My How Things Have Changed

This 1956 full page ad for Macshore Classics appeared on the inside front cover of a high fashion magazine.  I find this ad charming, with the model's scowl and her indignation that her husband has accused her of spending too much money on her blouse.  Here's the ad copy:

"I've never been so insulted!  Just don't worry about my being a 'flighty spendthrift' or ever getting your bank account confused with Mr. Rockefeller's.  I know this exquisite Macshore wash 'n' wear dacron and pima blend blouse looks like 'an outrageous ten or twelve dollars', but actually it only cost $3.98.  And Macshore Classics happens to have a whole wonderful line of these smart luxury-looking sleeveless blouses priced at a mere bagatelle of just $3 and $4."

Can you imagine any company today putting this ad in a magazine, much less on the inside front cover?  By the way, that $3.98 in 1956 is equal to about $33 today.

Leap Day

It's Leap Day!  Let's all jump for joy because we have an extra day to live it up this year!

  Go have some fun today!

Jo Collins - 1958

Jo Collins was a junior label made by Mandel Manufacturing Company in St. Louis.  St. Louis, MO was the center of junior clothing manufacturing in the U.S. from the 1930s into the early 1960s.  Jo Collins was likely not a real person, but rather just a name used by the manufacturer.  The Jo Collins line consisted of dresses, suits, and separates in junior sizes and was active from about 1949 to the early 60s.

The rose print dress above is from 1958 and was made of Everfast cotton.  I love rose prints and this one is especially pretty.  

The same rose print cotton is used in separates as part of the same line in 1958.
Left:  One-piece playsuit.  Sold in 1958 for $8 (about $63 in today's dollar.)
Center:  Blouse and skirt.  Sold in 1958 for $16.50 (about $129 in today's dollar.)  
Right:  Blouson top and shorts.  Sold in 1958 for $14 (about $110 in today's dollar.)

As I've said before, I love coordinating separates.  Don't like the blouson top?  Wear the little blouse from the center with the shorts.  Pop the skirt over the playsuit.  The possibilities are are limited only by your imagination!

Favorite Academy Awards Gown

I am quite amused this morning reading various opinions regarding who wore the best and worst gowns last night to the Academy Awards.  One site gives Gwyneth Paltrow an A for her Tom Ford gown with matching cape, another site gives her an F.  One site says Glenn Close's dress and jacket by Zac Posen were a "Hit", another calls it a "miserable Fail."  When did we start grading the gowns worn by Academy Award attendees?  I prefer to just enjoy the fashion and say everyone looked beautiful.

Instead of rehashing last night's Oscar fashions for you, I thought I would share one of my favorite gowns from the past.  Grace Kelly wore this gorgeous silk satin gown to the 27th Academy Awards in 1955.  The photo was taken for the cover of Life Magazine by Phillipe Halsman.

 The gown was designed by Edith Head (here with her back to the camera) and was worn with a matching evening coat.

Grace Kelly won the Best Actress Oscar that night for her role in The Country Girl.

It is said that the yards and yards of silk used for the gown cost over $4,000.

I love the coat worn over the dress.  It makes it that much more regal and special, don't you think?



Here you can see the gown in motion as Grace accepts her award.  Enjoy!

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Dresses and Hats!

New this week at Couture Allure are more vintage dresses for spring and some wonderful hats that are perfect for Easter, the Kentucky Derby or the Queen's Jubilee!  Be sure to check our What's New pages to see all the latest listings.

1950s silk full skirt dress

1950s full skirt dress.

1970s Malia cotton sun dress.

1970s Oscar de la Renta silk and metallic dress.

1950s gold metallic cocktail dress.

1960s roses hat - Kentucky Derby!

Weekend Eye Candy - Christian Dior, 1949

Christian Dior, Spring 1949.  I don't really need to say anything else, do I?

Red Dress - 1949

One red dress, perfect for a day of shopping on 5th Avenue or the Champs Elysees.  Cotton pique is set off with a long row of buttons down the front and a bow at the neckline.  The huge full skirt has deep unpressed pleats and pockets at the hips.  By J.L.F Originals.  Sold in 1949 for $35 (about $441 in today's dollar.)  Bring your own reusable shopping bag, in this case a straw on by Simon.