One of the prettiest places that I really enjoyed visiting in Chiang Mai was Nimman One. A group of buildings in Nimman {the district} just outside of the Old City that are arranged around the loveliest courtyard.
I fell in love with this place the moment I laid eyes on it, and instantly knew it had to be featured on the blog!
Of course, it’s difficult to fully portray the beauty of the architecture and surroundings ~ there are lovely tall green trees in the courtyard, and outside of the building ~ and it’s a very popular place. Lots of people walking through to visit the tiny shops tucked away in the walls, my favourite of these being the Monsoon Tea Shop which stock local teas made up into a huge range of delicious blends and flavours.
While we were there, another group was also taking photos ~ but they had set up a mannequin and were taking stock photos. Which was certainly easier than trying to figure out the timing for taking some of the pictures we did!
At night time the whole area is just as gorgeous, as the lanterns light up the clock tower, and the fairy lights that are strung all over the courtyard in the shape of a marque make the cobblestones glow.
Story time though, ‘coz the unexpected can still happen in the prettiest of surrounds!
…So to start at the beginning: I’m wearing a stunning true vintage dress in these pictures, and I just love it. It’s homemade I think ~ no label, and the waist is sewn shut with no opening or fastening so it’s a bit impossible to put on. It’s one of those “wiggle gingerly and smoosh through one boob at a time” kind of dresses ~ and if you’ve ever had one of those you’ll know exactly what I mean!
And all is going fine and dandy with the shoot, I’m so happy with how the whole ensemble looks in this location ~ but of course, it’s tropical heat so I’m “glowing” in no time at all.
And unbeknownst to me, this had caused my dress to stick horribly!
Most of the way through the shoot, and I do is put down my handbag… Then I hear that dreaded ripping sound that is every vintage wearer’s nightmare. Uh-oh…!
Of course, I can’t actually see where the rip is located at first, but that won’t be a problem for long because the more I’m moving around, the more ripping I hear ~ *le GASP*
Obviously, I’m doing my best to minimise my motion, I’m keeping my arms glued down, so I really didn’t think it was that bad until I tried to adjust my hair, and not one, but BOTH armpits had blown out significantly ~ yes, you could totally see almost all of the side of my long line bra through the holes! *cringe*
So now I’m tucking in fluttering shreds of fabric, smiling for photos and trying to make sure no one sees my bra, because OF COURSE everyone’s looking at the strange lady dancing around in the middle of the courtyard.
Thankfully, we finished the photoshoot and walked back to the closest shopping mall, which is Maya. On the way I noticed that there was a tiny clothing stall selling dresses and I stopped immediately to pick up an emergency dress.
It was only when I got changed in the bathroom at Maya that the full extent of the damage was revealed ~ unfortunately it was the worst I’ve ever seen happen in a vintage dress. On one side it was the fabric right next to the underarm seam that had popped, which is perfectly fixable, but on the other side, underneath the sleeve had shredded, and this giant tear went straight across to the apex of the bust, and down the side of the bodice. Somehow that tear had decimated the sleeve completely.
So there went my hope of an easy fix, but there’s enough fabric left in the sleeves to mend the bodice, so thankfully I can repurpose the sleeves for that. Then I’m going to purchase some black velvet and make replacement cap sleeves for the dress. And I’m also going to fix the waist and create some sort of waist opening because it’s just a pain to put on. But now I know why such a stunning dress was priced so cheaply… Haha!
So all’s well that probably ends well, and I’ll almost have a different dress to wear out of the whole ordeal.
But gosh! I've never had a vintage dress {or any other kind of vintage} disintegrate so completely while I’m wearing it, and I really hope it never happens again. I should say that it doesn’t deter me from wearing vintage in any way whatsoever, because even while my dress was literally falling apart on my back, I still felt so elegant in this frock. I loved the way it moved, and the pleated skirt was so swishy. Plus, that little black velvet touch at the lapel really adds that extra detail that I do so adore. So while I might have had the worst experience vintage has to offer with this dress, I also had the best experience at the same time ~ and I love it!
Of course, now I want to hear what’s your worst {or best} experience with wearing vintage. Do you have any fun stories? Let us know if you do, I’m keen to hear them!
xox,
bonita
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Signature Double Rose in “Blue” | Daisy Jean Floral Designs
Vintage Milk Glass Rosette Brooch | eBay
1950’s Chariot Dress | FB Group
Black Skinny Belt | Came with another dress
Traditional Thai Embroidered Purse | Wararot Street Market
Satin 50s Court Heels | Friendly Panda
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