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The Victorians & Edwardians The 20s & 30s The 40s & 50s The 60s & 70s The Designers
The Hats & Accessories The Fans & Combs
 Order #D1959 Click here for photos Order Here |
Glorious 1950s Aqua Green Wool Knit Three Piece Suit This soft aqua green is just lovely. This set is wool, with applied felt flowers in cream and deep green, cream cord work and aurora borealis rhinestones. The jacket and knit top have the appliqué work, with the top having short sleeves, matching ribbing and a button closure at the center back. The easy fit jacket is lined in taffeta. The half lined skirt is suspended on a slip top and has a metal zipper at center back. The lines are slim and chic. Label: Marion McCoy Originals Created in California Size: Jacket: Bust: 42“, Shoulders: 16”, Sleeves: 18“, CB Neck to Hem: 22”. Top: Bust: 36”, Waist:29”, Shoulders:16”, CB Neck to Hem: 20“. Skirt: Waist: 26”, Hips 37”, Waist to Hem: 27 1/2", Hem Circumference: 42”. Condition: No spots or stains, little sign of wear, (the rhinestones show as dark bits on the distance photos, but see close-ups - there are no spots). There are 2 tiny discreet mends to the back neckline of the top, again, see close-ups. Price: $80 |
 Order #L271 Click here for photos Order Here |
Rosemary Clooney’s Post War 1940s - 50s Black Lace Merry Widow The provenance on this isn’t perfect but here it is. A gentleman by the name of Ward Harrison had a shop on Bardstown Rd. in Louisville, Ky some years ago - The Hollywood Shop. Ward made something of a name for himself by scavenging goodies from the dumpsters and trash cans of the stars during the 1970s in Hollywood. Google him - you will find some interesting stories. He brought the results back to Louisville and set up a shop in 1981. I shopped there myself in the 80s. This merry widow came from his shop then- and my consignor remembers it being sold as Rosemary Clooney’s with a letter of provenance. Said letter is long gone, but the age of the garment and size are right. That said - this is a fine black net lace over skin tone foundation garment with black stretch side and back panels. The cups are perky and structured and the front closes with hooks under and a metal zipper over. There are no straps. Label: Distinction by Triumph of Europe made in Western Germany Size: Labeled a 34B, Waist : 28”, Over Bust to Hem 16”. Condition: Excellent - one small break in lace as shown. Price: $145 |
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Swinging 1940s Black Faille Shirt Jacket O346 This classy 1940s piece does dual duty - wear it as a jacket or as a shirt. It has the big padded shoulders of the mid 1940s, a great swing back, three quarter cuffed sleeves, a rounded Peter Pan collar with ties and standing welt pockets. The buttons are matching fabric with silver rims. All around, a neat 1940s look. Oddly enough, the label is hidden under the back neck facing. Unlined. Label: Anticipation Shops California Size: Bust: 46”, Hips: 64”, Shoulders: 15 3/4", Sleeves: 18”, CB Neck to Hem: 26” Condition: Excellent, clean, creasing Price: $48 |
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Refined 1950s Black and Grey Tweed Suit This refined silk blend tweed suit has some fascinating style lines. Although the lapels are quite wide, usually a hallmark of the 1970s, I date this in the 1950s. The jacket is quite structured, with fitted front, shaped princess back, two large patch pockets and dramatic lapels. All of this is emphasized with machine topstitching. The front is asymmetric with 3 large buttons and bound buttonholes to balance the pockets. The skirt has a paneled back and darted front, or vice versa - it is a bit difficult to tell as the metal zipper is set in one of the panel seams, not at the true side. Both pieces are lined. Label: none Size: Jacket: Bust: 38”, Waist: 36”, Hips: 44”, Shoulders: 15” Sleeves: 25”, CB Neck to Hem: 26 1/2". Skirt: Waist: 28”, Hips: 40”, Waist to Hem: 24”, Hem circumference: 44” Condition: Excellent. No spots, holes or signs of wear. Price: $85 |
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1940s Sharp and Spiffy Sequin Crepe Dress I do love a 1940s rayon crepe dress. And sad to say, they are getting quite difficult to find. I do my best, but what with the black ones with rust colored dye problems, the blue, red and purple ones with dye issues, the ones in very strange colors of beige and chartreuse, and the ones with armpit issues, well, you get the picture. Now this dress - forties fabulousness. The bodice is cream crepe with aurora borealis sequins and the straight skirt is black crepe. There are small shoulder pads and side metal zipper. I love it. Label: none Size: Bust: up to 37", Waist: 28", Hips: 38", CB Neck to Waist: 18 1/2" Waist to Hem: 27" , Hem circumference: 46". Condition: Excellent but for one tan spot under sequins at back waist, some soil on inside of armpits. Freshly dry-cleaned. Price: $125 |
 Order #1927 Order Here |
1950s Black Silk and Lace Ceil Chapman Cocktail Dress Not your typical draped Ceil Chapman dress, but a very slim and very fitted shelf bust sheath in the wiggle style. This one takes skinny thighs, gals! There is a small kick out at the hem center back. The fabric is a ribbed silk with lace ruffles at the bust. The bodice in lined in cream taffeta and boned while the black silk is interlined throughout. CB metal zipper. Now this dress has as story. I first saw it several years ago at an auction and passed on it. Then I ran into it again and decided to give it a try. Why the hesitation? It needed a lot of work. All the seams had been let out. They have now been restored to the original size. And the straps had been oddly reworked. Based on a Ceil Chapman at www.dorotheascloset.com, I reset the straps and did a bit of reconstruction with some added black silk crepe de chine. Please see the close-ups. So here you have a chance to get a 1950s Ceil Chapman dress in wearable condition at a good price! Labels: Ceil Chapman Size: Bust: 34-35", Waist: 26", Shoulder to Waist: 15", Hips: 36" Shoulder to Hem: 40", Hem circumference: 42" Condition: Seams have been restored to original size. Straps have been reconfigured to work. Due to the amount of alteration when found, I cannot swear as to whether the lace panel is original. One spot on shoulder straps. One 1/2" repair at the underarm. Price: $175 |
 Order # O340 Click here for photos Order Here |
Astounding 1950s Chinese Embroidered Silk Satin Jacket Another of our Maine finds, this gorgeous hand embroidered Chinese made jacket is black silk satin with glorious all over flowers and flying bats (!) in many tones of gold, brown, red, white, blue, green and a silver grey. White piping edges the collar and front. It closes asymmetrically with 2 large black frogs. The lining is white silk. Label: none. Size: Bust: 41", Waist: 41", Shoulders: 15", Sleeves: 22". Neck to Hem; 22". Condition: Excellent. Price: $165 |
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1950s Bobbie Brooks All Season Suit A label I grew up with - Bobbie Brooks, Jonathan Logan, Aigner, Pappagallo.. There were so many. This mid 1950s suit in a soft green and white weave retains some of the 40s hallmarks in the fitted jacket and padded shoulders. The details are outlined in white piping for a fresh look. The large mother-of-pearl buttons and back half belt are nice touches, too. Straight skirt with side metal zipper. Jacket is unlined Labels: Weather-Match Tailored by Bobbie Brooks Size: Jacket: Bust: 35", Shoulders: 15" Sleeves: 21", CB Neck to Waist: 16" to Hem: 19". Skirt: Waist: 24", Hips: 36", Waist to Hem: 28", Hem circumference: 44" Condition: Excellent. Ready to wear. Price: $75 |
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Fabulous Red 1950s Party Dress with Drawn Work This 1950s true red tissue faille dress has the best diagonal drawn work motif. And it is set off with a black taffeta lining. The drawn work follows the grain of course, on the bias cut bodice, it's diagonal and on the gathered straight grain skirt, it's horizontal. The full skirt has lots of swing and is supported by a substantial black taffeta lining with hem ruffle. We show the dress over a small crinoline, but it would look great without. The bodice is darted and fitted with a black rose bedecked matching self belt. Side metal zipper. to close. Label: none Size: Bust: 36", Waist: 24", Hips: full", Shoulder to Waist: 15", Waist to Hem: 30", Hem circumference: 86" Condition: Excellent. No flaws. Price: $105 |
 Click here for photos Order Here | Fascinating 1950s Hot Pink Date Dress This 1950s hot pink linen weave (possibly rayon) dress has both daytime and cocktail potential. It all depends on the accessories. The color is a difficult to photograph hot pink, not a red. The fitted bodice has the best cut out straps for a fascinating effect. Each should also has a self tie that we show as a simple half knot. The neckline squares off for a low back. No belt needed - the waistline is finished with piping. With a straight, darted skirt sans kick pleat, this will wiggle when you walk. CB metal zipper to close. Label: Stephen O'Grady and ILGWU Size: Bust: 38", Waist: 28", Hips: 40", Shoulder to Waist: 16½", Waist to Hem: 27", Hem circumference: 42" Condition: Excellent. No flaws. Price: $115 |
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Curvaceous 1950s Black Satin & Lace Dress This 1950s ribbed silk dress has wonderful lace trimming and a gorgeous back. The fit is very curvy, with a straight front skirt that develops into a pleated swing back. The almost off-the-shoulder neckline is framed by a wide band of corded net lace which lace trims the hips as well. The back has 3 self bows that snap over a metal sipper. The dress is inlet lined with organza and has the high quality construction one would expect from a boutique shop at the glamorous Edgewater Beach Hotel. Labels: Paul Parnes and Nonette Edgewater Beach Hotel Chicago Size: Labeled a 14. Bust: 40", Waist: 30", Hips: 42", Shoulders: approx 15"- 16", Shoulder to Waist: 17", Shoulder to Hem: 45", Hem circumference: 72" Condition: Excellent. No flaws. Price: $145 |
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Order #D1885 |
Sharp 1950s Jablow Navy Wool Suit This sharp 1950s suit for Jablow is intricately cut. George Jablow opened his company in 1931 and was a well known maker of good quality women's coats and suits. The company was later run by Arthur Jablow and the designer in the late 1950s to the company's closure in 1966 was David Kidd. This suit is a smooth finish wool in a deep navy with an intricately darted front, triple dart back, kimono cut sleeves and a straight skirt. A fine detail is the use of bound buttonholes on the bias. The straight skirt has angled darts, a back kick pleat, side metal zipper and a half lining. Label: Jablow Original made expressly for the Gidding Company Inc. Cincinnati Size: Jacket: Bust: 38", Waist: 30", Shoulders: 15" Sleeves: 17", CB Neck to Hem: 20". Skirt: Waist: 27", Hips: 37", Waist to Hem: 25", Hem circumference: 42" Condition: Excellent. Skirt hem has been raised 1" and hem tape replaced. Price: $95 |
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Order # D1884 |
Polished 1950s Frank Gallant Suit This 1950s polished wool suit from the higher end maker of coats and suits Frank Gallant is most likely from the 1950s time period when Tom Brigance was the designer for the firm. Frank Gallant founded his wholesale company in 1916, and the Gallant label would be found at Saks, Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdale's, Altman's and Best's. Gallant died in 1965, but his son Herbert ran the company as of 1955. This suit is very simple, yet polished. It's a rich brown tweedy wool with a great cut. The fitted front is cut kimono style with bias cut sleeves and a curved seam that holds the statement welts. Additional details include a chocolate brown velvet collar, turn back cuffs, bound button holes and a brown crepe lining. The skirt is half lined with a back kick pleat and side metal zipper. Label: Frank Gallant New York Size: Jacket: Bust: 36", Waist: 28", Shoulders: 15", Sleeves: 23", CB Neck to Hem: 22". Skirt: Waist: 25", Hips: 38", Waist to Hem: 28", Hem circumference: 48". Condition: Excellent. Small light areas at lining armholes Price: $105 |
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Order #D1882 |
Smart 1940s Sacony Summer Palm Beach Suit
This post war 1940s - 1952 summer suit in a medium brown is a summer weight from the mid priced company Sacony. It features a cool unlined jacket in the Palm Beach mode, with big shoulder pads, fitted waist, princess seams, nifty pocket detail on functional pockets, long straight skirt and mother of pearl buttons. The skirt is also unlined and closes with a side metal zipper. Label: Sacony Palm Beach Size: Jacket: Bust: 38", Waist: 29", Shoulders: 15", Sleeves: 24", CB Neck to Hem: 24". Skirt: Waist: 27", Hips: 37", Waist to Hem: 30", Hem circumference: 46" Condition: Excellent. Skirt has been re-hemmed to original length - no crease line visible. Price: $95 |
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Stylish Vintage 1950s Black Crepe Larry Aldrich Circle Skirt Dress This mid 1950s New Look inspired dress is from esteemed New York designer Larry Aldrich is a stylish version of the common full skirt party dress. The neckline is an attractive wide scoop, with a fitted bodice and circular skirt. The skirt is emphasized with rows of rouleau trim that encircle it and finish at the side front with bows tipped with rhinestones. This treatment is carried out at the neckline as well. The waist is set off with the matching belt. The dress closes with a side metal zipper and has its own taffeta underskirt with horsehair hem for support. Label: Larry Aldrich New York Size: Labeled a 14. Bust: 36", Waist: 27" , Shoulders: 15" , Hips: Full, Shoulder to Waist: 17", Waist to Hem: 31", Hem circumference: Full Circle Condition: Virtually Mint. No spots or stains, holes. Shows no signs of wear. One crack to belt backing. Price: $155 |
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Order # D1887 |
Late 1950s Edith Small Black & White Silk Tweed Suit I recently wrote a small biography of Edith Small at www.pastperfectvintage.blogspot.com . She was a California designer from 1945 - 1969. She showed her styles on both coasts and was known for beautiful work and a very feminine touch. This is one of her ladies suits made up in imported silk with lovely touches. The front closes with visible glass jet buttons and is kept smooth with hidden buttons and small hooks. The black silk bow has narrow bands of the suit fabric at the ends for a fine touch. Sleeves cuffs finish with ore jet buttons. The skirt is straight with a back vent and side metal zipper. Both piece are fully lined in crepe. A classy, fine quality suit all around. Label: Edith Small Original Imported Fabric Condition: Excellent. Size: Jacket: Bust: 38", Waist: 34", Shoulders: 16" Sleeves: 17 1/2", CB Neck to Hem: 22". Skirt: Waist: 26", Hips: 38", Waist to Hem: 26", Hem circumference: 42" Price: $125 |
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Order # D1851 |
Striking 1950s Pique Summer Strapless Dress & Coat Set! This is a great quality set in a tangerine cotton pique. The strapless dress stands on its own beautifully but when you add the matching sleeveless swing coat: Heaven. The boned bodice is bedecked with gold flowers and rhinestones. The flared skirt closes with a side metal zipper. The sleeveless swing coat is lined in matching cotton and is cut to swing over the dress. It features a stand collar and armhole wings. We show this over a small crinoline, but it would look graceful without one as well. Livingston Bros., founded in 1876, was a chain of locally owned select shops in the Bay Area for over 100 years. Labels: Grace Foote San Francisco & Livingston Bros. San Francisco Condition: Dress is Excellent. Coat has very slight loss to ridges on pique at one shoulder Size: Dress: Bust: 34" - 35", Waist: 26", Hips: full, Bust to waist: 11½", Waist to Hem: 27½", Hem circumference: 146. Sleeveless Coat - Bust: 50", CB Neck to Hem: 42", Hem circumference: 126". Price $350 |
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Order # D1892 |
Fantastic 1950s Turquoise Quilted Pique Cotton Halter Dress Wow. How often do you see a 1950s turquoise pique cotton halter dress with a quilted circle skirt? Rarely, at least in this neck of the woods. This one is great with bust friendly princess shaping and button neck band. The skirt is a full circle. This is machine quilted and I warn you , a bit weighty. But it swings so well. And of course the shop label is from a Florida store. Where else? Closure is a side metal zipper. Label: Cabana Original and Ayoub's St. Petersburg Fla. Condition: Excellent. Size: Bust: 34", Waist: 25", Hips: very full , Waist to Hem: 28½", Hem circumference: full circle. Price: $105 |
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Order # D1874 |
Adorable 1950s Anne Fogarty Red Print Cotton Dress Sweet. This 1950s Anne Fogarty dress is adorable with it's soft red and old gold metallic wide stripe print. The print is used vertically in the tightly gathered skirt , and used in the pleated bodice to frame the V neckline. A pretty feminine summer dress form a label that specialized in the full skirted silhouette of the 1950s. We show this over a small crinoline. It would look graceful without one or would allow an even larger one for sweep. Closure is a center back metal zipper. Label: Anne Fogarty Margot, Inc. Condition: Excellent. Size: Bust: 34", Waist: 24", Hips: full, Shoulders 14½", CB Neck to waist: 15½", Waist to Hem: 30½", Hem circumference: 138" Price: $135 |
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Order #D1755
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Elegant 1950s Mignon Rose Chiffon Beaded Cocktail Dress Another dress from the Indianapolis estate. And this one is close to perfection, too. It's from Mignon, apparently a maker of high quality ladies dresses. This is an elegant intense rose pink chiffon dress with crystal beaded bodice and crisscross chiffon straps. The double layer chiffon skirt is very full and lined in matching taffeta. The separate over skirt, also 2 layers, is full length with beaded waistband and an attached scarf like sash that we have not yet fully fathomed. This skirt is open down the front with an approximate 5" overlap. It has hanging loops that preclude it from being worn as a cape. A brilliantly hued example of late 50s evening wear. Label: Mignon Paris New York & L. Strauss & Co. Size: approx. Bust: 34", Waist: 26", Hips of lining- 44", Shoulder to Waist: 16½", Waist to Hem: 27½". Hem circumference: Extremely Full. Over skirt: Waist: 26", Waist to floor: 41", Hem circumference: Extremely full. Condition: The dress is virtually mint with no signs of wear. The over skirt still retains the original $295 price tag. Price : $255 |
