Vintage Clothing: So, if old is new, then it’s not really old then, is it?

“(Note: Red and black bowler hat = optional.)”

Oh, philosophical theories and brain teasers. I find myself wondering if ‘vintage fashion’ is such a big, ‘new’ thing lately, does that not make it ‘un-new’ and entirely ‘un-vintage’ after all, because it’s no longer old? Surely, if we’re all into ‘old’ clothes they then become new, and surely if old is new, then really nothing is new after all, and we’re just a world of failed new inspiration? Maybe, or maybe not…

But regardless, it doesn’t hurt to dabble in old ideas, bring old styles back to life and what-not, and lately, I’m a little obsessed with slip dresses.

Originating (I believe, but I may be wrong), from the 1950s, slip dresses were obviously designed to be worn under skirts and dresses, stopping clothes from sticking or something of that sort, but in the 21st Century, they’ve become a garment on their own, resurfacing somewhat this year in the whole ‘underwear-as-outwear’ trend as seen all over the SS2010 catwalks. As long as you don’t look like you’re wearing a nightie, teamed with charm and vintage style necklaces and dressed up, you’re totally onto a winner. (And ignore my mother if she jumps out and tells you that you look like you’re wearing your underwear. She tends to think everything I wear is missing a coat, and a jumper, and a sturdy pair of jeans, and maybe another jumper…but oh-mother-when-will-you-understand that I really don’t do the whole ‘dressed-down’ look, because where’s the fun in that?)

So, just when I’m wondering how to demonstrate what I’m talking about, I remember that I was the model for a friend’s art project last year, and suprise-suprise, actually ended up with hundreds of shots of me wearing a slip dress. Convenient, I’d say. Oh, Alice, you do know how to do artistic shots with bowler hats…

FYI…
the dress is from Topshop
the necklaces are from all over the place (most notably Accesorize, who do cute and crazy pendant necklaces – http://bit.ly/bbUmCP)
and the hat? Borrowed from Alice’s father, who had it lurking in a cupboard somewhere. Who said you can’t steal things from family members?

Until next time…

Rachel x

(please feel free to comment, say hi, drop a line, leave a message, strike up a convo…all of the above. I won’t bite. Honest.)