Guest Blogger: Elspeth Suber

Rompin' in Charleston

What makes a garment work? Is it the color? The fabric? The shape? The texture? Maybe it's a combination of the elements. This romper's crisp, double-breasted top is reminiscent of the businesslike, structured nature of menswear, while the modest yet flattering shorts keep it feminine. Not only do the juxtapositions of professional and casual, masculine and feminine, combine to create a great garment, but the juxtaposition of modern styling and a vintage base also combine to perfect this little black piece.

The magic of a vintage garment like this one is that its age gives it the ability to connect with each of its wearers on a different level. This piece may remind you of an old photograph of your eclectic aunt, while it transports me to a scene in my favorite movie. Each wearer can interpret this garment in her own way. I'm so glad that i have the privilege of speculating how the previous owners of this romper worked the juxtapositions of masculine and feminine, businesslike and casual into their personal styles. I’m always in favor of art that transports my mind to the stylish decades of the past, especially the 1970s. That's why I love vintage fashion.

To see more interpretations of vintage clothing, check out these blogs:

• High End Hippie

• Sarah Dunk

Thank you to Gladiola Girls for sponsoring this post. Thank you to my uncle for taking these photos in the Charleston heat.