I have a confession to make. I adore gowns. Vintage gowns in silk velvet, silk satin, taffeta, lace, silk chiffon and rayon from the 40’s. I’ve collected them from estate sales since the 70’s.
I love how they feel and how they move with me when I walk. They give me great pleasure, which is reason enough to wear them whenever possible. I love their textures, details, and unique elegant ways. I think about their past lives and wonder about their adventures. I pair them with small hats and berets, headpieces, or fascinators, as they are usually worn in the evening.
This black silk velvet gown with red trim has been in my closet for years. I chose it for Thanksgiving, as traditionally I host dinner in my home in celebration of my favorite holiday.
The black sequin beret was happy to share an event with a gown that has a small train, which puddles on the floor next to the red velvet tablecloth with tassel trim. The tablecloth was actually a bedspread, but multipurpose is my middle name and recycling my game. When using the table for dinner, I cover the red velvet with another tablecloth to protect its holiday beauty.
Everything that I’m wearing was discovered at an estate sale except for a flea market bracelet and gifted rings. The dining room is also exclusively estate sale. I surround myself with pieces that are as vintage as moi.
I wear vintage gowns to holiday parties, and have for years. My friends expect nothing less and shower me with the treasured and priceless gift of acceptance, for which I am eternally grateful.
The next few posts will feature a few of my favorite vintage gowns. It’s very clear that it’s that time of year!
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments on my yoga posts. For those of you who are interested, Margaret Manning of the incredible 60 & Me website HERE, has a series of gentle yoga videos HERE. Check it out if you are interested in beginning or continuing a yoga practice. Rebecca, one of my followers, commented that she is happily using these videos. Thanks Rebecca, for the recommendation!
I’m taking my vintage gown over to the party at Patti’s Visible Monday HERE at Not Dead Yet Style. Patti’s looking very chic in a thrifted gray dress!
Stunning Judith! You are stunning!
And you look absolutely wonderful in them!!! Your posts never fail to make me smile, thank you, Judith!!!
You epitomize the word elegant! It’s wonderful that you’re keeping these lovely gowns alive and in use, and presenting them so beautifully. I haven’t commented recently, but I have looked at your posts and I just love your photographs every time!
Wonderful series… I look forward to further posts. Gowns are a glamorous element that doesn’t receive enough attention these days… Beauty does not ever retreat out of style, and kudos to you for keeping this classy item ‘in-the-love’. Happiest Holidays to one of my Favorite Inspirations.
You and gowns are meant for each other, Judith. This is a beauty, as is your stunning table cover! Thanks for sharing with Visible Monday, xo.
Gorgeous gown. I never have the occasion to wear a long dress these days.
This is so classic/classy. I wish I had an occasion to wear something this wonderful.
I’ve been following your blog for a few years and often recommend it to others as well. I love your style and careful attention to detail. One thought, always smile fir your photographs. Someone told me that it takes 10 years off your face. I know when I see a picture of myself with a somber or serious expression it does seem to age me, but a bright smile melts the years away. Don’t you agree?
That gown is such a glamorous piece, especially the train. The idea to use a bedspread as tablecloth is brilliant, and the result so sumptuous.
Once again, I love your style. I have never been to an estate sale, but would love to go. This looks amazing on you. You have a great figure, the hat speaks for itself!
from the link up
please stop by, jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com/
What a great idea to show us all your gowns… This first one is beautiful. You have such a good figure for it as well. i really envy you for all these estate sales. None of these in The Netherlands.
Beautiful beret.
Greetje
This is a very beautiful and elegant gown and so are you in it. Wow. I am looking forward to seeing more of them.
You are the most elegant, chic and inspiring lady in the blogosphere!
What a glorious gown! I am so looking forward to seeing a few treasures from your collection, Judith – I have a feeling they will all be as elegant and beautiful as this one! I love how you have paired the black velvet with a sequin beret, and using a bedspread as a tablecloth is a perfect solution! xxx
You and your gowns, a perfect match. This velvet gown is just beautiful as is your sequined beret. Will look forward to seeing more of your gown collection, thank you for sharing with us.
Gorgeous gown!
I think you are really brilliant. Your style and your outfits are fantastic.
Looking forward to your 2015 posts.
Merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2015.xxx
You look so good in gowns, Judith…you should adore them. Beautiful images. And I agree with the last comment…you are brilliant!
….and YOU, Judith, have the most marvelous shape to wear those beautiful gowns.
What fabulous lines on the gown, you look fabulous. I can’t wait to see the rest of your gowns.
Accidental Icon
http://www.accidentalicon.com
Oh yay! I SO love to dress up, formally, and you look so regal and elegant!
It’s not often I own something identical to one of my friends but we have the same beret!
Love that robe, the zip makes it a bit naughty! x
Beautiful gown, you look so elegant!
Acceptance? Surely, but make no mistake, those of us who get to see you (even in your cyber-mirror) at all are privileged, and are grateful that you allow us to see you in your treasures. It’s such a gift from you to us that you dress as if we matter to you. That’s wonderful.
What a beauty this one is. It looks so minimal at first glance, but there’s plenty to see in the wonderful details. Not every dress is as beautiful from the back as the front!
You amaze and delight, as always!
Gorgeous and gorgeous!
But you know you can wear just about anything and look super gorgeous
Can’t wait to see the other ones!
Oh! I have found a new hat! It’s pink! I will have to be featured at your next hat attack!
Arianexo
Very Chic!
LOVE GOWNS! this one is gorgeous – thanks for sharing!
♥
I am loving everything about the last photograph!! You, the pose, the colors and composition. Glorious! Elke
I adore this black hostess gown on YOU!I too use bedspreads for TABLECLOTHS……….you know I think You and I would get on just fine!Happy Holidays to YOU!
The gown looks so lovely on you – the red zipper draws the eye up and down so you look tall and willowy! (I bet Mr. J loves this dress, I’m just sayin’).
Your home, with beautiful wood, rich colours and luxurious textiles, is such a perfect reflection of you.
A gown that puddles on the floor? Those are words that set my heart aflutter. You must add an aura of glamour to every party you attend.
I’ve been flummoxed by your posts lately – your extremely artful and wonderful yoga posts, your hat attack post. Sadly, when I like posts a lot I find it harder to comment, which seems counter-intuitive. I’m not able to express my admiration to a higher level without feeling that it sounds phony. What’s going on over there? Whatever it is, I love this soulful, artful imagery. Happy holidays, Judith!
Oh, I am in love with this series! I adore gowns, and I know you have to have some fabulous ones, Judith! This black one…the train! So amazing. And I love that a red velvet bedspread is your dining room tablecloth.
You inspire me!
Always refreshed and rejuvenated after a visual adventure with you, SC. And how lovely to meet your family and beloved photographers. May your malaise begone!