tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26277407387638510482012-01-26T20:02:50.443-05:00Vintage Fashion as Often as PossiblePast Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.comBlogger3631100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-2007763137346157842012-01-22T12:26:00.001-05:002012-01-22T12:27:41.656-05:00

  Many of our readers are already familiar with my obsession with local dressmaker and manufacturer labels and stores. In a recent large acquisition there were two examples of a well known local dressmaker, so I was thrilled. Here's a bit about Madame Glover.   Madame Annie Glover      Annie Casey Glover (1861- 1947)was a very well known dressmaker in Louisville in her day.  Born in Ireland, she

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-28749084426549868782012-01-08T11:48:00.000-05:002012-01-08T11:48:26.383-05:00

  There's nothing like re-discovering a book long lost on the shelves. Strong's Book of Designs just came back up to the surface, and I have plans for this. It's a great little volume, essentially a style guide and a commercial clip art source, printed in 1917. Nothing but pages and pages of period 1917 commercial poster and advertising art, in pen and ink, airbrush,and even full color. Loads of

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-6538341575952062592012-01-01T15:55:00.000-05:002012-01-01T15:55:31.116-05:00

  Another now forgotten manufacturer that is somewhat new to us:  Jack Sarnoff This Seventh Ave. company received a great deal of press coverage across the country in the 50s and 60s.  Founded by Jacob Sarnoff c. 1949 - 1950, this was a family firm that manufactured expensive coats, dresses, and suits. Jacob Sarnoff, who left  I.J. Fox furriers to found his own business in 1946,was the president

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-16868420287319618462011-12-28T17:02:00.000-05:002011-12-28T17:02:50.953-05:00

  A fine tradition was revived this year when three fashion history books were found under the tree. A second tradition was also revived - that of my nose buried in a book on Christmas Day.  All three texts are speedy reading but great fun, and photo heavy.  Let's take a look. Style Book: Fashionable Inspirations , Elizabeth Walker.  All photos. All the time. But a treasure trove of inspiring

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-44454953679255942572011-12-23T10:28:00.000-05:002011-12-23T10:28:02.401-05:00

 1940s or 50s Stewart's Christmas season gift boxes,courtesy As Time Goes By A Very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy Hanukkah to all!We will be back after Christmas, stuffed with turkey  and dressing. 

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  I promised a post on our new 1920s and 30s  dresses two posts ago. I have been remiss and I apologize. I am behind enough that three of the December additions have already sold. But do not be sad - there are more to come in January. But today, let's look at one of the prettiest and most complex 1920s/30s chiffon dresses yet.    Glorious 1920s Print Silk Chiffon Dress in Pink, Black and Ivory 

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-26342296651620766892011-12-21T10:40:00.000-05:002011-12-21T10:40:02.754-05:00

  We have been remiss in blogging this December. Time spent with family, on vacation and general holiday activities will do that. Plus dinner preparations yet to come! But I couldn't let the month slip away with out a feature on the hats we added to Past Perfect Vintage this December.  The first up is a wonderful late 20s to early 30s sequin evening cloche. How do I date it? The crown isn't deep

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-28971537064703595022011-12-17T22:42:00.000-05:002011-12-17T22:42:35.342-05:00

I found these last January. In Harmans' one room antique store  in Bardstown, Ky. It's absolutey crammed with interesting and even odd things. Not all are terribly old, but all are interesting. The kind of small shop where it takes hours in to see everything thing, and yet it's all beautifully organized. Glass stirrer sticks, postcards, magazines, photos, glass bottles, old pharmacy labels,

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-17056772521851353452011-12-04T20:49:00.000-05:002011-12-04T20:49:24.021-05:00

  In our largest monthly updates yet, we just added some 31 vintage and antique pieces at Past Perfect Vintage, covering a 140 year span. Not bad, I think. Today let's look at the Victorian and Edwardian pieces. We are showing an 1840s print cotton wrapper/house dress, an 1860s brown silk damask 2 piece dress, an 1870s to early 1880s natural silk 2 piece bustle dress with wonderful buttons and

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-38840258318230713242011-11-23T14:31:00.000-05:002011-11-23T14:31:36.563-05:00

  We have been to a few of these sales in our time. They are quite the experience, and one I recommend. Getting to see this much quality vintage fashion in one room at one time is exhilarating. Getting to inspect these garments in person and up close is an education in design construction and history. Plus, just being in the room when the bidding is happening is exciting. And for those of us who

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-9936851542961995412011-11-17T16:18:00.000-05:002011-11-17T16:18:04.893-05:00

We certainly added a lot of new inventory to both Past Perfect Vintage and Past Perfect, the Etsy Division this month. I already featured the Victorian through 1930s pieces here, so now it's time for a potpourri showing. Can we see a theme here? Let's try.   L., Grey 1950 Bernhard Altmann Cashmere Pullover, R. 1950s Striped Wool Suit by Irene  L. Morris Moskowitz Purple Silk Evening Purse, R

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-44451509444544541412011-11-13T13:20:00.000-05:002011-11-13T13:20:12.297-05:00

From an unknown newspaper, we have this ad for Nanette's gift sweaters in cashmere with lace and passementerie. I'll take two, please.   Note that both are available in black, but drawn as light colors to show the detail.  

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This month, we were pleased to show so many wonderful pieces from the Victorian through 1930s eras. We featured the early pieces in a previous blog post, so it's time for the 1920s - 1930s to get a bit of the spotlight.   These dresses are all from one private, discriminating collector with a fine eye for period styles. And this is just the beginning, we will be adding pieces from this

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-76213501438876779352011-11-07T18:33:00.000-05:002011-11-07T18:33:04.862-05:00

A friend who knows I like this sort of thing, just brought me these San Francisco Examiner clippings. Both of these are 1957, and feature early work from James Galanos. Some time ago, we handled a red chiffon Galanos dress from this era, and I am delighted to note that it had an identical back treatment to the top illustration. These are both glorious dresses, with bouffant skirts and show the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-88101463322592133862011-11-03T11:19:00.000-04:002011-11-03T11:19:29.861-04:00

When Mrs. Obama wore a Norell dress recently, many current fashion writers latched onto the phrase "forgotten designer Norman Norell". If someone as successful, respected and honored as Norell is considered forgotten, then high end American boutiques of the 20th Century don’t stand a chance of being remembered. And that’s a shame. There really aren’t many custom salons left, although quite a few

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-27457802718381405372011-10-29T11:29:00.000-04:002011-10-29T11:29:24.592-04:00

  We have recently been so pleased to be asked to handle a partial de-accession of a private collection. Like many long time collectors, our client is weeding through and focusing in on certain areas.After all, many of us start out acquiring randomly, pretty much anything that is pretty or for those vintage collectors who wear their pieces - anything that fits! I've done it myself, and not that

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-3403113377023637932011-10-20T21:53:00.000-04:002011-10-20T21:53:11.862-04:00

  It would be so easy to write these posts if I just threw theoretical outfits on the mannequin. But the goal here is to show looks I have actually worn in the ‘normal’ world. Not as costumes or for “dress up day” at work, or even to actual parties. But every day , go to the store, go to lunch, or in this case, go to the genealogy seminar outfit. I was pleased in that this was comfortable, the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-52343216800177271052011-10-16T20:27:00.000-04:002011-10-16T20:27:18.952-04:00

  If I had unlimited funds for shopping, which I do not, I would be going to the  Couture, Designer & Vintage Clothing, Ethnographic Costume & Arts, Textiles, Lace, Jewelry, Swatch Card, Auction in New Hope, PA.this coming Oct 28 -29.  Even without actual unlimited funds, it is awfully tempting. But priorities are what they are. A new hardwood floor in the living room, a car with brakes and a

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-3820017157980600622011-10-12T11:54:00.000-04:002011-10-12T11:54:22.492-04:00

 We have added so much new inventory, to both Past Perfect Vintage.com and to our Etsy store, I have fallen behind on showcasing it here.So I'll do the quick and condensed version. We  added some great hats at The Hats & Accessories, including an Oleg Cassini:    Pretty Tops and Blouses at The Separates, including a gold metallic lace Mary McFadden: These two 1920s celluloid combs at The

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-70655721432961538622011-10-08T15:03:00.000-04:002011-10-08T15:03:16.012-04:00

I bring you only the latest in fashion. No? Well, be that as it may, I bring you the latest fashions from Godey's Lady's Book of 1870. I was just given these lovely plates this month by a cousin. I don't yet know what I will do with them after this post, perhaps they will go on a wall some day, perhaps not. Until then, they will live with my Civil War Sheet music in plastic sleeves next to the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-10066882647983362932011-10-05T22:51:00.000-04:002011-10-05T22:51:58.365-04:00

These combinations I just put together this month and plan to wear as soon as the weather is cool enough - perhaps this weekend? The colors are perfect for autumn and winter, so I expect to get good use out of this group. I love suits, because I love tailoring, but I don’t live a suit lifestyle. And modern suits in a price range I can swing look inexpensive and sadly aging, to tell the truth.

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-36393754016389767462011-10-01T23:57:00.000-04:002011-10-01T23:57:24.791-04:00

  Designer du Jour: Halston, AKA Serendipity Now this is one designer who falls within my memory. I wasn’t wearing his clothes, you understand, but I do remember the heyday, if in a foggy way. The thing is, by the time Halston’s work made it to Mid America, the sexuality was cleaned up quite bit, and the quality was a bit lower. But the influence was there. The clean lines, the skinny fit, the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-57130591332106250882011-09-26T15:49:00.000-04:002011-09-26T15:49:41.573-04:00

I love vintage knitwear. It's been a long journey, due to a life long wool allergy. But I have discovered that with layers like turtlenecks , T's and camisoles, I can often wear vintage woolens and usually cashmeres. They are such good quality and were very often hand knit and usually fully fashioned.The quality to price ratio compared to modern knits cannot be beat. Plus a good quality knit

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-18031808631975379252011-09-24T14:18:00.001-04:002011-09-24T18:23:35.318-04:00

It seems harder to find warm weather vintage looks. Perhaps it’s because wool jackets have held up in good condition in greater number than cotton blouses. Certainly,wearable and age appropriate cotton tops for women of ‘a certain age’ are not available in large quantities.Lots of sun dresses and even halter tops, but that’s not the look I need in my wardrobe right now. This grouping is one I

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-30700699328717506692011-09-22T13:40:00.000-04:002011-09-22T13:40:14.792-04:00

The September additions to Past Perfect Vintage are all in. And my goodness, there's a lot of new inventory. There are hats, suits, and hair combs, but today, it's all about dresses. And a jumpsuit. And a blouse and skirt set. But they look like dresses, so that counts. The date range? 1930s - 1970s. For you Victorian, Teens and 1920s fashion lovers, we have some 60 lovely things on the way.

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-51153218194072941642011-09-21T09:37:00.000-04:002011-09-21T09:37:21.701-04:00

The 50% off Selected Dresses Sale Continues at Past Perfect!Here's a sample of the selection: All available now at Past Perfect Vintage The Dresses or Past Perfect Vintage The Separates

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-40851923258992721162011-09-20T21:06:00.000-04:002011-09-20T21:06:46.155-04:00

One of the wisest ways to build a flexible wardrobe is to take advantage of vintage clothing. Vintage garments bring everything to the fashion table: good design and  high quality construction at very attractive prices, and far better fabrics than those used in the vast majority of ready to wear. Plus there is the environmentally positive Reduce-Reuse-Recycle aspect of vintage fashion.  The

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-48117156332333628822011-09-19T17:20:00.000-04:002011-09-19T17:20:28.524-04:00

    Starting tonight as soon as we can get the site ready: The Past Perfect Vintage Summer Dress Sale!  That will be 50% off Selected Dresses & Separates  Sale Ends Sept 27!  @ Past Perfect Vintage.com

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-25767184714935212712011-09-12T19:03:00.000-04:002011-09-12T19:03:56.141-04:00

  The dream buy for a vintage clothing dealer usually involves one woman’s wonderful wardrobe of clothing spanning the better part of her adult life. If she was a woman of means who was interested in clothing - even better. If she was stylish - better yet. And if she was bigger than a size 4 - well, that’s a huge bonus. I suspect most people, if they thought about it, and very few do, would

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-71898275220947972642011-09-04T22:38:00.000-04:002011-09-04T22:38:08.096-04:00

  Designer du Jour : Galanos   We added this great 1980s red wool dress by Galanos to the website recently. I am so glad it was offered to us. Every time I handle one of his dresses, I remember what was so special about them. James Galanos had a long and successful career. He designed and produced some of the highest quality ready to wear available in the US - as close to couture as clothing can

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-56374375772102491322011-08-26T21:49:00.000-04:002011-08-26T21:49:45.446-04:00

Two from the 1950s. What do these tow have in common besides the era? An attention to detail I would say. Not the same treatment by any means, but still - detail in cordwork. The black linen weave clutch coat is very simple - a straight body cut with kimono type sleeves, lined in white taffeta. It couldn't be any simpler. But a simple cut is what is needed to set off all that white passementerie

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-78166666145395701422011-08-22T16:08:00.002-04:002011-08-22T17:33:41.209-04:00

  Malcolm Starr (1924 - 2008) was a popular American dress manufacturer and head of the ready to wear company  that bore his name at 530 Seventh Avenue. From a March 21, 2008 article in  Women’s Wear Daily:  “The dress company he operated, Malcolm Starr, was started in the Forties by his father, Frank, a well-known figure in the textile industry. During that period, the family was one of the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-59875300884723267162011-08-21T21:53:00.000-04:002011-08-21T21:53:36.167-04:00

In the vintage fashion business, there are few topics that can get a discussion hopping as quickly as :  Just how old  does a garment have to be to qualify as vintage? And when is the dividing line between vintage and antique? I always went with 25 years old to be vintage, and 100 years old to be antique. But that means 1986 is vintage now, and I am having trouble processing that. I want to draw

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-80884970270046850372011-08-19T22:47:00.000-04:002011-08-19T22:47:22.458-04:00

Designer du Jour: B.H. Wragge This was a NY ready to wear house, run by Sydney Wragge and active from 1931 to 1971. The clothes are referred to as ‘affordable’, usually the kiss of death when it comes to quality, but every piece I have handled with this label was beautifully made of fine fabric with a lot of hand sewn finishes. This would be a time when 'affordable' clothing did not bring up

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-87793119122023815102011-08-18T20:27:00.000-04:002011-08-18T20:27:30.795-04:00

  Do you like the fashion of the 1920s and 30s? You aren't alone. These silhouettes get revived every few years or so in some variation. The drop waist come sback in , as does the boyish look, and the figure conscious bias cut has almost never left. The 1920s very kind to the thinner, straight figure and the 30s were good for the curvy gal, who was toned, but didn't have a tiny waisted, hourglass

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-16893825418561202702011-08-17T22:30:00.000-04:002011-08-17T22:30:32.985-04:00

The new additions, all 19 of them, are live at the website, so here's a taste of the 1940s selection.We recently acquired a number of 1940s dresses in good sizes from an Ohio estate, and will be adding the rest of them next month. Up first is a New York Creation label dress in black crepe, nicely done with a beaded and studded bodice.  These New York dresses are always interesting, and almost

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-15139377849827279662011-08-16T22:01:00.000-04:002011-08-16T22:01:59.873-04:00

  An old, unused label from my stash. I wonder what the ingredients were? A little scary to ponder.  Mr. Wilson, Druggist, seemed to think his creation would keep hair from falling out. That alone should have made it an all time best seller and put Toulon, IL on the map in a really big way.  Removing and preventing dandruff would just have been a bonus.   

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-77750626506441101592011-08-15T10:26:00.000-04:002011-08-15T10:26:01.346-04:00

This just won't wait till Easter. My fellow dealers at As Time Goes By always save neat bits of advertising they find in their purchases. I can't tell which newspaper this was clipped from. But these decorated Orlon cardigans are mighty fine. The top one came in navy, pink or blue with chalk beads and white grosgrain trim. The bottom one came in navy with white trim or solid pink or powder blue.

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-60620934752704522892011-08-14T10:05:00.000-04:002011-08-14T10:05:52.537-04:00

  Mystery family. That's who I think these are. Sorting through research files and photos this morning, I came across these two again. They first showed up when my aunt and uncle's house was emptied out. They had  a lot of family photos, which my cousin kindly put on discs and sent everyone. No one knows who these two are. We showed them to my 90+ aunties, and they both said: 'oh yes we've seen

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-81726667362066577142011-08-09T14:13:00.001-04:002011-08-09T14:16:09.912-04:00

As many of our blog readers know, I continue to research and gather labels and photos of local department stores in Louisville. The vintage clothing I find from these businesses is so often of really superior quality that while I do have memories of these stores and their buildings,I wish I had paid more attention as a teenager and young adult while they were still in business. Evey once and a

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-77556998242852765092011-08-03T19:21:00.000-04:002011-08-03T19:21:24.357-04:00

  It's Wednesday. We've been preparing some great items for the website, spanning from the 1740s to the 1980s. Quite the time range. Plus we have a lot of new information to add to our History of  Louisville Department Stores. So it's been a productive week, with more to come. We have a buying call tomorrow plus a promising auction this weekend.So today, a simple post with some eye candy, the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-56807254114618001922011-07-29T20:48:00.000-04:002011-07-29T20:48:41.141-04:00

  It really is getting to be time to think about coats and jackets for fall. It doesn't seem that way with the temperature hitting 100 today. That's real temperature, I don't want to know what the heat index was. And given that I was still buying summer clothes this week, it's a bit much for me to go on about shopping early.But I have learned shopping for vintage isn't like shopping at the mall,

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-70200166459835498912011-07-26T16:17:00.000-04:002011-07-26T16:17:09.706-04:00

  I do so wish I felt witty today. Not that I ever fell particularly witty, but these fashions deserve more descriptive inspiration than I have on hand. We have cotton print summer dreses for those of you still in the 90+ degree range who know summer temps can go on for another 2 months, cocktail/party dresses for those of you looking ahead to the fall, and even a bit of wool and velvet for those

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-78603816641548615592011-07-24T13:27:00.001-04:002011-07-25T19:38:11.806-04:00

The July collection of additions just went live at Past Perfect Vintage over the weekend. It's a quite a bit, so I am going to spread  it out here on the blog. After all, if you get too much eye candy, you won't want your dinner. We have quite a mix this time with some late summer vintage cottons, 60s and 70s leather jackets, 50s party dresses and two Edwardian Irish Crochet pieces. Talk about a

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-55130767421284158662011-07-18T16:05:00.001-04:002011-07-18T16:06:58.763-04:00

  We have been busy. Very busy. We have packed and shipped. We have shopped. We have washed and ironed. Correction, I have washed and ironed. Mr. Past Perfect does not hand wash and he only irons his own shirts. We have been to Cincinnati twice. Mr. Past Perfect does drive. I have taken photos and written descriptions. We have attended to non-vintage details.And very soon, we will have new

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-51691085094157331372011-07-09T13:59:00.001-04:002011-07-09T14:00:52.921-04:00

  We return to vintage thoughts after a extended 4th of July break, a day of errands, a little personal shopping, and too many hours of post vacation yard work. It wasn't pretty. Let's just say it involved a lot of poison ivy.  We listed these four hair accessories, more technically called 'doodads' here at Past Perfect, on the website and the top three sold instantly! We will be shipping them

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-13570085742066988582011-07-02T21:37:00.000-04:002011-07-02T21:37:51.798-04:00

 It's time to wrap up this Western sign series. Where else would the a Cowboy Clothtier sign be, but Greybull, Wyoming? And what else would they sell but Pendleton? And of course that is a grey bull on the sign.  Probst Western and Outdoor Clothing Co, Greybull, WY, est. 1945 The Irma Hotel, Cody, WYThe Irma Hotel is a Restaurant, Grill, Saloon and Hotel - built in 1902 by Buffalo Bill Cody

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-59593324007161882742011-06-30T21:54:00.000-04:002011-06-30T21:54:04.579-04:00

New to the site, we have 3 Party dresses. 50s? Yes. 60s? Yes, indeed. 70s? Of course. The 1950s butter yellow taffeta party dress is a hard to find larger size with a V waistline, puff sleeves, flared skirt and pouf. The 1960s dress is a lovely quality black silk chiffon with rhinestone and bead encrusted yoke and cuffs. And the 1970s is a gold and black sequin tank style dress has a flared full

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-92164755497802562832011-06-28T18:27:00.000-04:002011-06-28T18:27:07.678-04:00

  It's summer, so it's time for the annual Summer Etsy Sale at Past Perfect Vintage. We have the entire shop - womenswear, menswear, accessories - everything- on sale at a whopping 50 % off. This is a one week only event, ending July 5. Then we will restore prices, or remove items from the shop. So now is the time! Here's few items to tempt you - head on over to pastperfectvintage.etsy.com to

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-22479906935728761642011-06-27T21:57:00.001-04:002011-06-27T21:59:42.175-04:00

More signs, more neon. Can there be too many? I think not. Motels, bars and cafes.  Shelley's Cowboy Bar and Golden Spur Cafe in Afton, WYIt's a dining room, a cafe, a bar, a package liquor store, and of course, that is a spur with rowel between the cafe and bar signs. Not a lot of neon, but a fine sign nonetheless.    The Rawhide Motel, Jackson,WY I didn't get it lit up,but a fine sign, yes?

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-39281120411913931922011-06-25T19:45:00.000-04:002011-06-25T19:45:39.164-04:00

For your viewing and shopping pleasure, we bring you a small potpourri of vintage. Two dresses and two hats. The dresses? 1920s. The hats? 1940s. The through line? None, except Pretty. First up, a 1920s net lace dress with period slip. We just happen to have the perfect slip in stock - we have been holding onto it for  over 10 years, and now we have the perfect dress.  Then a 1920s green satin

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-22750642631325476462011-06-23T20:38:00.000-04:002011-06-23T20:38:39.293-04:00

Small town theaters. Or neighborhood theaters, if you will. These have all but disappeared in our area. The multiplexes ate them. We do still have the great and grand Palace Theatre on 4th St - and it is fabulous. But the neighborhoods? Long gone.  AS we travel, my personal measure of the health of a small town or city has long been: is there still an old 1930s - 50s movie theater in the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-29830924824949601302011-06-21T18:26:00.000-04:002011-06-21T18:26:39.327-04:00

Our June additions at Past Perfect Vintage included these summer dresses in cotton, linen and rayon from the 1940s to 1960s.  Also new to the site? A lovely 1920s net lace dress, vintage hats from the Teens and 1940s, and four vintage combs we will feature here in the coming days. Plus even more, as usual!    Early 1940s Cream Crepe Dress with Red Print Sash and Hood 1950s New Look Cotton

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-17308948926744585082011-06-20T19:09:00.000-04:002011-06-20T19:09:51.353-04:00

  In no particular order, but all on Tucumcari Blvd/Rt 66/Bus 40 in Tucumcari,NM we saw this great array of signage. And there were more - I didn't begin to get them all. Plus I missed the Odeon, a 1930s movie house that is still open.  I found photos of it online - and I am sad to have missed it. Except for Tepee Curios, these were all taken early in the morning light from a moving car. I

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-34966600917779591392011-06-19T11:54:00.000-04:002011-06-19T11:54:13.333-04:00

Just back from a great road trip of the American West. No vintage fashions to report on, but Fantastic scenery, both natural and man made. I had not planned on documenting great old signage, but there were too many great designs.I couldn't help myself, especially along old Route 66 through New Mexico. Many of the old businesses are derelict along the roadside. But those in Tucumcari, NM were

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-54911689378388681472011-06-01T20:39:00.001-04:002011-06-01T20:43:36.405-04:00

Two more 1875 bustle dresses from The Queen. I do think this period had the most graceful line of the bustle variations. Not as short waisted and puffy as the earliest 1870s version, which looks a little wedding cakesque, yet softer and less rigid than the 1880s version. And this has a more graceful profile line than the truly horizontal bustle of the later era, as well. That said,it is still an

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-62635281610887739022011-05-29T10:51:00.000-04:002011-05-29T10:51:23.108-04:00

The many varieties of vintage florals. They came out in the Spring and last all Summer, which is the ideal for a blooming plant in my garden. My fondness for these may date to the huge rose print draperies in the guest bedroom at my grandmother's house, a pre-Civil War structure, probably the overseer's home on the old farm. If memory serves, the room was probably 'done' in the 1940s, and it was

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-50080638166347585722011-05-28T09:56:00.000-04:002011-05-28T09:56:43.822-04:00

Voting ends may 31, so it is getting down to your last chance to vote in 2011 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Top 10 Vintage Clothing Website Awards. Each year, Lulu names two Top Ten Vintage Clothing lists - one the People's Choice, one her very own. And be sure to check out her own vintage clothing website: Lulus Vintage .  As Lulu says: "You can vote for your favorite site or leave a list

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-24323111744994631642011-05-27T21:36:00.000-04:002011-05-27T21:36:06.089-04:00

  We acquired a few more pieces of vintage fashion this week. A classic 1950s party dress, a leather 50s man's coat,a raspberry 1930s dress, a pink damask 1960s formal gown. All are very nice and good quality. Because we are picky that way. But this The Vested Gentress maxi dress wins the Charm award.  How could it not?  There are turtle families marching through the grass all around the hem. And

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-77501128555887376752011-05-25T22:48:00.000-04:002011-05-25T22:48:17.482-04:00

When I read the words " hand knit evening dress", the metal image is none too pretty. It sounds off - like a corduroy evening gown. Or a denim formal. And possibly as dowdy as all get out. But I am so very wrong.  Look at this. In the right yarn - stunning. Granted, today very few women could pull off the matching capelet. We aren't into matchy-matchy anymore. But still. That close-up is lovely.

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-81620917503478242142011-05-22T18:13:00.000-04:002011-05-22T18:13:37.640-04:00

Just a couple of posts ago, we featured knit fashions of 1933, and very stylish they were, too. Today's are from 1937. They are bit more fitted in the waist, and a good bit shorter in the hem length as you can see on the cover. Yet the interior shots don't show a length. How clever. Hem lengths were on the rise in the mid to later 30s, and this way, the styles might not look out of date as

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-40214701964146721642011-05-21T21:14:00.000-04:002011-05-21T21:14:36.218-04:00

  There are blue birds nesting in the birdhouse by the road. This is the third year running the bluebirds have nested in our yard. There is also a Carolina wren nesting in the open box of perfectly good trash bags in the garden lean-to, and I had to be super quiet when putting up the rakes today. I can't get to my clippers because of them. But wrens, however cute, are no match for the charm of a

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-4839699322292100182011-05-20T20:39:00.000-04:002011-05-20T20:39:52.394-04:00

These are a selection from Hand Knitted Chic, a pattern publication from Bucilla, published in 1933. Let's set the stage. It's the depths of the Depression. The mood is not happy. It's down right grim. Most women are in the Depression Make Do and Mend Mode, the one that came before the WWII version. An awful lot of women can't afford store bought clothing. Or even good fabric like wool and silk

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-29098748962399198102011-05-19T20:29:00.000-04:002011-05-19T20:29:22.288-04:00

  Couture Allure just added this exotic silk dress to their shop today and I just had to talk about it. I've been on an extended 1920s fashion kick lately, so this naturally struck me. It is one of the most fabulous combinations of color and beading design I have seen. The ombre dyeing is stunning and the shift from light to dark is carried through in the beading as well. Brilliant. I see

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-32093190321234233952011-05-17T22:05:00.000-04:002011-05-17T22:05:57.351-04:00

We acquired 3 bound volumes of  The Queen, the Lady's Magazine, an English periodical, some time ago. I am just getting around to looking at these. They are huge. They are heavy. And they are full of news and stories, weddings, announcements, illustrations of peoples from around the world, everything. And lots of illustrations. More lace patterns, children's clothing, bonnets and hairstyles than

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-71653762471325117952011-05-13T21:09:00.000-04:002011-05-13T21:09:55.173-04:00

Just a little eye candy tonight from the venerable House of Worth. I close this series with the last two plates from the Harry Angelo Catalogue.  It's been fun. Brushed up the research skills. Learned a lot about 1920s Paris fashion houses.  Looked at pretty pictures. And if we are indeed the sum of all our experience, I have added a few bits in the fashion section of life. Worth, like Patou, is

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-43339811859217601212011-05-10T22:24:00.000-04:002011-05-10T22:24:38.577-04:00

We just added this 1930s tulip print cotton dress, this adorable Junior Sophisticate party dress and 2 wonderful 1950s cardigan sweaters to Past Perfect Vintage  recently. Be sure to visit and see our new The 18th Century area and the additions to The 1920s and 30s.  Remember, we always email a newsletter prior to posting up new inventory.Our subscribers not only get first notice, they get a 24

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-32979552415491273602011-05-07T13:13:00.000-04:002011-05-07T13:13:41.007-04:00

  Germaine, 24 Rue Pasquier  Let’s see: there’s Germaine Lecomte, Germaine Monteil, Germaine Krebs ( AKA Mme Gres), Germaine Bailly, L.S. Germaine Page.  And then there is this Germaine. Not as well known, this was a short lived house. She was  located at 24 Rue Pasquier in the 1920s. The one label available online is in the Doyle New York Auction results, and it reads: : Germaine Couture/

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-77375827054017104702011-05-06T21:14:00.000-04:002011-05-06T21:14:58.167-04:00

I tried to be inspired to cleverness. "Accessory to a ____". "Accessory after the _____". Nope. Nothing there. Or at least no inspiration that got me to these two great red accessories.So we will have to be content with pretty pictures. Love these red shoes. I didn't squeal when I found them, because I was out in public and I try to act my age occasionally. I did vocalize an 'oooh'. Let me say,

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-53808498500395820052011-05-05T12:14:00.000-04:002011-05-05T12:14:34.547-04:00

It's that time again! Lulu's Vintage has opened voting for the 2011 Lulu's Vintage People's Choice Top 10 Vintage Clothing Website Awards.  Each year, Lulu names two Top Ten Vintage Clothing lists - one the People's Choice, one her very own. And be sure to check out her very own Lulus Vintage .  As Lulu says: "You can vote for your favorite site or leave a list of your own personal Top 10

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-14660228278736643392011-05-03T20:27:00.000-04:002011-05-03T20:27:21.689-04:00

  These four additions to Past Perfect vintage all come from one estate auction. There were 2 other dresses (we didn't get) and 2 hats (we did).  I love the story they tell. There were 2 young woman's dresses in the same small size from 1907 - 1908 ish, represented here by the one we purchased, a lace insertion dress in pale pink cotton. There was a much larger black beaded and sequinned gown

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-31676487504772455862011-05-01T12:42:00.000-04:002011-05-01T12:42:57.676-04:00

  Renee is a bit of a mystery. She dropped out of press coverage in 1931, most likely a victim of the Depression. However, she was a young woman only 34 years old. I do wonder if she joined another house as premier or directrice? Balenciaga's premier was Mlle. Renee d'Esling. I wonder.... If anyone knows more about her, please let men know!  After this: a tiny bit on Worth, and then Germaine.

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-31461624736012595302011-04-29T12:25:00.001-04:002011-04-29T17:49:06.724-04:00

: We are so pleased to announce the debut of the just opened Past Perfect Vintage The 18th Century. It has taken quite some time to assemble enough of these truly antique and now very rare textiles to offer a selection to our clients. We start with a lovely hand quilted cotton petticoat, 2 men's embroidered waistcoats of the 1780s, and a fabulous cut velvet and satin double breasted waist coat of

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-41378865579170154792011-04-27T20:52:00.000-04:002011-04-27T20:52:32.127-04:00

 I have been working on vinatge clothing,working on the website. Shipping sales. Good times. But the big news here in the Ohio River Valley is:  10 Inches of rain. This week. That's right. 10 inches. And more to come. The creek behind our house, which is nameless, flows to the Salt River. It's backed up, because the Salt is backed up, because the Ohio is very high. I hear the Mississippi is high,

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-88172596848935941892011-04-23T23:21:00.000-04:002011-04-23T23:21:02.390-04:00

I apologize for the late night post. The Easter parade today set me back a bit on my timing today. As research still continues on Germaine and Renee, who are turning out to be rather obscure French designers, here are the last of the Miler Soeurs dresses from the Harry Angelo 1923 Catalog. I think the embroidered parakeets in No. 4 may just win the Most Whimsical Dress Design Award of 1923. And

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-18983783248638526202011-04-20T14:17:00.000-04:002011-04-20T14:17:00.948-04:00

  Today? A small potpourri. Bits and pieces. A hodge podge. An olio. An alphabet soup. A salmagundi. I do love the words the English language has developed for a grouping of disparate items. And yes, I have been working a lot of crosswords lately. How did you know? So today we have: A grand pair of navy blue Edwardian boots with satin insets on the uppers. Not black , as usual, not plain as

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-75745791503767236472011-04-18T19:36:00.000-04:002011-04-18T19:36:16.175-04:00

  We are coming to the end. Just Germaine, Renee and Worth to go! Molyneux This is the house of Capt. Edward Molyneux. A very well regarded house, and an extremely well known one. And another house, like Patou, whose history would cover a full length text. So I will be brief. Molyneux started with Lucile, Lady Duff Gordon, then completed service with the British Army during WWI. He founded his

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-39942570749202946712011-04-16T23:17:00.000-04:002011-04-16T23:17:56.180-04:00

  Easter Egg Hunt preparations are in progress. Eggs are boiled and dyed. Lunch is planned.  A special addendum to the Great Hunt has been prepared. There will be a 'special ' egg with The Key to the Secret inside. Rhymes have been written. Clues plotted. There will be a surprise........but loose lips sink ships so no more will be revealed.   Egg dyeing made me look at these new acquisitions in

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-74721978539119274992011-04-15T13:24:00.001-04:002011-04-15T13:25:19.354-04:00

  A big semi-annual sale at a local thrift was held yesterday. So of course I was there. This is a time honored sale at a non-profit that has very nice things donated by, generally speaking, financially comfortable organization members. People come from all over and stand in line for an hour or more to get in first. I have found some amazing items there over the years. But it's been a bit thin

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-18863490569979825762011-04-12T22:57:00.000-04:002011-04-12T22:57:14.282-04:00

Cyber This is a curious name. It’s hard to believe the name of a contributing design house would be misspelled in a professional catalog, but there are no references anywhere to a 'Cyler'. There was a Mme Cyber with a successful house. I am going to assume until other evidence arrives that the correct spelling was Cyber.  Mme Cyber founded this house in 1922. From L’Officiel, 1924 no 36: August

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-35496403555832952612011-04-10T10:30:00.005-04:002011-04-10T10:54:59.770-04:00

Some of my most popular blog posts have been those on Victorian Bustle Dresses. And First Lady Inaugural Gowns. And the numerous posts on 1920s fashions have been a hit, too.And Now for Something Completely Different!It's spring. Yesterday felt like summer. The sun is shining. And I just had to post these today. Vintage Hawaiiana is a bit of a departure for Past Perfect Vintage. The Vintage

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-53304066096519762011-04-06T19:08:00.006-04:002011-04-06T19:24:42.032-04:00

If you have been following this blog, you would be forgiven for thinking I have an obsession with the fashions of 1920s. I don't. Really. It's just serendipity. First the Harry Angelo Models of 1923 series I am posting, (and there's many more to come), the 1920s event we did with Elizabeth's Timeless Attire and now these three new additions to Past Perfect Vintage.I wish we found enough 1920s

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-52769212749035454092011-04-05T16:08:00.004-04:002011-04-05T16:36:42.834-04:00

More in our series of Harry Angelo 1923 Models. Molyneux, Renee and Worth are yet to come.JennyJeanne-Adele Bernard aka Jenny Sacerdote started at Paquin, then Béchoff-David. She opened Jenny in 1908/1909 and was located in the Rue Castiglione in 1911. Jenny moved to 70 Avenue des Champs-Élysées in 1914/1915 and stayed there until 1933. Popular with Americans, Jenny did well during World War I.

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-72480143004644302832011-03-29T12:46:00.005-04:002011-03-29T13:05:17.171-04:00

It's vacation time! It's a vintage vacation in two senses: a vacation from vintage clothing work and vintage clothing shopping but with lots of vintage clothing to wear. I am happy say there will be three 49er jackets and a 50s cardigan or two going along. Plus some 1930s jewelry and some fine thrift finds. However,the new to me fine 1970s leather coat will be staying - it doesn't fold well.This

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-84967353551742109272011-03-25T13:22:00.003-04:002011-03-25T13:37:04.726-04:00

PatouIt is well beyond the scope of this blog to write a full scale write up of the House of Patou. That is a book. There is a boat load of information on Jean Patou available.Suffice it to say that in the 1920s and 30s, Patou was a dominating influence on fashion, certainly as much as Chanel. Or Vionnet. Born in 1887, he started his house in 1914, but was called up for war service. The first

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-72541257437646439442011-03-23T20:32:00.004-04:002011-03-24T10:04:26.765-04:00

As founding member of the Vintage Fashion Guild, it is my pleasure to bring your notice to the new VFG feature: Spring 2011 Vintage Inspirations "Vintage Inspiration is here! Each spring and fall the VFG loves to notice historical influence in modern fashion – the Vintage Inspiration. This spring we’ve cheered a continuing love affair with fit-and-flare, and the 1970s could not be more

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-3530830984577361262011-03-19T19:57:00.004-04:002011-03-20T11:58:07.288-04:00

DrécollA fine and great house of the early 20th Century, there is a bit of confusion about the founding of the house. But all sources agree that there was first there was the Belgian, Baron Christophe Drécoll, who established a successful dressmaking house in Vienna c. 1896. His designer and business manager were the husband and wife team of Mme. And M. de Wagner, also Belgian. The de Wagners

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-4084049293348220622011-03-18T19:11:00.003-04:002011-03-18T19:25:45.890-04:00

I have used a lot of patterns in my life. Mostly my own, but that's another saga. But I have cut my share of commercial patterns , too. Simplicity, Butterick, McCalls, Advance, Folkwear, Past Patterns, etc. And Vogue, of course. Vogues were the expensive ones. But I must say - they worked! The techniques made sense, the markings were right, the measurements were good, and the yardages were pretty

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-45355685167036739332011-03-16T15:22:00.005-04:002011-04-08T19:16:21.853-04:00

Another obscure House of the 1920s. This one appears to have been high quality and publicized, but short lived. I give you two classic 1920 beaded dresses from The Sisters Miler.Miler SoeursMiler Soeurs was located at 75, Faubourg Saint-Honoré. This appears to have been a short lived house, active in the 1920s and early 30s. Miler Soeurs was successful enough to receive coverage and be mentioned

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-26743906193547300612011-03-15T20:45:00.003-04:002011-03-15T21:00:30.074-04:00

I just posted a potpourri of new goodies @pastperfectvintage.etsy.com A few things for Spring, a few for Summer. There will be more soon. Some 1950s Vogue patterns tomorrow. A Victorian bonnet. A 50s jacket by Charles Kupersmith. A patio skirt. As I said - a potpourri. These 1950s swim trunks made me laugh out loud when I found them. They are in great shape -maybe the original owner didn't have

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-14958235052904294422011-03-12T15:08:00.006-05:002011-04-08T19:15:33.328-04:00

Now this is an obscure house. In its day - a major name. But in 2011 - almost forgotten. I promise you, this is the most information you will find in one place on this house on the internet. Although, apparently someone bought and then sold the archives to this house on ebay. How sad it has been dispersed. Bernard et CieFounded in 1905 at 31 Avenue de l’Opera. From Dressmakers of France: the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-14581568609916989102011-03-11T18:15:00.005-05:002011-03-11T18:50:58.669-05:00

For the first time in many many years -since childhood- I need an Easter bonnet. This is a big moment for me. Do I have a dress? Not yet. Shoes? No way. But a Hat? That has me thinking.Easter is late this year, but it could still be suit weather. We've had people in overcoats on Derby Day*. Or it could be sleeveless cotton dress and sandals weather.Oh the decisions. So here are the contenders.

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-84889600595023896122011-03-09T19:23:00.008-05:002011-04-12T12:21:22.529-04:00

Never say I don't do research. Three more of the Harry Angelo Models of 1923, with a write up on the house. It was a prominent one in it's day, but like so many others is pretty much forgotten. There are a few photographs of actual garments on line in the Costume Institute/Metropolitan Museum database. Martial et ArmandMartial et Armand appears to have been founded in 1896 at 13 Rue de la

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-21300564804967186572011-03-08T20:37:00.003-05:002011-03-08T20:51:06.659-05:00

It may be Spring. There may be croci in bloom by my door . There may be jonquils down the hill. But by golly, there is a fire in the stove. And it still looks like winter. That is a wool coat on the hook. These are sweaters I am wearing. Yes - more than 1 sweater. So we are still in warm clothes mode despite all the Spring fashion news. And so it follows that we post a Trio of Woolens 1970s

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-40849058428605605732011-03-06T16:53:00.005-05:002011-03-06T17:12:49.756-05:00

March 2, we had a combined sale event with Elizabeth's Timeless Attire at Elizabeth's Frankfort Ave Shop. Elizabeth invited us to join in and show the members of the Junior League of Louisville our 1920s duds and accessories in preparation for their upcoming 1920s themed fundraiser, Puttin' on the Ritz. There was wine,white of course, there were 20s dresses, there were wraps and capes, there

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-80677041810277681802011-03-04T16:11:00.005-05:002011-04-08T19:16:56.236-04:00

After several days of research , and more hours than I care to think about, I can now tell more about than I thought possible about Maison Agnes. I have contributed a fuller write up of Maison Agnes to the Vintage Fashion Guild, and it will go up soon on the VFG Label Resource. But until them, I can clear up several points about this fashion house. It was not affiliated with Agnes, the

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-85740961998618227642011-03-03T19:33:00.003-05:002011-03-03T19:50:19.087-05:00

Much as I love vintage dresses, suits and coats, sometimes it's all about the accessories. Today we feature hats and shoes recently added to Past Perfect Vintage. And in a departure, none of them are black! First up - a great brown felt 1940s hat with brass studs and a lot of attitude. This menswear fedora style crown is paired up with a studded frond? leaf? shape with the added inducement of a

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-76420231016251539472011-03-01T10:06:00.007-05:002011-04-08T19:17:27.865-04:00

Today - more Agnes. We handled an Agnes dress once. It was really lovely. A 1920s dress, but just a bit later than these. Beautifully thought out in a soft gold silk velvet with a rhinestone and bead girdle. But in poor condition. The skirt had Art Deco roses created with velvet appliques and more stones. The label: Mme Havet, Agnes,Haute Couture 7 Rue Auber in the lower right. L'Officiel lists

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-91671736186223229232011-02-28T13:36:00.004-05:002011-02-28T14:00:10.087-05:00

"Oh this old thing?" That was a response we were taught many years ago. Something self deprecating to say when we were complimented on a dress, a purse a, well, almost anything we wore. "Oh this old thing? I've had it forever". I know it was about being modest/humble. But it was also about a conceit that nothing we wore was New. My question now is: what was so bad about wearing new clothes? That

Past Perfect Vintage Clothinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16068402647308931616noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2627740738763851048.post-40579088976636513622011-02-26T15:34:00.007-05:002011-04-08T19:17:51.169-04:00

The House of Agnes is certainly well represented in this catalog. I haven't made a strict count, but I would say they? she? sold Harry Angelo the most models that season. This is a house that was open 1906 -1931 and then until 1963 as Agnes-Drecoll. Not the milliner. That's a different Agnes. And here's an interesting note. These are Spring fashions. The catalogue is dated March. Today, fashions

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