Indigo

I have a slight obsession with vintage square dance dresses. I've worn others on the blog before (here, here and here), and I'm excited to add this one to my collection. The fit is perfect, and the color seems to be sort of rare. It's also comfortable, and I like that it isn't a super delicate vintage piece (so I can actually get some wear out of it!). A lot of square dance dresses are suitable for very specific occasions, but this one is worthy of everyday wear.

And where did I find this fantastic dress? You might remember that I recently held a giveaway with Hey Viv!, a retro clothing boutique. They carry lots of popular retro reproduction brands, and they also have their own line. But did you know they also have a vintage shop on Etsy?! I had no idea that they also sold vintage, so I was very excited to browse what they had to offer. I ended up picking this square dance dress, which I love, but it was definitely hard to choose. It can be difficult to find affordable, high quality vintage pieces – especially on Etsy, where there is SO much to choose from – but Hey Viv! Vintage has a wide array of great vintage items for sale. Although their regular boutique specializes in '50s-inspired items, their vintage shop boasts pieces from the 1940s-1990s, so there's something for everyone! Here are just a few of my favorite pieces (all currently available) from their shop:

From top left: Floral Teal Day Dress  //  1950's Fascinator Hat

1970's Embroidered Purse  //  Country Floral Dress

One more awesome thing about Hey Viv: they're offering my readers a 10% discount code (good for both their regular site and their Etsy store) when you sign up for the Hey Viv newsletter! Scroll to the bottom of their home page + enter your information, and you'll receive the code in your e-mail. Be sure to let me know you signed up in the comments here so we make sure you get your discount!

Outfit Details

Vintage dress: c/o Hey Viv! Vintage

Flats: similar

Don't forget to enter my Sourpuss giveaway! The winner will receive an awesome red sparkle clutch. The giveaway ends Sunday night at midnight, so don't wait! Enter here.

Have a great Wednesday!

xox Sammi

Tea and cakewalk

Outfit Details:

Teapot Print Square Dance Dress: Soulrust

Wide red belt: Pinup Girl Clothing

Boater hat: River Island (sold out)

Steep and You Shall Find Necklace: ModCloth (no longer available)

Kimchi Blue T-Strap Flats: Urban Outfitters

Basket purse: Mom's

I want to go on record as saying that I am officially obsessed with square dance dresses.  Also known as patio dresses (or sometimes squaw dresses?), these dresses usually feature puffed sleeves and full skirts.  What's not to love, I ask you??  Especially when one has not only a novelty print, but a tea-themed novelty print!?  This dress seems almost as if it were made just for me.  The fullness of both the skirt and the sleeves threw me a little bit at first, but I think the addition of the wide red belt helped a lot.  

I can definitely see why they're still called square dance dresses.  I truly feel like going to a hootenanny in this get-up... and I love it.  The cakewalk is not at all related to square dancing (and has a pretty dark history), but sometimes we (read: I) take artistic license with post titles.

I'm sure this dress would look awesome with a short petticoat, but I'm not quite ready to look that costume-y in real life with this.  I think it's over-the-top enough without it!  I already need to figure out what kind of event to which I can actually wear this dress.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

xox Sammi