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.

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

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

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

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

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