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How gorgeous is the bright magenta color of this thrifted dress?? I’m super excited to be teaming up with the Thrifty Six again today to showcase how we wear our secondhand styles. This month’s theme was “Stepping Back in Time”, which was such a fun idea with endless possibilities! While I originally thought I wanted to do something 80s-inspired (big hair and all), I went for this much classier, dressed up look instead.
I bought this dress for $15 at my favorite thrift store in Las Vegas when I was there over spring break. In fact, I bought several thrifted dresses while there, and it got to the point where my dad started asking, “Where’s your new dress?” every time I got home… Okay, he was exaggerating because I only bought three thrifted dresses, and when you find a dress that fits you perfectly and is under twenty bucks… it’s meant to be, right?!
I’m honestly not sure which decade this outfit is inspired by. I would guess it’s 60s-esque, especially with the hair scarf, but any of you vintage-loving fashionistas should definitely let me know your thoughts in the comments! Something about the simple shape of this dress makes it so classic and elegant. I paired it with this silky hair scarf and love how the colors complement the magenta so perfectly! Also while in Las Vegas, I rummaged through my grandma’s closet and found this super cute off-white handbag. It’s not in the best condition, but it was the perfect accessory to finish this springy outfit.
I have done a lot of crazy things during photoshoots over my years of blogging, but I think today’s photos take the cake. I kept waiting and waiting for the weather to get warmer last week but instead it got colder and started snowing! So last Friday, I asked my boyfriend to help me take photos in the 28 degree weather, as it snowed, as I wore a sleeveless dress and heels… Was I cold? Pshh, nah… I was just so grateful to have found this covered area with the perfect lighting and dry grounds. It was going to look really stupid to be standing in this outfit in several inches of snow!
While I haven’t actually worn this outfit yet, aside from parading around in the snow last week, I think this would have been a really cute look for Easter. The dress would also make a great wedding guest outfit or a cute piece for going to brunch! You could even throw on a blazer to make it work appropriate, since it has such a conservative length and neckline. Just as long as you cover up the sassy open back!! Isn’t that a fun and unexpected detail to this dress? I have to admit though, the strappy nature of the back makes the piece a bit of a struggle to put on.
Be sure to check out my blogging friends’ vintage thrifted outfits below. We all picked such fun and colorful looks this month!
Emma of Style Splash
“This vintage red polka dot dress is one of my recent eBay finds. Buying vintage online can be hit or miss, but this one is definitely a hit! As this group is all about styling preloved clothing, I’ve teamed it with a bag I bought on eBay a few years ago and a pair of shoes I found in a charity shop for £1!”
Nancy of Nancy’s Fashion Style
“This is a very beloved pre loved dress by Diane von Furstenberg. I adore that woman. Not only is she so beautiful, but her dresses are absolutely gorgeous! Why does this one step back in time? Because I bought it in Lewes a couple of years ago. You have to know that I totally love the UK. I want to live there if I could. I have been there about 30 times and for the last 20 years Gerben and I go there every year, and often twice and sometimes three times a year. But it is now 18 months ago since our last visit and I want to go so bad! So wearing this dress really feels like a step back in time, to the time where we could go to the UK whenever we wanted…”
Jane of Preloved-Vintage-Handmade
“Biba and the Goddess of Bohemia…
I’m captivated by this early 70’s bohemian fusion; beatnik meets London ‘it girl’ with a hint of wealthy glamour-puss. The artist, the romantic and the jet-set elite unite in this decadent fashion furore…
The quixotic spirit became embodied in 1973 when Biba opened its first store on Kensington High Street.
I long to travel back in time; I’d adorn myself in every glorious creation from elegant gowns to curious loon-pants. My true persona would live – I am the Goddess of Bohemia…”
Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge
“I thrifted this vintage houndstooth sheath dress a few months ago and it was perfect for this Back in Time theme. I paired it with a more modern houndstooth blazer (also thrifted) and my really old, vintage inspired burgundy bow heels. But this look also has a Back in Time vibe for me because this is how I used to dress many moons ago when I worked on Wall Street.”
Lucy of Confessions of a Montreal Styling Diva
“This outrageously colourful 60s jumpsuit that makes my heart skip a beat is a favourite of mine. I got it from a vintage-seller-blogger friend, Joy of @joyouscloset. This lady’s collection blows me away every time. Styling it today for you along with this lavender leather jacket I adore-got this from Sharde of @twiggynchic- another online reseller who’s got my tastes covered.
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Thanks so much for stopping by today, and I hope you have a great start to your week.
Miles of smiles,
Grace
Haha, what we do for a photo right! But that dress is so gorgeous. And the bag and hairband are perfect with it. A real step back in time.
Thank you Nancy!
Wow! The back detail is gorgeous and this magenta is perfect for your colorful. You definitely couldn’t pass this one up and the accessories are the icing on the cake.Love it and kudos for pictures in the cold, brr!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Thanks so much Mireille!!
Grace, what a fabulous thrifty find! I love this color on you and how fun is the back of that dress! I think any type of shift dress has a vintage feel because it flashes us back to Audrey Hepburn, Coco Chanel, and Jackie Kennedy, all women famous for their elegant shift dress styles! So I would say this outfit falls anywhere between 1920 and 2020! Back in time and completely timeless! You are champ for taking these photos on a cold snowy day! I know that struggle quite well. In fact, we have snow coming this week again. Ugh.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
We have snow expected for this week, too, and it snowed quite a bit yesterday again! Ugh! Thank you Shelbee. I agree, shift dresses always seem so timeless!
You definitely have that vintage 60s or 70s look going on here – it’s the classic cut of the sheath dress plus the scarf, I think, a look that my mom did back then. I think the dress itself is from the mid- to late-90s (that neckline and arm-holes are a dead give-away). I wonder if those grommets originally had a cord or ribbon? I bet they did – that’s the kind of excess we indulged in in the 90s!
Love that you have your grandmother’s purse, even if it’s in rough shape. What a love thing to have!
Way to go, taking one for the team by posing in freezing weather! Superstar!
Thank you Sheila! I never would have known the neckline and arm holes are 90s-esque. I think the back must have come with laces of some sort, too. I would be interested to know what the cord looked like!
First off that dress is incredible. Especially the back. It’s that va va voom that you don’t see until you turn around.
And then once you mentioned the snow, I could see it in the reflections, LOL!! Now that’s a true fashionista Grace!!
For Easter this year (here in AZ) we talked about how you never really got to wear your cute spring dresses in Denver because it was always cold or snowing. And we don’t miss that at all!
OXOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
That’s such a good point Jodie! I used to always spend Easter in Las Vegas with extended family, and like Arizona, it’s the perfect kinda place for spring dresses. 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
Wow, just look at you all dressed up and I have to say that you completely smashed Stepping Back in Time theme. The dress is beautiful, especially the back of it; what a beautiful find! Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Aiva 🙂 xxx
Thank you so much Aiva! I hope you are having a wonderful day!
That dress is absolutely stunning on you! I love the color and how you paired it with a headscarf!
Thanks Laura!
This magenta dress is beautiful! The back of the dress is so cool! I love how you styled it!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Thanks so much, Lovely!
The grommets on the back of that dress look like you could string some ribbon, thin leather strips, or other decorative tie items. You should experiment just to see. Love that color, it looks gorgeous on you!
Thank you! And yes, I was thinking the same thing! So many possibilities.
I like the back of this dress and the vivid color! Beautiful!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Thanks so much, Radi!
Super cute and elegant outfit! The handbag is a perfect addition! Thanks for linking
Thank you Gail!
What an amazing find! Definitely a 60’s vibe. I can’t believe it was that cold when you took the pictures. You don’t look cold at all.
Thank you Amy! Haha I was able to hold it together and not shiver too badly…
I love this dress and the head scarf. When I was in high school in home ec class I made a dress with a similar design to the back.
Thank you Fonda! And that is so cool!!
You look amazing! Loving this whole 60s look! That scarf is gorgeous!
Life is a Shoe
Thank you Celyn! I got the scarf from the cutest little stand at a craft fair.
A sign of a pro! Taking pictures in the cold for your art 🙂 lol Love the dress on you! The sheath style is so flattering and pretty on you and I love the back. The printed head scarf is the perfect nod to the 60s fashion.
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Haha thanks so much, Jess!
What a fun thrift find! I love the bright colour on you and the printed scarf compliments it nicely! You accessorised really well! 🙂
Thanks so much for joining the #WeekdayWearLinkup. Hope that you had a good weekend! It’s a nice relaxing long weekend for us.
Thank you Mica!! Hope you’re having a great end to your weekend!