Flying in style: Capture Amelia Earhart-esque clothing from Dallas shops

by Joanna Cattanach of of Chick Talk Dallas

DALLAS — Amelia Earhart was known for her daring and audacity as the iconic pilot of the early 20th century. But as a public figure, it was her style that set trends on the ground. She even lent her name to a line of clothing for active women. To capture some of that fashion spirit, I scouted some of Dallas’ best vintage stores, Goodwill and my own closet to put a modern and affordable twist on classic Amelia fashion.

“I think she stepped outside of the box,” said Michelene Kerfonta at Ahab Bowen vintage on Boll Street in Uptown. “She had her own defined look.”

Kerfonta said most original late 1920s and early 1930s fashion isn’t in vintage stores -- the fabric is too frail to really be worn anymore -- but you can capture that essence with a more modern look. One of my favorite Amelia looks is a loose fit slack with a leather jacket and tie.

Here’s that look reinterpreted with Goodwill finds. Goodwill dress pant with silk lining $3.99, shirt $2.99, vest $10 last year’s discount rack at Target, simple striped tie from husband, Kenneth Cole dress shoe in a deep brown with stitching for $5 at Goodwill plus a gray wool cap from Target $10.

Kerfonta suggests: mens vests, ties, a leather jacket, more masculine dress shoe, and scarves. Riding boots can also be paired with a straight leg khaki pant or a tweed pant. Amelia’s line of clothing also included detailed buttons. Here’s a look I put together with a Goodwill shirt $2.99, a Kohl’s winter coat from two years ago $20, a pair of riding boots on sale at DSW Shoe Warehouse for $35, and a straw hat for $10 at Target.

“A lot of hats can just kind of cross over into different periods,” said Marion Weger with Gratitude vintage on Fairmount in the Oak Lawn area. Gratitude has a stash of late 30s dresses usually priced around $100 or up. They also have a stash of hats as well from $65-$85 on average.

Forestwood Antique Mall in North Dallas has well-kept pieces including silk scarves and jewelry, but my favorite piece at the store was a red vinyl skull cap similar to the ones models wore for Jean-Paul Gaultier for Hermes in March. It was only $25. Most of the Forestwood hats are $40 and include Neiman Marcus and other high end brands. If you’re looking for hats or felts, small bows are more form fitted with less brim.

You can sport your vintage finds this Friday at 7:50 p.m. at The Magnolia with Chick Talk Dallas fans who are encouraged to capture some of Amelia’s style.

For more Amelia style, view our slide show at Flickr.com.

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