Vintage 1970's Long Dresses, go for the MAXI look

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm0TH5oYhe3bl7T6HhM37j31quQlflegkIonbTG8Tyr-nq7Ss_kyW225Qkxc9_nIrQRmoXUcb8U3mVWEZej9YytBo2_D43ayjTCAmnP6IM8xqNWfOi8-DVXExymI4xa5wIW3wYmodWaTw/s1600-h/longjersey.2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371342465904203506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggm0TH5oYhe3bl7T6HhM37j31quQlflegkIonbTG8Tyr-nq7Ss_kyW225Qkxc9_nIrQRmoXUcb8U3mVWEZej9YytBo2_D43ayjTCAmnP6IM8xqNWfOi8-DVXExymI4xa5wIW3wYmodWaTw/s400/longjersey.2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 351px;" /></a>When is a long dress not glamorous?<br />One of the best eras for full length in the 20th century was during the 1970's when hemlines fell. While daytime dresses may have been mini then, wearing pants took over in a big way. For special events and leisure, long length dresses such as the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21747505">soft version shown above</a> were the perfect choice for creating a dramatic entrance.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8sf4l_6pDlRSVZmGFTdSYspD59e2mD27kJt8_Hc4NSgb0tuoh8JQGNMKfrKi9bYekfYZ3sc-pnV_xMZO1BYUjromHJz84yi-U6whI9q3e50R1TVYJuISofuIE5nSRlBnF4_HCsumLqYM/s1600-h/pink+diamond+inset.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371338142306227970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8sf4l_6pDlRSVZmGFTdSYspD59e2mD27kJt8_Hc4NSgb0tuoh8JQGNMKfrKi9bYekfYZ3sc-pnV_xMZO1BYUjromHJz84yi-U6whI9q3e50R1TVYJuISofuIE5nSRlBnF4_HCsumLqYM/s400/pink+diamond+inset.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>Spinning off from the boho hippie looks, long dresses became more refined and sexy as the decade progressed, sporting cut away halters and strappy necklines. Creative draping using popular knits made for looks that were influenced by the 1930's and 1940's. This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29479398">pink knit dress</a> has a great geometric focus to the draped bodice.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckhDCilP1AGDHDM_kME-PirLi9Lc9wok5Lv4xbCy6Yseagn6mCzV_9v-BdxxZE45tYbbzJ20NaQJmzhkuymVj8aUtjNV1xpJExRFmVYSb7S_cfIOwNvchs7z5NB_eqCh8wdYgmvZm1CQa/s1600-h/70s+long+airbrush+in+blues.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371342198477661490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckhDCilP1AGDHDM_kME-PirLi9Lc9wok5Lv4xbCy6Yseagn6mCzV_9v-BdxxZE45tYbbzJ20NaQJmzhkuymVj8aUtjNV1xpJExRFmVYSb7S_cfIOwNvchs7z5NB_eqCh8wdYgmvZm1CQa/s400/70s+long+airbrush+in+blues.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>Bias cut silhouettes of Harlow and Kate Hepburn were popular, but produced instead in printed or solid colored Qiana and tricot knits like the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28265474">brush print dress</a> above. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrdNsP0oJAbNDVuoZlAh6pbP1HWZduJ26NkOyQY34A6q-iE8H-havC8bJ8k3IZCxunHmdKVhGve8x23W540-Z8mTIbHYBzMlVg8X5_gI-cQKTFWFaiovTexHhLlQjcyhwN42LRv592usV/s1600-h/P8240491.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371344071363427122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrdNsP0oJAbNDVuoZlAh6pbP1HWZduJ26NkOyQY34A6q-iE8H-havC8bJ8k3IZCxunHmdKVhGve8x23W540-Z8mTIbHYBzMlVg8X5_gI-cQKTFWFaiovTexHhLlQjcyhwN42LRv592usV/s400/P8240491.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a>At the end of the 1970's decade, Halston infused fashion with a strong sensibility towards liquid drapery and body conscious fit with a Grecian style. If you are seeking fashion that is sexy, sophisticated and show stopping, this is the look to find. You won't be disappointed!

Vintage 1970's Long Dresses, go for the MAXI look

When is a long dress not glamorous? One of the best eras for full length in the 20th century was during the 1970's when hemlines fell. ...

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Lilli Ann Suits: the late 1940's, Vintage Suits with Fashion Flare

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpliLFJzolshzbyAcRUjcGyrDUG6w1Mp2Mr-tb2U3xV8G47cFbsFtUiT5m7hYtXfBFeu6AhrcXPMocplaQwBJhSxGGj1Vb1YC6ZZkmN-jIMluvi7Y2YDpWILK6ipgqCa-3sG2HLeHJ8XSw/s1600-h/Slide2.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367465807733822098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpliLFJzolshzbyAcRUjcGyrDUG6w1Mp2Mr-tb2U3xV8G47cFbsFtUiT5m7hYtXfBFeu6AhrcXPMocplaQwBJhSxGGj1Vb1YC6ZZkmN-jIMluvi7Y2YDpWILK6ipgqCa-3sG2HLeHJ8XSw/s400/Slide2.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OG8x0Wx8gEyUceL-6dNXcMs8AafuNOWi9_gCXeGmgQqT2ydc36__lNzXS6H6MyA-lU477fVS8rjPovVAr5psXbVlSnh35l1TDKgqlUSwBZ7FzxCb9m83F0-QZtwy0aBFgvUdNmjlRrFE/s1600-h/Slide1.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367466027236762690" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OG8x0Wx8gEyUceL-6dNXcMs8AafuNOWi9_gCXeGmgQqT2ydc36__lNzXS6H6MyA-lU477fVS8rjPovVAr5psXbVlSnh35l1TDKgqlUSwBZ7FzxCb9m83F0-QZtwy0aBFgvUdNmjlRrFE/s400/Slide1.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeJ0c7e0fAfWauvqRCJbfW1f33RKuVPqVrEcZ1WP8yuX9b5v1NQL1j0qkvMK2uQ1A74c5v8ubiOYb0Ue8f5rhitjSAC8X9ld5oDltq47p8Vjv4vbky_aihAktFOaO1VTuR3FOcmyxKz62/s1600-h/Slide3.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367465910178163090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNeJ0c7e0fAfWauvqRCJbfW1f33RKuVPqVrEcZ1WP8yuX9b5v1NQL1j0qkvMK2uQ1A74c5v8ubiOYb0Ue8f5rhitjSAC8X9ld5oDltq47p8Vjv4vbky_aihAktFOaO1VTuR3FOcmyxKz62/s400/Slide3.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br />Popular vintage fashion, Lilli Ann suits from the 1940’s show style trends of that era. Fitted waistlines and peplums to the hip level were part of most jacket silhouettes. Jackets could sport double breasted buttons with wide bishop sleeves. Other suits were styled with tie belts or sashed like belted tunics.<br /><br />Wide skirted coats with buttons down the full length of the back were seen, a men’s wear inspiration from the 1800’s. Wide flared peplum jackets that stood away from a narrow mid-calf length skirt grew in popularity. <br /><br />Fur was often used to trim jackets. Wide sleeves of fur are shown worn with a slender skirt. $50 to $60 was an average suit price during the mid-1940’s. <br /><br />After WWII, some ads show Lilli Ann suits being worn for weddings, instead of a long white wedding gown. This was a popular trend at a time when the expense for a gown was considered too high, and a new suit would be a wardrobe investment. As a special part of the bride’s life, many suits from this period are with us today, well cared for and neatly stored for decades.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDc-1H5ArvYgYu7TAZlQsTzYuZqKZ7Vs5riQGhUjSJr5L4Ug_NAD9kMlfXXxx65eEnFZS7ySHDrfcD3kmteRBDANffq095kMytG0UaT2lnBltsDBrGiR_DNOStPHHWE8v-Yt8S_wgLS8C/s1600-h/Slide4.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367466476602917490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIDc-1H5ArvYgYu7TAZlQsTzYuZqKZ7Vs5riQGhUjSJr5L4Ug_NAD9kMlfXXxx65eEnFZS7ySHDrfcD3kmteRBDANffq095kMytG0UaT2lnBltsDBrGiR_DNOStPHHWE8v-Yt8S_wgLS8C/s400/Slide4.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07yLYg3wyrmmk9VRddNWHR2Hg5Zehvg6eDP4DeTY8pwuhFRTUYPWXFTRdfuKctuCHjVbsMUd0Dtxtbzkf-KlwmX_2_wFUCTRFtkdYRJLK1Z-QCzjt2uYk7wC-hnSxdC2vnLKP0ufcXvwV/s1600-h/Slide5.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367466328276029970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07yLYg3wyrmmk9VRddNWHR2Hg5Zehvg6eDP4DeTY8pwuhFRTUYPWXFTRdfuKctuCHjVbsMUd0Dtxtbzkf-KlwmX_2_wFUCTRFtkdYRJLK1Z-QCzjt2uYk7wC-hnSxdC2vnLKP0ufcXvwV/s400/Slide5.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhillliWupaiqtYNol1PTNiC6SXZnD9xs3PILaKMuWdYIW_U2tTONKZ_dLTDfuRYvMO1SKLCERiXD8ZWTy4P9Rjs9IwEzK10LvxFF637Z0o7WIP85HrhA2iNeFfML5VtqLPu24DAD4oKEwV/s1600-h/Slide6.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367466152074735394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhillliWupaiqtYNol1PTNiC6SXZnD9xs3PILaKMuWdYIW_U2tTONKZ_dLTDfuRYvMO1SKLCERiXD8ZWTy4P9Rjs9IwEzK10LvxFF637Z0o7WIP85HrhA2iNeFfML5VtqLPu24DAD4oKEwV/s400/Slide6.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><br /><br />Schulman actively promoted Lilli Ann’s company image as being a provider of elegance and high fashion wool suitings from San Francisco. Company advertising conveys the target customer as being a perfectionist who is sophisticated and smart. <br /><br />California as well as San Francisco are mentioned in many of the advertisements in the 1940’s. Drama is also promoted within these ads. During this era, buttons and trims were produced by Lidz and H. Pomerantz & Co, and are listed in the ad copy as a significant trim. Celanse acetate linings were also advertised during this time. <br /><br />French (Blin and Blin) and other European wools were imported by Schulman after WWII as part of the rebuilding efforts. This fine fabric became important in his campaign to promote Lilli Ann as a luxury suit line. Suits from the wools were priced from $70 to $80. <br /><br />As the post WWII ‘New Look’ took hold, the Princess style of coat became popular. Lilli Ann coats had wide shoulders and narrow waistline over a full skirt for several years. As 1950 neared, a more slender silhouette would enter the scene, replacing wide shoulders with unpadded ones. The narrowing of shoulders would introduce the slender suit, so popular during the 1950’s.<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">(This is the second article in a series posted on Lilli Ann. <a href="http://pintuckstyle.blogspot.com/2009/07/lilli-ann-suits-from-1940s-early-years.html">The first article was posted on July 20, 2009.</a> )</span>

Lilli Ann Suits: the late 1940's, Vintage Suits with Fashion Flare

Popular vintage fashion, Lilli Ann suits from the 1940’s show style trends of that era. Fitted waistlines and peplums to the hip level were...

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House Dresses: Fashion at home, cottony and cute

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDAKLESvfK63SXJCcQ6ydpdhQBlpXv_bIkfgv_juTja_FDkqMr6g8ujD5IsYnE5kAUvvZK4YRAVotrhnh0lw6tzyslCj021t9083t5xF38o6pIwyW2bUmkJu1ieHNYG0rg8clBLys9Ddx/s1600-h/housedress,+dec.28.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365216250291351394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtDAKLESvfK63SXJCcQ6ydpdhQBlpXv_bIkfgv_juTja_FDkqMr6g8ujD5IsYnE5kAUvvZK4YRAVotrhnh0lw6tzyslCj021t9083t5xF38o6pIwyW2bUmkJu1ieHNYG0rg8clBLys9Ddx/s400/housedress,+dec.28.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 201px; height: 400px;" /></a>A stepchild of fashion, the humble house dress has been worn in one form or another for centuries. When women's fashionable gowns were silk, this was even more so. Wearing 'wash dresses' of cotton calico allowed mothers and maids to get their chores done, while wearing something cool, comfortable, and easy to launder. The sketch here is from 1928 and shows a simple to sew house dress pattern at a time when home sewing was on the upswing in a growing suburban culture.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UD6s8zbuYH59_wQ2ZEKpKUTn0hx7EysyhUPayADV3I2i02labKUiwaNBrkY77e2k9AZ49wycnKu51lhSR2ntF7YkVotnZ4Q4XS8tLrv4wxWLIrT3BNDA17fGBr4B9XXMfgH9W2PTOYY7/s1600-h/P7260092.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365216573138153122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UD6s8zbuYH59_wQ2ZEKpKUTn0hx7EysyhUPayADV3I2i02labKUiwaNBrkY77e2k9AZ49wycnKu51lhSR2ntF7YkVotnZ4Q4XS8tLrv4wxWLIrT3BNDA17fGBr4B9XXMfgH9W2PTOYY7/s400/P7260092.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Following World War II, a flood of changes affected fashion. The availability of fabrics, both natural and synthetic soared. Add to this the availability of the zipper. This innovation had become popular in apparel during the 1930's, but the war years put a stop to that. After the war, the zipper became a 'must have' element in all apparel. During the late 1940's and through the 1950's, zipper use was at an all time high, as women happily abandoned their buttons for the convenience of a zipper. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=28681004">This house dress</a> pictured above <a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6215531&search_query=house+dress"></a>of cotton calico sports a sweetheart neckline and pockets edged in looped trim. A long center front zipper is set between full length rows of tiny pintucks (label: Nip'N'Tuck).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-u54uT9pjh0cB-12dcC5QIDXKtGdqiJVaabcuuzuirK3zNhhZ3sCutqeqY0fN-NpOpAYSnE4yUozGFTIAataUHJZv4ufGR-8a0jmIdguKiuiwpZTcl_I8nQxqOsNRV39E5PXRpRgRg2/s1600-h/P7250026.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365219672715541026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-u54uT9pjh0cB-12dcC5QIDXKtGdqiJVaabcuuzuirK3zNhhZ3sCutqeqY0fN-NpOpAYSnE4yUozGFTIAataUHJZv4ufGR-8a0jmIdguKiuiwpZTcl_I8nQxqOsNRV39E5PXRpRgRg2/s400/P7250026.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 400px;" /></a>House dresses changed from being softly fit to becoming more fashion aware during the 1950's and 60's. The sporty rust red version shown here is by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28685312">"Swirl"</a>. This wrapped house dress has huge patch pockets embellished with large appliques of fruit, veggies and kitchen kitch. The back wraps around and snaps at the waistband for a great flexible fit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzT_4XDLJws9W5AxszwizXFS3Kg1aTLFHHPSQ2P6TF_n6CkMAcif5XYj9FdXNbhH66exAd5jCB_60LhkSh7smKXLqKG2kiJFS1nY3UG8V8s1GbFZ6ZvKTSYgYZV-R_Qh76wnkgCo91o7s/s1600-h/P8080062.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371332379037251218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikzT_4XDLJws9W5AxszwizXFS3Kg1aTLFHHPSQ2P6TF_n6CkMAcif5XYj9FdXNbhH66exAd5jCB_60LhkSh7smKXLqKG2kiJFS1nY3UG8V8s1GbFZ6ZvKTSYgYZV-R_Qh76wnkgCo91o7s/s400/P8080062.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 313px; height: 400px;" /></a><br />This cute polka dot dress is by another popular label<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29479812"> "Models Coat"</a>. Originally a cover up for fit and runway models, it has similar 'easy to wear' features as other house dresses.<br /> <br />As young women moved from dresses into pants for day wear during the late 1960's and 1970's, the house dress lost its position in the housewive's<a href="http://www.etsy.com/search_results_shop.php?search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_6215531&search_query=house+dress"></a> wardrobe. Jeans, blouses and 'T' shirts took its place to become the prefered apparel for chores and leisure activities at home.<br /><br />More on House Dresses:<br />Fuzzy Lizzie Vintage Clothing: <a href="http://fashionsfinest.fuzzylizzie.com/Swirl.html">overview of 'Swirl' house dresses</a><br />Eda Danese: <a href="http://blackburnandsweetzer.com/2009/02/03/books%E2%80%94the-house-dress-a-story-of-eroticism-and-fashion/">The House Dress</a>

House Dresses: Fashion at home, cottony and cute

A stepchild of fashion, the humble house dress has been worn in one form or another for centuries. When women's fashionable gowns were s...

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