The holidays are just around the corner.  Whether you are planning to be the hostess for a holiday soiree, or already have invites to choose from, add a little extra sparkle in glamorous lame’.

The word LAME’  is derived from the French word for trimmings of gold or silver.  Metallic threads can be woven into part of the textile, or contained throughout the fabric. The metallic thread can be used with any other color, or a combination of colors.  Whether you dress it up or dress it down, modern or vintage, a shimmering lame’ will be fun and festive at any holiday event.

Although lame’ has been used in eveningwear since the 1930s, lame’ reached a pinnacle of popularity in the 60s to 70s.  Both woven and knit textiles were given the metallic lame’ treatment, providing a variety of  textures and silhouettes.

Here are some OgoVintage metallic lame’ items, some not yet listed, some available on Ogo’s ebay store or etsy shop, and some already in the possession of a happy new owner.  If any one in particular speaks to you, please email  Ogo@OgoVintage.com  to stake your claim.

L: Malcolm Starr 60s dress  C: Floral lame’ vintage 60s dress  R: Richilene Golden vintage gown

 L: Silver lame’ 60s pant suit and floral lame’ maxi skirt at the etsy shop

R:  Op-art lame’ gown and Krist lame’ orange and fushia gown both sold at OgoVintage etsy shop

L: Caroline Charles Striped lame’ suit C:vintage 50s lame’ wiggle dress

R: 3 piece gold lame’ knit outfit All items at the OgoVintage etsy shop

 L:  Halston caftan  R:   Halston pleated maxi skirt, vintage 50s floral dress

L:  Geoffrey Beene Maxi Shirtwaist   C:  Marc Bouwer golden draped gown

R:  Vintage 80s metallic blue lame’

 Lame’ embellished tops, all available @ OgoVintage etsy shop

Vintage 60s lame’ shoes at the OgoVintage etsy shop

 L: Pauline Trigere shirtwaist  C:  70s knit Italian gown  R: Givenchy lame’ suit

L:  1940s crochet lame’  C:  Silver Moire coat looks great with lame’  R:  1960s silver knit lame’ go go dancer micro mini

Perhaps the silk chiffon has a faint metallic gold topstitch that adds movement and gloss to the dress.  The handpainted silk textile of another turns a dress into a work of art the closer you get.  The intricacy of a raffia hand crochet clearly appears at a distance and up close.

Vintage 50s raffia crochet wiggle dress, coming to the OgoVintage etsy shop

Vintage 50s sequin wiggle dress with 3-D beading          Yolanda Hand Painted silk dress

Countess Alexander Vintage 70s dress               Diane Fres beaded georgette vintage 80s dress

Pappell jeweled wiggle dress                       Vintage 60s couture glitter tulle ensemble

Pauline Trigere 60s lame’            Ungaro 80s silk suit          Bill Blass 80s silk faille and lace

The fashion counterpoint to the adage “You only get to make a first impression once” is that you only get one chance to make an impact with your entrance.   Whether you are attired in haute couture, or your favorite jeans and boots, it always helps to stand a little taller and exude confidence.  Here’s a little posture hint from the dance studio for maximizing your entrance at any location:

1.     Lift your hips off your legs, pull your rib cage up off your hips.

2.     Imagine a string attached to your head and the ceiling pulling you upward.

3.     Press your shoulders down in opposition to your rib cage lifting up.

4.     Reset your balance by widening the shoulder blades so that your upper back is flat.  This will position your sternum slightly forward – the perfect position for balancing on the highest heels with ease.

5.   Use your abdominal muscles to hold the position by imagining your  navel pressed to your backbone and a slight lengthening of the spine from the waist to the tailbone.

Correct posture is an acquired technique, not a naturally occurring phenomenon.  Practice the foregoing steps in front of a mirror at home.  You’ll soon see that you look 10 pounds thinner.  Enter a room with elegant posture and your friends will keep inquiring what you did…  let them think you are in love, or won the lottery, or, perhaps, have had a little “work” done.  The secret will be all ours.  OGO promises not to tell!!

You’ll need a frock worthy of your new found posture skills.  Here are a few suggestions from OgoVintage.  The items that are available online are linked to the  shop.

Thai silk atelier made vintage dress with a corsetry boned bodice

Expertly constructed Pauline Trigere bias cut dress

Classic 50s LBD with an 8 layer tiered skirt