Believe it or not there are some dance events where you’ll be able to wear these finds.
First, a bathing suit. I’m probably just strange, but I’ve always been fascinated by men’s vintage bathing suits. Manufacturers didn’t have access to the man-made fabrics we have today, so they had to make their suits out of natural fibers that could survive sea water. Many were made out of wool, a material we usually associate with suits and sweaters. Hmm, this one is actually in my size.
Vintage 20s Bathing Suit, made of wool. I wonder if it's itchy.
There are several exchanges with dances at the beach:
CHEX, which I heard (and saw) was a great time. I wish I could’ve been there!
(and two plugs for my local scene) VBLX: June 17-20
Second, tails. It’s too often that you can wear clothing this formal to a dance event (or any event for that matter), but I would get tails if only for the New Year’s Eve party at Lindy Focus. Check out the details on the lapels and buttons.
I think these socks rock and are quite a rare find, not only because they are such old socks that have never been worn, but also because they are vertical striped yellow and white with blue toes, heels, and top. Fantastic!
…and sink into a wicker chair in this lovely 1930’s flowered day dress on eBay. I love everything about this dress – the cut, the draping, the flutter sleeves, the sweet print, and with the starting price at $9.99 this could be a pretty sweet deal!
While this may not be appropriate for the upcoming season, it is always appropriate to snag the perfect piece at the perfect price, regardless of season. This 1937 wool vest is listed on eBay with a $9.95 starting price!
This three piece 1930’s suit definitely has potential – if you look at the close-up photographs, the herringbone is blue and gray, which creates an interesting visual effect. Size 40R and priced to move at a $24.99 starting bid on eBay.
Let's start things off with this lovely red and white striped 1940's blouse.This yellow sleeveless 1940's dress is perfect for spring and, from the looks of it, that skirt has some twirl potential.This confection in pale pink crepe not only has a peplum, brooch, and matching belt and buckle, but also comes with a blue jacket and matching pink stockings. This auction is loaded with goodies!I am intrigued by this dress, as it somehow manages to be both girly and intimidating. Black + ruffles/rickrack = sinister pinup?I love this 1940's coral color and the beading on the bodice of this dress is gorgeous.A sweet 1930's linen dress.I can't resist a gingham dress with pockets!
I really like the lines, the lapel, and the placement of the buttons on this men’s wool vest. There’s something a bit formal about it, but you could get away with wearing it with just about anything…except those acid wash jeans the seller has it pictured with…
I know this dress isn’t danceable, but surely Lindy Hoppers go to formal events sometimes, right? And when they do, I’d like to envision them wearing something like this gorgeous liquid gold dress on eBay…it was too good not to post!
They just keeping coming and I feel compelled to post them:
This sheer black 30’s/40’s dress has some lovely detailing on it. Sheer dresses can be tricky, though, because then you have to find a full slip to go underneath it. I’m a big fan of this slip from J.C. Penney because you can simply cut the slip at the different lace points to alter the length of the slip (no hemming!) and the straps are adjustable.
This dead stock 1940’s flowered day dress is new, with tags on! When I find these dead stock dresses it just seems wild – there must be an interesting story on where the garment came from and why it was never worn.
The heeled oxford can be an elegant shoe and this collection of “granny shoes” on eBay is a prime example of oxfords done well. Most of these shoes are narrow in width, so check the measurements carefully or pick up a shoe stretcher. There are so many of them, maybe a few of you could go in together on the auction…
Special thanks to Milda Matilda for posting the auction and to Heidi Rosenau for suggesting that narrow shoe issues can be solved with a stretcher. 🙂
Yes, I know I have neglected the gentlemen on my blog thus far, but I was waiting for a superior item to post and here it is. Check out this 1930’s navy blue pin-stripe three piece suit for sale on eBay – the suit even makes the scruffy male model in the pictures look sharp!
Note that the suit is custom tailored and “the pants and jacket both have plenty of room to be let out,” in case this suit is almost your size.
Run, don’t walk, to Winston-Salem, NC to experience the gorgeous vintage clothing and treasures at Putting on the Ritz. The store owner Hans Hauser has a lifelong passion for vintage clothing and accessories and it shows in every square inch of the house he has converted into a vintage clothing store. Through his vintage consignment sources, friendships with vintage collectors, and his own efforts to retrieve specific pieces from faraway locations, Hans has collected one of the best, if not the best, vintage clothing and accessories collection for sale in the state.
I met Hans about 5 years ago when my friend Sharon Ferris directed me to this treasure trove. I purchased a 1940’s bathing suit that I wore to VBLX that year for the battleship dance. Even though I had not seen him in 5 years, he knew immediately who I was today and pulled out the picture I sent him of me in the bathing suit from behind the countertop. My friend Laura Boyes and I ended up exploring the shop and chatting with Hans for about 3 1/2 hours – excellent company and excellent vintage!
The shop is jam packed full of a mix of vintage, designer consignment, and glitzy clothing. The list of notables is long: straw boaters, men’s 50’s hats, Yves Saint Laurent black satin pumps, a white fur capelet, 50’s prom and day dresses (some with matching jackets), 30’s and 40’s gowns worthy of an MGM movie, flowered 40’s day dresses, a velvet trimmed 40’s suit, wide brim ladies hats, art deco costume jewelry, wedding dresses from the Victorian era through the 50’s, delicious 40’s platforms, bias cut lingerie, and a burnout velvet 20’s dress that came home with me.
If you are interested in any of the clothing items I have posted or would like to know more, please contact Hans Hauser at (336) 659-9944. He is happy to work out arrangements over the phone and he also does layaway.
Putting on the Ritz
304 Harvey Street
Winston-Salem, NC
The shop is open Tuesday through Friday, noon to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
P.S. Pardon my unmade face – I think it’s easier on the clothes if I don’t wear makeup when I try on vintage clothing.
White 40's crepe dress, buttons up the front with scalloped edge around the buttons.Pink 50's cotton sundress with matching bolero jacket.Light blue 40's crepe gown shown with wide brim blue straw hat with a velvet ribbon.Union Jack crepe evening gown that did not actually fit me, so I am holding the zipper on the side. This dress is stunning in person and will look much better on someone else.This 20's burnout velvet dress is mine! Navy blue 40's (?) sheer dress with painted on polka dots and matching under-slip. 50's plaid day dress with really cool polka dot detailing where the plaids cross. Leopard print bathing suit - rawrrrr! MGM starlet white evening gown with gold trim and cutout triangle in the front. Made for someone tiny.Brown 40's suede platforms, small size.Green suede 40's platforms with perforated suede and button detail, small size.More gorgeous art deco brooches. Boater hats - gents, sorry there wasn't more for you in the store. The boater on the left with the blue and red ribbon was sized 7 1/8. No size was found in the boater with black ribbon, but I tried on both and the boater with the black ribbon was slightly larger, so I'd say it was about a 7 1/4. Michael Q., here's looking at you to check a boater in one of these sizes off your shopping challenge!View of some of the men's hats.View of one of the main rooms in the store. Adorable sportswear hat of unknown decade. SO CUTE!Green satin platforms!Mexican straw luggage.A view of what I am calling the wedding dress corner.
It was a banner day for listing dresses of the swing era on eBay! Let’s get started:
I am not usually accepting of lace clothing, but for this dress I overcame my stigma about lace looking matronly or overdone. The color is cheerful, the cut impeccable, and it comes in a wearable size. Just look at the goring on that skirt! I bet it twirls like a dream…
This formal gown is definitely not danceable, but was too gorgeous not to post – love this!
Beach pajamas! Classic wide-leg, high waisted style in one colorful piece.
I love chevrons! This chevron dress has summer dance written all over it.
Lindy Shopper 
