I know that it is vintage--it has shoulder pads and the fabric is rayon, suggesting the 1980s. But the empire waist, a profile I've grown attracted to in the past year, suggests the late 1960s.
I've begun to collect quite a lot of vintage, but I'm not very schooled in dating much of it and I'm in the market for an excellent reference book on the topic. Are there books like this? Or is it a skill that one gradually learns in the collecting process.
I hope to post again on Wednesday, but in the mean time, I send sincerest wishes for any of my readers who may be holed up due to this impending storm, for the safest possible week.
This post is part of Patti's weekly Visible Monday. Come join the fun.
Wow, Terri, you continue to rock the plaids! I love this dress on you. I'm guessing maybe 90s? I don' t think we wore anything that classy in the 80s :o But the label may be a good clue. I suspect better designers did make quality, gorgeous clothing in the 80s - I just couldn't afford it!
ReplyDeleteHm, Lynne, lots of my commenters seem to think it's 90s. It's the shoulder pads that make me think 80s. I was a single Mom in the early 90s and couldn't afford much either. The grunge movement served my purposes!
DeleteI have no idea, but it is à perfect autumndress!
DeleteWell, I haven't a clue as to its era but it sure looks great on you. The shoes are a perfect compliment to it as well.
ReplyDeleteJoni--I'm still getting used to the heeled oxfords. Don't think they would have been part of this look in the early 90s or whatever era this came from.
DeleteIt look fabulous and fits you like a dream. I'd be inclined to agree with Lynne, the simple styling does suggest 1990s.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the inside like? Over-locked seams and a plastic zip are the general pointer to something being post-1970. Many people swaer by this book. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Vintage-Darling-Clothes-Connoisseur/dp/0340922753
Hope the funeral isn't too traumatic. x
Vix--The inside is fully lined, the zip is nylon, but has YKK on the zip tab. I will investigate this book.
DeleteThe funeral was for a very close friend of DH. He was a pall bearer.
Sorry about the funeral, Terri, hope you and DH are Ok.
ReplyDeleteThe dress looks great. I wouldn't think 60s, so late 80s-early 90s would be my best guess. I do think you get to know about vintage by experience and learning as you go, but a reference book can't hurt. There are clues in the construction, as Vix says, and the look of the label often tells you a lot. But if you love something and it looks good on you, accurate dating is a secondary issue! xxxxx
Curtise--Funerals give us pause at our age.
DeleteThe shoulder pads make me think 80s. I still have a lot to learn about dating vintage and I've had a couple of good suggestions.
And, thanks, for sending your care package on to Mel!
I hope you're okay, Terri, and I'm sorry you're on your way to a funeral. I do love this dress. A lot. Like in a best dress ever kind of way.
ReplyDeletehugs!
Meghan--I am far more worried about you in Philly. Our friend, a Vietnam era vet, succumbed to cancer. He was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. Tough when a vet is taken like this, 40 years AFTER that conflict ended.
DeleteHow tightly fitted are the armholes? Dresses and shirts from the 60s are usually fitted so snugly in that area that they feel constricting by contemporary standards. (On the other hand, because they are tightly fitted, you can raise your arm without pulling up the whole side of the garment at the same time.)
ReplyDeleteDitto on what others have said: the dress is very attractive and looks great on you.
Sorry to hear about the funeral. Hope it's a meaningful experience.
Beth
The armholes ARE tightly fitted. That's a good clue. And I appreciate your wishes about the funeral. It was a very moving ceremony.
DeleteMy belated condolences on the loss of your friend.
DeleteI think that could have gone to a funeral. It's dressy and somber colored. It looks nice. I usually think 80s if I look at the item and can imagine Princess Di striking her Shy Di pose in an outfit. A photo book of her would be a great reference for that time.
ReplyDeleteRoseAG--This funeral was among hill people in the Ozarks. We were instructed to dress casually. I wore gray and a light blue cashmere sweater.
DeleteI like your rule of thumb about the 80s! I can remember trying to make my hair look like hers. It never worked.
This looks adorbs on you!
ReplyDeleteDiane--thank you.
DeleteThat is a gorgeous dress. I'd probably place it in the 90s for the shape, but like other commenters have said, check the label. In my opinion dating clothes can be pretty hard, and a lot of it has to do with looking at companies, construction, labels, and just plain learning by looking at vintage pieces. I'm no expert, but I have learned a lot by thrifting.
ReplyDeleteMeganMae--Many of my commenters seem to think 90s! I think I have a lot to learn yet about vintage.
Deletehm..... it just might be 90's. What does the label say? If it has a ILGW label, it's old, if it says "made anywhere but the USA" it's probably newish. Check for seam tape and a metal zipper. Good luck dating it.
ReplyDeleteThorne--Your opinion on this garment is highly respected. It WAS made in the USA, but no ILGW label. Jim Tremblay is on the label.
DeleteI wish I could help you with the dating of it, but you look great in it no matter when it was in vogue!! Sorry to read you were wearing it to a funeral...have a good week ahead.
ReplyDeletePam--I think I've just found a reference for the designer from the 80s!
DeleteWe've known this funeral was coming for several weeks and have had some time to prepare emotionally.
Cool dress - is it home-sewn? If so, there were patterns showing the bodice on the bias in the late 70's, I vaguely recall it being a very avant garde look at that time. But if you know it's Rayon, I'll assume it has some kind of label.
ReplyDeleteIs the zipper marked "YKK"? When it isn't, I know I have something really old.
Beryl--It is by "Jim Tremblay" and I think I have confirmed that it is circa 19802. And, yes, the zipper has ykk on it. What does that mean?
DeleteYKK is a Japanese company that manufactures zippers. You never saw YKK zippers in the US in the 1060's, but by the 1070's, they were almost all you saw. The Talon name was on most zippers before YKK took over.
DeleteBeryl--I most appreciate this info. It may help immensely.
DeleteI like that dress!
ReplyDeleteKim,USA
Kim--thank you!
DeleteAgreed with everyone else - it looks like early 90s to me. What is the fabric composition? Is it lined? Metal or plastic zipper? Any hooks-and-eyes? Would love to get a look at the label.
ReplyDeleteSheila--It's a sturdy rayon and it is fully lined. The zip is nylon and yes, a hook & eye at the neck. The label reads Sante Fe by Jim Tremblay.
DeleteOh, and duh, you look amazing in it.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the funeral. Best vibes to you.
Sheila--thank you. We're getting to an age where funerals seems to occur more frequently. :(
DeleteThis is very cute, Terri. It really goods nice with the shoes you've paired it with.
ReplyDeleteLisa--thank you.
DeleteYes, you do look smashing in it Terri and should wear it and not give it up, in my humble opinion. Sorry to hear about the funeral and hope you and DH are managing well.
ReplyDeletePao--I think I'm afraid to wear it for fear I'll rip out the seams when I sit, but the dress IS well-made.
DeleteWhat a great looking dress! I'm afraid I can't offer any expertise, but it's a great find regardless.
ReplyDeleteUneFemme--thank you. I'm glad that I didn't wear it to the funeral. No one wore a dress and we were standing on a chilly hillside.
DeleteSorry to hear you're going to a funeral.
ReplyDeleteRE: the dress - the only tip I can give you without seeing or handling the dress is that I recall wearing very similiar plaid prints as a teen in the eighties.
Veshoevius--I have found another dress with a similar label. And that seller places the maker in the 1980s! The mystery may be solved.
DeleteYou look great, from any era. I'm guessing early '90's, though. Be safe and know we're all thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteJean--There seems to be a lot of consensus that it is early 90s and I found another dress by the same maker, dated in the 1980s. Rayon and shoulder pads suggest 80s to me.
DeleteI don't know enough to help you date it, but I do adore it!
ReplyDeleteMeri--thank you!
DeleteYou've gotten great advice already here, Terri, and the label does tell so much. It looks fabulous on you, the shape is simple and classic. Sorry to hear you are headed to a funeral, best thoughts to you. Thanks as always for linking up with Visible Monday.
ReplyDeletePatti--You're one of my experts. I know that my preference is for simple and classic, usually in a solid color. Plaid in a dress is a departure!
DeleteI know nothing about vintage details, but I love the pattern and style of this dress.
ReplyDeleteLisa--thank you!
DeleteWhat a beautiful dress. Sorry about the funeral.
ReplyDeleteShybiker--The funeral is something we've had time to prepare for emotionally and mentally. I'm praying that you are weathering this storm as well as possible.
DeleteTo me that dress looks older - like you say 60's/70's ish - although dresses from that era were shorter?. But you look fabulous regardless.
ReplyDeleteNarda--yes, the length IS a little confusing. At this point, I'm pretty sure it's from the 80s.
DeleteSecond everyone who has asked about the labels. Also, what kind of fabric is it made of? That could be very telling.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline--It's rayon! And YOU are another one of my experts. Do they make books for archivists that would help me with this sort of dating problem?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteSurvey of Historic Costume is the book I refer to most when dating.
DeleteThe shift style of the dress reminds me of the 1960s.
ReplyDeleteTake Care witht he funeral; hope all goes well.
Jane--Yes, I think that's why I wondered if it was 60s! I mostly wore paisley tent dresses and little vinyl minis in that decade.
DeleteTerri, that's a lovely dress. I'd have it off you if it was just a tad longer. I've shied away from empire waist, thinking it a bit 'girly' but perhaps with a slim line it doesn't have to be. I'm in awe that you can pull of just a large print, not usually a very flattering choice. I love reading fashion textbooks and you might check the library for something that talks about 20th century fashion. I don't know if it would tell you anything you don't already know, but it might work as a reference. In the meantime, check out http://www.fashion-era.com/. I have read this site to bits, it's so much fun!
ReplyDeleteShelley--the newer dress I purchased this summer, this and another I haven't worn for the blog yet ALL have waists above the natural waist and actually, i think they are more forgiving for women of our age.
DeleteI think I need a multi-volume fashion encyclopedia! I will check out fashion-era.
Very nice dress! I love it with the brogues. I wore brogues with a wool skirt and sweater the other day...I liked the "look" whereas my girlfriend did not. Hey, I can only please some of the people some of the time. ; )
ReplyDeleteHeather--I'm still getting used to the "brogues". Mentally, they seem like grandma shoes to me!
DeleteGreat dress which suits your simple styling very well.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself today -- funerals can be hard.
Mater--Yes, funerals, depending on the circumstances, can be very trying. This one was very meaningful. I'm often surprised at what one learns about our departed friends AFTER the fact.
DeleteI love plaid in most forms and this dress looks spectacular on you.
ReplyDeleteI'm by no means a vintage expert, but I have found the internet (obviously) to be a great reference. There are web pages for dating the production numbers on clothes, and of course researching the designers.
Emily--I've tracked the "designer" (the name on the label) to the 80s. I wish there was a registry to find when a label came into being and when it disappeared as well. I would be indebted to someone who would develop this kind of thing.
Deletethere is- I can't remember the name but online directory of labels and registered brands.
DeleteI'm sorry about the funeral Terri, my thoughts will be with you today. I wish I were more help about the dress, but I haven't a clue. The only thing I know is that I like it on you!
ReplyDeleteShea--I like the dress too. And I appreciate your support. I came home and took a very long nap.
DeleteSorry you need to attend a funeral, that makes for a difficult day.
ReplyDeleteI like the dress but don't have a clue about the era.
Darla
Darla--Yes, funerals do make for a difficult day. And this one involved a bit of a drive as well.
DeleteI'm guessing 60's; the slim fit, the pattern....
ReplyDeleteI think it is a classic fit and style--forever looks good!
I posted at Patti's today--hope to talk soon~
Paula
Paula--The slim/sheath type fit was what made me think 60s too. And I like it a lot, but I'm afraid to SIT down in it. I'm going to check out your posting!
Deleteoh the plaid is so pretty....no clue on the date though...length looks 70sish??
ReplyDeleteYoung at Heart--I'm fairly certain by now that it is 80s. I like the long sleeves and the close cut of the sheath.
DeleteYou look fabulous in this dress! It does look like 60's style, but as some one mentioned, they used to be shorter. So, have a look at the zipper, if there is one, and the seams. In any case, it's a keeper!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you're going to a funeral.
Kaffesoester--At this point, I'm pretty sure that the dress is of 1980s manufacture. It is a well made dress.
DeleteAlas, funerals are a part of life. We seem to have more and more of them to attend.
you look fantastic and so young in this beautful dress, dear terri!
ReplyDeleteit has a bit of breakfeast at t*ffan* but the cut and the pattern reminds me of the early 70th.
i'm sorry you lost somebody who was close to you.
Sabine--I like anything that makes me look younger! And, you're right that plaids were very popular in the early 70s! Remember the guys in plaid cuffed pants!
DeleteI think it's a sweet dress. I am getting better at dating vintage but still have a bit of a struggle. The book that Vix came out in is a really nice way to reference styles from different eras, it's helped me a lot.
ReplyDeleteKrista--I got your package today and what a fantastic, lovely way to lift my spirits after a somber day. That book with Vix in it is a great idea...
DeleteIt does have a 60's vibe, but I don't remember shoulder pads back then. Nevertheless, it is one cool dress and looks fab on you. Your cast is gone! Hooray for that.
ReplyDeleteDebbi--I couldn't remember shoulder pads in the 80s either, but the cut of the body of the dress seems sorta 60s. And, yes, the cast is gone. Still working on the flexibility in the left wrist.
Deletegorgeous dress, terri!
ReplyDeletedon't know what decade but it looks fantastic on you! love the shoes, too!
Jeannie--I'm still getting the hang of these heeled oxfords. I'm not sure whether I like them or not.
DeleteThat plaid dress has such a great shape. Rather unusual. It does have a sixties feel, but I never came across a sixties dress with shoulder pads.
ReplyDeletePat--I don't remember shoulder pads in the 60s either or these muted colors. I do remember plaids in the early 70s though and those particular plaids I don't remember fondly.
DeleteTerri, I don't think I can add anything to the comments above. I use the internet, but I'm interested in the book that Vix recommended. I find it difficult to be exact about eras, even though I have a vintage collection.
ReplyDeleteThe dress fits you perfectly and looks chic with your shoes. Whatever the era, it's a find.
So sorry to hear that you're on the way to a funeral.
Judith--It actually makes me feel better to know that another vintage lover doesn't always know! Did you see any books about at this vintage show you recently attended?
DeleteHow about an '80s dress pretending it's a '60s dress? How's that for compromise? LOL. Whatever, you look great in this simple little number. Yeah.
ReplyDeleteMelanie--Of course! it's like some of the rockabilly remakes I see everywhere lately. And that only complicates the dating--a 60s knock off made in the 80s and refound in 2012.
Deletesorry you were going to a funeral. but that dress that you didn't wear to the funeral is lovely. i love the pattern. vintage is so much fun!
ReplyDeletehttp://spinning-threads.blogspot.com
Claire--Vintage is fun and it is something I'm just beginning to explore. Previously I had always thought that vintage was sized too small for me to wear successfully.
DeleteCute dress. Very flattering shape. I think it could possibly be 80s pretending to be 60s as Melanie suggests. I can remember doing that whole sixties look when I was a student.
ReplyDeleteThat's not my age--I think this is an interesting theory, although i've only found one other dress online by this maker. I was in college in the early 70s and my regular wear was dance leotards and overalls, and waist length hair.
DeleteI'm so sorry you've lost your friend, and under such circumstances. Wars are never really over, it seems.
ReplyDeleteAs to the dress, I'd follow the general consensus of saying probably '90s, or barring that, '60s. The tight sleeveholes do suggest '60s, and the shoulder pads look pretty modest. (Then again, I just noticed the 80s-pretending-to-be-60s theory, and I think that could be right, too!) Pay no attention to me, except to note the part where I think the dress is gorgeous, whatever the era!
Ana--There are many Vietnam vets still succumbing to Agent Orange...it is maddening!
DeleteYes, the other dress I found with a similar label had similar sheath styling, so it could very well be 80s pretending to be 60s. All I really remember from the 80s was the pearl necklaces, the big hair and the shoulder pads.
Dear Terri and DH, I'm sorry for your sad time. Sending heart-thoughts of peace.
ReplyDeleteThe dress is beautiful on you - what excellent pattern-placement, and the ivory background mutes the large plaid enough that it's amazingly wearable.
Amber--Yes, this death has truly given both of us pause. And it may take a while to process.
DeleteYes, it is a subdued plaid, though it would have been very out of place at this Ozarks funeral.
SOrry about your friend -
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the dress, I think late 70's... and you wear it beautifully.
Lorena--thank you! I'm wondering where your travels have taken you this week.
DeleteThankfully... I am HOME!
Deleteand plan not to go anywhere for work for the rest of the year.
But I do have a vacation coming up :)
I'm as puzzled as you are... it easily suggests 60's, 70's and 80's. Although I'm wondering if the shoulder pads are too small for the 80's.
ReplyDeleteWhatever... it's amazing. That all that really matters!
Lawyerdoll--I have some certainty at this point that it is sometime in the 80s.
DeleteGorgeous dress and definitely early 90's era!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's not 1980's (not exaggerated enough) maybe 90's or 70's, 60's. Can I see the label and what country of origin is it? It looks great on you- I have some books on fashion history that helps me date stuff, but I'm so unknowledgable. On Facebook there's a group of vintage sellers that help eachother out, and they know their stuff!
ReplyDeleteTerri, I was thinking 90s due to the waist and style, but seeing the tag really helps. Tag styles actually give a lot of clues! You look so pretty in it! So sorry about your friend. My dad served 2 1/2 tours in Vietnam. The whole agent orange issue seems so crazy to me...it's poison! Anyway, Hugs my friend! ~Serene
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about the passing of your friend.
ReplyDeleteThe dress reminds me of Mad Men. It looks like something Don Draper's new wife would wear.
I love that dress.
ReplyDeleteNot good at dating clothes. Yet. I hope to be some day! Just wanted to say it looks smashing on you!!! Love it!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lynn
A great list of tips to help identify vintage from The Curvy Elle - especially interesting is the clue about garment RN numbers...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.thecurvyelle.com/2012/10/6-clues-for-plus-size-vintage-shopping.html
Great find! Vintage, yet office appropriate. Very nice!
ReplyDelete