There are a few things in this life that make me ridiculously happy – stumbling upon a coffee shop that only has espresso on the menu, yet still manages to not take itself too seriously. Finding a vintage novelty printed skirt in an op shop selling for a song. And discovering a new vintage store, a veritable treasure trove of undiscovered pieces of history.
Meet The Dress Form, owned and run by proprietress Stacey. I was so excited when she contacted me to collaborate on this post – not only do I love discovering new vintage shops, but their mission statement really resonated with me. Before I dive headfirst into the folds of frothy fabrics and swishy skirts a shop has to offer, I almost always click over to the “about” section. So much of what draws me to vintage is the story behind the woman who wore her before me, and I have a similar intrigue in the ladies (and gents) who rescue these clothes from the depths of estate sales, thrift stores, and dusty basements.
Stacey wrote that her shop stems from the excitement in finding the lost. And there was something so poignant and beautiful about that thought. Because so much about what I love in vintage is that it’s lost – discarded, forgotten, left behind. In need of someone to come along who sees her for what she truly is. And there’s nothing more magical than being the one to find her again.
Of course a few clicks through The Dress Form and I was lost. Lost in the stories. Lost in the beautiful dresses and accessories. I gasped more than a few times and about an hour went by before I resurfaced to see my husband blinking at me in concern (I’m pretty sure I have a very primal vintage huntress face). Stacey’s pieces are amazing and – even better for those with an eye on their wallet – her prices are incredibly reasonable. And when this parcel arrived, with the most beautiful sheer Swiss dot dress nestled next to these pristine mesh cocktail gloves and perfect ice blue necklace, I knew immediately that the lost had indeed been found.
One thing I love about this dress are the styling possibilities – if any of you shy away from sheer dresses, they’re a great excuse to wear a pop color slip. Or build up texture with a lace crinoline. I opted for a white bustier and a black crinoline for a bit of a color blocked look, but am already imagining styling her with a deep crimson crinoline and some saucy red lips, or a baby pink slip and some soft gold ballet slippers….
Lover of the lost, fostering the found
The Dress Form
If you’ve never paid them a visit before, I highly recommend checking out The Dress Form website and Etsy shop and some of the amazing pieces they have on offer (I am particularly enamored with this and this). To help you lose yourself in a bit of your own vintage, Stacey is offering an amazing deal, exclusive to my readers. Use code DRESSEDAESTHETIC at checkout and receive 30% off any purchase from her website or Etsy shop. You can also keep up with Stacey’s shop on Facebook and Instagram and keep an eye out for new pieces and other amazing deals.
Maybe we are all a bit lost. Waiting to be found and appreciated for the beauty that we possess, hidden in the folds of our solitude. Hoping for someone to look at us with the right eyes and give us another dance floor to twirl around in.
From one lover of the lost to another…
xoxo
Outfit Details:
Dress: c/o The Dress Form (similar modern and vintage here, here & here)
Brooches: Beleza Vintage (similar here)
Gloves: c/o The Dress Form (similar)
Belt: headband (similar)
Clutch: gift (similar here & here)
Shoes: Nine West
Lip Color: Revlon Ultra HD Matte
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