3 Older ? Dresses - Dating and Advice - Part 1

jauntyrooster

jauntyrooster

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I found 3 dresses today at the thrift store that I feel may be older but I am just not sure. I haven't had anything older then late 1940s and these seem different. They all issues that is for sure but frankly, it just seemed wrong to leave them behind. They were dirt cheap so if nothing else I can use for pics and shows. Perhaps I wrong but feel like they have some history.

Posting as separate threads so as not confuse...myself :) I appreciate any feedback and assistance.

Please excuse bad photos - no light at all and 1 dress too small for manni.

Here is first:

It is light blue with side metal zipper. It has a lovely pink lining and the underskirt is also pink. There are no labels that I can find. It is in terrible shape with some fading and stains but I still think she is quite pretty.

1blue.jpg


2blue.jpg
 
This appears to be late 1940's. Is the fabric rayon chiffon. It probably originally had a bolero or jacket to match. It appears a little limp. Maybe is was laundered.

Where did all those boleros and jackets go? Maybe they are together somewhere cavorting. But they definitely are not multiplying.

Marian
 
Originally posted by Vinclothes
Where did all those boleros and jackets go? Maybe they are together somewhere cavorting. But they definitely are not multiplying.

Marian
Click to expand...

Marian,

I think they're also hiding with all those missing belts!!
 
Sadly, I think someone just wadded up in a ball for storage. The state of all 3 of these dresses really makes me want to cry a bit - so sad.

The pics aren't doing this one justice - it is actually quite beautiful and has a such "rich" feel to it - if that makes any sense at all. I was suprised to not find a label. I am guessing this onw is beyond repair but I am going to look into at least getting it cleaned up a bit.
 
Maureen -

Did you find these three dresses together? I'm not sure - and I might be wrong - but I see this one as earlier than late '40s. I'm seeing mid- late '30's - and Ginger Rogers dancing with Fred Astaire. When you take photos tomorrow could you show an interior seam - a close-up of the zipper and the back of the gown?

Thanks.
 
Absolutely.

Yes, all three toogether on rack. Along with a gorgous adele simpson and another early dress that I haven't even looked at closely yet. All 5 on rack in a group...felt like I was in vintage twlight zone. The adele simpson is mint with its belt and even a matching scarf. So cute. It was a good day.
 
Here are some additional pics as requested - hope this helps. Light still not great. I resized to 500 wide but a couple still look large - tried to fix but stays same. If too big just let me know and I will delete.

THANK YOU!!!!

Here are some additional pics as requested by Linn...hope they help. Still not great light here.


blueback.jpg



bluebackbeads.jpg


blueunder.jpg


bluein1.jpg


bluein2.jpg
 
I am thinking late 40s as well with that color combo. If memory serves, my grandmother had a similar dress in exactly that chiffon and taffeta color comb in the very late 40s - early 50s.

A good steam will do wonders for that dress.

Hollis
 
Hello, I am new to the forum and 'investigating' vintage clothing but when I saw your photos I thought I might have something to add!

There are several seams in your photos that have zig-zag cut edges (i.e. cut with pinking shears) to prevent fraying, amongst others that do not...being a dressmaker myself this made me think that either it was handmade originally (thus the absence of labels) or altered at a later date (more likely, not knowing how long pinking shears have been in use for...) It would depend on how many seams look like this and where they are. If they are symetrical on both sides of the dress in each location it may well have been made like that, but it is more common for all seams to be cut the same i.e. with or without pinking shears - if without they would need to be covered with another stitch at the edges or folded over and stitched.

Hope this adds something to its history!
 
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