Charmeuse Couture Wishlist
' Vintage and lace, threads of the past, ribbon interlaced in a tapestry of gold,
Twinkling chimes of an era long gone, the scent of old clothing music to our ears,
Metallic shimmer adorns a puffball gown, fraying seams crumbling under our palms,
Those were the times when fashion was refined, an elegance caught in a trapdoor of our past,
Charmeuse Couture is a ruby among pins, insufferable poise suited to a time long gone,
For we refuse to let go of our vintage memories a snap reel of a better time it seems'
Charmeuse Couture is an online destination that specializes in 'vintage apparel' for the modern 'lady' living in the forgotten past. Focusing on wearable but delicate pieces the couture collection is set apart from the homogeniety of typical high-street wear and is influenced by Victorian fashion. Drawing upon the Victorian love of 'ruffled' or 'bell-type sleeves' combined with a modern obsession with colour Charmeuse's ethos is simple: 'enchanting designer elegance with a passion for handcrafted detail'. Sheer craftmanship and attention to detail is what sets Charmeuse Couture apart from the crowd.
When the empoymous collection contacted me to review their products it was a case of curious and curiouser and I was ready to accept their challenge. When it comes to vintage fashion my knowledge is minimal and I was eager to broad my aesthetical horizons. To me Vintage 'fashion' was an expression of identity that was reserved to sub-cultures who used the past to reject modern fashion but I was wrong. Vintage fashion is all around us and defines who we are as people. Without our past fashion would not have progressed and the limitations that women faced would have still been prevalent in European culture today.
Wishlist
1. Red Wool Blend Coat with Scallop and Bow Details
Quite unlike anything that has graced my wardrobe before, a modern inversion of structure combined with vintage lace hemlines creates an aesthetic that is best suited to the image of an 'anime adventurer'. The hybrid dress with scalloped details is 'cute' but different, where the splash of 'post-box red' adds much needed colour to a firm vintage favourite.
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How to wear a scalloped dress
The key to wearing a scallop dress is to keep accessories within the same colour palate and refrain from necklaces as they tend to not compliment scallop hem dresses. To add a modern aesthetic use directional pieces that will take your OOTD from 'old-school' to 'street cool' vintage. The lace-up boots and fedora will top the scallop dress from looking too 'twee' and will ensure that you will stand out from the crowd.
2. Party Perfect Sequin And Floral Applique Embellished Dress
3D fashion dominated the S/S 15 catwalks and now the trend has transcended into fall where the delicate applique blooms juxtapose the demolition of trees in fall stripped of their foilage and leaves. It's delicate bodice and ruffle tiered sleeves speak for themselves, while the light neutral peach hue demonstrates hope in the bitter starkness of winter.
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How to Wear An Applique Dress
Bright or neutral applique dresses should be chosen for impact, with attention to floral detail so popular on the S/S catwalk 16. The red number shown below has street cred; with its focus on minimal accessories and strappy heels it is far removed from the typical vintage look and can be dressed up or down. Mirrored ombre sunnies should be worn in clashing shades to add some much needed fun to the OOTD whilst bold slogan purses compliment the applique design.
3. Charlotte Floral Dress With Cut-outs And Mesh Overlay
Inspired by the image of an iconic 'tea lady' the pleated high neck gown is Victorian formal wear with a modern edge. The mesh bodice stops the high neck gown from looking too 'prim and proper' while the pleated skirt overlay adds structure to the vintage gown.
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How to wear a high neck gown
Not all high neck dresses have to be boring, a monochrome palate stops the dress from looking too feminine and suits all fashionistas regardless of aesthetic preferences. Add large white sunglasses to match the bag and shoes and you are good to go. To make this look work keep accessories in the same colour frame and add studded shoes to stop the OOTD from looking too feminine.
Which one will you choose?