Just what I was looking for – in this color and size!! Isn’t it wonderful how things just turn up?
My mother had a similar one years ago, but it went by the wayside before I could speak up for it. Was just wishing, the other day, that she had kept it. Now here this one is, perfect for me, and with the same great styling and construction.Originally made in Arizona, it’s got a matching color metal side zipper in the blouse and lots of lovely silver trim. Can’t wait to wear it!
This was the first thing I found, but it just kept coming. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . .
It’s great to be back at Headquarters where I’m able to show this dress on Stella. A hanger could never do it justice because of the hour-glass fit.
What a treat is always is to discover wartime and post-war garments! I also love the slinky synthetics that were popular at that time. So comfy to wear and the drapey fit is always flattering.
Love the old zippers, too. This one has a metal TALON brand. And, it’s an unusual style for that time, not often seen, but you just never know . . . . . . . .
OK, we’re going from oldest to youngest in these next 3 posts. My apologies for the poor focus. Cropping efforts didn’t come through, either, but you can see all that is necessary for this description. Was astounded a few days ago to find this rare garment! In the past two years 3 or 4 frocks in this early 1950’s style have suddenly come my way; haven’t seen them before that for quite a long time. . . . . . . . . . . .
Like only one of my other examples of this fashion, the gown pictured here was custom-tailored (probably at home) and made for an adolescent girl, from the style indications. Usually, dresses made with the fur-trimmed sleeves, neckline or hem were sophisticated styles made for women. Of course, girls like to wear their own versions of adult designs in every decade.
Aside from the empire styling, rather than a New Look design, one tell-tale clue is the type of fur used. Garments made for women usually had mink trim, whereas the 2 girls’ dresses I’ve discovered have had what looks like rabbit hair. However, the cranberry velvet is plush and I’m sure the young miss who wore it was pleased. It’s so much fun to follow the stories that these old clothing items tell. Stay tuned for a 1960’s item – a repeat of another recent find . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recent finds, again, from the early 1950’s, 1960’s and maybe into the 1970’s. A couple of these garments are directly in the categories of other recent finds – interesting how things tend to come in multiples . . . . . . . . . . .
Won’t be posting until Sunday, as I have to spend time volunteering for abused and injured animals tomorrow. Stay tuned . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iconic evening style of the time – 3/4 length sleeves with fur cuffs. This one has the bateau neckline that I love, with a deep plunge in back. The hemline is below-the-knee, but not quite midi.
An off-the-rack piece with only an inventory label, but very lovely. The tailoring is quite good, with a full lining, underarm gussets and the overall condition is exceptional. Obviously, the owner considered it a spacial frock and guarded it carefully over the decades.
What a great find! Not too many like this one left and it’s a real gem. The apron’s been sewn together of cotton fabric with our ’50’s housewife embroidered on. She has a cotton print pouf dress with a lace collar, pearl necklace and earring. In one hand she holds a coffeepot and in the other a cup, which doubles as the obligatory little pocket for a hankie or small tool.
Finding something so unique and whimsical is a real treat. And, to think that it was made for fun 60 or more years ago is a bonus. So much better than anything modern, no matter how cute.
I came across a whole bunch of classic nylon sleepwear pieces that are ALWAYS worth adding to your collection – even if you already have several. My rationale? :
1. if you’ve never slept in mid-century nylon pj’s or gowns (just about 1950’s to very early 1970’s), you don’t know what you’re missing! There is nothing (including silk) that is more comfortable as well as practical in bed and for lounging. They add warmth and are also cool, plus luxuriously smooth and soft. The fit is forgiving. 2. well-made and classically stylish, you won’t find anything equal in modern garments. 3. often you may find single pieces – these are great for matching later, with an identical or similar mate, or as an accessory, such as the black sleeveless cape pictured above. I plan to wear it over a black nightgown.
Not to forget, photo 3 is of a satin storage bag I discovered. These have been staple pieces in women’s undie drawers and storage chests for decades. Not sure if they are still being made to the same standard, but this one is great. Pretty peachy pink and brown in the classic style with inner pocket and fold-over styling, plus ribbon closure ties. Nothing is better for keeping hosiery and delicate garments safe from snags and dust. Grab these, too, whenever you see one. A girl can never have too many . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What a smart and well-made garment! If it weren’t for the Ladies Garment Workers label, I might have wondered if it had been made in Paris. Classic true navy/white check with a full rayon lining, little pockets and heavy sculpted buttons. A tailor”s snap holds the front in place below the neckline. Close fit, with a high hip hemline that will be perfect with a shell blouse and pencil skirt or slim pants – or even over a fitted sheath dress.
Yes, it needs a professional steaming to re-block the shape and re-align the lining and a little seam repair inside. No big deal! I can probably do that myself, but it would be a minor expense to have it done for me. Sigh. LOVE beautiful jackets. What’s next? . . . . . .
Magicvintagespy 