Hold the runway show – Here’s Stella, still in the early 1960’s. Imagine my delight to discover this beautiful evening dress, crafted in Hong Kong where some of the most lovely hand-tailoring was done for decades.
From shoulder to hem, it’s exquisite and deserves a detailed description. The bodice is a shell of embroidered lacy floral openwork, lined in sheer black and decorated with sequins and beads. It is made as a separate top which zips up the back and is attached to the dress at the shoulder seams. Very heavy, with all the bead-work, which would have been applied by hand.
The body of the dress is ivory on top (though you won’t see this), with a classic black crepe skirt. A crepe bow and 1″ border are attached to the hem of the shell , right at the waist.
Both the dress and attached shell have metal zippers in back so, as with many true vintage fashions, you’ll need an extra pair of hands to help you dress – – whether a partner or a lady’s maid, I can live with that.
Now for the additional little details – full lining in the skirt and a back kick pleat, little hooks and eyes in strategic places and bra strap holders sewn in at the shoulders.
I wonder who bought this, at what shop in what city, and where it was worn . . . . .
MORGANA MARTIN, THE MAGICVINTAGESPY
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Hanger by hanger, moving on through my closet, a true vintage atomic print skirt in a lightweight cotton, so it really moves. That’s an advantage of the circle cut, especially for dancing.
Nothing could be nicer on a hot summer day or any other time from Spring to Fall, with the right additions. The top shown with it is a nice faux linen thing but is not true vintage. I paired them because of the color match, which can be tricky with aqua.
It’s blue, green and black with little satellite-looking things on a white background. Side metal zipper and button closure, with a built-in side-seam pocket for convenience.
Embroidered label says “Nelly de Grab New York”.
This is one of the few items which I have found on the Internet. Online is not my first choice for shopping, because I love my feet-on-the-ground investigating, but it is certainly a…
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THIS IS THE BEST KIND OF DRESS FOR EVERY-DAY. NOT QUITE A HOUSE-DRESS, BUT CLOSE. CASUAL COTTON ELEGANCE.
Remember what I said about gingham a couple of days ago? Well, here it is again, in the simplest, cutest everyday dress from about 1963, give or take. In spite of the simplicity, look at the nice little details on the bodice and neckline. Yes, I would wear a slip with it.
Whenever I want to feel really cool, comfy, cute and lost-in-time I’ll put this one on and just be happy. It’s the right thing to wear to the Dairy Queen (if I ate sugar . . . . ). Small dipped cones are a good 7-year-old’s memory. And, no, I don’t own stock in the company.
Believe it or not, this one has an embroidered tag inside – “Stacy Anne” one of the four sisters”. I’ve never seen it again. Does anybody know that brand?
You could probably find something similar at a store today, but it still…
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