The Seamstress of Bloomsbury 1940s Style Lisa Dress

I've already mentioned British vintage reproduction clothing company The Seamstress of Bloomsbury a few times on this blog, so it's with great pleasure that I share this review of their 1940s style 'Lisa' dress.  I visited their stand at the London Edge show, and was most impressed with the quality and authenticity of their designs, down to the 'feels like vintage' fabrics and some stunning new designs.



You might remember the Lisa dress from my post on 1940s wedding dress inspiration, where I shared a snap of it in pure white cotton, but it's the colourful tartan in pinks and purples that I'm showing you today, in a cosy brushed cotton fabric.

'Lisa' dress: The Seamstress of Bloomsbury (£79)

Shoes: Clarks via Ebay

Tights: M&S outlet

Brooch: Big Girl's Blouse, Cardiff

Lipstick: 'Venus' by Calvin Klein

Hair: Waved using Nicky Clarke Hot Bendy Sticks!

The Seamstress of Bloomsbury is a brand specialising in clothing in a 1940s style, with all of their garments based on original patterns that were once made by Miss Lillian Wells, who was the original seamstress back in the 1940s.

The fit was great - I'm normally a size 12 in most brands and so went for a 12 in this one.  Across the shoulders and the back it fit neatly, and the waist is rather loose, with the belt to cinch it in and give the dress its shape.  I'm 5'9" and the length is lovely, fitting nicely below the knee.  I have to say just how comfy this dress is, not just because of the roominess in the waist, but also because the brushed cotton fabric made me feel a bit like being in my pyjamas.  The cosy fabric was certainly welcome on a somewhat fresh late Winter's day, and I did rush to put my coat back on after these photographs were taken!

I love this dress.  But what you'd really like to know is, is it worth the money?  Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  I have a few items of vintage repro in my wardrobe that I have paid above average for, from brands like Tara Starlet, Vivien of Holloway, and 20th Century Foxy, and they have all been worthwhile investments that I have worn time and time again, and the quality has really been great in comparison to some cheaper vintage repro brands where sometimes you strike it lucky but on other occasions it can be more hit and miss.  I know the best part of £80 is a lot of money for a dress, but if you want a 1940's style dress that is trans-seasonal, this one's a really good choice.  I layered up underneath with a slip and thick tights, but in Spring you could probably just throw a cardigan on top.  It's got a collar, so a jumper would also look nice over it in Winter.  My other half thinks it looks a bit Western, so I might try it with cowboy boots one day.

I can't wait to share the other goodies from The Seamstress of Bloomsbury, but all in good time!  If you want to see more about Seamstress of Bloomsbury clothing, I featured their headscarf here after I won it in a competition.

I was generously gifted this dress for review and given a discount on the other items I purchased.  All words and opinions are my own.

 Linking up with: Street Style Sunday, Share in Style, Funday Monday,  Visible Monday, Style Sessions, Random Wednesdays, What I Wore Wednesday, Throw Back Thursdays, Thursday Fashion Files, Passion for Fashion, Friday's Fab Favourites, The Style Files,