Basya Berkman Vintage Fashions

My very favorite gothic dolly dress. Sold to Australia, but the photos remain!

If you are familiar with my Etsy store, you know that one of the things that excites me is reinventing the way something is worn. I get a creative kick of repurposing something that was written off.  One of the easiest way to do this is to hike up elastic waist skirts and make them into strapless dresses. However, I also take doughty tunics from two piece sets (think 80s mother-of-the-bride), and style them as sexy party dresses! I hate waste and thank Basya Berkman for this inheritance. She was my great-grandmother, the family matriarch and namesake of this blog (and my store).

I love how this outfit turned out on my model.  The label is actually the respected designer house of Judith Ann and commanded a significant amount of money in its day in the formal wear market. Yesterday’s frump is today’s Gothic Lolita!

Vintage black lace cocktail dress from the 80s. Perfect Gothic Lolita choice!

Sweet examples of elements needed for Gothic Lolita!

And now some babydoll dresses that have come through my store!

The lace one is a Betsey Johnson that is kind of like a tunic/dress - pairs w/bottoms or wear it as an ultra mini. Find it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80061657/vintage-betsey-johnson-babydoll?ga_search_query=betsey&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5850866

The baby blue one was snatched up by my model with vicious enthusiasm before I had a chance to even list it. It’s one of the truest “baby doll” dresses that I have ever seen as it literally looks like a little dress for a doll…but in adult size.

The one on the right is a 70s take on the style - soft and flowy a la Virgin Suicides.

I love how accessible this look is. Soft and not too over the top for those who don’t live in Harajuku.

(via dolly-kei)

allecto:

Kera scans showing some of IW’s new collection. I love this coord.

classic lolita goes bookish

(via )

lookbookdotnu:

Sin City (by Louise Ebel)

More baby doll!

Babydoll lingerie from my store (past and present). More here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/73778001/vintage-1960s-black-swimsuit-maillot?ref=af_shop_favitem

dixias:

Toni Garn and Nimue Smit backstage at Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2012

 Valentino…swoon swoon swoon. Best collection this spring, no argument.

(via eros-mutima)

Here’s a selection of vintage skirts from my store; long and medium lengths, but all high waisted. I really enjoy playing around with the styling and each model brings her own special something to it, of course. The top pic is a classic, camel hair, A line that particularly inspires me. We went simple with this one - channeling a young journalist form NY kind of vibe, c.1981.

I have been known to wear elastic waist skirts as “strapless” dresses or tops too, but the length, texture, and cut have to be just right, and it usually becomes a layer underneath something that is very structured, to contrast it.

My point: play around with your skirts. Flirt with them. Hang them on a hook while your taking a bath and imagine them having adventures with the rest of your wardrobe.

Most of the skirts are available here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BasyaBerkman?section_id=7848425

Black lace skirt: http://www.etsy.com/listing/72664883/vintage-1960s-or-1970s-black-maxi-skirt

Vintage designer duds from my store. This selection is an offshoot of my latest kick in Parisian fashion panache as I asked myself, surely I have something either fabulously French or something that looks like it should be.

All items available here: www.basyaberkman.etsy.com

A spring selection from my store, inspired by Valentino’s collection at Paris Fashion Week. www.basyaberkman.etsy.com

Highlights from my bridal boutique - wedding attire from the forties through the seventies. Find them here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BasyaBerkman?section_id=7094735