Weekend Eye Candy - Irene Evening Gown, 1951

This stunning evening gown was designed by Irene Lentz for the fall of 1951.  Blue lace stands out on white silk taffeta.  The lace appliques on the skirt are painstakingly and individually cut out and sewn on by hand. 

The Great Drapo

You've got to love a guy who takes his talent for draping dress designs and turns it into a vaudeville act.  Alphonse Berge, "The Great Drapo", used live models and yards of fabric in his performances in front of live audiences, most notably at the 1939 World's Fair in New York.  He also appeared on stage, television and in film.

Here he is in action on a 1950s television show.  Enjoy!

Printed Tights - 1965

I was at the mall yesterday and noticed lots of printed tights and leggings in the windows of the stores that cater to the younger crowd.  They might not know it, but printed tights are not new.  Today's images are all from the fall of 1965, when this idea really took off with the Mod set.  You were on the cutting edge if you wore your tights with a matching sweater and just a mini skirt over the two pieces. What's old is new again.....again.

"What Shall I Wear?" - Another Review

Remember my review of Claire McCardell's book, "What Shall I Wear?" earlier this year?  It's a great read that I highly recommend.  Today I'm going to send you over to my online friend and client's blog, "Book a Week With Jen" where she reviews the same book.  Why?  Because Jen shares her vintage coat collection with you, and you want to see it!  Go....Read....Enjoy!

Weekend Eye Candy - Pierre Balmain, 1956

This week I added lots of pink goodies to the website, so it's only appropriate that I finish the week in that vein.  Evening gown with long stole by Pierre Balmain, Fall 1956.  Just a little something, darlings!

Christian Dior Coat - 1970

This coat.  This coat.  This coat.  Designed by Marc Bohan for Christian Dior, Fall 1970.  This has now been added to the ever increasing "Jody's Holy Grail List."

Nina Ricci Dress and Cape - 1970

The year is 1970 (can you tell?)  This dress and matching cape were designed by Nina Ricci for Vogue Patterns.  This was back in the day when you could find fabulously wonderful fabrics to sew at home with.  Staron made this gorgeous print in both wool (cape) and panne velvet (dress.)  It may be a bit over-the-top for some of you, but I love it!  And if you want to make it yourself, you'll have to keep your eyes out for Vogue Paris Original pattern 2406 from 1970.  There are no copies of it available online right now, but you never know when one will show up!

Pierre Cardin - 1961

Here's another great idea along the lines of yesterday's fabulous hood.  In 1961, Pierre Cardin showed this hood that extends into a long scarf that you can wrap around your neck.  The tweed matches that of the coat so it looks like one piece, but the coat can be worn without it if you prefer.  So stylish!  I love it!

Guy Laroche Coat - 1964

I'm not a fan of hoods.  In fact, I won't buy a coat that has a hood unless I can remove it by way of a zipper or snaps.  I think they are messy and bulky, they just get in the way.  But, I am a huge fan of this hood!  Guy Laroche designed this coat for his Fall 1964 collection.  With it came this separate hood that extends into a short capelet.  I think it's the perfect answer for those nasty winter days when you want to look good but need protection at the same time.  Do you love it as much as I do?

Weekend Eye Candy - Christian Dior, 1959

Christian Dior couture, Fall 1959

The other day, I was sharing fashion plates from 1914 on my Facebook page.  This morning, I found this image of a Christian Dior evening gown from 1959.  I do believe St. Laurent, who was the designer at Dior in 1959, may have been influenced by the hobble skirts of an earlier age. 

Silk tunic over silk hobble skirt, 1914.

What do you think?

Vintage Fashion in "The Butler"

"The Butler" opens today in theaters.  I'm looking forward to seeing Oprah in her starring role as the wife of White House butler Cecil Gaines, played by Forest Whitaker.

As much as I'll probably enjoy the story, it's Oprah's costuming I'll be watching as the film spans the decades from the Eisenhower presidency right through to the Obama inauguration.  That's a lot of years and a lot of fashion! 

Ruth Carter did the costuming for the film.  She has received Oscar nominations for her work on the films "Malcolm X" and "Amistad."




Here's a half hour interview with Ruth Carter from The Huffington Post. You'll see lots of images from the film and hear about Carter's process of choosing the costumes for the film. Enjoy!

1960s Bead Encrusted Dress at Couture Allure

One of my favorite collections for Fall 2013 is Dolce & Gabbana's Byzantine inspired grouping.  Are you as enchanted by it as I am?  If so, I want you to take a look at a dress I added to the Couture Allure site yesterday.

This 1960s dress by Michael Novarese is made of a lightweight wool challis in a bold pattern that has been completely covered in beads and sequins.  The dress sparkles and the light glints off of every inch of the beading. 

The dress is an incredible work of couture art.  Do you see the square shaped sequins that give the beading even more dimension?  As always, this is authentic vintage and there is only one.  If you love it, don't hesitate!

How to Work Vintage Into Your Modern Wardrobe

This is Aisha Faridi.  She writes one of my favorite blogs, Bold Minimalist.  Aisha recently purchased this vintage Lanvin blouse and skirt set at the Randolph Street Market in Chicago.  Aisha has a wonderful eye and the unique talent of being able to see the possibilities of a garment when it's on a hangar.  I know many of us would have looked at this dolman sleeved blouse and longish skirt on that hangar and passed it right by.  But look at how fabulous they are when mixed with modern accessories like the bold belt and clutch!  Even better?  Because this is two pieces, Aisha can mix and match the blouse and skirt with other garments in her wardrobe for many different looks.  And she shows you how to do just that in her blog post about "The Art of Vintage Shopping."   Please pop on over to Bold Minimalist and see how Aisha wears these vintage pieces in other ways and get inspired to do it for yourself.  And thank you, Aisha, for making the world a more beautiful place by wearing vintage!

Photo by Zeeshan Shaykh, courtesy of Bold Minimalist.

Adventures on a Vintage Clothing Hunt

My latest phone upgrade has allowed me to finally join the party on Instagram.  You'll find me at coutureallurevintage over there.  It's fun for me to share bits and snippets of my day as I go about the business of bringing you the best vintage I can find.  This past Friday, my Instagram followers got to come with me on a vintage clothing hunting trip.  Here's some of what they saw.

A rainy day in old time New England where antique shops abound

Finally on the back wall of the 2nd floor, I spy treasure

Silver and black velvet flocked wallpaper.  Love!

A really good label pops up in an unassuming place.  That makes me smile!

Leather and suede combined on a 90s Italian coat.  Oh yes please!

I found 60s sparkles for you while braving a major thunderstorm.

If you're on Instagram, why not join me in my day to day adventures?  Search for user coutureallurevintage or by hashtag #coutureallure.

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Evening Dresses

This week at Couture Allure, I've added more gorgeous vintage evening dresses and gowns for your upcoming events.  Be sure to check our What's New page for all the latest listings!  I also marked down several beauties and moved them to our Sale Room.

1980s Victor Costa evening gown

1960s brocade evening gown and opera coat set

1960s beaded silk cocktail dress

1950s taffeta full skirt dress

1950s Patullo-Jo Copeland cocktail dress

1960s silver brocade evening gown with mink trimmed jacket, now on sale!

Weekend Eye Candy - Jean Patou, 1929

One final Autumn Inspiration in our series this week.  Jean Patou created this black rayon suit trimmed in mink for his fall 1929 collection.

Autumn Inspirations, 1939

Robert Piguet, 1939.

A final post in our Autumn Inspirations series.  Today's fashions are from the fall of 1939.

Reynaud, Fall 1939

Autumn Inspirations, 1949

Maggy Rouff, fall 1949

 Continuing our look back at fashion inspirations for fall, today's garments are from 1949.

Pierre Balmain, Fall 1949

Pierre Balmain jersey dresses, Fall 1949

Autumn Inspirations, 1959

Christian Dior, Fall 1959

 Continuing my look backwards at beautiful clothing for fall, today's inspirations are from 1959.  Enjoy!

Christian Dior, Fall 1959

Pierre Cardin, Fall 1959

Autumn Inspirations, 1969

Pierre Cardin, Fall 1969

 Brrrrrr!  This morning it is 10 degrees cooler than yesterday, so I've taken a step back 10 years from yesterday's autumn inspirations to show you designer fashion from the fall of 1969.  It was one of those wonderful years when hemlines could be mini, midi, maxi or anywhere in between and you would still be in style.  Enjoy!

Christian Dior, Fall 1969

Jean Patou, Fall 1969

Autumn Inspirations, 1979

Christian Dior Boutique, Fall 1979

 It's 56 degrees this morning, the first time the temperature has dropped below 60 in many weeks.  It's August.  Are you thinking about your fall wardrobe yet?  Are you dreaming of wearing darker colors?  Layers?  Boots?  I've started listing vintage garments for fall at Couture Allure.  Today's autumn inspiration looks are from 1979.  What are you looking for for fall?

Yves St. Laurent, Fall 1979

Nina Ricci, Fall 1979