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 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.

This is a wonderful dress from the fifties. It has the feel of the hand made dresses coming out of Mexico at the time and I wonder if it is not a more evening inspired piece by one of those artisans. The base fabric, which is a heavy cotton, almost canvas fabric is really the clue for this one. It is like a thicker, more substantial version of the cotton dresses and skirts coming out of Mexico for the tourist market in the fifties. It is such an unusual fabric choice and works so beautifully that it is also a rare example of someone using a very unusual fabric choice for an evening piece in an era where that was definitely not the norm.

The dress has been entirely made by hand. The skirt is cut to be very full and I have photoed it with a crinoline underneath so you can get a true sense of the volume that is there. You could even go fuller if you wished. I have also included a photo of the dress with no underskirt so that you can see how it falls without one (pic 8). If you chose to wear it without any crinoline you would still get a lot of volume and movement. Hand applied onto the skirt are large curving 'leaf' designs. Each of these have been shaped and made by hand out of a thick ivory cotton cording that has been hand stitched into place. Running down each of these leaves are three cords of a metallic gold for a touch of glimmer. These 3D appliques are placed to circle all the way around the skirt and they add a dramatic contrast to the black base. The waist is nipped and above that is a strapless bodice with shaped cups. That same hand place cording applique work swirls over the bust and the top edge of the sweetheart bodice is finished in more of the gold cording. This is an outstanding example of the work being done during this time period. Excellent condition with some minor notes to review below.

Unlined and closes with a back metal zipper. The interior bodice is boned and it has padded cups tacked into the bust. Removing them would give you more room in the cups if needed. It has its original matching fabric slide buckle belt. The belt buckle shows some wear. There is a very slight grubbiness to the cording on the bust and a darkening on the cord on one leaf. A tiny repair to the base of one seam at the back and some light marks on the cotton of the skirt that gets lost in the folds. Please see the last three photos after the shot of the inner cups on the bodice.  The hand work in the dress is easily seen from the back as shown. The crinoline used in the styling is not included

Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 10.5" from top of dress to waist
Skirt: 30" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E613

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 gorgeous. It is made out of a black silk that is heavy enough to really hold the shape and lines that you see and has a rich luxe feel to it. The skirt is wonderful and is cut to be very full. It falls to about the mid calf which was the length of this era. I have styled it over a crinoline so that you can see just how full it is and being a true circle skirt, it could go fuller still. I have also included a photo of the dress with no underskirt so that you can see how it falls without an extra crinoline added (photo 8). The waist nips in and it has a wide band that emphasizes the waist even more. The bodice on this one is amazing. The black silk has been formed into two cups that float over the inner bodice giving it a petal feel. Under that is a textured cream fabric that is hand adorned with a spray of rhinestone centered daisy appliques. The straps that you see can be worn as shown or you can tuck them in to make it a strapless dress. It does have an attached underskirt made of a stiffened muslin in the same ivory color as the appliqued bust area so when you move or sit you see a flash of that. It is very well made and a very pretty dress.  Excellent condition.

Fully lined in the same black silk as the exterior with a built in layer of stiffened cream muslin in the skirt acting as a light crinoline. It was photoed with a second crinoline that is not included. It closes with a side painted metal zipper. Hand finishes. Boning through the bodice and you could tuck the straps in and wear it strapless. Each flower is hand-applied and set with a rhinestone at its center.

Bust: 16.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 16" from top of straps to bottom waist seam, 10" without the straps
Skirt: 30" from waist seam to hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D434

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 have seen one or two of these over the years and feel like at one point I saw it with its original designer label way back, but I did not save the information. This one has no label but it is clearly a well made piece. Plus it is just amazing regardless of its provenance and is definitely a dress that stands on its own merit.

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 at the top of the front vent 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. Excellent condition

Fully lined in a black silk and closes with a back set painted metal zipper. The zipper sticks a teeny bit at times. All of the buttons are decorative only.

Sleeves: 21"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15.5" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 40" from waist to hem and including the two inch detailing around the waist. 2.5" 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 amazing little dress is flawed but it is too cute to not put out there and I know there I have clients out there who either don't mind vintage that is a little less then perfect or that are a whiz and can work some magic and have it re-cut. The dress is a pink printed crepe that is sleeveless and has a bullet bra cut at the front. You can see that my dress form does not quite give it the shape it can have. Each cup is seamed to a point and on a girl that fills them out properly that definite sixties shape will be far more apparent. It skims over the waist and hips and then the hem is detailed with a wide band of pink dyed feathers. It is is just too cute for words. Please read the full condition report below

Fully lined in cream silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper. There are marks under both arms and I have photoed each side for you to see. It is otherwise in great condition

Bust: to 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 11" from top of shoulder to waist
Skirt: 21" from waist to bottom of the feathers at the hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E683

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 such a sharp looking jacket. Its an inky black medium weight wool that has a wide ribbed texture running through it. It is cropped to just above the hip and the sleeves are long. The body of the jacket is cut in a squared off boxy shape and it closes at the front with a double row of gold toned and black buttons. The collar is the star of the show on this one and it is cut to sit big and bold. I love its notched design and the extra long points. It's perfect to pop over a dress, over pants, a skirt or even go casual in jeans. Excellent condition

Unlined and buttons at the front as seen. One tiny repair at the fold of the back collar that is not seen when worn.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 21.5" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# S917

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 things I have ever had. At first glance I thought that it must be from the 1940s but I actually think it is earlier that that, largely due to the fused/glued on sequins that are attached directly onto the fabric. You usually see this done slightly earlier in the timeline. Beyond dating, it is just incredible. The set consists of two pieces; a soft halter and a sarong style skirt. The halter is soft and wireless as fitting for the time period and it is backed in an ivory silky rayon. I photoed the back of it for you to see. It simply hooks into place and ties around the neck with nude coloured ribbon. It is cut fairly wide and has just a simple seam down the front. The sarong is equally as simple. It wraps around you and hooks into place under the attached ties that extend out from the skirt. It slightly overlays but is open all the way down under where it hooks. I photoed it at the side but you could also wear it with it hooked just under the belly button. The fabric is absolutely incredible and a really stunning example of textiles from this era. It is a soft coral tinged red that has an extensive print covering its surface that depicts Hawaiian life. I have photoed several of the vignettes for you to see. Worked into the design are words that include Aloha. Highlighting this are hundreds of little sequins in red, green and gold that are fused directly into the fabric. These catch the light and give the set an extra shot of glam. You could easily see some Hollywood starlet wearing this and it is truly incredible. Excellent condition 

The halter is backed in a silky rayon and hooks to close and the back and ties around the neck. The ribbons seem to be original. The skirt is unlined and hooks to close. The sequins show some patina from age but overall for its age I would rate it as excellent. A remarkable find

Halter
Bust: measures 31" flat end to end from where the hooks are currently set 
Height: each cup is 6" tall at its widest point

Skirt
Waist: 14" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 34" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D624

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 beautiful and unique piece that is not 100% perfect but could still be worn as is or have some restoration work done to to bring it back to its original condition.

It is an incredible, late twenties, early thirties dress that is made of a bright floral printed silk mixed with a nude silk chiffon and a black silk netting. The way the the silk is placed and the netting is used makes it incredibly sexy and yet demure at the same time. There is something very feminine about this dress. The upper bodice has a nude chiffon base which gives a feeling of wearing nothing underneath when you see it under the netting. Individual clusters of the flowers from the printed silk have been cut out of the fabric by hand and then hand applied onto the netting. This is scattered over the sleeves and shoulders and all across the back. A panel of the same silk runs down the front where the dress closes with a tightly spaced series of silk covered buttons. The waist is brought in and then the skirt skims over the hips and gently flares and swings out. The semi-transparent effect that the dress creates is stunning and was probably quite scandalous feeling in its day. The silk used for the skirt and appliqué is a beautiful quality and I love the bright colours. An incredible dress that feels very special. Sound enough to wear as is with the stated flaws but please review the notes below.

The dress is lined through the bodice with a nude silk chiffon and has a built in sleeves of the same fabric. The skirt is unlined. It closes down the front with the series of silk buttons and loops that you see. Hand work throughout. There are numerous breaks in the netting and a tear above one cuff to the netting. This type of netting can be repaired and you could just carefully close each break since it has no other flaws other then the ones on the netting. I took numerous photos of the worst areas. 

Sleeves: 24"
Slightly inset shoulders: 13"
Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 56" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D622

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 very beautiful and it is so rare to find such a fine example of the work that was being done in this time period. It really is one of the most phenomenal dresses I have ever had and the workmanship is exquisite.

It is constructed from yards and yards of pink woven silk that has an almost iridescent finish to it. There is also a gorgeous floral pattern woven through the silk that is just breathtaking. It is wonderful example of the high end fabrics that was being produced during this period. The dress has no identifying label but the care and meticulous construction tell me that it is definitely a high end piece. There are lots of couture level finishes on this one. The cut is pure Old Hollywood. The bodice is gathered all the way down the center front to the waist. Above that, it is flat pleated into a deep V and it then extends into wide straps that curve up and over the shoulders. The straps thin out as they run down the back. I love how at the back they are set on a slight inwards angle rather then just being set in a straight line down from the shoulder. The dress cinches in at the waist and this tops an expansive, full skirt that is made from yards and yards of the pink silk. The fabric gathers slightly down the front in soft curves, extending the line coming down the middle of the bodice, and the hips pouf out tremendously. The volume through the skirt is achieved both by the stiffened netted crinoline underskirt that comes with it and by the squaring off of the fabric across the top of the hips. I photoed one shot of the skirt with the draped part pulled outwards for you to see how this was done. On the interior corner of that squared off bit, there is a little weight that is encased in fabric. Once on, the squared off part of the skirt drops back inwards on itself and the weight inside is just enough to hold the shape of the skirt so that you get those wonderful side drapes, but the weights are not heavy enough to take away the volume. Incredible. Everything about this dress is beautiful. The interior is interlined with a black silk organza and there are hand done finishes throughout. This is a testament to gowns made in this time period. Excellent condition

Interlined in a black silk organza. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand work throughout. Weights in the interior of the skirt as described above. The netted crinoline underskirt is separate from the dress and will be shipped with the dress. It closes with hook & eye at the waist and it’s net fabric is stiffened slightly for shape. 

Dress
Bust: 15-17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: approx 17" from top of shoulder strap to waist
Skirt: 44" from waist to hem

Underskirt
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Length: 39" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E662

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 absolutely incredible caftan that is even better in person. The detailing and embellishment that has been added to this caftan is remarkable. It has a decent weight to it - the pink chiffon fabric is very light in weight but all that extensive detailing on the neck and down each sleeve done in all those fabulous rhinestones all add up in weight. However, once it is on and it settles into place, it is not unwieldy to wear at all. I love the vibrant, bright pink that has been used for the color. It is a rich luxurious color and it adds to the glamorous and exotic feel of the piece. The crystal rhinestones are heavily applied and set in an elaborate and regal bib down the front and around the wide cut neckline. They then extend down and over each shoulder and run down the sleeves and then circle around the opening that you slip your hands through. It makes for a beautiful effect and you feel very  glamorous once this is on. The caftan is not labelled but it a stand out piece regardless. It is truly unique and fabulous. Excellent condition with one small note below

The inner attached dress that serves as a lining is made from a pink cotton mix feeling fabric and is like a simple sheath dress with sleeves. It slips on to wear with a zipper at the back neck. Light padding on the inner shoulders. The pink is a more true pink in person.

The measurements for the inner dress are marked as such. If you needed more room it would be very easy to add fabric to open the inner dress more and you would never see the alteration once the caftan is on. For that reason I have sized it as OSFA. The inner piece completely lines the dress and is attached at the neck and shoulders. There are two ties attached to the top layer of the dress, inside the dress at the waist area. Slits at the end of the crystal embellishments for your hands to skip through. These tie around the inner dress to give more shape if you wish. There is a small watermark at the side of the back that gets lost in the yards of fabric and minor grubbiness near the hem. Otherwise looks unworn. Please see the last photo

Inner sleeves: 17"
Inner shoulders: 16.5"
Inner bust: to 20" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner waist: to 19" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner hips: to 24" flat across from side seam to side seam
Inner dress length: 54" from neck to hem
The outer dress is full and open with no side seams. It measures to 57" down the center neck to hem and the sides extend another 12" or so.

Modern Sizing Equivalent: OSFA

Item# E681

Reference Photos: 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 is one of the prettiest dresses I have seen in a while and I think that it might even work as a bridal piece for someone looking for something non-traditional. It just has the prettiest lines and the print is gorgeous. It has a fairly simple cut that really allows the floral print to shine. The bodice is cut in a simple halter style at the front with straps that curve up and around the shoulder and then drops at the back in a way that leaves the entire back bare. The front is plunged but not so low that you feel scandalous wearing it. The waist nips in and the dress has its original tie belt in a matching fabric to cinch the waist in as much as you wish. The skirt is very full through the hips and there is inner stiffening through the hip area to help retain the shape that you see. It curves down and inwards from there as it falls to the floor. This gives it such a pretty and romantic shape. The fabric is a light weight satin finish with a pink and green rose print. Some of the flowers have been hand painted over the underlying rose print and this gives them a slightly denser pop of color and a different texture. It is so pretty in person and just a really wonderful find. Excellent condition.

Unlined through the bodice and fully lined through the skirt with dressmakers paper through the hips to help hold the shape. Closes with a back panted metal zipper. Has a home seamstress feel to it and is well made. Original matching belt. It looks like the bottom was let down so that it is at its maximum skirt length and then it was hand tacked all the way around. I have left it as found.

Bust: approx 16" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 14" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 47" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E679

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

In the sixties and into the seventies, caftan fever was at an all time high and some of the best example are from this time period. This fabulous hand dyed bright orange cotton example combines a gorgeous and easy to wear cut with a fabulous mix of hand applied detailing. It is perfect to be worn day or evening. The sleeves are cut in a straight wide line and end a slight flare. The neckline is notched at the front and it is cut loose and easy through the body, It then falls in a gradually widening line as the hem reaches the floor. It is made of a beautiful cotton that has been hand dyed to the orange that you see. The label identifies it as having been made in Pakistan and it is finished in a gorgeous combination of little mirrored discs that are held in place by a hand done application of a natural cording. This creates a substantial pattern at the front of the caftan and around the back of the neck and also finished each cuff. A really fabulous and wearable caftan. Excellent condition with a note below.

Unlined and slips on to wear. 100% cotton. Note that there is a mark on the back of the elbow and natural variations in color to the hand dyed cotton. Please see the last two photos after the label shot. Tagged a Large and the easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: 19"
Shoulders: 16.5"
Bust: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 25" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# D618

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 elaborately sequin and bead covered dress is even better in person. The workmanship on it is outstanding with a dense, hand applied application of large black paillettes, smaller sequins, beads and curving ropes of seed bead work that give it even more of a 3D effect. The bead work covers every square inch of the fabric and each one has been meticulously placed by hand onto the black stretch knit base. Once that dress is actually on, it hugs and molds to the body. The dress has a very intentional simple cut to offset the extensive bead work. It is a chic sheath silhouette with a slightly nipped in waist, long skirt, a barely there suggestion of a cap sleeve and a V neck. The back is also finished with a V cut that is set so that it dips lower down the back then the front. The hand work done on the dress gives it a three dimensional quality as they are set raised up from the knit. Glossy black flowers are formed from the combination of the various beads used and thick ropes of twisted black seed beads loop and curve through the design from top to bottom. Everything has a high gloss finish and I love the way it gleams in the light. It is also a great wearable size and the knit base makes it feel fantastic once on and extremely comfortable to wear. Excellent condition.

The bead work and sequins are hand applied onto what feels like a cashmere mix knit base. It closes with a back metal zipper. The edges of the slit on the skirt are finished with a black silk panel of fabric but it is otherwise unlined. The knit gives it quite a bit of stretch and the measurements give below are the comfortable range lying flat. You may be able to get a bit more then that if needed.  It still has the high end department store Neusteters label but if it had another designer label at some point that is now a mystery.

Bust: 18-22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14-17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 18-22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 37" from waist to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED-LRG

Item# E416

Reference Photo: 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

These little 1970s jersey dresses are always a favorite. There are good ones and there are definitely bad ones, so when I find one that is really amazing like this one is, I snatch it up for the shop. This is probably a mid to late seventies dress that is made from a synthetic jersey that gives it really great movement and drape. This fabric also hold the color really well and I love the deep emerald green that it is finished in. It is made from a single layer of fabric that falls from the neckline and then gently widens out through the skirt as it nears the hem. There is an incredible amount of fabric through the body and skirt so it is very comfortable and easy to wear. It also moves very well when you move. The neckline is low because o that scooped keyhole front and the straps cross and wrap around the neck to leave the shoulders and upper back bare. It's the perfect piece that can easily go from the beach to day wear to night with a change of styling. Excellent condition

Unlined and slips on to wear. The fabric does have some stretch. It is very loose and easy so should fit a variety of sizes.

Waist-hips: open
Length: 63" top of straps to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-LRG

Item# E678

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

These lovely little hand embroidered cotton Mexican dresses are works of art in my opinion and this one is an amazing example. These were made by hand by local artisans for the tourist market. This one is one of the prettiest I have ever seen and I think I will be sad to see it go once it sells. The base fabric is a soft white cotton that has the same feel as a treasured and cotton tea towel that has been washed and cared for and softened over the years. The edges of the neckline, hem and sleeves are embroidered in a yellow yarn in a simple little pattern. Around the neckline and the hem are beautiful flowers that are all hand embroidered. The ones at the hem work their way up into the lower skirt and add such a lovely spray of color. Each sleeve is cut into a little pouf of a cap and here the yarn extends out to tassels that tie and bring them in. Another set of tassels hang down at the front. The body of the dress is loose and easy, gradually widening out as it nears the hem. Everything about this dress is beautiful and it’s rare to find one so long. Excellent condition with one note below

Unlined and closes with a metal zipper at the back and hook and eye above where the zipper ends. One tassel is missing on one sleeve. The easy cut should allow it to fit a range of sizes

Shoulders: no true seam
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 58" from top of shoulder to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# D517

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

These Mexican pin tuck and lace dresses are works of art in my opinion and this one is an amazing example of one. These were made by hand by local artisans for the tourist market. This one is exceptional beginning with the fabric itself. Every inch of the base fabric has been stitched into even perfect little pin tuck pleats to create that wonderful ribbed effect that you see. Bands of a crocheted lace are worked into the design at the lower skirt and to define and highlight those amazing bell sleeves. I have styled them so you can see them at their maximum dimensions but of course they sit a touch flatter as you move and wear the piece. The lace inset allow for the faintest glimpse of skin through where it sits. The front is cut so the buttons curve all the way to the neck but are meant to be left partially undone and open. Everything about this dress is beautiful. It even has its original tie sash to cinch in the waist as you wish. In person the yellow has a touch more of a lemon to it then how it photoed. Excellent condition

Unlined and buttons at the front to the waist as seen and there is a metal zipper set st the waist to close below the buttons. Has its original sash. The sash has a small area of a red smudge on it that you won't see if you just place that side of the sash inwards. The easy cut and sash tie waist should allow it to fit a range of sizes.

Sleeves: 22"
Shoulders: 14.5"
Bust: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 22" flat across from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16" from top of bodice to waist
Skirt: 37" from waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# D516

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 has a very Lanvin vibe to it but it no longer has any labels so its origins are a mystery. I love it regardless and it is one of those pieces that just make you feel happy when you see it. The top is a basic black jersey  with a simple cut V neck and slim sleeves. This top that fantastic skirt. The skirt is set higher up under the bust and there is a wide band of fabric to give the waist some definition. Under that the skirt widens out and the choice of a crepe for the fabric gives it some natural volume and hold. It combines a graphic print of a mustard yellow, stark black and then pops of a deep blue, orange and red. The simplicity of the top allows the skirt to really shine and take center stage. Excellent condition

The bodice of the top is lined in a black silky rayon and the sleeves and skirt are unlined. It closes at the back with a metal and nylon zipper. It looks to have been worn very little if at all 

Sleeves: 24"
Shoulders: 15"
Bust: 17-18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15" from neck to bottom seam of the band at the waist and includes the 4" band
Skirt: 38.5" from bottom seam at the waist to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: SML-MED

Item# D615

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 vintage Suzani coat that is in very good condition. The condition makes it very hard to place a date on it but I would think based on the needlework and fabrics that it is some time in the last 30-40 years. The term Suzani is from the Persian word that means needle. Suzanis were traditionally made by Central Asian brides as part of their dowry, and were presented to the groom on the wedding day. They are wonderful collectible pieces and this one is exceptionally pretty. The base fabric is a deep pink silk that has bright colorful embroidery covering its surface. It is all done by hand and you can easily see the hand work on the inside. The interior is finished in a tangerine cotton and I love that flash of color when it opens It simply slips on and ties at the front. It is a pretty piece of history and can be worn as a light  day or evening coat for a fresh pop of color. Silk fabric with cotton lining. Excellent condition

It slips on the wear and ties at the front as seen. The loose and easy cut should allow it to fit a variety of sizes. It appears to have been worn very little if at all.

43.5" flat across from the end of one sleeve to the other
Bust: approx 21" flat across from side seam to side seam opening to approx 22 when it reached the hem
Length: 36" from neck to hem

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-MED

Item# C537

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