The Sheer Wonder of it All

We just listed a fabulous collection of vintage peignoir sets, including this 1950's Shadowline set in girly pink. Girly - that's exactly what these are. Fluffy, poufy, and sweet as candy. Wearing something like this just makes a gal feel pretty.

So I'm taking pictures of these peignoir sets, and BAM! I put this long white gown on the mannequin and I can see right through it! This thing leaves nothing to the imagination! "Wait a minute", says I. "I know this thing is 50's, but I never wore anything this racy, much less anyone from my mother's generation!"



Then, this black one went on the mannequin. If anything, it's even sheerer than the white one. Wow!



This begins to unnerve me. My imagination starts working overtime as I picture moms all over 1950's middle America, the same moms who baked apple pies, hung laundry outside to dry, and spent the afternoon ironing dad's shirts. I picture those moms running around at night nearly naked in sheer nightgowns after the kids have gone to bed, doing unimaginable things that don't involve washing dishes. It can't be! An email to my mom is definitely in order to dispel these nightmarish visions.

To my relief, mom confirms that no, she never owned anything like that. And though she longed to wear one of those girly pink sets like the one up at the top of this post, with a young family, she couldn't afford it. In fact, when my brain calmed down, I remembered mom wearing something more like these 1950's Barbizon pajamas.



Whew! So who was wearing those sheerest of sheer nightgowns? Maybe this image from a 1956 Frederick's of Hollywood catalog will help clear up the mystery.



The Frederick's catalog! The catalog that fed the fantasy life of moms all across Middle America! The catalog that made us wonder if we too would be magically transformed into that exotic creature when our order arrived in the mail. But I'll never tell. And I know my mom won't either!

See all these lingerie items and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

The Cloche Hat - Through the Years

From Fairchild's Dictionary of Fashion:

Cloche (klohsh) Deep-crowned hat with very narrow brim or brimless, fitting head closely, almost concealing all of the hair. Worn pulled down almost to eyebrows.



The cloche hat first became popular in the 1920's. Although cloches are most often linked with flappers, they actually started appearing in high fashion as early as 1917. Coco Chanel started her career as a milliner and is said to have invented the cloche style in the teens, although that distinction has also been given to milliners Reboux and Lucie Hamar. Cloches complimented the bobbed hairstyles of the 20's.

During the 1950's, cloches again made a brief appearance as cocktail hats. Most often made of satin with sparkling decorations, they also fit closely to the head and were soft in construction.

Cloches made another appearance in the late 1960's and early 70's, although they now most often had a small brim.

How do you tell if the cloche you're looking at is from the 20's or 60's? Almost all cloches from the 20's will be fully lined in lightweight silk.

Later hats will have no lining and an inner hatband of grosgrain ribbon.

If you see a cloche hat advertised as 1920's or flapper and it isn't lined or has an inner grosgrain hatband, be careful! You could be buying a 60's hat!

Hats Still Hot for Fall

From Paris to Milan to New York, hats were still showing strong on the runways for Fall 2008. Shown above are looks from Christian Dior, Dolce & Gabanna, and Marc Jacobs. Hats are a great way to update your look without spending a lot of cash. And choosing vintage hats will give you lots of options. We've just added a great selection of vintage hats to our store - there's sure to be something right for you!

1970's Frank Olive cloche

1950's Lampshade Hat a la Audrey Hepburn

1960's Jockey Style Hat

1980's Riding Style Hat

See these hats and many more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

Davidow

We're headed in to our first heat wave of 2008 - 4 days of temps over 90 and high humidity. Ugh. But it won't be long before the winter winds are back, and with that in mind, we're working on our collection of vintage coats for this year.

While best known for their ladies suits, Davidow also made wonderful coats in classic, timeless styles. This one is from the late 1960's, and we're in love with this vibrant pink and purple boucle plaid wool.

Davidow was best known for the details in their designs. Here, the pockets have been cut on the bias. Those flaps are faux. The actual pocket opening is a slit on the side, which is much easier to get into. Also note how beautifully the plaid is matched, especially on those raglan sleeves.

See this coat and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

Luis Estevez

In a Life magazine article dated April 2, 1956, designer Luis Estevez said his wife was his inspiration for his feminine designs. "She likes her dresses to have sharp lines and to be as sexy as possible within the boundaries of good taste."

I wish I could have met Mrs. Estevez and perused her closet. I like a woman who knows how to look sexy without being blatant. And another thing I wish? I wish my husband could design dresses like this early 1960's Estevez!

See this dress and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

Couture Allure in Lulu's Top Ten!

Couture Allure has been chosen as one of Lulu's Vintage Top 10 Vintage Clothing Websites for 2008! We're pleased as can be, and we're in some mighty fine company. Take a look at that Top 10 list and you'll find the best in vintage fashion on the web! Thanks, Lulu!

Early Calvin Klein

Just in - An incredible vintage early 1970's pants suit by noted American designer Calvin Klein. This is the earliest label from this company and the only garment I've ever had with this label in my years of dealing in vintage clothing.

Calvin Klein started his business in 1968 with a line of coats. He expanded into sportswear in 1970, and judging from the style, this pantsuit would have been from one of his first sportswear lines, probably dating from 1970 - 71. This suit consists of a long maxi vest with matching hip hugger pants. The construction is of the highest quality, as you would expect from a high end garment. It was originally sold by Vogue Gowns in Millburn, NJ.

Available now in our EBay store. And just one of several designer items we've added recently, including 60's Cardin, 70's Hanae Mori, 50's Anne Fogarty, and 50's Irene.

See this suit and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

Hanae Mori Signature Print

Here's something you don't see everyday. The more research I do about this dress, the more I find how unusual and rare it is. This fabulous vintage 1970's dress by Hanae Mori has a bold print of red moons and white stars in Milky Way clusters on a black background. The print bears Hanae Mori's signature, a feature that is highly unusual on her garments. And this print is certainly different than her iconic butterflies and florals!

Hanae Mori retired in 2004, so her designs are now more sought after than ever. See this dress and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

Introducing Retro Vision Vintage

Welcome to our new sister site! We opened Retro Vision Vintage on Etsy last week. This is where we'll be listing all our trendier 60's - 80's vintage fashion. Etsy is a fabulous marketplace where you'll find lots of vintage clothing and accessories, as well as handmade goodies from creative people all over the world. If you've not explored Etsy, we highly recommend that you spend a few minutes, or hours, browsing around.

Just listed on Etsy:

1970's neon green halter maxi dress

1980's huge chandelier earrings

1980's gold glitter party dress

Enjoy shopping on Etsy and please check back with www.retrovisionvintage.com often!

eVintage Blog Tag - Swim with the Fishies

It's Wednesday and time for the eVintage Society blog tag. I've been tagged by The Vintage Bulliten. The temps are on the rise and its time to think about swimwear….what better way to stand out on the beach than in a vintage swimsuit?



WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SWIMSUIT OR BEACH WEAR OFFERED IN YOUR INVENTORY?

I'm sold out, but my vintage sister over at Glamoursurf has the absolute BEST selection of authentic vintage swimsuits on the web. If you've never visited Pam's site, then go...NOW!!!!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ERA IN SWIMWEAR, TO SELL OR WEAR?

I love the high waisted bikinis of the 1940's. They don't come along very often, but they're about as sexy a swimsuit as you can find.

FAVORITE DESIGNER OR LINE?

Alix of Miami did some of the best swimsuits and sundresses I've ever seen.

FAVORITE BEACH RESORT?

Easy - Negril, Jamaica

FAVORITE POOLSIDE, TROPICAL COCKTAIL (WITH OR WITHOUT ALCOHOL)?

Top shelf marguerita on the rocks, with no salt please.

FOR YOU, BIKINI OR ONE PIECE?

Oh, honey, you don't want to see me in a bikini!

Tagging Vintage Joy.

eVintage Blog Tag - Prints Charming

I've been tagged by Carol over at The Vintage Bulliten. This week's blog tag is all about prints. Fashion magazines are predicting that prints will be hot for summer…large florals, bold brushstrokes, graphic designs.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRINT OFFERED IN YOUR INVENTORY?

I am seriously in love with the print on this 1960's Leonard Arkin dress with matching coat.

WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF NOVELTY PRINT?

Cute and unexpected - a print that gets noticed and commented on.

MOST AMAZING NOVELTY PRINT YOU’VE EVER SEEN?

I had this fabulous 1940's rayon dress with a print of Buddhas once. Sadly, it sold long ago and I can't find the pictures.

SIZE MATTERS….WHEN WEARING PRINTS, DO YOU PREFER BIG OR SMALL?

I'm short, so large prints tend to overwhelm me. Put I also dislike dainty prints, so I'd have to go somewhere in the middle.

COLOR OR BLACK AND WHITE?

Give me some color please. Even when I do wear black, I have to add a pop of color.

WHAT DESIGNER DOES YOUR FAVORITE PRINTS?

I love the prints of Leonard and Mr. Dino from the 60's. But my favorite prints are found on Darlene cashmere sweaters. Her florals are always beautiful.

On to Vintage Joy for some more vintage prints!

Goodnight Irene

Irene Lentz was the costume designer for MGM Studios in Hollywood for 7 years. In 1947, Irene was the first American designer to allow department stores the rights to sell her designs in exclusive boutiques. This is one such dress.

This 1950's cocktail dress by Irene is worked in black silk taffeta. I love those cascading accordian pleated ruffles. And it just fits that old song from 1950 - "Good night Irene, I'll see you in my dreams."

See this dress and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

eVintage Blog Tag - I Want Candy

Time once again for the eVintage Society blog tag. I've been tagged by Carol over at The Vintage Bulliten.

1)The colors of CANDY! What’s your favorite candy colored vintage piece in your collection?

Easy! It's gotta be this fabulous 1960's pink tulle bubble hat. Looks just like a swirl of cotton candy on top of your head! Not a part of my collection, but for sale on my site.

2)What’s the sweetest accessory you’re offering right now, or if you don’t have one for sale, tell us about one of your own!

How about this pair of 1950's pink Springolator shoes? Sweet enough for ya?

3) Sweet tooth? What’s your favorite candy?

Chocolate Reisen......drool.

4)Ice cream…..chocolate or strawberry, and why?

Chocolate again. Why? Cold strawberries just don't work for me.

6)Is your personal style sweet or salty? Explain!

Hmmm, I think I walk the line right between the two. I'm a classic Boston gal.

Tagging Lizzie at the Vintage Travel Journal!

eVintage Blog Tag - Mad Men or Mod?

Time for a quick eVintage Society blog tag post and then, honey, I'm on vacation!!!!! I've been tagged by Carol over at The Vintage Bulliten.

Today’s theme…..the 60’s. Are you a MAD MEN kinda gal (ritzy cocktail dresses, wiggle silhouette, draped and ruched silk chiffon, pointy toe stilettos, a cigarette and martini) or a MOD dolly (sleek lines, go go boots, oversize sunglasses, pilgrim buckle square toe shoes, paper dresses, micro mini skirts, patterened tights, white lipstick and fake lashes)? Do tell.

MOD OR MAD MEN?

I'm all about the sexy and sophisticated "Mad Men" look.

FAVE PIECE IN YOUR INVENTORY FITTING THE BILL?

I just listed this sweet early 60's cocktail dress. It has the cutest bolero jacket that adds a completely different look to the dress.

ICONIC EARLY 60s STARLET?

Kim Novak. She really knew how to turn up the heat. If you've never seen the 1958 film "Bell, Book, and Candle", you simply must rent it for the fashions alone!

LATE 60’s?

Marlo Thomas in the TV show "That Girl". I just wanted to be her.

SINATRA OR THE SWINGIN’ 60s SCENE?

Sinatra every time. Fly me to the moon, Frank.

Follow the blog tag over to Lizzie's Vintage Travel Journal.

OK friends, I'm off to a family wedding and then a few much needed days off in the sun. See you soon!

eVintage Blog Tag - VLV!

I've been tagged by Funkoma for the eVintage Society blog tag. This week, we're all about Viva Las Vegas!

FAVORITE ROCKABILLY LOOK / PIECE IN YOUR INVENTORY?

I've pretty well sold out of Rockabilly pieces right now, but I just added this 1950's cotton full skirted dress and jacket to my store the other day.

DO YOU WEAR THE ROCKABILLY LOOK AT ALL?

No, but I do carry vintage purses wherever I go.

CRUCIAL ROCKABILLY VINTAGE ACCESSORY FOR GIRLS?

A Bakelite cherry necklace or pin.

FOR GUYS?

Brylcreem - A little dab'll do ya!

AGE OLD QUESTION….ELVIS OR THE BEATLES?

Always and ever...The Beatles. Ob la di, ob la da, life goes on, yeah....

Follow the Blog Tag over to Fuzzy Lizzie's Vintage Travel Journal.

3 Pounds of Pure Joy

You may be wondering, "What happened to Jody? Did she fall into the well or crawl under a rock?". Not quite. My first grandchild was born 2 months early a few days ago. This little 3 pound bundle of joy has turned my world upside down in the best way possible! Mother and baby are doing well, although baby will be staying at the hospital until she's a bit bigger. So please forgive my lack of updates. And join me in welcoming the world's newest and tiniest vintage fashionista!

eVintage Blog Tag - Shoe In!

I've been tagged by Ang over at the Vintage or Bust blog of the eVintage Society. This week we're all about shoes!

1) SHOW US YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF SHOES IN YOUR INVENTORY.

That's a tough one, because I love shoes, but it has to be this pair of late 1950's stilettos by Perugia. The black leather has polka dot cutouts that are backed with metallic gold, silver, and pink.

2) WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE STYLE OF VINTAGE SHOE TO SELL?

I love stilettos from the late 50s and early 60s, as well as the 80s.

3) FAVORITE VINTAGE SHOE TO WEAR?

I own a pair of 1980s platforms in navy suede that have sling backs and peep toes. They are dead ringers for 1940s shoes, and boy are they comfortable!

4) FAVORITE PAIR YOU OWN?

That would be my 1940's red leather pumps. They were a surprise find at a local estate, and went directly into my closet from hers.

Now let's move on to Damn Good Vintage. Tag, Julie, you're it!

April Showers Arrive Early

Floral prints are everywhere this spring! But why own a copy, when you can wear true vintage? This 1950's full skirted dress in silk shantung fits the bill nicely. And, while it's not April yet, it's raining right now in Boston on the first day of Spring 2008. A dress like this can brighten any gloomy weather day and tell the world, "Hey, Spring! Come on, already!!"

See this dress and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

eVintage Blog Tag - Dress a Movie Star

Tag, I'm it! I've been tagged by Carol over at The Vintage Bulletin for this week's eVintage Society Blog tag.

1) WHAT ITEM DO YOU CURRENTLY HAVE FOR SALE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN WORN IN A MOVIE?

The answer is obvious, my dear. This late 1950's hat by Michael Terre.

2) WHICH MOVIE STAR DO YOU SEE WEARING THE ITEM & IN WHAT MOVIE?

I see Audrey Hepburn in this hat in her film "Breakfast at Tiffany's".

3) WHAT MOVIE STAR QUALITIES DOES YOUR ITEM HAVE TO MAKE IT PERFECT FOR YOUR STARLET?

It makes a statement! The way that wide brim angles down over the brow - that was a style preferred by Hepburn. The huge organza petals make for a hat you can't ignore!

And now, Lizzie's Vintage Travel Journal, you're it!

Something So Right

Forgive me, dear readers. I volunteered to do a 27 Dresses feature over on the Vintage Fashion Guild Blog and that project has pulled me away from my own writing here. All I can say is, "I'm back!"

Isn't this 1950's dress gorgeous? There are things about vintage dresses that make me smile, but it is rare to find so many of them in one dress. Let's see....
It's silk.
It's got a full circle skirt.
It's got pink roses.
It's got a pink lining to match the roses.

It's got a halter neckline that is sexy as anything!

Some of the pink roses are sprinkled with rhinestones.
And, to top it all off, some of the pink roses are quilted and padded for a 3-D effect.

Need I say more? See this dress and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .

Manipulating Stripes #2

In the past,, we've shown you different ways that designers manipulate striped fabric to make a new pattern. Designers can use seams to great effect in changing the look of a striped fabric. At a quick glance, you might think this 1950's dress is fashioned from two co-ordinating fabrics. Not so. The designer has used a technique of wide tucks sewn between the stripes to give the fabric a completely different look.

As you can see, the floral stripe pattern is centered in a deep vertical tuck sewn between the stripes.

The tuck is spread so the line of stitching is centered behind the stripe pattern, then pressed flat. This pulls the stripes much closer together and adds texture to the bodice. Cute, don't you think?

See this dress and more at Couture Allure Vintage Fashion .