Pretty Penny welcomed a unique collection of apparel a few weeks ago. In March, Sarah visited a local private seller’s home, where she purchased dozens of vintage pieces made throughout the 20th century. The ensemble features a variety of vintage styles: delicate, muted, and feminine pieces with trained skirts, ruffles, intricate detailing, and lace.
Two dresses in particular caught our eye. The first dates from the late 1960s: a deep onyx-black frock with horizontal accordion pleats and fine, floral lace. What we love most about this dress is its striking leg-of-mutton sleeves, which complement its otherwise gossamer composition. The puff-sleeve made a comeback in 2018, drawing inspiration from the Victorian and Edwardian eras. It has remained popular since, taking root as an enduring style. Similar creations were featured in the decorated 2023 movie Poor Things. Set in 19th century London, the film won numerous awards for best costume design (from BAFTA, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and the Costume Designers Guild), reviving our love for Victorian fashion. This dress reminds us why we’ll always buy vintage: these styles are timeless, and recall the charm, glamor, and romance of the past, all while offering a sustainable way to indulge in fashion.
The second is a black dress with bright, arresting polka-dot roses. The whimsical print is perfectly balanced by the piece’s elegant silhouette. And again, we are obsessed with its puff-sleeves! But, what makes this dress so special is its story. The collector had a knack for fashion, and loved to alter and personalize her own clothes. When she bought this charming dress in the early 1970s, she added velvet trim and a panel of black fabric to its bottom. The style is reminiscent of color-blocking, a trend that grew popular during the late 1960s. Her personal touch adds a layer of contrast to the piece that enhances its look. Wearing something that was carefully reworked and customized by another will always feel special. We love learning and sharing the stories behind our clothing; it’s part of what makes shopping vintage so brilliant. You can check out these two new pieces, in addition to the entire new collection, in-store and online. Come visit!
