If it's skirts she wants...

Good Afternoon Ladies! I hope all of you had as fabulous a New Year’s night as I did! Incriminating photos will NOT be published for you to enjoy, but I will say a fantastic evening was had by all. DEE- lightful Martinis were served! I finally broke out my coveted new (original tags from the Dayton's Oval Room still attached new) gorgeous vintage black party skirt - velvet, high-waisted, full skirt with black embellishments. I did not have the time to find the perfect vintage top, however the strapless number I found from Black & White looked delicious as did my 1950's beaded handbag and my ab fab oversized green ring (favorite piece of costume jewelry at the moment) I DO promise to post pics of the ensemb - pre party.
Somewhere in the wee hours, Auntie G called to make sure I was home safe in bed ( I was, and was definitely being kept safe ) Somehow in my vulnerable, over bubbly state, she made a deal with me to share all of the “retro wisdom” of her life for one teensy little price tag. I have to wear skirts for the next year. Dress the part, as it were. Trousers (as she still calls them) even Pedal Pushers, though technically fashion correct as mildly accepted under specific circumstances, were not a norm. She wants me in skirts, dresses, heels, stockings, and appropriate accessories for 365 days. I agreed, though I refuse to wear the girdle (and I am still bartering the footwear – after all, I may be in skirts everyday but a girl today has got to be able to wear boots!) Its retro styling I pleaded, not historical accuracy we’re sharing here.
So, who wants to join me? Its bitter cold here with wind chills in the single digits. Yet, here I am, dressed by 11am in said skirt - What have I gotten into for us all?

Happy New Year to everyone and let the games begin!

Forever Yours,
Gigi L’Amour


P.S. I spent all of New Year’s day laying in bed in my slip, socks and a stack of old movies. How is that for Day 1?? Shhhh don’t tell J

Letter To "The Pearly Girls"

December 31, 1949

At the risk of being a bit early, Happy New year everyone! And what a new year it shall be! I hope each of you had as delightful a holiday season as did I. All of the relatives descended upon us on the twenty-first, and I must say, I am still shocked we were able to accommodate everyone. My favorite, Auntie Gillian, usurped my rights to my bed, so I had to share with Peggy. Tales Gillian brought from life in New York make me anxious to graduate next Spring. She brought a copy of a funny little book she received the Christmas before she moved into Downtown New York in 1937. She suggested I keep it from Mom and Daddy, and I think I just may. There are a couple of chapters they would find completely appalling!

Your Friend,

Gloria Gillian

G.G.

An excerpt from one of Auntie G.G's letters to "The Pearly Girls"

Ringing in the New Year

Well. At the risk of being a bit early, Happy New Year everyone! And what a new year it shall be! (Sorry for the plagiarism Auntie G.) As luck would have it, My Auntie G (Gillian, like the Aunt for whom she was named) came to spend the holidays with us this year. My mother (Auntie G’s-several-years-younger-and-never-as-hip sister) had apparently been calling Auntie G, bemoaning my penchant for things retro. Auntie G, being the coolest Auntie EVER, decided to give us a visit to make sure I wasn’t being led astray by Mom’s memories. (“’Don’t get me wrong, Little Gigi,” she whispered, “Peggy has really outdone herself in, what do they call it? That’s right, ‘Soccer Mom’ fashion, but she always was a bit of a square.”) My presents from Auntie G this year consisted of a gorgeous mink collar set with rhinestones and pearls, a mink headband, black kid gloves with red stitched trim, one of her old dress patterns (good god a size 18 back then was a 38” bust) and a copy of the “funny little book” she received from her Aunt Gillian in 1939; apparently it’s back in print and still relevant for us single girls at 25. The title of the book is Live Alone and Like It by Marjorie Hillis - Go buy it. Go buy it now.

Well ladies, I’d better wrap it up. Time to let down my hair and do my mani/pedi to compliment my gorgeous black velvet party skirt circa the 1950’s – (I drool at the mere thought) As it is I am sitting here typing in my mere unmentionables. Ooh la la! Tonight I’m heading out to a formal attire shindig complete with well poured cocktails and music. What more could a single girl ask for? Taxi’s for the ride home, just in case. Happy New Years!

XOXO

Gigi

Burlesque Moulin Rouge Show Girl Costume Gigi Black and White

Burlesque Moulin Rouge Show Girl Costume Gigi Black and White

Halloween is just around the corner my loves. We have loads of sweet and sexy costumes with our original touch.

Vintage Inspired Dresses Soon To Appear

Just a quicky...

Dillinger is in the process of having some delightful new dresses circa the 1940's and 1950's recreated to add to their growing repetoire of vintage fashion. We have some preliminary peeks at what you may see in the future at Dillinger. If not these exact pieces they will be in similar vain. Tell us what you think!

50's Inspired Chiffon Party Dress with Ruffle Bust and Full Skirt

Red Bridal Satin Glamour Dress Inspired by Rita Hayworth: Featuring Gathered Fitted Skirt with lightweight boning to give a sexy slimming fit.

1940's Vintage Inspired Zebra Swimsuit by Esther Williams

Sexy, sassy and completely suited for all bathing beauties this zebra print suit is fabulously fierce! Bettie Page would be proud to strut it in this little number. All sizes to appear soon!!

www.DillingerInk.com

Vintage Swimsuit circa Marilyn Monroe

So I have one image nearly ready from the weekend shoot of my fantastic vintage swimsuit find. I can not gush enough over the detail and style that drips from this piece!

Here is a peek! Velvety royal blue fabric that is tightly gathered across the back with shirred sheer polka-dot blue side panels that matches the neckline and criss-cross button halter.