Vintage ABCs, Part 3

G is for Galanos
 

 



H is for Hattie Carnegie



 



I is for Irene

Let's Talk 50s.

So let's talk. The 1950s have been in demand for quite some time amongst the vintage people. I saw it really get going in the late 70s and early 1980s, when longer fuller skirts came back in style, along with belted waists. Plus it was 30 years old then, ( my parents wore this!) and that's old enough for nostalgia, i.e. Grease.  And then there's James Dean. And Elvis. And rockabilly. And

1940s and 50s, and Meandering Thoughts Therein

 



I am hearing a rumor that people aren't buying 1950s vintage right now. Different periods of vintage clothing come in and out of fashion. But I have found there is almost always a market for any given period. There are niche buyers who want only 1920s, the steam punk people, the rockabillys, the Victorian collectors. I really believe the defining quality that makes a period piece sellable

Are Suits Getting Hot Again?

   



We have seen an uptake in vintage suit sales this year. I find this fascinating. I am a fan of suits, of course. Fine tailoring techniques make the stitcher/draper in me happy. And of course I am in favor of suit components worn as separates. Vintage suits are great for this. Far better than modern ones, as the parts can stand alone in a way most modern suit jackets and skirts just look

Sybil Connolly

 



Sybil Connolly



I so wish I could come up with something original about Sybil Connolly. We just got in one of her wonderful suits, and  the cut is impeccable. I now understand the glowing assessments of her work. I'd give lot to handle one of her pleated linen pieces. Much less wear one! Rather than rehash what is already out there on  Connolly's work. I recommend checking out these links

It Suits November

 

 

The weather has finally turned consistently cold enough for a fire in the wood stove, for wool jackets, for breaking out my wool 49er collection, for gloves and even my newly acquired 1950s grey eyelash wool fit n' flare dress coat. Good times! So to celebrate the change in seasons, let's look at our recent suits, jackets and coats. We are doing our best at Past Perfect Vintage to get

In Praise of 1940s and 50s Tailored Suits

 



  It baffles me just a bit that womenswear has walked away from the tailored suit for everyday wear. It's all part of the continuing move ( slide?) to more a more casual dressing. I understand that. But we may well lose something valuable in that change. Suits can be tailored or lady like, business or cocktail. Even summery. It a wonderful way of dressing. Accessories really play a role,

New on the Website This April

New to Past Perfect Vintage, and all to be found at The 40s & 50s: 



   1940s Rust and Cream Print Crepe Dress Set NY Creation 

This is a nicely sized rust and cream crepe blouse and skirt set  with a button and loop front and nifty appliqued bands with a zig zag edge.







L. 1950s New Look Black Silk Taffeta Ball Gown  R., Brilliantly Colored 1940s Print Faille At Home Dress  

Molly for Jack Sarnoff

 
Another now forgotten manufacturer that is somewhat new to us:
 Jack Sarnoff
This Seventh Ave. company received a great deal of press coverage across the country in the 50s and 60s.  Founded by Jacob Sarnoff c. 1949 - 1950, this was a family firm that manufactured expensive coats, dresses, and suits. Jacob Sarnoff, who left  I.J. Fox furriers to found his own business in 1946,was the president

A November Potpourri

We certainly added a lot of new inventory to both Past Perfect Vintage and Past Perfect, the Etsy Division this month. I already featured the Victorian through 1930s pieces here, so now it's time for a potpourri showing. Can we see a theme here? Let's try. 
 L., Grey 1950 Bernhard Altmann Cashmere Pullover, R. 1950s Striped Wool Suit by Irene
 L. Morris Moskowitz Purple Silk Evening Purse, R

Building a Vintage Wardrobe: Autumn Colors

These combinations I just put together this month and plan to wear as soon as the weather is cool enough - perhaps this weekend? The colors are perfect for autumn and winter, so I expect to get good use out of this group.
I love suits, because I love tailoring, but I don’t live a suit lifestyle. And modern suits in a price range I can swing look inexpensive and sadly aging, to tell the truth.

A Trio of Woolens

It may be Spring. There may be croci in bloom by my door . There may be jonquils down the hill. But by golly, there is a fire in the stove. And it still looks like winter. That is a wool coat on the hook. These are sweaters I am wearing. Yes - more than 1 sweater. So we are still in warm clothes mode despite all the Spring fashion news. And so it follows that we post a Trio of Woolens 1970s

And the Name Dropping Continues

More Name Dropping. Sorry - I can't help myself. This first piece - a classy grey wool knit dress and peplum jacket from Bonwit Teller. I am a big fan of the blouson jacket with belted waist and peplum. Where's the name? On the inside of the matching narrow belt: Adele Simpson. There are several 'well bred lady' rules I didn't mention yesterday - and one was some ladies actually removed designer