1920's Day Dress

From the seller:

This is a vintage 1920's or 30's ivory silk or silky (I think it is silk but not positive) wedding gown or dress being offered as is because of a lot of damage. It is a slip-over dress with a drop waist and a sash around it that ties at the left side. There is a bow at the neck. The ruffle or bottom part is made of pleats. The measurements are 14" flat across the shoulders, 19" flat under the arms, a 36" drop waist and is 42" long with a 190" hem circumference because of all the pleats. The sleeves are 23 1/2" long with a 6 1/2" opening that closes with a snap. Condition is as is with tears at the sleeves, one coming off, tiny holes at the top with one slit under the bow, and a repair on the back left shoulder as seen in the 8th photo. The photos should show most of the damage. Most of the damage is to the top and sleeves but I would say about the bottom 25" or so is very good, maybe a scattered tiny hole or so. I hate to through anything out if someone can do something with it so if nothing else it is some great material to repurpose or make doll clothing. Please look at the pictures carefully with the mouse for all the damage, note the measurements and ask questions. Thank you for viewing.

From Me:

I'm just facepalming over the idea of cutting it up to use for doll clothing. First, this is a pretty interesting 1920's piece - look at the way the skirt is designed on the bias. Second, if the fabric is tearing at the seams, it probably means it can be restored pretty nicely. It's when the fabric is just completely shattering everywhere that you have issues. Third, it is not a wedding gown! Just because something is white or ivory does not make it a wedding gown. One of my beach coverups must be a wedding gown by that logic! /facepalm

1930's Dress with Net Overlay

From the seller:

In very good preowned condition.

Bust 32-33, waist 26, hip free.


We take returns if not satisfied.


From Me:

1939 Fashion

1939 Fashion

1938 Fashion

This dress is from the 1938/1939 time frame. The ruching down the front is similar to the second from the left in the 1938 fashion plate.  The square neckline is similar to the red dress in the far right of the second 1939 catalog.  The overlay is most similar to the black dress in the first catalog page.  I love the look of netting over busy fabrics.  

Very Late Edwardian Summer Dress

From the seller:

Beautiful Antique c1900 Victorian~Edwardian Day Tea Dress. This lovely gem is made of a soft white cotton lawn adorned with very fine hand embroidery flowers and delicate broiderie anglais lace and bobbin lace trim and inserts, very fine hand done pintucks. The skirt features 2 layers of lace, the top/upper layer is hand embroidered broiderie anglaise lace and the bottom/lower layer features beautiful bobbin lace. The dress closes in the back with MOP buttons (there are 3 missing buttons). It is in excellent wearable~displayable condition. There is a very well done repair on the back that is not very noticeable. (as shown). I have not laundered this lovely gem. The photos just do not capture the true charm of this lovely gem. I will be happy to supply additional photos upon request.

Measurements roughly~
Bust- 13.5" (these measurements are side to side flat across)
Waist- 10" (these measurements are side to side flat across)
Shoulder to hem- 53"
Sleeve-13"


From Me:

Both the above fashion plates are from 1910.  The neckline of the extant gown is similar the pale peach (lady with the parasol up) dress but the embroidery is more like the white one and the sleeves are like the lavender dress.  :-)

Turn of the Century Pink Swiss Dot Outfit

From the seller:

DATING TO THE VICTORIAN TURN OF THE CENTURY

FASHIONED OF A SHEER INDIA MUSLIN IN BRIGHT PINK WITH A SMALL PRINT PATTERN AND EMBROIDERED DOT DETAIL

THE BODICE IS HEAVILY RUCHED ON TOP IN BOTH FRONT AND REAR

EMBROIDERED RUFFLES AT THE TOP COLLAR AND BOTTOM EDGE

DRAW STRING AT THE BOTTOM EDGE

SKIRT IN FULL FORM WITH PLEATS TRIMMING THE BOTTOM EDGE, SEVERAL SPOTS NEED THE PLEATS TACKED BACK, STITCHING HAS COME FREE SLIGHTLY

I CAN TELL THAT THE GOWN WAS OVERDYED AT ONE TIME, CANNOT TELL WHEN. THE TELL TALE SIGNS ARE THE EMBROIDERED TRIMS AND THE LINEN WAISTLINE. COLOR IS COMPLETELY EVEN AND HARD TO TELL, I WOULD ADD WHITE LACE OR EYELET TO OFFSET, REMOVING OR ADDING TO THE TRIM OF THE COLLAR AND CUFFS.

THE UNDERARM OF ONE SIDE HAS THE HOLES PICTURED, SEAMS WOULD FULLY RESOLVE

ONE THUMBPRINT OF A WHITE SPOT IS AT THE SIDE FRONT SKIRTING.

CONDITION IS OTHEWISE EXCELLENT, FULLY STRONG AND WEARABLE







MEASUREMENTS IN INCHES:
BODICE:
CHEST: 34
WAIST: 22-26
LENGTH: 16

SKIRT:
WAIST: 22
LENGTH: 40



From Me:

So...it's displayed horribly. I mean, I'm not even sure what the seller was trying to do.
First, it shouldn't be displayed over a crinoline. That went out of fashion about 30/40 years before this was popular.
Second, the shirt tails should be tucked in. I have no idea why they aren't.

1900 Fashion Plate

It's supposed to fall more like the pink dress in the above fashion plate.

Beautiful Sheer Black 1930's Dress With Ruffles

From the seller:

Please keep in mind the dress is used and antique. A seem needs fixing on the shoulder. There are some holes on the shoulders and collar. One big one on the hem and few minor pin holes throughout the dress also. Measurements in inches are-
Shoulders-20"
Waist-46"
Hips-free
Length shoulder to hem-48-

From Me:

1932 Catalog Page 

The black dress in the upper right corner of the page looks very similar to this extant one. The same skirt seam lines, the same ruffles down the front, and even a similar print!  It looks like the only major difference is the extant one has sleeves.  :-)