Pauline Trigere Suit - 1983
At an estate sale over the weekend, I picked up a big pile of Town & Country magazines from the 1980s. While not focused exclusively on fashion, Town & Country is full of advertisements for...
View ArticleMissoni - 1982
Missoni knits from the spring of 1982. So right now.Photo by Avi Meroz for Missoni ad, Town and Country magazine, 1982.
View ArticleWhat's Under That Vintage Dress?
I post pictures of gorgeous vintage clothing here on my blog and on my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds daily. The comments and questions I receive most often deal with the tiny waists or fit of...
View ArticleWhat's Under That Vintage Dress? Part 2
Monday's post about foundation garments got a lot of interest with comments, emails and even a phone call! Here are a couple more examples today.The strapless cocktail dress by Ceil Chapman shown...
View ArticleBalenciaga Evening Gown - 1963
Hi-low hemlines....they've been around for years and years. For spring of 1963, Balenciaga created this gorgeous gown. The hemline exposes the ankle in front and lengthens to form a train in back....
View ArticleVacation Time! Are You Taking Vintage in Your Suitcase?
I am headed off for vacation and road trips for the rest of this month, but not to worry! My assistant will be in the office to ship your orders and answer your questions while I'm away.If you're...
View ArticleMonte-Sano and Pruzan Suit, 1966
Monte-Sano and Pruzan was a high-end maker of tailored suits and coats based in New York. For the Fall of 1966, they embrace the Mod era with a marvelous wool check enhanced with gold lurex threads...
View ArticleTeal Traina Suit - 1966
Here's another good example of a fashion trying to bridge the gap between classic clients and the newer Mod looks for the younger generation in 1966. Venerable old New England department store Jordan...
View ArticleExciting News at Couture Allure!
You may have noticed that the Couture Allure website and this blog have been quiet lately. There's a very good reason for that. I have been working very hard over the last couple of months opening 3...
View ArticleLa Vigna Vicuna Trench Coat - 1954
Thinking about your winter coat yet? You can't go wrong with a classic trench style like this one by La Vigna from 1954. La Vigna was a coat and suit manufacturer based in New York that was best...
View ArticlePlaids the Couture Way - 1952
Today I want to show you some couture garments from 1952 that are made with plaid fabrics. When looking at these designs, notice how perfectly the plaids are matched at the seams, across openings and...
View Article6 Hilariously Awkward Model Poses - 1960
I was perusing a fashion magazine from 1960 this morning and kept coming across pictures in which the model was posed in a very awkward way. I thought they might bring a little fun to your day.This...
View ArticleValentino Cape, 1969
This exquisite cape by Valentino comes from his couture collection for Spring 1969. The coral branches on the ivory satin are completely painted by hand. Worn with coral colored crepe pants....
View ArticleCouture Allure Supports Reading Is Fundamental
I was a painfully shy child. I found comfort in reading. Books were my friends, stories were my playmates, reading taught me about the world. Children's literacy is near and dear to my heart. But we...
View Article1930s Chanel Adaptation Dress and Jacket Ensemble
In the days before Chanel made ready-to-wear clothing, it was common practice for Mme. Coco to authorize American department stores and high end boutiques to make reproductions of her designs for women...
View ArticleFantastic Floral Hats from 1954
Evidently French milliners had decided 1954 was the year of fanciful floral confections, judging by these marvelous hats from that year. Some are stunning, some are silly, all are striking. Which one...
View ArticleVintage Butterfly Dress
This image came across my Pinterest feed last night. I can't find any attribution for the designer or year. I'm pretty sure this dates to right around 1959-62 and it sure looks like a Vera Neumann...
View ArticleValentino 1989
Just added to the Couture Allure website is this stunning Valentino 2-piece evening ensemble from the Spring/Summer 1989 collection. This set was featured in the book "Valentino: 30 Years of Magic",...
View ArticleTime to Say Goodbye
After 15 years selling the best in vintage clothing and accessories, the time has come for me to retire. I am sad to say goodbye to my customers and friends in the vintage community, but I am happy to...
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