Does this dress need a post? No, it doesn’t. It speaks for itself. But if I were to say a few things about it, I’d mention that it’s fully-lined, impeccably-made, and it fits me like a glove. In fact, most of the gloves I own don’t fit me that well, so when I find gloves that fit, I’m going to say “these fit me like that dress!” I really could leave it at that, and be on my merry way, but we all know I can’t leave a post without at least cresting the 400 word mark.
If I were to say a little more about this dress, I’d point out that I’m its very first owner. This dress has been around since the early 50s, and I’m the first lady to call it my own. How do I know that? It came complete with a lovely little hot pink tag, that revealed it to be an Alix of Miami original, and was priced at $22.95 back in the day. Considering what a loaf of bread cost back then, that was a pretty penny. Upon further Googling, I discovered that Alix of Miami made all sorts of gorgeous cocktail and dinner dresses with a “tropical edge”.
I love finding original tags and labels on vintage, and I love it even more when the internet hasn’t forgotten about these labels. It gives the whole look some context, and makes me feel connected to the women that originally worn these sorts of garments. 60 years ago, a woman with slightly smaller hips may have worn the very same dress in another size. Maybe she wore it to fabulous pool-side party, and sipped cocktails as she complained about what the salt water did to her hair. A few weeks ago, I wore my Alix of Miami dress as I sipped G & Ts at a wedding overlooking the Ottawa river. She likely had a decent tan, I’ve settled for a blotchy sunburn. Her concerns were probably widely different from mine, and her daily life a far cry from the routines and rhythms of my own, but when I’m wearing this dress, I feel just a little closer to her. For all our differences, we both appreciate a well made dress.
Dress: White Elephant
Earrings: Bibles for Missions | $2.00
Purse: Bibles for Missions | $5.00
Flats: Salvation Army | $5.00
Oh yes, that dress is perfection. I love it!
LikeLike
Thanks, Tara!
LikeLike
Beautiful dress, and lovely outfit. I love the print and romantic tone of the whole look. The dress is cute, and look, the shoes and the bag is gorgeous. The photos are beautiful, and the whole post is wonderful.
LikeLike
Thanks Josep. You are also so kind!
LikeLike
I love the dress, it is really beautiful! You look so pretty : )
LikeLike
Thank you very much!
LikeLike
Fabulous dress and fun post. You well said how I too feel about finding vintage gems. And I think about an item’s previous life…creating a story to go with it. Last year I found a gorgeous evening clutch on Ebay, circa 1950s or 60s, tags still attached. I would love to find a dress like that!
LikeLike
It sounds like your clutch and my dress would be perfect together š
LikeLike
You are perfection in your Alix of Miami dress! I have an Alix of Miami dress too and love it so much. Is the material cotton pique? It looks that way in one of the close-ups. You should hang on to this forever!
LikeLike
Thanks Patrice! Good eye – I checked the label and that’s just what it said. Now I’d like to see yours š
LikeLike
I love the 50’s – the dress is awesome
LikeLike
Thank you! It was a magical decade for fashion wasn’t it?
LikeLike
Very beautiful pictures. And I truly agree on your saying on “fits like glove”, most of my gloves don’t fit well too. Perhaps I would say āthese fit me like that dressā next time! Hehe…
LikeLike
Haha I hope you do Eryn!
LikeLike
I love love love the print! It makes one look delicate and girly. I have a thing for orange-colored stuff and dress too so this one’s a real winner for me. And yes, it fits you like a glove!
LikeLike
Thanks Micah! That citrus colour scheme is so great for summer.
LikeLike
Oh my goodness, that dress does fit you perfectly! And it is just gorgeous! How crazy that it had the original tag on it; I love that too, mostly because I like seeing what it cost back in the day.
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
LikeLike