Monday, February 13, 2012

Claire McCardell, 1949

Claire McCardell was well known for her easy-to-wear sportswear designs.  In the spring of 1949, her designs were featured in this 2-page ad for fabric manufacturer Celanese.  Celanese had developed a new acetate/rayon sharkskin fabric that was knit rather than woven.  Sharkskin is normally associated with men's suits from the late 50s and early 60s.  It has a smooth finish with a subtle shiny finish.  This fabric would have been perfect for McCardell's esthetic, as it was comfortable and wrinkle resistant.

2 piece dress above with wonderful large pockets available in pink, white or blue.  Sold in 1949 for $40 (about $378 in today's dollar.)

More from the same collection, also available in pink, white, or blue. 
At left:  Bathing suit, also with large pockets and a deep decolletage.  Sold for $20 in 1949 (about $189 in today's dollar.)
At right:  The darling beach coat to wear over the swimsuit.  Sold for $20 in 1949 (about $189 in today's dollar.)

Sunday, February 12, 2012

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Dresses for Spring

New to the site this week are lots of pretty vintage dresses for spring!  There's lots of wonderful fresh color showing up and we just love it!  Be sure to check our What's New pages for all the latest listings. 

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Weekend Eye Candy - Marcel Rochas, 1934

We talked earlier this week about dots and stripes.  How about this masterpiece of tailoring by Marcel Rochas from Spring, 1934?  Stripes are not easy to work with, as you have to be concerned with matching them at seams and front openings.  Bias stripes?  Even more difficult.  This two piece ensemble is made of jersey stripe in two tones of gray.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Do You Wear Vintage Suits?


This photo caused quite a sensation over on my Facebook fan page earlier this week.  It seems everyone adores this suit by Jean Patou from Spring 1951.  It's beige silk shantung embroidered with little black bows and worn with a matching black silk skirt.

Don't get me wrong.  I love this suit too.  But sales of suits have dropped out of site from my Couture Allure website.  I have to wonder why that is.  Maybe it's just that the suits I currently have in stock are not desirable, but I don't think so.

Do you wear suits?  Or do you think as a society we have become too casual and our daily lives no longer require a suit as part of our wardrobe?  If you do wear suits, have you ever purchased a vintage suit?  I'd love your input on this, as I'm really puzzled. 


Thursday, February 09, 2012

A Blog Series Not to be Missed


You probably recognize my friend and colleague Maggie of the fabulous website Denisebrain.  What you may not know is that Maggie also writes an incredible blog of the same name.  Beginning in January, Maggie has been writing a fantastic series called "New Year's resolution: Wear vintage."  In this series, Maggie discusses getting started wearing vintage clothing with all the basic knowledge you need about understanding fit, quality, alterations, etc.  I urge you to read these posts and to follow Maggie's blog as she continues the series.  The posts are in reverse order, so scroll all the way to the bottom of the page for Stage 1.  I know you'll enjoy it!

Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Final Hours to Save 20% at Couture Allure!


Sale ends at midnight Eastern time tonight!  Take 20% off your entire order at Couture Allure!  We have loads of new vintage goodies coming to the site for spring and summer, but that means we need to make room on the racks.  Those of you who shop with us regularly know we rarely do sales like this.  Simply enter coupon code "spring" at checkout and your discount will be automatically applied.  Discount does not apply to shipping or to prior purchases.  Go!  Shop!

Meet Aimee!


Meet Aimee!  She purchased this 1950s bombshell dress by Lilli Diamond quite awhile ago at Couture Allure.  Aimee said she got many, many compliments when she wore it on New Year's Eve.  I can understand why, can't you?  Aimee, you look incredible!

Lilli Diamond dress sold at Couture Allure

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Dots or Stripes?

Dots or stripes.  Stripes or dots.  Which of these classic patterns would you rather wear?  Today's photos are from 1956.

Junior Sophisticates silk dress in peacock blue and green stripes.  Sold for $46 in 1956 (about $383 in today's dollar.)

Young Modes blue polka dotted silk dress.  Sold for $40 in 1956 (about $333 in today's dollar.)

Junior Circle polka dotted silk dress.  Sold for $35 in 1956 (about $291 in today's dollar.)

Pat Premo black and white striped playsuit with matching skirt in cotton.  Sold for $50 in 1956 (about $416 in today's dollar.)

Monday, February 06, 2012

Plaids and Checks for Spring, 1959

While plaids are often associated with dressing for fall, there are some that are perfect harbingers of spring.  Think houndstooth checks in black and white or pastel colors.  Think plaids in paler, more muted tones like tans, blues, aquas or pinks.  Think plaids and checks in small or micro scale.  Think lighter weight tropical wools or rayons.  Think plaids and checks for spring!  The looks today are from Spring 1959.

Jane Derby fashioned this suit of a houndstooth check in black, white and brown.  The bodice of the dress is beige wool jersey.  Love the fringed effect at the edges.  Huge leather bag for travel by Mark Cross.

Maurice Rentner beige and white check wool suit worn with a white crepe blouse.  This suit would have likely been designed by Bill Blass before his name was put on the label.

Pattulo-Jo Copeland red and white micro check wool suit is as perfect for travel as it is for the office or the Easter holidays.


Harry Frechtel wool and mohair tweed suit in a mix of coral and white.  Worn with a matching hat and scarf.  That's another travel bag by Mark Cross.

Houndstooth is the perfect choice for your spring coat.  This one by Jack Sarnoff is fashioned of gold and white wool.

Saturday, February 04, 2012

Weekend Eye Candy - Jean Patou, 1924

Jean Patou called this dress from 1924 "The Scheherazade,"  If you could see it in color you would know why.  Gold metallic lace is covered in turquoise and other multi-colored stones.  It probably weighed a ton, but who cares when you can look like this?

Friday, February 03, 2012

Prom Dress - 1948

College deb Joan wears a strapless floral gown to a formal dance with her sailor.  The dress by Barbara is fashioned of sheer rayon mousseline and has a wide taffeta waistband with a bow at the back.  Gown sold for $25 in 1948 (about $235 in today's dollar.)  See where the 70s got some of its ideas?

Thursday, February 02, 2012

James Galanos Dress - 1965

The work of Galanos is as close to true haute couture as you can get in a ready-to-wear garment. Each piece is hand finished with the finest of details and intricate construction.  This evening gown and matching coat ensemble from 1965 is made from sheer tiger stripe silk chiffon.  The coat closes at the back neck and waist (yes, the back!) with tiny cord ties.  Worn with great panache by model Donyale Luna.

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Jerry Parnis Dress - 1959

Jerry Parnis is the less well known sister of Mollie Parnis.  This party dress from 1959 is fashioned of sheer white silk organza wtih Schiffli embroidery.  The tiny spaghetti straps are almost not there.  So very pretty and feminine!  Sold in 1959 for $110 (about $856 in today's dollar.)

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Nelly Don Dress - 1961

The Nelly Don Company was known from the 1930s through the 70s for it's stylish, yet budget minded dresses.  This sheer cotton blend dress from 1961 came in misses and half sizes.  Made even more special with the addition of a bright pink hat, don't you think?  Sold in 1961 for $18.00 (about $136.00 in today's dollar.)

Monday, January 30, 2012

Harvey Berin Dress - 1955

Delicious, no?  This incredible dress was designed by Karen Stark for Harvey Berin.  The dress is pieced together from black lace and pin-tucked black silk chiffon.  It is lined in a light colored silk, probably pink or beige.  The work that went into this beauty is simply astounding!

Sunday, January 29, 2012

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Party Dresses and Hats

New at Couture Allure this week are some lovely vintage party dresses and more hats from Mrs. Plankenhorn!  Be sure to check our What's New page to see all the latest items!

1950s cream lace with pink lining dress, perfect for a wedding or prom!

1980s does 50s white taffeta party dress.

1950s silk roses dress.

1960s dress with floating drapes.

1960s pink roses hat.

1940s hat with elaborate silk ribbons.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Weekend Eye Candy - Pierre Cardin Diffusion, 1975

Two evening gowns from Pierre Cardin's Diffusion line for spring 1975.  Both gowns are made of brightly colored silks and, while vastly different, I love them both.  How about you?

Friday, January 27, 2012

Lanvin-Castillo Dress - 1961

Lanvin-Castillo makes evening sultry with many layers of sheer black silk marquisette.  The matching silk boa was a big feature in their line for Spring 1961.  This dress copied in America by Saks Fifth Avenue.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

June Arden Dresses - 1949

June Arden made budget dresses, but they sure don't look it, do they?  Both are made of rayon shantung, perfect for the warmer days of summer.  The dresses were available in misses and half sizes and sold for $9 in 1949 (about $86 in today's dollar.)

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Mary Black Dress - 1961

Designer Mary Black made this stunning silk chiffon dress exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman in 1961.  Drapes drop from the shoulders and are attached to the skirt front.  The dress was available in avocado green, beige and navy and came in sizes 10-20.  Sold in 1961 for $215 (about $1628 in today's dollar.)