50s Dress - Is this a "Shelf" ?

amandainvermont

amandainvermont

VFG Member
50s Dress - Is this a \"Shelf\" ?

I don't run into many 50s dresses here in northern Vermont ... so when I found this one I started looking at other listings and I see the word "shelf" used a lot and the styles are fairly different. So - my question - is this a "shelf" dress? It has two sets of "bones" - one on each side of the buttons and two more closer to each arm. Does that a shelf make? Also, I think this is taffeta, but it's not stiff - perhaps it was washed? By the way, it is tiny tiny... I'd like to get it listed tonight as V-day approaches fast.

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I think a shelf refers to bodice construction where there is a horizontal seam that is under the bust and the breasts look like they are presented on a shelf. This dress is very pretty but not what I would call shelf construction. The neckline is pretty though. Does this have any tags? The heart shaped buttons make me think German or Austrian?
 
Amanda--

What a terrific Valentine's day dress--definitely one to list ASAP!

I don't think it's a shelf bust, though--I'd describe the bodice as boned and fitted. The neckline treatment is interesting, too--cut very open (right to the edge of the shoulders!) I agree with Lorinda--it evokes traditional German/Austrian dress or "tracht", except with buttons instead of the usual Gunne Saxe-like corset lacing. Here is a link to some pics: http://www.ganz-muenchen.de/freizeitfitness/partys/2005/04/nacht_der_tracht/loewenbraeukeller.html

Maybe show it with a crinoline to flaunt the fullness of the skirt? (Is it a full circle? Looks close, at least!)

And definitely mention the heart buttons in title!
 
I'd push the heart buttons, red and full skirt and that great neckline.

Amanda...do you have an old crinoline or something you can put under dresses like this for pictures? I find it really helps in presentation of 50s full skirt-ers. I have a pile of blown out and ratty/holey crins that I use for pictures. Not sellable, but they do the job still for flouncing out a skirt. you could even make one yourself out of tulle. It might be worth the time.
 
Hi Amanda
Along with everyone elses good advice I think I would mention how flattering and pretty the neckline is.

Knowing you're in Vermont and that the Von Trapp Family Inn is there, of course, makes me also think of the sound of music.....

Perhaps the hills are alive with the sound of music and romance with this one...corny I know....:wacko:
 
hello!

i'm agreeing w/everyone on this, too...

"shelf refers to bodice construction where there is a horizontal seam that is under the bust and the breasts look like they are presented on a shelf. This dress is very pretty but not what I would call shelf construction." "I'd describe the bodice as boned and fitted" "I'd push the heart buttons, red and full skirt and that great neckline."'

and the crinoline idea is perfect, of course!

great dress, sweet for Valentine's :love008:

...btw, just how tiny is "tiny tiny"? 2ish?
 
no...a shelf bust is a piece of fabric integral to the bodice and which goes underneath the bust and usually broght up to a halter neck, l can see many dresses with shelf bust in their description but they arent a true shelf bust....most often a dress with the bust area in a separate piece of fabric to the waist and then skirt is described as a shelf bust...l'm off to try and source a proper example....

this is the nearest l can find, gives you the idea...l wantt of idn a vinatge example though...

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Hey - thanks ALL of you for your suggestions and comments and explanations. I didn't think it had a "shelf" either ... but it looks like quite a few sellers misuse that word.

“Tiny” is probably a size 0 or 2 ... I can’t quite zip it on my size 4 mannequin. I haven't measured it yet. There are various small issues which I will no doubt overemphasize. I keep finding red dresses I MUST list! Anyway - the only petticoat I had was full length, so I smudged out the bottom of the pix and it looks like she is floating in a cloud now.

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Well now you have a little baby bid. I think it is adorable :love008: and cant imagine why its not being snapped up. Oh well, maybe there are snipers in the wings. I hope it sells for a lot more than my puny bid, but if not, I would be happy to have it!
 
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