Vintage Summer Style

A selection of vintage pieces to inspire this summer...perfect for a garden party, picnic dates and weekend getaways...Enjoy! Vintage 1980's Judy Hornby Couture- pale smokey grey chiffon with a mixed metallic lame floral pattern...such beautiful lightweight material, great when worn someplace breezy to get that full-on fluttery, shimmery effect.

Vintage 1970's Albert Capraro cotton gown- folksy at its finest! Love the vivid, fresh floral set against crisp black and white with lace print details...garden party darling!

Vintage 1980's Dominic Rompollo silk dress- peasant girl chic in a vivacious shade of emerald green with dainty floral sprays woven into the fabric. This flows beautifully and can be shortened if desired.

Vintage 1960's Sabina of India silk gown- the print is amazing on this all silk creation in an offbeat color combination that really makes a statement. Constructed with the expertly detailed
craftsmanship that you can only find in vintage and today's high dollar designer pieces.

Vintage 1970's Malcolm Starr mini dress- so simple and so, so chic! The perfect LBD for summer can be accessorized a million different ways and seriously, will this silhouette ever go out of style? I think not.

Vintage 1970's halter gown- a hot weather fave, sleek and sexy with a little rock 'n' roll/Elvis flavor thrown in from the denim-esque material and silver studded embellishments.

Vintage 1970's Young Edwardians sundress- hard to find black sundress gets a touch of prairie girl sweetness from icy blue satin ribbon trim and sheer floral ruffles. Go casual with cowboy boots or vamp it up in strappy sky-high platforms.

Vintage 1960's Shaheen sundress- light and sweet (without being overly juvenile), in a flattering coral polished cotton with paisley print in dark gold and white. Isn't this just summertime defined in a dress?

Vintage 1970's Carole Little for Saint-Tropez West silk dress- another frock that flows and flutters so beautifully due the lightweight 100% silk material, spectacular floral print both dainty and bold at the hem. The bodice is a dream with its perfect puff sleeves and drawstring neckline.

Vintage 1970's Pauline Trigere Floral Chiffon Gown

Vintage 1970's Pauline Trigere Floral Chiffon Gown...At first glance, the silhouette is stately, elegant and conservative, then someone turns on the light in the hallway and you're met with an explosion of color, shimmering gold thread accents and a wild, quasi-psychadelic flower print (actually floral chiffon layered over scarlet material for a stunningly bold effect). While this type of dress usually falls into that "collectible" (examine and analyze me but don't wear me) category- you know, packed away in the archives or showcased in a book or exhibit, I think it's time it got out and mingled, had a few drinks and was the last one to leave the party. This gown would like to spend a night out on the town with a fantastically, gigantic cocktail ring, a gold clutch and Jimmy Choo.

Coming to my Ebay store soon!

Vintage 1980's Mary McFadden Pleated Gown

Vintage 1980's Mary McFadden pleated gown...simple and easy to wear- perfect for the summer, when one is too busy enjoying the warm weather and having fun to worry about coordinating outfits...the color pallette of yellow, aqua, lavender and white is especially refreshing and you gotta love the bold leaf print. This makes for a great vacation dress, too- packs nicely and can go from beach to dinner in a snap. I threw on a strand of deco glass beads as an impromtu belt for this shot, btw.

Coming to my Ebay store soon!

Vintage Koos Couture Gown

Vintage Koos Couture bias cut gown, brilliantly constructed- the angled strips of fabric work to elongate the body and the mix of fabrics is eyecatching (floral chiffon layered over polka dot silk, bold geometric, striped taffeta, white floral lace trim)...so romantic and pretty and really unique for those of you that seek something different...perfect for an elegant summer wedding (be warned that you might outshine the bride in this one!)

Coming to my Ebay store soon!

In the works...Prom dresses!

COMING SOON...rows of ruffles and lace and poufy party awesomeness, glittering lame and 80's over-the-top,girly goodness...can't wait!

CASADEI vs. VICKY TIEL: 80's does 40's Battle

While digging out several new items to put up for sale this past week, I came across these two vintage gems that fall into one of my favorite genres of vintage, the 80's does 40's. I love the fact that while the 40's-inspired design and silhouette is so similar in both of these dresses, they are in fact so radically different.
First off, the raspberry colored number is by Casadei. At first glance, this can almost pass itself off as the real WWII era deal. But then there are the little details that are so indicitive of 80's obsession with all things glam/sexy/excessive. The sheer, nude insert at the bust embellished with beading and sequins, the semi-sheer fabric in vivid raspberry (just not the same as that dusty mauve from the 40's), the very bare back. Wow, very sexy and sophisticated.
Next, is a vintage Vicky Tiel. Maybe a black and white photo of this dress paired with period correct hair/make-up/accessories could possibly pull off a retro 40's feel, but in person- no way! The gathering at the waist, the form-fitting wiggle factor and the the simple neckline are really the only 40's inspiration to be found. It's all about the print, though- abstract, energetic, happy graffiti in basic black on white with little accents of bright, bold color make this dress look very "now".
It just goes to show that vintage has a little bit of something for everyone...

What to wear this spring...Vintage Suzy Perette

Vintage 1950's Suzy Perette organza & tulle party dress, originally uploaded by Vegas Laveau Vintage.

Genius! This vintage 50's frock by Suzy Perette is a masterpiece of delicate layers, combined in the most brilliant way for a stunning, yet sophisticated effect. Black organza tops a layer of black tulle with white organza underneath adding a subtle brightness. Black satin ribbon "stripes" are also sewn on the white organza, their edges are softened by the black tulle/organza overlay and they accent the large white organza and black tulle rosettes. The overall design of the dress is done just right as well- nipped waist, full skirt, simple straps. This definately falls into my category of perfection. Love it, love it, love it...