This is a spectacular dress from the late 1930s or early 1940s. It has no label and it is just one of those things that you will only ever find in the vintage world. It is the type of dress that literally makes you happy and puts a smile on your face the moment you see it. The dress is made from a beautiful vintage cotton that has a slight textured feel to to it. This fabric choice keeps the dress light and easy to wear while still holding the lines and volume of the dress. A stunning striped red and white pattern covers the entire dress. This contrasting to colours combined with the stripes gives it an amazing impact when you see it. Added to that is the way that the skirt's volume has been created by triangle shaped panels that are set all the way around the dress. You can see the care that was put into dresses from this time period when you realize that every stripe matches with its neighbor whenever possible. The dress is strapless and the bodice is fitted with internal boning built in for structure and to hold the dress in place around you. The bust is shaped and the bodice is cut to curve around you and then it nips in at the waist. Did you see is all created with vertical seaming so there is no horizontal waist seam to break the pattern. You could easily add a belt or tie to really emphasize the waist too if you wished. The skirt is fantastic. I photoed it without anything underneath so you can see how it falls on its own and then for the majority of the shots I photoed it with a long crinoline underneath so you can get an idea of the volume and the way the pattern sets. If you were to lay it out on the floor this would be a full circle skirt if not more. The skirt is cut on a curve and is slightly longer then the sides so you get a beautiful line. It is a gorgeous dress and such a rarity to find such a spectacular sample from this time period anymore and in this condition. Excellent condition with a small note to review below

The dress is unlined and closes with a side set metal zipper. Built in boning through the bodice. There is some slight yellowing to some of the white areas on and around the hem. I photoed one of them so you can see. There's a tiny area of discoloration at the top of the edge of the bodice and minor yellowing here and there on the interior. Please see the final two photos here. With the amount of fabric in the dress you would never notice this once it's on. Given that the dress is almost 100 years old at this point I would easily still rate it as excellent condition. It is an amazing dress.

Bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam with up to about an B cup of added room at the front
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 54.5" from top of bodice to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent:XXS-XS

Item# DD4187

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is one of those fantastic things that you'll only find in the vintage world. It is a very unusual piece that has no label but has been immaculately made and is quite fabulous. The piece is completely made by hand using knotting and macramé techniques. The rope that is used has a subtle gold thread running through it which adds a gorgeous texture and just a touch of glimmer. This is mixed with silver metal beads that are used to anchor the knots at the neckline and waist and also add detail across the bodice. To wear it you just slip it on and then tie it at the neck and the waist at the back. The front is an intricate design that covers you like a fantastic and elaborate breast plate. More silver beads are used here to anchor the cross ropes and add detail and interest to the design. Under the waist the skirt falls in a long fringes. The fringes give it incredible movement when you move. It also has sleeves that are anchored to the neckline and then suspended across the shoulder by rope. Long fringes then fall from there to flow around your arm and past the hands and wrists. It is incredible. This is a piece that you would wear over something else and depending on how daring you want to be you could wear it with something absolutely minimal to look like you are completely bare underneath or layer it over a dress or pants. The possibilities to style this are endless limited only by your imagination. It's in immaculate condition and is one of the most unusual and fabulous pieces I have seen. I absolutely love it. Excellent condition

Slips on from the front and ties at the back of the neck and the back of the waist. It should fit a variety of sizes depending on how open you are OK with it at the back. The measurements below are where it is tied so each side perfectly meets but you could extend that as much as you want to give yourself more room as needed.

Sleeves: approx 43"
Front: each side covers approx 6" flat across
Waist: is 29" from end to end and then it can be extended with the ties
Hips: open
Length: approx 63" from top of shoulder to longest point of the fringes

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# E710

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This great little dress has no label and is just one of those fabulous little finds you get with vintage. It is made out of an early wool jersey fabric and has that wonderful shape that you saw in the later fifties and into the early 1960s. The neckline is cut into a V and the sleeves curve off of the shoulders and are cut straight and to the elbow. I love that there is no seam around the arm. The waist is brought in by shaping along the sides. The skirt skims over the hips and just gently widens out a touch as it nears the hem. The neckline and hem are both finishes with this elaborate curling ruffle made from the same fabric. It is a full 4.5" wide and it is really what gives the dress its wow factor. It is just the perfect little black dress and still feels very chic even now. Excellent condition

The areas with the ruffle are backed in a black silky rayon and the body of the dress is unlined. It closes with a back metal zipper. I see one tiny repair near the hip that you can see from the back.

Sleeves: 13.5" long and 12.25" around the widest spot
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D639

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This caftan dress is very pretty and easy to wear. It is made out of a deep turquoise toned blue chiffon that makes it light in weight. Around the neck is a bib design that carries down the front chest. This is made out of deep copper beads that are hand sewn into place. The neckline is slightly scooped and set wide across the shoulders. The beads follow the shape this creates and cascades over the edges of the shoulders. More beads edge where your arms slip through. Larger faceted beads are worked through the pattern. The body of the caftan is cut straight and loose running in a wide swath of fabric to the floor. There are openings along each side for your wrists to slip through. Inside the caftan has a inner jersey lining that has arms. There is a tie that sits inside with one end attached at each side of the inside front so that you can add some shape. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a blue inner dress that has shorter arms. The dress slips over the head to wear and has an inner tie belt attached inside at the front on each side. You can see the stitch line of where it is attached on the exterior. I see one small run the fabric under one of those. It gets lost ion the fabric since there is so much The open cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes and it would be easy to alter the inner lining if needed.

Inner sleeves: approx 12" and is 17.25" around the arm opening
Shoulders: no defined seam
Inner bust: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 60" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# E707

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a beautiful chiffon jumpsuit that has a cape like overlay made from the same chiffon fabric. Both layers are printed with a huge abstract design done in a mix of pinks, yellows & greens printed onto the chiffon . The same print is screened onto both the exterior layer and on the inner jumpsuit. This allows the two prints on each layer to be slightly offset as they float over each other giving the print an extra dimension of depth. Then to add even more glamour the neckline, the V side is finished with mirror finished flat embellishments. The jumpsuit is made from two attached layers. The inner jumpsuit is an easy to wear silhouette with a generous cut waist and super wide cut legs. The bottom hem is a full 32" around! The legs are made of a double layer of the same chiffon and then the attached overlay is what gives the bodice it's second layer. There are even pockets along each hip. Over this is a single layer of the chiffon that is attached around the neckline. This top overlay layer floats to the floor on the side with the V to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. On the other side with the higher collar it ends in a long point just below the hips. It is what gives the jumpsuit it's caftan feel. If you go by where the pockets are set then the V is what goes to the front but I think you can wear it either way and I did shoot it both ways for you to see. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

The legs are a double layer of the same chiffon and the attached cape acts as the second layer over the bodice. The overlay is unlined. It closes with a hidden set zipper. The beads look to be some type of plastic with a mirror finish. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. 

Inner bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from top of bodice to waist
Pants: 43" from the waist to hem
Inseam: 29.5"
Gusset: 18"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD4051

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This dress is incredible. I sold the twin of this last year and had this one still in my archives. I have seen one or two of these over the years and they have had the Valentina Inc label. This one has no label but it is clearly a well made piece and the same dress as ones I have seen previously. Plus it is just amazing regardless of its provenance and is definitely a dress that stands on its own merit. It is one of my favorite vintage dresses hands down. You just don't find things like this anymore

The base fabric is a black felted wool and this gives it a soft, artisanal feel. This has then been printed in a bright rainbow of colors that run down the dress in rows of various states of circles, from full ones to just a sliver of a curve. Each of these are then detailed with pink, blue or green sequins that are set in little clusters at the center of each little dollop of color. Around the waist is an elaborately sequin and beaded 'belt' that is not separate from the dress but rather is a part of the dress and has been detailed onto the fabric. The neckline curves up from the shoulder and the sleeves are long. Each sleeve is detailed with a row of 6 hand beaded circular pattern buttons that run down the cuffs. This same pink beaded button detailing is used all the way along the front vent of the skirt to keep it closed. The waist is defined by the detailing that you see but is actually cut fairly easy with just a suggestion of shape. The skirt falls from below that elaborate sequin belt and gently widens out a touch as it nears the floor. It is incredible and a personal favorite. It is truly a very special dress. You just don't see this level of elaborate work on pieces anymore. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back set painted metal zipper. All of the buttons are decorative only.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 41.5" from waist to hem and including the two inch detailing around the waist. There is 3.25" turned up under the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E684

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is the prettiest silk kimono whose interior side is done in as pretty a print as the exterior. Because of the way its finished properly on the inside you can easily flip it inside out and wear it the other way around. Which effectively gives you two kimonos in one. Even the belt has been made so that each side of it matches one side of the kimono. Both sides are covered with a dreamy and romantic print. On the one side it is a combination of deep bright blues with a huge over-sized floral print. Then on the inside it is an ivory colour with a pretty, more delicate floral print in soft corals. These vintage kimonos made for the western markets are perfect to use as  lingerie robes but they can also double as a dress when wrapped a tied, or an evening jackets when worn layered over other pieces. They are perfect for a honeymoon too. It is just lovely. I just love the romantic feel of the blossoms as they trail across the surface of the kimono. It is a wonderful piece that can work for many different options and it is just so pretty. Excellent condition with a small note below.

The kimono has two sides as described above. Comes with its original reversible tie belt. There are some very tiny marks on it but they are minor. Please see the shots after the label shot.

Width across including sleeves: 50"
Sleeve drop: 22.5"
Bust: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: One Size Fits All

Item# D638

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The Western world in the twenties to fifties had a special fascination with the far East and this highly influenced the fashion of that time period. In particular Japan and China began to export and sell pieces that they made specifically for the tourist market. These often combined classic design elements of their respective cultures with a slight Western twist to the cut and colours that were used. You will often will see the shorter jackets come up for sale but the longer cut coats like this one are a little harder to find. They are far more versatile in my opinion. These were the most prized both then and now. This one is stunning. I own the twin of this one and besides mine and this one I have rarely seen one in this colour before. It is made from a very fine soft dusty pink with a floral detailing that runs over the entire coat. These are embroidered and woven directly into the silk with a matte thread. The cuffs are top stitched for extra detail. At the neck that same top stitching detail runs along the collar and continues down the front and around the hem and then it also details those pretty curved pockets at the front. It closes down the front with silk frog buttons in a matching pink silk. It is lovely and light which makes it very easy to wear. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined in pink silk, it closes with frog knots at the front. There are some small faint marks on the front

Sleeves: 19" 
Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C601

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I love this dress. It's net fabric is completely covered with two sizes of sequins in two finishes with both done in a deep sea green. This makes the entire dress glimmer in the light from every angle. The use of the two sizes of sequins also gives it this incredible sense of texture. It is a really stunning detail that makes the whole dress come to life. The fabric of the dress does have weight to it but it feels balanced and comfortable when on. This makes it easy to wear despite it bold presence. The dress also has a larger cut to it which is nice to find with a vintage piece. The front is squared off around a curved and plunged sweetheart neckline. It is cut to follow your curves and then the waist is seamed to add shape. You could easily add a sash or belt to cinch the waist in even more. The skirt cascades to the floor and gently widens out as it nears the hem. There is some fullness in there and I love how it is set to fall so that you get this sense of soft rounded folds running down the length of the skirt all the way around you. The sleeves are incredible and a statement in their own right. Each is slit just below the shoulder and are open all the way down from there so you see your full arm. It is more accurate to call them a cape sleeve that a true sleeve really. They are made from the same sequin fabric as the body of the dress and then the edges are trimmed in a dyed to match feather edging. It is completely glamorous and dramatic. It is so unusual and very chic once on. This is the type of piece you will only ever find in vintage and I love it. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a deep green silky rayon. It closes with a back zipper and a hook at the top of the neck. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Sleeves: 43"
Shoulders: 17"
Bust: 20.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 46.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: LRG- XL

Item# E705

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This jumpsuit has no label and it one of those great little pieces that you will only ever find with vintage. It is made out of a light lurex that has a metallic deep copper thread woven through it. The fabric choice makes it extremely comfortable to wear and it drapes and falls incredibly on the body. It weighs ounces and when you put it on it feel like you are wearing almost nothing. It is all one easy piece and you just slip it on to wear. The front is made out of two long triangles of fabric that extend out to ties that you tie behind the neck. This is all that holds the halter in place and yet it is perfectly stable and stays on and in place. The panels of fabric come out from the waist and this creates a deep plunge right to the waist between them. The entire back and sides are left bare. The waist is elastic and it comes with its matching tie belt that you can use to cinch in the waist as much as you want. From there it skims over the hips to long pant legs. The pants are extraordinary. As they reach the bottom hem they are cinched back in with an elastic that runs through the seam at the bottom. This create a balloon / harem effect that is just fantastic. It is extraordinarily well done and very sexy yet so easy and comfortable to wear. A once in a life time find. Excellent condition. 

Unlined and slips on to wear. Ties at the neck and has elastic through the waist and cuffs. The fabric has some stretch and the measurements are the comfortable range laying flat. 

Bust: each triangle is 6" across at its widest point
Waist: 11-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 16-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: adjustable with the tie but approx 16" from neck to waist
Pants: 40" from waist to hem
Inseam: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS- a small hipped MED

Item# E704

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is one of those pieces that you can only find in vintage. It is so spectacular and it would certainly be the show piece of any vintage collection. It would make an amazing wedding piece for the bride looking for a non-traditional choice or as an alternative dress in a more extended wedding celebration and of course it would work for any red carpet event or gala.

This is an exquisite 1960s silk gauze dress whose exterior is covered with hand done sequin work.  It has no tags except the one that identifies the work as having been done in India where some the finest sequin work on the planet was being executed during this time period. The dress is made from two layers of the finest slightly textured silk gauze that float over an inner fine silk lining. Then onto the top layer of gauze is that incredible floral design that is completely made from an array of beautiful coloured sequins. You would rarely see this level of handwork on a piece today and if you did it would cost the moon. The work here borders on couture. Each flower is beautifully made from a dense application of sequins. Many of the parts of the design are set to give the flowers a slightly raised 3D effect. These cover the entire dress on both the front and back. The front bodice and all the way around the hem have the heaviest amount of hand work and sequins but even the sleeves are adorned with those beautiful flowers and sequins. The dress is cut to skim lightly over the bodice with a high scooped neckline. Each sleeve is a double layer of the silk and are cut to gracefully follow the curve of the arm. The waist is seamed and the layers of the skirt float over the inner silk lining, gently widening out as it nears the hem. The dress also comes with its original matching shawl made of a single layer of the silk gauze. It is also sequinned with flowers. It is quite large  and you could easily use it as a head piece, a veil, over the shoulders for a cape effect or tie it around the waist. This is a remarkable example of the fine hand work being done during this time period and is quite beautiful. This it is a definitely once in a life time find. It looks like it was never worn or worn very little. Excellent condition.

Fully lined in a matching silk and and closes with a back painted metal and nylon zipper. Each cuff has snaps to close. Hand finishes and all the sequin work is hand done. Hand rolled edges on the matching shawl. There may be the occasional sequin missing but it presents perfectly with no outstanding issues. Carefully stored.

Sleeves: 19"
Slightly inset shoulders: 14"
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 39.5" from waist to hem
Shawl: 84" x 32" 

Modern Sizing Equivalent:

Item# E703

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a lovely piece of lingerie. It is just incredible when you look at it from the view point of all the hand work that would have been done to make this piece. If you were to try to buy new lingerie at this same level of construction it would be at an insane price, if you could even find anyone to doing it never mid find this quality of silk anymore. The gown is made out of a peach pink silk that is very feminine in feel. It is completely cut on the bias and this makes the dress have incredible movement and drape over the body. It is like magic as it glides over you. The silk is fairly opaque so you could wear this out as a dress if you wished. The front plunges in a V and the back is slit down the middle. It has high set capped flutter sleeves that are just darling. The waist nips in slightly and the skirt flares out quite extensively under that. The bias cut lets it cling to the body but without being uncomfortable in any way. The sweetest little daisy print is one in a way that it has a hand painted feel and they completely cover the dress. It is in amazing condition and looks to have been worn very little if at all. It is also very ling which is a hard to find thing for pieces from this time period. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. The waist has no opening so you have to be able to get the waist past your shoulders to get it on. That said, it would be fairly easy to open a side seam and add snaps so that it is easier to get into. Hand finished throughout and a truly amazing example of the work done for lingerie during this time period. The fabric is cut on the bias so will come up a bit in length once on an actual body. The bias cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Bust: 15-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13-15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 48" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# E700

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is one of the most incredible dresses from this time period that I have had in the shop. The fabric is an early and original version of the moss crepes that you see so frequently during the 1970s with designers like Ossie Clark.  It is also special in that all of that sequin work that covers the entire dress are gelatine sequins which are a rarity in themselves. In the 1920s when the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen tomb was opened, many garments where found inside the tomb that were embellished with tiny gold disks with a hole punched out of the middle. They were made from pure gold and sparked a craze for flapper dresses to all be covered in little metal discs. By the 1930s, manufacturers developed a process to create lightweight sequins using gelatin coloured with paint. That is what these are and while these sequins looked great they did have the unwanted side effect of potentially melting at temperatures with applied heat and dissolving in water. As a result the industry soon switched to acetate sequins and then eventually our modern day Mylar or plastics. It is extremely rare to find pieces with these earliest kinds of sequins and even rarer to find one in this extraordinary condition given the potential to melt if cared for improperly. 

The dress is even more gorgeous in person then how it photoed. This is one of the best pieces from this time period that I have seen in a very long time. It is now so rare and hard to find these in such amazing condition. It is also surprisingly long for a piece from this time period. The dress has been finished beautifully and it obviously is a high end piece. It was a hard dress to photo since it is meant to be on an actual body and my dress form is not doing it anywhere near the justice it deserves. The dress falls in a stepped V at the front with the sides of the front V extending out to become the wide straps that curve up and over each shoulder. The bodice is cut in that loose and easy way over the bust that pieces from this time period were done in. It gathers in at the front a touch and then falls over the waist for a bit of a column feel. The skirt falls to the floor under that in a smooth column that widens out gradually as you hear the floor. At the back it dips scandalously low to reveal a wide expanse of bare skin. It does up with a side zipper so that all of the lines stay long and smooth. It was then densely detailed with the most amazing pattern of flowers and vines that cover the entire dress except for the stark band across the middle that was left as just the black crepe. This anchors the design above and below and visually draws the eye in. The design is made up of hundreds of thousands of tiny hand set gold sequins and the vines that trail between them are done in the tiniest possible seed beads. They are so densely done that the pattern sits up and off of the crepe underneath for the most beautiful 3D feel. You can clearly see the hand work on the back and I cannot even imagine how many hours it would have taken to accomplish this type of meticulous and detailed work. The design completely covers the front and back of the bodice and runs all the way around the long skirt. The embellishments catch the light and add a fabulous glitter to the dress. It is truly incredible and if you are a fan of these pieces from the late twenties and into the thirties you know just how exceptional and rare it is. It is truly a once in a lifetime find. Excellent condition 

Unlined and closes with a side set metal zipper. Ribbon edged finished hem. It is in wonderful condition and appears to have been worn very little. For a garment almost 100 years old it is truly amazing. 

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from neck to the front hem, 60" to the back hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E698

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The first thing you think of when you see this dress in person is Ossie Clark. It literally looks like one of his designs but with the added detailing on the bodice. The fabric is an earlier, original version of the moss crepe that he adopted for so much of his work but otherwise it is almost mind boggling to look at this dress and not see Ossie. Especially in person as the dress has much more fabric in it then the photos convey. It is gorgeous in person. This is one of the best pieces from this time period that I have seen in a very long time and it is easy to see why Clark used these dresses as his start point to develop what would become his signature look. It is now so rare and hard to find these in such amazing condition too. It is also surprisingly long for a piece from this time period. The dress has been finished beautifully and it obviously is a high end piece. It was a hard dress to photo since it is entirely cut on the bias through the skirt and waist. It is meant to be on an actual body and my dress form is not doing it anywhere near the justice it deserves. The dress falls in a V at the front with the sides of the front V curving inwards. The bodice is cut in that loose and easy way over the bust that pieces from this time period were done in. The waist nips in and there are attached ties on either side of the waist that you can use to cinch it in or you can wear to more loose and easy. The skirt falls to the floor under that and is made from several yards of the black crepe. When you stand still it falls in a smooth column but when you move you see just how much volume is there. It does up with a side zipper so there is no line to break the eye at the back. It was then densely detailed with the most amazing pattern of flowers and vines that cover the entire front of the bodice. The design is made up of thousands of hand set sequins, beads and gold thread. They are so densely done that the pattern sits up and off of the silk underneath for the most beautiful 3D feel. The design follows the lines of the bodice covering the front, running up the top of the shoulder and down the charming cap sleeves. The embellishments catch the light and add a fabulous glitter to the dress. It is truly incredible and if you are a fan of these pieces from the late twenties ad into the thirties you know just how exceptional and rare it is. Excellent condition 

Unlined and closes with a side set metal zipper. Ribbon edged finished hem. Attached ties at each side of the waist. Light padding in each shoulder. It is in wonderful condition and appears to heave been worn very little. For a garment almost 100 years old it is truly amazing. The bias cut should allow it to fit on a range of sizes. 

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 61.5" from neck to the front hem, 63.5" to the back hem 

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E697

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is one of those lovely things you only find with vintage. It is an exceptional piece that is just fantastic. It is made from a heavier weight black wool and this is what gives it its structure. It is cut in the manner of a military great coat with a more fitted upper body and then it flares out wide through the lower half of the coat. Every line of this coat is fantastic. The collar is set to be oversized and sits across the front ending in two pointed ends. A double row of buttons run down the front. The sleeves are long and each ends with the most amazing wide cuffs. All of the edges of the cuffs are finished in the most elaborate combination of bead work and black silk cording. This sits off of the fabric for a 3D feels with the gloss of the beads against the black of the fabric making the most wonderful contrast. This same treatment edges the collar all the way around. If the beadwork on the cuffs and collar weren't enough each of the eight buttons at the front are also finished with the same beads that have been hand applied over the big dome buttons. It is just incredible to see in person. The seams to bring in the waist are all set on curves and the skirt under the waist flares out to be quite full and wide. It is truly one of the best vintage coats I have seen and a definite find. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with hidden snaps at the front. Shallow pockets hidden along the side seams. This is a medium to heavy weight coat and is beautifully made. 

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 48" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C591

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This dress is wonderful and the cut of it is the perfection that you expect to find from this time period. It is made from a red cotton pique fabric that has a wonderful texture running through it. Onto this is a stunning floral print that is done in soft pastels ranging from yellows, blue and greens. These are placed over the entire dress with the floral pattern more densely applied around the neck and near the hem of the skirt. The colours are still crisp and true and the dress looks like it has been worn very little if at all. The design of the dress itself is stunning. The bodice is cut to skim over the body and the neckline has no collar but is gathered in and around the neck for subtle detailing.  Each sleeve is capped and has volume built in with gathering along the top. The waist nips in with seaming and how it is gathered into and along the front zipper. You can cinch in the waist even more with the belt. The belt itself is fabulous. It is covered in matching fabric and then the slip buckle is done in an early plastic in a red colour to match the dress. Below the waist the skirt is cut in a long lean line and then flares out as it reached the hem in that perfect swing skirt cut. This emphasizes the feminine curves of the dress perfectly. I love the slanted and top stitched pockets on each hip. One of the best forties dresses I have had in. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with painted metal zipper at  the front. The belt has a slip buckle. Pockets on each hip. It looks to have been worn very little if at all 

Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 32" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D636

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a lovely dress and the kind of piece that you only ever find with vintage. It is from the late thirties, maybe early forties and it is in wonderful condition. The dress is made from a bias cut silky rayon and it is gorgeous. It is so hard to find dresses from this time period in great condition anymore and this one is lovely. The fabric is very light and since it is cut on the bias it will move and drape to curve around your body when you slip it on. It gives the dress some play in its measurements since it will expand out quite a bit. The fabric is a silky rayon that has a crisp bright flower print running over its surface. The print is so vivid and gorgeous that you can't help but feel happy looking at it. The dress slips on over the head and just falls into place. It is suspended from two straps made of the same fabric and the front dips into a scoop. The back is cut into a deep V so that you get a wonderful expanse of bare skin. The rest just skims over your body to the hem, following your curves. The bias cut will bring the length up a bit depending on how much it opens out. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition 

Inlined and bias cut. It slip over the head to wear. The measurements below are the confutable range of the dress. Being bias cut the length will come up a bit once on. 

Bust: 15-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-15.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19-21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 59" from shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# D634

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The Best and Company was founded in 1879 by Albert Best. The flagship store was in Manhattan and there were branches scattered up the East coast. Lots of the greta early Americal designers got their start there like Claire McCardell and Carolyn Schnurer. This dress has the label used during the 1930s and is an incredible example fo the pieces being made during this time period. It is also in amazing condition which is getting harder and harder to find as time continues to pass by. 

This is one of those absolutely beautiful silky rayon dresses that you can only find from the 1930s and forties. It is in pretty fantastic shape and is just gorgeous to see in person. The dress is made from a beautiful scarf weight silky rayon combined with a touch of netting. It has a classic forties cut through the top with a more loose fitting bodice and softly draped sleeves. The neck dips into a V at the front and there is a keyhole at the back just under the button neck. It skims over the body and into the waist where the original slip buckle belt cinches it in for added shape. The skirt falls to below the knee and has a wonderful flare to its cut. It has lovely movement once on the body. It is very unusual in its construction. It is made of two layers. The inner layer is a printed floral silky rayon that has bright coral and pink flowers. Over this is a layer of a fine black silk netting that creates a shadow finish over the print for the most amazing noir effect. The fabric is cut on the bias and this gives the skirt beautiful movement once it is on the body. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes with a side painted metal zipper and buttons at the neck. The belt is original to the dress. 

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 17 " from neck to
Skirt: 29" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D633

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I have had a long version of this dress in a darker print in the past and I love this shorter version just as much. It is not 100% perfect but it is too fabulous to not let it go back out into the world. This is a spectacular wrap seventies cotton batik print dress that is a knock out. This is a dress that you will want to grab time after time. It is so easy to wear and yet at the same time has a touch of high glamor. The skirt falls from the waist in a dramatic swoop that gets wider as it nears the hem. It skims over the hips and the beautifully printed fabric is shown off to the max as it widens out. The bodice is just as spectacular  - each side of the bodice extends into a very long tie and then you can wrap these as you wish to create a more halter feel, a sexy strapless option, or really cinch in the waist. You can even fold it over and wear the dress as a skirt. I have shown a couple of options and I bet you could get creative and find more. You could even layer this over a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt for a completely different feel.  It is fabulous. Excellent overall condition with a note below

Unlined and the skirt closes with a painted metal zipper at the back. The top wraps and ties and you can tie it a several different ways. There is a touch of grubbiness to the cotton where it would normally sit under the arm and there is a tiny bit of colour run on the skirt. Please see the final two photos. Otherwise it is sound and fabulous

Bust: variable
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 12" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 24" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D632

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This set is not by any big designer name. It is simply one of those great pieces that you will only ever find in vintage. It is not 100% perfect but its flaws are not terrible and it is one of the sharpest looking sets I have seen. It looks fabulous worn as a set but with it being two pieces it still gives you the freedom to break them up and wear them individually with other pieces in your existing wardrobe. Both piece are made from a white textured brocade that has a silver thread design over its surface. The design is a series of linked circles and these run over the entire set top to bottom. The pants are flat fronted and have a sleek fitted leg that flares out slightly as they near the hem. The long sleeve tunic sits over the pants and it is cut to skim over the bust and waist. Once it is past the waist it flares out on a sharp angle that adds lots of drama to the feel of the set. The neckline is notched into a slit and then running down the front is an open cut out. This is backed in a nude netting so that you are not completely bare but from a distance it looks bare. Over that is an extensive design done in faux pearls, beading and rhinestones. I love how it gives the notion that you are totally bare underneath. I think that if you wanted to you could even have the nude backing removed and actually be bare down the front. Running up from the hem of the tunic is another notched and open slit that ends just ender that amazing beaded detailing. I love it and it is even better on. Presents as excellent condition but there are condition notes to review below

Both pieces are unlined. The tunic closes with a back painted metal zipper and the pants close with a front set zipper. Hand finishes. The bead work is hand done. I think at some point both pieces were lined and the set has a bit softer feel to it now then if it was still lined. The inner seams are finished but have loose threads showing along the edges and the binding edging is not tacked down. There is a very faint mark along one side and near the hem on the other. Very slight grubbiness here and there to the areas you would touch the most often. The zipper of the pants has come off its track - to closes but can have open spots. Please see the last two photos. Sold as is and priced accordingly 

Tunic
Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam with open sides
Length: 31" from neck to hem

Pants
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 40" from waist to hem
Inseam: 31"
Rise: 14.5"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D631

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I recently sold a coat that came from the same source as this dress and my client has now let me have this piece. It is obviously a match to the coat but we think it might have been ordered as its own piece and the owner would have then been able to mix and match the pieces. Like the coat this set has no designer label present but it is extremely well made and very beautiful. It is cut to be slightly more fitted through the bodice with two tiny silk straps curving up and over each shoulder. The waist nips in and then the skirt flares out in a beautiful curve. What makes this dress unusual is the apron like overlay that sits on the dress on both the back and front. There is an extra panel of fabric that extends out from the seam to the bodice and then becomes an overlay of fabric. These curve over the centre of both sides of the dress and then curve in to meet at the bottom sides of the hem. The underside of the  panel is lined in a brilliant vivid green. I love the little straps that hook into place at the waist and how these straps have been lined in that same green. And the little bows that anchor each of those straps at the back are heaven. When you move you get the tiniest flash of the green that is just magic. Over this is the most minimally cut cropped bolero that is made from the same blue silk satin as the dress. It is a wonderful piece of unlabeled vintage that is a high end piece and absolutely gorgeous. Excellent condition with a minor note below. 

Fully lined in a blue silk with bright green silk backing there areas you see and that are described above. It closes at the side with a metal zipper and the strap on that side snaps into place. The bolero has no closures and just slips on to wear. Hand finished and very well made. I see a tiny snag in the silk and two tiny areas were the silk has frayed a touch along the upper edge of the bodice. Please see the last two photos. 

Dress
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 42" from neck to hem

Bolero
21" wide flat across seam to seam  and 10" high

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D630

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is one of those great little pieces you will only find in vintage. It is so unusual. It is a loose cut jumpsuit and to keep it in place it only has ties and no other closures. To do this it has the most unique design to it that is actually quite clever. The legs are cut wide and easy and the front panel that makes up each side extends and continues up to form the waist and chest of the jumpsuit. It then continues upwards to extend back and over the shoulders so there is a full length caped back that falls behind you. You basically step into the pants and then slip your head through the neck hole at the top and then the back panel falls down your back like a cape. Underneath the cape at the back there are ties that extend out from either side of a very low V. Two more ties extend from other side of the back caped part and you then tie everything together to hold it in place. I have lifted the back to show you how I tied it for one of the shots but I think you could come up with a few different ways to tie it in a way that works best on you. You could even wrap and tie it around you more towards the front. The sleeves are equally as simple but genius. Each is completely open along the bottom but has two little snaps to close. You can wear them more open and caped or snap for more of a true sleeve in feel. It has that classic mix of a bright yellow with pops of tangerine and white that just screams the sixties. I love it. Great condition with a note below 

It is fully lined in a bright silky yellow rayon and ties into place as described above. The fabric near the base of the V at the back has been repaired quite a bit but is stable. I have left it as found. Please see the final photo. Everything else on it is in great shape. The fabric is a wash and wear synthetic. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 54" from top of bodice to waist
Inseam: 25" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D629

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The Western world in the twenties to fifties had a special fascination with the far East and this highly influenced the fashion of that time period. In particular, Japan and China began to export and sell pieces that they made specifically for the tourist market. These often combined classic design elements of their respective cultures with a slight Western twist to the cut and colours that were used. You will often will see the shorter jackets come up for sale but the longer cut coats like this one are a little harder to find. They are far more versatile in my opinion. These were the most prized both then and now. This one is stunning. It is made from a very fine red silk with a floral detailing that runs over the entire coat. These are embroidered and woven directly into the silk and then there is a secondary pattern woven through the silk in the same red but with a matte thread. The cuffs fold over at the wrist like a men's bathrobe and then they have been tightly top stitched for extra detail. At the neck that same top stitching detail runs along the collar and continues down the front. It closes with big silk frog buttons in a matching red silk. It is lovely and light which makes it very easy to wear. I have worn this myself in the past and it is a great and versatile piece. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined in red tissue silk, it closes with frog knots at the front. In person it is a more vibrant red with a slight cherry cast to it. There is a little grubbiness to the interior collar 

Sleeves: 14" 
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 53" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C574

Reference Photos: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture, by Erin Leydon.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a beautiful chiffon dress that has an overlay made from the same chiffon fabric. Both layers are printed with a huge abstract floral design done in a mix of a brown printed onto a white chiffon backdrop. The same print is screened onto both the exterior layer and on the inner dress. This allows the two prints on each layer to be slightly offset as they float over each other giving the print an extra dimension of depth. Then to add even more glamour the outer edge of the top overlay is finished with a dramatic feather trim. The dress is made from two attached layers. The inner dress is more a sheath silhouette and is made of a layer of the chiffon that is then lined on an opaque silky rayon so you cant see through it. The outer layer is just a single layer of the chiffon so that you can see a bit of the shape of the body underneath. The top layer is attached across the neckline. This top overlay layer floats to the floor over the inner dress to give it the feel of airiness and lightness. It is what gives the dress it caftan feel. The shoulders are left bare with tiny straps to hold them in place. The front edges of the top layer were then trimmed with elaborate and dramatically dyed, matching brown feathers. The feathers run around the opening for your hand to slip through and then run down the front edge and curve part way around the bottom hem at the font. It is gorgeous. Excellent condition

The inner dress is fully lined in a cream silky rayon. The overlay is unlined. The dress closes with a side zipper. The chiffon is a synthetic and I see no signs of excessive shedding of the feathers at all. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. 

Inner bust: to 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from the shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E695

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a very pretty little dress that is made out of multiple layers of a synthetic chiffon. This layered technique and that pretty print give it a soft and romantic feel while the cut stays super sexy. The print on the top layer is done on a pale pink backdrop. Huge pink flowers with splashes of green and taupe cover the entire dress. Under that is a layer of a deep pink and then there is a pinky nude for the final inner third layer of chiffon. It is almost weightless and yet constructed so that it drapes on the body perfectly. The layers of chiffon give it a very floating effect when you move. To wear it you simply wrap it around you and it hooks into place along the waist. The bodice is cut very bare and low. The skirt is gorgeous. It wraps over itself and cuts up at the front so that you see more leg. The bottom hem is cut with a handkerchief finish with some parts longer then others. It is a great little dress. Excellent condition

Made up of three layers of chiffon and wraps to close and then hooks into place. Elastic through the waist. You could move the hooks up or down a bit to get the perfect fit. 

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Elastic waist: 13-16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 42" from waist to longest points on the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# DD3659

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a gorgeous little dress in a deep rich jewel toned burgundy velvet. The velvet gives it depth and the colour changes a bit depending on the light you are in from a deep deep burgundy to a lighter more ruby feeling tone in brighter lights. The cut is simple but has a lot of impact. It is cut to plunge extremely deep at the front. Two elongated triangles curves up and over each breast. A crepe tie runs through each of those at their tops and the wraps around and through the panels of velvet at back and then tie they into place. The front is left completely open on each side and it plunges between the triangle at the front to below the waist. At the waist there is another crepe tie that runs through the seam to tie and adjust it. There is also a hook so that you can choose to close the plunge at the waist and leave a keyhole under that or just use the ties to let the plunge go all the way down. At the back there are two long panels that run from the waist to the neck leaving the back almost completely bare. The skirt falls to the floor from there with just a touch of widening to it as it nears the hem. It's fabulous. Excellent condition 

Fully lined in a burgundy silk. It slips on to wear and you adjust the neck and waist with the ties. There is some fraying to the tie at the neck. Please see the last photo provided. Its cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. 

Bust: variable - each triangle is 7.5" flat across at the widest part
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam and can be adjusted with the ties
Hips: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 45" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# E692

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a lovely dress whose fabric is phenonemal. It is by the Italian designer Franco Bertoli and you can clearly see its references to the great Italian designs who worked in similar velvets to this like Fortuny and Maria Monaci Gallenga. The dress has a simple cut. The bodice is more fitted and has a seam set under the bust. The lower part of the dress is set into that seam and widens out gradually to the hem. This leaves it loose and easy through the lower part of the body. Each sleeve is cut with a wide flare at the end and you can see how this adds a beautiful line to the dress. The sleeves add movement and drama to the dress and really give it that caftan feel. The fabric is just beautiful. It is a deep deep red and the velvet is soft and plush. Onto it there is a hand painted gold pattern that has those gorgeous large medallions running over the entire dress. You can see and feel the gold on the velvet and it really is just an amazing piece. This is the type of dress you will only ever find in vintage. Excellent condition 

The body of the dress is lined in a burgundy silk and the sleeves are unlined. It closes with a back zipper. There is a hand written numbered tag on the interior at the hem. Hand finishes throughout and hand fines inner seams

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Seam under the bust: 15" flat across from side seam to side seam
Natural waist - hips: open
Bodice: 10" from shoulder to seam under the bust
Skirt: 39" from seam under the bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E693

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a beautiful early 1930s dress that is the most striking jewel toned merlot coloured silk velvet. The colour is so dramatic and rich feeling. That, combined with the bias cut that it has and its lovely cut, make it one of the best thirties pieces I have seen in a while. It feel incredibly modern despite being almost 100 years old. The cut is stunning and everything you want from a dress from this era. The bodice is cut into a softly draped halter that curves over the breasts and plunges down at the front. Two velvet straps curve over each shoulder and run down to meet the low set seam at the back. This leave you bare across the back. The front plunges to the angled seam set under the bodice. The skirt is set into that seam and it is completely cut on the bias. There is actually several yards of fabric in the skirt but when you stand still it falls in one beautiful sleek column. It is only when you move that the amount of fabric that is actually there is revealed. It is well made and hand finished throughout. There is a B. Altman tag on the inter of the skirt. It is a beauty. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Unlined and closes with a side set metal zipper. I see one tiny repair on the interior of the bodice and there are some minor flattened marks on the back skirt. Please see the photo after the label shot. The bust has a lot of draped fabric so should work on a variety of cups

Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 62" from shoulder to hem but will come up a bit when on the body

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E694

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This would have originally been a lingerie piece and meant to be worn under another dress. But in our modern world you could easily wear this out as a super sexy dress. What makes it possible for the dress to be worn outside of your house is the lining that they used. It is a lingerie weight opaque nude stretch jersey that sits under the top layer of black machine lace. There are built in cups that have under-wiring and the front laces up from the waist to the curving centre of the bodice. On each side of the top there is a panel of stretch netting that has a touch of transparency to it. The skirt falls in a simple pencil like shape with just a touch of volume created by the way it is set into the top part. It is super easy to wear and finding vintage lingerie that you could potentially wear as a dress is hard to do so it is a great find. Overall great condition with a couple of small notes below.  

Fully lined in nude stretch jersey and the cups have under wiring as described above. It closes with a side zipper. I see a couple of small repairs on the netting that runs on either side of the bust and a small repair in the lace at the front that you see more from the interior then the exterior. A small repair to the interior lining (not photoed). Please see the last three photos. There is a little give on the waist and bust measurements due to the lace front 

Bust: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 43" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D627

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

The Western world in the twenties to fifties had a special fascination with the Far East and this highly influenced the fashion of that time period. Japan and China especially began to export and sell pieces made specifically for the tourist market that combined classic design elements of those respective cultures with a slight western twist to the cut and colors. You will often see the cropped jacket versions of these come up for sale but these longer pieces are a little harder to find and far more versatile. These were the most prized both then and now. This one is stunning and done in a high grade fine black silk with off white detailing to contrast the cuffs, collar, front and hem. Over this it is embroidered with absolutely brilliant colours. The pattern embroidered onto the silk with its combination of brights and pastel tones is exquisite. This one is a little extra special since it is an earlier piece and the embroidery work is done by hand. It is lovely and light which makes it so easy to wear. This one is not 100% perfect but still has lots of life left to it if you don't mind wearing vintage with a flaw or two. Presents as excellent condition at first glance but does have flaws as noted below.

Fully lined in black tissue silk, it closes with frog knots at the front. There is some shattering to the silk through parts of the ivory borders and an area around the bottom front knot that has shattered and torn. Slight grubbiness along the edges. The last two photos show examples of the areas described. It is in fabulous shape other then these areas. The loose cut should fit a range of sizes. This is sold in as found condition and as a final sale.

51" from the end of one sleeve to the other flat across
Bust: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 45" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-LRG

Item# C571

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This caftan is so striking and unusual. It has the feel of a mish mash of cultures and is one of those pieces that you will only find in vintage. It is made out of a red chiffon that has a small dot fused and embroidered into the fabric. Around the neck is a bib design made out of flat plastic beads that are hand sewn into place. The collar is high cut and set wide across the neck line. The beads follow the shape this creates and the white on the red pops. More white beads are scattered over the front of the caftan. Surrounding each bead is a detailing of little silver beads. These circle the white beads down the front and  create a complex pattern around the ones on the bibbed neckline. A large band of them run around each cuff. The body of the caftan is cut straight and loose, widening out gently as it nears the hem. The sleeves have a kimono drop before being brought in at the wrists. Each of the dropped panels is edged with faux pearls. Presents as excellent condition with minor notes below. 

Fully lined in a red silk through the body and the sleeves are unlined. It slips over the head to wear and each cuff hooks to close. The colour is a deeper red in person. I see a couple missing white beads at the back of the neck, minor wear to some of the plastic beads coating and a small spot on the back of one shoulder. There is a tear in the lining only that you see a bit through the top layer. The occasion missing bead or pearl. Please see the last four photos. The open cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes. 

Sleeves:25.5 "
Shoulders: 16"
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 23" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 57" from neck to hem
Sleeve drop: 31" from top of sleeve to longest point on the drop

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# E690

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is one of those absolutely beautiful silk dresses that you can only find from the 1940s. It is in pretty fantastic shape and is just gorgeous to see. The colors are crisp and bright and have lost none of their impact over the last 80 or so years. The dress is made from a beautiful scarf weight silk in a bright yellow and a deep blue that is so dark that it is almost a black. The print combines those fantastic dots that you see with a striped chevron. I have tried to show you in the photos how the stripes line up down the centre and back of the skirt. It has a classic forties cut with a more loose fitting bodice and softly draped capped sleeves. There is a tie at the neck that extends out from the soft collar. It skims over the body and into the waist where the print transitions into a slightly different layout. The skirt falls to below the knee and has a wonderful flare to its cut. It has lovely movement once on the body. The silk is cut on the bias so there is some give. Overall excellent condition with a note below

Unlined and closes with a side painted metal zipper and ties at the neck. There are slight markings under the arms and a small notch and scuffing to the fabric at the back of one arm. There is a tiny area on the skirt that the dye did not take but this was most likely original to the dress and a side effect of how the silk was printed then. A couple of teeny marks here and there. Please see the photos after the label shot

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17 " from neck to
Skirt: 33" from slightly dropped waist to the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D626

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This coat has no designer label present but is extremely well made and very beautiful. It is cut with soft rounded shoulders and the sleeves are set wide and stop just past the elbows. The body of the coat is cut to sit very full on the body and flares out as it nears the hem. The outside is a bright clear blue and the silk is of a very high quality. Running down the front are three large coiled and braided knots that are made from the same bright silk. These run down the front of the coat under the small neat collar and add beautiful detailing. Within the centre of the braided loops is a little silk splash of brilliant green and it is only when you open the coat that you see that the lining is made out of the same bright green silk. Making that little touch of green on the front a brilliant detail. Even the sleeves are lined in the green so when you lift your arm you get a tiny flash of the green. The coat snaps to close with hidden snaps under the front panel so that when it is on and closed you get a beautiful unbroken line. It is a wonderful piece of unlabeled vintage that is high end piece and gorgeous. Excellent condition. 

Fully lined in a bright green silk and closes at the front with hidden silk covered snaps. It appears to have been worn very little if at all. Hand finished and very well made

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist-hips:open
Length: 43" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# C557

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is a dress that was sent to me by my couture client and this one was one that she had custom made for her for to attend an event in 1998. It is made out of a fine silk satin that has a slight sheen to it that goes perfectly with its icy blue tone. The colour is wonderful and in real life has a touch more depth and vibrancy to it. The photos are very close but it is even better in person. The dress is strapless and made to hug the bodice. It is completely boned and shaped inside and then the interior work is finished with a panel of the same fabric so that it is very comfortable to wear. The waist nips in and then the skirts very full and is cut so that the back is longer then the front for a grand, slightly trained, ball gown effect. The way that it is made is extraordinary. The silk has been set in seamed horizontal rows. Two for the bodice and four for the skirt. Within each of the rows the silk has been meticulously folded into wide set angled pleated lines that create a fascinating effect that runs over the entire dress. The skirt has several layers of attached underskirts that give the dress the shape that you see. I did not add any additional crinolines under the dress. The volume is all built in and it is fantastic. There is a spray of bead work done in silver thread and rhinestones at the waist for the perfect pretty finish. This would make an amazing bridal piece for someone not wanting to wear traditional white or as an alternate dress for an extended wedding weekend event. Excellent condition with a minor note below

Fully lined through the nodule and has full boning all the way around. It closes with a back zipper and the inner waist star hooks to close. There are multiple layers of skirting built in. Two silk layers finished with a stiffened label around the hem and then a multi-layer of tule between those. Some grubbiness to the inner hem only that you can see in the last photo here. It does close properly at the back - it was just a touch small on my dress form 

Bust: 16" flat across from side seam to side seam with room to a B cup
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 44.5" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# DD3590

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This is an incredible caftan that makes a striking statement with its combination of a deep turquoise blue silk and the extensive hand done embroidery work adorning its surface. The detailing and embellishment that has been added to this caftan is wonderful. The silk fabric has a slight iridescent quality to it and it is slightly more turquoise in feel in person. I love the white thread embroidery that is set onto the silk in a curling pattern from top to bottom. Interspersed into this design are little pops of of turquoise knots and delicate highlights done with a fine gold cording. This combination all adds up to the glamorous and exotic feel that the piece has. Down the front there is a more dense version of the same design that follows the line of the neckline and curves around the neck. The dress is open through the body and then seamed down each side with a space for your arms to slip through at the top. It all adds up to a beautiful piece and you feel very glamorous once this is on. It looks to have been worn very little if at all. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips over the head to wear, It has hidden set snaps down the front neckline. The cut will fit pretty much any size. The dress in person has a slightly more turquoise feel to it. The embroidery work is all done by hand. It looks to have been worn very little if at all.

Shoulders: no set seam
Bust-hips: to 34" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# D625

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This dress that has a lot of impact and its feathered cuffs give it a shot of high glamour. It is made out of a black stretch jersey that has just a bit of give to it for maximum comfort when it is on. Each sleeve has a wide cuff made out of glossy black feathers. This simple addition to the cuffs is what  really ups the dramatic feel of the dress. The waist is defined by a high band inset of the same fabric. The front plunges to this band in a deep V. At the back there are two ties, one is set at the low back and the other ties just behind the neck. In between is a curved, round cut out that leaves the back completely bare. The sleeves are long and lean sand then end with that fabulous burst of feathers. The skirt falls to the floor from under the band at the bust, skims over the hips and then flares out as it nears the hem. Love the play of the bare skin of the bodice with the high drama of the feathers. Excellent condition

Unlined and closes at the low back with a metal & nylon zipper and snaps at each cuff. I see a teeny repair on each sleeve that you only see from the interior

Sleeves: 25"
Shoulders: 14"
Bust: 16-18" flat across from side seam to side seam, 13.5"-15" at the under-bust seam
Waist at second seam under the bust: 13-14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17-19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 110" from shoulder to first seam under the bust, 12" to the second
Skirt: 44" from second seam under the bust to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E668

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

I love this dress so much with its incredible volume and amazing use of fabric and color. It has no label but is well made. The color combination on it is so unusual. These are colors you might not see out together as often but the soft baby pink and that grass green work fantastically together. The dress is actually cut with a fairly simple line. The neckline is cut into a V at both the back and the front. It is suspended from two thin straps that curve over the shoulders and are made of the same satin ribbon fabric that edges the top edge of the neckline. From there the dress cascades to the floor in a loose and voluminous cut that is very easy to wear. It simple flows out in an ever widening silhouette to the ground. There are yards and yard of chiffon that make up the body and lower portion of the dress. The very inner layer is a pink stretch jersey and this is topped by the soft pink chiffon layer. Over this is that green layer and the green layer is cut so that it is split on each side and down the center of the front and back. This lets the pink show from underneath at the slightest movement. The bottom hem of both chiffon layers are finished with a wire that lets the hem curve and twist. This adds extra volume to the layers and creates a fantastically romantic and dramatic effect as the layers float over the inner lining. Amazing. Excellent condition with one small note below

Fully lined in pink stretch jersey and closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes. The inner layer of jersey has stretch so the dress has some flexibility. There are two area on the green that has light spots. With the amount of fabric in the dress they get lost in the folds when on. See the last two photos after the label shot

Bust: 15-17.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 59" from shoulder strap to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# E686

Reference Photo: Cherie, Owner of Shrimpton Couture.

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.

This dress is a little mystery as to its origins but is made to a very high quality so I would not be surprised to find out one day that it was a designer piece whose label has been lost. It is made of a black silk that has a touch of stiffening to it that really allows it to retain the fullness and shape that you see. It came with a separate stiffened silk organza underskirt and the outer skirt still sits well over this on it s on and the fabric itself is responsible for the fullness you see. There are many couture level details, like the knife pleats set on a curve around the side of the waist. It has been done beautifully and this helps to shape the dress as well as adding detailing.  The bodice is fitted with a shaped bust and pretty curved sweetheart neckline. The sleeves are a masterpiece and truly give the dress its couture feel. Each is poufed high and formed on a curve with pleats caught up at the seam and then expanding up and outwards to form that circular feel. Overall excellent condition with notes to review below

Fully lined through the bodice with a cream colored silk and closes with a back, hand set painted metal zipper. It has an attached silk tie at the waist and its original cream silk organza crinoline. The inner lining is starting to shatter in places. There is a small repair on the back of one arm and there two tiny holes in the skirt that gets lost in the folds. Please see the last two photos after the inner crinoline shot. The crinoline closes with hook & eye at the waist and is in fair condition. It is wearable but has some fraying at the raw edges everywhere and the waist has been taken in a not at some point. It would be easy to let out again.

Shoulders: no defined seams
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam with generous cups that would probably fit to a C
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16' from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 28" from waist to hem with 5.5" turned under

Crinoline
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 28"

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D389

This garment has been professionally cleaned, pressed and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival.