Every well-dressed Victorian woman owned at least one fancy velvet dolman or mantle.... Many were lavish and highly decorated and this is no exception. Some of the photos you will see were lightened to see detail of black velvet, but it's the beauty of the flocked faconne velvet in a highly stylized leaf motif that is so special.. in a pinky taupe and moss green edged in black velvet... has the look of stained glass! Trimmed in black ostrich feathers, lined in black satin.

tags:

• coat
• , vintage
• , wear

Gorgeous soft black velvet torso ends in large triangled points into an ivory sateen (best description I have for material!) full skirt. Matching ivory sateen at upper bust. It has a built in crinoline, but I added a fluffier crinoline for a full effect.

tags:

• black and white
• , vintage
• , wear
• , dress

Parisian gown, labelled "Jeanne Hallee, 3 Rue de la Ville l'Eveque, Paris". This extremely rare evening gown came from one of my museum suppliers. A beautiful rose pink gossamer chiffon draped over an underdress of ivory "peau-de-cygne (swan-skin - a kind of textured satin). It's trimmed under with embroidered gold net and pendant sprays of silk rose buds. Note that the inner petals of the flowers are a deeper shade than the outer petals, and with graduated ribbon colors. Without a doubt, though it's a simple design, it's the most exquisite Edwardian gown I have ever owned.

tags:

• vintage
• , wear
• , dress

Lets start with the off-white rayon slip (rayon was the NEW fashionable material!). Now.. ta da.. the amazing net overdress which will cling in the bias cut to your body and show off your curves! The dramatic mermaid skirt starting about at the knees and flares out to long train at back! Long tight net sleeves with pouf ruffled oversleeve. Round scoop neckline. All these elements highlighted with rows of delicate lace gathered trim! The dress snaps up the side and has hooks as well.

tags:

• vintage
• , wear
• , dress

tags:

• boot
• , vintage
• , shoe
• , wear

The chantilly black lace is very, very fine and beautifully detailed There are three layers underneath the lace; the first is a 'see-through' skin tone and the second is a "heavy" black taffeta, both which line the entire dress. The third layer under the skirt is a full black crinoline. Side metal zipper.

tags:

• stripe
• , vintage
• , wear
• , dress

Sometime in the 1950's, some great dressmaker decided to use some old Edwardian Battenburg lace to create a perfectly wonderful A-line skirted, sleeveless dress. This dress is sublime no matter how you wear it. Wear with a sash, or no sash.

tags:

• vintage
• , wear
• , dress

Do you like to light up a room when you walk through the door? This will make you the center of attention.Eextremely light-weight dress of sheer black chiffon with every inch covered with large hologram sequins! One shoulder design, side zipper, sheer chiffon slip under. At your next party, YOU can be the mirror ball! Go try to find another dress as smashing!

tags:

• vintage
• , wear
• , dress

Base is a black wool with a rust-colored velvet yoke and cuffs with black beaded trim at cuff. The beauty of this piece is the green, purple, ecru and brown embroidery of long graduated vines of grapes and leaves. The embroidery down the front on both sides is straight line but matching. Nice black flat rope braiding design at upper back and trim on the velvet with bow at neck. The robe is unlined but has an orange silk ruffle at the interior hemline.

tags:

• coat
• , vintage
• , wear

A most luxurious green silk satin fabric.. too bad you can't feel it through the internet! But I think you can tell from the sheen! Simple, high halter shape design in front.. to a very full draped back highlighted by the large bow at back neck! Awesome design! True CLASS! A pair of diamond earrings and bracelet are all you need. This is spotless and looks like it was just bought out of the boutique. Zips in the back with metal zipper and then the bow / train part is sewed on one side it snaps on the other side. Extremely well made. Completely lined.

tags:

• vintage
• , wear
• , dress

Perfectly regal royal purple in a lightly crushed silk velvet with amazing detailing on the pouf sleeves... they are open from the shoulder to the elbow, and then tightly strapped around the lower arm with bows! Exquisite!

tags:

• vintage
• , wear
• , dress

Cornflower blue raw silk bodice with modified boat neck edged in the same amazing blue metallic material as the skirt and matching belt/bow. The blue and gold metallic skirt has red, yellow and turquoise dots.. and the metallic material just lets the light "dance" on it! Lovely!

tags:

• vintage
• , wear
• , dress

It's a very heavyweight black linen. It's covered in white yarn soutache which "pops" in person! Measures: 27.5" waist (could be made a bit larger), 30.5" long. Original size 16 label (how things have changed!!!). Metal zipper at side. So.. you can spend up to $2,000 on a designer full skirt this year, or $100 on the cheap new version of the circle skirt (all the rage this year!)... or you can own a true classic!

tags:

• black and white
• , vintage
• , wear
• , skirt