A Vintage Dress with a Secret Message

This dress was recently listed and it's a bit of a mystery to me. I love novelty dresses but this vintage early to mid 1980s dress has more of a message. Possibly political, certainly social. There are the words "Franks Rous", "T85" and "World" written on the skirt along with peoples faces and buildings. 

I get a retro communist propaganda vibe to this, and considering it was made by Hsu Mei, I could be on the right track with communist China. It's fun trying to figure this out! 

What does it say to you?

New Items Listed This Week!

We've been busy! New items now available. Have a great weekend everyone!

Marina Lemoyne Silk Couture Dress $75

Vintage Gent's Robe, Smoking Jacket $32

Vintage Red Velvet Slippers $32

Retro Black Ruched Strapless Dress $95

Retro Black and Gold Velvet Clutch Purse $24.50

New Items Now Available!

Some beautiful new dresses now available, including the color of the season, honeysuckle - happy spring everyone!

 

Vintage 60s Pink Honeysuckle Chiffon Pleated Gown

 Vintage Fred Perlberg Tulle Strapless Cocktail Gown

Vintage Cotton Gingham Dress

 Retro Silk Cha Cha Gown

Reproduction 1950s Chiffon Dress

Ebay Weekender

I wish this was a scratch and sniff blog. 

Can you smell the roses? ...and daisies, and hibiscus, and peonies...

Vintage 50s Floral Sundress

Vintage 60s Jackie O Dress

Mad Men Vintage Blue Wiggle Dress

Vintage 60s Yellow Sundress

Vintage Maxi Dress

Retro 80s Mini Dress

New Items Now Available

We've been busy here! For those that don't know, we are in the last stages of re-designing our website. Better vintage. Better shopping. 

Should be ready soon! In the meantime, have a look at some new pieces that are now available.

Vintage Champagne Satin 1950s Dress with Floral Appliqués

Retro Gunne Sax Black Satin Gown with Large Taffeta Bow

Vintage 50s Yellow Flocked Chiffon Dress with Matching Shawl

Vintage 60s Gold Lamé Gown

Vintage 60s Textured Cotton Scooter Dress

My New Favorite-Retro Ruching

This is my new favorite dress. We just got it in last week and I am in love with it!

A creamy, buttery satin gown with ruching from head to toe. One can not help but have the most amazing curves in this gown. Don't you think every woman should wear a mermaid style dress just once? What an hour-glass figure this will provide the wearer. Personally, I think this is a fantastic bridal gown - modern and sexy. What more could a bride to be want? A little bouquet and "I do"!

Now available $145.

DAILY DEAL!

DAILY DEAL!

Retro Yvy Barotzi, PARIS Couture Pink Gown

 Click here to order!

Retro pink couture gown by Yvy Barotzi, Paris. Made in France, this is an acetate fabric, similar to a soft taffeta. Textured on front and back with contrasting front wide hemline and attached geometric vertical sash. Side zipper, corseted bodice and fully lined. Side slit on left. In excellent condition with a small spot near the top of the sash - see photo. Never worn, still with original price tag attached of more than $400! So what a steal this is! From Boutique Escape in Paris, marked size 42EUR.

Length 41" (104cm)
Bust 34-36" (86.5-91.5cm)
Waist 28" (71cm)
Hips 38" (96.5cm)

All of our garments are cleaned and ready to wear.

Playing Vintage Fashion Designer

Being a lover of all things vintage connects perfectly with my recycling lifestyle. Sorting through my vintage clothing shipments, I often find garments I can not sell. There is a certain amount of cleaning and repair that is needed with all garments, but then there are those gems that transmit inspiration. Inspiration to alter them slightly or go beyond just a simple re-sewing of a button - these pieces need extra loving care. I name this my 'Creative Vintage' line of clothing. A garment that is updated or changed by sewing other vintage trims or fabrics; shortening or lenghtening...maininting a vintage style but with an urban edge to it. Playing fashion designer allows me to escape from the administrative side of my business and utilize the creative side of my brain! It is equal to a mini holiday!

Here are some new items now available!

1950s Robins Egg Blue Tulle Swing Dress Sz 34 $165

Creative Vintage Teal Silk Gown with Bows Sz 34 $345

1970s Crepe Halter Dress with Ruffled and Rhinestone Studded Trim, $135

Vintage Suede Dress, TANNERY ROW 1970s, $79.99

No Need for Sunglasses

This mini retro dress by Papell Boutique Evening is an intriguing design. The metal 'paillettes' are square in shape and each is divided by a tiny bead spacer. With a matte finish instead of the usual shine of a sequined dress, this is still a knockout evening dress. Walk into the party sparkling but no need for sunglasses from the other guests!

Now available $85.