V134: That Vintage “New Look” Pink Dress

Okay, I’m back! I have more pictures to share of Lady Carolyn and my be-costumed cruise, though. 🙂  We had two formal dress dinners while on board, and for the second, Carolyn wore a gorgeous reproduction 1912 tea gown, and I wore a new-old dress I found at Haight and Ashbury, in San Francisco.

I had to bow down to the gods of vintage on this one.  It’s a silk taffeta party dress, with a fitted, drop-waist bodice that fits like a second skin, a bobbin-lace-over-velvet band at the hips, and a very full, pleated skirt.  It is my “once in a lifetime” dress, and my splurge of the trip (or of forever, lol).

I adored wearing it, and felt like a pretty, pretty princess, even though whoever designed this dress (it’s not labeled) clearly didn’t intend for anybody to actually have an easy time wearing it.  You can’t sit in it – it buckles at the waist very unattractively, and conveniently leaves a big crease there when you stand up again.  The shoulders fit a little too well, and while I was dancing with this wonderful gentleman, I ripped about an inch on the armscyes, both sides.  It was also meant to be worn with a full crinoline, which I didn’t have – the skirt has a built-in crin, super stiff and scratchy stuff, that turned my nylons to fuzz and chewed up the slip I wore beneath it something awful!

But this is one of those dresses that *must live on!* and *must be worn* no matter how challenging it is to wear … and also if you manage to spill lemonade all down the skirt at dinner… thanks Anonymous for the jinx!!

I will share photos from Victoria, BC in the next few days, and our last outfits of the cruise.  I’m back home now and getting everything ready for the Pompadour and ivory Kensington pre-order starting tonight at midnight.  Busy busy!!

12 Comments

  • MrsC (Maryanne)

    May 14, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    Oh Lauren isn't it gorgeous!!! I am sure you will sort out the issues with wearing it so it is more comfortable and feels as good on the inside as it looks on the outside! 🙂

    Reply
    • Lauren R

      May 16, 2012 at 1:38 AM

      I'm going to start by chopping that crin out! I know that's a vintage sin, but it's just so nasty and I'd rather put a separate petticoat under it. For now, it needs repairs, and to go for cleaning!

      Reply
  • Angela Reichelderfer

    May 14, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    That dress is lovely and so compliments your skin tone – you look gorgeous! I hope you are having a wonderful time!

    Reply
  • Seamstrix

    May 14, 2012 at 2:19 PM

    That dress is just stunning on you! I think this falls under the category of 'You Must Suffer To Be Beautiful' because you certainly are. Wow!

    Reply
  • Katrina - Edelweiss Patterns

    May 15, 2012 at 6:19 AM

    Oh, how adorable! You are wearing a corset with that dress, aren't you? I always wear one with my 1950s dresses since it gives a much more flattering waistline.

    What a beautiful dress!

    Thanks for sharing,

    Katrina

    Reply
    • Lauren R

      May 16, 2012 at 1:40 AM

      Katrina, I am wearing a…what do you call 'em? Rago body suit thing. It makes a huge difference in the comfortability of the vintage, tight-fitting dresses, especially if eating dinner is involved. I agree, it definitely gives the flattering waist. 🙂

      Reply

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