Bebop back a little, to post-war America, crinoline, and big flowers with one of the most widely published authors on vintage fashions. Predicting doubling values, she's advising that collectors get a jump-start now, snatching up those snug-bodiced, full-skirted dresses, sheath gowns, clear plastic evening shoes, peddle pushers, Capri pants, fun flowered and feathered hats, Grace Kelly-style formals, flattering bathing suits, and even paper dresses. To help with the hunt, there's an up-to-date value guide for couture designers, along with a forecast of what fashions from the 1970s forward might be considered collectible in the future. This gorgeous volume is packed with more than 500 color photos of authentic day and evening clothes and accessories never before found in fashion books on the era. Read the story behind the fashions, including advice from period magazines that detail "The New Look," the politics behind clothes, and an unparalleled look into the ready-to-wear industry that swept the world of fashion in the 1950s-60s. Sound information is provided for collecting and caring for more than 500 of the most popular, ready-to-wear designers.

There is always another old dress lurking around the corner, waiting to be "rescued", says Kristina Harris. A cornucopia of 403 full-color photographs, of fun, sophisticated, frivolous, and glamorous fashions on live models include rich satin evening gowns, fun flapperish beaded dresses, sleek and classic suits, knickered and skirted bathing suits, distinctive cloche hats, beaded bags, elaborate shoes, and a splendid host of accessory items. From whimsical anecdotes to wonderful historical details that help bring the era alive, this book conveys a vivid picture of the women of Jazz and Big Band era. Garnish this with specific and sound advice on using style, construction, and other details to value, identify, date, and further enhance items in your collection. A value guide is included to help experienced collectors and novices alike as they search for new discoveries. For everyone who has admired the fashions of the 20s, 30s and 40s, this book will be treasured possession.

This vintage how-to manual-the first modern American sewing book-provided turn-of-the-century seamstresses with clear instructions for altering patterns, hand-sewing stitches, and creating shirt-blouses, skirts, wedding and evening gowns, coats, maternity wear, undergarments, children's clothing and other apparel. Today's sewing enthusiasts will learn about such lost arts as boning a bodice, creating bust enhancers and other time-honored techniques. An indispensable archive for costume historians and anyone interested in replicating the fashions of yesteryear.

With extensive text and over 440 photographs of authentic children's fashions from the 18th century through the 1920s comprise this book. Here are answers to the questions: Why did boys wear dresses? Why did girls wear corsets? Why were babies swaddled to prevent them form moving? The book brings together a wealth of information about boys' and girls' clothing and the history of childhood itself, with current values.

If you love the designs, fabrics, and sheer beauty of 19th and early 20th century women's fashions, this book will be your guide and time machine. It presents over 450 enchanting color photographs of modern-day models wearing the dresses, waists, undergarments, and accessories of this elegant era, including daywear, sportswear, and formalwear. Unusual items such as fancy dress, aesthetic garments, and reform styles are explained and illustrated. This book will help both novice and expert collectors accurately identify and date their collections by evaluating the silhouette, construction, style, and details of fashionable garments. Sound advice for maintaining, laundering, and repairing them is also provided, as is an updated price guide.

Rich selection of scaled dressmaker's patterns from the popular late-19th century magazine The Voice of Fashion details 50 garments for women, from handsome daytime and evening dresses to casual tennis outfits, a riding habit, and undergarments This volume will not only find practical use among costume designers and students of fashion history but will also delight browsers and anyone intrigued by the evolution of clothing styles. 498 illus.

Over 575 illustrations detailing 59 different garments, mainly for women. Introduction and brief instructions.