Despite heavy downpours, and all around discouraging weather predictions, it turned out to be successful day of food, friends and fun.
As I always say, "The show must go on!" I'm so glad that I didn't back down and Diane at the Art Room was willing to still open her doors to hosting the event!
Dashing through puddles of rain water in high heels, and squeezing under the shelter of one of the two umbrellas myself and the other models had to share...I knew the day was bound to be full of adventure, if nothing else!
I had told the girls, prior to the downpour, that if we had enough time between eating lunch at The Motor Company Grill (A 1950's style diner downtown) and when the show began, we could consider taking some nice photographs of us in one of the ally ways. Gotta have images to share for the blog and social media, right?! Not to mention that these were no ordinary models, they were my friends, friends who were soon to be sojourning and taking off to live their dreams and see the world.
Tiffany (who came up from FL just to participate in the event) is now bound for the Navy, Laura to pursue work in New Jersey, Delainie is engaged to be married in early June and will be leaving Franklin for Wisconsin. These Photos would help keep the memories in tact. However, the rain persisted, and time ran away with us...
If you entered the shop from 4-7pm you would have discovered an energetic atmosphere of chattering visitors, lacy doilies, electric candles, pretty balloons, frilly snacks, and 4 ladies dressed in vintage clothing (myself included). The girls and I paraded different outfits on the hour to the jive of jazzy swing tunes bellowing from the 1930's style radio perched on the "art bar".
One of the new faces I was introduced to by my sweet shop-keeper was that of her brother-in law the one and only John MacLean, who is known for his larger than life photographs of the nature of the smoky mountains here in Franklin, NC. I recall seeing his photos in coffee shops, and thinking to myself "Ah, now there is a photographer who knows what he's doing" but of course he was no more than a mere name, and card that I put in my pocket at a younger age and in distant time. Now I had a face to go along with the photography.
Mr. MacLean was a pleasant sort of fellow who seemed to be "in the moment" when it came to jumping on the opportunity to photograph some lovely images. After asking if I wouldn't mind doing an impromptu photo shoot, he grabbed his camera, equipment and returned to the scene in minute man time. Oh, and did I forget to mention...The sun came out of nowhere and lit up the nearby ally way, illuminating the previously grey space!
So with pleasure, and much gratitude to my girls and the photographer, I present to you some images of the darling dames in dresses and accessories from the Vintage Wardrobe!
This classy dress is everything but shy! It's colorful embroidery is reminiscent of the hard work and creativity that would have gone into hand sewing beautiful garments of the Edwardian era, and yet, it's a dress that most definitely imitates the care-free 1920's flapper's style. It's not hard to look good in this light, playful dress that inspires it's wearer to live "out of the box" for the night.
Like a cake baked to perfection, is the detail on this dress...it's utterly satisfying to the eye. Embellished with black lack embedded with golden sheen that adds a touch of glitz to the overall romantic silhouette. If I didn't know better I would say this gorgeous girl was headed to a date in a Italian restaurant that overlooks a dance floor strung with lights. The black hair net adds a bit of mystery to this Tuscan "goddess". Bread and wine will be on the menu, and those heels were meant to slow dance in bellow a blanket of roman stars. This dress is bound to steal the heart of any young lady, or better yet, become ingrained on the mind of a star-struck young man who sees you in it!
$35 Size S/XS Don't let it get snatched up, before you do!
Accessories also available from the Vintage Wardrobe.
Pearl necklace is $5. Check out the vintage jewelry collection on display at The Art Room on Main
Above is myself in the retro inspired suit set. This chocolate colored suit is a bit big on me, but would fit a size 4-6 to the tee! It's lacy details down the sides of the pencil skirt, and a-top the faux pockets is what adds a pinch of color and girly charm. It's the perfect suit for business or for a more dressy date, wear with a side hat or a fancy handmade hair piece! It's professional yet fun enough that you won't feel boring in it. Size Small, $25.00
Did I mention the retro style heels are also for sale? Yes, and only $12. Size 8. Wear it for a Mother-daughter date out for a nice dinner, or to the Kentucky derby which is May 6th!
Above we have the confident Laura Elizabeth in the brand new cocktail dress that represents the brave fashion of the 1980's. This dress is well worn on this stunning woman. The leaf pattern is unique and also incredibly detailed. There are definitely some more 1920's vibes going on in this pattern. You're bound to shine in this playful, yet professional party dress. Whether you have a night with the girls planned for a few cocktails, or would like something to wear for a cruise to the Bahamas, this dress has got just the right "punch". You won't regret looking like a star, and feeling like one too in this eye-catching dream-catcher of a dress. Perfect for the "grown up" diva who wants to keep classy while still showing off her powerful body.
Size Medium 6-8 this dress still has the tag on it, and is worth over $100. It's for sale for $60 on the rack!
Above is the Darling Delainie Golightly in the light yellow 1950's spin off dress. It's a sundress, that is sunny just to look at, and it's golden tan accents add a modern bohimian flair. What you cannot see, is truly the best part, and that is the pattern on the fabric, which is a durable cotton blend; the pattern, which appears to be a floral design from a distance is truly clusters of dreamy moths with mystical wings and in realistic form. To complete the outfit, we gave Delainie this straw 1940's hat that is wrapped in velvety green ribbion and a hair net that is tucked back under the brim. Delainie looked so good in this dress, that she bought it for herself after the shoot! And for a steal of a price too! ($15) Hat is still available for $12, and the retro brown shoes Size 8 also $12 at the Vintage Wardrobe!
Needless to say, my Mom swiped up this entire outfit. So sadly, it is no longer available to buy. However, black dresses are never something we're short of at The Vintage Wardrobe, and there are many more vintage hats just waiting to be claimed and worn for $5 and up!
Franklin, NC is full of adventure, if you haven't been down town it's a good destination for some old-fashioned-charm. Visit The Art Room, and tell Diane at the counter that you read about us here!
P.P.S. Keep an eye out for more vintage and retro style clothing on this blog, and even more photos from the talented John MacLean, who is breaking out from his usual subject of photographing smokey mountain nature, to photographing lively figures and faces! Share the love and follow him on instagram and facebook; johnmacleanphotography
Cheers!
AJ. Childs
"The Vintage Gal"
