Finds on the Fly: February 18, 2012 (Amended)

You can count on the fingers of one hand the number of pant suits that have made this blog. I don't believe in pant suits. I've even been known to call them an oxymoron. And - generally speaking - I've believed the only women who wore "dress" pants well were Katherine Hepburn and Lauren Bacall. But this pant suit from eBay is the exception that proves the rule.

From the luxurious choice of fabric to the almost decadent cut of the suit, this is After 5 wear. The top is a Studio 54 jet-set dare. One button, or is that one tie? Exposed belly button, and a long notched collar that would expose a lot more if you weren't careful! The suit is made of a paisley fabric that Gianni Versace would have wrestled in the mud for. A rust orage background with paisleys in yellows, pinks, lillacs, and lime green. The pants have all the fluidity of a skirt while still maintaining the comfort of slacks. If they made a lot of these, I just might change my tune about pant suits.

The label reads "Maurice" and is marked a size 12, which seems true to modern sizes given the garments dimensions.

Offered for an opening bid of $249.00 by AntiqueFashions. I think this would make a fantastic Hostess outfit, or cause a stir by wearing it to your favorite restaurant. Believe me, everyone will notice what you are wearing.

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I seem to be having metalic cravings this season. I've treated myself to a fabulous bronze Calvin Klein blouse, a gold lame jacket, and now I've fallen heads over heels with this pewter dress from Etsy.

I may be wrong to call it pewter. The seller describes the dress as irridescent silver. Use the world irridescent, and you immediately have my attention. True irridescents show hints of teal green, saphire blue and royal purple in the right light. Both are colors I'm crazy about.

I just love the almost origami look of this square neckline. I love the three quarter sleeves with those wildly oversized cuffs, and I love the fabric colored buttons, and the neat hang of the skirt.

The dress has been freshly dry-cleaned (God bless the sellers that do this) and while the dress is largely free of stains, there is the tiniest of smudges on the top button. I wouldn't begin to let that stop me from purchasing the dress, but there are those who only buy "mint".

I believe at one time the dress may have had a matching belt. To replace it, I would suggest a black sash with a fairly sizable bow in back, or a black patent leater belt. The wider the better. Also if you just cannot stand the imperfection of the one button, replace them all with vintage buttons and don't skip the space in the waist. The dress structure can well stand on its own with that addition without a sash. There are an abundance of glass jet buttons from the 20's and 30's which one could use beautifully, or you could go all out and replace the buttons with rhinestone buttons, a touch that would make for one truly unforgetable dress!

Some textured or patterned stocking would be fun with this look. And black shoes seem almost to be a requirement unless you could actually pull off matching the dress fabric.

Offered by one of my favorite seller's DeniseBrain for the bargain price of $71.00. The dress is approximately a modern sized 4.

(Don't forget to catch the Denise Brain blog linked to the right!)

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The next dress just took my breath away. This gorgeous cranberry colored dress from the 1950's is too formal for many occasions other than being in a bridal party or going to the prom. But what a lovely bride's maid's dress or prom dress this would make!

The deep burgundy strapless velvet bodice is accompanied by a satin skirt with a wonderfully full tulle overlay. If you could get the gloves ( and you must wear gloves) died to match the bodice you would have perfection. I recommend lavish jewelry for a prom, but for a wedding, well, we don't want to steal the bride's spotlight, now do we?

Offered at Etsy by LipStickWhiskey for $245.00.

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It seems that everywhere I look these days I see signs that the 1970's crochetted or macramed dress or skirt is coming up fast on the must have list for any Bohemian Fashionista. I was lucky enough to stumble across this marvelous skirt on eBay.

I'm not sure if that's macrame or crochet, but I am sure that is one stunning skirt. I could even see it on a bride in a barefoot beachfront wedding. The seller desribes the size as S-M and the condition as excellent. 

I'd like to see it with a slightly longer half slip. About 34" should be perfect.

 

 

Offered for bids by ndbvintage with a starting bid of $199.00.*


* The seller has since contacted me.  The opening bid has been changed $19.99.  Someone may get a true bargain, and I encourage you to take a look at this lovely skirt!

You'd be cheating yourself if you didn't browse through this seller's merchandise. They have a marvelous eye for vintage pieces which really capture the aestetic and spirit of their time. I saved them to my favorite sellers right away.

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I've wanted to blog this dress since the moment I saw it!

This quintessential little black dress is sexy, sophisticated, and still retains a playfulness about it. And God love it's manufacturer, it's a size large (though it obviously looks fabulous on our tiny model).

It's my favorite length, just below the knees. It sports an empire waist, three quarter length sleeves and a great sexy pencil skirt. On first glance I thought it was a beautifully hanging knit, but this baby is a carefully taylored rayon. Just take a look at these beautifully sewn darts around the satin bow:

If I could do that with a sewing machine, I'd get myself booked on the next Project Runway!

The seller says the dress has been expertly altered to bring in the waist line (34"), and she doesn't believe these alterations could be undone without being very noticable, and perhaps ruining the dress.

There are odd little satin petals on each of the shoulders, almost like military insignia. I think this just adds to the dress' sense of playfulness! Also, the inside of the dress, with the exception of the sleeves, is lined in taffetta.

I think this needs a real statement neclace, along with a matching bracelet if you can swing it.

Offered by DeniseBrain at Etsy for $72.00. I assume by now I don't need to tell you how much I adore this shop! I'd like to blog her entire inventory, but I'm trying to exercise restraint.

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Continuing with my metallic fascination of late is this remarkable 1950's party dress of copper accetate and brown tulle.

Marvelously constructed of a strapless bodice and a full skirt enhanced with multiple pleats and photographed with a crinoline (not included). The skirt has a lovely tule overlay. It's unusually sophisticated for a dress of this type, when young girls and unmarried women were encouraged to dress to be "cute" rather than sophisticated or seductive.

I think this would make a fabulous party dress, or a dress for a member of a wedding party. It goes without saying that a truly sophisticated young lady could kill in this dress on Prom night. 

The brown tule at the shoulders ties to create a boat neckline. It would be lovely with black or white dinner (or opera) length gloves, or it could be simply devestating with gloves died to match. The neckline invites an elaborate necklace, but could be equally stunning with the ubiquitous three strands of pearls. 

I detect a slight iridescence to this fabric which would work to the advantage of any green or blue eyed lady who chose to wear it.

The skirt has a tiny waist at 26", and bust at 35". The hips, naturally, are free. There are some tiny holes in the tule (something about which I wouldn't give a second thought), as well as to the lining (another thing which I wouldn't even allow myself to consider). Beyond this, the dress is in excellent vintage condition.

Offered at Etsy by SalvageLife for $168.00.

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While created in the 1970's there is something of the innocencence and sweetness of the 1930's in this simply stunning hand crochetted dress.

I find this dress simply magnificent. And as more and more the 70's crochetted dress becomes a staple for the boho fashionista, I expect the demand for the anything-but-white dress to go through the roof. And this color of pink is so delicate and feminine. This is the color I envisioned as "Ashes of Roses" all those years ago reading The Thorn Birds.

Offered by The Kaliman, perhaps Sense of Fashions best source for vintage clothing, the seller maintains the dress can fit anyone from size 4 to 10. This dress is available for $250.00.

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I couldn't close today's blog without including at least one hat. I can't tell you how much it pleases me to see hats on the heads of fashionable women again. A good hat it the exclamation point to the statement of your outfit. A good hat identifies you not only as a woman of fashion, but a woman to be reckoned with. So I join in last Sunday's New York Times in cellebrating the return of the truly stylish woman with the return of the hat.

This post war beauty maintains the simplicity of the cap, while allowing the wearer to chose between leaving the netting up, as a sort of foliage for the head, or pulling it down bird cage style and embracing the allure that even the slightest hint of mystery can produce.

Up for bid at eBay, this lovely creation was made by Betmar and is offered for sale by Jakesrate for the Buy-It-Now price of $47.99.

The race for this is truly for the swift as the hat remains on sale for only another two days.

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I'd like to thank you for the many kind notes congratulating me on the return of my health. I can't tell you what a pleasure it is to be back with all of you writing about one of my chief passions in life. I wish you all good health as well, and - of course - Happy Shopping!

Second Hand Roze
- Deep in the Heart of Uncertain Texas

Finds on the Fly: February 7, 2012

I don't think I can blog without blogging some more about coats.  I love coats so much, and the season for selling them is almost over.  There are some tremendous bargains out there, and some absolutely breath-taking coats.


The first coat I'll talk about today is a reproduction "Justacorps" (french for body fitting) men's coat from the early 18th Century. 

I don't normally blog reproductions, but lets face it,  there's not a lot out there from the 1700's, and what there is, is hardly in wearable condition.  I love the raspberry color of this coat which is formed by a thick napped fabric believed to be loden. I love it's cut, the way it flares out at the waist and the over-sized cuffs of the sleeves. The coat is lined along the edges with a thick black braid, and comes with an over-abundance of black covered buttons, of which only every other button is functional. The Vintage Fashion Guild was consulted in the construction of the coat, a thing which I find to be markedly in it's favour. 

There is some slight wear to the buttons, but otherwise the coat is in near mint condition.
 

Note to international buyers:  due to the weight of the garment, shipping will be a considerable financial consideration.  Contact the seller for an estimate before you take the plunge.  Available at Etsy from SoulManVintage for $295.00.

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The next coat is also from Etsy, though is much more feminine of nature.  This stunning Red-Velvet Swing Coat is simply gorgeous.  Found with no buttons,  two wonderful black glass buttons were added (to match the lining), and a beauty was born! 

I just adore the tie collar, as well as the black lining and that wonderful swing silhouette! Coats like this are timeless.  As lovely and eye-catching today as it was 60 years ago!  

  

In addition to that lovely shawl collar, the coat has two angled side pockets and a flawless black lining.  Alas, there is no label, so the manufacturer is a mystery.  The sleeves have nice wide cuffs that add to the sense of luxury and sumptuousness of this lovely coat.

Offered by fifisfinds for $189.00.  Among Fififinds is a red velvet swing dress that would be just the thing to wear with this coat.  Do yourself a favor and look through this shop's offerings. 

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Our next coat is a find among finds.  With prices that usually exceed at least $500.00,  I was shocked to find this Schiaparelli Lambs Fur Coat with Mink Collar for only $381.65.

Medium length and sized medium to large, this timeless coat is up for sale for only 3 more days.  The coat is fully lined, though the lining is beginning to shatter.  I strongly recommend replacing it, though if it were I, I would save the panel which has Schiaparelli's signature.  The signature of a genius is not to be tossed out with the trash! Both wrists are slightly frayed, something which can be fixed by an competent seamstress, and there is a slight moth hole which even I could fix in lamb's fur as it's so forgiving.  The problems of this coat are minimal compared to the chic factor of having a lamb's fur coat done by Schiaparelli!  

The coat can be worn with it's collar open, or secured with a button and loop closure towards the top.

While the coat looks lovely and even appropriate with jeans, it will also see you stylishly to the opera.  The cost of the minor repairs are easily offset by the years of wear you can expect from it provided you store it well.

Offered by In_Love_With_Fashion for the Buy-It-Now price of $381.65.  In_Love_With_Fashion has several lovely items right now, including a purple label Ralph Lauren Skirt I'd love to get my own hands on.  Do yourself the favor of perusing her merchandise before you move on.

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Also on eBay, I found an 80's vintage Szato Satin Coat with a charming Oriental Woman appliqued onto the back of the coat.

Done in the classic style of Japanese Ukiyo-e Woodblock Prints, I believe the woman depicted is a geisha, which means art person.  To attain the status of Geisha, a woman must devote her life to the practice and mastery of certain forms of dance, music, as well as the art of tea ceremony and conversation.  A true Geisha will make her guest feel cherished at all times.

From the front, the coat presents as a simple off-white satin coat with a sweater type closure to the wrists and neck.  There may be a slight discoloration on the right shoulder, but my closest inspection was unable to detect it.

I love Art-To-Wear, and certainly find this coat to be a fine example.  While not for the faint of heart, this coat will bring you attention where ever you may chose to wear it.

Offered for sale by fancyvintage for the Buy-It-Now price of $148.95, this sale closes tomorrow!  Run to your keyboard to claim this for your closet.  It is a size medium.

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Timeless and appropriate to almost any occasion (please don't wear it to the opera or a funeral), this  rare Lilli Ann Western Le Suede Fringe Jacket is up for sale on eBay. 

While these jackets were iconic of their era (1960 - 1970), please bear in mind Lilli Ann was a very high end name, and this jacket was made of the finest suede.  The jacket is fully lined, and is very light weight,  almost more a shirt weight than a jacket weight.  

The jacket runs on the slim side but should fit small to medium.  (As always, I implore you to see the specifications published on the sales site.)  

Offered for sale by Iheartdangervintage for the amazingly low price of $135.00,  if you want this pussycat, pounce on it!  It is not likely to grace the pages of eBay long.

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I was also lucky enough to find the following at eBay:  a 100% Cashmere Maxi Coat from Bergdorf Goodman in Chocolate Brown.

Is that yummy or is that yummy?  This decadent rich chocolate brown 100% Cashmere coat i by Bergdorf Goodman on the plaza, and it has been immaculately taken care of.  No wear. No stains. No Tears.  Just 100% Cashmere goodness to wrap yourself in against the winter wind.  

This double breasted beauty sports horn buttons through the waist, and then again at the closure of the neck.  There are pickets on the seems, and a back vent make walking in this beauty a breeze.  One can button the collar all the way up, or lay it down to a notched lapel.  Nice and long against even the most dreadful of weather this coat is a find! And in Mint Condition!

I would estimate the size of the coat at an 8-10, but as always, please check the measurements against a garment which fits you well.  

This splendid coat is being offered for sale by urbananthropologie at the Buy-It-Now Price of $149.00.  Mint 100% Cashmere coats of this quality hardly grow on trees.  Catch this baby quick before she's in the loving arms of someone else!

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Back at Etsy, I was lucky enough to find a gorgeous vintage black beaded wool coat (pre-new look).  

Made by Princess Models of New York, the lines of this coat are to die for! And the beading along the lapel is immaculately done.  Made of wool crepe this coat sports a fitted single button wasp waist and turned back cuffs.  The skirt is cut on the bias and beautifully flared, and narrows to a box pleat in the back.  The coat is fully lined, and beautifully made.  

Someone has truly loved this coat, because it is in excellent condition.   There are three tiny holes which could be easily mended and are so tiny I was unable to make them out in the photos illustrating them.  

Offered by StarletVintage for a mere $325.00.  This store has a truly lovely inventory spanning from the 40's through the 90's, and has lots of red items for the coming holiday.  Pick yourself out a little treat here!  You'll be so glad you did.

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I've saved the best for last.  There.  Hiding in the jungle that is eBay is this gorgeous cape by Valentino.

Would you look at the lines of this garment?  That is one beautiful opera coat.  From the long flowing hemline to the carefully seamed shoulders this opera cape cries couture.  The unlined fabric is a velvet formed of a wool blend that's 53% wool and 47% acrylic.  The cape is formed from a full circle of fabric. The buttons extend only to where the hands would naturally be free of the garment.  The neck measurements are 15 1/2" fully buttoned.

Offered for sale by foxy_couture for the unbelievably low price of $795.00.

And on that note kittens, I'm calling it a night.  How could we possibly top that?

Until we meet again, Happy Shopping!

Second Hand Roze