Oh Now,THIS is Interesting

I was browsing though the online Leslie Hindman and Kerry Taylor auction catalogues. Alright, I admit it. Not browsing, more like deep studying. And what do I see? A dress in each auction that I have sold myself. Not the actual dress, mind you - but one of the same design. I love it it when that happens! Nothing like having your taste level affirmed. In the Hindman catalogue it's this Geoffrey Beene:

http://www.lesliehindman.com/ Lot 153, A Geoffrey Beene Black Asymmetric Evening Gown

Here's the one I sent to a wonderful home out West:

Looks like a color variation there on the left collar. Now this one isn't a big surprise - it's Geoffrey Beene RTW for heaven's sakes. There must have been a load of them. But this one:

www.kerrytaylorauctions.com : Lot 96 An Agnès/Madame Havet golden velvet cocktail dress, circa 1927

I am rather amazed! because here is the Agnes/Madame Havet dress I sold last year:

Now this gown had serious condition issues - the beading at the shoulders and hips needed a ton of work, plus quite a few small holes and stains. The underslip straps were shot. It's pinned on the form. If it's the same gown, someone did an awful lot of very fine restoration work. And this one did not have a silver cape.

Prety neat, say what? I ask you, what are the odds?

Two, count 'em Two Vintage Fashion Auctions

For you Lucky Chicagoans: Leslie Hindman has a grand lineup at her Nov. 15 Sale in Chicago.As always, it's a fine lineup starting in the Teens and 1920s, with a heavy emphasis on the second half of the century designers.

Leslie Hindman Lot 45: A Norman Norell Blue Silk and Silver Sequin Mermaid Gown,1960s,

blue satin sash at waist. Label: Norman Norell.Photo courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

Leslie Hindman Lot 33: A Galanos Orange and Purple Evening Gown, 1970s, Label: Galanos. Photo courtesy of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers

For you lucky Londoners and other Brits: Tuesday Dec. 8, 2009: at Kerry Taylor . This Vintage Fashion and Couture auction is another fabulous offering from Kerry Taylor with with loads of Audrey Hepburn's clothing, much of it from Givenchy and many pieces worn in films. But there's so much more - wonderful designer pieces, riding habits, jewelry and purses. Visit the catalogue and drool for a while.

Kerry Taylor Lot 65: a embroidered satin open robe, Chinese for the European market, 1770s, the fabric c.1755-60 Photos courtesy of Kerry Taylor Auctions

Kerry Taylor Lot 72: A brown wool riding habit, English, 1880s, together with a pair of black leather 1880s riding boots, and an 1873 leather riding crop with silver collar. Photo Courteay of Kerry Tayor Auctions.

For us unlucky Kentuckians without frequent flyer miles, well, we will just have to be content with the online catalogues and a trip to the mall where we can decry the lack of quality and style available today.

Perfect for Fall: the Helen Bond Carruthers Cardigan

It's always a rare treat to see these 1950s Helen Bond Carruthers cardigans. And isn't this one just about perfect for Fall? Talk about serendipity. Not that time of yeat makes any difference to HBC fans. The worksmandship is superb and I love her use of the appliques. We just received 2 sweaters in stock, this one in a marvelous brown with autumn leaves and pearl buttons. The second was black with wonderful flowers - and it's already gone! It never made it to the website. Just keep that in mind.

1950s Autumn Leaves Helen Bond Carruthers Cardigan @ www.pastperfectvintage.com

For size and information please click here

Coming Soon! A Hat Parade In Black and Red

At least I hope these are coming soon! What with the ballet project, (done) the opera project, (done) the autumn leaves that just keep coming down and getting rained on, ( partially done) AND Kitchen Remodel 2: Cabinets of Doom, (nowhere near done) I just don't know how soon that may be. Really, I have no idea.


This is woman with no kitchen sink , cabinets or countertop writing this blog. And Thanksgiving dinner approaches. But I hope to have some new goodies ready for Past Perfect Vintage soon, oh very,very soon. At this point, vintage is therapy.


Until then, let's have a Hat Parade in Black and Red!

1980s Frank Olive in tulle and straw

1920s Black and Red Cloche

1950s? Hattie Carnegie Wine Velvet Toque

1950s Red Felt Henry Margu

1940s - 50s Mens Dobbs Homburg

All hats coming soon, really I mean it, to: http://www.pastperfectvintage.com/

Serendipity = 1880s Bustle Dresses

I tell you - you just never know in the vintage clothing game. People ask me where I find things, I am am not being evasive when I say: " you never know". Wonderful things can crop up anytime and anywhere. Long story short, we were supposed to go out of town and had to cancel. Disappointmnet reigned.

So we did an errand, and got doughnuts. I know - terrible. But they were very fresh and tasty. And made up for missing the usual on the road breakfast someone else cooks. When we got home, there was a message all of 5 minutes old about an estate with "old Dresses".


Called back of course. And it was a now or never sort of deal. 2 suitcases full. And it was worth not getting to go out of town. Here's a sample, forgive the fast and dirty photo:

Oh yeah. 1880s bustle gowns. Old dresses indeed.

A resounding cheer for serendipity was heard at the ranch!