mid century detroit glam

My heart did a little flippity-flop when I saw this amazing 1956 fashion spread in Women's Home Companion, where the setting was the newly-opened General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan.  The center was designed by Eero Saarinen, and is the perfect place to photograph gorgeous dresses, from designers like Claire McCardell, Elizabeth Arden, Christian Dior, and Oleg Cassini.

On the left is a dotted swiss gown from Claire McCardell; model was photographed near the lobby staircase of the Styling section.  On the right, model wears a pink organza dress by Elizabeth Arden, and is photographed on top of the experimental Firebird I.

Left, a print taffeta dress and matching organza coat by Elizabeth Arden, and a pink chiffon dress by Christian Dior, photographed against the Harry Bertoia-designed steel divider screen in the Center's main restaurant.  On the right, a white, green, and blue gown by Elizabeth Arden, photographed in the pipe room of the power plant.

A black silk dress by Hannah Troy on the floating staircase of the Research building.  And a Cluny lace dress by Larry Aldrich, photographed in the Styling section--against a fabulous array of Herman Miller bucket chairs in primary colors!

A stunning Pauline Trigère silk coat trimmed with chiffon, photographed by the turquoise glazed brick wall of the Process Development building.  Oleg Cassini dresses photogaphed on the Captain's Walk of the Research building.

The article also showcased "filmy" dresses you could make at home from patterns.

I particularly love this striped blue sundress photographed against the bright yellow glazed brick wall.

Coral cotton voile separates, photographed against the giant steel dome that is used as an auditorium or as a showroom for new car models.

Click here or here to see more information about and photos of the Tech Center.  I especially love the "teacup" desk for the receptionist in the Design building!

xo

K

shop accessories preview

Deadstock 1980s kicks, a violin print scarf, some colorful mid century mugs--a little something for everyone in this Small EarthVintage shop accessories preview!

1982 Nike Leather Cortez "Gump" running shoes, deadstock with box.

1982 Nike Oceania running shoes, deadstock with box.

Soft gray leather purse with plastic handle, by Etra.

Fringed and ruffled bathing cap cover.

1960s silk painted paisley scarf.

1940s small violin print silk scarf.

1960s Vera blue bamboo print scarf.

1960s Linea C cruise ship line scarf.

1950s sheer chiffon colorful fan print scarf.

1960s Vera pink and red marigold print scarf.

1960s Tara silvertone swirl and faux pearls brooch.

Set of 4 colorful mod Scandinavian style mugs.

Mid century Georges Briard peacock feathers divided dish.

xo

K

futuristic fabric

This post was originally going to be about magazine ads of 1964.  (I'm still going to do that post.)  But as I was going through my May 1964 issue of McCall's, I noticed a large number of fashion ads that were not for the garment itself, but its fabric.  I don't think this is something we'd see much of in today's women's magazines.  Why would the women of 1964 care about whether their dress was made from Dacron, Orlon, Fortrel, or treated cotton?  Nylon and polyester fabrics had been in use in fashion for some time, but in the 1960s, we became obsessed with all things modern and convenient.  The fashions shown in this 1964 magazine aren't quite the futuristic vinyl/PVC mod looks of the Youthquake, but the ads do still focus on the modern aspects of the fabrics.  The ads tell us that Dacron and Fortrel are flattering, easy to care for (requiring little to no ironing), that they "stay fresh" and keep their shape.  (Note all the DuPont logos you see in these ads!)

An R&K Originals dress made of a Dacron polyester and cotton blend that "keeps its head on the hottest day," and retails for $20.00.

Several styles made of "Lovely to live in, non-stop neat" Dacron from manufacturers Jantzen, Ship 'n Shore, Sue Brett, McGregor, and Koret of California.

This Gay Gibson gingham set is particularly cute!

A striped $13.00 Orlon beach shift, by Boepple.

This ad is so weird, but I kind of love it.  It's like happy desert noir.  And that guy's hat!  Anyway, this Dan River Fabrics ad points out that even good old 100% cotton can be modern and convenient...when it's treated with "Wrinkl-Shed with Dri-Don."

A lovely $20.00 Leslie Fay dress, made of printed voile that's a blend of Fortrel polyester and cotton.

And don't worry--the cotton people were on top of things, too!  100% cotton is the best fabric in the heat, and it "never clings.  It's never clammy."  Also, you can iron it and it won't melt!  (Hm, not sure that's the best selling point...)

xo

K

shop preview

It's nearly all dresses.  I hope that's okay!  These will all be coming to the shop over the week.

1950s ice blue taffeta cocktail dress.

White embroidered peasant blouse with filet lace insets.

1960s mod lime green grid print drop waist dress

1950s gray floral print cotton wrap dress, by Sandra Lee Frocks.

1960s abstract print crepe shift dress.

1950s blue gingham seersucker romper, by Country Miss.

1960s mod orange dress, by Peter Stevens.

1960s polished cotton garden print dress with petal collar, by Dale Robbins of Miami.

Bohemian cotton and crochet lace gown with bell sleeves.

1940s black crepe dress with tiered skirt and bow at waist.

1960s sky blue swiss dot dress with ruffled button placket and Peter Pan collar, by Shaker Square.

Early 1960s black floral cotton dress with rick rack trim, by Top Mode Frocks.

xo

K

street style: the UK wins the gold

Here's a little round-up of street style that has caught my eye so far this summer.  You'll notice a trend--my favorites tend to come from the UK.  The styles showcased on blogs like the Sartorialist and those that cover Milan and Paris (and the fashion show-goers there) tend to be too polished for me.  Hel-Looks is always fun and refreshing to look at, but sometimes a bit too wacky and hipster-ironic for my tastes.  But ladies and gents in London seem to hit it just right!  I'm generalizing, but the Brits really know how to combine classic style with a touch of eccentricity.  And they seem to like their vintage!  (If anyone knows of any great street style blogs from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, etc., please let me know.)

London street style via The Style Scout / Milan via Street Peeper /  London via The Style Scout

I love the sweet, simple nautical-ish style on the first girl, that red lace skirt is amazing, and so is the print on the dress on the far right!

Helsinki street style via Hel-Looks / London via The Style Scout

A couple cool coats.  The printed/painted (?) velvet one on the right is my favorite.  I know it's been very rainy and cool in London, but that photo on the right was supposedly taken in July.  I so obviously live in the wrong country.

London via Street Style Aesthetic / Glasgow via Advanced Style / London via Street Style Aesthetic

Wonderful menswear--on gents and a lady!  I love all of these looks, but  particularly the sharp-dressed fella on the far right.  His socks!

xo

K

marni resort 2013

I am loving these looks from the Marni Resort 2013 collection.  Particularly the great open (knit?) coats with the elaborate, western-y trim.  And of course, I love the prints, especially when layered with those fabulous coats.  And the gorgeous dusty colors on this first look.  All photos via Vogue.com.

xo

K

shop accessories preview

Coming to the shop this week, some fabulous shoes, bags and scarves, and a water ski-themed beach towel!

1970s honey brown leather flat sandals, by Footnotes.

1940s white perforated heels.

1950s cherry red brogue pumps, by Paradise Kitten-ettes.

1970s tan leather sandals, by The Sandal.

1980s brown suede oxfords with tassel ties, by Enzo Angiolini.

Deadstock 1950s women's black leather oxfords.

1960s tapestry purse with faux bamboo handle.

1950s black fabric clutch with rhinestone-studded clasp closure.

1950s silk floral print scarf.

1970s pastel roses scarf, by Vera Neumann.

Silk vertigo print scarf by Ponte Tresa.

1950s red and white atomic mosaic print fabric.

1950s Cannon waterski print beach towel.

xo

K