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Classic tailoring late 1930s.
Worsted wool in a tight basket weave using three different color yarns....dark brown, with taupe and beige for an over all shade of fawn.
The jacket is gently shaped with prominent shoulders. It ends just below the hip and has oversized rounded lapels. There are four covered buttons with hand bound buttonholes and nicely designed flap pockets. The jacket is lined with beige crepe and is beautifully tailored in every way. The four gore skirt is long and straight (but not narrow) with a center front vent. A handsome but practical suit it was likely worn by a professional woman. Perhaps an office worker or teacher
This condition is wearable and sturdy but there are a some flaws. The right elbow has a mended section about 1/2" in diameter. (pictured on the enlarged pictures page). The mend is a little clumsy but not terrible. There is a VERY faint mark on the right shoulder and one on the skirt. Also the top of the vent has been reinforced, again difficult to notice. The lining is strong and clean but has two light water marks. I don't usually post less than excellent merchandise but the flaws are not glaring and the overall appearance of this suit is presentable.
The size is a med/large around a modern size 10.
Bust 40''
Waist 29''
Hips 40"
Skirt length 31 1/2"
Sleeve length 25"
Shoulders 16"
Good Condition
$75.00
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Pristine wool crepe suit, early 1950s By Abe Reinis for Chandlers, Boston. The wool is a very fine crepe in a chocolate brown with tiny flecks of white which add to the textural quality. Very rich looking.
The jacket comes just below hip length, fitted at the waist with prominent shoulders. It has a beautiful rounded, notched lapel collar with appliqué detail and unique built in, curved pockets.
Dressmaker details such as these are so charming and clever. Creative tailoring like this is fast becoming a lost art, found only on couture or high end designer fashions now.
The sleeves have tailored cuffs and the button holes are cloth bound. The jacket has a brown crepe lining.
The six gore skirt is basically straight, with a slight flair for ease of movement. It is underlined in back half way.
The size is generous around a modern size 12-14. The sleeves are long and the shoulders wide so it would be well suited to a taller frame. It has the following measurements.
Bust 44''
Waist 35''
Hips 44"
Skirt length 28"
Sleeve length 25"
Shoulders 17 1/4"
Excellent Condition
$175.00
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Lady like brown boucle suit....circa 1950s.
Cocoa brown, wool boucle jacket and skirt. The boxy jacket is cropped with a rounded hem line and notched roll collar. It has raglan shoulders, 3/4 length sleeves and closes with one large plastic button. The lining of the jacket is crepe in a pretty contrasting wedgewood blue.
The skirt is just slightly A-line with two piece curved yoke detail. It is partially underlined in silk organza.
This two pieces would make wonderful separates. The jacket being especially versatile, team it with a coordinating plaid skirt or cute slacks or even jeans.for a more casual look.
The design label reads Jablow Original by David Kidd and the store label, Levy's of Florida.
The condition is very good there are no holes, stains or flaws. The lining is strong and intact but a little faded here and there which is the only reason I am not going to rate it excellent.
The size would be in the medium range. The jacket is unstructured so it has a range for fit. Measurements are as follows.
Bust 39''
Waist 28''
Hips 40"
Skirt length 26"
Sleeve length (3/4 length) 19"
Very Good Condition
$95.00
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Exceptional early 1950s jacket in blue/gray wool crepe....LOTS of beautiful detail work. The jacket is hip length with a fitted waist and padded shoulder line. It has a lovely oversized shawl collar with scalloped edge. The scallops are echoed on the pocket edges as well. It closes with four covered buttons (cloth bound buttonholes) and has roll cuffs on the sleeves. Matching gray crepe lining.
Can be worn like a suit with skirt or slacks or as a fall outer jacket.
The label inside reads Newbury Quality Skinner Acetate & Rayon lining.
Inside the back of the collar (at the neck) the fabric is slightly darker but this cannot be seen when worn and is so minor I am giving it an excellent rating.
If worn over a blouse as a suit jacket it is a generous size around a modern size 12. If you decide to wear it as an outerwear jacket (over sweaters and the like) it would be more like a size 8 -10. It has the following measurements.
Bust 44''
Waist 36''
Hips 44"
Sleeve length 24"
Shoulders 16"
Excellent Condition
$120.00
#1337
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Smart and Chic
Adolfo for Saks Fifth Avenue suit in coordinating plaids.
The era is late 1980s - early 90s but the look is Retro 40s. Gorgeous ultra fine wool suiting in gray and white plaids.
Adolfo started his career as a milliner and first designed clothing to go with his hats! After a somewhat theatrical beginning he became known for elegant and classic outfits. Lovely two piece knits and well tailored suits. His upscale clientele were very loyal and eagerly awaited each collection. Nancy Reagan was a patron of his fashions for years.
This suit is beautifully cut with a strong shoulder line, nipped in waist and wide notched lapel. Just under the pocket flaps the fabric is gathered giving it a peplum look. The details are wonderful. Bias cut pocket flaps. Tiny houndstooth collar and cuffs against wide even plaid body. The contrasting plaid matches the skirt. There are 5 gold buttons.
The skirt has knife pleating in front. The pleats are stitched flat to just beyond the hip. It is straight in back and unlined. The side opening has four gold buttons (click on picture to see detail pictures).
It is beautifully tailored and the jacket is hand lined in pure gray silk. The size is around a modern 4-6. A great feminine looking suit for the boyish figure. The skirt has a slim hip and tummy. Yet the jacket curves in all the right places.
Bust 35''
Waist 26''
Hips 36"
Skirt length 24"
Sleeve length 24 1/4"
Excellent Condition
$145.00
#1335
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Impeccable spring weight wool suit circa late 1940s. Very strong shoulder line, tidy nipped in waist and notched lapel. There is a yoke detail on the jacket, two faux breast pockets and two actual welted pockets. The buttons are fabric covered with hand stitched detail. The skirt is straight but relaxed at the hem. Very finely tailored with pick stitching on the lapels and fabric bound button holes. Crepe lining in the jacket. The skirt is unlined, usual for the era since women wore slips instead.
There are two name labels. In Boston Lamson-Hubbard and Milady New York. Also an Imported Fabric label.
A generous medium about a modern size 10
Bust 42''
Waist 30''
Hips 40"
Skirt length 25"
Sleeve length 23"
Excellent Condition
$120.00
#1332
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Classic Scottish wool tweed suit by David Crystal.
The David Crystal company began in the 1930s and was known for their high quality sportswear. By the 1940s they were creating "Town Clothes" as well and fine tweeds were a favorite.
The jacket has a loose cut with notched lapel, welt pockets and narrow cuffs on the sleeves. It has three hand bound buttonholes and large brown plastic buttons. The material is a brown and ivory Scottish wool tweed. The tailoring is done with a light touch so it is comfortable and practical. Interestingly the jacket is lined with a lightweight wool jersey which is brilliant because it lends body to the garment, but is not restrictive. The straight skirt is half lined with silk crepe and has a kick pleat in back.
The skirt is around a modern size 6 with room for alteration and the jacket is around a modern size 8. They have the following measurements.
Bust 39''
Waist of skirt 26''
Waist of jacket unstructured
Hips up to 38"
Skirt length 25 1/2"
Sleeve length 24"
Shoulders 15 1/2"
Excellent Condition
$175.00
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Classic Chic
Beautiful boucle knit fabric in antique rose with flickers of sage,ivory and mauve. This lovely 1970s Castleberry suit is heavily influenced by the Classic Chanel Suit. It has a lean boxy jacket with narrow sleeves and sharp, tailored shoulder line. The skirt is straight and narrow. The jacket is trimmed with looped braid echoing the colors in the knit. I have a close up shot of the fabric on the detail page. There are two braid trimmed patch pockets at the edge of the hem and two faux pocket edges on the bodice. It has a jewel neckline and closes down the front with little decorative brass ball buttons. These same buttons also trim the sleeves.To spice up my Castleberry knits I like to snap a mink or fox collar around the neck. It is Small/ Medium in size.These measurements are taken before stretching the fabric.
Bust 36''
bust 28''
Hips 38''
Skirt length 25''
Shoulder 15 1/2''
Sleeve length 23''
Excellent Condition
$125.00
#2020
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Classic Gem!
This is a two piece sweater and skirt ensemble is from the 1950s. It is a dyed to match, wool skirt with Cashmere sweater. The color is a Watermelon Red (pink tone to the red). The sweater is cropped and full fashioned with beautiful couture details. The neckline, sleeve hems and front opening are finished with rows of trapunto cording and tiny black pick stitches. There are black satin covered buttons. The neckline is high and the sleeves are 3/4 length coming to a few inches below the elbow. The skirt is narrow and fitted with a kick pleat in back. There is nice couture detailing on the skirt as well. Each of the darts is defined with hand pickstitching and the top of the kick pleat is reinforced with a hand embroidered "arrow". These details are almost non-existent in todays clothing and if they are used it is machine done, not the same at all! The skirt is half lined with matching taffeta. This lovely set was designed by Bonnie Briar. The sweater is 100% Scottish Cashmere and the skirt wool was dyed to match by Hokanum Fabrics. The size is med/small with the following measurements.
Bust 38"
Waist 27"
Hip 37"
Skirt length 26"
Excellent Condition
$150.00
