A pretty prairie pick up in pastels!

Today’s Make Me Pretty Shop #fridaysfrock is a super cute 1970’s floral pastel number by the much-loved California designer, Candi Jones.

Candi Jones 1970's dress

Now I may have missed last week’s instalment of #fridaysfrock for which I apologise, but hopefully this little beauty and some exciting news will make up for it.

This dress is perfect for spring, given the pretty pastel colours of coral, yellow, blue, green and ivory, and its fabulous flirty sleeves and short length.

The detail on the garment is really flattering, with cute matching fabric ties at the tops of flutter sleeves and a blouson style bust.

While the label seems popular online, I can find little on the designer, which leads me to believe her designs were for a small boutique with a limited marketing budget.

Candi Jones California label

There is however a lot of chatter about Candi Jones’ designs being similar to the famous Gunne Sax brand known for its prairie and bohemian style 1970’s dresses.

As I there is no record to date the label online I would guess this is an early 1970’s frock. 

The silhouette, is looser fitting than later 70’s designs and the pattern less in your face than those entering the disco era. The length also makes this more likely.

All-in-all the dress is in a good pre-loved condition.  

There’s a small pull just on the hip, which isn’t really noticeable given the busy pattern, and a small part of the fabric has been re-stitched to the elastic at the waist, but again is not visible given the blouson bust which drapes down.

I'm sure you’ll agree these minor flaws don’t detract from the beauty of this frock, and if anything add to its character. So, if you’re bored of cookie-cutter high street fashion and fancy a flirt with a 70’s sweetheart then this dress could be for you.

Oh, at the start of my post I promised some exciting news and here it is. As well as doing another Judy’s Vintage Fair this weekend, this time at The Custard Factory in Birmingham, I have secured some space for Make Me Pretty in a local shop – Blighty Bazaar.

I really hope the shoppers of Blighty love my vintage frocks and handmade retro jewellery – I just can’t wait to see my stock on display. So, if you live in or visit Leamington please pop in! 

Best wishes,

Lisa xxx

Newsletter ✦ Facebook ✦ Twitter ✦ Pinterest ✦ Instagram 

A groovy kinda frock

I’m sticking with the 70’s for this week’s #fridaysfrock; a psychedelia inspired maxi dress with marvellous fashion history.

70's Vintage Dress

While the vivid colours and groovy pattern could easily be mistaken for a 60’s garment, a few clues suggest it’s more likely to be a mid-70’s production.

Firstly, the silhouette of this slender beauty is more figure-hugging compared to the boxy, A-line style of the 60’s, and it is also has a flared hem.

Minis fell out of vogue by mid-decade, as designers experimented with length the maxi dress was borne and three-quarter length sleeves were rife.

Labels and tags are also a good place to start when playing the dating game – the Vintage Fashion Guild’s A-Z resource is a great free tool.

The tag on this frock says ‘made in England by Windsmoor’ and according to the Guide’s records suggests this was a 1970’s design.

1970's Windsmoor Tag

This vibrant dress also carries a care label, which wasn’t common until much later.

Windsmoor was registered as a trademark in 1939 by Lionel Green, who, with his brothers, had been running a wholesale clothing business selling directly to retailers.

The brand was, and still is, known for quality middle-market ladies wear. Today, Windsmoor is part of the Jacques Vert group and most of its outlets are niches in larger department stores.

It's all about the detail

I just love the flamboyant pattern and bold colours really pop, but sadly it requires a more petite frame than mine, as I estimate this dress is a size 8-10.

However, some lucky lady would make quite a statement in this dress - it would be certainly hard to ignore her.

This 1970's classic will be available for purchase from my stall at next week's Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair to be held in Leamington Spa, unless it sells on Etsy first that is!




If you love 1970's fashion and want a little more, check out my Pinterest board dedicated to the era.

Peace out!

Lisa xXx 

Newsletter ✦ Facebook ✦ Twitter ✦ Pinterest ✦ Instagram

Resources: Vintage Fashion Guild, Vintage Voyager, The Little Guide to Vintage Shopping by Melody Fortier.

Little frock on the prairie

Woo hoo it’s Friday which means it’s time for Make Me Pretty Shop's #fridaysfrock!

Every week, we select a must-have genuine vintage dress to showcase. This week, it's a high ruffle neck, balloon sleeve, 1970s prairie-style dress by Paragi.

Prairie dresses are the epitome of ‘innocence and fun’ – think the wholesome Ingalls children from American drama TV series Little House on the Prairie.

While these dresses for women tend to offer a sweet and summery look, this little number has a rich autumnal palette of deep purple with blue and pink flowers.

Prairie dresses naturally followed the Peasant look (Yves St Laurent 1976) and were introduced to fashion by Ralph Lauren in his 1978 western themed collection. 

Traditionally, the skirts would have been full and flouncy, but like many vintage dresses, Prairie dresses have evolved over time to suit the modern woman. 

In the 70s clothing become multifunctional, and today’s #fridaysfrock is no exception. 

While perfect for summer days, this Paragi Prairie dress is a great capsule wardrobe staple. 

To transform your look from day to night, swap knitted tights, a fur gilet and carved bangles for bold wedges, a statement necklace and a stylish clutch, voila!

Enjoy x