Slip into something vintage tonight

Vintage slips - if there’s a more flattering sleepwear option around I haven’t found it! They’re simple to wear too, just “slip” on your slip and you’re done. If it’s cool then a lovely quilted dressing gown goes nicely on top for warmth.

My favourite period for slips is the 1950’s. The silhouette is shapely, body skimming and just above the knees with lovely trims and ribbons. Very feminine.

Things to watch for when you’re shopping for vintage slips are:

• Will it fit? Try it on or get accurate measurements from the seller. Vintage sizing is smaller than what you’re used to.
• Is the lace or fabric discoloured anywhere? Marks like rust spots are particularly common in Victorian era nightgowns, with yellowed lace a common problem with the 1950’s slips.
• Are there any runs or pulls in the thread? You’re looking for an immaculate garment. Amazingly I’ve come across some still with the tags on. The original owner purchased and then never wore the garment. That’s one to snap up if it’s in your size.

And best of all this little indulgence doesn’t cost the earth. My Ebay purchases have all come in at less than $20, and that’s been for immaculate condition garments too.

National Costume Museum

National Costume Museum

Tucked away in the Adelaide Hills is a real gem of a museum for the fashionably inclined: the National Costume Museum (incorporating the Helen Hughes Collection). They have fashion (men and women) ranging through the ages from the first settlement of South Australia, through to designer gems of the 1970’s (including a Pucci original just hanging casually on a hanger in the aisle as you walk through the displays) and gowns worn by celebrities. They’re not far in the distance behind glass either. This is one of those wonderful museums that trusts the patrons to keep their hands to themselves, and allow you to get right up close to the garments so you can see the details. This is especially interesting if you’re interested in sewing or costume making, and wardrobe designers for films drop in from time to time to research period details for their next project.

The very oldest pieces came from the collection of Helen Hughes who, in a sea chest inherited from her mother who came to Australia in 1937, found her great-grandmother’s wedding dress and her great-great-grandmother’s printed cotton afternoon dress.

The necessary details:
Cost: $3
Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 4pm.
Location: Adelaide Hills Business and Tourism Centre, 1 Adelaide-Lobethal Road, Lobethal, SA.
If you want to arrange a tour, their number is 0438-879-017.

We were lucky enough to get our own personal mini-tour when we arrived, with plenty of time afterwards to wander around and inspect the more interesting articles at our leisure. I was even shown (and allowed to touch) many of the garments that were being mended in preparation for display, and the personal attention and wealth of knowledge of the ladies who work here was astounding and fascinating.

What a mad green hat, oooh, it’s very flirtatious! Fun vintage fashion video from the 1940’s.

What a mad green hat, oooh, it’s very flirtatious! Fun vintage fashion video from the 1940’s.

The next in our series of vintage fashion videos features 1940’s designs. This particular video is an absolute gem, it’s presented as a pseudo-drama with the models acting out their little daily dramas trying to catch a man all dressed in the latest looks of course.

“What a mad green hat, oooh, it’s very flirtatious!”

The 1940’s is the ideal era for anyone with a curvy figure as the tailoring and nipped in waists will really flatter your figure.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDHxrUHMXg0&feature=player_embedded

This was the era of swing and World War II. Women wore red, red lipstick, got creative with their old clothes as rationing ate away the ability to purchase anything new, and as silk became rare bold fashionistas drew lines up the back of their legs with eyebrow pencil so it would apear that they were wearing seamed stockings.

“Patsy looks like a peppermint stick in her red and white candy stripes. Sweet as can be!”

Towards the end of the 40’s, after the war ended and fabric rationing ended, full long skirts suddenly arrived and women wanted to look feminine again. These dresses can make a lovely look for modern formal-wear.

“We take particular pride in directing your attention to the exquisite beauty of the fabrics shown.”