Help Me- Before I Cry.

[Natalie Marie]

So i have a christmas shoot coming up. its not typical christmas pinup, but more of a "New Look" (1945-1964) style of shoot.

I ordered a red swing dress that was a faux wrap on the top (photo below)

It fits me in the most disgusting manner imaginable. And its the correct size. So I'm on the hunt for a new outfit.

Unfortunately, I am finding NOTHING. I've searched high and low on the internet. Amazon, overstock, ebay, etsy....all my local vintage stores, the goodwill...and i've come up with nothing in terms of a red vintage style dress.

I'm thinking separates would be an easier route- but my brain is so wracked from this fiasco, my stellar shopping skills are shot.

Can anybody offer me some suggestions? I'd really appreciate it!

[The Trousseau]

richardwangphotography said:

What size are you?

And what price range are you looking at?

If you really want New Look, I can rustle up a Liili Ann, Joseph Magnin or Dior New York.

Now if you really want to go all out, I can even get a Jacques Fath, or Dior Couture.

Knocks... hey. You forgot to tell her that at least one of those connections was.. well... me.

Unfortunately I don't have anything that is New Look "Christmas" but I have some killer LBD's and at least one or two column dresses that are red velvet. Less than a third of what I have is on my site because time doesn't permit me to keep up with my buying habit.

If you have a week or two, find a great seamstress. Design your own or get a pattern. Or if you sew... well, that is what I do.

[The Trousseau]

ladyj said:

Pencil skirt and a red corset!! Naughty christmas!

Corsets always rock, but they aren't at all period. They were out of use after the Edwardian period, and then they suddenly appeared, for the first time, as outer garments in the 80's, though they have been worn as fetish garments for perhaps longer.

[richardwangphotography]

The Trousseau is a great connection.

Her collection is pretty impressive.

I had the chance to use two of her little black dresses for a shoot.

The red velvet dress she's talking about reminds me of Balenciaga or Fath.

Now if you really want to be risque, she has a Neiman Marcus dress, from about 1977, that's just totally out there.

How do I describe it...Imagine a shirt front micro-mini made of an almost see through metallic reptile print.

I haven't had the opportunity to photograph either dress, and honestly it'll take a very special and very extroverted model to wear the micro-mini.

[richardwangphotography]

Ms. Natalie Marie

We as consumers are demanding lower and lower prices for our clothing.

You can go into any Target of Wal-Mart and buy an entire wardrobe, including undergarments, for less than $100. Our clothes have become so cheap as to be disposable

But with these low prices somethings got to give, and what gives is quality. I'm always shocked when going into a H&M or Forever 21, by their abysmal quality.

Even more shocking is going to supposed high street stores like Bebe and Banana Republic. The prices charged in no way is reflected in the quality.

In the "reproduction retro" market there are some additional factors.

Most of the clothes are only worn occasionally. Ladies wear them for dress up, or as a costume. Secondly, the target client is younger and doesn't have the income to purchase a higher cost item.

There are notable exceptions. Katherine at Whirling Turban makes beautiful dresses. The workmanship and material used are impeccable. But the dresses are twice to four times more expensive than most "repro's".