Repro Roundup: Bernie Dexter

My first introduction to the world of reproduction vintage clothing was with Bernie Dexter.  At the time, I curated a massive true vintage closet but had the constant fear of wearing my pretties out and ruining them.  Vintage was getting expensive (especially if you live in a large city like Los Angeles) and I wanted to get more bang for my buck.  Bernie Dexter really spoke to my sense of style because the cuts of her dresses really flattered my frame, she offered a wide range of cute and romantic prints, and her clothing was made here in the USA.  I've been one of her biggest fans for several years and my love has stayed true!  Here's a roundup of some of my favorite Bernie Dexter pieces and some fun facts about her brand:


Open Book

Bernie Dexter is a pinup model turned fashion designer.  Much like most ladies who turn to reproduction vintage styles, she was looking for alternatives to wearing true vintage.  She offers her wide range of styles in sizes XS-4X.


Like A Fox
All of Bernie's dresses are made from 100% quilting cotton.  It's a breathable but sturdy cotton that holds its integrity over the years.  Almost all of her swing skirt styles come complete with side pockets too!


Kelly  

A few of her newer styles (Kelly, Lauren, Nicole) have zip front features.  This means you can wear a shirtwaist dress without worrying about button gaping.  I'm not the bustiest person, but I've always had problems with wearing anything with a button front.  Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest reasons why I keep buying these styles!

Deck The Halls

Bernie also offers holiday inspired prints.  One of my favorite dresses is her Winter Wonderland Jubilee dress (seen above) and it's available in a few different styles.  I just happen to own three... Oops!  She also has a New Year's Eve print and has offered a 4th of July inspired print as well.  I can't wait to see what she has in store for 2017!

Three Roses  

Bernie's dresses are great for everyday wear.  I wore them when Bianca was a newborn, I wear them to work, and they're even great for date night!  While I choose to dry clean my Bernie dresses, I know many ladies who either hand wash or machine wash on delicate cycles, and hang dry their dresses without incident.

Nothing Like A Saturday Night

Inspired by dresses of the mid-century era, Bernie's classic styles give you that perfect pinup/rockabilly look for the modern woman.  She also offers skirts, a line of denim, tops, matching men's clothing, and outerwear too.  I'm dying to own her new Kitten jacket... It's seriously cute!

Mine This Time

Bernie's website always has the largest selection of her dresses, but you can also find exclusive styles at Unique Vintage.  Her line can also be found at Pinup Girl Clothing, Retro Glam, That Shop, and if you're on a budget, you can find a select amount of styles for a discounted price on Zulily!

Hide In The Hydrangeas

Because I've been wearing Bernie Dexter dresses for years, you can find the entire archive of my closet HERE.  Have any questions about certain styles or fit?  Do you have a Bernie Dexter collecion of your own?  Let me know in the comments below!

xoxo

Ashley