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Shipping: Based on weight and destination; calculated at checkout.
Vintage Dresses, 1950s and Earlier
Designer & upscale special-
Condition: Excellent to near mint; I see no flaws in outer shell. There’s a small hole in the attached petticoat, which, of course, doesn't show. I would guess this has been worn just once or twice.
Size: About a modern 4 to 6. But go by the dimensions below! Remember to leave room
for your body! Bodice fit is somewhat flexible-
* Measurements
Bust: 35 1/2"
Waist: 27" (can be made smaller by moving hooks & eyes over)
Hip: 38" (plus more from ease in pleats)
Bodice length, from top of shoulder to waist: 17" (this is a fairly long dimension,
but remember that the dress has a slight blouson bodice, so the waist seam will sit
at your waist, and the extra fabric gives the bodice its blouse! If you're long-
Dress length, down center back: 47 1/2" down center back
Item Number: ALD-
Price: $195
Shipping: Free within U.S., discounted internationally; contact us prior to ordering.
† Larry Aldrich began making clothing in 1927 but his own name didn’t appear on labels until the 1940s. His clothing was stylish, with Paris fashions being adapted for a more conservative sensibility in the U.S. He was a collector of modern art, and in 1957 became very involved in art collecting. At that point he made Marie McCarthy his head designer. In 1972, Aldrich retired from the clothing business to concentrate on developing his art museum, the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art. He sold his business to Lew Prince, and the label became simply “Aldrich.”
Information courtesy, in part, of the Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resource
Here’s a very smart late 1940s/early 1950s dress by long-
Offers deep scooped neckline with shaped insets and bow, gathers at side/front both sides. Shown in photos with crinolines (not included) of differing fullness, but dress does not require that one be worn with it. The skirt has some natural fullness due to its cut and the crispness of the fabric. Dress still has its original belt!
Condition: Excellent, with a pin-
Size: Not labeled; about a modern “small” (4/6). The kimono-
* Measurements
Bust: 36″ (accounting for ease)
Waist: 27” (fitted & seamed at natural waistline)
Hip: Full
Bodice length: 14 1/2″ (shoulder to waist)
Shoulder to shoulder, across back: 16 1/4″
Dress length, from shoulder at sleeve seam down side: 44 1/2"
Item Number: KENT-
Price: $115 SOLD
Vintage 40s 50s Cay Artley Rayon Paisley Shirtwaist Dress, Lg, XL, Fabulous Condition
Post WW II (late 40s/early 50s) paisley shirtwaist dress is very versatile, in fabulous condition, in a terrific size!
† From maker Cay Artley, a moderately priced house that advertised its garments'
flattering fit and "superb tailoring." This dress includes these features, among
them pinked seams, extra reinforcing at stress points, neatly finished self-
Condition: Near mint, no flaws. Shows almost no wear other than on the label. Original belt is present, in wonderful condition. Hem has been let down about 3", easy to hem back up if needed.
* Size: About a modern large (12/14) to possibly a 16. But go by the dimensions below!
We suggest you compare to a dress you have of similar style or fit. Remember to leave
room for your body! Bodice fit is somewhat flexible-
Bust: 44"
Waist: 34"
Hip: 46" (plus more from ease in pleats)
Sleeve length: 20 1/2" from shoulder seam on outside
Shoulder to shoulder: 15 1/2"
Bodice length, from shoulder seam to waist: 16"
Dress length, down center back: 46" (about 43" at original length)
† Designer information in part courtesy of Vintage Fashion Guild's Label Resource.
Shipping: Based on weight and destination, calculated at checkout.
This 1950s' dress with bolero jacket is the quintessential go-
Condition: Near mint. Appears unworn, but I can't guarantee that. I see no signs of wear at all, but there is a bit of tarnish on the metal portion of the belt buckle, due to age and/or storage.
* Size: Tagged vintage 14 1/2; a pretty solid 10, I'd guess, or large 8. But go by the dimensions! We suggest you compare to a dress you have of similar style or fit.
Bust: 38" to 40"; (2 sets of darts gives this ease through the bust for a somewhat
flexible fit-
Waist: 31" (seamed and fitted, with belt to take up any extra room)
Hips: 40" minimum, pleats lying flat and skirt not flared out; there's quite a bit of extra room, though you don't want to totally lose the pleating through this area
Bodice Length: Approx. 15 1/4"
Dress Length: 41" down center back seam
Item Number: CL-
Price: $85
Shipping: Based on weight and destination, calculated at checkout.
One of the nicest LBDs we've ever had (photos simply can't do it justice). Ca. mid-
This dress is reminiscent of an Edith Head design that Grace Kelly wore in "Rear Window," with its pleats, collar bow, and deep neckline.
Item Number: ART-
Price: $80
This dress, ca. mid 50s, carries a rare label, “A Deeds Original.” It’s very difficult
to find pieces with this label or other information, but from what we can tell, this
line was carried at upscale stores. And the few dresses we’ve seen, including this
one, have been smart looking and of obvious high quality. Made of a mid-
A very versatile piece, this can be dressed up with formal jewelry, shoes, and a bag and worn to a party. Or, accessorize it more casually and wear it as a day dress.
Condition: Excellent. There are two light spots on the skirt, one of which hides in the pleats and the other of which isn’t noticeable unless you look for it. It has not been cleaned; I feel it doesn’t need it, and although my dry cleaners are good, I hesitate to let them have at a piece this nice. It is perfectly wearable as is!
Size: Extra small to small (about a 2 or 4). Shown unpinned on a size 2/4 mannequin whose measurements are about 33″ bust, 24″ waist, 34” hips, and fit her well. Please use the garment dimensions below and see our Sizing Tips. This fabric does not stretch.
Measurements
Bust: 34 1/2″
Natural waist: 25″ (closely fitted, unseamed)
Low waist at seam: 31″
Hip: Full, to about 40″
Bodice length: Approx. 14 1/2″ (shoulder to waist)
Dress length, down center back: 44 1/2"
Note: Accessories shown with dress not included.
Shipping: Based on weight and destination; calculated at checkout.
Item Number: DE-
Price: $130
What a fab 50s’ dress! Unworn, new-
Original hangtag states is a “Super Sea Spray,” which I believe refers to the washable fabric. No maker’s or Union label, but there is a paper order label.
* Size: Estimated small, approx. 4 to 6. Please use the dimensions below! We suggest you compare to a dress you have of similar style or fit, and check our Sizing Tips. You want this to look shapely, but this is not a stretch fabric, so please leave room for your body!
Bust: 36"
Waist: 26 1/2"
Hips: 36"
Dress Length: 45" down side seam from top of shoulder
Condition: New, deadstock with tags. Near mint. I found that one embroidery polka-
Item Number: SS-
Price: $170
Shipping: Free within U.S., discounted internationally; contact us prior to ordering.
Vintage 50s Designer Anne Fogarty Silk Full Skirted Cocktail, Dinner, Party Dress, Size XS
Stunning silk dress from Anne Fogarty† for Margot in an Asian-
* Size: Estimated extra-
Bust: Approx. 34/35″ (not precise due to the cut of the kimono sleeves, but is no larger than 35″)"
Waist: 24″ (Our mannequin has a 23¾″ waist, and this was too snug on her to zip up all the way–a waist cincher will help if you’re close to fitting into this!)
Hips: Free, full
Bodice: 16″
Dress Length: 42" down center back
Hem Sweep: 156" (13 feet!)
Condition: Excellent overall. Has been hemmed up; original seam allowance remains
so it can be let back down if desired. There was a pinhead-
† Anne Fogarty started her design career in the late 40s and was among a group of
very well-
* Designer information courtesy of Vintage Fashion Guild’s Label Resource
Item Number: AF-
Price: $225
Shipping: Free within U.S., discounted internationally; contact us prior to ordering.
* See our Sizing Tips for how we measure.
Late 50s'/early 60s' lace-
Ideal for dinner out, cocktails, party, wedding reception, etc.
* Size: Est. large (14) to a snug XL (16). Please use the dimensions below as well as your own measurements to determine fit! We suggest you compare to a dress you have of similar style or fit. You want a trim fit on this, but you must leave room for your body, as the fabric does not stretch.
Dress:
Bust: 42"
Waist: 34 1/2"
Hips: 42"
Length: 42" from shoulder
Item Number: WM-
Price: $89
Shipping: Based on weight and destination, calculated at checkout.
Jacket:
Bust 44"
Around hem: 39"
Shoulder to Shoulder: 17 1/4"
Sleeve Length: 15" from shoulder at seam
Length: 19 1/2" down center back
Condition: New with tags. Had been tried on, but I see no issues to report. Clean, ready to wear with a pressing.