Elegant 1930s black satin gown with stunning couture detail over the bodice. 

Satin fabrics from the 1930s have beautiful drape and rich luster, there is nothing to compare. The satin in this gown is a deep black, weighty charmeuse in rayon.

The silhouette looks simple at first glance.... undefined torso with long skirt however there is nothing simple about the design. The bodice is gently shaped with tiny open ended darts radiating from the waist. The waist seam itself is detailed with three scallops, from this the skirts flows into multiple, fluted gores. The sleeves are 3/4 length with an lovely built in drape. The drape of the sleeves keep their shape with the use of hidden cloth covered weights. At the waist is a built in front to back sash that closes which  snaps at the side. The design is wonderful but the crowning glory is the gorgeous detail work over the bodice.....tightly ruched satin strips fan out over a deep scoop of nude chiffon and mesh, in between the strips are aurora sequins. Nude chiffon covers the chest up to the neck.  Just beautiful.

The gown is definitely 1930s and I think it's later in the decade as it closes with delicate brass zippers at the side seam and center back, plus the shoulders are padded but the silhouette looks more 1920s. Most 30s dresses I see tend to have some figure definition unless they were made for matrons but in that case the necklines and arm holes are usually roomy. This dress has a small neck and high armscyes so it's a bit of a mystery to me. Perhaps it was made for an expectant mother... maybe it's just a unique design for the time. Whatever the story it's beautiful.

There is one issue of note regarding Condition. At the right shoulder the chiffon inset had pulled away from the seam a bit. This has been reinforced and should be OK if it is treated gently but it is noticeable on close inspection. There is a picture of this so please take a look. The rest of the garment is in excellent condition.

I would say the size would be best on a medium, clothing this old should be worn a bit loose so as not to strain the fabric so you will want to allow for a good amount of ease when you compare measurements.. As noted before the neckline is quite high and close and the shoulder width is on the narrow side. Below are the actual garment measurements.

Bust - 40"

Waist- 36

Hips - 42

Length shoulder to hem - 53"

Shoulder to Shoulder width - 14 1/2"

Attend your next social affair amidst a swirl of black chiffon! The heavenly frock you are viewing was created in the 1930s. .
The outer layer is done in yards n' yards of flowing black silk chiffon. First the bodice is lightly draped with an attached shawl. This piece hangs to the waist in back, flows over the shoulders and plunges to a deep V in front. Beneath this is a built in V neck, chamisole in ivory silk chiffon which has delicate chantilly like embroidery. The edge of the chamisole is scalloped and it ends just below the bust. It does not show in the picture but below the V, at the waist are two large flowers in black silk velvet. They are made from of a multitude of soft petals and give the impression of peonies. The bodice then loosely falls to a dropped waist. At this point there is a 1" black chiffon belt with a silver tone and rhinestone buckle in a pre-deco design. The skirt is cut in bias panels which curve in a "waterfall" design on both sides. This reminds me of some of Lanvins dresses. It is skillfully made with an ivory chiffon lining in the bodice and black silk taffeta underskirt. The finest feature is the way the fabric flows with movement. It would be perfection on the dance floor! 

This is a plus size dress approx. a 1X. Although it is in excellent condition and the fabric still has its integrity it is nearly 80 years old and will need tender treatment. It's most vulnerable moments are when being put on and taken off.  When removing, gently take hold of the skirt and its lining and carefully  "peel" the dress up and off. If there is someone to help that's even better! With such delicate vintage I recommend you "pad" your measurements well so there is no risk of straining the material. The catual measurements are as follows.

Bust 49"

Waist 46"

Hips 50"

Excellent Condition

 Filmy Silk Georgette and Chantilly lace gown from the early 1930s. The color is a lovely antique blue with ivory lace accents. A stunning example of early 1930s fashion. Loose dropped waist bodice and bias panel skirt...long sleeves with deep cuffs trimmed in lace. The dress is in two attached parts consisting of a lace and silk crepe de chine under slip... with V neck georgette over dress. A self fabric belt circles the dropped waist. The dress closes at the side with snaps. The fabrics used are light and filmy so the dress flutters and floats around the body with movement. It would be a dream for gliding across the ballroom floor.

I seldom find such early pieces in this wonderful condition. It is delicate but still strong enough to wear . I do advise the buyer to pad their measurements so the dress falls loosely to prevent strain on the fabric and I would also recommend extra care while dressing and undressing.

 The size is smaller than it appears. The outer dress is much more loosely cut than the under slip. I would call it a smallish medium with the following measurements.

Under slip

 Bust JUST makes 36"

Waist 36"

Hip 39"

Outer Dress

 Arm hole opening just 18" circumference

Shoulder to shoulder 15" (narrow)

Length from shoulder to hem 48"

Very Good Condition - As I stated above this dress is in amazing condition especially considering it's delicate nature and age. There are no tears or holes and the fabric and lace are in great shape. There are however a few VERY faint marks on the skirt. They are so light my camera would not pick them up. It's difficult to see them unless you hold the fabric out and scrutinize. They are not noticeable when the dress is being worn and do not detract from it's beauty.

1940s black rayon crepe dinner/dance dress.

  Lovely little vintage dress in classic black with just the right touch of evening glitter. The dress is cut with a blouse style bodice and low waist. It has short sleeves and a copper-glass beaded collar.

The hip has four rows of flat horizontal pleats, a nice design detail that flatters the figure by smoothing the tummy area. The tea length skirt is cut in four gores with lots of fullness at the hem. Perfect for swirling around the dance floor! The original belt is gone but any narrow black belt would do. A length of copper colored satin ribbon would look beautiful tied around the waist as well.  There is one small hole under the bottom pleat. The only way you can see it is if you fold back the pleat however I reinforced it anyway just so it would not get any bigger. Since the flaw is not seen I rated it excellent. A medium size with the following measurements

Bust 39"
Waist 30"
Hips 39
Length of skirt 32" from waist to hem

Excellent Condition (with one hidden mend)

40s Elegance

Bias cut Plum rayon crepe (a shade darker than the picture) with antique-silver bugle beaded bodice. The bodice is loosely fitted with padded cap shoulder and V neckline. There is a long peplum which dips a bit in the back for a more elegant line (see the detail pictures) Underneath is a long straight skirt with a modest center front slit. It closes with a side metal zipper.

These vintage gowns are among my favorites. The bias cut skims the body so fluidly yet the long peplum camouflages any figure imperfections. This style seems to look lovely on anyone. The beading on this one adds that extra touch to make it a all the more special. At one time it had a belt, there are cricheted belt loops on the sides. It's long gone but you can either wear it without (I would remove the belt loops in that case) or you can belt it with a ribbon sash or belt of your own.

The size is Medium with the following measurements.

Bust 37"
Waist 27"
Hips 38"
Skirt length 42"

Excellent Condition

Elegant white jersey gown from the 1940s.

The material is a creamy white rayon jersey with a sensual drape. Cut away neckline. Padded shoulders and shirred draped bodice. Long narrow sleeves with gauntlet peak at the wrist. Fitted midriff with basque waist. The skirt is gathered and falls in fluid folds to the floor. There is a side metal zipper.
You will probably want to wear a slip since white tends to be somewhat sheer. Vintage jersey dresses were seldom lined because the lining interfered with the drape. Women always wore slips instead.

This lovely gown could easily pass as a wedding dress although it's original intent was probably as evening attire
The label is gone but it is very nicely made. It is rare to find these dresses in good condition particularly white. This one was lovingly stored and has endured the last 60+ years beautifully. It's been cleaned and is ready to be worn.
As with a lot of side zip dresses putting it on takes a bit of effort. It must go over the head, arms in the sleeves and eased down over the shoulders. It is a lot easier if you have someone to help.
The size is small with the following measurements.

Bust 35"
Waist 27"
Length from waist to hem 39"

Excellent Condition

Darling Black taffeta and lace gown from the late 1940s.

  The upper bodice is black chantilly lace over blush taffeta. It is cut in a gathered peasant style with sweet puffed sleeves. The edges of the bodice and waist are trimmed with black piping. It has a fitted midriff of black taffeta and a very full, two tiered taffeta skirt. I did not show it with a petticoat but it would bell out dramatically if one were worn beneath. The dress closes with a side metal zipper. The size is Extra Small but somewhat long waisted so it will not be good a pesron who is shorter in the torso. It has the the following measurements.

Bust 34"
Waist 25"
Hips free
Length of skirt 39"

Excellent Condition

Festive ruffle tiered cotton print dress from the late 1940s. The print is just wonderful, a modernist flower and leaf motif in orange, black and brown on an ivory ground.

The style is young and fresh....sweetheart neckline with elastic gathered straps than can be worn on or off the shoulder...a fitted bodice and full triple tiered, ruffle skirt. The neckline and skirt tiers are defined with black piping. The tiers and gathered shoulders hint at a southwestern peasant look. Very Pretty!

The dress has a side metal zipper. This is a new old stock piece that was never worn. It came to me without it's original belt so I used a length of black gross grain ribbon as a sash. This will be included with the dress.

I photographed with a petticoat to show off the skirt. Petticoat is not included.

The inside label reads Lee Wentley by Wentworth. I estimate it's date to be around 1948-1949. The size is Small with  the following measurements.

Bust 35"

Waist 27"

Hips Free

Length of Skirt from waist to hem 28"

Excellent Condition - No flaws to note