Order # D1887 Click here for photos Order Here	Late 1950s Edith Small Black and White Silk Tweed Suit                                                                                                                          NEW LISTING I just did a small bio at www.pastperfectvintage.blogspot.com   about Edith Small. She was a California designer from 1945 - 1969. She showed her styles on both coasts and was known for beautiful work and a very feminine touch. This is one of her ladies suits made up in imported silk with lovely touches. The front closes with visible glass jet buttons and is kept smooth with hidden buttons and small hooks. The black silk bow has narrow bands of the suit fabric at the ends for a fine touch. Sleeves cuffs finish with ore jet buttons. The skirt is straight with a back vent and side metal zipper. Both piece are fully lined in crepe. A classy, fine quality suit all around. Label: Edith Small Original Imported Fabric Condition: Excellent. Size: Jacket: Bust: 38”, Waist: 34”, Shoulders: 16” Sleeves: 17 ½”, CB Neck to Hem: 22“. Skirt: Waist: 26”, Hips: 38”, Waist to Hem: 26½”, Hem circumference: 42” Price: $185
Order # D1871 Click here for photos Order Here	Sweet 1950s Black Tissue Faille and Lace Dress by Mr. Mort NEW LISTING Here we have a very sweet and timeless party dress by Mr. Mort, a company that produced fashionable but affordable dresses through the 1950s - 1980s. The line on this is quite attractive with the darted and fitted bodice, slim long sleeves, wide. almost off shoulder neckline and long, full skirt. The neckline is edges with a wide machine made embroidered net. Add a narrow or wide belt in black velvet or patent and you are ready to go. Or , if you have a trim waist, go for the wide contrast belt. Dress closes with CB metal zipper and metal wrist zippers. Label: Mr. Mort Condition: Excellent. Size: Size: Bust: 36”, Waist: 25”, Hips: Full”, Shoulders: 15 ½” Sleeves: 21”, Shoulder to Waist 15 ½“, Waist to Hem: 27 ½”, Hem circumference: 84” Price: $95
Order #D1883 Click here for photos Order Here	1940s WW II Era Herringbone Wool Suit NEW LISTING This tan, slate blue and ivory herringbone wool walking suit is a wonderful example of the mid 1940s war time styles. Practical, yet attractive, this jacket has the masculine tailoring, bias patch pockets, padded shoulders, and nipped waist of the war era. The skirt is slightly flared ( not too much so - restrictions were in force!) with front and back inverted pleats for walking ease. The jacket is lined in taupe satin and the skirt has a wide 2 button waistband and a side metal zipper to close. Label: none Condition: Excellent. Size: Jacket: Bust: 36”, Waist: 30”, Shoulders: 15” Sleeves: 23”, CB Neck to Hem: 23“. Skirt: Waist: 26”, Hips: 38”, Waist to Hem: 23½”, Hem circumference: 80” Price: $95
Order # SW51 Click here for photos Order Here	1950s Red, White & Blue Dalton Cashmere Cardigan Sweater NEW LISTING This late 1950s Dalton cashmere cardigan is an adorable statement in red white and blue. In this case, it’s a navy blue body with red and white trimmed edges. The buttons are small plastic textured ball buttons. The fully fashioned sleeves are Ύ length and the waist ribbing is turned up for a smooth finish. This is original. It is unlined. Label: Dalton 100% Virgin Cashmere Condition: Excellent.  Size: Taken flat and unstretched: Bust: 36”, Waist: 32”, Shoulders: approx. 15½”, Sleeves: 16”, CB Neck to Hem: 20” Price: $70
Order # D1894 Click here for photos Order Here	1950s Print Linen Dress in Ivory and Black NEW LISTING Perfect for summer, this 1950s linen day dress has good lines and a charming abstract floral print in black. The front buttons to the waist with covered matching buttons and closes with a side metal zipper. This is a very easy style to wear with a walking skirt and short sleeves. Add a black belt, or even a red or yellow one and big beads and it’s a winner. Label: none Condition: Excellent. Size: Bust: 40”, Waist: 30”, Hips: 44”, Shoulders: 15 ½”, CB Neck to Waist 16“, Waist to Hem: 25”, Hem circumference: 58” Price: $75

Order # D1851 Click here for photos Order Here	Striking 1950s Pique Summer Strapless Dress & Coat Set!                                                                                  I think this is a great quality set in a tangerine cotton pique. The strapless dress stands on its own beautifully but when you add the matching sleeveless swing coat! Heaven. The boned and fitted dress bodice is gold flower and rhinestone bedecked with a flared skirt. This closes with a side metal zipper. The sleeveless tent/swing coat is lined in matching cotton and is cut to swing over the dress. It features a stand collar and armhole wings. A great summer set from the 1950s. We show this over s small crinoline, but it would look graceful without one as well. We haven’t been able to find out much on the designer, Grace Foote, but Livingston Bros. was a chain of locally owned select ladies shops in the Bay Area for over 100 years, and founded in 1876. Labels: Grace Foote San Francisco & Livingston Bros. San Francisco Condition: Dress is Excellent. Coat has very slight loss to ridges on pique at one shoulder Size: Dress: Bust: 34” - 35“, Waist: 26”, Hips: full, Bust to waist: 11 ½”, Waist to Hem: 27 ½“. Hem circumference: 146”. Sleeveless Coat - Bust; 50”, CB Neck to Hem : 42”, Hem circumference: 126”. Price: $350
Order # D1870 Click here for photos Order Here	1950s Ben Reig Navy Sheath with Openwork Neckline That Ben Reig - he knew how to do Chic. This 1950s navy silk shantung dress has great lines, complex seaming, fantastic hand sewn neckline detail in silk satin, and nifty back bows that twist out of the skirt panels. Very nicely done, Mr. Reig. We show it with a gold tone belt to get the waisted effect, but you can use so many colors with navy. Nay patent leather would be Fab. Closure is a center back metal zipper. Label: Ben Reig New York Condition: Excellent. Original belt is missing. Size: Bust: 39”, Waist: 28”, Hips: 41”, Shoulders: approx. 16½”, Shoulder to Waist; 17 ½”, Shoulder to Hem: 44“. Hem circumference: 45” Price: $115
Order # D1892 Click here for photos Order Here	Fantastic 1950s Turquoise Quilted Pique Cotton Halter Dress Wow. How often do you see a 1950s turquoise pique cotton halter dress with a quilted circle skirt? Rarely, at least in this neck of the woods. This one is great with bust friendly princess shaping and button neck band. The skirt is a full circle. This is machine quilted and I warn you , a bit weighty. But it swings sooo well. And of course the shop label is from a Florida store. Where else? Closure is a side metal zipper. Label: Cabana Original and Ayoub’s St. Petersburg Fla. Condition: Excellent. Freshly washed. Size: Bust: 34”, Waist: 25”, Hips: very full , Waist to Hem: 28 ½”., Hem circumference: full circle Price: $115
Order # D1874 Click here for photos Order Here	Adorable 1950s Anne Fogarty Red Print Cotton Dress Sweeeeet. This 1950s Anne Fogarty dress is adorable with it’s soft red and old gold metallic wide stripe print. The print is used vertically in the tightly gathered skirt , and used in the pleated bodice to frame the V neckline. A pretty feminine summer dress form a label that specialized in the full skirted silhouette of the 1950s. We show this over a small crinoline. It would look graceful without one or would allow an even  larger one for sweep. Closure is a center back metal zipper. Label: Anne Fogarty Margot, Inc. Condition: Excellent. Freshly cleaned. Size: Bust: 34”, Waist: 24”, Hips: full, Shoulders 14 ½”, CB Neck to waist: 15 ½“, Waist to Hem: 30 ½”, Hem circumference: 138” Price: $135
Order # D1889 Click here for photos Order Here	Cute as a Bug’s Ear Carolyn Schnurer 1950s Print Dress This 1950s print cotton dress by innovative and clever American sportswear designer Carolyn Schnurer is cute as a bug’s ear. It’s a strapless style with cleverly cut back panel that can become either a shoulder wrap or folded down and tied to the front to make a sash. Very clever. It’s a white cotton with black and brown diamonds, gathered skirt and side metal zipper. We show it over a small crinoline to give you an idea of the skirt volume. Label: Designed by Carolyn Schnurer for You ABC fabrics Condition: Dress is Excellent and freshly laundered. Size: Bust: 34”, Waist: 26”, Hips: full, Bust to waist: 11 Ό”, Waist to Hem: 28 ½”, Hem circumference: 92” Price: $115
Order # D1863 Click here for photos Order Here	Elegant 1950s Navy Sheer Gown with Lace Overlay This elegant 1950s dress falls into the category of ‘Figure Flattering‘. It has a sheer navy overlay skirt and bodice yoke with a navy lace bodice and lace skirt trimming. All over a navy taffeta lining, with a pretty scalloped neckline edge. Plus, the original lace over taffeta belt is still here! That’s always a surprise when the belt is still with the dress. This closes with a side metal zipper. We show this over s small crinoline. It would look graceful without one as well. Label: manufacturer’s paper tag Condition: Dress is Excellent. Size: Bust: 38”, Waist: 26”, Hips: 42”, CB to waist: 15”, Waist to Hem: 29“. Hem circumference: slip - 86”, sheer : 128” Price: $105
Order # D1891 Click here for photos Order Here	Sexy 1950s Red Linen Dress This curve flattering summer dress from the 1950s is Red. Very Red. It’s a linen or a linen& rayon blend. The wide ‘V’ neckline, scooped back and skinny straps will set off a summer tan very effectively. The torso is sleekly fitted with unusual bust tucks and princess lien seams. The skirt kicks out at thigh length to swish in a wonderful flare. With casual jewelry - it’s a sundress. With evening jewelry it’s a cocktail dress. Closure is CB metal zipper, lined in red taffeta. Label: none Condition: Dress is Excellent. Size: Bust: 39”, Waist: 28”, Hips: 38”, Shoulder to waist: 16 ½“, Shoulder to Hem: 44“. Hem circumference: 114”, slip liner 42” SOLD!

Order #D979 Click here for photos Order Here

Stylish 1950s Mainbocher Silk Suit                                                                                                      Ah, a Mainbocher suit. Subdued, tasteful, ladylike and above all impeccable. That’s Mainbocher. The fabric is a raw silk in beige with hand applied bias trim, a cardigan style front placket, soft shoulder pads and bust padding, and keyhole buttonholes. The skirt has a shaped yoke and flared skirt. The jacket is lined in silk, the skirt is unlined. There is a handset metal zipper in the side seam of skirt and lots of hand finishing. Compare this to a photo of C.Z. Guest in a very similar Mainbocher suit from 1954 on our photos page. Provenance: We acquired this suit in 2002 from the estate auction of Taub Miller of Bloomington, IN. Miller was a Professor at IU, was also a diplomat with the State Department at the Federal level. His family in NY had connections in the Fashion Industry from the 30s to 60s. This dress was part of a 3 pc group, sent home to family, all in the same size and taste. The other 2 items were a ca 1955 Mainbocher dress and a dated 1955 Bergdorf Goodman Custom Salon dress labeled 7-15-1955 for Mrs. E.F. Hutton. This would be the 3rd Mrs. Hutton, Dorothy Dear Metzger, who married E.F. Hutton, (1875 - 1962) the well known stockbroker. She married Hutton in February of 1936 in South Carolina at the age of 28. Dorothy Hutton was described as dark haired and slender. Label: Mainbocher Condition: Excellent. Skirt: two 1/8” small tan spots at right hip. Jacket : left sleeve has faint Ύ” satin, same on lining at CB waist.. Size: Jacket: Bust: 34“, Waist: 26” , Shoulders: 14”, Sleeves; 22”, CB Neck to Hem 20”. Skirt: Waist: 24”, Hips: 39”, Waist to hem 27”, Hem Circumference: 70”. Price: $395

Order #D1859 Click here for photos Order Here

1950s Crisp Grey Tweed Filene’s Suit This 1950s wool tweed suit of imported fabric is crisp and trim. The jacket is very slimming, with a mother of pearl button front, tiny bound buttons holes, a hourglass shape, welt pockets, and fine dressmaker details. The skirt is slim and slightly gored with a side metal zipper. Jacket is lined in black crepe. The skirt has back half lining. Label: Oxford Shop Filene’s Boston and Imported Fabric Condition: Excellent but for a light spot on front skirt - hard to see in the tweed.  Size: Jacket: Bust: 36”, Waist: 26”, Shoulders: 15 Ό“, Sleeves: 23”, CB Neck to Hem: 22 ½“. Skirt: Waist: 24”, Hips: 37”, Waist to Hem: 24”, Hem circumference: 45” Price: $95

Order #D1838 Click here for photos Order Here

Stylish 1950s Hattie Carnegie Little Black Suit                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Another of Madame Carnegie’s perfect ‘little suits’. This one is a fine black wool with dressmaker details in contrasting black velvet. It has a perfectly tailored silhouette, beautiful seaming, velvet covered buttons and bound buttonholes. Flawless. The jacket is fully lined in matching black silk , while the skirt is partially lined. The skirt has small pads to shape the front hip and a side metal zipper. Label: Hattie Carnegie Condition: Excellent. Fresh, no spots or stains. May have been hemmed up 1”. Size: Jacket: Bust: 36”, Waist: 26”, Shoulders: 14 Ό“, Sleeves: 22“, CB Neck to Hem: 22”. Skirt: Waist: 24”, Hips: 36”, Waist to Hem: 29”, Hem circumference: 44”. SOLD!

Order # SW49 Click here for photos Order Here

1950s Cheery Red Wool Cardigan Sweater with Lace Overlay This 1950s cheery red cardigan sweater adds color and fun to the winter months. It’s a soft wool with fine red lace overlay. Despite being unlabeled, it’s well made, with fully fashioned seams, a hand applied overlay and a synthetic chiffon lining. The grosgrain banded front closes with small pearl buttons. Label: none Condition: Excellent. No signs of wear, stains or holes. Size: Unstretched. Bust: 40”, Waist: 28”, Shoulders: approx. 16”, Sleeves 25, Neck to Waist: 21” Price: $45

Order # D1850 Click here for photos Order Here	Gorgeous 1950s New Look Deep Blue Taffeta Cocktail Dress                                                                                                          The deep blue tone of this taffeta dress would be the main feature, but for those flirty lace overlay bust cups rising out of the shoulder/neckline drape. The bodice is a boned strapless style, with the aforesaid drape. This can be worn up around the neck, a la halter, or down as we have shown, a la stole. The flared The skirt is full, with inverted box pleats. Side metal zipper, of course. Label: Smart Miss Condition: Excellent, belt is missing. Faint hem line where it was once shortened. Size: Bust: 36” - 37“, Waist: 28”, Hips: full, Waist to Hem: 31 ½“, Hem circumference: 262”. Price: $265
Order #D1837 Click here for photos Order Here	Sharp 1950s Hattie Carnegie Little Blue Suit                                                                                                                        Madame Carnegie certainly had the ‘little suit’ down to perfection. This one is a glorious blue woven wool with all the dressmaker details that define a fine suit of the period. From the covered buttons and bound buttonholes to the perfectly tailored silhouette it’s beautifully done, and then add those flawless curved seams! Wonderful. The pocket detail is particularly fine. The jacket is fully lined in matching blue silk , while the skirt is partially lined. The skirt has small pads to shape the font hip and a side metal zipper. Label: Hattie Carnegie Condition: Excellent. Fresh, no spots or stains. May have been hemmed up 1”. Size: Bust: 36”, Waist: 25”, Shoulders 15”, Sleeves: 22’, CB Neck to Hem: 21”, Skirt: Waist: 24”, Hips: 38”, Waist to Hem: 27”, Hem circumference: 44”. SOLD!
Order #D1844 Click here for photos Order Here	Rich 1950s Gold Lame Dress Brocade Cocktail Dress This dress is a rich antique gold lame brocade in a classic sheath style. The Empire line and bateau neck complement each other and the deep back dιcolletage gives a very classy dress some zip. The fabric has texture and the designer wisely chose to let is shine in a classic silhouette without gewgaws or added embellishments. The dress has a metal center back zipper and is fully flat lined with taffeta. Label: ILGWU Condition: excellent, but for a stain on the skirt lining that is not visible on the exterior. Size: Bust: 36”, Waist: 25”, Hips: 36”, Shoulder to Waist: 15”, Shoulder to Hem: 40”, Hem circumference: 38”. Price: $105
Order #D1849 Click here for photos Order Here	Well Done 1950s Green Hand Knit Ribbon Dress Set LG SZ This is a grand example of a rayon ribbon knit dress/suit set. The color is that great green - too green and pretty for olive, too subtle for chartreuse. The pattern of the knit from scrolls over the bust that swoop down to the hip - very nice lines. And it’s a good size! The jacket closes with ribbon worked buttons and hooks and we still have the original belt. A rarity these days, may I say. The long straight skirt has a textured gripper waist band and a metal zipper. Label: hand knit by Ann Fleischer Condition: Excellent. Size: Jacket: Bust: 42”, Waist: 32”, Shoulders: 16”, Sleeves: 17“, Center Back to Hem:23”. Skirt: Waist: 31”, Hips:42”, Waist to Hem: 33”, Hem circumference: 52”. Price: $205

Order # D1821 Click here for photos Order Here

Late 1950s Classic Paint Brush Suit                                                                                                     This later 1950s 2 pc suit is a classic example of the straight, yet not too boxy silhouette with shoulder pads, back belt, pocket flaps and a straight skirt with kick center back pleat. The jacket is single breasted with non functional white buttons and a white rayon weave upper collar mounted on the black and grey jacket. The fabric is a blend of some kind - I can’t identify it. Jacket is fully lined in white taffeta and the skirt ha a side metal zipper. Labels: Schamberg’s Indianapolis & American Jr. Condition: Excellent, spotting on insde of skirt only.  Size: Jacket: Bust: 42”, Shoulders: 15”, Sleeves: 23”, CB Neck to Hem: 22 ½“. Skirt: Waist: 29”, Hips: 44”, Waist to Hem: 27 ½”, Hem Circumference: 44” Price: $55

Order # D1825 Click here for photos Order Here

Adorable 1950s Embroidered Linen Dress from Cuba Cool white linen + 1950s style + easy fit + white, pink and blue embroidery = perfect summer dress. At least from where I sit. Add a pink or blue cotton sash for emphasis if you wish. This dress comes to us from the family of the original owner, who purchased it in Havana in the 50s and treasured it for years. The darted bodice is covered with white on white embroidered flowers with pink an blue accents a swell as blue bias set into the edging of the neckline and pockets. The skirt is flared with small pleats. Side metal zipper. Label: The Fair hecho en Cuba Havana Condition: Excellent, freshly laundered and starched.  Size: Bust: 36”, Waist: 25”, Hips; 46”, Shoulder to Waist: 16”, Waist to Hem: 26 ½”, Hem circumference: 82”. Price: $65

Order # D1805 Click here for photos Order Here

Sophisticated 1950s Navy Silk Dinner Dress                                                                                                                            This sophisticated, chic and stylish navy silk taffeta dinner dress from the 1950s shows how well designed and made many of the mid level dresses really could be. The silhouette is just fantastic. The dress has both a fitted sheath and an integral over blouse. The torso is quite slender and fitted with a great deal of darting and a side metal zipper. The over blouse/jacket sits over a net under structure and is cut to stand away form the figure at the Empire line, making the ribcage and waist look incredibly trim. The edges of the over blouse/jacket is finished as if it were a waistband, with self fabric loops for the matching “belt”. The “belt” is tied at the center back and has long trailing ends. The neckline is finished with a stand away mandarin collar. The fitted sleeves close with metal wrist zippers. Label: Rembrandt Condition: Excellent. Clean and fresh. Size: Bust: 34”, Waist: 241/2“, Hips: 37”, Shoulders: 15”, Sleeves: 21 ½“ , Shoulder to Waist: 16 ½“, Shoulder to Hem: 41“, Hem circumference: 42” Price: $75

Order #D1755 Click here for photos Order Here

Elegant 1950s Mignon Rose Chiffon Beaded Cocktail Dress                                                                                                                                                                  Another dress from the Indianapolis estate. And this one is close to perfection, too. It's  from Mignon, apparently a maker of high quality ladies dresses. This is an elegant intense rose pink chiffon dress with crystal beaded bodice and criss cross chiffon straps. The double layer chiffon skirt is very full and lined in matching taffeta. The extremely full separate overskirt, also 2 layers, is full length with beaded waistband and an attached scarf like sash that we have not yet fully fathomed. This skirt is open down the front with an approximate 5” overlap. It has hanging loops that preclude it from being worn as a cape. A brilliantly hued example of late 50s evening wear. Label: Mignon Paris New York & L. Strauss & Co. Size: approx. Bust: 34”, Waist: 26“, Hips of lining- 44”, Shoulder to Waist: 16 ½”, Waist to Hem: 27 ½“. Hem circumference: Extremely Full. Overskirt: Waist: 26”, Waist to floor: 41”, Hem circumference: Extremely full. Condition: The dress is virtually mint with no signs of wear. The overskirt still retains the $295 price tag. Price : $275

Order #D1759 Click here for photos Order Here

High Quality 1950s Blue Silk Brocade Dinner Dress   This mid 1950s blue and black abstract pattern silk brocade dress is a very nice quality gown. It has detailed seaming at the bust line and neckline. Dress clips would look fabulous here on the 3-d bands. Fitted bodice features Ύ length sleeves and a back metal zipper with self ties sash at the back. The gored skirt is rather full and hangs nicely over a small crinoline. Label: Blum’s - North Chicago Condition: Virtually Mint. No signs of wear. Size: Bust: 38”, Waist: 28½“, Hips: Full, Shoulders: approx. 16”, Shoulder to Waist: 161/2“, Waist to Hem: 30 ½”, Hem circumference: 112” Price : $105

Order # D1769 Click here for photos Order Here

Charming 1950s Black Velvet Party Dress                                                                                                 How very sweet - a black velvet party dress from the 1950s with large abstract satin flowers appliquιd to the full skirt. The bust has shirring for definition, while the wide scoop neckline frames the face. The bodice is fitted but not boned. The full skirt is pleated at the waist and the closure is a side metal zip. The skirt is stiffened with a flat lining . We show the dress over a small crinoline slip. Label: Union made Size: Bust: 36”, Waist: 25”, Hips: Full, Shoulder to Waist : 16”, Waist to Hem: 28 ½” Hem Circumference: 82”. Condition: Excellent, very light wear. No stains or holes, very little crushing to the nap. Price : $95