Dream Birthday

I had the most wonderful birthday a woman can dream of. My birthday was on a Wednesday, my weekly day off, and I just thought I should have a cozy time alone, pick up my new glasses and go out to dinner with DH and son in the evening and there after see a movie with them. No, that was not what happened. On my birthday breakfast table was a gift card to a shopping tour at my favourite vintage repro shops in Copenhagen, and DH had taken the day off to be together with me. I became SO surprised and happy! At first I thought we should go to our neighbouring city, Lyngby, but then he pointed out the pictures he had glued to the card, and such dresses are not found in Lyngby, unfortunately.

We started picking up my glasses and then we drove to Mondo Kaos, where I found two dresses. We drank a cafe latte nearby, and then we drove to Copenhagen where my other favourite shop, Rock'a'Hula, is. Here I also found two nice dresses.

Here they are, all four hanging in a row:

Collectif Noelle Dress, perfect Christmas dress in red and green plaids:

I will use it all winter.

And this is how I look wearing it:

I have added a dark green cardigan and a vintage garnet necklace.

20th Century Foxy dress, which I cannot find online, so you have do make do with me:

Hell Bunny Raspberry Polka Dot Dress, lovely dark red colour:

And this is me wearing it:

Right before my birthday I bought this on Daisy Dapper at half price:

It is named Elvy Dress, and this is me wearing it:

I also found this, which I fell completely in love with two years ago, but alas, it was too big. I searched high and low on the internet, but never found it in my size, and guess what? I found it at Rock'a'Hula in my size. I was SO happy and DH suggested giving it to me as a Christmas gift:

It is from Collectif and named Tartan.

So now I don't need any new dresses for a long time. A thousand thanks to DH for a wonderful birthday, with lots of dresses, latte, lunch and shopping to Copenhagen - it cannot get any better.

ALT for Damerne, No. 48, 1963

Yesterday was my birthday. And precisely on my birthday ALT for Damerne (Everything for the Ladies), number 48, 1963 was issued. It is almost twice as thick as the magazines from 1955 I normally scan from, but there are also at least twice as many ads. I do want to say that there is also a lot more articles than in 1955. I don't know why, because I don't think the "ladies" had gotten more time. All scans can be clicked into larger formats. Although it is a Danish magazine, I hope my foreign readers will have fun reading my small recaps and get inspiration from the photos.

I cannot think of a more lovely cover for my birthday edition:

Yummi, my teeth are watering.

Letters to Everything and all:

Here are some great ideas for an advent calendar for mom, where her children instead of a drawing a little drawing write a task they will do for her - brilliant idea! A mom tells that she gives her little son a farm as an advent calendar, and there are lots for each day in December, counting the farmer himself, all his animals, fences, trees, etc. There is an advent calendar for the beloved ant, who is invited to a Christmas party. All sweet and useable.

Timeless everyday clothes:

The plaid skirt is indeed timeless, I've been looking for one like it for very long. But she can keep the round glasses.

Pattern on Fabric still existed in 1963:

This week a Jackie-like dress is offered. It will surely take you through all the Christmas festivities.

The earrings are back:

I didn't know they have been out, but here are a lot of nice ones for inspiration:

Mark your eyes:

Here is lots of good advice on care and makeup for your eyes:

Note the model's hair, the fifties are clearly behind us.

Decorate for Christmas:

Yep, Christmas is here before we know it, so here is some vintage inspiration:

The half Christmas tree on the door with the tiny golden ornaments is something I'll definately make one day.

Happy Santas in a ring:

Are you in need of a Christmas tree underlay, then you can quickly and easily make this one:

Here is the pattern for Mrs Clause:

Christmas gifts are easy to make yourself, and everybody will be happy to receive a pair of knitted boots:

Warm slippers are always nice to receive.

The best cakes in Denmark:

There is a lot of Christmas cakes and cookies, but since the recipes are in Danish, I've only scanned the lovely photos.

On to the ads, and there was a lot to choose from, and many in colour. Whipped cream works wonders:

I remember the school friend birthdays, when I was a kid. We were so happy to get cream horns with a little marmelade at the top. Simple, but fantastic.

Make every day festive with Taffel-chips:

I also remember a few dinner parties we attended at some of our parents' friends, where we were served chips for dinner. It was incredible! That kind of unhealthy sillyness was fortunately not for my mom.

Coca-Cola refreshes you best!:

And in a King Size bottle. I wonder how big it was, because the ad does not mention the size. I don't think it was especially big compared to modern bottles.

A watch in the kitchen is cozy and practical:

My mon had one like this for many years, I think it was named Peter. My clever dad repaired it several times, but a few years ago Peter had to give in.

Edet kitchen roll cleans the kitchen in a jiffy:

We are near the use-and-trash-era.

Fashionit, lovely twin-set:

I collect twin-sets, and have about 60,000 different.

Modern vacuum jugs from AWF:

Stop the time with Leciton soap. I really don't think soap prevents wrinkles.

Elegant, a set you collect:

And a classic - The Danish Weather is Ga-Jol Weather! It is still true.

New men's fashion from Richards:

From a time where a man did not go out of the door without shined shoes, and where shoe-shiners really was a job.

Repro/Vintage Clothes in Denmark and EU

If you, like me, love vintage style, I suppose you also have thought why all the great things always are found in the US. And if you decide to buy from the US (and live in EU, like me) you have to be prepared to pay a lot in VAT and tax and other naughtinesses. Not very attractive.

But then I thought again, and now I've collected a long list of links to websites (and some of them even have a physical shop) in Denmark and EU, so you can buy without being afraid of your shopping ending up being very expensive. This is meant as a list you can bookmark and return to if you need something special. I will update it now and then, if I found something new. Here we go:

Reproduction Clothes:

Mondo Kaos
DK, they also have a shop in Copenhagen

Rockahula
DK, they also have a shop in Copenhagen

Rude
DK, no website, they only have physical shops, two in Copenhagen

Rockabilly Style
DK, dresses, accessories, things, repro clothes for men and children

Dixie-Land
DK, many full dresses, but also repro clothes for men and children

Christabellas
DK, besides fifties repro dresses, they also carry lots of modern clothes and even cosmetics

Mamelukken
DK, have a section with fifties dresses

Trendsætter
DK, have a section with fifties dresses

Vintage Delux
DK, carry a lot of repro clothes from many different eras, and also repro clothes for men and children

I want a  green petticoat from Vintage Delux.

Daisy Dapper
SE, besides her own brand, she also carries other repro brands, and she has a shop in Stockholm

I want the Joan Dress from Daisy Dapper

Kjoledamen
NO, all kinds of repro clothes, nice era sections

Collectif
UK, nice dresses, skirts and cardigans, but also jewellery and swimsuits

Voodoo Vixen
UK, mostly dresses and skirts

Hell Bunny
US brand, but the link is British. I could not find their official site.

Bettie Page
US brand, but the link is British.

Dolly Dagger

UK, they also have shoes and accessories

Freddies of Pinewood
UK, vintage style troussers for men and women

HeyDay
UK, they are famous for their forties style troussers, but they also carry nice dresses.

Vivien of Holloway
UK, impressive selection and nice era sections

I dream about this plaid circle skirt from Vivien of Holloway,

and the green petticoat would match perfectly.

Top Vintage
NL, carries a bit of everything within vintage repro style

Vintage Twists
UK, carries a bit of everything within vintage repro style

Miss Bamboo

UK, they also have shoes and accessories

Lady K Loves
UK, dresses, skirts, troussers, accessories, and jewellery

Puttin' On the Ritz
UK, repro clothing in 30's and 40's style

Revival Retro
UK, repro clothing in 20's, 30's and 40's style

Tara Starlet
UK, 40's and 50's style dresses, skirts, and troussers

20th Centry Foxy
UK, is the British reseller of Stop Staring dresses

Ooh, how I would dance with happiness if I

got this beautiful dress from 20th Centry Foxy

Stop Traffic Clothing
UK, dresses, skirts, and tops in Rockabilly style

Glamour Bunny
UK, mostly wiggle dresses

Dy Style
UK, Rockabilly style, not quite my style, but you can find some gems

LindyBop
UK, lots of lovely dresses with great type-sections, I love the Audrey dresses

Rock Frocks
UK, they also carry shoes, bags, and petticoats. Very nice fifties style.

Sivletto
SE, will soon carry the lovely US brand Trashy Diva. They also have a huge (300+ sqm) store in Stockholm, complete with hairdressers and a coffee shop. And there is a smaller Sivletto shop in Enviken, Sweden.

Lady Vintage, London
UK, full dresses and petticoats

Miss Candy Floss
UK, dresses, skirts, jackets, and troussers

Vintage Clothes:

Vintage Divine (DK, Aarhus)
DK, they have a shop in the City of Aarhus

FN92
DK, expensive vintage clothes

Etsy and eBay
You can find several EU shops at Etsy and eBay, so look out.


Repro Lingerie and Shoes:

ViolaSky
DK, repro lingerie

What Katie Did
UK, very lovely, but also very expensive repro lingerie. They also carry Miss L Fire shoes.

Foot Fetish Socks, Etsy
Lovely knitted winter stockings for garterbelt. Fantastic if you wear dresses during winter.

Miss L Fire
UK, lovely and quite expensive repro shoes
Is also found at Zalando and Spartoo, both with free shipping/return in Denmark.

My next investment, Alpine from Miss L Fire

Swedish Hashbeens
SE, retro wooden shoes


Quite a list. If you have a great vintage/repro link in DK/EU, don't hesitate dropping me a comment and I'll update the list. Since I haven't bought from all of the above the links (yet!) I cannot guarantee anything.

ALT for Damerne, 1955, No. 36

I've scanned from ALT for Damerne (Everything for the Ladies), number 36, 1955 for you. It is the first magazine published in September 1955. Remember that all scans can be clicked into larger formats. Although it is a Danish magazine, I hope my foreign readers will have fun reading my small recaps and get inspiration from the photos.

What a lovely harvest cover:

Bettina wonders:

This time she wonders how difficult it is to have your hair washed (!) when travelling, and you don't know the hair dresser. She also have a story about a poor women who had a hair cut she didn't want due to language misunderstandings.

Speak to me before you hang yourself:

The Priest offer conversations if you are having a hard time:

Today, we consult a psychologist.

A nice little column about the same subject, Therefore, I live ...:

A mother and a nurse tell why they think life is worth living. It is fun to read that back then the mom also thought the world was very materialistic.

In the binocular, that takes up very different things:

This time a handy teenage girl has made an old chair into both a stool and a mirror for her vanity table (back then it was a must to have a vanity table, and I would not do without mine too). There is a tip on how to modernize your old-fashioned candle holders with black paint and there is a nice home made sign saying "we are in the garden". You can buy those premade today.

On to the big "Dressed from top to toe" competetion, which is also mentioned at the cover:

Wow, a leather (!) suitcase full of unthinkable luxuries for your wardrobe. Even a well packed train case from Elizabeth Arden is part of the prize.

And a set of gloves and an umbrella:

If you are not the lucky winner, you can sew yourself a lovely dress with the help from Pattern on Fabric:

Because we all want to be September-chic:

I would love to include the dress at the bottom right in my Autumn/Winter wardrobe.

This nice check patterned jacket-cardigan is also nice to have at Winter:

It is so nice that I didn't know it was knitted until I saw the pattern:

Some beauty tips - The finishing touch:

Which learns us about foundation, powder and drawing of your brows:

September is preservation month, so here are some vintage recipes:

On to the ads - here is a really elegant suit, which is hard to wear out and don't creases:

The most enchanting night gown I've ever had, she says to her friend on the phone:

The best skirts of England:

Elida Gold-shampoo, only one wash is enough.

Indraflex stockings with stretch:

RED: Every day stockings
GREEN: Walking stockings - I didn't know they existed
PURPLE: Party stockings

Panties and girdle in one:

Note that it is panties and not briefs.

Sabrina, brush and comb in one:

And beautiful earrings for beautiful ears.

Stewed apples taste twice as good  ... with Corn Flakes from OTA:

With the modern air tight inner bag of waxed paper.

Fresh like spring water with Pond's cream:

And you say thank you to the hostess with flowers. Fortunately, we still do.

With Emaille you roast and serve in the same dish:

So the food is warm and you spare the dishes.