“Frock” is exactly what I should call this dress, even though I don’t really like the word.
I found this -frock- on Etsy for an excellent price, and was so pleased to find it in amazing condition when it arrived. It’s wool and neither has moth holes nor stinks of mothballs! The interior is unlabeled, with hand-overcast raw edges, some french seams, and clever use of selvedge. It retains some basting stitches, and even has a quick nip in on the side seams to slim it a bit through the waist (which I have totally done on my 1920s projects!).
Some interesting and typical seaming on the skirt makes this more than just a sack. |
This -frock- is just so…straightforward. It reminds me of the dress Roxy Hart wears to court in “Chicago.” And I love it! Even though it’s a little scratchy to wear, and is basically a lace-trimmed sack, I LOVE it! There’s something so satisfying about an original 1920s -frock- in that it’s unquestionable. Yup, that’s the silhouette alright. No question there. It’s huge and waistless and quite long and scratchy and demure and utterly correct.
Look for this one in a future Royal Vintage photo shoot. 🙂
20 Comments
Emileigh
May 18, 2015 at 7:52 PMHa, I love your description of the 20s silhouette. It's so true! And yet… it's so fantastic. This one looks new, and you're rocking it! Your cloche is perfect, too!
I just bought two of my first 1920s pieces, and I can't wait til they arrivev! I've never really tried the silhouette out, but I think I'm going to love it. 🙂
Lauren Stowell
May 18, 2015 at 9:18 PMYou will enjoy them! I'm not sure why, but I always feel like original 1920s stuff is super precious. The materials they used seem different somehow – maybe they are! maybe they are some kinds of fabrics not produced today. I'm just rambling, lol. 🙂
PinhousePlaymate
May 18, 2015 at 8:01 PMYou wear it very well:)
It must be in fantastic condition, looks brand new. Love the color!
Lauren Stowell
May 18, 2015 at 9:19 PMThank you! I couldn't believe the condition – no fading, no holes, no tears, no sweat evidence. A treasure!
Eleonora Amalia
May 18, 2015 at 9:24 PMDARN I'm super jealous! That's about the prettiest lace-trimmed sack I've seen so far! Um… I mean… it's not like I've seen lots of sacks decorated with lace. But this one rocks!
Lauren Stowell
May 19, 2015 at 9:21 PMThanks! It's, like, weirdly charming…for a scratchy sack, haha 🙂
DLM
May 19, 2015 at 2:09 AMThat color is lovely on you, but I'm just a little bit dying of the cloche myself. Oh the pleating!
Lauren Stowell
May 19, 2015 at 9:21 PMThank you! I made the cloche at Costume College last year!
Esther
May 19, 2015 at 2:24 PMI'm in love. This >frock< is gorgeous, and it looks absolutely perfect on you!! I'm not always a fan of the '20s, but this is perfect.
Can't wait for Royal Vintage Shoes!! 🙂
Lauren Stowell
May 19, 2015 at 9:21 PMThere can be some very unflattering styles in the '20s. I was worried about this dress when I pulled it out of the bag, but it somehow looks good on a person 🙂
Tiana Blanchard
May 19, 2015 at 5:58 PMWow, you look so good in 1920's!
Lauren Stowell
May 19, 2015 at 9:21 PMThank you!
Lally
May 19, 2015 at 7:20 PMOh it's wonderful!! I love the little lace collar and it looks utterly perfect on you, especially with that delightful cloche!
Lauren Stowell
May 19, 2015 at 9:22 PMThank you!
Kara
May 20, 2015 at 8:41 AMSo beautiful! I love the 1920's stile, even though I've never worn anything like it myself. I can't belive how well it has kept.
L. R. Stern
May 20, 2015 at 7:08 PMI love that it has a little nip in at the waist! I'm also guilty of adding that to my 20s dresses–nice to know it's totally period 🙂
L. R. Stern
May 20, 2015 at 7:08 PMI love that it has a little nip in at the waist! I'm also guilty of adding that to my 20s dresses–nice to know it's totally period 🙂
M'lady
May 26, 2015 at 3:53 PMIts the kind of 20's dress I'd probably wear. Is there any chance of showing the seam lines, inside construction details? I'm tempted to try to sew my own. Is it stright up and down or does it accomodate for hips?
Lauren Stowell
May 26, 2015 at 10:04 PMIt's very straight up and down. There is a slight curve in at the waist, which was added later, and no fabric was cut from the seam. In its original construction it was literally just a giant rectangle hanging from the shoulders.
Unknown
November 30, 2015 at 3:15 AMDo you happen to recall who you bought it from?
It looks great!