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!

1975 Sears Catalogue - Ooh La La!

I just received a 1975 Sears catalogue in a house cleanout. And oh my, it is a veritable treasure trove of blog fodder. I am about to reveal just how old I am, but I graduated from high school in 1974.

I swear I never wore these clothes. I swear, I mean I am flabbergasted. I knew it was bad. I remember some unfortunate plaid bell bottoms and quite a few ribbed sweater tops. Maybe even a qiana dress or two.

But Sears - How could you? Arnel poly triacetate?!? I don't even know what that is.

But I do admit we all thought these color combos were pretty cool. And the opaque tights with the perfectly matching shoes. Nifty isn't quite the word that comes to mind here.

Tweed, my eye. That's Earth Toned Poly In Glen Plaid. With pants to match. Oh my. Must swathe self in a natural fiber for a moment.

Okay cotton has brought me back. All I can think is:

When the eons pass, and the last ray of sunshine hits the earth before the supernova, it will be the poly knits and the cockroaches.

A Little Touch of Rudi

I must say that Rudi Gernreich is not a designer that new vintage people gush about. They are more likely to have fallen for the romantic looks of various periods, or the styles that work in the re-enactment world. Which is fine. The world needs romance and little role playing is fun. But variety and sophistication are needed as well. Acquired tastes are a good thing.

I think part of the appeal is the comfort and wearability of his knits. Especially coming out of the structured 50s. Let’s face it, if all Gernreich had done was that topless bathing suit, we probably wouldn’t know his name. He designed stylish, wearable bathing suits and some great dresses. Yes there were wild color combos and the wacky Unisex caftans. But most of his work for Harmon Knitwear is timeless enough to wear right now. A bit of the mad genius thing? Well, have you looked at the 2010 Paris Shows yet?

I rest my case.

Here’s a sample to whet your interest:

1965 Rudi Gernreich Orange & Purple Paisley Silk Cocktail Mini Dress @ http://glamoursavvy.com/

1950's Rudi Gernreich Grey Wool Swimsuit @ http://www.listitcafe.com/

Vintage 50's Rudi Gernreich for Westwood Pink Wool Swimsuit

@ http://glamoursurf.com/

Ca. 1973 Polyester and Wool Dress with Large Appliqués from the archives @ http://pastperfectvintage.com/

A Love of 40s Hats That Might Take Counseling

I seem to have a slightly obsessive atraction to 1940s tilt top hats. Percher hats if you will. AKA doll hats. I don't have any idea why. There are many things I am attracted to in clothing that I would never wear which date back to a young exposure to Barbie in 1962. We won't g there now. Too time consuming.

But this 1940 hat thing. A puzzle. Straw is nice, flowers are good , too. But it's the felt ones I seem unable to leave out in the world. And if they have felt flowers - well it's into a shopping bag and get out the checkbook, honey! They are chic, yet tailored, feminine, and truly lend an air of self assurance. Here's sample of my addiction:

1940 Gold Felt & 1940s Black Felt Hats, both available now @Past Perfect Vintage

Two 1940s Brown Felt hats, one with feathers, one with felt flowers,

available now at Past Perfect Vintage

1940s Floral Percher Hats and 1940s Teal Felt with Veil,

from our Gallery of Past Treasures

1940s Straw & Seashell Hat & 1940s Hot Pink & Black Felt

also from our Gallery of Past Treasures

1940s Hot Pink & Black Felt Hat, now available @ Past Perfect Vintage &

1940s Black Felt & Feathers Hat from our Past Treasures Gallery

Another Day as Victorian Laundress

Why do I do this to myself?  I am no great fan of ironing. I do not love the smell of spray starch in the morning.  I bet it's even carcinogenic. In the 30 years I have collected and later dealt in Vintage Clothing, I have seen hundreds of Victorian and Edwardian whites go by. Dresses, blouses, skirts, the full range of underwear from the 1850s to the 20s. Truth be told, I let  99% of it go right on by me now to other dealers and collectors.
And yet......................

A friend brought me this one and I just had to give it a try. Good lines, pretty lace and ruffles. Melts a gal's heart every time. And so, another 2 hours at the ironing board later:

ca. 1907 Edwardian Lawn Dress with ruffles & lace insertion

available now @ www.pastperfectvintage.com

for details click Here

Even More 1950s Fashion

And now, part 2 of the 50s Fashion Run.

We have suits:

1950s Bobbie Brooks All Weather Suit ( or so the label says)

1950s Brown Nubby Wool Suit from Pogue's

We have separates:

1950s Cream Wool Beaded Sweater

1950s Chinese Embroidered Silk Jacket

And last, one very neat dress:

1950s Black Wool and Knit Lace Dress with Blouson Bodice

The Fifties Called & They Want Their Dresses Back

It seems we have been on a 1950s Fashion Run for a bit. Now that would be a great name and theme for a fundraiser, wouldn't it? The 5K 50s Fashion Run to Benefit the Vintage Impaired with a 3K walk for the stiletto wearers! I'd pay to see that, I really would.

As my fellow shoppers and vintage devotees know, the discoveries always go in streaks out there. Sometimes is all the Victorian black I can stand. Sometimes it's a run of hats. This time, oh lucky me, it has been 1950s dresses and suits. Here's just a few of what we have up for sale now:

1950s Red Rayon Crepe with drawnwork details

1950s Yellow Lace and Net Strapless Gown

Fabulous 1950s Organza & Eyelet Wedding Dress

All available now at http://www.pastperfectvintage.com/