinal Plaid – ModCloth — Nice dress. Fabric is wonderful, stretchy but substantial with a bit of stretch. Dreamy fabric, actually. A contender, when paired with my vintage black beaded cardigan and the statement Sacha London platforms.
10. I See Strut You Mean Heel Brown – ModCloth — Platforms in the same vein as the Sacha London. Made out of pleather so read a bit cheap, but I like the whole platform heel set up and needed retro brown shoes, so I planned on keeping them if I needed them.
oh Holland says
To quote an old Buddy Hackett funny bit, I’ll take one from Column A and one from Column B: Those mad red shoes with the plaid dress, for either (or both, should you dare) of you!
I love Modcloth and have this retro cat dress from them: http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/weekend-fore-cats-dress It’s a well-made compliment magnet!
maria says
I’m a vintage clothing collector since childhood. I’ve helped run a vintage clothing store, put on vintage fashions shows and had an offer/nearly moved to LA to work in costuming for film (but love sidetracked me).
The key thing that we can’t address in our guessing is fit. Fit is king.
For Kate I like the black dress followed by the black top/green skirt. The red dress is a bit too over the top for the occasion and it’s too short for a true vintage look. I’d nix the boots in favor of a more ’50’s style.
For Pam
The first black/white dress is my favorite, followed by the purple but looks short (which didn’t fit so out it goes), the red Marilyn dress is fab, but unless it fits great/you feel good in it out it goes. Number three is a great comfy dress for Vegas and can be dolled up with jewelry. I would not have picked 5 b/c that style is a hard fit, but if it does, could be a great look. The plaid would look nice with the black sweater/belt, but I’m not a great fan of all over plaid.
Can’t wait to see what you all chose! Sounds like a great fun trip. 🙂
Kathy says
I like top two for Kate, and I think the green will complement her coloring, but the red shoes don’t look vintage to me. Maybe a little red chiffon neck scarf to pick up the shoecolor could perk up the black, or some fabulous costume jewelry. The spectators on the model are cute though and so classic. If the red dress isn’t comfortable and you don’t like the fabric, then return it.
I really love #2 for Pam–and I do think the hemline was seen back in the 50s occasionally, and the bodice, the drape and the fabric pattern is spot on–almost like what you saw on bar stool and drapes and such back then. Come to think of it, my mother went to fashion design school and I think she had a couple of similar designs with hankerchief hems for her senior class project, circa 1960.
I also like 5 and I think it will complement your coloring. I would add a narrow belt to it to make it look more finished and to cover the junction of the plaids.
The red dress is great–why don’t you save it for an evening out on the strip? I know that women used to work all day wearing girdles and merry widows back then, but do you really want to? #2 and #5 are pretty and flattering and probably a lot more comfortable.
So are you going to get your hair and makeup done to match the era of the dresses?
Found this “charm convention dress” for under $30, which could look nice on you both. With a name like that, you got to check it out!
https://wanelo.com/p/34191221/mid-length-short-sleeves-fit-flare-charm-convention-dress-in-forest
or maybe the Bolster Your Boldness dress? Also on sale and a great color match to the laminate:
https://wanelo.com/p/35165222/mid-length-bolster-your-boldness-dress-in-bloom
Retroski says
Fun choices! It’ll be cool to see what you picked. I like the black dress and skirt/top combo for Kate and the va-va-voom red and plaid dress for Pam.
Eshakti.com is another great source for affordable retro dresses. Good customer service, cute styles in many sizes, and customizable for a small fee! I have a few things from them, really like it.
pam kueber says
Yes, one of the executives at Wilsonart was telling me she shops eshakti.com because they can tweak measurements — I will check that out! I have been finding all the dresses too short-waisted for me – and the shoulders could be a bit wider – although it all worked out!
Just another Pam says
#2 for Kate and the red dress, #6, for Pam. Be fabulous ladies!
Demian says
Vega has some great mid century clothing and furniture shops on Main street. the decorative stuff trends toward Hollywood Regency (no surprise) but you may find some good options if what you ordered doesn’t work.
Mary Elizabeth says
Great clothes! I agree that some of the ones in Pam’s “wardrobe” are too old-ladyish. Speaking of mid-century clothes, the Slater Museum in Norwich. Connecticut recently held a retrospective on the mid-century clothing company John Meyer of Norwich. (If anyone remembers them, think “preppy”–plaid skirts with matching fairisle sweaters for school girls and menswear business suits for young working women.) They even had a poodle skirt from the 1950s! I have photos if you want to see them. I went with a friend who is just a couple of years older than I, and when her son called on her cell phone and asked what she was doing, she replied, “I’m in a museum looking at clothes my friend and I used to wear in high school and college.” 🙂
Retroski says
Ha ha. My mom wore those poodle skirts (with 2 crinolines, no less!) that foofed all around when you sat.
But I think the grunge look and hipster flares jeans that hit when I was in high school made her shudder. ;p
Andi says
Can’t wait to see which you each chose, and actual photos of you in them! Great choices all—and what a perfect idea to wear clothes that coordinate with the product launch! No detail overlooked, huh? FUN!!
Tom says
Great idea to dress in vintage clothing!
Can’t wait to see the photos next week when you’re back to posting.
Mod Betty / RetroRoadmap.com says
What, no photos of the two of you all dolled up in your decided upon duds? Please share 🙂
Carolyn says
The last line of the article says they will next week when they’re rested up.
Well, gals, you asked for opinions…
Kate, you’re correct that the red dress is too – MUCH – even though it’s very pretty, it’s not right for the occasion even if you used a wrap to cover your arms. The black seems a little plain, maybe worn the day with less traffic. Or you both wear the red ones to draw attention. For sure, the one with emerald accents – in the period, flattering to your figure.
Pam, 3, 4, and 5 read too old for you and not “special” enough. From the era (1940’s) they look like the “every day” dresses women wore to do shopping, maybe church. Of the remainder, I like #9, and again, both of you in the reds for the high traffic day.
Ugh! Glad I didn’t have to make the choices but I wouldn’t mind having the dresses in my closet – and places to go in them!
pam kueber says
Yes, next week!
steve says
I like the plaid number. Honestly, Pam, as long as it’s not of Madonna’s old bustiers you’ll be fine.