From My Closet - The Better Dresses Vintage Blog

Liza from BDV volunteering at Historic Oakland Cemetery in 1920s Dress and Upcycled Hat

Repairing and Redecorating an Antique Hat

...When I found it, the black, late 1910s/early 1920s hat was in very bad shape. It's surface was completely rotted, so it shed everywhere and got under my fingernails. So yucky. But the shape was lovely and iconic, and I knew I could do something with it...
Read more
Typical edwardian hats.

Recreating an Edwardian Hat

... Sure, you could buy an antique hat. But this was more fun. It's not difficult and requires no advanced sewing skills. It only takes time, patience, and a few supplies ...
Read more
Not-So-Happy Hour: My Quest for a Cocktail Dress

Not-So-Happy Hour: My Quest for a Cocktail Dress

... With a $1,600 price tag and a waist in need of nipping, it didn't make the cut ...
Read more
One of My Favorite Places

One of My Favorite Places

... It's been a long love affair, mostly unrequited ...
Read more
Mannequins look on disapprovingly.

Casual Is Overrated

... I can barely express the depth of disappointment I felt when my husband informed me of the suggested dress code: CASUAL. Again! ...
Read more
Liza and her parents, c. 1967, (c)BDV

I've Always Been Like This

... I appreciate indoor plumbing, anesthesia, and the right to vote, but why can't we have all that and be properly dressed for a Jane Austen or Edith Wharton novel, or a Cecil Beaton photo shoot? ...

Read more
Continue shopping
Your Cart

There are no items in your cart