Mysterium Tremendum.

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Cartridge Pleating, Edwardian Dress, Gunne Sax, Victorian Dress

I am constantly buying vintage clothing to either study, sell, or wear. On one of my last buying trips, I found the below dress. It really intrigued me. Firstly, there are no labels which suggests that this dress was handmade. But than, I started to wonder…who made it? Why was it made? When was it made?

You see, this dress has cartridge pleating at the waist. If this dress was handmade, who took the time to do that? If you know anything about cartridge pleating, you know it can take a lot of time and patience to do.  The fabric seems to be a printed cotton voile and is lined with a lighter cotton muslin or voile.  The size and length suggests it was created for an adolescent girl. It is very very small.  I tried it on my display mannequin that has a 25.5″ waist and it was too small.  So I laid the dress flat and measured the waist.  This dress has a 24″ waist.   Also, the length is odd.  Not quite maxi yet not short.

Cartridge Pleated Waist Line

The old world detail of cartridge pleats, lace around the neck and pleating in the bodice seem to suggest this dress was created during another time such as the 19th century or is a 19th century reproduction.  Teenage dresses in the 19th century were a shorter length than adult dresses.  But then the designs of Gunne Sax came to mind.  Popular in the 70s and 80s, Gunne Sax maxi dresses were inspired by Victorian and Edwardian styles.

In any case, I wish I could fit it because I would wear this dress!!!

Find of the Week–1970s Givenchy Sweater

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fall, Givenchy, high end designer, luxury, sweater, sweaters, vintage, vintage sweater, vintage sweaters

Fashion week is here!  Most of us can only dream of being able to buy some of the ready-to-wear looks that will come down the runways.  However, you can still get your hands on high end designer clothing….GO VINTAGE!!!

This week’s find is a cute 1970s sweater from Givenchy.  It is simple and classic with a touch of pleated detail at the neck.  Throw this on with a pair of jeans and you will be warm and cute.

If you are interested in purchasing this piece, click HERE.

“My Dear, its getting chilly out…don’t forget your sweater!”

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vintage bed jacket

If you live in the East Coast, you may have noticed that the evenings are getting a bit chilly. Fall is fast approaching and that means its time to carry a sweater or light jacket if you are heading out into the evening.

Now while cardigans and sweaters make nice traditional options in covering up those shoulders, vintage bed jackets add a unique twist of warmth.

Originally, these waist length robes were made to cover a woman’s shoulders and arms while sitting up in bed. Often made from sheer and lacy fabrics with feminine details these jackets were used for seduction instead of warmth. During the 1930s, bed jackets reached a new level popularity when the movies glamorized these jackets showing starlets lounging gloriously about in their extravagant confections made with feathers and sequins.

 

Today’s woman can throw on a quilted or knit version for warmth or a silky sheer one with fancy details to dress up a simple dress or white tee and jeans.

Think you want to rock one this year, check out the Find of the Week or My Auctions page for “Not Mine, But A Good Find“–where you might just find what you are looking for!  Or, keep an eye out for pieces from the following designers who specialized in lingerie when you are out vintage/2nd hand shopping:

Odette Barsa, Stella Fagin, Nancy King

(Above–Vintage Odette Barsa)

Another option to consider this fall are vintage Mandarin jackets and coats.  These can also be worn to add a unique touch to your outfit.

 

Check out “Not Mine, But A Good Find” on My Auctions page to see offerings from vintage dealers on Ebay.

Find of the Week–1940s Quilted Double Breasted Bed Jacket

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bed jacket, double breasted jacket, outerwear, quilted jacket, vintage bed jacket

I found this beautiful bed jacket at TheArborVitae Etsy Shop.  Throw this over a pair of jeans and you are good to go!  Better yet, wear it to work over a sheath dress or skirt.  You really cannot go wrong with this and I guarantee it’ll be a mainstay in your closet.  Best part–it’s only $24!!!!

Find of the Week–Queen of the Nile Dress

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Find of the Week, Mad Men, trend, trends, Vintage Dress, vintage trend, vintage trends

Mad Men is being delayed until 2012, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer.  You can update your wardrobe with pieces from the era.

I found this “Queen of the Nile” 1950s dress at Adore Vintage for $198.  It is very classic and beautiful If you like it, scoop it up.  It’s vintage so there is only 1!