I know this isn't for everyone, but this was the period I picked. I'm a giant fan of diners, drive-ins, films from the 30s-60s, and that sort of thing. I've had a diner booth in my kitchen for years (this is mine
http://www.barsandbooths.com/bandbmarybooth.htm ), several diner prints, and the family has been buying me diner trinkets forever. I have a scooter and am hoping to recreate this image with FI (
http://www.imdb.com/media/rm3815086080/tt0046250 ) with me driving, though
. I hope to have the wedding at a diner in my neighborhood--but haven't asked them yet.
Anyway--for me and my vintage body, this is right. I also LOVE the color pop of the crinolines/tulles and shoes that a lot of folks do with this.
So I've been collecting tea length dresses and sites for inspiration. I just wanted to collect and link them here in case anyone else is looking at this style too.
My list--still working on this, and do not intend to exclude anyone:
Stephanie James Couture:
http://stephaniejamescouture.com/ and don't miss the blog with real weddings:
http://stephaniejamescouture.com/blog/ My favorite dress there is Audrey (sometimes Audry sp.), but several of the others are faboo too.
Dolly Couture:
http://www.dollycouture.com/ These are sweet.
Light in the Box:
http://www.lightinthebox.com/narrow/tea-length_v1892t0/Wedding-Dresses_c1181 I got my period-inspired dress here because I want to spend my money on other stuff. I'm pleased with it. I might have chosen their Audrey if I had seen it at the time, but it seems to have been out of stock then:
http://www.lightinthebox.com/Audrey-Hepburn-Funny-Face-Ball-Gown-Bateau-Knee-length-Satin-Tulle--WSM0363-_p61496.htmlUnique-Vintage has wedding and party dresses of various sorts:
http://www.unique-vintage.com/ There are a number of Etsy shops in my favorites list. Here are some samples (but certainly not all the ones they have):
My crinoline (in fuschia) is from Swank:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SwankUnderpinningsThis black and chantilly skirt I yearn for:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72258392/mlle-chantilly-lace-french-black Modela2z has nice pieces:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/modela2zPorches Place has several I would kill for
http://www.etsy.com/shop/porshesplace The Reversible Agatha from missbrache is a big favorite of mine -- 2 dresses in one...particularly nice for traveling!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/missbrache Other inspirations:
I treated myself to a purse from RetroRedone--in blue:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroRedoneI know the buttons aren't technically retro, but I sew and I think of sewing as a retro skill, so I bought a button bouquet:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kottonkandy52 I love the brooch ones, but they are way above my budget. I'm considering adding some family pieces to the buttons. It might work. Might not. But I have time to think about it.
Diners:
http://www.roadsideonline.com/ I'm hoping to convince FI to visit as many as possible with me. He's never lived in the US, and it's so Americana....
Drive-ins:
http://www.driveinmovie.com/mainmenu.htmI have no financial relationship with any of these sites. They are just my reference points.