DRESS PREVIEW: KerryBrooke 1950s Purple and Lavender Dress

Now available at Flannery Crane on Etsy!

FLANNERY CRANE: on the Etsy Vintage Blog!

Thanks to Callooh Callay for Featuring me on Etsy's Vintage Blog!


http://etsyvintage.blogspot.com/2011/04/member-spotlight-flannery-crane.html?spref=fb

ADVERTISEMENT: Schiaparelli Perfume and Accessories, 1966.

John Plain Catalog, 1966.

BELTS: A Novelty Belt from the 1960s.

Today I was given a mail-order catalog from 1966: John Plain, which has been in business since 1915.

It's a large catalog with items across the board, much like the Sears and Penney's Catalogs:

-Fashion

-Footwear

-Jewelry

-Household

-Small Appliances

-Toys

-Etc.

I came across a great novelty Belt; Its called the "Big Timer," with an adjustable chain that converts into a necklace. The Watch is a large 4 inches in diameter.

The John Plain Catalog for 1966, page 46.

Magazines: Modern Miss

New in the Library:

A family member (Thanks, Phyllis) kindly passed on two issues of this magazine titled Modern Miss: the Fashion Magazine for Home Economics and their Students, published by Simplicity Pattern company.

I have two issues, Fall and Winter for the year 1954.

Not only do the magazines advertise fabrics, patterns and various notions, they also include tips for sewing, dressing, grooming, and other things typically found in a Home Economics publication (A"Life Skills" course of today).

The typical confusion among youth regarding menstruation was addressed in small print ads with pamplets available to clear up any misconceptions:

"It's Natural, It's Normal," Being one title.

My memories of Home Economics circa 1984 include the making of iced thumbprint cookies; a green wrap-skirt with the popular preppy alligator pattern, and the day the teacher gathered us in a circle to watch her cover a banana with a flesh-toned latex tube without advanced warning.

"Okay, does everyone understand how to use the condom? "

There were a few heads nodding, and Silence broke by intermittent giggles.

"Okay, back to your desk and open your books...."

ADVERTISEMENT: Kleinert's On and Off Dress Shields

Dress Shields: Have you found or purchased a dress and wish someone had worn them? Modern Miss Magazine. Winter 1954, page 52.

Bill Blass: Ruffles and Bright Colors.

SOLD: 1970s Maxi Dress by Bill Blass for Neiman Marcus.

Orange Plaid halter style top with Crepe Ruffles and Smocked Bodice. Skinny Cinch Belt. Size 8 Bust 34-35 Two Neiman Marcus tags found in skirt hem. This dress could have been created in the early 1980s. I found a photograph of Iman Modeling a similar plaid, though varied design for Bill Blass 1982 Spring Collection via the internet. Check it out...

FEATURES:

Where to begin... -Gorgeous Flaming Orange Plaid with blue being the next dominating color. Blue stripe is seen particularly in the back view, drawing the eye vertically. -Lovely Crepe Fabric is semi-sheer with orange satin lining. -Sleeveless halter style top is covered with ruffles of neckline. Straps are hidden and are 2 and 3/4ths wide. -Fitted bodice has a low-cut, plunging V shape neckline. -Neckline is also framed with ruffles. -BEAUTIFUL Smocking detail extends just below the waistline giving just a hint of an hourglass figure. -Matching Skinny Cinch Belt. -Full Maxi Skirt hangs from pleats created by Smocking design. -Crepe Plaid fabric overlay; Orange Satin Skirt underneath.

CONSTRUCTION:

-Side Nylon Zipper and metal hook. -Shoulder strap (sleeveless dress has halter style straps) on top of shoulder, Left side-fastens with three eyelet hooks. -Ruffle also snaps into place to provide continuous design rather than break. -Threads with snaps to hold bra straps in place. -Bodice fully lined with soft, satin-like fabric. -Pinked seams found on side hems. Bottom hem has sewn hem. -Care tags, Red and Blue Union Label tag found in skirt hem along with Neiman Marcus and Bill Blass Labels. Another Bill Blass Beauty: How about Ruffles at the Pool or Beach? The Bathing Suit is currently for sale in my Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/71265802/1970s-1980s-bill-blass-vintage-swimsuit

PREVIEW: 1950s 60s Formal Dress by Seymour Paisin, Chicago

FEATURES:

Beatiful Watercolor Floral Print.
Lovely Neckline with Plunging V in back.
Shoulder wrap sleeves.
Drop Waist with wrap style skirt with bow and drape design.