Vintage or Retro: 1950's Sun Dress

Isn't is amazing how REAL vintage is often better priced than the copies? This example compares a light blue denim 1950's sun dress with a super cute buttoned back against a new retro style copy in orange. As you look closely, notice that the vintage has many more details, like the great pockets. Both have eye catching full skirt panels in multi-color tones, both are sleeveless with scoop necklines.

When is comes to comfort, the orignal denim model is all cotton, while the copy has more polyester than cotton in the fabric. Both have back details, the 50's style actually buttons closed, so it can be made to fit just by moving a few buttons over. The new version has fake buttons and a side zipper.

What really boggles the mind is that the copy is nearly $100, but the original dress is less than $90. Kinda makes you stop and think, doesn't it!



Original Dress is for sale HERE in our PintuckStyle shop on Etsy.

Copy dress is available at ModCloth, which lists "vintage clothing" in the tag (shame on them!)

Preview: 1950's dresses

Here is a preview of a few "fresh vintage" dresses that will debut at the pop-up shop for Pintuck Style this coming Saturday, Nov.26.

More info on this sale: HERE. Drop by/ say hi!

Featuring a 1970's Dress, "Jerry Silverman" label

JERRY SILVERMAN by SAULINO

The designer label "Jerry Silverman" showcased wrap dresses during the 1970's that were trimmed with UltraSuede. This deep peacock blue matte jersey wrap dress has UltraSuede used in the yoke, at the hip, shoulders and collar. The drapey matte jersey is shown in a Halston-style bodice. This dress has a distinctive look that is higher in quality than most of the 1970 jerseys we see today.

Style details:
Ultra Suede
scluptured hip yoke with mock buckle
banded wrap front and collar
rounded shoulder yoke
rounded wrist cuffs with hook closure

matte jersey
gathers around the shoulder yoke
gathers around the hip yoke (skirt is nearly a half circle)
- dress is unlined, and is meant to have a draped bodice

About Jerry Silverman

It's interesting to note that Jerry Silverman began his career as a Harvard trained New York lawyer in 1933. He made a career switch to fashion in 1938, working for "Martini Designer" and becoming an owner before joining the military in WWII. After the war in 1946 he met his future business partner, Shannon Rodgers, a former Hollywood costume designer. Together they formed "Jerry Silverman" in 1959. Rodgers was the designer for this new venture of high end women's fashion. A dynamic team, they attended the couture shows in Paris to keep on up with current trends. Their dresses were popular with first ladies of the day, along with countless New York wives. The "Jerry Silverman" label was later bought by Warnaco, yet Silverman continued to be still involved. Silverman and Rodgers were active in promoting American design and supported fashion education, donating their huge historical fashion collection to Kent State.

Ultrasuede, early 1970’s

Probably the most important fashion textile development of the 1970’s was Ultrasuede, by Dr. Okamoto at Toray in 1970. This was the first mircrofiber, an ultra fine fiber that would continue in development as it produced softer fabrics. Ultrasuede was an expensive washable alternative to suede, and became popular in higher priced fashion during the decade of the 1970's. Designers such as Halston would make this a fashionable textile, using it in his shirt dresses and jackets.

Find more information on this designing duo HERE.

Find this lovely dress HERE.

Vintage Fashion: 1950's Shelf Bust

The shelf bust in vintage fashion is always a fun style to see. It is nearly daring, a bit outrageous, and always eye-catching. A recent blog post by Gertie on shelf bustlines presented a great gallery of styles that show a variety of versions. Many are draped, a few are pleated.

I remembered this dress from my California collection, and decided to share it with you. Maybe you will get some inspiration from seeing it up close and personal.

The dress itself is a heavy, crisp black faille, with the same fabric used for the bustline. Its late 1940's or early 1950's flange hip pockets help to balance out this imposing shelf bust and collar in white.

The label says it is "A Filmland Creation" by "Miss Hollywood". I"m guessing if you wear it, you will get discovered, or in the very least mistaken for Jane Russell or Marilyn's cousin, new in town and ready to be cast in a leading roll.

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