As I mentioned in a previous post, I’ve been interested in retro fashion and design lately. This fall I started following the tweets of businesses with vintage and antique products (lots of them at Etsy). Then I started adding to my collection of retro fonts. After that, of course I had to put together more retro tags and labels (which you can find here and there, most notably in our designs for bachelorette favors). I’ve even expanded our line of Sweetini Spa products with more options for their retro colors and packaging.
Clearly I’m not alone in my affinity for all things retro. Maybe it’s shows like Mad Men that are creating the demand; that kind of eye candy just makes us want more. More bright red lips (how ’bout Cha-Cha cherry from PRIIA Cosmetics?) and the skills to apply them. More clothing, more jewelry, more accessories and décor for the home. If you’re planning a wedding, a retro theme (à la Mad Men) is a hot new choice.
In fact, I’ve seen so many retro-style wedding photos, vintage and up-cycled items in wedding décor, and vintage bridal vendors on Etsy, I’m convinced that retro weddings will be an even bigger trend in 2010. That’s my prediction! If retro is part of your plan, here are some resources and sites for inspiration. Some of these are vintage, some retro-inspired:
For vintage beads and ideas for retro jewelry designs, check out The Beadin Path. I love this Bettie Page-inspired necklace. Follow Heather on Twitter.
Vintage shoes by Thrush on Etsy. Find the latest on Twitter.
Can we ever have too many shoes? I think not. AdVintagous has vintage shoes, too, as well as purses, luggage, hats, accessories, and more. And they’re on Twitter.
Vintage jewelry and accessories at funretro on Etsy. Stay up to date at Twitter.
Can’t you just see a row of bridesmaids, all in cat’s eye sunglasses? Love that. You can find them (the glasses, that is) here at Daddy-O’s.
Even more vintage jewelry at Purple Daisy Jewelry, also on Etsy, also on Twitter (are we sensing a pattern?).
Hair accessories by Dungaree Dolly’s. The dark turquoise feathers are my favorite. Dolly has beautiful purses inspired by old Hollywood, too. Fabulous!
Marla J Designs (at Etsy) has birdcage veils and other vintage bridal accessories, including hairpins, headbands, hair combs and fascinators. Want to follow Marla J on Twitter? Of course you do.
The Ruby Kitten has the retro bride covered for the honeymoon: vintage lingerie, anyone? Keep track of their new items on Twitter.
For the DIY retro bride, SurrenderDorothy’s is a great place to pick up some buttons, findings, or vintage fabrics. Twitter link.
This is only the tip of the vintage and retro iceberg. Please let us know about your favorite vintage or retro designers and shops! Share your comments below! And don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re interested in favors for your retro-theme wedding or event.
I’ve been into the retro/vintage thing for quite some time now, both in clothing & accessories and in household decor. It brings back fond memories of growing up during the 1950’s. So cool to have lived through it originally, as I can now answer questions from younger people who want to know what it was really like back then, what was really in vogue, etc.
I’m currently re-doing my kitchen 50’s style in red/white with cherries, tulips and windmill motifs on all the accessories.
Ooh, a 50’s kitchen sounds fun! It’s funny how people who didn’t grow up in a certain time can almost feel nostalgic about it. It’s like we want to experience something we can only imagine. 1940’s style and art deco also appeal to me a lot. Guess I need to get back to the drawing board!
Thanks for your comments and good luck with your renovations and redecoration!