GFV Shop: Late Summer Faves

Hello lovelies, I am back with a new post. I have to say that I am currently giving myself a pat on the back for consistency. Three blog posts in a row is a huge deal for me, so I am proud of myself in that regard. As of late, I have been the queen of finding fabulous vintage pieces. In case you don't know, the city that I live in (Cleveland, Ohio) has such a lovely vintage community. There are so many vintage and thrift haunts where one can find unique gems. I've been branching out to other areas of Ohio, such as Columbus, to further my vintage hoarding and get a broader scope of finds I may have yet to come across in my usual shopping sprees. This post spotlights some of my favorite finds that will pair well with the late summer heat and cool evenings.

This first piece is one of my favorite finds from Columbus that I wish fit me. Every now and then, the vintage gods bestow upon me a garment that reminds me of my Old Hollywood inspirations. This little black cocktail dress is a vintage 90s/Y2K piece by ABS Evening Collection. It was fashion designer Allen Schwartz's legacy brand known for its retro, glamorous evening dresses. This dress is the perfect length (at or above the knee, depending on height) with a beautifully gathered skirt and an attachable waistband that you can tie in a bow in the front or back (I prefer the back). This dress is marked a size 10 but best fits a size small/medium due to some alterations. This dress reminds me of something Audrey Hepburn would wear in a film such as Sabrina (1954) or Funny Face (1957), with a perfectly coiffed black hat with netting and a kitten heel.

Next up is another retro dress that is more casual and leans into summer vibes. Believe it or not, this Paradise Hawaii-inspired dress is a Y2K Charlotte Russe original. The multi-colored blue, red, white, and black print is reminiscent of the prints of the 1950s that were typically seen in tropical-themed dresses that women wore on vacations, at the beach, or going out for a casual day in the summer.

My favorite aspect of the dress is the thin spaghetti straps that appear to go up into a halter in the front and then have horizontal straps lined across the back. The dress is made from polyester, which makes it easy to wash. I picture Mad Men's Megan Draper (played by Jessica Pare) wearing this lively number during her vacation with Don Draper (played by Jon Hamm) in Honolulu, Hawaii. This dress would pair well with 50s-style straw sandals, a lovely sunhat, and oversized sunglasses.

This dreamy 1960s navy cobalt blue mini slip has red scalloped piping detail on the front, neckline, and hem. It is a Perlon mini slip, which utilizes synthetic fibers similar to nylon but consisting of thicker fibers, making it a sturdier, long-lasting fabric. Perlon was developed in Germany in 1938 and was used in lingerie pieces beyond slips, such as bras, garter belts, underwear, and stockings.

What appeals to me most about this 1960s slip is its versatility. It can be worn as a comfy shortie (short nightgown) while lounging around the home. It can also be worn outdoors as a mini dress with colored or printed tights and tall gogo boots or paired with jeans and soft sneakers for a more casual look. Think 60s model Twiggy or fashion designer Mary Quant--something about this piece screams vintage Western European fashion.

Next is another favorite Columbus find of mine: this Calvin Klein long-sleeved plum-colored floral-printed ruched dress. This piece screams classic, timeless, and effortless beauty. It is meant for someone stylish and bold. So many details about this dress make it a stand-out piece.

The body of the dress is lined with sheer netting, on which the bold yellow floral print rests. The sleeves are unlined with the same sheer netting, allowing the arms room to breathe and adding design interest. The neckline is asymmetric, and the material is polyester and spandex, which helps the dress cling to your curves for a bodycon look. The dress is marked a size XL and is one of my most fabulous finds. This piece feels like one that a beauty such as Zsa Zsa Gabor would have loved before her passing.

You may be surprised to see my sailor dress listed for sale on Depop, Poshmark, and Vinted. This dress best fits a size medium. I've worn this unlabeled vintage navy short-sleeved white anchor-printed dress many times, and it has been featured in older blog posts of mine. This crepe dress is well-loved but still fabulous.

When I first purchased this piece, I was drawn in by the dramatic sailor collar with its white bias tape. The elastic waistband ensures a comfortable fit, and the keyhole back only adds to the dress's tailored and refined look. I picture French New Wave starlet Anna Karina wearing a little number like this, as she wore a fabulous white sailor blouse with a white gathered skirt and a red scarf tied at the neck in Une Femme est Une Femme (1961).

I purchased this fabulous little number during the Totally Rad Vintage Fest I attended this past spring. I bought the dress from one of my favorite vintage shops and vendors, Windfall Vintage, curated by Liz Akam. I felt love at first sight when I first laid my eyes on this dress on her rack. Unfortunately, the venue did not have dressing rooms, so trying on pieces to see how things fit wasn't easy. This dress was not the most flattering on me as I am on the shorter side. It would fit a lot better for someone taller. Therefore, I am reselling the piece on my Gal Friday Vintage Depop and Poshmark because it will go home to someone better suited to wear it.

This unique dress is a 1980s JCPenney full-length pale pink (almost nude) dress with a dramatic lace hem in the same shade of pink. It is marked a size 7/8 and is again made from polyester, which makes it easy to wash. The dress is in excellent condition and has a unique elastic neckline for a comfortable fit. This dress evokes going to a dance. Imagine spinning around in this dress, and the lace bottom fans out around you in its powdery pale pink tones. I am not usually a fan of the 1980s style, but I found this piece timeless. This dress would've been a fabulous option for Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink (1986).

Finally, my all-time favorite find from Columbus is, hands down, this beauty. It is a vintage Laogudai silk cheongsam dress. The dress is made from silk and is black with the most striking embroidery. Inside the dress, there is pretty contrasting fabric in stripes of beautiful, vibrant colors, and the etchings from the embroidery show their own print on the inside. The dress has gorgeous frog closures and pretty side slits on both sides that go up the leg. It is marked a size large and is perfect for someone who appreciates silk, intricate detail, and culture.

I hope you enjoyed my post showcasing some of my vintage pieces available on my Gal Friday Depop, Vinted, and Poshmark, which you can find here. If you are in the Lakewood, Ohio, area on August 10th, Gal Friday Vintage will be a vintage clothing vendor at the Mahall's Summer Market at Mahall's in The Roxy. Admission is free, and art, jewelry, handmade goods, and vintage vendors will be there. Mahall's also has excellent food and drink options. So, if you're in the neighborhood, come out and see me! The pieces in this post will be at the vendor, and many other lovely pieces of mine ranging from the 1940s to Y2K.

I look forward to seeing you during my next post!