Smart little black and orange satin frock from the 1920s.

I have always loved the combination of orange and black. It's such a fun combination. This darling little 20s dress is done in black crepe backed satin. The wide collar and cuffs are hand embroidered and appliqued in orange satin with a wonderful arts and crafts style design. The dress has a straight bodice, dropped waist and knee length circle skirt which flutters ever so nicely. The edge of the hem is finished with a border of orange satin piping. The sleeves are long and narrow. It has an open V neckline with broad collar. It is trimmed down the front with tiny orange satin covered buttons. The dress closes on the left side with little hidden snaps. There is no label but the workmanship is excellent so I am assuming it is a private dressmakers creation. The size is Extra Small and it is petite. It  would look best on someone under 5'4", also the shoulders are very small so please note the following measurements.

Bust 34"
Dropped Waist 32"
Sleeve length 21"
Shoulder to shoulder 14 1/2" ( NOTE: this is a very narrow measurement)

Excellent Condition

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

Sweet cotton day dress 1950s style.

Tiny little feather print in red, black and gray. The dress has a wide collar with button and bar detail which matches the patch pockets on the skirt. It zips up the front with a metal zipper and has short sleeves. The skirt has a bit of flair and the bodice is gently fitted. There is a label which reads Top Mode Frocks. This is a typical house dress of it's day... They were affordable, pretty and practical dresses that women wore for everyday in the home.
This look spanned a number of years, through the 1940s and most of the 50s but the RN number puts it at the later end of this range. The dress was worn but is in great condition.
It is a plus-size around a modern 1X and not overly long so please take note of the skirt length. It has the following measurements.

Bust 46"
Waist 37"
Hips 47"
Length from waist to hem 26"

PLEASE NOTE! This dress was photographed with the original belt but unfortunately it went missing during a recent move so the belt will not be included. In it's stead we will send a length of matching red gross grain ribbon to tie around the waist as a sash. The dress will also look nice with any number of modern belts.

Excellent Condition but the belt is missing

Never worn velour afternoon or dinner dress from the 1950s.

The fabric is a velvety soft velour with splashy rose print is amethyst and black. The bodice has a scoop neck with asymmetrical design lines and short sleeves. There is a self fabric flower detail with rhinestone center off to the left, you can see a close up of this in the detail pictures. The waist is belted with a self fabric belt and the skirt is fitted and straight. It closes on the side with a metal zipper. The entire dress is lined with purple taffeta to keep the fabric from clinging.
Besides being a lovely dinner dress, it would also be perfect for an afternoon wedding or a fancy tea. Black heels and a smart little bag would finish the outfit beautifully.

The dress is plus-size, around a modern 1X. It is not overly long so please take note of the skirt length. It has the following measurements.
Bust 47"
Waist 37"
Hips 48"
Length from waist to hem 26"

Mint 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

One of the more unique (and flattering) vintage Maxi dresses I've come across. Thin ribbon stripe print on silky polyester jersey. Colors are Azure blue, pumpkin, and lime on a white background. The dress is cut with a sleeveless drawstring neckline, sort of a modified halter. Empire waist with fixed ties and column skirt.

The size is small with some range, will fit the following measurements

Bust 34"-36"

Rib cage just beneath bust - 30"

Waist free up to 30"

Hips free up to 40"

Length of dress from shoulder to hem approx. 54" (was hemmed slightly by original owner

Excellent Condition

Pretty "milk maid" style dress by Gunne Sax circa 1970s.
Nobody made retro romantic dresses like Gunne Sax. Jessica McClintock purchased the company in 1969. Her dresses were all about romance and fantasy. The designs borrowed from Early American, Victorian and Renaissance styles. Some were simple others quite fancy. They were worn to school dances, as prom dresses and even as alternative bridal gowns. Many girls just wore them for everyday.
This Gunne sax is done in calico cotton with a black background and dainty floral print. A clever combination of renaissance and prairie chic, it features a very fitted bodice with peplum, V neck and lace up decollete. In back it ties at the waist with long narrow sashes. The sleeves are slim and long with a slightly puffed cap. The outline of the bodice is defined with ecru lace and a coordinating fabric band. Attached at the waist is a long gathered skirt with lace trimmed ruffled hem.
The size is an Extra-Small.

Bust 33"
Waist 25"
Hips up to 37"
Length from shoulder to hem 58"

Excellent Condition

Stunning 1970s vintage Hawaiian print maxi dress or gown by Malihini Hawaii.
Self belted Empire waist....sleeveless bodice with square neckline. Center front inverted pleat in long narrow skirt.
The print is exceptionally beautiful. Oversized hibiscus blossoms in luminous shades of oranges, yellows and browns. The fabric is cotton "bark cloth". As a full length dress it is quite dramatic and would make a bold statement. Not so brave? The dress could easily be shortened for more versatility. Use the extra fabric to make a matching bag!
The size is Medium.

Bust 36'
Rib Cage below bust 31'
Hips and waist free size...

Excellent Condition

Very Lilliesque hand print cotton dress from the 1960s. The label is missing from this dress but I am fairly certain it is Lily Pulitzer. If not then another equally talented designer. The cotton has a lilac background with green, white and magenta "Mod Tropics" flower print. Sleeveless fitted bodice with novel notched collar. Thick white cotton lace defines the center front and waistline. Nicely cut A-line skirt.
The dress is constructed in the Lily tradition with white cotton batiste underlining and lace hem binding.
The size is Large.

Bust 43"''...
Waist 33''....
Hips 44''...

Excellent Condition

Folksy and psychedelic, a winning combination in this wonderful 1970s dress from Saks Fifth Avenue.

The fabric feels like an acrylic and cotton blend. The print is done with vertical bands of bold patterns with a vaguely ethnic feel. Black and orange... purple and white and just a hint of pale mustard
The dress has a shirt style bodice with oversized pointed collar and long cuffed sleeves. The skirt is gathered at the waist and finishes at the hem with a generous row of bias cut ruffles. The ruffles are a beautiful touch!

The original belt is gone but you could easily substitute with one of your own ,or you can cinch the waist with a length of ribbon or a sash.

The size is a Smaller Medium. It has the following measurements.

Bust 37"
Waist 28"
Hips free
Length of skirt23"
Sleeve length 24"

Excellent Condition

 

1970s disco era floral print synthetic jersey dress.

Flattering and comfortable this vintage dress has an all-in-one  two piece look. The top is loosely fitted with panel, extended shoulder line. It has an elastisized waist and pretty gathered peplum. The skirt is straigth with the slightest flair, not quite an A-line. The material is a silky jersey much like a qiana in jewel toned teal (more saturated than my pictures). It has an engineered floral print which borders the edge of the skirt and peplum. The whispy  flowers are done in rich shades of purple, lavender and cinnamon. The high neckline has a ruffled edge and slash front opening with string ties. It can be worn open as in the photo or tied closed. It still has the self fabric cord belt (pictured), but a wide cinch belt would also look very nice.

A versitile garment it can be dressed up or down depending on your accessories. It is so easy to care for, just wash on gentle and hang to dry. No ironing, yeah! This fabric can have a tendency to cling so a half slip might not be a bad idea. or you get Static Guard spray.

A little tip: Static does not build up around moisture so you should NEVER put synthetic jersey in the dryer for this very reason. Also a quick misting of water under the skirt does a good temporary job of preventing cling.

The size is medium with a flexible waist it has the following measurements.

Bust up to 37"

Waist the best range would br 27"-31"

Skirt length from waist to hem 24"

Excellent condition

Unique "bubble sack" dress in black on black poly crepe jaquard. The jaquard is a rectangle dot pattern..Scoop gathered neckline, peasant style. Full bishop sleeve with long narrow cuff. The body of the dress is loose and poufs at the hem. Deep black ruffle finish. It can be worn belted or loose. Judging by the design label I think the dress is from the 1970s or early 80s. It is hard to tell because of the unusual cut, a vintage dress with a very contemporary look! Lizzy and Johnny by Lucero..

Nicely made, a chiffon lining anchors the gather at the hem so it holds the bubble shape. The size is VERY flexible since the only fitted area is under arm. .
Flexible will fit from smaller to larger sizes. I would put it in the modern 6-10 range.

Excellent condition
 

A rare style Gunne Sax dress from the late 70s.
Most Gunne Sax from the 70s and 80s borrowed from "Prairie", Victorian or Renaissance fashions but other nostalgic styes were used for inspiration as well.
This darling dress is very similar to the frocks young or adolescent girls wore during Edwardian times. White cotton batiste with dropped waist and gathered skirt... Pleat tucked bodice has oversized ribbon and lace trimmed collar...elbow length, full sleeves, heavily adorned with cotton lace
Never worn, it still has the original Gunne Sax hang tab (pictured above). It is in excellent condition but since it has been hanging in storage for almost thirty years you may want to clean it before wearing. Dry cleaning or gentle hand washing and hang drying is recommended.
Med in size it has the following measurements.

Bust up to 37"
Waistfree
Hips up to 37"

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

Late 1930s - early 1940s black rayon crepe faille dress with floral sequined appliques.
This lovely vintage dress has padded shoulders with full caps.. ... a semi fitted bodice with 3/4 sleeves and keyhole detail at neckline. There is also a pretty celluloid and rhinestone button above the keyhole opening. The skirt falls straight and has a draped swag panel which gathers on the left hip beneath a crescent shaped faux pocket. The shoulder, hem and pocket are all embellished with floral appliques that are highlighted with colored sequins. The dress zips at the side and closes at the nape of the neck with a row of covered buttons.

A lovely dress suitable for a number of dressy occasions.

The size is Med/Small with a boyish cut. The waist is somewhat long so I would say the best body for this dress would be willowy with narrow hips. It will accommodate an average bust size. Please note measurements.


Bust 36"
Waist 28"
Hips 35"
Length of skirt from waist to hem 29"


Excellent Condition

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

 Simply stunning three piece set with layers upon layers of luscious tie dyed panne velvet.  The velvet is hand dyed in shades of dark plum, purple and midnight blue with highlights of mango and tan. The set consists of a bias cut, cowl neck halter top and four gore skirt with a draped cocoon over jacket. The jacket has deep batwing sleeves and a long, self fabric scarf that is attached at the neck. It can be tied but I photographed it hanging loose. The pieces are un-lined and drape beautifully. The skirt has an elasticized waist and the back of the halter top is elasticized as well. There is no belt and none is needed but you can certainly wear one with it. I did take one photo with a belt (belt not included).

Worn all together, as a set, it's definitely a special occasion outfit but each piece is lovely on it's own as well.  The possibilities are many for mixing and matching mix with the rest of your wardrobe.  I'm not 100% sure of the era on this one. it has elements of the 70s and 80s and the maker, Whispers of San Francisco is one I am not familiar with. With the help of my friends at the Vintage Fashion Guild, we decided it is probably from the 80s. One of my colleagues thought it had a Stevie Knicks vibe while another compared it to Norma Kamali. Sometimes it's hard to tell era with artisan labels. Their work tends to focus more on creative textiles and silhouettes and less on mainstream fashion trends.

Besides the makers label, there is another that was put in by the shop it was purchased from. This one reads Tommy DeMaio Boutiquier, The Sheraton Center NYC. I was able to look up Tommy DeMaio and discovered he has been in business since the mid 70s. The company is now a salon and boutique, still located in New York City but not the same location.

The size is marked medium and it has the following measurements.

Skirt

Waist - is elasticized and with fit a range from 27" -32" comfortably

Hips - 40"

Length - 33"

Top

Bust - is elasticized in back and will fit a range from 36" to 40"

Waist -is bias cut, with give, so it will fit the same range as the skirt (see above)

Length from under arm to hem of top 16"

Jacket

Free size, will fit the same range of measurements as the other pieces. It is 32" long in back and the sleeves measure 26" from the neck to the edge of the cuff. Note : I am measuring the sleeves from the neck NOT the shoulder.

Excellent Condition no flaws to be found,

Vintage Kaftan or long tunic made from 100% cotton from Guatemala. This garment was imported by Cottage Industries in the early 1980s. The fabric ground is woven with a blend of two different color threads black and turquoise which creates a rich teal color. It has a traditional multi color pattern woven into the hem and sleeves although the cut of the garment is not traditional Mayan.

The body is long and narrow with a deep side slit...it has a gathered "peasant" style top with elasticized neck and wide sleeves. A versatile piece it can be worn a number of ways. Add pretty sandals and some wonderful jewelry and this would make a lovely outfit for a casual summer party. Wear it poolside as a swimsuit cover up or on a day off,  lounging at home with a cup of tea and the morning paper.

I photographed it with a belt at the waist (not included)

Size - Smallish Medium
Bust 35 1/2"
Hip - 39"
Length - from shoulder to hem 56"

Excellent Condition