Tag: vintage inspired clothing

Capri Pants of the 1950s and 1960s: Vintage Inspired Plus Size Torrid Haul

My absolute favorite type of vintage style, or any style, pant is the Capri Pants of the late 1950s / early 1960s. This style of pants made a comeback during the 1980s and 1990s and really never left. They are very popular today at the many different vintage inspired shops like Hell Bunny and VooDooVixen but also at main stream shops like Torrid and Shein.

When I was at Texas A&M University, I had Capri pants in all kinds of bright pretty colors from Express. I was able to find matching fitted tank tops in each of the colors and paired that with pretty cardigans. Even then, in the mid 1990s, I had vintage minded style of dress. I wish I could find some old photos of me back then to share.

“Capri pants were introduced by fashion designer Sonja de Lennart in 1948, and were popularized by her and English couturier Bunny Roger. The name of the pants is derived from the Italian isle of Capri, where they rose to popularity in the late 1950s and early ’60s. The actress Audrey Hepburn was among the first movie stars who wore Capris, and the pants quickly became synonymous with her classic style. The French actress Brigitte Bardot notoriously wore Capri pants at a time when trousers were still a new thing for women.  Marilyn Monroe always travelled with Capris” (Wikipedia).

I have found the perfect pants to give me this style at Torrid. They are called Pixie Pants or Skinny Pants. They have the high waist, tight fit, and come cropped at the ankle or full length. Here is a video of the ones I have recently bought.

Here are some action shots from TikTok of me in these pants. The first one is with me wearing the black ones not shown in the YouTube video.

@ramblingsfromahousewife

#MorningCheer #tictokdance #elvis #vintagevibes #vintage #fyp #foryourpage

♬ Jailhouse Rock – Elvis Presley
@ramblingsfromahousewife

#ZodiacSign #SkinCare101 #plussizeootd #plussizetiktok #housewifelife #housewifesoftiktok #wigglewigglewiggle

♬ Wiggle – Jason Derulo
@ramblingsfromahousewife

#tightpants #WeirdPets #Wee #momsoftiktok #housewivesoftiktok #vintahefashion #fyp #ootd #plussizefashion

♬ original sound – Will Ferrell

Links of the pants featured: (I purchased each of these in a size 20)

Studio Signature Premium Ponte Leopard Skinny Ankle Pant

Studio Signature Stretch Light Taupe Plaid Double Knit Ankle Skinny Pant

Black & Teal Plaid Ponte Multi Zip Skinny Ankle Pant

Studio Brushed Ponte Slim Fix Black Pull-On Pixie Pant

Studio Signature Stretch Black Premium Ponte Ankle Skinny Pant

Fun Fact!!!

Mary Tyler Moore created quiet the controversy during the early days of the Dick Van Dyke Show filming. “Capris’ acceptance in the United States was influenced by the 1960s television series The Dick Van Dyke Show. The character Laura Petrie, the young housewife played by Mary Tyler Moore, caused a fashion sensation – and some mild controversy – by wearing snug-fitting Capri pants during the show’s run” (Wikipedia). I remember it being said on a TV program I watched, that they actually said they were too “butt cupping”. I wish I could remember the name of that program to give proper credit where it is due.

Here are a few fun vintage photos to help you be inspired!!!

Celia Foote was my favorite character in The Help. Photo found on Pinterest
Photo found on YesterdayToday.net
Photo found on Tumbral.com
I love this photo! It shows her in her signature casual style.

XOXO

Tiffany

Vintage Inspired SHIEN Plus Size Haul and the Pussy Bow Blouse of the 1950s / 1960s

Vintage Inspired SHIEN Plus Size Haul and the Pussy Bow Blouse of the 1950s / 1960s

“A lavaliere, also called a pussycat bow, is a style of neckwear often associated with women’s and girls’ blouses and bodices. It takes the form of a bow tied at the neck similar to those sometimes tied around the necks of kittens and cats” from Wikipedia. Well, it just makes sense that I am head over heels for the look of the vintage pussy bows at the moment. After all, I am all about kitty cats!

Cute Kitten sleeping. Dottie is our silly domestic short hair cat. She is a black and white kitty that my daughter thinks is wearing a tuxedo.
Have y’all met Dottie? She joined our family back in October!

Our beautiful feline is not the only reason I love this darling style of vintage blouse. I especially love the gorgeous feminine touch it brings to a tailored suit or how it looks so sweet under a cardigan.

Black and white striped pussy bow blouse plus size vintage inspired blouse
Blouse from Shein

Women have been wearing bows around the neck for centuries, however the term “pussy cat bow” did not take hold until the 1950s. Prior to that, the style was coined “lavallière” after  Duchess of La Vallière (mistress of Louis XIV). The earlier style was a bit more elaborate like a man’s cravat. The more elaborate style was also worn by the Gibson Girl of the 1890s. This earlier style is not what the theme of this post is about, I just wanted to give you a very brief timeline as a “jumping off” point if you are interested in learning more.

Photo from Tumblr

What we are talking about today is the 1950s style of blouse with a bow around the neck, the Pussy Bow Blouse. “The pussy-bow blouse was a perfect mix of masculine and feminine—an impeccable wardrobe choice for women laboring in a man’s world” from Paste Magazine. We saw this style being worn by  Peggy Olson and Joan Holloway in Mad Men.

Peggy from mad men wearing a 1960s pussy bow blouse mid century modern fashion
One of a few that Peggy wore on Mad Men.
Joan from mad men wearing a 1960s pussy bow blouse mid century modern fashion
We did not see Joan in this style often, but she rocked the look when she wore this beautiful blouse.

I was on the hunt for some cute pussy bow blouses to add to my 1950s/1960s inspired wardrobe and found that Shien had quiet a few to offer. Here is a recent haul I made to help inspire you.

Items Mentioned and featured in this haul include:

Plus Vertical Stripe Tie Neck Blouse

Plus Polka Dot Tie Neck Blouse

Plus Allover Heart Print Tie Neck Blouse

Plus Floral Shirred O-ring Half Zip Blouse

Plus Button Front Drop Shoulder Blouse

Plus Notch Neck Sleeveless Top

Faux Pearl Beaded Hair Hoop

Plus Bow Front Flared Midi Skirt: This is the black full / a line skirt I am wearing with the first two blouses. It is so versatile.

135CM Plus 3pcs Leopard Print Croc Embossed Belt: These are the true PLUS SIZE skinny belts that are mentioned in so many of my hauls. The black belt I use with the Heart Blouse is part of this trio.

I hope you enjoyed this blog and got some inspiration to help you with your vintage inspired fashion needs. Finding vintage clothing is a fun, yet challenging endeavor. This is especially true for plus size gals, like me. I will continue to share what I find so that we can all feel and look our best in the decade we all so love!!!

XOXO

Tiffany

@ramblingsfromahousewife

#PupPeroniShuffle #GetReadyWithOldSpice #vintagegirl #retrofashion #1950shousewife #vintagefashion #stockingsandheels #girdle #garterbelt #vintage

♬ brandy running and crying – brandy running and crying

The Weather Outside Was Frightful….

Oh! The weather outside was frightful…. and it was not much better inside for so many Texans, last week. We had devastating snow falls and record breaking low temperatures. As many people have said, “Texas was not built for this…Texas is not used to this!” And that is the truth!!! We are not built for…

by ramblingsfromahousewife

Happy Mardi Gras 2021

We all know that New Orleans is without their famous Mardi Gras parades and celebrations this year due to COVID-19 and the need to be safe with social distancing. “The celebration was largely cancelled late in 2020 when it was announced that there would be no live parades and no Carnival balls. Mardi Gras 2020…

by ramblingsfromahousewife

1950’s Housewife Style – The Shirt Dress – Plus Size Vintage Inspired

I have read, countless times, in Facebook groups and other places that it is hard to find plus size vintage clothing. A few years ago, I would have agreed. This is not the case, now a days, because I have found that an open mind creates many opportunities for a plus size vintage look.

It is true, that true vintage clothing is next to impossible to find in plus sizes but when you open your mind to vintage inspired clothing, the world is your oyster. In the above video, I showcase a coolection of shirt dresses I have found at Woman Within.

Sandy Shirtwaist Dress By Ellos®

There are a few other places I consider my “go to” for vintage inspired clothing. I plan to showcase a few in future blog posts, so be sure to check back.

If you would like to read a previous blog post I did, about the Shirt Waist / Shirt Dress, please take a look at New Dresses!!!! And a Brief History of the Shirt Waist Dress. (please excuse the formatting, some of my old posts did not transfer well when I started this new blog.)

Photo found on Pinterest

XOXO

Tiffany

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Woman Within Haul and Try On – Plus Size Fashion – Vintage Inspired 1950s Dresses

Hopefully, this will help out with an honest review on the products I have purchased from Woman Within.

We do not hear much about Woman Within on social media. They are frequently overlooked because some think their styles can be a bit outdated and the prices are high while quality is questionable. I want to help out with an honest review on the products I have purchased from the site. There are going to be two videos (so far) in this series discussing what I believe to be good, quality products that I will recommend.

When looking for vintage, 1950s/1960s styles, as a plus size woman, you have to keep an open mind. These styles are so hard to find in larger sizes. We often have to find the look in vintage inspired clothing. Be sure to look at shops that may have been over looked in the past. I found these darling shirtwaist dresses after MANY years of overlooking Woman Within. I am so glad I gave them another shot because these are, by far, some of my favorite finds.

There will be another video, soon, where I will share my entire collection of these dresses as well as a few of the cardigans I have from Woman Within. Be sure to keep a look out for that.

Clothing in this Haul and Try On Video

Sandy Shirtwaist Dress By Ellos® in Black and White Gingham

Sandy Shirtwaist Dress By Ellos® in Navy and White Polka Dot

I am wearing a size 2X (26/28) in both dresses to accommodate my arms. Ellos is notorious for having VERY tight arms. The dress is rather big everywhere else, but nothing I can not work with (as explained in the video). The dress comes in size Small (10/12) to 5X (38/40). Take a look at the measurements and order accordingly, however keep in mind the arms are made tight so I sized up.

Button Down Shirt By Ellos®

I do not recommend this blouse if you have bigger arms. I sized up to a 24 and it was still way too tight. If I would have moved, I am afraid it would have ripped. The quality was nothing too spectacular and I think, for the price, you are better off getting a basic while button down elsewhere. The reviews, on the site, seem pretty good….I just do not agree.

Photo from Woman Within

EveryWear Essentials™ V-Neck Tee

I purchased this in black, white, and raspberry sorbet. I bought the black in Large (18/20) because I needed a tighter black basic tee to tuck in. The white and raspberry sorbet I purchased in 1X (22/24). I love these tops, as you will see in the video. They have just enough stretch to hug your curves and retain their shape (so far, I’ve worn each of these once).

8/2022 note: These Tees are no longer available or have rebranded. The following link will direct you to a very similar, or maybe even the same tee that was rebranded.

Perfect Short Sleeve V-Neck Tee

Here are some TikToks of these dresses in action
@ramblingsfromahousewife

Inspired by the original creator @rockysroad #vintageclothes #housewifelife #sahm #housewife #fyp #imanaccounant

♬ original sound – ramblingsfromahousewife
@ramblingsfromahousewife

♬ original sound – 9GAG – 9GAG

XOXO

Tiffany

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Torrid Plus Size Clothing Haul and Try On

“It was the darndest thing”, was my reply when my darling hubbie spotted my Torrid bag and asked, “Did you get all that, today?!?!”

It was not a big deal….because I got it ALL for under 110.00 AND earned about 50.00 in Torrid Cash. That’s where they get you!!! The Torrid Cash!!! Somehow, I am always just 5 bucks from another opportunity for Torrid Cash. Then you have to go back to spend your Torrid Cash and of course you spend more than what you have. (Kohl’s always get me, too…LOL).

SO here’s how it went… I bought a few things online because the Lightning McQueen dress was on MAJOR clearance markdown. I have had this in my cart since it first made it’s appearance on the site. It started around 80 bucks!!! I watched as it was on sale for 30% off or 50% off at different times this summer. I never took the plunge because our Disney trip was postponed (insert irrational crying meltdown from ME…while the 7 year old “understands”) and I just could not justify the purchase. Well, it finally went on clearance and was marked at 23 dollars and some change. YES, please!!!

Well, you know you can not just buy one thing at Torrid….you got to get enough to earn the Torrid Cash and Free Shipping (I let my “Insider” status go last year so no more free shipping for me, at this time). Then after finding a few more things and “add to cart”, I noticed everything was available to “ship to store” so that option was chosen. so I got free shipping, anyway, I was now attached to the other items in my cart so there you have it. No biggie, I was getting some great deals and Torrid is literally “right up the street” from my neighborhood.

So the day comes and off I go to pick up my package. I was only going to run in, pick up the package, and get out. No more shopping.

Well….the clearance rack happened. ALL the dresses were 15.00 and the tops were 10.00. I did not find any dress that could not be left behind but I needed new tops and found several. I paired down my choices and this is what I ended up with….

Take a look at my YouTube video for a Torrid Haul and Try on / Fitting. I am thrilled with the tops I found. Everything is so comfortable and looks great. I plan to style them with some pencil skirts I have coming from Eloquii or skinny black pants.

Here’s the breakdown / links of what I bought:

Clothing in this haul:

Flamingo Ice Cream Blouse (4X)

Black / White Strip Blouse (3X)

White Gauze Pin Tuck Tank (3X)

Light Pink Swiss Dot Crochet Inset Tank (3X)

Leopard Tie Dolman Blouse (4X)

Leaopard Tank / Cami (3X)

Lightning McQueen Pixar Dress (3X)

White Iridescent Crop Top (out of stock)

Leopard Cat Eye Sunglasses

@ramblingsfromahousewife

#CoupledUp #ShredWithBillAndTed #whatsup #vintagevibes #housewifelife #tiktokmom

♬ original sound – thatchickwthefacetattoo

xoxo

Tiffany

Before you go….

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Vintage Inspired Plus Size Clothing Haul

Finding vintage clothing in plus sizes is extremely difficult. I have been dressing in this style for years and have tried finding things in sizes from 12 all the way up to 24+. I have never found it easy. The best thing, I have found, is to dress in a vintage INSPIRED style.

My favorite fashion era is the late 1950s / early 1960s. I love the style of the shirtwaist and wiggle dress.

Pattern packaging of a 1950’s shirtwaist dress.

Each of these styles can be achieved, in my opinion, very easy. For the shirtwaist, just look for simple, easy shirt dresses. For the wiggle dress “look”, search for dresses with a body-con fit or an outfit of pencil skirt and form fitting blouse.

Pattern Packaging of a 1950s/1960s wiggle dress

There are many places these styles can be found in plus sizes but I am here, today, to show you what I found at Shein. Shein is a VERY inexpensive online shop serving both plus size/curvy and …. regular (?) sizes. They usually have coupons available to even further their discounted prices. Word of warning, while the prices are very low please expect a “fast fashion” quality. I would compare it to a place like Dots, back in the day (I am not sure it Dots is still around). These will not be investment pieces and I, most likely, would not even wear them to “work” (If I worked outside of our home). These are fun items. Not to be taken too serious. When you are paying 15 – 20 dollars for a dress, you should not judge too harshly.

You can see what I purchased, and my commentary, on my YouTube channel, Ramblings from a Housewife

Items bought in this haul include:

Black Pencil/tube skirt size 4X

Cherry Faux Wrap Blouse size 4X

Leopard Peplum Blouse (not shown in the try on portion, sorry about that)

Black and White Vintage Inspired Shirtwaist Dress size 4X

Pink and Ivory Ditsy Floral Vintage Inspired Dress size 4X

Leopard Co-Ord size 4X

Black Night Gown (not shown in try on portion)

Check out my Instagram

Ramblings from a Housewife

I will be styling and sharing how I am wearing these outfits in the next few weeks. I also have vintage inspired outfits from other retailers, as well, as lots of other vintage lifestyle tidbits. I would love for you to join me over there!

Speaking of Social Media….

You can find me on the following, as well…

TikTok

(I can not seem to embed this….but click on the word “TikTok” and it will take you to my TikTok)

Before you go….

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XOXO

Tiffany

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