New at Couture Allure - Ceil Chapman, Suzy Perette and More

New at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion this week are loads of fabulous vintage dating from the 1920s, 30s, 40s, and 50s.  Be sure to check our What's New pages frequently to see all the latest listings! 

1950s Ceil Chapman dress covered in beads!

1950s Suzy Perette full skirted organza dress.

1920s wool coat with fur trim in fabulous condition!

1930s evening gown with rhinestone neckline.

1950s full skirted dress with gold metallic dots.

Weekend Eye Candy - Maggy Rouff, 1952

I'm not sure which is better eye candy.  Is it Maggy Rouff's white satin evening gown with beading and a sea blue tulle stole?  Or is it the Chambre du Conseil at Versailles?  Photo taken in 1952.

White Wool by Christian Dior - 1955

For Fall 1955, Christian Dior showed this gorgeous suit in white wool.  The fitted skirt and bolero jacket are topped by a little swing coat.  He pairs the suit with a black satin top, black gloves and sparkling jewelery.  I love the idea of wearing a large brooch at the hip.  What about you?

It's a Book! It's a Real Book!

Or, "What Happens When Three Old College Friends Get Together After 40 Years".

I've always known my husband Harry is a wordsmith.  I have evidence in the form of the beautiful letters and poems he has written to me over the years.  I also knew that Harry had an idea for a book he wanted to write, but that it remained just that - an idea and a dream in the back of his mind.

In September of 2008, Harry announced that he had invited two of his old friends from college to come stay with us for a few days to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their meeting as freshmen at Boston University.  "OK," says I, knowing that one of those friends was an old flame.  Harry and Melody were a couple for a very brief time way back then, but from there, they moved on to being the best of friends.  The two have stayed in touch throughout their lives, and that's a friendship I greatly admire.  Melody had found another old college friend, Jeremy, and the idea for the reunion was born.

Melody and I often joke now that nothing could have been more boring for me than sitting around listening to the three friends share 40-year-old stories that had nothing to do with me.  And she was right.  But hey, I'm a good sport!  Melody has kept journals all her life that are filled with photos, drawings, memories and such.  She brought along her journal from 1968, which helped stir up the remembering and lots of laughter.  One evening, Melody turned to me and asked if I'd like to read some of the poetry Harry had written for her and that she had kept all those years.  I inwardly cringed.  I may even have visibly blanched.  Really, what women wants to read the words of love her husband had written to another?  But hey, I'm a good sport!  I read the poems and I was astounded at the beauty of the words written all those years ago by an 18-year-old boy.  So astounded that I turned to Harry and said, "Why aren't you a writer?"

4 years later, the dream Harry had in the back of his mind is a book, a real book!  And it is wonderful.   Little Deadly Things is a work of fiction about what happens to brilliant children who grow up in difficult situations.  It's a story that reminds us about the importance of our actions as parents, and how those actions affect the lives of our children both now and in the future.  It's a thriller.  There's a bit of science fiction thrown in.  It's a very entertaining read.  And I couldn't be more proud. 

Little Deadly Things is now available to purchase on Amazon as a paperback or for your Kindle.  I know you'll enjoy the book and I highly recommend it!  If you'd like to keep up with all that happens as the book makes it's way out into the world, you can follow Little Deadly Things on Facebook or on  the website.  Enjoy it and thank you!

Nina Ricci Dinner Dress - 1953

This is one of those garments that doesn't need much elucidation on my part.  I adore everything about this Nina Ricci dress from 1953, especially the roses that decorate the shoulder inside the asymmetric neckline.  It just brings me joy.

Dress by Marie Louise Calvet - 1935

If you follow this blog, you know how fascinated I am with the manipulation of stripes.  This dress from 1935 is by Paris couturier Marie-Louise Calvet in a brown and violet wool stripe.  Look how perfectly the stripes are matched at the seams.  And I'm sure the upper bodice has tucks or seams to draw the stripes together right below the neckline.  But it's those sleeves that have me mesmerized.  That square pattern must be seamed from 4 triangles of the stripe, then inset into the sleeve.  Assuming that the stripes follow the straight of grain on the fabric, every seam you see that has the stripes at an angle is done on the bias.  If you sew, you know how difficult it is to stitch a bias-cut seam without it stretching out of shape.  Matching stripes perfectly while sewing that seam?  Pretty darned difficult.  The two curved clips at the neckline and on the belt are made of cork.  Are you inspired?

Goldworm Sweater - 1955

There's a nip in the air this morning, and this sweater looks like the perfect thing right now.

The Goldworm company was known for their high quality and fashionable knits starting in the 1940s.  Their garments were designed in New York, but made in Italy with the finest old-world craftsmanship.  This sweater, from 1955, is a bit ingenious in it's design.  The little hood attaches to the collar with buttons.  When you don't need it, simply unbutton it and the collar lies square and flat with the pretty buttonhole detail all the way around.  Sold in 1955 for $20 (about $171 in today's dollar.)

Weekend Eye Candy - Christian Dior Suit, 1963

Melon.....yum.  The perfect color to take you from summer into fall.  Suit by Christian Dior, 1963.

1950s Wedding Gown Pattern and a Beautiful Bride

Sometimes the serendipity of life amazes me.  Yesterday on Facebook, I posted a picture of this late 1950s wedding gown pattern that I listed for sale in my SewHallie Esty shop.  Within minutes, Couture Allure fan Shauntelle responded that she had used the exact same vintage pattern when she had her wedding gown made 9 years ago.

Shauntelle with her father and bridesmaid

And here is the lovely Shauntelle on the day of her wedding wearing her gown made from the vintage 50s Butterick pattern.

Shauntelle tells me her entire wedding was vintage inspired and she and her new husband held the reception at a bowling alley!

I love that scalloped neckline.  Shauntelle, you are beautiful!  Thank you for sharing your photos with us!

Monte Sano and Pruzan Tweed Coat - 1956

They say tweed is a big fashion trend for Fall 2012.  From my point of view, tweed is always in fashion for fall.  Make it vintage tweed and it's even better.  Take for example this gorgeous coat by Monte Sano and Pruzan.  Vincent Monte Sano founded his custom tailoring shop in 1924, but began producing ready-to-wear coats and suits in the 1940s.  Max Pruzan became a partner in the firm during the 1950s.  Jacques Tiffeau was a designer for the company from 1952-58, and it is likely he designed this coat from 1956.

"Perfect perspective on the linear tweed reefer.  A perfect example of fine architecture in coats...good gray French tweed, whittled with great precision, belted slightly higher than usual.  Also in solid black.  By Monte Sano and Pruzan."

Note the big wide collar that floats just so, then look at the pocket flaps that echo the design of the collar.  The flared sleeves are 3/4 length to show off your favorite gloves.  And the belt that sits slightly higher than your waist makes your legs appear miles long.  Perfect perspective indeed.  This coat sold for $265.00 in 1956 (about $2,232.00 in today's dollar.)  Expensive, but with the finest of tailoring, highest quality fabrics and attention to construction and detail?  Worth every penny.

Vintage Sweaters!

 Sweaters, sweaters.....vintage sweaters!  Every year as I search for vintage clothing for the website, I put away the vintage sweaters I find and list them all as a collection in September.

 This year, I've got several yummy cashmeres, lots of beaded beauties, and a fun group of colorful wools, all dating from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

This year's vintage sweater collection started going up yesterday at Couture Allure.  I'll continue with more today and probably right on into tomorrow until they are all up.

Here's one of my favorites - a luscious 1950s pure cashmere sweater in muted butternut squash orange by Dalton.

My advice?  Don't hesitate if you see something you like!  This gorgeous 1950s beaded cashmere sold right away.  I'm not surprised.  That beadwork is breathtaking!

Mad for Plaid - 1956

There's a touch of Fall in the air this morning, and that brings to mind the perfect dress for this time of year. It's plaid, it's a darker color than the tropical brights of summer, and it's cotton because those cool mornings will give way to still-warm temperatures in the afternoon. These examples are all from 1956.

Kane Weill, one of the myriad of New York's 7th Avenue manufacturers of fine dresses, offered this full skirted cotton dress in brown, royal blue and black or green, royal blue and black plaid.  Black velvet accents the collar and cuffs. Sold in 1956 for $40 (about $337 in today's dollar.)  Hat by Mr. John.

L'Aiglon cotton plaid dress with a full skirt and linen collar.  This one buttons all the way up the front.  Sold in 1956 for $18 (about $152 in today's dollar.)

Nantucket Naturals brown cotton plaid accented with a big black organdy bow at the neckline.  Carry the black through in the belt, gloves and hat.  Sold in 1956 for $40 (about $337 in today's dollar.)

Kane Weill again, this time with a simple shirtwaist in brown, black and rust red plaid accented with black velvet at the collar and cuffs.  Sold in 1956 for $40 (about $337 in today's dollar.)

Norman Norell Cocktail Dress - 1964

This gorgeous black silk cocktail dress by Norman Norell looks just as modern today as when it was made in 1964.  I love everything about it........except what is that thing in her hair?

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Cocktail Dresses and a Bit of Leopard

New at Couture Allure this week are several cocktail dresses in lovely shades of green and blue along with some other gems.  Oh, and faux leopard fur hats!  Be sure to check our What's New pages to see all the latest listings!

60s lime metallic brocade cocktail dress

60s Lilli Diamond silk dress with shoulder drapes

60s evening sweater covered in glass crystals

40s film noir evening gown

60s faux leopard high crown hat

Weekend Eye Candy - Pierre Balmain, 1961

Red.  Giant black polka dots.  Coat.  Pierre Balmain.  1961.  Love.  That is all.

20% Off at Couture Allure - Final Day!

We're celebrating the end of summer by offering you 20% off your entire order at Couture Allure.  Sale ends at midnight Eastern time tonight!  Take 20% off everything, including new listings and sale items!  Sale does not apply to shipping or prior sales.  Go! Shop!  And have a fabulous holiday weekend!

Jo Copeland Evening Dress - 1958

Jo Copeland designed this stunning evening gown in 1958 and it was featured in a full page ad for Bonwit Teller.  "Almondine, my beauty...ravishing almond green satin that sweeps up front, down in back with fringed satin panels trailing.  The bodice is a shimmer of metallic ribbon."  Note how carefully the ribbons are layered to follow the lines of the fitted bodice.  Matching opera length gloves?  Yes, please.

Forgotten Designer Georgia Bullock

Designer Georgia Bullock

Georgia Bullock was born in about 1918.  Her interest in designing began at an early age when she made clothes for her dolls and dressed them in the latest styles.

1945

Her first job in the fashion world was a a floor model for Bullock's Wilshire store.  Though you might think so, Georgia Bullock was no relation to the Bullock's retail family.  Georgia Bullock had her own line briefly in the 1940s, but by 1953, she was designing for Nelly Don in Kansas City.

1963

In 1954, Bullock returned to Los Angeles and founded the first corporation in the fashion world with an all female executive team. 

Late 1950s

Her line of simple, elegant and expensive fashions was very popular in the late 1950s and 1960s and was sold in the finest shops and department stores all across the U.S. When her clothing became popular with women of means, Bullock began having private fashion shows on the tennis courts of her Holmby Hills home.

1960s

Bullock continued to have private showings for her elite clientele after she moved to Palm Springs in the 1970s.  She stopped designing sometime in the late 1970s and died in 1991.

1960

Forgotten Designer Marjorie Michael

Marjorie Michael in 1961

Marjorie Michael started her California based dress business in 1948 with 2 sewing machines and 2 employees.  She had a desire to make "custom look clothing that also made women look like women."

1958

While largely forgotten today, Marjorie Michael's creations were considered on par with her contemporaries Peggy Hunt and Dorothy O'Hara.  By 1961, the Marjorie Michael business employed over 60 people and her dresses were sold in over 800 stores and department stores in the U.S.

1955

Michael had one quirk when making her designs.  She only used natural fibers like silk and cotton.  She never used synthetics or synthetic blends, as she felt they were not the high quality she wanted to maintain for garments bearing her label.  Most of her fabrics were imported from France and Italy.  And she liked to purposely use "cotton that doesn't look like cotton."

1950

In the early 1950s, Gracie Allen wore many Marjorie Michael dresses on "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show."  The Marjorie Michael company went out of business sometime in the early 1970s.

Irene for Marshall Field's 28 Shop - 1957

After Friday's post about Marshall Field's 28 Shop, I came across this ad from 1957.  Designer Irene Lentz's fashions were carried in the exclusive 28 Shop.  "The covered look for evening, dramatically done by Irene: a long sleek line of black crepe....a touch of transparency in lace and chiffon. $310"  (about $2,527 in today's dollar.)