Number 28
Dear friends,
How long has it been since my last post? My life has been a whirlwind, to say the least. Many exciting and happy things, some not-so-great, and everything in between. Many people have been in limbo since the pandemic began in 2020, and I am no exception. October 5th marked my 28th birthday, and it was filled with reflection, questions, and some optimism for the future. As I thought about my future, I thought about this space where I get to share my love of vintage and all things classic. From old cinema to vintage home decor to 50s-70s fashion style, the list could go on.
I appreciate those of you who continue to support Gal Friday Vintage via this blog, the Instagram account, and my shop on Poshmark and Depop. I've been inconsistent as I juggle graduate school and working, but I am happy to say that I am in my last semester of graduate courses and expect to be back in full swing pretty soon to GFV. I thought I'd return to the GFV blog to share my 28th birthday outfit.
I decided to squeeze into one of my favorite vintage dresses of all time that I wore for my 25th birthday back in 2019. I haven't worn this dress since then and was surprised that it still fit. I also welcomed how it fit me slightly differently three years later, with a little weight gain and some differences in my figure. This deep green velvet vampy dream dress was created by Vivian Dessy Diamond for Dessy Creations in New York circa the 1980s. It was purchased from Chelsea's Costumes & Vintage Clothing in Cleveland.
This dress puts me in the mind of each one of my favorite Old Hollywood bombshells. The term "poured in" comes to mind when I wear this dress. I love that it is off the shoulders and held together with satin straps. The princess seaming provides the cinched effect, and the slit up the leg is the icing on the cake. Think Rita Hayworth in Gilda (1946) or Dorothy Dandridge in Carmen Jones (1954).
or shoes, I opted for super simple black slingback heels with a thin strap to allow the dress to speak. These shoes are made by H&M. I must say, these are the most comfortable heels I've ever worn. I've even walked through New York City for hours in these and felt minimum discomfort. I purchased these from Volunteers of America for $5, and they have served me well. For jewelry, I wore my favorite 1950s thin, gold rhinestone tiered costume necklace purchased from Flower Child many years ago. For makeup, I opted for my classic cat eye drawn with Wet N Wild liquid liner, Ardell Wispies lashes, and a touch of Cover Girl Cheekers blush in #117 (Plum Plush) on my lids and cheeks. For lipstick, I am wearing my new favorite liquid lipstick from a black-owned brand, 4HerCosmetics, in the shade Matte Carmen.
I am so happy to be back with another post and hope to see you next week for more of my vintage shenanigans!
With love always, Melody.
Photographs were taken by Cierra Boyd.