The "Dirty 30s" weren't so dirty after all!

Women's fashion in the 30s became a little more form fitting and longer in length.  In order to hug the body, designers had to use very light weight fabrics such as crepes and lighter satins - both very elegant fabrics.

For our first dress, I am bringing back the famous Jeanne Lanvin.  You might remember her work from my 20s blog.

This dress is made of off white wool crepe decorated throughout with silver sequins; the design is mostly abstract geometric shapes, but there are a few stylized fish. Low neckline; straight-topped bodice. 1" thick straps. Natural waistline accentuated by a thin, sequin-covered belt. Skirt falls straight to the floor.  Chicago History Museum

Next up we have a House of Worth evening gown ca.1932.  

Sleeveless pale sea-foam green with v-neck, decorated with large seashells of various types.  The straps have iridescent sequin decoration with scattered rhinestones at shoulders and down the low back.  Attached is a sea-foam crepe de chine slip with slide closure.  More on the House of Worth

Next we are seeing our first dress from Coco Chanel.  

This dress is made of dark purple blue silk net and crochet. Completely covered with tiny iridescent paillettes, which are sewn onto the yarn strands. V-shaped neckline with fold-over collar, which trails down the back of the dress. Can be tied like a scarf. Proper left side zipper. Flared, ankle-length skirt. Belt of matching crocheted fabric with paillettes, to be worn at natural waist.  More on House of Chanel

Ok, so I have to put in one more Chanel gown and I think it is amazing! 

This evening ensemble is an exception to Chanel's unspoken rule. While the two-piece garment dates too early in Chanel's oeuvre to be designated a cocktail ensemble, it falls appropriately to above floor-length and includes a removable matching evening jacket with a modest neckline and sleeves. The transformative qualities of this ensemble were characteristic for cocktail suits of the 1930s; even at the couture level, the removable jacket allowed a smooth, easy transition between early evening clothing and garments intended for late-night soirées. The ensemble is composed of silk net that has been treated in a labor-intensive manner with ruffles shirred in, set by heat, and the shirring thread removed; the delicate construction and obsessive attention to detail intimates the refined tailoring technique and immaculate eye of Chanel couture.  (Text from MET)

Last but not least, we have another stunner.

This little beauty is from Mainbocher, ca. 1938.  It is floor length and evening style, pink and gold jacquard weave with silk brocading.  It has a high neckline with attached trompe l'oeil (illusion of depth) necklace of sequins, glass beads, and orange pink beading.  Cap sleeves have similar trim at edge.  Bodice attaches to straight skirt at natural waist.  

It is becoming obvious to me as I find these gowns that I will have to revisit these time periods again and again - I just can't do it justice in only 5 photos!  

Thanks for stopping by my blog and remember, I also have an online boutique, Lulabelle's Closet.  I wish I sold vintage fashion but my stock is all new and modern but I still have many lovely items- please stop by my Facebook page, Lulabelle's Closet, and see what LC is all about! 

Thanks! 

Amazing 20s Fashion - Long May it Roar!

I've become slightly addicted to the history and fashion pages on pinterest!  There are so many beautiful dresses from all time periods pinned every hour.  Right now, my focus is the 20s- since I work in a museum and do programs on the 20s regularly- it seemed like a good place to start my blog.

My first dress is the quintessential flapper gown.

I mean, how can you not love this gown!?! It is a beaded "flapper" style gown in iridescent pink.   Metallic sequins, bugle beads, and metallic embroidery on tulle, with a rose pattern and a plunging back.  I do not know the whereabouts of this little beauty as well as the dresses below but let's all hold hands and pray that they are all in a museum somewhere - where they belong!  

Next up, we have a simple (but not-so-simple) 1920s tulle dress.  

Again, not much is known, even less than the previous dress but it is stunning.  

Time to go a little more "showy" with a 1920s cream and gold lame evening dress.  

I hate it that I don't have better information on the whereabouts of these amazing dresses and I will make it a personal goal to pick dresses with more information on them in the future

Next up, a 1920s evening dress without label but is said to be from Callot Soeurs.  Callot Soeurs was a fashion design house opened in 1895 at 24, rue Taitbout in Paris, France. It was operated by the four Callot sisters: Marie Callot Gerber, Marthe Callot Bertrand, Regina Callot Tennyson-Chantrell and Joséphine Callot Crimont.  They were known for their exotic details - they were among the first to use gold and silver lame to make dresses.  

For more information on this design house, please visit the links belo.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callot_Soeurs  or   http://metmuseum.org/collections/search-the-collections/81139

Last up, we have a Lanvin "peacock" dress ca. 1928-1929 by Jeanne Lanvin. This dress is made of silk taffeta and embroidered with glass beads.  

For more information on this designer, please visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanne_Lanvin  or http://headtotoefashionart.com/jeanne-lanvin-1867-1946/

That is it for the 1920s-  I hope you enjoy the beauty.  Remember, while I am a history-nerd-girl, I also have my own online boutique.  I sell most of my NEW clothing and jewelry on Facebook (Lulabelle's Closet) but I also try to keep much of my inventory listed here on my blog- for those without Facebook accounts.  

Thanks for visiting and remember, while new fashion is fun, historic fashion holds our past.  :)

Here are our new items for Monday, July 15, 2013!  We are very excited to share these new items- especially the blue "grecian" style dress- we absolutely LOVE it!

$12

$44

$14

$14

Happy shopping and thanks for stopping by!!!

Sale July 11, 2013! Our first clothing sale!

Tonight we listed our first 3 items of clothing!  You will find them below with prices.  Please email if interested as these won't last long!  lulabellescloset@yahoo.com

We are also running a sale on our ribbon bib and bauble necklaces- now only $16 each (were $22 each)!!!

Cara stripe top $26

Cross tribal tank $18

Strapless B&W Chevron dress $40

My new merchandise didn't arrive in time to have sales this week so I am having a 20% current stick sale instead! This means the necklaces $17.50 and the earrings are now $12!!!

Hurry up! Sale ends Wednesday, June 26th at 5pm! 

Thanks! 

LC

Week 1 Sale 2

Things are going well!  I added a few more necklaces to my stock.  All necklaces are $22.  I am looking forward to adding more stock next week BUT it may not be here in time.  Monday and Wednesday sales are hopeful but not guaranteed.  I will keep customers updated on Facebook.

Remember, if you would like to make a purchase simply comment SOLD and leave your email address in the comments section!   Shipping rates do apply if not a local purchase.  I will contact you with details!  You may also reach me at: lulabellesboutique@yahoo.com   Thank you!!

Yellow ribbon necklace $22

Green ribbon necklace $22

Purple bauble necklace $22

White bauble necklace $22

My first sale night!

Tonight is my first sale!  Necklaces are $22 and earrings are $15.  Comment SOLD and leave your email address in the comments section!   Shipping rates do apply if not a local purchase.  I will contact you with details!  Thank you!!

Coral Ribbon Bib

Yellow Bauble Necklace

Turquoise Ribbon Bib

 

Turquoise Earrings

I can't wait for the next sale on Wednesday, June 19th at 8pm!