Given the Once Over by Catwalk Creative Vintage

70's Puffed Sleeve Maxi Dress

I’ve recently acquired a selection of vintage 70’s and 80’s dresses and thought I’d preview a small selection for my Catwalk Threads readers. It’s good to keep you informed! This little taster includes a bright and cheerful selection of retro frocks, perfect for summer parties or any occasion where the onus is on fun! It won’t matter what the weather throws at us this year. These frocks will brighten up the cloudiest day.

And, just in case you’re getting worried about the state of the economy, all these pieces will be priced below £20 each!  Perhaps you’ll be tempted to buy more than one?  I’ll be offering FREE worldwide shipping on multiple purchases. I’ll post an update as soon as they’ve all be listed!

The first thing I do is to check each garment for any faults or issues. This could be anything from a seam that needs fixing to an unfamiliar looking stain that needs ‘zapping’, and everything else in between! Lucky for me, these clothes were in very good condition and only a gentle machine wash was necessary. More info below.

It goes without saying that vintage clothing (or any clothing for that matter) should be treated with respect.  Hopefully, your vintage can be gently hand-washed or machine washed but always take advice if you’re not sure and always read the care label, if one’s available. There’s lots of information available online. Just take a look around most vintage clothing sites for tips and guides.

Elegant 70's Polyester Frock by Giovannozzi

If you’re a lover of 1960’s and 1970’s clothes you’re in luck because this period saw the introduction of easy-care, synthetic fabrics such as Crimplene, Dacron and Teryle. The fabrics used around this time wash extremely well, and because the yarns take dyes easily, the colours still look as bright and clear as they did when they were first made.

That’s all great, but if you’re buying clothes made from delicate fabrics; silk, chiffon and the like, a trip to the dry-cleaners may be necessary.  Locate a specialist cleaner that has experience in dealing with vintage fabrics and always have a chat with them first to establish what treatment they recommend.  If in doubt, don’t!

70's Cotton Maxi Dress with Balloon Sleeves

Where possible, I always launder the vintage I purchase, even if it looks clean.  It’s important to present clothing in the best way possible and provide clear photographs too. It also gives me the opportunity to deal with any faults or issues that I may have missed during the initial inspection.

This is just a lil’ taster of the clothes I took delivery of yesterday. They were all given the once over by Catwalk Creative Vintage! Except one piece, they were all washed and ironed before the end of the day!  These ’sparkling’ clean garments will be listed in my Etsy boutique very soon so do keep a look-out!

Soft Tomato Red Halter Dress by Peter Ellis

One of my favourites is the soft tomato red maxi dress by Peter Ellis (London).  Made from polyester. Hand-wash only. This dress is ONS (old new stock) and dates 1970’s. If you’re looking for a show-stopping frock, this will fit the bill nicely!

Retro Print Vintage 70's Belted Dress

The green and aqua floral dress is a great summer frock.  Made from a lovely quality cotton fabric with original tie belt included. It reminds me of a 50’s wiggle dress but it’s dates much later than that. Without the tie belt, the dress has quite a ‘boxy’ shape, measuring the same across the chest as across the hemline. The length falls just below knee level at 39 inches (99cm).

80's Animal Print Jumpsuit by Fiorucci

It’s not labelled so it could be home-made. It’s finished to a very high standard. I love the retro print fabric. Emerald green and blue poppies with brown foliage.  This dress is most definitely 1970’s. It’s quite a feminine little number this; perfect for wearing on all sorts of ladylike occasions!

And last but not least, the animal print jumpsuit! Yes, if you’re into current fashion trends you’ve just gotta love this fun jumpsuit by Fiorucci.  Made in Italy.  Cropped trouser leg.  Looks fabulous worn with a wide sash belt as show.  Bring out the feline in you! Meowwwwww!

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