Pretty Gingham dress from the late 1950s early 60s.

Sweetly styled black and white, Cotton/Arnel gingham dress with lots of little details. The silhouette sports a semi-fitted bodice, cinched waist and full pleated skirt. The neckline is wide and scooped and is defined with a black bias band.  There are decorative little black buttons down the from but is zips in back with a metal zipper. The sleeves are 3/4 length and they finish in a fluted ruffle (lined in black) and a tiny bow.  It has a full skirt  with wide inverted box pleats. I have it pictured with a crinoline beneath but this is not included in the sale. There are great modern petticoats available online which would work well with this dress.

This dress was never worn and still has it's original hangtags. it came to me without it's belt, so I photographed it with a wide, picot edged, grossgrain ribbon tied at the waist. I will include this but you can wear any belt you like and I'm thinking red would be a chic touch especially if you have red matching shoes!

The size is  Medium with the following measurements.

Bust 38"

Waist 27'

Length of skirt from waist to hem 25"

Excellent Condition

Smart and sophisticated wool crepe dinner dress from the 1950s with beautiful neckline detail.

The wool is a soft mossy wool crepe in pale olive. At the neckline, an inset panel in unexpected tomato-red crepe which is  highlighted by intricate bead work. The beadwork is exquisite....surprising colors again, in tiny glass seed beads that curl and swirl in a pattern reminiscent of the art of an ancient illuminated manuscript. 

The dress is cut beautifully... modified raglan shoulder with 3/4 bias cut sleeves...squared off open neckline... gently fitted in the body...gathered design panel in back with self ties. It also zips in back with a metal zipper and is partially underlined in sheer silk. A quality garment from it's day the label reads Grabois New York.

The size is a good medium with the following measurements.

Bust 39"

Waist 29"

Hips 39"

Length from shoulder to hem 44"

Excellent Condition

Charming little party dress from the 1950s. The fabric is a sheer navy blue nylon organdy with white flocked abstract design....cut is iconic 50s with fitted bodice, cinched waist and full skirt. It has a scoop neck and short sleeves both of which are trimmed in white braid-piping. The skirt is lined with navy taffeta and there is a center back, metal zipper at the area of the waist (does not extend to the neckline).

I photographed the dress with a full petticoat and a modern red belt (these are not included). Navy blue goes well with a surprising number of colors...try a belt in an unexpected shade... such as pink or Kelly green. If you match an accessory  or two (i.e. purse, necklace, shoes or earrings)  to the belt it will tie the look together. Of course you can always go with the classics like black patent leather or white.

The size is small with junior proportions. This means a smaller waist, bust and ribcage than clothing made for the older woman. It has the following measurements. It's also on the petite side with a slightly shorter waist than usual. If you are tall or long in the torso this would not be a good fit even if your basic measurements match.

Bust  36"

Waist 25"

Hips Free

Length from shoulder waist 15"

Length of skirt from waist to hem 28"

Excellent Condition

Dare to wear Red!

The dare of red and the romance of lace are such a delicious combination don't you agree?  For that special occasion, when you want to stand out in the crowd consider this 1950s semi formal dress in red lace over taffeta. The bodice is sleeveless and fitted with a dropped waist. It has a wide wide scoop neckline and full skirt. One large silk rose accents the waist off to the left.

At first I could not find the makers label but it's nicely constructed and the quality is on par with Fred Perlberg or Suzy Perette. Upon a more thorough inpection I found the label and it was a nice surprise! The dress is a Jonny Herbert Original. A New York design company in the 1950s that made lovely better ready to wear special occasion dresses.

The condition is great with minimal signs of wear. It has two minor flaws to note.  After I photographed the dress I noticed a stain on the hemline. It is about an inch in diameter (see photo) I have looked at this dress many times but I did not notice this until I hung it from the top of a door and the stain was closer to eye level.  I will try to lighten it but I don't want to work on it too much for fear of fading the cotton lace. It does not detract from the look of the dress and it can be hidden easily enough by raising the hem a little. I will leave that up to you. There is also a faded round spot on the lining beneath the lace of the skirt. It is about two inches in diameter with a tiny tear. This is the underlining but the lace is thick enough so it does not show through.

The size is in the Med/Small range with the following measurements.

Bust 37"

Waist 27"

Hips 37"

Length from shoulder to hem 46"

Very Good Condition

The color of Romance! Rose Red Tulle gown...mid 1950s

No doubt about it... heads will turn and compliments will fly. Breathtaking strapless gown with red satin bodice and full tulle skirt. The bodice is heavily detailed with an all over design of cord applique and iridescent sequins. It has a prominent bust and nipped waist. Reams of red tulle create a wide dramatic skirt with a red taffeta underslip.

Condition issues: Not perfect but still beautiful. I seldom post items that are not at least close to excellent condition but with this dress I am making an exception. No, it is not perfect, but to me it's beauty out weighs it's flaws and I have priced it accordingly ( by less than half). While on the body the blemishes are hard to notice but let me describe them and you can decide if they are something you can live with.

-Under the arms there is some color fade and change (see picture).

- I also  found two rends in the tulle the larger one I will lightly mend so the tear does not get bigger but the smaller one blends in with the skirt and is best left alone (see picture for larger rend).

-The original side metal zipper has been replaced with a plastic one

-Finally the dress was once taken in through the back and then let out again. The stitching lines can be seen. I will try and steam them out but I took a before picture just in case it does not help. Again the dress looks beautiful on and if perfection is not your issue it is certainly wearable.

The size is small with the following measurements

Bust 34"

Waist 26"

Skirt length from waist to hem 36"

Sweet little black baby doll dress from the early 1960s.
Would make a lovely vintage cocktail or party dress. Sleeveless...scoop neck empire bodice with all over black sequins. Delicate piping and tiny bow beneath bust line. Black crepe, baby doll skirt is gently gathered at the top and tapers to a narrow hem. Nicely made with full taffeta lining and center back metal zipper. The label reads à la Mode. The size is small in the bust but the hips will accommodate a more medium size. Perfect for a body which is full in the hip but petite on top. It has the following measurements.

Bust 35"
Waist free
Hips up to 38"
Length from shoulder to hem 38"

Excellent Condition

 

A lovely 1960s black crepe, vintage cocktail dress with lime silk detail by the wonderful designer Luis Estevez. Estevez specialized in elegant cocktail and evening wear and was known for his couture details as well as his creative use of free floating panels. This little dress has all of the Estevez signature design details. The dress itself is simple and gently fitted. The bodice however is draped front and back with free floating panels which are stitched together down the right side. The left side is open and trimmed on the edges (front and back) with a band of lime silk satin. The same silk is used for a fixed bow on the left shoulder. The effect is quite chic.

The garment is beautifully made and fully lined in pure silk. The size is small  with the following measurements.

Bust 35"
Waist 27"
Hip 35"

Excellent Condition

Light and airy voille, maxi dress from the late 1960s by Teena Paige.

The cut is like a sundress with with a fitted sleeveless bodice and wide shoulder straps. it has a long maxi length gathered skirt and zips in back with a metal zipper. The fabric is a sheer voile, with fun Mod-Tulip print in bright happy colors. The dress is completely lined with white cotton batiste to prevent "see through" issues.

A perfect weekend dress, it can be worn day or night particullarly if you are going to be out doors. This one should be fun to accessorize. i'm seeing a wide brimmed floppy straw hat and chunky plastic bangles.

The size is on the smaller end, most noticeably in the bust area. It has the following measurements.

Bust 33"

Waist 25"

Length of skirt from waist to hem 40"

Excellent Condition

Elegant, early 1950s (possibly the later 40s) black rayon dress.

A classic vintage dress suited for many occasions! Depending on how you accessoprize it can go from day into evening.
The lines are flattering and simple. The bodice is semi-fitted with an extended shoulder which end in rolled cuffs for a short sleeve look. It has a V neckline with wide collar and padded shoulders. The collar has a large stylized bow detail in front done in black satin. It buttons down the front with covered buttons. The skirt is straight but not narrow with two front pleats and diagonal pockets. It once had a belt but no more. You do not need one but any black belt will do. Or try a matching colored belt and shoes for a bit more style. The size is a medium with the following measurements.

Bust 39"
Waist 29"
Hips 38"


Excellent Condition

Bobby socks, pony tails and cherry Cokes.....

Going to the sock hop? The perfect teenie-bopper dress from the early 1960s by Pat Boone. Quilted cotton with a tyrolean inspired print in shades of olive, deep pink and blue. The dress is cut with a fitted sleeveless bodice, square neckline, nipped waist and a full gathered skirt.

The back of the dress makes the design more interesting. Instead of buttoning up the front it closes in back with a double row of green buttons. A contrasting decorative ribbon trim is used as accent in front and back.

A well made garment the inside is fully underlined in cherry red cotton. I photographed with a petticoat under the skirt to show off it's fullness. This will not be included.

The size is smallish with junior proportions, meaning the bust size is small in proportion to the waist. It has the following measurements

Bust 34"

Waist 26"

Hips free

Waist to hem length 27"

Shoulder to waist length 15 1/2"

Excellent Condition no flaws to note

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

The hippie movement of the 60s-70s sparked a number of fashion trends. There was great interest in all things "ethnic" as well an idealized  view of "peasant" life. Designers began creating romantic country dresses and textile designers looked to ethic themes for their prints. Natural fibers were also becoming popular, cottons in particular.

This darling midi dress from the late 1960s has all these characteristics. The design is simple with a fitted bodice, jewel neckline and long shirt style sleeves. It has a midi (ankle length) gathered skirt  which finishes in a deep ruffle of coordinating fabric. It ties at the waist with a self fabric sash. The fabric is 100% cotton with a bright "Old World" inspired print, featuring young maidens and men along with birds, sheep and twining flowers and trees. The background is red and it has a bordered engineered design.

The cotton fabric is sturdy but the print has faded some with washing, this is only noticeable on the black areas of the design and it is even throughout, not just in one area.. I was in Jr. high in those days and I remember faded clothing being quite popular.....jeans, workshirts, skirts and dresses. Oh! and dingy sneakers too. It was considered the height of nerdiness to wear a pair of pristine sneakers. We actually scuffed them up on purpose...but I digress...

Aside from minimal fading the dress is in great condition. It zippers up the back and the label reads Barclay Square. The size is medium with the following measurements.

Bust 37"

Waist 28"

Hips up to 42"

Length of skirt from waist to hem 36"

Very Good Condition

Stunning early 1960s cocktail dress by Suzy Perrette. The Suzy Perrette company created high end ready to wear that closely copied French couture. The dresses were cut to flatter and often used the most exquisite fabrics.
This vintage beauty is constructed from a metallic brocade, matelasse that whispers expensive with every swish.

It has a wide scooped neck which dips lower in back and fitted bodice. The 3/4 length sleeves are gusseted under the arms for a close but comfortable fit. There is a wide self fabric belt and gathered bell shaped skirt. As with every Suzy the construction is stellar. The bodice is underlined in black organza and it has a built in tulle petticoat.

An absolutely stunning dress for any very special occasion.

Medium in size with the following measurements.

Bust 39"
Waist 28"
Hips free"
Length from waist to hem 28"

Excellent Condition
 

1950s Dinner, Dance or Party dress

 Lustrous acetate crepe in a warm taupe. Empire style dress with gathered surplice bodice and soft shoulder. Wide dolman sleeves. Princess fitted waist and full skirt. Empire seam is defined by a self fabric inset that finishes in back with a smart bow. Skirt fullness is enhanced with a deep, center-back inverted pleat. The skirt is underlined with taffeta to give it body and it has a side metal zipper.

The plunging neckline dispels any hint of prim, in this ladylike yet sophisticated design. A very versatile special occasion dress that can cross seasons. The neutral tone is a perfect canvas for numerous accessory choices. Just about any color you can think of will work. I'm a brooch fan and would probably pick something huge and sparkly but a necklace would be beautiful as well. I have it pictured with a semi full petticoat underneath which gave it just the right amount of fullness. The petticoat is not included but there are lots of online sources for both new and vintage petticoats. (just key word petticoat or crinoline).

The dress is a medium size and will work well on someone with height and can accommodate a very full bustline It has the following measurements.

Bust up to 40"

Waist 28"

Empire seam right under bust 30"

Hips Free

Length from shoulder to hem 48"

Excellent Condition

 Cocktails in the garden....

 The finest cotton sateen and matching print voile went into the making of this lovely Christan Dior dress.  The cut is so  elegant....sleeveless sheath silhouette with draped panel accent and shirred "empire" bodice. The print is a bouquet of stylized florals in  shades of blue, green and aqua with highlights of lemon yellow. The body of the dress is silky cotton sateen...the drape and shirred bodice are done in sheer, matching print, voile. The date is difficult to pin point because it's such a classic style but with the help of my colleagues at the Vintage Fashion Guild we determined it was mid 1960s.

Ready to wear never got any better than Christian Dior New York, it was the closest you could come to couture. The prices were high and so was the quality. This dress is completely underlined in soft cotton batiste, all of the facings are hand finished and the zipper is invisibly hand stiched INSIDE to remain in place without any signs of stiching on the outside (speaking as a dressmaker this is really cool!) the hem is quite generous.

I don't know what else to say...it's just gorgeous!

Small size, the dress is designed to skim the body not cling tightly so the bust measurement is smaller in proportion than a more fitted dress would be.

Bust - JUST makes 35"

Waist - 30"

Hips - 38"

Length from shoulder to hem -  39"

Mint Condition inside and out, this dress looks like it was never worn