Long ago I came across a clothing website called, Stop Staring! The site sells vintage style clothing. In my view, they sell what I would call, pop-vintage clothing. Items that barely resemble true vintage form but the kind of dresses that drew attention during the "swing revival" in the late 90s.
I would not discourage anyone from purchasing dresses like this, if it something that appeals to them. Wear what you love, wear what makes you feel good!
In this post, however, I mean to explain why I believe Stop Staring! has got it all wrong when it comes to vintage-esque clothing.
Below is a description about their "1940s" dresses.
"Our 1940’s clothing collection features form fitting sleek styled dresses with beautiful vintage detailing and classic and timeless you’d expect from the 1940’s. You can be so sexy, so glamorous, and very film noir – the bombshell you were always meant to be – in our 1940’s dresses and clothes. Whether you’re looking for a nice dress for work, a sophisticated dress for a date, or a fun and flirty playsuit for a summer day, our 1940’s dresses and clothes will work for you! Though vintage inspired, our dresses are truly timeless and worn by some of today’s hottest celebrities.
Our 1940’s dresses will always be vintage inspired; however we do not reproduce vintage dresses or vintage patterns. Vintage 1940 clothes and 1940 dresses were obviously made for a completely different body shape, and just don’t fit the curvier shapes of modern girls today. Stop Staring! dresses are known for having an excellent fit!"
Stop Staring! does state that their dresses are vintage "inspired" which I appreciate. Their dresses only vaguely resemble vintage garb, and seem to follow a much more contemporary style.
The joy that is lindy hop has been a passion of mine since my teen years. Over time and on various dance floors, I've been witness to some great vintage. I have seen a lot of great pieces and have collected a few.
My only real issue with sites like Stop Staring! and others of its ilk; is misinformed claims. That's it.
For example; the dress above is a knock off of 1950s (not 40s) clothing. A pop-rockabilly dress that is listed in the "1940s" section.
The above dress is listed as a "Swing Dress." The A-line skirt and what I would call a prom-like bodice, is not traditional 1940s, social dance wear. It'd be extremely difficult to dance in and even if it is meant to be worn about town, it is not 1940s garb.
If you truly want to find some vintage pieces; ebay, etsy, thrift stores, or vintage swap meets are your best bet. This is obviously not the easiest route.
There are some who truly know and love the art and science of searching for vintage wear. I am not as obsessed with vintage hunting as some others. Sometimes I wish I could be, but, I don't always have the energy, the funds, or the time to invest on an intensive level. I don't know if I feel comfortable referring to myself a full fledged "collector", although I technically collect.
If you don't want to go through the strain of finding vintage pieces, you can keep your eye open for replicas or vintage "inspired" pieces. Stop Staring! is a site that I believe is meant to do just that. Unfortunately, they fall short.
If the above dresses have peaked your interest, visit the website, here.
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