A slinky peplum dress by Just In Thyme Ltd., a popular retro brand in the Eighties that is apparently still in production. I love this dress because it’s got the shoulder pads, 3/4 sleeves, peplum waist and midi-length while also having a slinky, fitted cut. So many of the mid-priced Eighties does Forties dresses were horribly frumpy-looking. Oh, yes, I have discovered quite a few which were not, but it’s always great to see another one!
This frock will look fabulous on Stella’s tall size 2 model’s figure (for those of you who haven’t followed me, Stella is my wonderful vintage mannequin – a 1950’s to early 1960’s size 10). A bit too big for me, but all the fun was in the find. When I eventually get it on Stella, I’ll re-post. In the meantime, there are always new investigations and more clues uncovered. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .. .. . . . .
The beat goes on! Love, love, love these Eisenhauer/Kennedy – era cotton gloves that every woman wanted to wear whenever going to town. A fussy, troublesome accessory in some ways, yes, but so much a part of that time. Like hats were, there were times and places where a lady wouldn’t want to be caught dead not wearing them.
What makes these so fun and special is the decoration. In place of being printed on the fabric, you can see that each little polka-dot has been appliqued’ (stitched on) by hand. Hard to know whether they were sold this way since no label or brand name is present, as would usually be the case with best-quality makers; this leads me to wonder if the gloves were a more modestly-priced (though nicely-made) brand that a thrifty and crafty gal bought and used her skills to decorate by herself!
So many women, during this mid-century time, made their fashions and accessories at home for fun and frugality. This included costume jewelry. DIY at-home kits were very popular and were advertised in women’s magazines and in the women’s-interest pages of newspapers.
Of course, I couldn’t pass these up even with all the wrist-length gloves I have and have had. They’re unique, THEY FIT ME, and are great clues! Although they were uncovered in an unrelated location from the formal dresses shown recently, they’re artifacts from the same time. Essential evidence for the files. The case continues so, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Here’s the other gem that was hiding out when the yellow pouf formal turned up. (see post 2 days ago). Similar era but entirely different, and not made for the same woman. Hmm . . . . . . .
Reminiscent of Grace Kelly in it’s modest sophistication and with a metal zipper by Waldes, this gown may be from the early 1950’s or even the late 1940’s. Someone loved it, as it’s in near-perfect condition. Worn by a second-time-around bride, bridesmaid, matron of honor, mother of the bride, Prom queen? I guess we’ll never know, but best guess is a one-time event that wasn’t a bit rowdy. I suspect a wedding.
What a wonderful find, also becoming more and more rare. But, clues are still out there. Stay tuned . . . . .
As you know, retro fashions are not my focus but I couldn’t pass this one up. Very well reproduced as to style and well-made. Initially, I thought I might pass it on but I love the fit on Stella (and, surprisingly, on me!). It’s a rayon frock with the appropriate slinkiness while being good for day. I love the way the pleats in front give the skirt a nice flounce, so appropriate to that Thirties vibe. I’m going to put some little shoulder pads in it for myself and will enjoy it a lot!
As you know, I’ve been on holiday from the sleuthing trade since late October but had several finds right before that time and also something recent. So, I’m ready to catch you up while I have a bit of time at Headquarters.
A tiny, tiny, tiny dress and SO Fifties! This was a size 5, maybe in ’55. Now a size 00 or smaller. Perfect condition. This was a really exciting discovery, as these frocks have become more and more scarce. Sadly, there is no label inside excepting the all-important Garment Workers tag. It’s always so much fun, and useful data, to have a maker’s label to research or use to tell more of the story. Labels are always a first-line clue.
Fortunately for the investigation, another gown was hiding in the same spot! Did they belong to the same suspect even though they are quite different? Rare clues sometimes travel together. Stay tuned . . .
Over the past 4 weeks since my last post, I’ve been preparing for another extended overseas investigation. Although several clues have been encountered in the meantime, it has been unrealistic to broadcast them until I return to Headquarters in early November. So, stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Have a phantasmic Halloween, a Phenomenal Election Day and a beautiful Thanksgiving.
Always such a pleasure to discover these little beauties. Made by a well-known Japanese maker from the mid-1900’s, these small handbags were almost always assembled and decorated by hand. This one is especially tiny, and flat. It has room only for a key, a small amount of money or a charge card, and maybe a small comb and/or lipstick. Just the bare essentials. Almost like some made in the 1920’s and 1930’s but I would place this one from the 1960’s.
Silk or rayon body, with mono-tone black bead decoration, a metal snap closure and an unusual fabric handle. On close examination there are a few beads missing but that will be no problem to fix.
I’ve found so many, but this one is unique! What’s next? Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First, a home-tailored dressy frock. It’s sweet as can be in a common design from 1960 + or – 2 or 3 years. But, IN YOUR FACE RED! The fabric is a medium-heavy jacquard weave. The style is modest but form-fitting and fits me like a glove. The original pattern would have been about a size 12 but now is a modern 4. You can see why I miss my mannequins – it would look stunning on statuesque vintage size 10 Stella (a modern 2) and movie starlet perfect on size 4 Giselle.
What makes it extra special? It’s in perfect condition and very well-made by someone with experience. Has a big hem allowance which is finished off with matching hem tape. The fitting darts are well-done and the decorative bow under the bustline is well-constructed and properly attached. The thing I like most, though, is that there are gussets in the armholes! That is an older tailoring technique frequently used in the 1950’s and before that gives the underarm area a little extra ease and avoids some of the wear and tear that is often seen where the underarm seams meet on a dress or blouse. However, gussets do have some corners and have to be properly done to avoid the same problems with the seams. Anyway, I just love finding these specialty features that tell a lot about the tailor and help to date garments. This one was perfect for dinner, dancing or any special date.
My next find is a lingerie dressing gown of roughly the same age – maybe a tad newer. The label is difficult to read after many washings but says Queentex, a brand which I have never seen before and may have been specific to Canada, where I happen to be sleuthing now. What’s not to love about it? A two-layer construction, with opaque material covered by a sheer, lightweight over-dress. Fabric is a substantial, glossy nylon typical of better lingerie pieces of that time. The condition is almost perfect. It’s a lovely aqua blue color with darker blue embroidery on the front bodice. The neckline closes with a fabric loop and little pearlized button. Ruffles around the collar and the bottom of the over-dress I can do without, but that’s just me. The design does call for some extra attention in those locations. This garment was perfect for before-bedtime relaxing when she’s out of her frou-frou outfit and make-up. Could have been worn by the same gal size-wise. You just never know . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
Wow! Look what I discovered today. All in one place, just waiting to be uncovered. It started off with these wonderful late ’60’s/early ’70’s poly shirts – one men’s and one women’s. They both have lovely cloth embroidered labels at the neckline and are in virtually perfect shape. Fabulous collars with internal collar stays and great prints. Love that green geometric and I’m always drawn to paisley, though the patchwork style is not my favorite so it won’t be a keeper.
I turned to another bin and look what was hiding – a sparkly mid-century handmade evening clutch, 2 high-quality leather wallets and a leather card case. The bag is from Hong Kong (always one of the best) with faux jet highly reflective faceted beads woven together as a mesh over a silk or rayon lining. Very simple and tailored with one inside pocket and a metal zipper close. The dark brown wallet and card case are made with a paper-thin leather that I see only once in a while. Often it was called “Morrocan leather” and made in the U.K. or elsewhere overseas. The wallet here was a Tilley product and even has a zippered coin compartment on one side and slots for 3 cards on the other. Bills go inside and it has a metal snap closure. As always, Tilley products are uber-practical and exceptionally well-made. The card case is very similar but unbranded. It folds once and has two window slots inside as well as the card slots on the outside. Lastly, a beige leather ladies’ wallet in two tones, by Buxton. It is fairly slim, too, which is always nice inside a purse and has features I love like an external coin purse with a kiss closure and a decorative tab lock with a metal snap. 3 inside card slots place it in the later part of the mid-century since earlier styles usually had cellophane sleeves to hold cards, photos, etc. They can be a little messy to access and didn’t stand up over the long-term. This one’s an elegant beauty. I like to match the colors with my vintage handbags.
As with the case of fur or reptile skins, I don’t buy anything made of leather at retail, either. But when I happen on a beautiful secondhand vintage piece I will collect and use it until it’s journey is done because quality design and craftsmanship should be honored. Buying vintage, secondhand doesn’t support the market for animal products and their production will end when we stop purchasing them new, so that’s my path and the one that I encourage.
You just never know, and that’s the adventure. She’ll have fun, fun, fun . . . . . . . . . . ..so stay tuned. . . . ..
Magicvintagespy 