Vintage Kantha Ensemble

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Two years ago, Anthropologie came out with a dress made from vintage Kantha fabric.

At the time I had just lost sixty pounds (I would go on to lose more) and I had very little clothing that fit me. It felt like a miracle to find this dress that seemed like it came from my dreams.

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The dresses were by my favorite designer, Vineet Bahl.

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Each one was different and unique as they were made from vintage fabric.

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I paired the Vintage Kantha Dress with these kantha clips I purchased this year from Free People. I love that they match the dress perfectly.

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I own four of these dresses.

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Yes. Four! Each one is more amazing than the next. The inside of each dress is done in a different vintage Kantha fabric. This one has a purple Kantha inside. I have been trying to figure out how to wear them inside out, too.

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These dresses are my favorite pieces of clothing in my closet. If I had to choose one item to personify me, this would be it.

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The coin necklace seemed like a good fit on this day (similar here).

Look at that detail on the dress.

I just love it so much.

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I cannot wait to share the rest of my Kantha dresses. They are so special to me. I own them in orange (shown here), pink, maroon, and green. I would buy more if they were available.

I bought mine on a discount. The maroon one was a steal. But, regardless of price, they are the pieces of clothing in my closet I would save in the event of a fire (after family, pets, documents and art, of course).

What one item in your closet personifies you? How long have you had it? Do you own more than one?

22 thoughts on “Vintage Kantha Ensemble

  1. Oh my goodness, I loooooove this dress! It’s gorgeous and so perfect on you! I honestly don’t know what item in my closet personifies me. Dresses in general, for sure. Maybe my large (faux) pearl stud earrings? I love the idea of something that screams “me” though. I’ll have to keep thinking on that…

    • Thank you Kristen! I do love dresses, too. I am intrigued by the idea of large pearl earrings. I like it. I can completely picture those with so many things. Let me know if you think of anything else. I would love to hear about it. : )

      Have a sweet week!

      Jenni

  2. this dress is so beautiful, i can see why you cherish it. hmmm…that’s a tough one… i’m not too sure i have that one piece. just lots of “me” dresses, but not really that “one”. make me so badly want to find one now 🙂
    xo jac
    thesunshinedistrict.blogspot.com

    • Thank you Jac. You have such exquisite taste, I can see how it would be hard to pick a piece. I bet you will definitely find “the one.” I am silly because I never want to hurt my kantha dresses, so I only wear them once or twice a year. I figure I can pass them down to my daughter.

      Have a lovely Wednesday!

      Jenni

  3. That is such a pretty dress and I can’t wait to see the other three. I was not aware of this collection but it’s creative to use old fabric and create such a beautiful piece.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Stacey

    • Thank you Stacey! I will definitely post the other three soon. I might even post some of them inside out, because I have tried it and it kind of works. Fingers crossed! I was so excited about this collection. For awhile there were some on ebay for a good price but I have checked and there has not been that price again for over a year. I love vintage fabric repurposed. I think that is why they are my favorite.

      Thank you again. Have a terrific week!

      Jenni

    • Thank you Cynthia. I am so behind in my posts, it will be awhile for the others. I hope to get one done in the fall. : )

      Have sweet dreams!

      Jenni

  4. Gah I am so so jealous. I have been coveting one of these (or all of these haha) for so long and it is impossible to score for a deal on ebay. I can’t wait to see your collection. This one looks beautiful on you! They are ALL so cool and I was never able to find one when they went on sale originally. May I ask how it runs size wise so if I ever track one down I can feel a little less nervous about pulling the trigger?

    • Thank you so much Jess. When I purchased these dresses I was about six pounds heavier than I am now and about sixteen pounds heavier than I usually am (working on the ten I gained this summer). I tried on large and medium at the time and the only real difference was the arms. I could do a medium now, but all of my dresses are size large and they fit good. Not great. They are definitely a bit loose around the waist. I would say they run on the small side. Each one fits a little differently because they are hand made. I would size for my chest and arms because those seem to be the tightest areas of this dress. I hope that helps. And I hope you are able to score one! These dresses always get the most compliments when I wear them out than any other item I have ever worn.

      Thank you again. Have a great week!

      Jenni

    • Thank you Alicia! Orange used to be my very favorite color but then it was replaced by blue. I am starting to lean on orange again.

      Have a cheery Friday!

      Jenni

  5. This dress, wow…! I can completely understand you got it in four colours, because not only is it super flattering and cute, it’s like sartorial shorthand for your personality. So unique and quirky and pretty. I really look forward to seeing you pose your heart out in all the other colours, too! Also you are just rocking it as a model here – you look like something from an Anthro catalogue!

    • Thank you Gwen! I love your use of words. And you always are so nice. I do not deserve your kind words. I am having such a fast day. Have you ever had those? The days is flash by. I still have so much to do and so little time! : o

      Have a great day!

      Jenni

  6. I had to google kantha fabric. Love how I am always learning new things from your blog.

    That dress is so unique and beautiful. You look at home in it. I am looking forward to seeing your other dresses.

    I don’t know that I have a single piece in my closet that personifies me… I will have to think about it!

    • Kantha is amazing. I have an ottoman covered in it, too. I love that dress. Because it is made from quilts it is so heavy. Definitely a fall dress. I cannot wait to wear them a lot in the next few months.

      Have a happy weekend!

      Jenni

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