1950s - Balenciaga's Enchanting Sheath, Tunic, and Inspired Bolero

Now here is an ensemble I would love to wear! A pop of red on a white hat that makes you think of Christmas, a slim sheath topped with a knee-length tunic with big buttons, and an itty-bitty bolero with a floating back panel. Wow!

 

Here is a photograph of the dress & tunic in black brocade, without the bolero. The big buttons are there (we just can't see them). Enchanting!

1930s Glamour in a Double-Breasted Princess Coat

I'll be traveling for Thanksgiving today, and I hope you all are blessed with a safe and wonderful time with all those you love.

For my travels today, I wish I could wear this fabulous tweed coat from 1937 that hugs the figure with flair! It features princess seams, underarm pockets with shaped flaps, double-breasted closing, and a shawl collar accented with scalloped Persian lamb fur. And I'd wear the marvelous hat too, with its square visor, envelope crown, and Persian pom-poms!

I wish I could order one of these!

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - A Hand-Made Medallion Trim

I am way overdue for another post from Ruth Wyeth Spears and her wonderful tips for home sewists in the 1920s! So here is one for adding a home-made yet dramatic accent that is perfect for blouses and frocks. As described by Ruth, this is designed as an open-work motif. Whether you make it open-work or add a contrast fabric as a background, you'll have an eye-catching accent!

Have fun with this one!

Buy Your Vintage Sewing Patterns During the Holiday Shopping Sale!

Have you been stashing some cash? The sale of the year is almost upon us!

As a member of the Pattern Patter team on Etsy, my Midvale Cottage shop will be participating in this weekend's holiday shopping sale extravaganza! Beginning Friday, November 28 (at the stroke of midnight), until the end of Cyber Monday, December 1st, (at the stroke of midnight), everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, in my shop will be 20% off!  And if you don't find what you want, be sure to check all the participating shops, as most are offering discounts as well.

On the days of the sale, just click this image to view all the pattern shops that are participating and the fresh items they are adding to their shops for the event.

You can peruse my items at any time by visiting Midvale Cottage on Etsy, or on this special Etsy on Sale link that goes live during the sale period.

1950s Paris Fashion - A Taste of the Orient

The Oriental influence inspired by the Chinese Opera's first visit to Paris in 1955 resulted in couture designs like this one by Dior. The evening sheath dress of pearly satin  is topped with a richly jeweled and embroidered caftan coat with split sides. This brilliant brocade definitely results in a rich, exotic look.

It seems as though they tried to give her eyes an Oriental look with the use of makeup. What do you think? Seen in Women's Home Companion, October 1955 edition.

1940s Originator Sketch - Cocktail Dresses

Ooooo la la! These stunning cocktail dresses feature cascading drapes topped with bows. Did you notice that both dresses dip lower in the back? Fabulous eye candy!

Look at the details carefully - intriguing!

1930s - Glamorous Metallic Two-Piece Evening Dress

Oh, she looks sensational and knows it! This divine two-piece dress of  lamé provides a sculptured look, wrapping the body in waves of elegant shimmer. The matching hat is a high calot, trimmed with kid and an eye-catching whisper of a veil.