Suits for Travel - 1956

On Friday, I asked my Facebook fans what they'd like to see on the blog this week. Eleanor requested a post about vintage spring and summer suits for travel. They were so elegant! I'm with you Eleanor. I like to people-watch in airports and I'm always pleasantly surprised when I see a woman traveling in a suit. She looks so much more sophisticated than the majority who are wearing sweats and flip-flops. For your inspiration today, suits for travel from 1956.

Above, Handmacher gray flannel sheath dress with matching bolero jacket accented with a white linen collar. Sold for $70 in 1956 (about $570 in today's dollar.) Hat by Emme.

Davidow wool and mohair tweed suit with matching tasseled scarf. The jacket is belted. Sold for $150 in 1956 (about $1,220 in today's dollar.) Saddlebag styled purse by MacArthur.

David Crystal pale gray glen plaid suit in a rayon/Dacron blend. Dacron? That's polyester. This suit would resist wrinkling and be perfect for those long train trips. Sold for $40 in 1956 (about $325 in today's dollar.) Handbag by Josef.

Mr. Mort lightweight wool sheath dress in buttercup yellow paired with a plaid bolero jacket. Sold for $50 in 1956 (about $407 in today's dollar.) Bag by Maxwell Schill (me want!)

Swansdown wool suit with a bloused-back jacket for more ease during long trips. Sold for $60 in 1956 (about $488 in today's dollar.)

How do you dress for travel? Do you go for chic or do you prefer comfort?

New rings

Hi guys,

I hope you all have been well, tonight a quick post about a couple of new rings that I recently got. The gold and black onyx one was a birthday gift, which I ended buying from Cocosa.
I wanted another ring by Monica Vinader because I love her jewellery, then I kept my eye on the Cocosa sale website. Luckily the sale was near my birthday and I managed to snap this one, which is gorgeous. It's funny that I have decided to go for gold (sounds so pre olympic!) but now, I think gold can be elegant, so much that I decided to go for a statement piece such as this cocktail ring.

To balance it out, I just had to buy another golden ring... from Asos. I found this pyramid in rose quartz, which is pretty cool, quirky and very fragile but a great bargain for just £11, reduced on sale as well.




I am so delighted, 'Miss T' says thank you!

Shopping notes and impartial review:
It was my first time buying from Cocosa and it was easy, I received my ring a few days later with no hassle and was very pleased.
This time with Asos I took advantage of the super saver zero postage and received my item before the promised date.

Tomorrow, I'll be catching up with some street style pics, as usual some very stylish girls around town.

See you.
x

DAILYINSPIRATION245

Iedvesmotājs: The Sartorialist & glamcanyon

Spring Coats - 1956

On Friday, I asked my Facebook fans what they'd like to see on the blog this week. Honore requested a post about spring coats. Whatever happened to spring coats anyway? I'm so tired of my gray heavy wool winter coat and my leopard print down jacket. It's time for something different, but my waterproof rain jacket just won't do.

Vintage spring coats are usually made of lighter weight wool or cashmere, cotton poplin, or rayon gabardine. They are often in lighter and brighter colors than the heavy blacks, browns, and grays of winter. 1950s clutch coats are perfect for spring, as they have no buttons and can be worn open on warmer days. The examples shown here are all from 1956.

Above, a bright daffodil yellow clutch coat in lightweight Worumbo wool.

Lilli Ann made this swing coat in lightweight turquoise wool. What a great color for spring!

Bergdorf Goodman exclusive lightweight wool coat tailored with just 2 buttons up high. Came in beige, red, or navy. Perfect to wear over a spring dress!

Warren of Stafford raincoat with a loose back and big buttoned pockets.

Clyde cashmere clutch coat has push-up sleeves that work well with long kidskin gloves. Love that bag!

I've been inspired to store my gray wool winter coat and pull out my vintage 1950s pale pink cashmere clutch coat. Thanks, Honore! What about you? Do you have spring weight coat in your closet?

Witches

Hi guys,

I hope to be back to normal on the blog this week. I have been having a different routine, working until late and slowly everything is falling into places. Today's outfit post was inspired by a modern witch. A mix of romanticism, crucifixes, paganism and raw stones.




I was wearing: Camisole: vintage, Skirt: Vivienne Westwood, Shoes: Melissa, Belt: Zara.

See you soon.
x

Wearing White, 1959

Christian Dior

White, white, white is the HOT color for spring 2011, as it was for spring of 1959. Shown here are white garments from that year. Will you be adding white to your wardrobe this season?

Originala white wool fleece coat with dramatic fox fur collar.
Worn with a white skirt by Sloat.

Ben Reig white wool lace sack dress,
accented with jeweled pin and turquoise shoes.

B. H. Wragge white wool doeskin dress with relaxed shape.

B.H. Wragge white wool jersey swimsuit.

Malaika Arora Bollywood Actress

Malaika Arora Bollywood Actress

Helena Mattsson Artis Hollywood Pictures

Helena Mattsson Artis Hollywood Pictures

Priscilla Febrita New Artis Collection

Priscilla Febrita New Artis Collection

How About a Blouse Instead of That T-Shirt?

One of the things I find sad about modern fashion is how casual we've become. Now that jeans and t-shirts are ubiquitous, it seems many of us have lost our flair for dressing well. Though knits are comfortable, most modern t-shirts and knit tops are made of such cheap fabric that they look a bit bedraggled after only a few washings. Why not choose a vintage blouse instead?

A vintage blouse is a great way to bring the past into your wardrobe without breaking the bank. And if you have trouble finding vintage dresses that fit, a blouse will be more forgiving, especially if you don't have a tiny waist. Pair a vintage blouse with a skirt, pants, or even jeans. Layer it under a jacket or cardigan for a look that is polished and different. The blouses shown here are all from 1962.

Shapely Classic blouse printed with blue and green leaves. Sold in 1962 for $5 (about $37 in today's dollar.) Hat by Sally Victor.

Lady Manhattan shirt with French cuffs adorned with big jeweled cuff links. Sold in 1962 for $6 (about $44 in today's dollar.) Hat by Emme.

Vera silk blouse in white with big black dots, worn with a black silk scarf. Sold in 1962 for $12 (about $88 in today's dollar.)

Mollie Parnis white silk blouse with button and buttonhole detail all the way around the collar. Belted in black patent.

Do you have blouses in your wardrobe? Have you ever tried a vintage blouse? Should I carry more vintage blouses at Couture Allure?

New at Couture Allure - Vintage Party Dresses

New this week at Couture Allure are lots of fabulous 1950s party dresses! Be sure to check our What's New page to see all the new goodies!

1950s pure white lace wedding dress.

1950s Harvey Berin turquoise silk satin party dress.

1950s Harvey Berin emerald silk satin bubble dress.

1980s Victor Costa strapless taffeta gown with train.

1950s peacock blue taffeta bubble dress.