House of Foxy Grable Dress for the Holidays

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

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As I wrap up the last of my dance-oriented gigs before the holidays, a common farewell is, “See you at Focus!” As usual, my holiday dress shopping is a double-duty task, as I look to acquire festive attire for both holiday parties/dances and for dancing at Lindy Focus. I’ve been smitten for some time with the House of Foxy’s offerings, but they about knocked me out of my chair when they released four of their Grable dresses in holiday-perfect hues. Festive red, dark green, a berry hue, and classic black – I love solids for the holidays because they are so easy to dress up or down with jewelry, shoes, and other accessories. This dress is also a crepe poly/viscose/spandex blend for a quick and easy wash and wear turnaround. Can you guess what color I ordered? 😉

Holiday Gifts for the Lindy Hopper

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

It’s not too late to place your order and have it arrive in the post by December 24! Here are some great gift ideas for the Lindy Hopper in your life, or maybe you treat yourself this holiday season, thanks to the creative mavens selling their wares on Etsy:

il_570xN.521475449_8s0g — Get a mini-print of Frankie and Lucille and frame it, print by Illustrious Studio

il_570xN.584021379_4u8z — Sterling silver Lindy Hop earrings at byrska

il_570xN.834071013_qsbb — Handmade Harris Tweed cap, available in other colors, but this purple was so cheerful! From AmiCharnel.

il_570xN.802998148_jvsv — Any excuse, right? Tank by boredwalk.

il_570xN.725088241_82jd — This crazy intricate tie clip of a jazz band and swing dancers, also by byrska.

il_570xN.828671391_nv0x — This amazing set of 8 glasses from the 1950’s featuring dance images, carrier included, from Diagnosed Nostalgia.

il_570xN.633745524_eyi8 — byrska killing it with the gift ideas – Lindy Hop cufflinks

il_570xN.877204079_ibji — The ultimate table cloth, from Sarah Bradley Vintage.

il_570xN.843176848_re22 — The Fed in Austin may not be your local venue, but it makes a great backdrop for this print of a familiar scene to all of us – from amp3graphics

Heyday’s Christmas Countdown

tn_judy_kitten_crop2_1 — The Judy dress even comes in a holiday-ready tartan.

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

A quick note to note that you should be following Heyday! on their Facebook page because they will be posting a different sale offer every day, from December 1 until Christmas! This advent calendar of sales is great if you’ve been eyeing something in their shop and I can’t resist stocking up on their impeccable wide leg trousers. It’s brilliant, really – it keeps you checking in every day to see what will be on sale! Today’s special: take 10 pounds (roughly $15.00) off their adorable Judy dresses.

1940’s Holiday Dress

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to think about what to wear to those holiday dances or, perhaps, Lindy Focus or Snowball for New Year’s Eve. I am in love with this 1940’s dress in fuschia – an unexpected color, but close-to-red and festively bright, with trimmings of sequins in the shape of…macaw? It looks like an eighth note at a distance…regardless, this dress would be the topic of conversation at any fête. It’s 20% off until the end of today when Fab Gabs’ sale ends!

Candy Cane Dress

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

How adorable is this 1930’s bias cut red and white striped dress? Seriously adorable and festive, lightweight for dancing, bias cut for movement, matching belt and capelet, what more could a girl ask for in a holiday dress? 😀

Dress Forms at Urban Outfitters

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Every now and then Urban Outfitters will have some home item that just blows me away. As I was pilfering through their website looking for gifts for the Boy, I came across these fantastic dress forms. Aside from sewing shops, I’m not sure where you would buy a dress form, but they evoke a certain nostalgia for me. I’d love to have one in my guest room/auxiliary closet to have around, perhaps displaying a particularly awesome vintage garment. From a functional aspect, it would be helpful to have one to hem dresses, or take in dresses, or accomplish some other simple sewing tasks I am capable of.

While these forms are not adjustable, you can buy one in your size (or a close approximation to your size). Available in plain muslin, two prints, and three solid colors. Consider the green one added to my Christmas wish list!

A Holiday Dress for Each Decade

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

I am always pleased when sellers list seasonal items during the right season – when you are in the mood for something, retailers usually respond, and right now it’s the smell of cinnamon, clothing that sparkles, and Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas playing overhead (how did they know?! 😉 ).

I can’t give you the cinnamon, but here’s the Ella, and some vintage dresses from each of our swinging decades that really sparkle:

111911BlkRedPktFDN — This 1950's holiday dress intrigued me - I like the clean shape of the black dress, with long sleeves, and this sort of geometric corsage/pocket/thingy adds this modern bit of excitment and pop of color

$(KGrHqJHJCEE63(UQ(EEBOzCj2uSGQ~~60_3 — I am so in love with this 1940's maroon/fuschia belted dress, with just enough detail in all the right places - oh, the embroidery and beading! *drool*

$(KGrHqZHJBUE63VVJyzwBOy-042kP!~~60_3 — What would a proper holiday dress selection be without velvet? Please ignore the crappy photography from this seller and focus on the awesomeness of the tucking, draping, and gorgeous belt buckle on this 1930's dress.

$(KGrHqVHJDEE7Bcvh8foBOy)F0fFlQ~~60_12 — A 1920's dress in my favorite holiday color, with ombre beading and beading on the belt in my size...now, where is that $220 I need to buy it...

Holiday Hair Flowers

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

il_570xN.284194688 — Snowflake flower clip

It’s about that time – the time of the year where we don our holiday finery for holiday parties and dances, which means it’s time to start planning our outfits now. Regular hair flowers are great, but not always the right tone for a seasonal outfit. I’ve gone so far as to pick some unknown berries and leaves from my yard and put them in my hair because I wanted to look festive. I’m not sure if the berries were poisonous, so this year…safety first.

I’ll credit Philly dancer Caroline Gleeson for the tip about May Bell Creations, the Etsy store of Caroline’s friend, Mary Hadzimichalis. Mary has created some really lovely holiday hair ornaments, some that are more floral (like that elusive poinsettia I’ve been wanting) and others sparkle, and most do both. I think she’s done a fantastic job with the materials and making the pieces look festive without being kitschy. Here’s what I love:

il_570xN.286157804 — Glittering snow flower clip

il_570xN.284349849 — Shooting star on Christmas

il_570xN.284067387 — Falling leaves hair clip - perhaps just in time for Thanksgiving?

15% Off All Remix Vintage Shoes

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Remix Vintage Shoes is having a sale, which is a rare occurrence! Get 15% off ALL Remix shoes now through December 29, just in time to spend your Christmas cash or get a pair for New Year’s Eve. As an added bonus, all domestic orders over $150 will receive free shipping through December 29. Cheers to Remix for making gorgeous reproduction footwear and offering a holiday discount!

In addition to the holiday sale, the Bauhaus shoe is available for the special price of $98.00. This is a great crossover shoe for Lindy and Balboa, with a 2 inch heel.

BAUHAUS-72-black-pair-1150 — Bauhaus - comes in black and brown

Holiday Bow Ties

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

I heard on NPR this morning that it’s the last day to send packages that will be guaranteed delivery by December 25, so here’s your last holiday item post for the year.

I love when guys wear holiday ties that are both festive and classic at the same time. So many fall victim to the novelty tie at this time of year, but there’s a way celebrate the holidays through your wardrobe without having to don Homer Simpson in a Santa suit. I found these ties at Beau Ties Ltd. of Vermont that would look great for a holiday dance or family occasion. I think the key here is subtlety, color, and repetition of pattern. For each tie you can specify width, neck size and style (freestyle, pre-tied, or clip-on). Also, for some of these items, the store offers a matching pocket square, ascot, cummerbund, and cravat.

WDLS10809_xlg — Waddles Bow Tie - for your pengin suit, eh?

TDVS9819_xlg — Two Turtle Doves Bow Tie - there are other ties for each of the twelve days of Christmas on this website as well!

Shabby Apple: All That Jazz Collection

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

If you are looking for a last minute holiday dress, you may find something you like at Shabby Apple in their vintage-inspired All That Jazz collection. I love the photo shoot for this collection, as they’ve done a fantastic job of accessorizing with hats, gloves, jazz musicians, and vintage cars. Shabby Apple makes great basics that are easy to wear to both the office and swing dances and this collection is no exception.

Also, starting today, and for the next 12 days, stop by the Shabby Apple fan page on Facebook for a coupon code for 20% off one great product each day between the time they’re posted and 5:00 p.m. MST, 7:00 p.m EST. It’s a 12 days of Christmas sale!

Just look at the peplums! Here’s what I’m loving from the collection:

Mod Cloth Sale

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

Well…everyone is having a sale today, but I’ve been particularly smitten with Mod Cloth‘s recent offerings, especially their holiday dresses. That’s one of the beautiful things about swing dancing, is that there’s always a dance party to attend, with a little sparkle added during the holidays.

Mod Cloth also has some great gift ideas for guys and gals – I found some great things to stash under my Christmas tree for friends and family.

Here are some goodies to make your Black Friday bright and cheerful:

12893-1 — All Aboard Heels - actually a pair of divine Remix shoes, on sale for $100, size 9.5 - last pair!

Holiday Dance Dress

This post was written by Lindy Shopper.

There’s something about this red 1940’s dress, listed on eBay by seller redwineandfriends, that says it’s ripe for the holidays. Obviously the color is festive, but there are other details that make this dress extra-special and holiday dance-worthy, like the pleating on the bodice, the bow on the front of the dress, the little white buttons down the front, the wonderful goring of the skirt, and, on top of the goring, the back of the skirt has an inset for additional swishy-ness. As the seller says in the auction, “Holiday perfect – fur muff and ice skates optional!”