Vintage Fashion Blog
Welcome to the elegant world of authentic vintage fashion from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Here you’ll find original outfits, styling inspiration, fashion history and practical advice on wearing vintage in the modern world. Having worn original vintage clothing almost every day for more than twenty years, I share not only the stories behind these beautiful garments but also the experience of living in them. Every article is inspired by authentic pieces from my personal vintage collection, from impeccably tailored skirt suits and glamorous evening gowns to everyday dresses, knitwear and accessories. Start here: 1930s, 1940s & 1950s style guides, wardrobe inspiration and fashion history.
If you are looking for the best and most beauteous vintage-inspired sweaters and cardigans suitable all year round, and tips on how to style them, you are up for a treat. I’ve never had much luck finding an original 1940s cardigan in good condition or a 1950s one in the right size and colour, but fortunately, there are a few…
How to Create Gothic Glamour with Vintage Clothes? In this post, I will endeavour to teach you how to master the gothic glamour style with the help of authentic vintage as well as contemporary clothes and accessories. I dedicate this piece to all my fellow vintage goths as well as ladies who don’t necessarily identify as a goth but are…
In this article, I will be sharing with you my tips on the art of styling a little black dress in a vintage way, proving the garment to be the most versatile piece in your wardrobe, as it can be worn for both daytime and evening occasions. How to style a little black dress with the help of accessories. If, like me, you have…
Vintage Outfit Ideas For a Bicycle Ride People often ask me if wearing vintage clothes every day prohibits me from doing certain activities. The answer to this is no, but as the question of riding a bicycle dressed in vintage clothes has come up more than on a few occasions, I thought I’d take the opportunity and expand upon this…
This visual feast consisting of over 100 1930s fashion illustrations is a bonus to my popular article on how-to-date vintage clothing. I hope that this post will help with your fashion history research or be an inspiration for your vintage outfit ideas because let’s face it, there is nothing better than the 1930s styles. Additionally, I created for you ten PDFs…
The best coats for autumn and winter-vintage style. [Edit 2025-the timeless chic] Do you love beauteous coats as much as I do but are unsure how to choose one or where to find luxurious outwear without breaking the bank? If the answer is yes, this article is definitely for you, as my shopping-on-a-small-budget prowess is legendary! The Best Coat for…
My name is Dominique de Merteuil. I’m a vintage fashion blogger, founder, and sole author of It’s Beyond My Control, your ultimate guide to vintage fashion from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. With over two decades of experience, meticulous research, and a deep passion for authentic vintage clothing, I specialise in the styles, silhouettes, and foundation garments of these eras, which I wear daily. Through this blog, I share the timeless beauty of bygone eras, blending historical insight with real-life styling and original vintage pieces. My work is rooted in both scholarship and lived experience, bringing vintage fashion to life beyond the archives and into the modern wardrobe.
