Vintage fashion blog – the reason behind mine
A quick introduction to my new readers!
My name is Dominique de Merteuil and I’m the founder of It’s Beyond My Control, a vintage fashion blog that I started back in 2012. In the beginning and for the first 3 years, I have to admit, I lacked focus with the blog. I changed the entire outlook and direction in 2015 and that’s the year when all the pieces fell into place, finally made sense and I consider this to be the true ‘birth’ year of my vintage fashion blog with a modern twist.
Over 95% of my wardrobe consists of true vintage clothes and accessories, mainly from the 1930s, 1940s and first half of the 1950s, however, I’m not a vintage purist and I not only like to mix together clothes from different eras but I also pair them with garments from contemporary designers, just so long as they are not part of the so-called high street/mainstream fashion.
Here is an example of how I mix vintage clothes with contemporary designers. In the pictures below I’m wearing:
1950s velvet bolero I bought from the wonderful Leta at Deja Vintage Boutique
vintage slacks (Read about vintage-inspired slacks!)
Wolford body
Miu Miu shoes
vintage brooch
Her Curious Nature gloves
Vintage fashion blog – the reasons behind mine
- Mainstream fashion blogs focus mainly on high-street brands (which I personally dislike) and current trends (which I care nothing about). But I think my readers feel the same way, that it’s more important to find and refine one’s own personal style, rather than obsess over this seasons “must-have” items that will probably not be suitable for most people and go out of fashion in the blink of an eye.
- One of the main reasons behind my vintage fashion blog and I’m not the only one, is to keep vintage fashion alive and bring back a little bit of glamour to life, that’s not always filled with rose petals and champagne. The fashion of my beloved 1930s 1940s and 1950s is very elegant and elegance is exactly what mainstream fashion is bereft of. I feel, that a lot of contemporary designers have forgotten that the reason why women buy clothes in the first place is, to look and feel beautiful.
- Let’s not forget that vintage fashions (the majority at least) were made of great quality fabrics and often handmade, which explains why we vintage fashion wearers can enjoy it even after 90 years from when it was originally made! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you should always choose quality over quantity!
- I heavily promote my favourite vintage shops from around the world (and I don’t charge for this service just to make it clear!) and I share the fascinating stories of their owners through a weekly Q&A in the Vintage Shop Of The Week section.
- Vintage fashion blogs and their creators are big advocates of slow-fashion of good quality (there is the word again!) products that not only look and feel better, than mass-produced garments but also last much, much longer!
- I like to share my knowledge as well as tips and advice from real experts, such as textile conservators, in the field of vintage garments.
You might find these articles very useful:
- Some of the best, factual vintage fashion blogs, that will help you learn the history of vintage fashion:
Nylon Nostalgia – Vintage Lingerie Expert Blog
1950s boleroshopping for vintageVintage fashionvintage fashion blogvintage fashion bloggervintage slacks
April Leigh
May 28, 2019Hello Dominique!
I just love everything about this post. You are so real, straightforward and completely spot on! I too am a vintage lover, as well as a seller. I have always been drawn to the quality of the items as well. I just fall in love with the items that I find and find so much joy in sharing them with others and giving them a new life!
I too am also in love with the fashion of the 30s, 40s and 50s but am also a lover of the 60s as well. I just adore elegance of the early items, much like you and the fun and free quality, as well as eye popping colors and patterns of the 60s. SO MUCH FUN.
Thanks for promoting vintage and doing it so beautifully! I’m a new follower for sure!
Dominique de Merteuil
May 29, 2019Hello April,
Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!
I get very attached to all my vintage finds and would find it unbearable to part with them. It must be incredibly difficult for sellers to see some of the beautiful garments go. I actually know a couple of vintage sellers who have a rule of never to try on garments intended for sale. Otherwise, they would never be able to sell anything. 🙂
Dx
April Leigh
May 30, 2019I love that! For me, being a modern size 10/12 I have many more items that DO NOT fit, rather than fit so it is a bit easier. I actually feel a little thrill when I see a beautiful piece go to it’s new owner. It just makes my heart happy! I guess that may be why I am a seller as well as a collector. Thanks for the reply and I will definitely be following you to see what other fabulous vintage you find and how you style it (my personal favorite part of wearing vintage).
Sandra
January 22, 2018I love your style! The velvet bolero with Wolford body looks amazing!
Dominique de Merteuil
April 22, 2019Thank you!
Rose
January 22, 2018In love with your look!!!
Dominique de Merteuil
January 22, 2018Thank you Rose!