I've been invited to a "Fabulous Fifties" theme party.

I went to the vintage store. (Actually, I picked up that cute red Coach bag quite by accident; I was actually there on this mission.)

For a grand total of $70, these are the items I bought. Please let me know if you think it will work. I do have another, more casual, outfit which I'll post in a separate thread tomorrow.

Details:

The skirt. It is not authentic 50s. But the tag said Linda Brooker, London and the quality is AMAZING. I went home and looked her up. She is a designer of dresses and costumes. Here's her web site: http://www.lindabrooker.com/

The overskirt is a beautiful navy blue; the underskirt is a vivid teal. It rustles and changes its shade as the wearer moves. It's in perfect condition. VERY tight in the waist, but I have room to move the buttons a fraction of an inch if required.

The top actually says "60s" to me more than 50s—something about the neckline and the paisley pattern. The label says Style Rite Blouse Company, Toronto. The saleswoman only gave it to me so I would have something to put in with the skirt; she wasn't thinking that I would actually buy it. But when I got it on, it turned out to look so amazing that I couldn't resist. I think I will be able to style it in a bunch of different ways, so for $20, what the heck?

And then, there were shoes! Pink kitten heels. Also more 60s than 50s, in mood, perhaps, and probably actually from the 80s, but they had only been worn once and fit like a dream.

I put this outfit on and felt like Cinderella going to the ball!

The only authentic 50s item here is my mother-in-law's evening bag. To be authentic I suppose I would need gloves as well. They only had shorties in the shop so I let it go.

Questions:

1. Will this work to evoke the era? I don't think I need slavish accuracy; just the mood, the tone, the feel.

2. Can I get away with it? The party begins at 4 in the afternoon; it's not really a late night affair, and portions of it will be outside in the garden, assuming no rain. The other guests, by the way, are all writers and artists. Everyone will be interpreting the theme in his or her own manner.

P.S. Note the PHLOX blooming in the background!

Thanks for looking and for your thoughts!

Also, if these pics are too small I will try to resize. I am still learning.

Inspiration pics added.