Perfect for Fall: the Helen Bond Carruthers Cardigan

It's always a rare treat to see these 1950s Helen Bond Carruthers cardigans. And isn't this one just about perfect for Fall? Talk about serendipity. Not that time of yeat makes any difference to HBC fans. The worksmandship is superb and I love her use of the appliques. We just received 2 sweaters in stock, this one in a marvelous brown with autumn leaves and pearl buttons. The second was black with wonderful flowers - and it's already gone! It never made it to the website. Just keep that in mind.

1950s Autumn Leaves Helen Bond Carruthers Cardigan @ www.pastperfectvintage.com

For size and information please click here

Coming Soon! A Hat Parade In Black and Red

At least I hope these are coming soon! What with the ballet project, (done) the opera project, (done) the autumn leaves that just keep coming down and getting rained on, ( partially done) AND Kitchen Remodel 2: Cabinets of Doom, (nowhere near done) I just don't know how soon that may be. Really, I have no idea.


This is woman with no kitchen sink , cabinets or countertop writing this blog. And Thanksgiving dinner approaches. But I hope to have some new goodies ready for Past Perfect Vintage soon, oh very,very soon. At this point, vintage is therapy.


Until then, let's have a Hat Parade in Black and Red!

1980s Frank Olive in tulle and straw

1920s Black and Red Cloche

1950s? Hattie Carnegie Wine Velvet Toque

1950s Red Felt Henry Margu

1940s - 50s Mens Dobbs Homburg

All hats coming soon, really I mean it, to: http://www.pastperfectvintage.com/

Serendipity = 1880s Bustle Dresses

I tell you - you just never know in the vintage clothing game. People ask me where I find things, I am am not being evasive when I say: " you never know". Wonderful things can crop up anytime and anywhere. Long story short, we were supposed to go out of town and had to cancel. Disappointmnet reigned.

So we did an errand, and got doughnuts. I know - terrible. But they were very fresh and tasty. And made up for missing the usual on the road breakfast someone else cooks. When we got home, there was a message all of 5 minutes old about an estate with "old Dresses".


Called back of course. And it was a now or never sort of deal. 2 suitcases full. And it was worth not getting to go out of town. Here's a sample, forgive the fast and dirty photo:

Oh yeah. 1880s bustle gowns. Old dresses indeed.

A resounding cheer for serendipity was heard at the ranch!

1975 Sears Catalogue - Ooh La La!

I just received a 1975 Sears catalogue in a house cleanout. And oh my, it is a veritable treasure trove of blog fodder. I am about to reveal just how old I am, but I graduated from high school in 1974.

I swear I never wore these clothes. I swear, I mean I am flabbergasted. I knew it was bad. I remember some unfortunate plaid bell bottoms and quite a few ribbed sweater tops. Maybe even a qiana dress or two.

But Sears - How could you? Arnel poly triacetate?!? I don't even know what that is.

But I do admit we all thought these color combos were pretty cool. And the opaque tights with the perfectly matching shoes. Nifty isn't quite the word that comes to mind here.

Tweed, my eye. That's Earth Toned Poly In Glen Plaid. With pants to match. Oh my. Must swathe self in a natural fiber for a moment.

Okay cotton has brought me back. All I can think is:

When the eons pass, and the last ray of sunshine hits the earth before the supernova, it will be the poly knits and the cockroaches.

A Little Touch of Rudi

I must say that Rudi Gernreich is not a designer that new vintage people gush about. They are more likely to have fallen for the romantic looks of various periods, or the styles that work in the re-enactment world. Which is fine. The world needs romance and little role playing is fun. But variety and sophistication are needed as well. Acquired tastes are a good thing.

I think part of the appeal is the comfort and wearability of his knits. Especially coming out of the structured 50s. Let’s face it, if all Gernreich had done was that topless bathing suit, we probably wouldn’t know his name. He designed stylish, wearable bathing suits and some great dresses. Yes there were wild color combos and the wacky Unisex caftans. But most of his work for Harmon Knitwear is timeless enough to wear right now. A bit of the mad genius thing? Well, have you looked at the 2010 Paris Shows yet?

I rest my case.

Here’s a sample to whet your interest:

1965 Rudi Gernreich Orange & Purple Paisley Silk Cocktail Mini Dress @ http://glamoursavvy.com/

1950's Rudi Gernreich Grey Wool Swimsuit @ http://www.listitcafe.com/

Vintage 50's Rudi Gernreich for Westwood Pink Wool Swimsuit

@ http://glamoursurf.com/

Ca. 1973 Polyester and Wool Dress with Large Appliqués from the archives @ http://pastperfectvintage.com/