Finds on The Fly: April 7, 2013

 

I was lucky enough this week to wander into Couture Allure Vintage Fashion and take a look around at the amazing merchandise that they've acquired since last I was there.  I could practically write a blog on this store's stock alone,  but I've restrained myself to two particularly fine pieces.

 

The first is a particularly fine 50's Jacket Dress from Leonard Arkin:

 

This lovely dress is unlined except for the hips, which are interlined with a stiff fabric that fluffs the garment somewhat away from the body.  The sweetheart neckline features banding at the seam,  there is fine pleating at the waist, and a side metal zipper.  Both pieces are made of a fine silk with a "crisp weave."  I am particularly in love with the jacket,  which has a notched collar featuring some very 3 dimensional bead work. This beadwork is repeated at the tail of the jacket giving it a very finished,  very couturier look.  I've never seen anything quite like it.  The jacket closes with black buttons matched with bound button holes.  The sleeves are bracelet length and the jacket itself is lined in beige silk taffeta.  The outfit is described as being in excellent condition.  I would size it at about an 8 in today's sizes (American), but complete measurements are available at the site. The suit is priced at a well justified $225.00.

 

Couture Allure is a very upscale shop,  and as such,  this garment will come to you freshly dry cleaned and ready to wear.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate that,  and how often in my wandering I come across claims that a particular garment has a slight stain that the seller is sure will come out with dry cleaning.

 

 

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The second garment from Couture Allure which I felt compelled to feature is a lovely Psychedelic Shift from the 60's:

 

 

Made of 100% cotton,  I find it somewhat amazing that the colors have maintained their vibrancy over the past 50 years.  And what vibrant colors they are!  I just adore the fluid motion of the coloring of the dress!  It's the sort of dress that could take you from the grocery store to the Metropolitan Opera in one easy step (though I might add some gloves for the Opera and a simple shawl)  The side seams each feature a 4 1/2" slit,  and this simple shift dress comes in a bit at the waist. I love that it has this swirl effect as opposed to being tie dyed.  It is perfect for today's retro psychedelic chic.

 

As always,  Couture Allure has meticulously listed the measurements of this garment so you won't order it wondering if it will fit,  though I will mention that the most restrictive measurement is the 38" bust.  Naturally,  this will come to you clean and ready to wear.  I believe this dress is a bargain at $125.00.

 

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Over at Etsy,  naturally I stopped at DeniseBrain first.  My favorite of her current stock is a Shocking Pink Shantung Silk Sheath Dress.

 

 

 

 

Isn't that gorgeous?  I just love the tie at the neck,  and cut of the dress,  and the three quarter length sleeves.  Also,  it's also a miracle when a dress of this vintage still has it's original belt,  so to the previous owner of this lovely dress,  Thank you!  Thank you for keeping up with the belt!  This thin belt features a flat bow in the front.  This dress is a size large, with complete measurements at the site.  The condition is described as very good with a slight, negligible spot, the size of a dime on the skirt.  The spot is described as barely visible and impossible to photograph. The dress is currently on sale for $56.00,  marked down from $63.00.

 

 

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Another of my Etsy favorites is GirlOnAVine who used to sell through Sense of Fashion before that site disappeared.  She has a very Gypsy,  Boho sense of chic,  and sells the most marvelous things.  Today's find is a killer Burnt Velvet Jacket which depicts Frida Kahlo on the back. 

 

 

 

 

I think this wrap is simply divine,  and it feeds into my Frida Kahlo addiction,  as sort of the South of the Border Patron Saint of Feminism.  It has a very Stevie Nicks type of chic,  and obviously is one size fits all up to a size 12.   It is made of a rayon velvet and features beading in the fringe.   This work of art could be yours for $289.00.

 

 

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Also at Etsy,  I found this fabulous Op Art Pencil Skirt from LawraMoo.

 

 

 

Don't you get a wee bit dizzy looking at it?  I just love op art clothing!  This skirt is meant to be worn very tight,  as it's waist measures 15" (flat) and it's hips measure 18".  My waist could fit that easily.  Alas,  I have a bit too much junk in the trunk for the hips.  It looks to be about 24" long,  but that's a guess on my part.  Described as being in mint condition,  this lovely can be yours for only 10 British Pounds.  Today that is roughly $15.75,  but please bear in mind exchange rates change daily.

 

 

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My final find at Etsy this week is a fabulous Retro 70's Maxi Dress:  the single Must Have Garment for the summer season.

 

 

 

 

This amazing dress is on sale for only $24.70 after being marked down from $38.00.  I'm sure you don't need me to tell you how rare it is to find a 70's maxi at this price!  I am in love with the cut of the dress.  I love the exposed peek-a-boo shoulders and how well the dress hangs.  I love the boatneck neckline,  and I love that, though it is a Maxi,  it does not drag the floor.  The dress is 70% Rayon and 30% Polyester,  which accounts for it hanging so beautifully and being an easy care garment.  Though the dress does appear to be commercially produced,  there is no brand name tag to identify it's maker.  The dress is in excellent condition, and is offered for sale by FunkyFondledand Fresh.

 

 

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I found this amazing Green Silk Pant Suit at Thrifted and Modern,  and it lives up to the store's reputation for cutting edge chic in vintage garments.

 

 

This color green can't be worn by everyone,  but if you're one of the lucky few who has the skin tone to carry it off,  you can be sure of being the center of attention at any function you attend.  The pants and bow are made from a lovely shantung silk which has an ever so slightly nubby texture,  and the top (aside from the bow) is a wool knit.  This is another garment I'd like to wear to one of those who's who art openings,  and swish past a photographer from Women's Wear Daily.  The garment is a small / medium (extensive measurements at site) and is in excellent condition.  The label reads "Ethel",  which I must confess means nothing to me.  If you know about Ethel,  please comment and educate the rest of us.  This suit is a steal at $136.00.

 

 

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Also at Thrifted and Modern,  I found this lovely Skirt Suit  designed by Marchessa di Gresy for I Magnin in the 1960's.  Reliably chic,  the I Magnin label has offered the work of many designers with a consistently high standard. 

 



 

 

Made of 100% wool,  the fabric features a repetitious design that is almost polka dots, but not quite.  The skirt is fully lined,  and oddly the jacket is not.  (It's usually the other way around!).  The jacket features belt loops at the waist,  and presumably the original belt has been mislaid.  I like their solution of providing a simple white belt,  though matching the pink would be a triumph.  The skirt zips in the back and is knee length.  Sized at Medium to Large,  the suit's measurements are listed in detail at the Thrifted and Modern website.  This lovely ensemble is currently on sale for $188.00

 

 

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When I began research for this issue of The Second Hand News,  SkullzLondon had three langdenlook necklaces,  as well as One Matching Bracelet.  They are now down to a Single Necklace,  so I suggest if this tickles your fancy as much as it does mine,  you must strike while the iron is hot.

 

 

 

Both crafted from a blue Lucite and on the cutting edge of Modern Jewelry,  these pieces are both rare and highly sought after.  The necklace is priced at $59.99 and the bracelet is a positive steal at $19.99.  Those of you who have followed this blog for a while know I have rather an extensive and prized collection of acrylic jewelry,  and I would love to add these pieces to my collection.  If you find that they've been "bought now",  well,  you'll know what happened.

 

 

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At eBay,  I made the strategic error of stopping by Bustown Modern.  As always,  I would like to feature every single garment they have,  but I chose my favorite two and knocked off a couple of other pieces I was thinking about featuring this week.  The first is an absolutely fabulous garment dyed Purple Maxi Dress that is just the thing for summer.

 

 

 

 

Is that the bee's knees or what?  The dress hales from the 1970's and is a Morrocan tie dye which comes off as very dimensional without being hackneyed, as tie dye so often is.  The top part has fringe at the waist,  and the dress is long enough to invite on to twirl around at a Grateful Dead concert and get lost in the music.  There is no doubt that the Maxi is the single Go To garment for this coming summer season,  and I doubt you'll find a finer one than this.  This is where the bad news comes in.  Bustown Modern is so well known for their fine selection that half of eBay watches their stock.  The dress,  with 3 days and 21 hours to go of bidding,  is currently priced at $32.30.  You may be rejoicing for the bargain.  Don't count your Bustown chickens before they hatch.  I anticipate fairly frenzied bidding in the final five minutes and a final sales price of over $100.  Then again,   I've been wrong before.  If the sales price does go over $100,  it's still an excellent buy,  and my congratulations go out to whoever is lucky enough to snag this baby up.

 

  

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As it's springtime,  the thrify gals mind should be turning to coats,  for you can get them at about half the price now that you will have to shell out for them in the fall.  Also at Bustown Modern,  I found this magnificent,  magical,  fabulous,  and dare I say really cool Pseudo-Military Cape from Calvin Klein in the 1960's.

 

 

 

Featuring three elongated frog closures,  generous arm openings,  and miles of fabric,  this lovely coat could take you from picking up the kids at the park to a night at the Opera.  The design is as au currant today as it was the day Calvin Klein designed it,  a true classic.  Made of 100% wool,  this is one of the garments that launched Klein's career as a couturier in 1968.  A collector's item as well as a fabulous coat,  it is listed for a Buy-It-Now price of $595,  though Bustown Modern is entertaining offers.  It is worth noting that two offers have been turned down already,  so if your going to offer,  I wouldn't try below $550.00.

  

 

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Finally,  my last find for the week is from eBay's TheatreofFashion who has listed the most lovely Riding Jacket from Laura Ashley.  It's very Downton Abbey and has lines that reflect a time long before it went to the loom..

 

 

 

Made in the Victorian / Edwardian Style,  this jacket is made of a silk blend velvet.  I hangs gorgeously,  though is still light weight.   The coat buttons up the front and has full length sleeves.  It is listed as an American size 10 or a British size 14,  though I beg you to look at the measurements before you purchase.  A classic in any wardrobe,  this lovely coat is offered for a Buy-It-Now price of 175 British Pounds.  This is currently about $286.66,  but please bear in mind that exchange rates change daily, and indeed through out the day.

 

And so that, my lovelies, is another weeks poking about.  I do hope you've found something that tempts you.

 

As always,  I wish you happy shopping,

 

Second Hand Roze 

Finds on the Fly: March 17, 2013

I can't thank enough those of you who have come back to my little blog after the long hiatus.  And if you are new to Second Hand News let me welcome you and let you know how truly pleased I am that you've come to have a look about. 

 

I have some great finds for us this week,  but it seems I spent the bulk of my time at Etsy.  I love Etsy.  It's a supportive community for those that sell there.  I've never gotten anything short of splendid service,  and there are bargains galore for those willing to take the time to look.

 

The biggest bargain this week is indubitably this fabulous Lili Diamond Dress that I've been daily having to fight myself to keep from buying since the moment I found it (I have far too many dressy dresses for a girl in a small town with no Symphony,  no Opera, and a shortage of fancy restaurants).

 

There are sales and then there are sales.  At $67.50,  this my dears, is an invitation to larceny.  This fabulous 1950's dress is a feast for the eyes as well as the pocket book.  It's rich full skirt is as fashionable today as it was in 1953,  and is being seen now on a runway near you.   Though the dress appears to have an ivory background, it is really a lovely soft blush pink.  I tried to Photoshop it into the right hue,  but well,  so much for my Photo-Shopping skills.

Made of a delightful pleated taffeta,  it has a full skirt with an attached tulle skirt.  That's right!  You won't have to invest in a crinoline to make it hang correctly.  And it hangs so wonderfully well! 

Lili Diamond was the Vera Wang of her day, and her tailoring skills are evidenced all through this gorgeous gown.  I love the light black print,  which is neither too heavy,  nor so light as to appear grey.  It moves the dress into another dimension,  one I would very much like to enter.  The neckline is a perfect frame for a strand of pearls,  and the flare of the dress is gown will make it a pleasure to watch from behind.

The gown is in excellent condition,  and - can you believe it? - has a 28" waistline,  practically maternity wear for the 50's!  Picture yourself wearing this with a black evening coat,  some black shoes, and just the right black bag.  You'll be a vision,  and you're bound to be the center of attention where-ever you go.  This would make a smashing Prom gown for any young lady with poise to pull it off,  and for grown ups,  it's a lovely party dress,  or the perfect thing for a night at the theatre.

Once again,  if you find this sold when you follow the link,  it may well be that I was simply unable to withstand the temptation.  The dress is offered by BonitaLouise whose offerings one would be a fool not to peruse.

 

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Our next item is almost as much of a bargain.  At $15.00 this fabulous Ruffled Blouse is a surprising steal!  I would expect to see this listed upward of $60.00,  as it remains so fashionable today.

 

 

 

I love this caramel colored brown background, and that the stripes aren't straight stripes,  but rather a wandering sort of drunken path.  Attention all blondes,  this color will look amazing on you.  I know,  I'm blonde, and I have a closet full of things this color.  I think the seller was spot on mixing this with a black pencil skirt.  If you want to dress it down,  it would look fabulous with some skinny jeans,  especially in black denim.

 

I found this among the splendid offerings of TheElectricHarlot who has a very now, very boho sort of fashion sensibility.



 

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I discovered a new (to me) seller with a very Stevie Nicks sort of Gypsy Chic sense of fashion that's lovely and wonderfully feminine.  Majikhorse has this fabulous late 70's,  early 80's Hippiesque sort of Dress from India of the sort that I remember practically living in at the time.

 

 

If you've never worn this type of dress, I can't tell you how comfortable these things are,  the rayon is light and flowing,  and the cut is generous.  These are marvelous for hot summer days,  though this will take you well into the first crisp days of fall.  I love the pattern of this fabric,  and having a sort of thing for elephants,  I was especially pleased to see them marching about the skirt at the hem and mid-skirt. I love the skirt matched with granny boots,  though it would also look stunning with sandals. 

 

There has been a great resurgence of the popularity of these dresses, and it's very rare to find one for under $100.00.  This is an especially fine example of the genre,  and is for sale at the quite low price of $60.00.

 

If Stevie Nicks chic is your thing,  you owe it to yourself to look through the rest of her merchandise.  It's all wonderfully gypsyesque and somewhat mystical.

 

 

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Moving into a more conventional aesthetic,  I found this fabulous Dooney & Bourke Handbag at the unheard of price of $69.00 from SantokiVintage. 

 

 

Measuring 11 x 7 x 5,  the bag is a lovely orangish brown pebbled leather which will see you through all seasons and any type of weather.  Dooney & Bourke bags are well known for the quality and highly sought after by collectors.  The seller says this one shows some scuffs and wear,  but look as I might I couldn't find any evidence of this.  No matter,  any which shows will only add to the bags character and help establish it as vintage.  Bags like this are timeless and  - like a good trench coat - go with anything and will take you anywhere.

 

 

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Another unbelievable bargain I found this week was from the wonderful Maggie at DeniseBrain. 

 

 

This absolutely to-die-for Embroidered Linen Coat is from the 1960's,  though it hardly shows its age.  I'm from the 60's myself,  and would that I had held up so well!   The coat is lined in a cream colored taffeta and though the jacket itself is linen,  the embroidered decoration is cotton.   It's only flaws are a few reddish spots near the hem in the lining,  yes,  that's in the lining! The coat itself is immaculate. 

 

I just adore this coat, as I do so many of DeniseBrain's items,  but this is really something special.  I'm told that Whoopie Goldberg collects vintage coats and I wish I knew how to contact her so I could tell her about this one!  It is rather a small coat, and Maggie has listed extensive measurements at the website for you to consider.  The coat lists at an unbelievable $39.00.  This is another item that you may find gone because I was unable to overcome the temptation to buy it.

 

 

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My final item from Etsy is a swell Black Hat with Veil.

 

 

I own a hat almost just like this,  except the body of this hat is fur,  whereas the body of my hat is felt.  The best part - naturally - is the bird cage veil.  I think a veil makes a woman look sophisticated and mysterious,  and in need of a really long black cigarette holder.  It's sort of a Jessica Rabbit kind of chic.  This hat is from the 1950's and lacks a maker's label.

 

The hat is offered by BasyaBerkmanVintage for $24.00.

 

 

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I stopped by Posh Girl Vintage and simply fell in love with this 1950's Bubble Dress with the mint blue sash.

 

 

Made by Jay Herbert of California this is another dress that's so fashion forward that it's hard to believe it's vintage.  Made of a lovely cotton bamboo and floral print,  and cinched at the waist with a satin sash in the seasons must have color:  Tiffany Blue.  The dress is pleated so to play up the already tiny (24"-25") waist,  and wearing it will probably require that you either be tiny or willing to wear that 50's necessity:  the girdle.  It has enough black in it to go easily with a black jacket, hat or shoes,  though if I were wearing it,  I would try to find some shoes that match that sash, as it really is this seasons go-to color.  Like the Lili Diamond dress above,   this comes with it's own tulle underskirt to provide the fullness of the skirt that you'll desire.  What a bonus! 

 

The dress has been lovingly hand-washed in organic soap,  and someone lovingly pressed in all those gorgeous pleats.  Offered at a completely justifiable $399.00,  this is a dress that will be wearable for the rest of your life,  or at least as long as you can keep your figure.

 

 

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From the vintage collection at Shop Ruche,  I found this lovely "leading lady" 50's Wiggle Dress.

 

 

I love the black and white print, and I simply adore the cowl neckline.  This 100% cotton dress is in a classic tea length silhouette that is universally flattering.  The white sash comes with a lovely rhinestone decoration,  reminiscent of an Eisenberg Original,  dresses which were collected for their jewelry as well as their fashion.  The dress is partially lined and in wonderful vintage condition.  Yours for $123.99,  a bargain to say the least.

 

 

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We're now going to go from the bargains to the dreams,  as I browsed 1st Dibs,  and naturally fell in love with everything in sight.  My first find was a gorgeous green Summer Dress in the "style and quality of Paul Poiret".

 

 

The dress is dated at the early 20th century.  The height of the front hem and the train in the back lead me to believe this is about circa 1909 - 1913.  And isn't it a dream?  Fashioned of an iridescent green silk with lace at the bodice and extensive embroidery and floral decoration. The wrap front side closure creates a tapered hobbled hem with a voluminous side silhouette.  

 

Offered by Torso Vintage at a price disclosed upon inquiry. 

 

 

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Anyone who's followed this blog, or is even a casual reader knows of my passion for modernist jewelry,  and this amazing Trifari Necklace is all that and more.

 

 

Made of polished chrome and featuring a dangling Lucite ball,  this space age necklace could not make more of a statement.  Certain to get the attention of everyone in the room,  it may even bring people into the room!  The Trifari name is well known to anyone interested in costume jewelry, and they are well known for offering the finest quality of fashion jewelry to be had.  Offered by Modern Handbag for $675.00.

 

 

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My next find was a Moschino Fingerprint Skirt which is both classy and whimsical in a manner only Moschino could pull off.

 

 

I just love the painted on markings along the hems and pockets,  and they added a special touch on the back with a handprint of all things!  It's so rare to find clothing with a sense of humor,  it reminds me of some of Elsa Schiaparelli's designs.

The suit features a shawl collar and a skirt length that should hit just above the knee.  Offered by CMadeleine's for $1260.00.

 

 

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 My final item is fabulously and  - alas - fabulously expensive,  as one might expect a Hermes to be.  Defining chic since they went into business Hermes is the idiot's guide to dressing well.  If I were to advise a woman who knew nothing about clothing and needed to dress well,  I would tell her to stick with Hermes and Dior and she would do fine.  This particular bit of Hermes chic is a sublimely violet JIGE Clutch:

 

 

Isn't it magnificent.  The clutch measures 8 x 5 and is reported to be in mint condition.  Presented for purchase by Jane Finds for $8,999.00, and yes,  I'm sure the decimal point is in the right place.

 
 

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My final item for this weeks blog is my one and only find from eBay.  It's not that there aren't lots of swell things up for bid on eBay,  it's merely that I spent so much time at Etsy that I didn't get to play at eBay very much.  You know how it is,  you wake up,  you get dressed,  go to work,  come home,  look at the Lili Diamond dress,  talk yourself out of it one more time,  and then... well... things just sort of develop from there. 

 

Anyway,  being a sucker for ribbons,  I found these fantastic Lace Up Ribbon Shoes up for bid. 

 

 

 

From Barneys of New York,  these size seven shoes feature velvet ribbons to lace up and are just barely old enough to be justifiably "vintage".  They are, however, based on a style that gained popularlity in the 1920's,  so their soul is completely vintage.  The heels are 3 1/4" high and the shoes are in "fantastic condition".  Offered for an opening bid of $ 16.99 by Radish619shea.  Someone may dance off with these shoes for a song!'

 

And that, kiddos,  is a wrap for this weeks sales.  As always I wish you good shopping and good times.

 

Until next week,

 

Second Hand Roze



Finds on the Fly: March 11, 2013

This is an iffy thing I am doing;  this trying to resurrect a blog from the dead.  It did not go so well for the Mother Earth News,  the Whole Earth Catalog,  or for Life Magazine.  Yet here I am,  at the keyboard.  Shall we see what we can find?

 

Since last I wrote, I've made a wonderful discovery:  Thrifted and Modern.  Their offerings span from the hundreds of dollars to under $50.00,  and their sense of chic is spot on.  These are vintage clothing pieces that are as fashionable today as they were the day the garments were sewn.  Each has it's own timeless personality and belongs on the back of a woman who has the confidence to be fashion forward while being fashion retro.

 

Among my most recent find there is this magnificent Pierre Cardin Bow Dress:

Isn't that simply yummy?  Fully lined,  this dress was fashioned by Pierre Cardin for the Ready to Wear Line at Nieman Marcus.  It is silk satin and features four dropped waist bows. From the 1980's,  this dress is marked as a size 12, and the measurements seem to make that spot on today.  Still, as always,  I encourage you to compare the measurements of the garment to something that fits you well before clicking the buy button.  Yours for $148.00,  this is a dress that will last you a lifetime and take you fashionably through any coming trend.

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Also from Thrifted and Modern,  is this magnificent Dress and Vest Set by Nina Ricci.

I think this thing is so chic it could take the paint off the walls.  I want to wear this to Fashion Week in New York.  I want to casually walk by a photographer for Women's Wear Daily dolled up in this.  I want to turn heads and stop traffic.  Originally minted in the 1960's,  I think this is so fashion forward that anyone who didn't know 60's fashions would think it was new.  Fantastically turned out in stripes of orange, gold, and avocado this color scheme still works fabulously today.  The vest is fully lined in bright orange silk. I must admit I would be terribly tempted to wear it with the vest unbuttoned.  If you could find some platform pumps in the right shade of orange, well, you'd have an ensemble to die for.

 

Available for a not insubstantial $499,  but again,  I must point out you'd have an outfit that would last you a lifetime.

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Lest you think Thrifted and Modern is only for those with deep pockets,  they have a clearance section that has some fine merchandise as well.  With summer just around the corner and everyone's mind turning to the breezy maxi,  this Joseph Magnin 70's Maxi Dress is available for a mere $37.00.

The dress is in marvelous vintage condition and is cut beautifully for any figure.  The robin's egg blue is an almost universally flattering color,  and I just adore the fluttering sleeves and the empire waist. Appropriate for a walk in the park or to wear to a wedding,  this dress is full of affordable possibilities.

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I found these Killer Sunglasses at my favorite Etsy haunt:  DeniseBrain.

 

These shades are just exactly the right shape and color to make the most of today's summer fashions,  and I love, love, love them with gloves.  Oh!  If only I could get everyone to wear gloves again!  But I'll spare you that rant, and instead just rant on about these great sunglasses from the 1960's.  When LBJ was President and The Beatles were taking us all to Strawberry Fields,  some fashionable young lady was riding in a convertible with these shades on!  If you look for them and find them sold,  it may well be that I gave in and purchased them. If you can beat me to them,  they're yours for $49.00.

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I'm amazed at the modern lines of this 50's - 60's Black and Tan Jersey Dress offered by Etsy's DarkBloomVintage.

Another timeless dress with an empire waist,  this dress reminds me of much of the current origami rage in the lines of today's dresses.  Fully lined in black cotton / linen fabric. Closes in back with metal zipper topped with a hook-and-eye.  This dress is in almost mint condition and sells for a low $80.00.

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There are few things I love more than the lines of a suit from the mid 1950's,  and this 50's Saks Fifth Avenue Skirt Suit is all that and more:

 



This warm colored tan suit is fully lined,  and in superb condition.  Unfortunately,  the seller, LondonCouture does not list the fabric content,  but this is obviously a quality suit and the name Saks Fifth Avenue is enough to assure that no expense was spared in it's construction.  Alas,  the skirt has a 24" waist,  so you'll either have to squeeze into a 50's girdle or be a tiny creature to wear it.  For myself,  I would consider a girdle a small price to pay.  The suit features a notched color and bracelet length sleeves typical of the period.  Wonderfully,  all the original buttons are still present.  Available for purchase for only $90.00,  this is another outfit that, if well cared for, should last you a life time.

 

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This 50's style dress from eBay is spot on fashion forward today, perhaps even more so than when it was made in the 1980's. 

 

 

 

I just love the squared neckline and the side-buttoned bodice.  The swing skirt may need a crinoline to give it the proper fullness,  but it's the element that moves this dress completely into the twenty-first century.  Offered by Shantilliy-Lace Vintage this inky black dress was made by Lanz.  The dress is about a 2-4 with a 32" bust and a 26" waist.  Would that I could shrink myself down and squeeze into it!  With 5 bids so far and 4 days to go,  the current winning bid is $7.50,  an unbelievable bargain from anyone's point of view.  I expect it to close much higher,  but it should be fun to watch it over the next several days.

 

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Moving to something slightly larger,  this Floral Empire Waist Column Dress is a size 12,  though the back ties should make it accommodate a woman of smaller stature.  I wouldn't put it on the back of anyone below a size 8 without being willing to do some alterations,  but it really is amazing what back ties can do to flatter the figure of almost any woman.

 

It might be wise to bring up the hemline a bit to make it a touch more au currant,  but I have to admit I like long dresses,  and this is long enough to pass for a maxi with most women.  The print is a lovely floral on a celery green background featuring pink and red flowers which look somewhat like carnations (I don't know my flowers).  The dress is offered by The Closet Guru for a Buy-It-Now price of $21.00.

 

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Also on eBay is this fabulous 1950's Wiggle Dress with Matching Full Length Jacket which would be simply smashing for a second, or simple wedding. 

 

This looks to me like a silk satin,  but there is no fabric information on the auction site,  so please bear in mind that is my guess.  The seller does say the dress is of wedding quality with the only issue being some minor underarm staining.  The dress is in need of dry cleaning.  Besides a wedding,  this would be a wonderful dress to wear to the opera,  the symphony,  or anything else for which one wants to "put on the Ritz".  The dress features a 36" shelf bust,  25" waist and 40" hips,  so it's another dress for which one must break out the fifties undergarments.  C'mon.  You've been dying for an excuse to break out the bullet bra anyway, admit it! 

 

Offered for bidding by Dani-Pulsar,  I invite you to look at the other lovely items she has up for sale.  The dress has a Buy-It-Now price of $279,  but she is open to accepting offers.  If you've never made an offer before,  consider this your opportunity to get something for a dream price.  You never know until you ask,  and unless your offer is so low as to be insulting,  you have nothing to lose.

 

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This lovely Short Day Dress in the fresh spring print is just what every woman needs to meet the coming season.

 

 

I love the empire waist,  the boldness of the print,  and it is just the right length:  short enough to be interesting but long enough to still be wearable by women over 30.  The dress is unlined crepe and a size 42,  but I don't know if that's a French or Italian 42,  so here are the measurements:  36, 28,  42.  I would say that's about a size 8 American.  Offered for sale by ToTryHard, any longtime reader of this blog knows my fondness for this seller.  If you don't take the time to look at what she has to offer,  well don't come crying to me when you missed to bargain of the decade.  Speaking of bargains,  this dress is up for auction for 7 more days and has yet to get it's opening bid of $0.99.  Someone may practically steal this dress before it's all said and done.

 

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While I must admit to not being a great fan of the Peter Pan Collar,  Vogue magazine is all atwitter about it's return.  If you're looking for a good example of the use of the Peter Pan Collar,  you could find no better example than the All Wool Suit I found at eBay below.

 

 

This grey tweed suit from the late 50's to early 60's is stunningly tailored and has been well loved and cared for in the past 50 years.  The jacket features five buttons up the front,  a button each on the two faux pockets,  and a button at the cuff of each bracelet length sleeve.  The skirt is partially lined and features a metal zipper going up one side.  The suit is in excellent condition with the exception of a four inch rip in the lining of the jacket.  This rip can be easily sewn.  So easily,  in fact, that I would not hesitate to take it on,  and I am barely on speaking terms with needles and threads. 

 

A fine example of mid-century craftsmanship,  this immaculate suit is being offered by lu-owl-vintage-clothing for the unbelievably low Buy-It-Now-Price of $54.99.  This is the first time I've ever offered anything from this seller,  and I was pleasingly surprised at the quality of their offerings.  Do browse their listings,  and lets make them welcome on eBay (though they may have been there longer than I have and I joined in 1999!) 

 

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After I finished perusing eBay,  I moved to my favorite charity auction spot:  Housing Works.  This fabulous Givenchy Pencil Skirt with 5 days left of bidding.

 

This skirt is Italian made and is an Italian size 26.  I have no idea what that translates to in American, and I would strongly encourage anyone considering buying the skirt to write and ask for measurements.  Ladies and gentlemen,  let us bear in mind this is from Givenchy,  the designer who dressed the elegant and unequalled Ms. Audrey Hepburn.  The skirt is 97% wool with 3% elastic, and closes with a zipper up the back.  Current bidding is at $40.00.

 

Housing Works provides housing, health care and counseling to the homeless HIV Positive population of New York City.  They have thrift shops through out New York,  and if you live there,  I would like to encourage you to seek them out.  They have fine designer fashions at unheard of prices.

 

 

And on that note I will tell you what a pleasure it is to be hunting through the vintage sections of the internet with a purpose again.  I hope very much that you've enjoyed reading this little bit of shopping trivia,  that you've been inspired to either purchase something featured here or make another vintage purchase.  Until I write again,  thank you for joining me and I wish you happy shopping!

Second Hand Roze