Black silk chiffon is gathered and hand draped over a crossed bodice that plunges in both the front and the back! A swath of silk sits at the waist to form a cummerbund, nip in the waist and really accentuate that bombshell shape. The skirt has built in layers of tulle and is fantastically full with lots of movement! It is styled with an additional light crinoline but does have fullness on its own so it really can be worn either way depending on how dressed you want to make it. Gorgeous and rich looking it is one of those great little black dresses you will end up wearing again and again. Excellent condition

This is one of the best black dresses I have ever come across. It is a silk jersey fabric that has been exquisitely gathered, hand draped and tacked, to form that fantastic soft pleat effect. The neckline has a twist detail and the silk cascades over and around each shoulder. The skirt is fabulously swingy, with lots of movement. There are actually miles of fabric over the interior silk lining in that skirt but it is so light it falls and drapes perfectly. A silk satin flat bow finishes. The dress is superbly made and the photographs do not come close to giving this dress its full due. Its one of those "take your breathe away" because it is just so well done. Excellent condition!

I love this little sequined top fifties halter dress! It is a great combination of luxe silk chiffon paired with a bit of glitz. The bodice is cut in a simple scooped halter with tiny, feminine straps. The entire bodice is covered with glossy black sequins so it glints and flashes in the light! The skirt of very full and I have put a light crinoline under it so you can see how full it will go (extra crinoline not included). Without the crinoline it falls straight with lots of swing. Its simple, classic and well made. Excellent condition!

Bust: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.75" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: free
Bodice length: 17" from shoulder seam to waist seam, including 4" band at waist
Skirt length: 27" from waist seam to hem

The dress is fully lined in a black silky rayon and closes with a back painted metal zipper. There are two sequin flowers along one side of the hem - I am sure these were added later but they are so cute I left them - a darling little touch! No sequin loss on the bodice.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E402

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 fifties silhouette in all the candy colors and soft pastels of the rainbow is going to be a very strong trend and there is nothing better then finding a fantastic little original! This gorgeous little dress is made of an opulent golden silk brocade with a pretty, feminine floral pattern woven into the fabric. This really gives the fabric depth and a bit of a soft sheen that catches the light nicely. The bodice has a simple and flattering scoop at the front and the back dips a bit lower. A subtle yet sexy touch. The skirt is full without being overwhelming and the dress has its own separate underskirt that you just step into and tie around the waist. This pads it out just a touch and allows it to keep that beautiful full shape. I love the waist detailing - it is placed to curve and really help with the illusion of a nipped in waist while keeping the body looking lean and long. Excellent condition!

Bust: to 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 17" from shoulder seam to waist seam
Skirt length:19" from waist seam to bottom hem

Fully lined in a dyed to match silk organza. It comes with a separate rayon and tulle underskirt that you slip on and tie at the waist - it was photoed with only this underskirt - no additional crinolines were used. The dress closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. The attached waist detail was tied and then stitched in place to stay tied on one side, and then it snaps and you tie the other. There are two faint rust spots on the fabric but both are under the waist band so you only see them when you are putting the dress on - once on and fastened they are hidden! There is a touch of darkening near the hem. It has a very deep hem (about 6") and appears to have been adjust a couple of times in its history. The underskirt has a small repair.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SM

Item# E403

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 forties dresses and this little beauty is amazing! It may even be late thirties and the color alone is just outstanding - this would have been hand dyed to get it to this color and for it to have survived all this time with no fading is amazing! The color was very hard to capture so I have included a swatch that matches the actual color pretty closely. A lot of well known designers were designing under the Youth Guild label and I wish we could tell who did this beauty! The design is amazing! The fabric is cut mostly on the bias and I love the way the top portion buttons. The waist nips in and there are attached ties to cinch it further. The skirt is full and swingy and there are huge top set pockets on each hip. The fabric is a cotton linen mix with the texture and look of a fine linen. All hand finished. Just amazing and in excellent condition

Bust: to 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 15.5" from shoulder seam to bottom waist seam including the 4" band
Skirt length: 25" from lower waist seam to bottom hem

Unlined and closes with a side painted metal zipper that looks to have been replaced sometime in the 1960s. There are a couple of small repairs - tiny - near the top of the zipper. The belt is attached. The buttons are original and have teeny chips on their edges.

Item# D377

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

How absolutely gorgeous is this dress? I love the richness of the purple tones mixed with the gold threading and bead work at the waist. It is made of a textured poly organza and the purple has a screened textured print into it - this layered over the interior crepe really create a nice, rich hippie chic, exotic feel. A gold thread paisley design in woven through the fabric with a secondary paisley print under that. I love the gold braid detail and the beading at the empire waistline. The neck has a little hook and eye so you can wear it closed or open. The skirt is full but not overly . It is a beautiful, dramatic piece and in excellent condition.

The skirt and top are unlined and the halter is backed in a red cotton. The skirt wraps and closes with hook & eye and a tie at the side. It would be easy to adjust and move the hooks for a perfect fit. The halter slips over the head and ties at the bottom back. The top buttons and has a little tie at the waist. It is hand finished and all pieces are labeled.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED (8-12)

Item# D378

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

Stunning, fine silky rayon printed 1940s dress is in museum quality and is a real beauty. The cut and design are all bombshell and pin up girl - it is fitted to skim your curves and has a fantastic huge grey scale lily print on the cheery red back drop. The cut is immaculate - a swingy A-line skirt has a loose fitting bodice that nips in at the waist. I love the way the shoulders are curved and no seams used to create the top of each sleeve. A bit of a slit on each cap sleeve adds a pretty detail. The neckline is gorgeous - little triangles cross and snap into place leaving a little keyhole. It is a tremendous example of the workmanship and extraordinary thought that went into swing dresses during that time period. A wonderful piece to wear now! Excellent condition

Shoulders: no defined seam
Bust: 18'' from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5'' from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 21'' from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 16'' from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 28'' from waist seam to bottom hem

The dress is unlined and closes with a side metal zipper and a snap at the top of the neck.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (6-8)

Item# D379</>

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 the color of this piece - its a rich deep pink with a print in deep copper and golds. The print is fantastic - it has a baroque feel to it that seems very relevant this season. It would have been custom designed for the piece - note how it falls perfectly to highly the high collar lightens to more pink as it moves to down the torso and then the skirt is heavily printed. The belt pinks up the depth of the design around the skirt and anchors the pieces nicely. The cut is left simple with cap sleeves, a nipped in waist and a skirt with just a hint of fullness. A really great and easy piece to wear. Excellent condition.

The Western world in the twenties had a great fascination with all things art deco and oriental and places like Japan began to export pieces made specifically for the tourist market. These pieces combined classic design elements of the Japanese culture with a slight western twist to the cut and colors. These embroidered jackets where amongst the most prized and this one is a stunning black silk one embroidered with absolutely brilliant colors. Solidly embroidered, the pattern and design are exquisite. Vibrant and beautiful birds flit over enormous colorful flowers. Excellent condition and extremely wearable!

Shoulder: 17" (slightly dropped)
Bust: 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: to 20" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 24" from mid back at the neck to bottom of the jacket hem
Sleeve length: 20" from dropped seam

Fully lined in a bright pink silk, it closes an embroidered off set large button and fabric loop. I suspect that the lining was a later addition but it is well done and of excellent quality so is left as found.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Approximate modern size equivalent: SML (6-8)

Item# S230

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

Sometimes that little black dress that you can pop on and it is the perfect marriage of ease, sophistication and yet still have that pow factor is a hard thing to find. This wonderful piece from the fifties just might be a contender. Off the body it seems pretty but inconsequential, but once on, it has a way of hugging the body that is infinitely flattering. A very simple cut - it is basically a chic sheath with a nipped in waist. The bodice has a flattering scoop neck and the back is also scooped a little lower. The skirt cut long and lean. The entire dress is completely covered in hand placed sequins in a glossy black. To this are 8 scalloped bands of seed bead fringing that give the dress movement and a bit if sass. I love the way it gleams in the light! Very old Hollywood and in excellent condition.

Fully lined in a silky black rayon, it closes with a back metal zipper.

Bust: 16" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 17.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 35" from waist to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E413

An adorable original day dress from the 1960s made of a bright cheerful screened cotton voile. I love the plaid effect but how it has been done in an unusual and brighter colored version. Pink and red checks are crossed with yellow striping. Onto this are bold diamonds of an olive green. The top portion is simple and sweet with a super collar. The skirt is full but lies quite flat due to the flat box pleating used. This gives it volume when you move but a sleek silhouette when you are at rest. It has it;s original belt too! Gorgeous and in excellent condition.

Mexican pin tuck and lace dresses are works of art in my opinion and this one is an amazing example of one! Every inch of the base fabric has been stitched into even perfect little pin tuck pleats to create that wonderful ribbed effect! Can you imagine the care, effort and time to do that to the fabric before you even start the construction of the garment? Bands of lace are worked into the design at the lower skirt and to define and highlight those amazing lantern sleeve. 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. It is a touch more of a lemon yellow - prettier in person! Excellent condition! Item# D388

This is a beautifully constructed and shockingly pretty late 1940s, early 1950s dress done in a brilliant and vivid pink color. The print is a washed bouquet of roses that blend romantically together over the vivid pink back drop. Bits of greenery add contrast and a pop of color. The skirt is backed with proper dressmakers paper so that the skirt has a bit of stiffening and holds its shape. I have styled it here over a light crinoline (not included) but it also stays full without one. The bodice is a stunner! The shoulders sit slightly off to create an almost portrait neckline and allow the collarbones to show. Clever pleating creates a front panel that curves down to the waist. This combined with the vertical seaming gives the illusion of leanness and height. Really stunning and in excellent condition

An amazing cotton floral print halter dress with a skin baring bodice and a wonderfully full skirt! These are so hard to find - girls literally hoard them and to find one in such brilliant colors and in excellent condition is a joy! It is made of a hand screened cotton with a brilliant purple floral print. The skirt is marvelously full for that classic fifties vixen look. A gathered band at the waist clips into place at the back and cinches the waistline. The bodice crosses with a matching fabric to the waist band halter that goes up and around the neck. This leaves the back fairly bare. Wonderful! Excellent condition!

The exterior of the dress is fashioned out of black silk netting that has a slightly raised brilliant blue felt applique fused to it. The fabric is very unusual and wonderful - you will be constantly touching it! The cut of this dress is gorgeous! It has a high neckline with a huge exaggerated and pointed collar. The top skims over the bust and nips in at the waist. The sleeves are really amazing - they are to the elbow and made to pouf. The skirt skims over the hips to a slight flare as it ends below the knees. A superb example of this time period and in excellent condition.

Shoulders: they are inset at 12" across from seam to seam. Your actual shoulder will lie under the pouf of the top of the sleeve
Bust: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 13.5" from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 30" from the waist to bottom hem

Unlined, it is styled here with a slip under it that is not included. It is completely sheer when worn. It closes down one side with snaps and hook & eye. There is a round button at the top of the back of the neck. There are some small stress areas at the seaming in the waist and upper hip area - it is priced accordingly. This is so unusual and unique this does not detract in my opinion.

Item# D393

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

A stunning silk kimono made of a silk that has a stylized flower and leaf design woven directly into it! The color is an amazing mix of blue and purple and the silk has a a slight silver metallic undertone to it. This causes it to change subtly in the light and gives it a bit of a iridescent quality - very pretty and unusual! The inside is lined in that perfect 1930s lingerie† blush peach colored silk peach! It snaps to close with hidden snaps so that it creates a low, square neckline. This enables you to completely close it so that you are able to wear it as a dress or fully closed light evening coat. You can leave it loose or belt it. It is in excellent condition and absolutely gorgeous! Item# C156

One of my clients is a long term kimono collector who occasionally edits their collection and I am the lucky girl who gets to have first pick! They have been collecting for years and years so the pieces are ones you rarely, if ever even get to see anymore! This is an early Japanese, made for the tourist market, crepe silk kimono. Hand screened with hauntingly beautiful floral motifs. Each design is also hand detailed with gold paint. The print is a stunning vibrant palette of muted ocean greens, pinks and deep corals. There are fantastic to wear at home, as a light evening topper or even as a dress if you add a silk slip under it and a sash! Excellent condition

Shoulders: 24" from seam to seam
Bust: 23" from side seam to side seam, and continuing to bottom hem
Total length: 55" shoulder to bottom hem
Sleeves: 12" from shoulder seam to longest point with a 22" drop

The kimono is fully lined with red cotton in the sleeves, a solid silk through the body and a cream cotton through the upper half. It has no closures It is in excellent shape overall with some minor areas that look like old water marks here and there. I do not feel like these distract. Please do remember these were worn and loved so have a natural patina and should not be expected to be perfect! It is after all almost 100 years old!

Modern Sizing Equivalent: One Size Fits All

Item# C161

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 fabric of this dress only just manages to take center stage over its superb lines! It is that perfect silky rayon you can only find from this time period and is as crisp and bright and vivid as the day it was made. The cut of this dress is as equally gorgeous with lots of extra details you want in a dress from this time period. It has a square neckline with a ties set at each side† The top skims over the bust and nips in at the waist. The skirt skims over the hips to a slight flare as it ends below the knees. The back of the skirt is really where it gets seriously fabulous - four tiers of fabric have been painstakingly gathered into the tiniest of ruching at the top of each panel. This gives the dress a superb sauciness and a bit f a thrill as you walk away! A superb example of this time period and in excellent condition. Item# D396

I am shocked that this has no label as it is a superbly constructed dress and has all the details and styling of a very high end piece. The fabric is sublime - a metallic coral pink is mixed with a silver and gold thread to form a floral inspired design that runs through the fabric. There is a hint of gold in the undertone of the fabric and the dress has a subtle glow - very beautiful. The bodice is fitted and the front hand folded & stitched into place to create the perfect flat pleat detailing. The waist nips in and the skirt is wonderfully full! It has a built in layer of tulle under the inner lining. No extra crinolines where used in the styling shown here. The back skirting is constructed so that a small panel of fabric snaps into place to hide the zipper so the the visual line of the skirt is not broken. Stunning! Excellent condition! Item# 2-E249

I doubt you will find another cheongsam inspired dress as spectacular as this one is. Cut on traditional lines while the fabric used is utterly non-traditional! This dress has been constructed from a very fine silk wool jersey that is lined in a equally sine silk crepe. The hue of the exterior is wonderful - a coral red that has depth and interest. The print is absolutely brilliant - huge swooping butterflies in black and cream swoop across the entire piece, all hand screened onto the fabric. A high collar and large black braided frog closures run down from the high neck and also sit atop each side slit of the skirt. Eye catching and a brilliant interpretation of a traditional garment. Excellent condition!

Shoulders: 14" from seam to seam
Bust: 17" from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" from side seam to side seam, un-stretched
Hips: 20" from side seam to side seam
Total length: 52" from shoulder to bottom hem
Sleeves: 22" from shoulder seam to longest point

The dress is fully lined in a dyed to match fine silk and closes with a back painted metal zipper as well as a metal hook and eye combo at the upper back neck.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML (4-6)

Item# 2-E248

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

Gorgeous little seventies silk dress by the Holt Renfrew label that has such a pretty and fresh look! It is made of two layers of silk - a solid interior that acts as a lining to that wonderful multiple colored exterior. This dress is all flutter and lightness - the skirt is long and lean and ends in pretty asymmetrical points The bodice softly drapes and each sleeve starts at the base of the waist. The cut of the sleeves is very unusual - each is open underneath and then cuffs at each wrist- so you get the effect of a full balloon sleeve combined with almost a capelet feel. The fabric has thin lines of gold threading running through it and adding an extra dimension to the floral pattern. I love how the skirt is done so the lines are vertical and the top horizontal. Gorgeous and it weighs ounces! Excellent condition!

Shoulders: no defined seam
Sleeves: approx 21" long
Bust: to 19" flat across the inside lining from side seam to side seam
Waist: stretches from 12-19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice length: approx 16" from shoulder to waist seam, meant to drape
Skirt length: 33" from waist seam to longest point of the bottom hem

Fully lined in a pale cafe au lait silk with the sleeves left unlined. The dress has an elastic waist and slip on to wear. A keyhole and button sit at the beck neck. The original sash in matching fabric is present and in excellent condition.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED (6-10)

Item# D397

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 rare textile - the body of the dress is made of a feather light silk paper that has been entirely covered in a stunning hand painted design done in a gold paint. What makes it even more special is that it come to you completely unworn - it still retains the cord that the store tag would have attached to inside the shrug! It is beautifully cut with a simple bodice, nipped in waist and a full skirt. Each shoulder and the banding at the waist are constructed from panels of satin in a complementary coral. Onto this satin are tiny flatted piped criss crossed thatching of the same paper silk. The charming little shrug gives the barest of coverage to the shoulders and upper back. It is lined in that same brightly hued satin - a wonderful nod to the attention paid to the details then. Extraordinary and a rare find to be in such pristine condition! Excellent condition!

Bust: 18" from side seam to side seam
Natural waist: 13.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to top of the waist band
Waist band: 1.75" wide
Skirt: 26" from bottom of the waist band to bottom hem

The shrug is 14" in length and 15" across at the bottom The dress is unlined and shrug is lined in the same silk satin that details the waist and shoulder straps. It closes with a side set painted zipper. The shrug has no closure. It was photoed with an additional crinoline that is not included. It still has its original twill cord inside the shrug that the store tag would have hung from. Hand finishes.

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# D398

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

A gorgeous little early fifties piece made of a black silk taffeta. The skirt is wonderfully fully and set into the waistline by a series of flat, precise knife pleats on either side of the front with the very center left unpleated and the back left unpleated as well. This allows for fullness of the skirt but a nice trim silhouette for the wearer. The bodice is constructed with as little seaming as possible and the sleeves left shorter and wide. The true beauty of this piece is of course that darling inset peppermint striped front with its charming Peter pan collar and bright pop of color against the black! Excellent condition

Bust: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice: 16" from shoulder to waist
Skirt: 31" from waist to to bottom hem
Sleeves: approx 14" from shoulder to hen

The dress is unlined and closes at the back with a painted metal zipper. It has been styled over a crinoline that is not included. It can be worn without one as well.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS (2-4)

Item# D399

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

An amazing and fabulous jumpsuit that has a sexy, easy way about it! I love the fabric - it is made of a lightly ribbed cotton feel brocade that has tiny circles self woven into the fabric from top to bottom. The fabric choice gives it a bit of extra structure allowing it to not only move well and wear well, but to hold that amazing, almost sculptural shape. This one piece jumpsuit has extremely wide pant legs, in fact until you move it appears to be a maxi dress! A nude silk chiffon is set in at the waist and acts as a sexy band that gives the illusion from afar of a crop top and wide pants. The bodice crosses and is sleeveless with a plunge front and back. I love the top placed pockets on the front of each leg - for some reason that is the detail that really makes this fabulous for me! Excellent condition!

Bust: to 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12.5" when measured flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: to 24" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 13" from the shoulder to top of the waist band
Waist band: 3.5" wide
Pant length: 37" from bottom of waist banding to bottom hem
Inseam: (dropped) 24"

Fully lined in a cream silky rayon and closes with a side zipper. The inside of the legs is perhaps a smidge lighter in color from less exposure but this is only apparent when it is flat and fully spread out. I am being pretty picky!

Modern Sizing Equivalent: XS-SML

Item# D401

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 1960s silk chiffon goddess dress is by a high end Toronto designer Ruth Dukas who did custom pieces for the jet set. One of her gowns currently resides as part of the permanent archives of the Royal Ontario Museum. This lovely dress is constructed of layers of bright pink silk chiffon that cascades in ties from the waist to hem. The waist is heavily beaded with a pink and silver floral design and the bodice is kept simple and sleeveless. It has an separate capelet like piece that has attached beaded cuffs that snap into place around the wrists so it forms a floating, light as air topper. The bead work is fantastic and the color is far brighter and truer in person - it is a true bright hot pink. Wonderfully finished - all meticulously by hand and just a joy of details! Excellent condition.

The dress is fully lined in a hot pink silk crepe. It closes with a side painted metal zipper and each cuff on the matching capelet/shrug closes with three hidden snaps. One shoulder opens and closes with hidden hook and eye. Hand finished. All the bead work is present. There is one smudge of a spot on the very bottom tier that does not detract.

Bust: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to top of the beaded waist band
Waist band: 3" wide
Skirt: 40" from the bottom of the beaded waist band to the bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML-MED

Item# E418

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

A stunning silk kimono with one of the best prints I have seen on a kimono! It is a bright and vibrant combination of corals, tangerines, reds and shots of greens, yellows and blues. Flowers and prints cover the entire piece and it is just absolutely lovely. The silk also has a diamond look texture worked into for a little extra visual interest. The colors are so flattering to a wide variety of skin tones! The inside is lined in a red tissue silk so it feels heavenly on! It snaps to close under the front edgings which will allow you to be able to wear it as a dress or a light evening coat, or you can leave it loose or belt it. It is in excellent condition and so pretty!

Shoulder: 23" from seam to seam
Bust: 21" from side seam to side seam and continuing to bottom hem
Total length: 49" from mid-neck to bottom hem
Sleeves: 26" drop & 12" from shoulder seam to hem

Item# C163

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 think the girl that grabs this dress is going to be so pleased. The photos really do not fully convey the beauty of the fabric or the richness of that thick band of beading at the collar. Both have an iridescent, quality that does not convey through a mere photo. The body of the dress is made of a iced pink silk, cut on a dramatic and flattering A-line. A silk flat bow sits at the base of the beaded plunge and tops the inverted triangle pleat that forms the front skirting. The neckline is of course the highlight of the dress. A full 4" has been hand beaded with glass silver toned beaded. Clustered tightly together to form one single swath of bead work that extends all the way around and behind the neck and down to the deep plunging front. These give the dress a good weight but because it is balanced perfectly around the neck it is still very comfortable to wear. Most likely a one of a kind custom piece. Excellent, looks to be unworn, condition

Bust: 20" 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: 36" from mid neck at the back to hem

Note that the color is a true soft pastel pink with no yellow or taupe undertone or change to the color - that is a lighting issue in the photos.

The dress is fully lined in a matching soft pink silk. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and all the inside hem is finished with pink ribbon piping. Hand finishes throughout with a hand set zipper.

Modern Sizing equivalent: LRG

Item# E419

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

A gorgeous 1960s swing coat in a spring ready wash of pastel flowers and greenery. The fabric has a gorgeous soft pastel floral pattern screened onto it with a secondary texture of florals worked directly into the fabric. This combination gives the coat an extra layer of texture and beauty. I love the rounded shoulder silhouette and the wide just past the elbow sleeves. The body of the coat is cut in an almost complete circle with an amazing 8 foot diameter bottom sweep! Huge matching fabric covered buttons anchor the front and pockets with a the same fabric detailing them sit at the front allowing you to slip your hands in. The colors are feminine and romantic and it is just wonderful. Excellent condition

Shoulders: no defined seams - will work on a 14-16" shoulder
Sleeves: approx 16"
Bust: to 25" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: open
Hips: open
Length: 36" from mid-neck at the back to bottom hem
The bottom sweep is a full 8' in diameter!

Fully lined in cream silky rayon and it closes with the fabric covered buttons down the front. The buttons show slight wear and scuffing but I am being pretty picky.

Modern Sizing equivalent: MED

Item# C164

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 am astounded that there is no label on this dress. If I had to guess I would say it was a piece by Geoffrey Beene - it has that same rounded hem shaped skirt and has that feel to it. It is definitely a high end piece so I suspect this is a super bargain! The dress is constructed from a cotton fabric that has a subtle quilting done to it. Over this is a charming screened cluttered apple print in a raspberry pink with black stems. The borders highlighting the edges are all done in a black cotton withe a crossed checked texture worked into the cloth. The bodice is simple with a scooped neck and high cut arm. The skirt is spectacular and extends from the waist in an exaggerated A-line and ends in those phenomenal rounded corners. Excellent condition.

Bust: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Bodice length: 16" from shoulder to top of the waist band
Skirt length: 38" from top of the waist band to the bottom of the hem

Fully lined in a black silky rayon. It closes with a back painted metal zipper. Hand finishes. Has it's original belt with is in excellent condition and closed with hook & grommets (pictured without the belt but the belt will be sent with the dress)

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# D403

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 the classic cut of this suit with it's box jacket and slim pencil skirt. And I could go on for days about the fabric! This was a custom made piece for a client that traveled to Bombay in the fifties and it is really one of the best example of silk from this period that I have seen! The skirt is a simple slightly A-line cut meant to skim over your curves and feel refined and classy. The jacket that classic fifties box cut and it has the most amazing buttons I have seen. I can only imagine the girl who had this made - how fabulous she must have been! Each button is an elaborate pointed dome, filigreed† and set with a polished turquoise stone! The print is a custom screened and a brilliant array of blues. It is simplicity mixed with extraordinary fabric. Excellent condition

This is an incredible gown that is completely covered in silver sequins, beading and rhinestones. The base of the dress is a cream cashmere knit over which ever square inch has been covered, by hand, with silver sequins, The overall effect is amazing. The knit allows it to move and be completely fluid so there is no restraint when you are wearing it. It follows every curve without being overtly tight ot garish. In addition to the heavy coverage of sequins, large, glass cut square rhinestones and silver beading make for an intricate detailing along the collar. A wider band that incorporates a floral designs circles and gives definition to the slightly empire waist. Structurally sound, there is the added detail of a waist stay that sits just under the bust to give support and to ensure the garment sits properly when worn The garment is very high quality and in excellent condition. It is the best sequin gown from this time period that I have had.

Bust: stretches between 17-19" from side seam to side seam
Waist: stretches between 16-18" from side seam to side seam
Hips: stretches between 18-20" from side seam to side seam
Bodice: 15" from shoulder to waist seam
Skirt: 38" from waist seam to bottom hem

The dress is unlined and closes with a back painted metal zipper. All the work is hand done on the cashmere knit base which you can clearly see on the reverse side. It has some stretch. A waist stay made of elastic sits inside just above the waist

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (6-8)

Item# 2-E258

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

Stunning hand beaded over silk gown in a wonderful combination of lemon and a deep, rich green. The skirt of this gown is made of that perfect silk satin - the type that is astonishingly soft to the touch. The color is deep and rich. It falls to the floor from the nipped in waist with just a touch of fullness. The bodice is sleek and simple and I love the contrasting shade of pale yellow the silk was dyed to. Over this it is entirely hand beaded in silver, gold and copper beads with little pops of yellow and green, around† the front and back and on each strap. A darling flat bow sits at the small of the back for the perfect finish. Refined and elegant it is a beauty! Excellent condition. Item# E420

Everything about this dress is fabulous! I was immediately drawn to that bright, vibrant color and fabulous silk satin fabric - all the other details are just icing on the cake! A custom piece it is made of a hand dyed brilliant lime hued green and the silk satin allows for a depth and richness of color that no other fabric can quite convey. Cut almost starkly it is a A-line sheath that falls to the floor form the shoulder. It is backed in Muslin to give it a little weight but not to feel cumbersome to the wearer - this allows it to hold the almost sculptural shape better. Down the front is an elaborately beaded 3 dimensional Peacock whose feathers are highlighted by sequin work. A huge ascot/multi ended bow sits at the neckline. Insanely fabulous, hand finished and wonderfully constructed. Excellent condition.

Shoulders: 14.5" across
Bust: 17" flat across from side seam to side seam
Waist: 18" flat across from side seam to side seam
Hips: 21" flat across from side seam to side seam
Length: 52" from the back of the neck to bottom hem

Fully lined in a pale green muslin it closes with a back painted zipper. Hand beaded and sequined. Hand finishes. One teeny, faint mark on the front that looks like it is from a pen - may come out with another cleaning.

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E421

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

Gorgeous early sixties maxi dress by the Royal Hawaiian company. The color is gorgeous - a bright, true blue with a custom print in white screened on to represent tropical flowers. The curve is all bombshell and vixen. Cut to follow an hourglass figure it skims over the bust, nips in at the waist and hugs the hips. A dramatic mermaid type hem flares out at the bottom and the sleeves have a similar ruffle detailing to mirror that finish. So bright and so fabulous! Excellent condition!

The dress is unlined and closes with a back metal zipper

Bust: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 14" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: 19" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Length: 55" from shoulder to bottom hem

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML (6-8)

Item# D405

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 amazing example of the work and craft that was being out into evening gowns in the fifties. This gown is a work of art and has the resulting richness and decadence to show for it. A rich, heavy silk satin in a thick cream color has been extensively detailed top to bottom. Silk cord is hand applied and embroidered to the gown. Onto that dense hand applied sequins are done in clusters to give little glints of light. Bead work adds another payer and then faux pink pearls are added here and there for the perfect finish. The neckline scoops and the back has a flattering V cut. The waist nips in and the skirt falls to the floor in a graceful arch of fabric. A paper lining backs to help hold the wonderful shape. The detailing is done top to bottom and it is a substantial piece that feels good and weighty when in the hand and yet sits comfortably when on. A rare and fabulous piece that would be suitable for the most formal occasions including a wedding! Excellent condition.

Bust: 18.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 12-12.5" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice length: 15.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt length: 40" from waist seam to the bottom of the hem

Fully lined in a cream colored silk grosgrain like fabric. The skirt is also backed in proper dressmakers paper. It closes with a back painted metal zipper and has a grosgrain waist stay that closes with a metal hook & eye. A touch richer cream color in person. Hand finished, hand set zipper. The original silk belt is attached and closes under the bow with hidden hook & eye and zippers. There is some minor scuffing along the hem and two faint dots on the from skirt near the hip, priced accordingly, these do not detract or mar this amazing gown

Modern Sizing equivalent: XS-SML

Item# E422

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

What a stunner! This is that holy grail type dress for my fifties and sixties vixens! Made by Emma An An exceptional 1950s sun dress in a lovely bright summer yellow. The fabric is very unusual - it seems to be an early synthetic - almost a nylon type fabric that has open cut work eyelets from top to bottom! The skirt is lovely and full with a built in tulle underskirt already in place to add a touch of fullness. The top is darling - I love the simple cut and the inset satin ribbon detailing with its little satin button. It is utterly gorgeous and in fabulous condition - like new! The color is slightly brighter - a truer lemon yellow than how it photoed. You also get a rich extra bit of texture due to that gorgeous eyelet fabric that is not properly conveyed in my photos either - if you love the pictures you will love it more in person! An exceptional vintage dress. Excellent condition. Item# D410

This is an amazing little dress with a micro mini length skirt and matching jacket. It is so rare to find these anymore - they where worn to death and this length was crazy popular but for a blip in time only before longer lengths prevailed once again. Because younger girls took to the micro mini craze many of the dresses were also less expensive and made of synthetics. This little beauty is bright silk and printed with a wildly mod print, The dress is sleeveless and just slightly nipped in at the waist and the skirt has a little side pleat detail with a flat bow that sits just atop it. The jacket is kept simple and sweet and is perfectly made and well constructed. It is gorgeous! Excellent condition and an iconic example of the sixties!

Beautiful pumpkin, taupe's and deep olives art feeling printed scarf weight silk dress is feather light and has that wonderful floating quality that the really well made silk chiffon gowns from this time period have. The type of silk chiffon used for this allows the color saturation to be amazing rich and true. I love the washed almost ombre effect that print has on the silk and the dimensional quality created with the solid silk under-layer. The bodice is kept simple with long sleeves that cuff at the wrist and with a flattering high neckline. The illusion of a band around the waist is actually part of the cleverly screened patter. The skirt cascades to the ground with yards of fabric in a pretty and airy way. Extremely pretty and extremely romantic while the color keeps it from being to saccharine. Excellent condition.

Shoulders: 14.5" across
Sleeves: 23" long
Bust: 17" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 15" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Hips: open
Bodice length: 16.5" from shoulder to waist
Skirt length: 39" from waist to hem

It presents slightly deeper in tone in real life - less of the yellow and more pumpkin and olives - the camera has brightened it. The truest color is what you can see of the fabric above the label shot.

Fully lined in a yellow-orange light silk through the skirt and soft gold colored silk through the bodice and sleeves. It closes with a back painted metal zipper.Each cuff has three buttons to close - one is missing on the left cuff. It appears someone let out the front seams for more room - it was well done and there is only the faintest of lines indicating the prior seams. Priced accordingly

Modern Sizing equivalent: SML

Item# E425

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 these striped dresses from the late 1930s, early 1940s. They were all the rage then and have fully stood the test of time, looking chic and fresh now. The colors, the care in lining up the stripes, the fabric - all perfection! This on is really unusual as it is a full length proper evening dress. The skirt is a wonderful and dramatic A line shape - it basically cascades out from the waist and the placement of the striped add to the shape. The bodice is cut halter style with gorgeous black faceted dome buttons, each with a rhinestone at the top. The collar is large and high and the waist nips in. I love how the striping all meets at an inverted angle along the seams. The fabric is a silk taffeta with ribbons of silky rayon worked directly into the fabric. The square cut, low back is just fabulous - it is the exact right touch to finish this wonderful piece. Killer forties gown and in excellent condition. Extremely pretty and extremely bright. Excellent condition. Item# E426

Beautiful, original swing silk printed dress screened with a bright and vivid† huge floral design screened onto both sides of the dress. The color is amazingly true and bright - a really stunning piece! It is very easy to wear - it just slips on over the head and falls into place. The fabric is stunning - a high quality silk† with lots of fine seaming and flat pleat detailing. The front has a gently scooped neckline and the skirt is cut fairly lean with a soft, flattering Aline. The silk is very high grade and the contrast with the pop of color is really stunning. It has a couple of small flaws so please read the full description below. Extremely pretty and bright. Item# D416

This is an amazing little dress in a gold hued cream brocade with a matching jacket. The classic late fifties cocktail suit, it is really two outfits in one. The dress is a pretty dramatically cut A-line skirted party dress. The skirt is cut on a wide angle and has horsehair though the hem and built in tulle to give it an almost sculptural quality. The bodice is kept simple and fitted with the prettiest matte satin double straps, that meet on the top of each shoulder. Over this is a classic little jacket that does up with hidden closures so the effect is very lady-like and polished. It has a wide matte satin ribbon detail that runs around the waist - so pretty! The sleeve are short and the neckline simple. It is gorgeous! Excellent condition. Item# E428

This is a fantastic and wearable sized nylon jersey maxi dress with a wonderful screened floral print in an array of blue shades! It is made of an easy to care for fabric and drapes and wears so well! Supermodel length there are miles of fabric in this dress. A simple bodice has a scooped neckline and long skinny sleeves. There is no definition at the waist, it just flows into the long skirt that flares out as it nears its hem. This makes it very flattering as it hides all sins. Very well made. A great dress that can go from beach to market to cocktails with a simple change of shoe! Excellent condition. Item# D419