Last Chance Sale!

Our famous Last Chance Sale is on now!  It's time to clear the racks and make room for fall items that are arriving daily.  All items included in our Last Chance Sale are priced at $50.  Go grab yourself a summer bargain today at Couture Allure!  Sale ends Saturday, July 20.  Note:  Only items marked Last Chance are included in this sale.

1950s Dresses - The Swish Without the Pouf

The popularity of 1950s full skirted dresses has been on the wane for the last few months, but I now find that they are coming back in a big way with one significant difference.  Women who wear this style now prefer to wear their full skirted dresses without crinolines.  They want the swish of a full skirt without the fullness of a petticoat. 

For that reason, I will be photographing 1950s dresses both ways for you so you can see how they look when worn with and without that slip.  This 1950s Suzy Perette dress is a great example of how a 50s dress can look great no matter how you choose to wear it.  

Here's another example of how the look changes with a crinoline and without.

What is your preference when wearing 50s dresses?  With or without?

Win One of Three $50 Etsy Gift Certificates!

What do you look for when shopping for vintage clothing online?  What could vintage sellers do to make your experience a better one?  What are vintage clothing sellers doing right?  And what are they doing wrong?  Sammy Davis Vintage is conducting a customer survey so that you can voice your opinions.  When taking the survey, you will be entered for a chance to win one of three $50 Etsy gift certificates!  Your opinions are important to me, and to all vintage sellers, so please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by filling out the survey today!  Giveaway ends on Monday, July 22.  Thank you!

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Evening Gowns

This week at Couture Allure, I've added several fabulous vintage evening gowns and you'll see the beginnings of our fall collection.  Be sure to check our What's New pages to see all the latest listings!

1960s custom made beaded evening gown

1960s Bernetti beaded evening gown

1940s swirl of lace evening gown

1950s copper metallic dress by Suzy Perette

1940s top and skirt with sequined hearts

1970s op art jersey knit dress

Weekend Eye Candy - Pierre Balmain, 1953

Pure perfection in my mind.   Those white roses at the waist are just the right finishing touch.  Pierre Balmain, 1953.

Renaissance Inspiration, 1970

The fall of 1970 saw fashion inspiration from many sources including the Renaissance.  These three rich, luxurious looks are by Thea Porter.  Velvets, brocades, tapestries.  Embroidery, lace and fur.  All are filling my imagination at the moment as I look forward toward the fall.  Where does your inspiration come from today?

Orange was a Hot Color in the 1930s

I listed this gorgeous 1930s burnt orange velvet bias cut velvet dress for sale on my website yesterday.  The color is so striking and unusual compared to most 1930s velvet dresses I find in black, navy and burgundy, that it piqued my curiosity.  That sent me on another research adventure.

Color fashion photography was not common at this time, so we have to rely on artist's renderings to see clothing in color.  But some fabric manufacturers did go to the expense of having color photographs done of fabric swatches so women could see the fabrics and colors that would be popular that year.  These are both from the fall of 1935.

And here are the fabrics that Mme. Chanel was using for her fall line in 1935. 

Here are velvets from 1934.  Notice the stand-out color in each?  Orange.  Orange shows up in fabric swatches from about 1934 through 1939.  This tells me the velvet dress I showed you above was the height of fashion in the mid-to-late 1930s.

Below are some artist renderings of orange used in fashion in the 1930s.

Dress by Jodelle, 1935.

Suit by Madeleine de Rauch, 1938

Black hat with orange bird of paradise feather by Chanel, 1935.

Evening gowns by Vionnet, 1935.

Sturbridge Textile Show

3 times a year on the Monday of Brimfield week, the Sturbridge Textile Show is held in Sturbridge, MA.  I always attend the show to see and buy fabulous vintage that has been sourced from around the world and to visit and connect with fellow vintage dealers and friends that I only get to see at this show.  July's show is about half the size of the ones in May and September, but it is still great fun and I brought home some wonderful goodies for you! 

Here's a great article about the show with loads of pictures so you get an idea of what you'll find.  If you plan to be in MA for Brimfield week, then do make an effort to come a day early and attend the Textile Show.  You'll be glad you did!

Summer Vacation Fun Vintage Style #5

No matter what you're doing this summer, remember to just have fun.  Don't be an onlooker like the ladies in the second car.  Don't just endure until it's over like the ladies in the third car.  Don't be distracted by petty details like the ladies in the fourth car.  Embrace life fully and laugh all the way.

Summer Vacation Fun, Vintage Style #4

I can't finish up a series on summertime fun without including a jump in the water. Whether you just like to dip your toes or get out there and surf the waves, get in the water and take a swim!

Happy 4th of July!

Today in the US, we commemorate Independence Day with parades, picnics, and fireworks. Happy 4th of July! Celebrate like you used to when you were a kid!

Summer Vacation Fun, Vintage Style #3

One of my favorite things to do while on vacation is reading.  I like to grab a pile of books, get comfortable in a shady spot and escape from the world through reading.  Nothing could be better!

Summer Vacation Fun, Vintage Style #2

My second recommendation for summer fun is to get out and enjoy nature by taking a hike.  Be sure to bring plenty of water and mosquito repellent, and if you're experiencing a heat wave where you are, get out early in the morning.  There's nothing like the sounds of nature to revive your soul.  Bird calls, wind in the tall pine trees, the crunch of the trail under your feet.

When you get where you're going, take a rest and enjoy the peace and tranquility around you.

Summer Vacation Fun, Vintage Style #1

The week of July 4th is a traditional vacation week here in the US.  How about enjoying a mid-summer break in vintage style?  Get outdoors and have a picnic with family or friends.  The warm weather will be gone before you know it!