Tag: DCLX

The Holy Grail: Return of the Trumpet Skirt

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Ladies, we’ve done it – we have convinced Dancestore.com to begin making and selling the trumpet skirt again! I spoke with Dancestore.com owner Gay Santelmann at the Saturday night DCLX dance at Glen Echo and introduced myself as Lindy Shopper. There was some question about which skirt we wanted, but I clarified that it was not the “Twirly Skirt” (which is shorter and more twirly), but the longer skirt that twirls at the bottom with all the lovely goring. As a side note, our beloved trumpet skirt was designed by Naomi Uyama, so we should all thank her for this fantastic design.

When will it be available for purchase? Stay tuned!

In the meantime, please go to the Dancestore.com Facebook page and post your thanks! And thank you all for your support of this crusade!

DCLX 2012

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

I don’t know how DCLX is going to top last year’s battle of the bands between Glenn Crytzer’s Blue Rhythm Band and the Jonathan Stout Orchestra, but I’m excited to find out! I’ve been attending DCLX on and off for the past 9 years and it’s one of my favorite events. This year there is the added excitement of a new vintage store that opened in the DC area that is rumored to have swing era clothing – definitely going to find out if the rumors are true!

Aerosoles

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Aerosoles, often associated with comfortable and practical footwear, has stepped into the swing realm. I spotted Aerosoles on Laura Keat at The Experiment and on Nelle Cherry at DCLX, and wondered how they were dancing in these rubber soled shoes. The secret, according to Nelle, is to get the soles dusty and the rubber becomes the perfect consistency of slippery and sticky when you need it. Who knew? I wear Aerosoles to work for comfort, but I never thought about taking them out on the dance floor. This is great news for the people who dance in flats or heels or both – there’s a little something for everyone.

There are several things that make Aerosoles comfortable, but dancers specifically will notice the highly flexible sole, the cushioned footbed, and the soft leather interiors of the shoes. There are also some nice vintage-inspired shoes in their lineup.

Here’s what I like from the Aerosoles site:

Gingerroot shoe in pink, gray, or black leather
Out of Controle shoe in gray, tan, or black patent leather
Saprolite shoe in black suede combo or black leather combo
Ginerous shoe in purple, gray, or black suede

Plaid + Polka Dots = Bliss

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

This is another rare skirt and top set from the 1940’s, this time with a clever mixing of two patterns – a cheerful plaid and a clustered polka dot pattern. I adore this set for the peplum effect of the top, the gathering around the neckline, the contrast hem and sleeves, the simple pattern made so interesting by the mix of fabrics, and arm holes big enough to allow for unconfined movement. This would be perfect for a spring dance or the battle of the bands at DCLX (Excited!).

Perhaps the best part of this two piece set? You’ll never have to worry about your shirt coming untucked, but you’ll still look tidy with that great peplum.