New this week at Couture Allure are several vintage party dresses and lots of new vintage accessories including hats, scarves, and sterling silver jewelry from Mexico. Check out all the new goodies in our What's New section on the site! And if you want up-to-the-minute reports when new items are listed on the site, become a fan of Couture Allure on Facebook.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Weekend Eye Candy - Paco Rabanne 1967
Bare midriff top and hip-hugger mini skirt made of aluminum disks linked with wire by Paco Rabanne, 1967.
Friday, February 05, 2010
Couture Allure Giveaway #7
Today's giveaway is for a copy of the book "1000 Hats" by Norma Shephard. The book is in brand new condition and lists for $39.95. I bought it for my research bookshelf, but I've never used it.
Before you get all excited, I must tell you that as a research tool, this book is one of the worst I've ever purchased. The dating provided for the hats shown is often very inaccurate and way off the mark. Shephard identifies several 1960s cloche hats as 1920s flapper hats, and there are some 1950s hats identified as Edwardian. For a supposed expert, her research is very poor. In addition, the prices given as values are extremely overblown.
However, if you like to look at pretty hats, there are pictures of over 1200 of them in the 254 pages of this book. There is an extensive glossary with hat styles and terms, and there is a short history of hat making.How do you enter to win? Simple! Visit my website, www.coutureallure.com and pick your favorite item for sale. Leave a comment here with a link to that item and you're entered! OR become a new fan of Couture Allure on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment that you've done so. Do both, and you're entered twice! The winner will be drawn on Friday, February 12th. Please note: If your Blogger profile does not include your email address, please leave it in your comment so I have a way to contact you. The book will be shipped via Media Mail in the U.S. and First Class International Mail outside the U.S. It is important to note - if you live outside the U.S. or Canada, I will need to ask you to pay the postage costs, which could be as much as $35.00 depending upon where in the world you live.
Giveaway #6 Winner!
The winner of the 4 Dover Publications books is Angela! Congratulations, Angela. I'll be in touch via email so I can ship your books.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Pretty Shoes - 1960
It's the last day to sign up for our latest giveaway! Don't miss out!
Dear Shoe Designers,
Can we go back to pretty shoes that a woman like me can actually wear?
Please?
Dear Shoe Designers,
Can we go back to pretty shoes that a woman like me can actually wear?
Please?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Tina Leser Sundress - 1945
Tina Leser was well known for her use of exotic fabrics and style influences from around the world. During the WWII years, however, her travels were limited and so were her fabric choices. Leser was still able to find inspiration at home, though, and this dress is one example. Here, she uses a traditional American fabric - chambray stripe and fashions it into a sweet sundress with a sarong influenced one shoulder design.Chambray is a lightweight cotton fabric with a denim look, which combines a colored yarn with an undyed yarn in a plain weave. Chambray was originally used for workingmen's blue shirts, from which comes the term blue-collar worker.
The add states this is "Aphrodite - Tina Leser's Grecian Goddess sun dress in No-Fade Chambray, striped and plain. White stripes on blue, chartreuse or rose." This dress also gives us an example of working within the fabric restrictions of the war years. The skirt is shorter, and by making the bodice with just one strap, Leser is able to use the extra fabric for a ruffle on the skirt front. Ingenious! Sold for $19.95 exclusively at Bonwit Teller in 1945 (about $238.00 in today's dollar). That $19.95 would have been out of reach to most women during the war, but I'll bet many women took inspiration from Leser's use of chambray and made their own versions with inexpensive yard goods.
By the way, notice the long beaded necklace wrapped around and around the wrist to made a statement bracelet. Just another example of war-time ingenuity!
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
1953 Pin Curl Hairdo with Variations
This basic hairdo was all the rage in 1953, and it is easy to do with pin curls! I'm going to assume that those of you interested in creating this look already know how to do a basic pin curl set with your fingers and bobby pins or hair clips. If not, here are basic instructions for that technique.
For this style, the hair is cut about 4" long overall and set as follows:
1. Part the hair on the side. Set the front section of hair in two rows of pin curls, three to each row and wound away from the part.
2. Set each side section of hair in four curls wound toward the face.
3. Set the back of the hair in two rows of 6 curls. Curls should be wound away from the center toward the front.
4. Allow the hair to dry under a hair dryer or overnight. Remove the pin curls, gently style the hair into waves, and use hairspray to set.
Here are several variations to suit different face shapes. All variations except the last use the same set shown above:
Round face and short neck? Cut hair a bit shorter overall, comb hair flatter at the sides and use an off-center lift to break up the roundness.
Long face and neck? Cut hair slightly longer overall. Part farther to the side and build out the style at the sides for width.
Long nose? Cut the front section approximately 2" long and brush it into a fluffy upstanding bang. Hair in the back should hug the head.
Receding chin? Cut the front section shorter and form a small soft bang that extends only slightly beyond the hairline. Keep the hair in back close to the head with flipped-up ends.
Irregular hairline? Use 4 pin curls per row in the front instead of 3. Use a center part and form symmetrical dips on each side.
For this style, the hair is cut about 4" long overall and set as follows:
1. Part the hair on the side. Set the front section of hair in two rows of pin curls, three to each row and wound away from the part.
2. Set each side section of hair in four curls wound toward the face.
3. Set the back of the hair in two rows of 6 curls. Curls should be wound away from the center toward the front.4. Allow the hair to dry under a hair dryer or overnight. Remove the pin curls, gently style the hair into waves, and use hairspray to set.
Here are several variations to suit different face shapes. All variations except the last use the same set shown above:
Round face and short neck? Cut hair a bit shorter overall, comb hair flatter at the sides and use an off-center lift to break up the roundness.
Long face and neck? Cut hair slightly longer overall. Part farther to the side and build out the style at the sides for width.
Long nose? Cut the front section approximately 2" long and brush it into a fluffy upstanding bang. Hair in the back should hug the head.
Receding chin? Cut the front section shorter and form a small soft bang that extends only slightly beyond the hairline. Keep the hair in back close to the head with flipped-up ends.
Irregular hairline? Use 4 pin curls per row in the front instead of 3. Use a center part and form symmetrical dips on each side.
Monday, February 01, 2010
Halston's Skimp - 1974
Halston was a genius at making headlines. In November of 1974, at his fashion show that introduced his line for spring of '75, Halston once again rocked the fashion world by introducing what he called "The Skimp". At a time when all the important designers were covering women in longer skirts and pants, Halston chose to re-invent the mini skirt. Newspaper and magazines headlines blared, "Halston Breaks Ranks" and "Halston's Skimp Skips onto the Fashion Scene".
Reportedly, it was Halston employee Stephen Sprouse who convinced the designer to cut off the bottoms of the "old lady" dresses two days before the fashion show. And, in a party atmosphere, cut the dresses they did, while Halston cried, "Skimp it, skimp it!"
A sleeveless red wool jersey chemise with a matching full cape. Sold in 1975 for $260 (about $1,037 in today's dollar). Belt by Elsa Peretti.
Chamois-colored Ultrasuede skirt with a matching shirt-coat. Sold for $678 in 1975 (about $2,704 in today's dollar).
Blue crepe evening "skimp" worn with matching sash belt.
Much as Halston loved the Skimp, many of the skirt lengths in his line for Spring of 1975 stayed at mid-calf. And most of the shorter skirts were paired with longer coats, capes, and wraps. "I see a mingling of soft and more precise outlines, as well as contrasting lengths." he told reporters at his spring preview.
Reportedly, it was Halston employee Stephen Sprouse who convinced the designer to cut off the bottoms of the "old lady" dresses two days before the fashion show. And, in a party atmosphere, cut the dresses they did, while Halston cried, "Skimp it, skimp it!"
A sleeveless red wool jersey chemise with a matching full cape. Sold in 1975 for $260 (about $1,037 in today's dollar). Belt by Elsa Peretti.
Chamois-colored Ultrasuede skirt with a matching shirt-coat. Sold for $678 in 1975 (about $2,704 in today's dollar).
Blue crepe evening "skimp" worn with matching sash belt.Much as Halston loved the Skimp, many of the skirt lengths in his line for Spring of 1975 stayed at mid-calf. And most of the shorter skirts were paired with longer coats, capes, and wraps. "I see a mingling of soft and more precise outlines, as well as contrasting lengths." he told reporters at his spring preview.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Weekend Eye Candy - Greta Garbo 1929
Greta Garbo in her 11th film, "Wild Orchids", from 1929. Here she wears a coat trimmed in lush racoon fur and a cloche hat. Adrian is listed as the costume designer for the film. The film is not available on Netflix, so I'm going to have to find another way to see it!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Couture Allure Giveaway #6
Today's giveaway is for 4 books from Dover Publications with clothing from the 1800s - 1890s. These books are great to have for helping to identify and date antique garments. And they're lots of fun if you just want to look at the fashions of the time!
"Antique Fashion Paper Dolls of the 1890s"
A page from the book above.
"French Fashion Plates of the Romantic Era"
A page from the book above.
"Thomas Jefferson and his Family Paper Dolls"
A page from the book above.
"Fashion Paper Dolls from Godey's Lady's Book, 1840-1854"
A page from the book above.
How do you enter to win? Simple! Visit my website, www.coutureallure.com and pick your favorite item for sale. Leave a comment here with a link to that item and you're entered! OR become a new fan of Couture Allure on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment that you've done so. Do both, and you're entered twice! The winner will be drawn on Friday, February 5th. Please note: If your Blogger profile does not include your email address, please leave it in your comment so I have a way to contact you. The magazines will be shipped via Media Mail in the U.S. and First Class International Mail outside the U.S. It is important to note - if you live outside the U.S. or Canada, I will need to ask you to pay the postage costs, which could be as much as $25.00 depending upon where in the world you live.
"Antique Fashion Paper Dolls of the 1890s"
A page from the book above.
"French Fashion Plates of the Romantic Era"
A page from the book above.
"Thomas Jefferson and his Family Paper Dolls"
A page from the book above.
"Fashion Paper Dolls from Godey's Lady's Book, 1840-1854"
A page from the book above.How do you enter to win? Simple! Visit my website, www.coutureallure.com and pick your favorite item for sale. Leave a comment here with a link to that item and you're entered! OR become a new fan of Couture Allure on Facebook, come back here and leave a comment that you've done so. Do both, and you're entered twice! The winner will be drawn on Friday, February 5th. Please note: If your Blogger profile does not include your email address, please leave it in your comment so I have a way to contact you. The magazines will be shipped via Media Mail in the U.S. and First Class International Mail outside the U.S. It is important to note - if you live outside the U.S. or Canada, I will need to ask you to pay the postage costs, which could be as much as $25.00 depending upon where in the world you live.
Giveaway #5 Winner!
The winner of the "Vintage Fashions" magazines is FairyFiligree! Congratulations! I'll be in touch to arrange shipment of your magazines.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Fashions of Fortuny
Mariano Fortuny was born in 1871 in Grenada, Spain. His father died when he was three, and the family then moved to Paris, where Fortuny studied painting with his uncle. In 1889, the family moved to a palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice. Fortuny was enchanted with the exotic city, and immersed himself in Medieval, Renaissance and Eastern influences, as well as the Arts and Crafts Movement.
In 1899, Fortuny established his own studio in the 13th century Palazzo Orfei. He became well known for his textile designs and in 1906 was hired to design a stage curtain and ballet costumes for a production in Paris. He printed large silk veils with stencils inspired by ancient Cycladic art and draped these around each dancer. The stenciled patterns were built in layers, often shimmering with silver and gold.
Fortuny named the garment the Knossos veil, and it remains one of his best known works and continued to sell well into the 1930s to women all over the world.
Fortuny designed the Delphos dress in 1907 to wear with the Knossos veil. Each Delphos dress was constructed of 4 or 5 widths of pleated silk and finished with cords that laced at the neck and shoulders so the wearer could adjust the dress as she saw fit. The dress came with a narrow stenciled belt or braided silk cord. Fortuny ordered Murano glass beads, which were sewn along the sides and around the hem of the dresses to add weight so the dresses would cling to the body.
Each Delphos dress was twisted and coiled, then stored in a round white box tied with black ribbon. Fortuny made subtle variations of the Delphos gowns for more than 30 years. Each dress was completely made by hand and each was unique.
Fortuny also designed coats and wraps adapted from traditional kimonos, saris, and other ethnic clothing. Each article of clothing was made from Fortuny's custom made fabrics, which he printed and stenciled in his studio. And each garment was unique and one-of-a-kind.
Please note: Biographical information about Fortuny is copyright of Couture Allure and may not be copied without permission.
Images courtesy of Houston Museum of Fine Arts, New York Metropolitan Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum.
In 1899, Fortuny established his own studio in the 13th century Palazzo Orfei. He became well known for his textile designs and in 1906 was hired to design a stage curtain and ballet costumes for a production in Paris. He printed large silk veils with stencils inspired by ancient Cycladic art and draped these around each dancer. The stenciled patterns were built in layers, often shimmering with silver and gold.
Fortuny named the garment the Knossos veil, and it remains one of his best known works and continued to sell well into the 1930s to women all over the world.
Fortuny designed the Delphos dress in 1907 to wear with the Knossos veil. Each Delphos dress was constructed of 4 or 5 widths of pleated silk and finished with cords that laced at the neck and shoulders so the wearer could adjust the dress as she saw fit. The dress came with a narrow stenciled belt or braided silk cord. Fortuny ordered Murano glass beads, which were sewn along the sides and around the hem of the dresses to add weight so the dresses would cling to the body.
Each Delphos dress was twisted and coiled, then stored in a round white box tied with black ribbon. Fortuny made subtle variations of the Delphos gowns for more than 30 years. Each dress was completely made by hand and each was unique.
Fortuny also designed coats and wraps adapted from traditional kimonos, saris, and other ethnic clothing. Each article of clothing was made from Fortuny's custom made fabrics, which he printed and stenciled in his studio. And each garment was unique and one-of-a-kind.
Please note: Biographical information about Fortuny is copyright of Couture Allure and may not be copied without permission.Images courtesy of Houston Museum of Fine Arts, New York Metropolitan Museum, and the Phoenix Art Museum.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Sweet Summer Dresses - 1961
It's the end of January. About this time every year, I start to get tired of cold weather and wish for tropical breezes through open windows. You know, the type of weather that allows you to wear sweet little summer dresses like these from 1961. Take note of the adorable headbands accented with flowers and brooches and the wonderful bouffant hairdos.
I should mention here that the dollar values given are not what the dresses should sell for today on the vintage market. I am strictly comparing what each particular dress cost in 1961 to the amount that cost would equal today using an inflation calculator. In doing so, I am not assigning a value to a vintage dress you may have in your closet. There seems to have been some confusion about that. OK, disclaimer over!
Left: Orange and white gingham check edged in white braid by McArthur. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Right: Black polka dots on white with black velvet ribbon trim by R&K Originals. Sold in 1961 for $22.95 (about $165 in today's dollar).
Country Set separates feature embroidered Maypole dancers on yellow and white striped cotton chambray. Left: Skirt with attached petticoat worn with sleeveless blouse. Sold in 1961 for $20.00 (about $144 in today's dollar).
Right: Embroidered popover top with button back worn over fully lined "deck pants". Sold in 1961 for $15.00 (about $108 in today's dollar).
Sue Brett black and white plaid voile shirtwaist. Sold in 1961 for $17.98 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Juniorite orange broadcloth appliqued with oversize flowers. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Left: Pale blue voile decorated with white lace medallions by Betty Barclay. Sold in 1961 for $14.98 (about $107 in today's dollar).
Right: Orange and red diagonal stripes by Jeanne D'Arc. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
I should mention here that the dollar values given are not what the dresses should sell for today on the vintage market. I am strictly comparing what each particular dress cost in 1961 to the amount that cost would equal today using an inflation calculator. In doing so, I am not assigning a value to a vintage dress you may have in your closet. There seems to have been some confusion about that. OK, disclaimer over!
Left: Orange and white gingham check edged in white braid by McArthur. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).Right: Black polka dots on white with black velvet ribbon trim by R&K Originals. Sold in 1961 for $22.95 (about $165 in today's dollar).
Country Set separates feature embroidered Maypole dancers on yellow and white striped cotton chambray. Left: Skirt with attached petticoat worn with sleeveless blouse. Sold in 1961 for $20.00 (about $144 in today's dollar).Right: Embroidered popover top with button back worn over fully lined "deck pants". Sold in 1961 for $15.00 (about $108 in today's dollar).
Sue Brett black and white plaid voile shirtwaist. Sold in 1961 for $17.98 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Juniorite orange broadcloth appliqued with oversize flowers. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
Left: Pale blue voile decorated with white lace medallions by Betty Barclay. Sold in 1961 for $14.98 (about $107 in today's dollar).Right: Orange and red diagonal stripes by Jeanne D'Arc. Sold in 1961 for $17.95 (about $129 in today's dollar).
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