What are some good current shops for 1940s fashion?

[Miss Moonlight]

Hi ladies of the Lounge,

I recently solved a health mystery and after 15 years of up and down weird weight and a constantly shifting body type, I'm finally back to a steady weight, and coupled with my ballet practice, I think I'll stay here- I have for several months now, so I think I'm good to do some shopping.

But a lot of the US sites I used to peruse for retro wear, esp reproduction 1940s clothing, are either gone or I can't for the life of me remember their names. I know the UK has some great shops but I'd rather not have to order from outside the US for various reasons.

I found Trashy Diva again, and I still know Unique Vintage, but UV has very little in 40s, and most of it's very business-like. Pin Up Girl occasionally had 40s, but never fit any body type I've ever had. I'm not looking for novelty or themed retro items, or items clearly based on 1950s silhouettes. I want to slowly rebuild my wardrobe to look like I stepped out of 1940-1946ish. And I think I'll opt out of vintage clothing, I always feel bad if anything happens to actual vintage clothing and shoes. Like an item made it all these years, I don't want to be responsible for damaging it.

Oh if anyone knows of brick-n-mortar stores in Los Angeles or thereabouts, I'd love to know. I'll be near there in about four months.

Any suggestions for online stores?

 

[LizzieMaine]

I'll throw a big salute to Memery.co.uk, for their outstanding recreations of shoes and knitwear. Not fetishy, not exaggerated, not pastiches, but quality designs, honestly made, and for the level of quality and service, reasonably priced. I don't make a practice of endorsing products on general principle. but for Mette, I'll make an exception. She has a US warehouse now, and shipping is very reliable and very fast. (And although the website is UK, she's actually based in Denmark.)

 

[Miss Moonlight]

I'll throw a big salute to Memery.co.uk, for their outstanding recreations of shoes and knitwear. Not fetishy, not exaggerated, not pastiches, but quality designs, honestly made, and for the level of quality and service, reasonably priced. I don't make a practice of endorsing products on general principle. but for Mette, I'll make an exception. She has a US warehouse now, and shipping is very reliable and very fast. (And although the website is UK, she's actually based in Denmark.)

Thank you! I was just looking at her site. I want to get a pair of sandals before I head back to California. I just saw today that she has a US location now, which really helps. And that 20% discount for signing up for the email newsletter as a first time customer. Holy cow that is a good discount!

 

[LizzieMaine]

She does sales occasionally too, with big savings on selected styles. They go fast, so snooze not.

 

[Mac2010]

Simple Retro is a fave of mine! BAIT footwear is also great for vintage style shoes. Also, don't be afraid of wearing actual vintage clothes! Any accidental damage can be repaired with the right tools

Oh, almost forgot to add. I think Simple Retro (HQ is in NY) mainly ships out of China now, but the quality is still fantastic and their customer service is great if you have any questions.

 

[Miss Moonlight]

Simple Retro is a fave of mine! BAIT footwear is also great for vintage style shoes. Also, don't be afraid of wearing actual vintage clothes! Any accidental damage can be repaired with the right tools

Oh, almost forgot to add. I think Simple Retro (HQ is in NY) mainly ships out of China now, but the quality is still fantastic and their customer service is great if you have any questions.

I was just wondering if BAIT footwear was still decent quality for the price, after looking at the site a couple days ago. I know people felt pretty good about them years ago. How do you feel about the quality for the price? I ended up buying Memery instead because I have really sensitive feet, and I was concerned about the feel of BAIT. They're having such a good sale right now., but it felt iffy to go with them.

I think wasn't clear at all: I do have actual vintage clothes and shoes. But over the years, watching regular wear and tear really damage for some of it, I don't want to wear actual vintage in my every day life anymore, with few exceptions. I had a closet full that I ended up having to sell before my I had a baby 15 yrs ago, because I needed the money. But it feels like the vintage fad of ~20 yrs ago took a lot of that off the market and unfortunately, a lot of it ended up damaged in a way that isn't easily repairable - it just looks worn out. I started looking at vintage again before asking about modern shops, but so many of the vintage items I've been looking at online are not in the shape they should be for the prices asked. But I'm keeping my eyes open in case I find things both in my taste and useful for my daily housewifery.

I also think I am going to have to sew if I want certain basics at a good price. Might as well make use of my bins of fabric.

Thanks for the Simple Retro rec. I've had a couple items from them, but I haven't looked at the site in a few years. At the time it was mostly cottage core and vintage-esque with very little that looked like it came from the era. But I'll check it out again.

 

[Amy Jeanne]

I had a pair of BAIT shoes about 10 years ago. They were uncomfortable, not well made, the foot sticker part on the inside wouldn't stay put, and they eventually fell apart.

 

[Mac2010]

I was just wondering if BAIT footwear was still decent quality for the price, after looking at the site a couple days ago. I know people felt pretty good about them years ago. How do you feel about the quality for the price? I ended up buying Memery instead because I have really sensitive feet, and I was concerned about the feel of BAIT. They're having such a good sale right now., but it felt iffy to go with them.

I think wasn't clear at all: I do have actual vintage clothes and shoes. But over the years, watching regular wear and tear really damage for some of it, I don't want to wear actual vintage in my every day life anymore, with few exceptions. I had a closet full that I ended up having to sell before my I had a baby 15 yrs ago, because I needed the money. But it feels like the vintage fad of ~20 yrs ago took a lot of that off the market and unfortunately, a lot of it ended up damaged in a way that isn't easily repairable - it just looks worn out. I started looking at vintage again before asking about modern shops, but so many of the vintage items I've been looking at online are not in the shape they should be for the prices asked. But I'm keeping my eyes open in case I find things both in my taste and useful for my daily housewifery.

I also think I am going to have to sew if I want certain basics at a good price. Might as well make use of my bins of fabric.

Thanks for the Simple Retro rec. I've had a couple items from them, but I haven't looked at the site in a few years. At the time it was mostly cottage core and vintage-esque with very little that looked like it came from the era. But I'll check it out again.

My apologies about Simple Retro; I suppose the fashion is still cottage core like, but there's a few items that look like the fashion from the 30s/40s.

I personally really love BAIT. Of course, quality can differ, but I wear their shoes on the daily and I love them. I've been looking into Memery, but I'm waiting for when they have a sale.