So like...if you remember my last post about a capsule wardrobe then you remember I had roughly 5 pieces mapped out that I wanted to make/acquire by this year. Emphasis on wanted...oops! I did a lot of creative things the first half of last year, and quite a lot of sewing, but I ended up… Continue reading Vintage Capsule Wardrobe: Reset! (2022)
1950s Starter Pack | How-To Dress
The 1950s is THE most popular decade for vinties and probably the decade even those who are not fashion-minded would associate with "retro" style. Wide, full skirts with nipped in waists and high necklines in whisper-toned pastels are likely what most people think of right away. But true '50s womenswear wasn't exactly what you'd expect.… Continue reading 1950s Starter Pack | How-To Dress
Fashion History, Historical Fashion, Historical Costuming, and Vintage: What’s the Difference?
Since about 2010 or so, it seems there's been a trend of...well, old stuff. TV shows like Mad Men, Downton Abbey, The Crown, and Netflix's Hollywood, or films like Hidden Figures, Belle, Emma (2020), and Sylvie's Love* all have cult-followings and although they rarely break the bank (except, of course, the super hit that is… Continue reading Fashion History, Historical Fashion, Historical Costuming, and Vintage: What’s the Difference?
(Vintage!) Capsule Wardrobe Plans | 2021
New Year's resolutions can be a doozy any year but particularly after the flaming hot mess that was 2020, frankly I think we're all flat-out exhausted. However, sometimes we need a project to kick-start our optimism and I've settled on mine. If you've read some of my earlier work, then you know how important slow… Continue reading (Vintage!) Capsule Wardrobe Plans | 2021
Sew With Me! Pattern Review: the Stanwyck Skirt by Charm Patterns
Source: https://charmpatterns.com/shop/stanwyck-skirt/ Let's cut to the chase here: sewing can be intimidating when you're a newbie (okay, or even when you're not). It's so frustrating to follow guides who tell you something is beginner-friendly but they don't understand that you, my friend, have only just learned how to sew in a straight line, like, last… Continue reading Sew With Me! Pattern Review: the Stanwyck Skirt by Charm Patterns
Where Have I Been? Changes at TVG!
We all know 2020 has been...tumultuous, so I won't spend too much time saying what's already been said about an utterly unrecognizable year. But since March, if you follow me on social media you have likely noticed some changes in my content. When I started The Vintage Guidebook, I did it to celebrate my love… Continue reading Where Have I Been? Changes at TVG!
Brand Spotlight: Secrets in Lace
Let's get right into it! Intros are for wussies. About the brand: Secrets in Lace was founded in 1984 in northern Virginia, USA. The brand offers a wide array of stockings and tights, bullet bras, and shapewear, all inspired by mid-century styles. Claim(s) to fame: Every possible stocking style you can imagine. A variety of… Continue reading Brand Spotlight: Secrets in Lace
Review: Beauty Bakerie “Lip Whip” liquid lipstick
Whether you're a vintage babe or not, we've all found ourselves in a situation where we want the lipstick look without the lipstick smudge. Sounds like Beauty Bakerie heard our cries. And yes, yes- I know these have been out for, like, ever and I'm late to the game buuuuuuuuuut... A lot of you have… Continue reading Review: Beauty Bakerie “Lip Whip” liquid lipstick
Brand Spotlight: What Katie Did
Oh, lingerie. The very word inspires images of calculated and sophisticated sexuality. These days, lingerie is almost exclusively associated with the bedroom or adult entertainment, but for women of previous decades, lingerie wasn’t only sensual- it was functional. With fewer items of clothing, pieces had to last, and one way to achieve that was by… Continue reading Brand Spotlight: What Katie Did
Review: Cover FX (a few complexion products!)
Complexion products are the unsung champions of the makeup world, if we’re being honest. Their goal is to make you look like you’re wearing nothing at all and when you have the right ones, that’s exactly what they do. They are not as glamorous as eyeshadow or highlighter but people will notice if you skip… Continue reading Review: Cover FX (a few complexion products!)