Help with some goodies I got today

Laura

Laura

Alumni
I picked up a few things for myself today, and I could use some help.

This blouse is navy silk with copper silk chiffon insets on the sleeves and silk embroidered trim. The only closures are a button at the hem on each side and the tie on the front neckline. There is no evidence of it ever having had an inset in the front.

<img src="http://vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/navy-blouse-front.jpg">
<img src="http://vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/navy-blouse-side.jpg">

The tie at the back seems to be decorative, not really functional.
<img src="http://vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/navy-blouse-back.jpg">
<img src="http://vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/navy-blouse-1.jpg">

I think it is meant to be quite blousy and large, as it just fits me (even with my new-mom figure). I'm stumped as to a date. The guy I bought it from thought it was '40s. At first I thought maybe '30s. Now I think it might be older - maybe teens or '20s? I'm so confused! haha

I also got this dress from the same guy. I didn't see any stains in the store - but when I took it outside to photograph it, I discovered it has stains scattered all over.

<img src="http://vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/blue-50s-1.jpg">
<img src="http://vintagefashionlibrary.com/images/ebay/vintage/blue-50s-stain.jpg">

The stains are orangeish, but they don't look like rust. It's probably food-based. Any ideas about what they are? The picture above is from the sleeve and is probably the worst of it, but there are also stains on the skirt and the bodice. Ugh! The dress is labeled dry clean only, but there is no indication of the fiber content. I'm debating between trying to wash it and taking it my cleaner. I would probably wear it as-is, but I'd rather get the stains out if possible.

Mid-50s as a date?

Thanks!
Laura
 
The blouse is early 20s. I have seen that open front on blouses before. I have a suit with that and Sue (Bartondoll) also had a dress like that she posted about a few weeks ago. THere would have been a lace dickey that came with it that was worn under it. Sometimes they fastened in with dome fasteners or hooks and eyes, and sometimes the dickies were put on first, then the blouse, as two separate garments.
 
your dress

We in Florida are very familiar (unfortunately!) with climate stains, and I think that's what you might have on that dress. It comes from excess humidity, and time. I frequently remove things from my closet after forgetting about them for a few years, and sometimes they are new with the tags still on them, and there they are! those ugly yellowish stains. There is a product called Sharon's Solution, which I purchased last year...sort of powder that you dissolve in water and them soak the things overnight in, that probably can remove them. It can be used on dry clean only fabrics. I think you can do a search online and buy this stuff online too. Good luck!:hiya:
 
Thank you, Jonathan, for the date on the blouse.

Elliemae, thanks for the info about the humidity stains. I've never heard of that before! I will look up Sharon's Solution to see if it works on this dress...

I tried the Dryel stain remover, and it didn't even lighten the stain.

Laura
 
i love them both laura! especially the blouse, the pumpkin colour on the inserts is one of my favourites!

what do you think the fabric is on the dress - manmade chiffon, or silk? i'm sure something or someone will be able to get the stains out, and they aren't noticeable in the full scale picture so as you say at worst you could wear it as is.

will have to look up this sharon's solution too!
 
The fabric is definitely synthetic organza, but I haven't done a burn test. It feels just like the modern polyester organza. Not one of my favorite fabrics by any stretch, but I really like this dress.

I figure I won't be able to wear it until the fall or next spring, since I'm nursing Gabriela (no way to do that in this dress!)

Laura
 
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