50s style and elegance

I just love everything about this image taken in 1956. The clothes by various designers including one of my favourites, Mr Mort, are divine and the composition and styling are incredible. What and eye this photographer had.

Kathy's story

Recently I sold the vintage 50s black lace dress by Abe Schrader (above) to a lovely woman called Kathy from the US.
She then wrote to me telling me her story and added the photos of her taken in the first dress.
Here is what she wrote:

Dear Linda,

Thank you for such great service.

You've been fantastic.

I look forward to receiving the dress.

Believe it or not, I have this exact same dress that I bought twenty seven years ago at a vintage store when I was just eighteen years old.

I've included a couple of pictures of it, just for fun.

Boy, do I look young there (I guess because I was). (1984)

You know how it is, twenty seven years ago, but it seems like yesterday.

It's been my absolute favorite dress ever since the moment I first saw it and I've worried about what I'd do if anything ever happened to it.

Now , thanks to you, it's no worries.

Who would have thought I'd find it on the other side of the planet?

The internet is a wonderful thing.

Thank you so much. I greatly appreciate it.

Kathy

I just loved the story and beautiful photos so much I wanted to share it with you once Kathy agreed. The top photo is simply stunning ... so well composed and Kathy has such great composure and elegance. What is interesting also is it is timeless. It could have even been taken in the 50s. Isn't it amazing how a dress can have such an affect.

Just love this photo of Jean Patchett

Thank you Louise over at digsfrocksandbooks.blogspot.com for the great post on the 50s American model Jean Patchett. I just loved this photo so much I had to share it. The way the the photo has been cropped, the divine dress and the mood created when the model is not looking at the camera. Jean Patchett has such an intelligent expression on her face ... very pensive. Would love a blow-up of this one for the wall.

New arrival

I just love this cornflower blue linen vintage late 40s to early 50s dress I have just listed for sale on vintageclothing.com.au

I can see this one at the Spring Racing Carnival with just the right hat, probably in the same lovely shade of blue. Short white gloves would just finish it off. Hope someone thinks the same as I love the idea of these unique dresses from the past being resurrected for a new life.

Almost Melbourne Cup time

With the Melbourne Cup so near I thought I would share this beguiling photo I stumbled across by Frank Horvat taken at Longchamp racetrack in 1958. The model is wearing a stunning hat by Givenchy. Don't the men look elegant too.

Vintage lace beauty

Sorry, due to illness I haven't been blogging but hopefully am back on track now.

I wanted to share this divine vintage 50s salmon lace dress by Ferman O-Grady with you which I have just listed on my site vintageclothing.com.au
So, so elegant. Perfect for a Spring wedding or the upcoming racing carnival. These wonderful vintage dresses inspire me so much.

Lovely Louise over at digsfrocksandbooks.blogspot.com has a great giveaway of a wonderful book on Horrockses fashion. Better be quick as it goes off tomorrow.

Pretty in pink

I have just listed this gorgeous 2pce outfit on vintageclothing.com.au and had to share it with you. I get so excited when I see an original 1950s garment in such pristine condition. This little number looks just as it would back when it was first made. So pretty and versatile being a top and skirt. The skirt would look fabulous with a little white teeshirt also and I can just see the top worn over your favourite jeans. Love it. Made from a lovely cotton and the label is Kerrybrooke for the department store Sears Roebuck.

Latest arrival .... and just sold.

Gorgeous 1950s vintage, mocha-coloured, lace dress labelled Neiman Marcus. Just love the new-look styling made famous by Dior in the late 40s. This would make a stunning wedding dress. Please have a look at vintageclothing.com.au

UPDATE: I'm so delighted to have this held in reserve for a lovely young woman who is planning to wear it to her wedding soon.

Back to the 70s

Louis Vuitton (top) channels Jodie Foster from Taxi Driver (bottom 2 pics) in his Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Jodi's outfit wouldn't look at all out of place on the streets today. Especially love those red suede platforms.

Adrian's designs showcased in The Women, 1939

If you love the clothing from the late 30s to early 40s you'll love the original version of The Women by George Cukor made in 1939. It stars Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell and Joan Fontaine to mention a few. All are exquisitely dressed in Adrian creations. With an all-women cast the costumes are a feast to behold. The sets are are a treat too.

Marilyn's Subway dress sold for a whopping $4.6m

Marilyn Monroe and Tom Ewell in "The Seven Year Itch" (1955).(Credit: 20th Century Fox)

It really is incredible to think someone was prepared to pay $4.6 million dollars for a dress. I think it shows the huge influence clothes have. I just wonder also how long this silk dress will last. Being silk it's shelf life is limited unless it is stored and handled very carefully. I'm astounded. I bet Debbie Reynolds is also and very happy.

Kate's best yet

Just love the edginess and youthfulness of this divine one-off Alexander McQueen coat dress Kate (Duchess Catherine) chose to wear for the official celebration of the Queen's 85th birthday. Not sure who designed the hat yet.

Debbie Reynold's amazing vintage clothing collection goes to auction

The iconic ivory pleated dress by Travilla Marilyn Monroe wore in Seven Year Itch, 1955, is among the collection and has been estimated to go for between $1m to $2m can you believe. Would love to be at the auction.

"My lifetime dream has been to assemble and preserve the history of the Hollywood film industry. Hollywood has been an enormous part of my life as I know it has been for countless fans all over the world. This collection represents a lifetime of collecting Hollywood artifacts and this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood History for those who love the movies as much as I do. For the first time in nearly five decades, these iconic pieces will be made available to the public through a series of auctions presented by Profiles in History beginning in June 2011." - Debbie Reynolds

To see more of this extensive collection go to http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/
To read more about the auction go to Caroline Ashley's blog

Vintage dress from vintageclothing.com.au pips at the post

I was so excited to see lovely Tanya Lazarou (right) looking stunning in the vintage 50s dress she bought from me when she won Fashions on the Field at Queensland Oaks Day (centre photo). She was also first runner up at Myers Ladies Day, Sydney Carnival Rosehill Gardens (top and bottom photo). Congratulations Tanya and thank you for shopping with me.

Kate wows them in her Reiss dress

Getty Images

The dress Kate chose to wear when she met the Obamas at Buckingham Palace cost $267 and is by British fashion warehouse Reiss who are now madly hurrying to meet orders. I would have preferred another colour but maybe the idea is not to overshadow Michelle. Just goes to show though you don't need to spend a fortune to look good, although with such a slim figure she could wear anything.

Just arrived ... Gorgeous vintage 50s Peck & Peck red dress

Such a vintage classic. I always am so delighted when a vintage dress comes to me in such lovely unworn condition. For more details go to vintageclothing.com.au

Still obsessing about wedding dresses

After all the comparisons I just wanted to have another look at the amazing gown, designed by Helen Rose, Grace Kelly wore when she wed Prince Ranier in 1956 to see which one I prefer.
I can't help but being continually drawn to this dress. I just feel it has that something extra although if I could see more closely all the beautifully intricate embroidery done on Kate's dress by the Royal College of Needlework in London I might change my mind.

Kate goes classic for her wedding to William

Kate looking beautiful in her wedding gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. It has a very feminine 50s feel, reminiscent of the gown Grace Kelly wore which was designed by Helen Rose when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco.
I was hoping she would wear this style. It could ring the death knell for strapless gowns for a while which will be a welcome relief.