We almost saw The Help last night. And this is what I wore. I say almost because in reality, I ate a bowl and a half of this before curling up on the couch and calling it a night.
We’re going to try again tonight. I think it might actually happen this time!
This outfit is a labor of love. I found the dress at a small vintage store in town and instantly fell in love with it, despite the fact that my arms couldn’t fit through the armholes, the collar was choking me and the insanely tiny waist was threatening my air consumption. Yet, I knew this little dress had potential. So I bought it, took it to get altered and lo and behold! My alterations lady took out the waist (women must have had seriously tiny waists in the 50’s!), made the arm holes bigger and moved a button over on the collar.
Why did I go through all that trouble for a single old dress with fifty year old coffee stains?
It has pears on it. Plain and simple. Food on dresses = love.
Dress: Vintage
Shoes: Modcloth
Bracelet: Forever 21
Watch: Brighton
El
August 20, 2011 at 8:06 amBeautiful. It looks sensational on you!
Sally Anne @ PaleoRunnerGirl
August 21, 2011 at 6:13 pmSeriously! That is the cutest dress EVER! I am SO jealous! I am ready to move to California. You have some seriously amazing vintage thrift stores!
Chelsa
August 20, 2011 at 8:09 amIt looks great on you! I love that you’ve been doing more style on the blog 🙂
Jayne @ Married to a Meat-eating Military Man
August 20, 2011 at 8:10 amAwesome dress! And you wear it very well! 🙂 I think a lot about how women must not have been able to breathe back then, haha. But, their clothes were actually fitted to their bodies, so they look so good! I have been on a Mad Men kick and loving the outfits on there. 🙂
Suzanne
August 20, 2011 at 8:11 amLOVE that dress and the shoes. Great look for you. And definitely worth getting altered.
Tracey
August 20, 2011 at 8:13 amJenna, it is absolutely beautiful! And what a stunner you are. 🙂
Gina DeChambeau
August 20, 2011 at 8:13 amAbsolutely BEAUTIFUL! You will LOVE the movie!!!!!
Angela (Oh She Glows)
August 20, 2011 at 8:13 amYou wear the retro look so well. Beautiful dress and the shoes go with it perfectly.
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray
August 20, 2011 at 8:15 amLove it! So adorable! I’m loving the fashion posts–makes me want to put a little more effort into things 🙂
Lisa
August 20, 2011 at 8:15 amOo I love love love this dress!!!!
dragonfly180
August 20, 2011 at 8:16 amlove the dress! i was just looking at similar type dresses on modcloth.com last night. i love the 50s style. so classic! and you’ll love the help. it was so good!
Estela @ Weekly Bite
August 20, 2011 at 8:16 amVery cute dress! I love all things vintage 🙂
Kath
August 20, 2011 at 8:21 amLOVE this. LOVE!!!
Gwen
August 20, 2011 at 8:23 amYou look fantastic in that dress, I love it! Very good call getting it altered 🙂 You have now inspired me to start vintage shopping again.
Lauren
August 20, 2011 at 8:23 amOmg! I’m in love with that dress! Great find!
AdrienneCarolyn
August 20, 2011 at 8:24 amOh that dress is amazing! What a great find! How come I can never find such cuteness?? Must. Look. Harder.
Ashton
August 20, 2011 at 8:33 amI adore this dress! I’m sure it was worth all the alterations!
-slightly jealous
Heather M
August 20, 2011 at 8:36 amIt’s adorable! I am so jealous, I love dresses but most don’t fit or look good on me since I am so short.
Penny
August 20, 2011 at 8:37 amI really love your fashion posts.
I have 2 kids, so I live in t-shirts and running shorts. Occasionally I may put on a dress when it’s hot out and all my athletic shorts are dirty. 🙂
Hilliary@HappilyEverHealthy
August 20, 2011 at 8:38 amLove the dress! Adorable!!
Sarah
August 20, 2011 at 8:42 amCute dress- it would be the perfect outfit to watch The Help in… Or go out to dinner, host a cocktail party, etc. 🙂
Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
August 20, 2011 at 8:42 amI LOVE this dress! you look adorable 🙂
Lindsey @Chick Flick Chic
August 20, 2011 at 8:43 amadorable! you look like you belong in jackson in 1963! will you do a post on vintage/thrift store shopping tips?
Kelsey @ aslolife
August 20, 2011 at 8:51 amThat is so cute! Who doesn’t love a good pear print? I wish I had that kind of success in thrift store shopping.
shelley
August 20, 2011 at 8:54 amThat dress is adorable. I love great finds from resale stores… they’re just so unique! Fashion used to be a lot more fun and bold, so much fun color. You look great!
Julie
August 20, 2011 at 8:58 amI love this look!
Also, I don’t know the etiquette on Goodreads so I added you as a friend… even though you don’t know me… Or am I supposed to just “follow your reviews”? Basically, just don’t be alarmed and feel free to deny me and then I’ll know to just follow your reviews instead 🙂
Amanda @FancyOatmeal
August 20, 2011 at 9:00 amIt’s adorable!!! I love it. You look classic and comfortable in it. Love it!
Girl in the pink
August 20, 2011 at 9:17 amLovely!! Perfect outfit to see the help!
Lisa | Life in Green
August 20, 2011 at 9:21 amI’d say your labor was worth it….dress looks so cute! Love the pears.
amanda
August 20, 2011 at 9:24 amyou need to do your hair in the 60’s style too!!!! woooo!!!!
Alejandra @ Mouthfuls and Morsels
August 20, 2011 at 9:27 amI too love food printed fabric. Major food geek 😉
Molly @ RDexposed
August 20, 2011 at 9:58 amLove the vintage look!! I feel as a dietitian I couldn’t get away with wearing fruit.
French Heart
August 20, 2011 at 10:00 amFabulous!! My fave classic cut. I had dresses in that shape in (all solids) black, white, pink, aqua…..in different fabrics. Looks terrific on you! Jackie Kennedy popularized the look in the 60s with variations on the theme: http://tinyurl.com/424bayt The clean lines look feminine & sporty. She was one of the top horsewomen in the US from age 4 and liked to show off her great arms & fit physique.
Stacy
August 20, 2011 at 10:09 amLOVE the dress!! Totally worth your efforts!
French Heart
August 20, 2011 at 10:11 amPS love the piped edges around armholes & neck. Details like that drive me crazy then MUST buy!!
Would look cute too with charm bracelet for total vintage. Love the shoe choice!! I sooo enjoy playing ‘Talk about Jenna’s clothes choice!!’ 😉 You chose such fun things!
katie @KatieDid
August 20, 2011 at 10:22 amI seriously love that! The whole vibe of the photo is great, especially in the neighborhood setting… gives it a real housewife suburbia feel haha! you look great in it!
Melody
August 20, 2011 at 10:23 amIn that outfit, you look like you’re straight out of the Help! In a fantastic way. 😀
Karla
August 20, 2011 at 10:24 amThe arm holes in vintage dresses are often sooooo tiny! It confuses me! Could my arms (or armpits really) be that much bigger that someone 50 years ago??
Baking Serendipity
August 20, 2011 at 10:27 amAdorable 🙂 You’re inspiring me to go shopping! Thanks? 🙂
Maria
August 20, 2011 at 10:27 amThat dress is so ridiculously cute!!
Denise
August 20, 2011 at 10:36 amLove it:)
Louise
August 20, 2011 at 10:36 amHi, just had to say that although I am a big fan of ALL of your blog, your fashion posts are the highlight for me. You have an amazing eye for vintage/thrift store finds, what’s your secret??
Sandi
August 20, 2011 at 10:38 amThe style fits you!
Baking N Books
August 20, 2011 at 10:41 amThis is my favorite one yet. Simply because it is simple and you seem like someone I could approach more versus being intimidated by you!
…and pears help 😉
Mel
August 20, 2011 at 10:44 amSuch a cute dress! I’ve been obsessed with this television show “The Waltons” lately and found this dress at the Goodwill that screamed “The Waltons” to me! Very vintage and 1930s looking. What’s the tatoo on your foot of? I remember reading about the one you got on your wrist, but I didn’t know you have another! Have a good day!
stephanie
August 20, 2011 at 11:11 amLOVE the dress! it’s so adorable and flattering. Props to you for sticking with it and making it work for you, I would have just left, sad that it didn’t fit.
Mallory
August 20, 2011 at 11:16 amI love reading your blog! However, my clothes/shoe budget has increased a bit since I have started 🙂 Thanks for the great recipes and fashion tips!
Christena
August 20, 2011 at 11:28 amCutest outfit yet. Love the dress and it suits you so well.
Katie @ Plates and Paste
August 20, 2011 at 11:32 amAdorable dress! You pull off the retro look SO well!
Amy @ ahealthyandhappyheart
August 20, 2011 at 11:38 amYou look stunning in the dress! (and the shoes are super cute) great find 🙂
Moni'sMeals
August 20, 2011 at 11:40 amLook at you! Lovely… one word… Lovely!
Mauimandy@The Grains of Paradise
August 20, 2011 at 11:56 amGreat Dress! What a find! Love the shoes from Modcloth too. They always have such cute stuff!
amy walters, aDESIGNdock
August 20, 2011 at 12:07 pmLove this dress!! You look fabulous 🙂 Can’t wait to hear your verdict on The Help.
Amanda
August 20, 2011 at 12:13 pmSo cute Jenna! I love that you made the dress your own! I’m going to see The Help tonight too, although I foresee jeans and a hoodie being my outfit of choice. 😉
Aja
August 20, 2011 at 12:14 pmI love, love, love the dress! You look amazing in it. I was born in the wrong time…
The Help is a great movie. I hope you get to see it.
Urban Wife
August 20, 2011 at 12:22 pmWhat an awesome dress! Reminds me of something from the show Mad Men. Seems like thrifting in Cali is a lot better than thrifting in Florida! You seem to have some serious luck with great finds.
Enjoy your weekend! 🙂
Andrea
August 20, 2011 at 12:57 pmWhat an amazing dress. Love it.
Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga
August 20, 2011 at 1:14 pmIsn’t it interesting how tight the neck and arm holes are in vintage dresses. It’s like seriously choke-off worthy. haha!
The dress looks awesome on you and I think it’s great that with a few alterations you have re-purposed a dress and you put new life into it.
Have fun tonight!! 🙂
sherri
August 20, 2011 at 1:18 pmyou wear the dress well, jenna! somewhere in my mom’s attic is a pear print (yellow, orange & green) top from the 60’s. i just adore the jackie o look.
Emily @ Life on Food
August 20, 2011 at 1:33 pmLove the dress! You must check out the Crate and Barrel website. They have mugs that match your dress to a T. They are so cute!
Caroline @ The G-Spot
August 20, 2011 at 2:14 pmYOU. LOOK. GORGEOUS. I loooove this dress!
Sana
August 20, 2011 at 2:15 pmThat dress is so you!! Now you need a dress with cats on it! How is dexter??
Kamaile
August 20, 2011 at 2:21 pmNow all you need is a cigarette and you do look like you’re from the movie! The movie is SO good, Bring klennex!!
Sarah Elizabeth
August 20, 2011 at 2:43 pmWhat a great find! Love the shoes too.
Sharon
August 20, 2011 at 3:13 pmThat is a FAB dress. Love the pear print. The colors totally suit you. I need info on your tailor, if you don’t mind sharing…I have an Anthropologie dress that I need altered down from a size S to an XS….
Kelly
August 20, 2011 at 3:28 pmCUTEST DRESS EVER!!!
You are finding some amazing things. Just too cute.
Maureen
August 20, 2011 at 3:35 pmI love this dress! It is super cute. The pears are amazing and I love the sillouette of it! I like the style element you added to your blog.
Linda
August 20, 2011 at 4:08 pmHi Jenna,
I’ve debated getting dresses altered, but it costs so much! How much ballpark does it cost to get dresses altered, $25-30?
thx,
linda
Jackie @ That Deep Breath
August 20, 2011 at 4:27 pmLove the shoes. Way too cute!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
August 20, 2011 at 4:32 pmI love those shoes Jenna!!
Laramie
August 20, 2011 at 4:49 pmThose are your colors! The dress looks great on you!
Julie
August 20, 2011 at 5:09 pmNow that’s dress! Looks fab!!!!!
Ellie
August 20, 2011 at 5:36 pmThis is by far my favorite outfit you have posted. That dress is to die for. Does it still have the label, and if so what label is it? I’m really curious.
Sarah @ Sarah's Modern Bites
August 20, 2011 at 7:09 pmGreat find Jenna! It fits you perfectly! You have a great eye 😀
kaila @ healthy helper!
August 20, 2011 at 7:14 pmFood Clothing!!! YAY! Love the dress…..and those shoes!!! Gorgeous!!!
Michelle
August 20, 2011 at 8:48 pmthat dress is AMAZING! jealous of all your lovely thrift finds!
Michelle
http://www.pinqueblog.com
Andie B @5kmRunner
August 20, 2011 at 8:48 pmI ADORE that dress! Such pretty and unexpected fabric. Fabulous look from head to toe. Love it!
Wendi Hansen
August 20, 2011 at 9:07 pmB-E-A-utiful hun! You have such a unique sense of style and I absotively-positutely love it! There is something so neat about these kinds of clothes; they almost tell a story and share a history. Very cool 🙂
BTW’s…The Help was amazeballs! I wasn’t sure how it would measure up to the book (films are never as good as their written counterparts) but this actually stuck really close. I hope you have fun girl! Let me know what ya think 🙂
Kate
August 20, 2011 at 9:16 pmYou look lovely.
Debbie @ All Kinds of Healthy
August 21, 2011 at 5:28 amWow! That dress looks amazing. I’m a first time visitor so I had to scroll down to find out if that was you or a shot from the movie! Nice find 🙂 Makes me want to stroll through the vintage stores!
Molly
August 21, 2011 at 7:26 amthat dress is so cute!!
Krystina (Organically Me)
August 21, 2011 at 7:42 amHaha, I love that you justify the dress by its pears. That outfit is awesome.
Nicole @ Giraffelegs
August 21, 2011 at 8:05 amcute! bravo for taking the dress in for alterations…I never think of doing that. I just get all sad and put it back on the rack. Thanks for reminding me alterations exist!
Mai
August 21, 2011 at 9:40 amThat dress is adorable!
Lynn
August 21, 2011 at 10:12 amLOVE that dress! & the shoes, too!
Katie @ peacebeme
August 21, 2011 at 10:52 amLOVE THE SHOES!
Interested to see what you think of the movie. I saw it Friday night and thought it was TERRIBLE!
kristina@beancakes ?
August 21, 2011 at 1:11 pmjenna ~ you look gorgeous in this fabulous vintage find!! so cute ~ love the pears!
xo ~ kristina
Katrina
August 21, 2011 at 1:37 pmSo cute!
Jessica @ Jess Go Bananas
August 21, 2011 at 3:04 pmYou look fabulous!
Emily @ Write Twenty Eleven
August 21, 2011 at 3:25 pmGorgeous! I’m a bit obsessed with 1960s fashion lately from watching “The Help” and “Mad Men.” Love this dress and shoes!
Kelly
August 21, 2011 at 3:44 pmYou look fabulous in that dress!
Aleyta
August 21, 2011 at 3:48 pmWe just saw it today and it blew my mind. It’s rare to find a movie that is just as good as the book.
Meghan @ StruggleMuffins
August 21, 2011 at 4:42 pmSo cute! Looks perfect with the shoes and I so agree about fruit patterns on clothing – automatic win 🙂
Jessica
August 21, 2011 at 6:14 pmCute dress! You guys will love The Help.
Jamie@everydaydolce
August 21, 2011 at 7:21 pmWow, what a fantastic thrift store find!! It really does look good on you and I love the pears, too. 🙂
AshleyH
August 21, 2011 at 9:42 pmThat dress is so cute. You definitely need a string of pearls though. 🙂
Sarah@The Flying ONION
August 22, 2011 at 4:31 amSo, so cute!
And it’s not everybody that could pull this look off, but you totally do. It looks *awesome* on you.
Oh, and you are not alone. If an item of clothes or a bag or a purse has food on it? I buy it. Plain and simple. 😀
Alicia
August 22, 2011 at 4:49 amLove it! It totally has a Mad Men vibe!
jenna
August 22, 2011 at 5:38 amfavorite outfit thus far!!! the whole thing is amazing!
Kandyce
August 22, 2011 at 7:42 amI love dresses like this!! I seriously could wear dresses everyday of the week because it’s so much easier than putting together ensembles.
Stephanie Reusch
August 22, 2011 at 8:50 amJenna! You are so cute! I love how you are taking vintage clothes and spicing them up. You’ve inspired me to get thrifty!
Rachel Goode
August 22, 2011 at 9:01 amGoogle images of 1950’s dresses — they usually hit mid-calf. Based on the length of your dress, this leads me to believe that your dress was maybe made for a 12 year old — thus the tiny waist/arm holes, etc! Anyway, I love the print and fit — and the length you’re wearing it is more flattering than mid-calf! Great find! You look beautiful!
Emily
August 22, 2011 at 12:31 pmGosh, YOUR waist is tiny, so I can only imagine what the original owner looked like! Really, it’s such a cute dress and I love the idea of wearing it to The Help!
Kelly
August 22, 2011 at 3:01 pmPerfect for you. 🙂
Charise
August 23, 2011 at 6:56 amLoving all your 1960s-inspired outfits lately, Jenna!
Bright Smile
August 25, 2011 at 8:05 pmOh my GOODNESS this is an adorable dress! And the shoes are perfection. Are they comfortable?