Dalena Vintage

1950s Wedding Dress Bliss

2013-05-20T21:52:00.000-05:00

* 1950s Summer Sunset Wedding Dress *

* 1950s Quiet Opulence Wedding Dress *

* 1950s Primrose Petal Wedding Dress *

* 1950s Vanilla Cream Wedding Dress *

It's been a quiet few weeks in the shop as you may have noticed. For those of you who don't know, I have a full-time job on top of this, and the last couple weeks I've had a hard time keeping up with it all. Alas, I woke up this morning with a renewed energy and over the next few days I'll be listing these 1950s wedding dresses, each stunning in their own right. Have a look over at the shop if you're interested in details!

Nightie Night

2013-05-06T10:43:00.000-05:00

* 1940s Elegant Evenings Nightgown *

* 1950s Ambrosia Nightgown *

* 1950s Sultry Raven Negligee *

* 1950s Iconic Rose Slip *

* 1950s Mint Julep Robe Set *

Tonight is the night...When these vintage intimates go into the shop! If you like what you see, feel free to email me at my fancy new email: leslie@dalenavintage.com I'm thinking the 1950s Mint Julep Robe Set would make for an elated bride-to-be!

A Family Affair: Granny Ward

2013-05-05T13:25:00.000-05:00

My blog has been on the back burner for quite some time now. It hasn't been intentional by any means. I've just been unbelievably busy and at a loss with what direction I want to go. Now, in looking back at what I've written in the past, I've decided a couple of things. The first being that I don't really need a direction! I've always just really enjoyed having an outlet to post interesting tidbits, simple recipes, shop updates and bits and pieces of my family history. The second being that I would like to bring back a couple of features including A Family Affair, a series I started about the women in my family. So here's a bit on the wedding of my great grandmother, Ivy Deoma Glover Ward (Granny Ward).

It was the evening of Wednesday, November 6, 1912 just around 8 o'clock in the evening. Buggies came in from all around the Rocky area which was near the old Fairfield church and Little Brazos school. These days and even growing up, old stories are often told in around wheres and over nears. So many of the places in those stories have since fallen down, been torn down or communities simply dissolved.

The wedding itself took place on the front porch of Granny Ward's parents house. It was built by my great great grandfather and according to my great aunt had a huge wrap around porch as many old Texas houses do. I would love to see these photos of the home but I don't know that any exist.

We do, however, have pieces from Granny Ward's dress, her cameo necklace and wedding bracelet, the vest Grandaddy Ward wore, a newspaper clipping and several portraits taken on their wedding day. That said, I guess I'm pretty lucky to have that much!

The above is Granny Ward on her wedding day. I wore the cameo in these Edwardian Love photos taken last year, and will definitely find a way to incorporate it into my wedding. On a side note, photos should still double as postcards! Don't you think?

The best part of that clipping has to be the description of Granny Ward, "...one of the fairest flowers of this community." Such decadent description for a newspaper! The fabric and lace pieces on the right are what remain of her dress.

Sneak Peek (For the Feet)

2013-03-10T14:53:00.000-05:00

What started out Friday as a slow going vintage hunt turned into a goldmine of goodies. By the end of the day, I was headed home in a car filled with vintage shoes, dresses, jewelry and nighties. Although most of yesterday was spent hand washing dresses, I had just enough time to photograph a few pairs of shoes. Here's a tiny sneak peek.

I've been wanting to branch into the world of vintage shoes but I'm just so darn selective when it comes to quality. As luck would have it, Friday's find came straight from the original owner meaning amazing quality. In fact, several of the pairs have never even been worn!

McCall's Magazine

2013-03-07T21:53:00.000-06:00

Those places you just stumble upon unexpectedly, the ones you just catch out of the corner of your eye as you're driving past, those are always the best. Several weeks ago on the final leg home of our vintage road trip, my mom and I came across just that. In fact, we almost didn't go in. I mean, really, a taxidermy raccoon in a bird cage? No, thank you. Wait, a taxidermy raccon in a bird cage? Okay, I'm intrigued.

Inside we went. Rooms and rooms filled with everything imaginable. Walls of old records. Shelves of antique kitchen ware. Rows of jukeboxes. Piles of turn-of-the-century sewing machines. I could write a short story on everything housed in that place. And I could have spent a small fortune. Alas, I was good, walking out with a modest stack of 1930s McCall's magazines.

Naturally, I was captured by the dreamy illustrations on the first two covers. But what really surprised me was seeing F. Scott Fitzgerald listed as a contributor. I had no idea McCall's had published the works so many well-known writers. John Steinbeck and Kurt Vonnegut, to name a few. Each copy is filled with a variety of fashion from the day, short stories and articles on 'modern' domestic life. They've been an interesting read to say the least!

Edwardian Whites

2013-01-27T19:59:00.000-06:00

Each of these white cotton Edwardian beauties (and one 1940s!) will be up in the shop over the next two days. Stay tuned!

Underpinnings & the New Year

2013-01-06T20:35:00.001-06:00

I'm not big on New Year's resolutions. I am, however, big on goal setting. Anytime. Anywhere. Whenever I feel the need or desire. My latest goals just happened to fall around the transition from 2012 to 2013. Perhaps last makes them resolutions? I don't know.

Resolutions. Goals. Ambitions. Whatever you'd like to call them, I've set many for the next 12 months. I couldn't be more excited about all of the plans and ideas stirring in my head. While some find it helpful to share those goals with others, I personally like to keep them close to my heart. I will let you in on one of my ambitions, at least on an extremely general note! Simply stated, it is the growth of Dalena Vintage. As to exactly what this entails, well, you'll just have to stay tuned and see the details as they unfold.

Step One: Finally snagging my very own 1960s Wolf dress form, purchasing a seamless backdrop and investing in a simple light kit. I have a huge learning curve ahead of me, considering I've only used natural light up until this point, but am excited to experiment and perfect the new look. Here's my first go round.

What do you think? Which look do you prefer, the new or old? If you have any advice tips on studio lighting, I'm all ears. Oh and I almost forgot, these lovely slips are going up in the shop this evening!

1936 Mademoiselle Illustrations

2012-12-08T17:52:00.000-06:00

Just a year after the magazine was founded in 1935, Mademoiselle was already producing these gorgeous cover illustrations. Although the credit is truly due to Helen Jameson Hall, the artist behind the images. Flirty and demure, these illustrations leave more to the imagination than modern covers. I love that each edition had a unique, hand-painted logo; no logo was exactly alike.

I wish I knew more about the life and endeavours of Ms. Hall. However, even with the vast amount of information found online these days, I still couldn't manage to find a thing. Any ladies or gents happen to know anything about her? Pray tell if you do!

The 1940s Scrapbook

2012-10-20T21:37:00.000-05:00

Estate sailing. /iˈstāt ˈsāliNG/ The process of sailing from estate sale to estate sale with an insatiable desire to find impeccable vintage clothing and accessories.

That is, at least, my definition of the act. An act that is indubitably one of my favorite pastimes. If I don't walk away with a few vintage goodies or random items that I don't really need, I almost always make it out with an interesting story or two. Yesterday's impromptu estate sale stop gifted me with an unexpected bounty of both. Here's the briefing:

My mom and I, already on the road to Dallas, decided to reroute ourselves to a nearby estate sale just slightly off the beaten track. (Insert shout out to my aunt here, who made several persuasive calls highly encouraging us to go.)

We stopped. Got out. Went in. And this is what we saw...Rooms that went on and on. Nonetheless, a seemingly small house. Then an add on. Then another and possibly another. Corners that led to a garage that led to nooks that led to sheds. An architectural maze of sorts. I could have gotten lost in there, we both could have. But this stop was an afterthought, of course, so time was of the essence. We sorted through the clothes, finding a nice stack for ourselves. And then, because I can't help picking up scrapbooks and perusing old photos, I saw a seemingly run-of-the-mill notebook. I picked it up to thumb through it and to my enjoyment, found it was filled with magazine cut outs and newspaper clippings of 1940s Hollywood starlets...

And this isn't even the lot of it! Not only is this an entertaining find, but an amazing resource. I'm sure I'll be using it for dating clothing in the future. A functional beauty and I've gotta say, a dollar well spent!

Sneak Peek

2012-10-05T16:27:00.000-05:00

Last weekend proved a great vintage bounty! Miles and miles of goodies to peruse through and of course I came back with a number of gorgeous dresses and hats. Most of the hats are already up in the shop but stay tuned for these cotton beauties. They'll be up in the shop tonight and tomorrow so stay tuned.

St. Louis College Girls

2012-09-15T11:59:00.001-05:00

"The 17 girls pictured above [below] are in women's seventh heaven, for they are criticizing clothes which other women will wear." Or at least according to the October 1944 LIFE article College Critiques. Perhaps not the most feminist of statements but considering it's 1944 I'll overlook it and simply state that I enjoy the images nonetheless.

The gals above were selected for a Junior Board of Review, a concept the R. Lowenbaum Manufacturing Co. of St. Louis initiated in 1941 at Washington University. The idea was essentially a focus group with a prestigious name, in which the board met to discuss opinions on the company's up-coming junior lines. And so they judge...

It was difficult to stop adding photos to this post, there are just so many great shots from this set! Have a search through the LIFE Photo Archive if you're yearning for more as I tend to.

How to Kiss

2012-08-26T15:21:00.000-05:00

Just so you know what's right and wrong when it comes to a little love in the afternoon. Thank you ever so much for the tips 1942 Time Life!

Seeking Fall (And Bits of Holiday, Too!)

2012-08-22T19:30:00.000-05:00

Although it doesn't feel like it down here in Texas, fall is just around the corner. I've stocked up all sorts of vintage hats for the season and even the holidays which I know will be here here before I know it! These lovelies and more are and will be in the shop tonight.

Summer Nighties

2012-08-21T19:39:00.000-05:00

I am very much a nightgown kind of girl. I've worn them as long as I can remember. As have my grandmother, my mother, my aunt, my cousins. We all have, all the women in my family. It's just what we wear to bed. What we've always worn to bed. I've been made fun of, absolutely, and on may occasions.

Middle school and high school sleepovers were especially rough. At a certain point, I bought a few socially acceptable sleeping outfits to wear when I spent the night out. This generally consisted of boxers and a t-shirt, essentially the go-to 90s sleep attire. I would pack these in my overnight bag to avoid any obnoxious remarks. My close friends, however, they knew the truth. The fact that I always wore nightgowns at home and that I still do. Although these days, I must say my nighties are a bit cuter than they've been in the past the fact remains, I still rock them and that's just something I'll never be able to break.

Time Life photographer, Nina Leen, shot these photos of summer underwear (AKA summer nighties) in 1949. I'm absolutely in love with them. But now I'm curious, what do most gals sleep in...you?

Fading Summer

2012-08-18T15:08:00.001-05:00

After searching up and down and just about all around for a vintage mannequin head at a decent price, I finally got lucky yesterday. Although she's a bit rough around the edges, she's pretty perfect in my eyes and was quite the deal. A little TLC is in order, of course, but I'll be looking into the best way to restore her over the next few weeks. If you've got any tips, I would love to hear them.

With so many hats eagerly waiting to go into the shop, I couldn't resist a photo session this morning. What you think? Oh...And most importantly, what shall I call her!?

Turn of the Century Texas

2012-08-05T20:00:00.001-05:00

Once again, my love for Edwardian fashion had me sifting through old family photographs over the weekend. I came across a few more photos of my family in Texas from 1900-1910 including the other half of a photo I had posted a year or two ago.

Above. My great grandfather, Grandaddy Ward, with his brothers and sisters along with my great great grandfather at their home near Stranger, Texas around 1910. Although I never knew Grandaddy Ward, I know a lot about him through family stories.

On nights spent at my grandparents as a little girl, my cousin and I used to fall asleep to the stories my Granny would tell. Often they were about her childhood but sometimes they would include those she was told by her grandaddy as a child. Although the details are faint to me now, one was the tale of how they came to Texas from Alabama in a covered wagon. My mom added a few details this afternoon, telling me that it happened about 15 years prior to this photo and that in order to cross the Mississippi, they had to load the wagon onto a barge.

Above. My great grandmother, Granny Ward, with her sisters and my great great grandparents, all of whom were born and raised near Stranger, Texas. I got to see this house once when I was little, although it was already in shambles by the time my Granny took us out there.

Above. My great great aunt, Aunt Chesney, washing a kitten with well water in the photo on the left, and just hanging around the yard in the photo on the right.

Yes, there is the simple fact that I find fashion of this period lovely from an aesthetic point of view. But I think I'm also intrigued by its simplicity in design and practicality in use. It was crafted in such a utilitarian way that here we are over 100 years later, finding pieces still in tact many of which are perfectly suitable to wear today. How amazing is that!?

Edwardian Love

2012-07-31T20:05:00.000-05:00

I can feel it slowly developing. The proof is scattered throughout my tiny apartment. On clothing racks. In my closet. On shelves. A small obsession with vintage wedding dresses. And on top of that a growing affinity for early 1900s fashion.

I have the feeling it's in the air as my mom is being drawn into the same dreamy trance. This was a realization I came to a few weeks ago, and upon so found that collectively, our obsession has turned into a nice little collection. So last weekend with an open Sunday, we woke up before the crack of dawn, filled the car with vintage and headed just out of town for a little picture taking.

Photos and photos of dresses from the 1900s to the 1960s were taken. Some genuine wedding dresses of their time. Others perfectly suitable alternatives for a modern day affair. After the day was through, I didn't even know where to start but seeing as I'm currently in love with Edwardian pieces, I decided to start there, well, here really...

The long lingerie dress I've had for a while, found at an estate sale in central Texas. I actually did a little write up about it way back when! I saw it hanging from the closet, fell in love and now it's up in the shop.

The shorter young ladies number is a recent love. One that I'm considering stealing from my mom's shop! Yes, she too has a shop, Deoma's Boutique, named after my great grandmother. Actually, if you look closely, you'll notice I'm wearing an antique cameo and gold bracelet, both of which were hers!

Stay tuned for more photos of wedding dresses over the next week or two. I can't decide what should be next, I'm thinking 1960s mod or classic 1950s. What would you like to see?

Raspberry Lemonade Popsicles

2012-07-27T22:52:00.000-05:00

It's been that time of year for awhile down here in Texas. That time being popsicle time. And now that I'm the proud owner of a popsicle mold, I can finally relish in all sorts of frozen concoctions.

Seeing as lemonade is one of the best ways to beat this gruesome Texas heat, it was only natural to break it in with some variation of my summer favorite. Really, what could be better than fresh squeezed lemonade frozen to perfection with bits of tangy raspberry when even a walk to the mailbox leaves you sweaty? Not much, in my opinion! Here's how I made mine...

What you'll need:
* posicle mold
* 1 cup sugar and a bit more
* 1/2 cup hot water
* 1 cup fresh lemon juice
* cold water
* raspberries

What to do:
Bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil, remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of sugar until dissolved. Voila, your simple syrup is complete. (Yup, just like you do for margaritas!) Add your cup of fresh squeezed lemon juice to the simple syrup and stir well. Now you've got a pretty basic lemonade concentrate. Slowly begin adding cold water until your mixture is almost drinkable, but still a bit strong.

Pour into your mold until the mold is about 3/4 full. Add a concoction of slightly mashed raspberries until the mixture reaches the top. I like to add a bit of sugar to my raspberries but this really depends on how sweet or sour your berries are. Add the lid and stick, or follow the final steps of your mold and stick in the freezer until ready.

If you have any lemonade left, lucky you! Pour it over a cup of ice, step out on the porch and dream about what flavor you'll make next.

Lia Ices

2012-06-26T13:35:00.001-05:00

Pretty voice. Pretty lyrics. Pretty video. Pretty. Just pretty.

A Weekend Sneak Peek

2012-06-16T14:33:00.000-05:00

Photos. Photos. Photos. And this isn't even the lot of it! These beauties will be going up in the shop over the next few days. Stay tuned if you like what you see!

Shae Acopian Detar

2012-06-04T18:17:00.004-05:00

Through the wonders of Twitter, the work of Shae Acopian Detar came across my radar last week. Though initially struck by a photograph of Ms. Detar with her enchanting head pieces, I was soon in definite awe of her dreamlike painted portraits. They hold a whimsical beauty; simple black and white portraits underneath both pale and vibrant painted hues. Have a look at a few of my favorites below.

Ann He

2012-03-23T10:06:00.006-05:00

I'm a big fan of the Adore Vintage blog. If you're not familiar, it's a little place on the web I like to go for vintage inspiration and I suggest you check it out. Last week, I read a post she did on 16-year-old photographer, Ann He, and pretty much fell in love with the young lady's work. The photos below are from the editorial I was most drawn to. Soft. Ethereal. And quite the feel of Spring. Considering that's what I've been drawn to lately, it's no real surprise these were my favorite.

In the Shop

2012-03-19T19:56:00.003-05:00

Working, working, working... I've had no time for the good old blog as of late, my apologies! Here's a little shop update to keep you satisfied. Expect weekly mini shop updates for the next few months and then, come summer, back to full-on shop mode. I've got several exciting buying trips coming up over the next few months, and am hoping the result will be a shop full of darling dresses. In the meantime, stop by the shop when you can!

In the Shop

2012-02-12T16:21:00.003-06:00

Last week, I headed a bit south for the day and came across these vintage beauties from the 1950s. I've been so busy, they're just now going up in the shop. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm looking forward to the days ahead with enough warmth for taking afternoon dips in the nearest swimming hole.

Annex Paper Dresses

2012-02-06T18:58:00.001-06:00

Maps. Vintage. Dresses. Only a few of my favorite things! I would love to have myself a little collection of these paper dresses from the annex. One-of-a-kind. Just for me. Really what could be better?