#wardrobe wednesday

Although it has been simplified and shortened over time, the white shift dress with an embellished high neck is always a fun party option. Clean and modern, this bebe dress echoes the chic 1960s dress we have in the collection.

This is my last Wardrobe Wednesday post of the semester.  I’m graduating in a couple of days and I’m headed to work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the summer. I have loved learning about all of these costumes, thanks for reposting and liking! It’s been lovely!  -Carolyn

Oh wonderful toile, how we love the story it tells! This 1940s Claire McCardell is a lovely little number with it’s delicate flowers, but we also love this charming dress by Modcloth with it’s cheery views of peasant life. We think toile is perfect in any decade!

One of the textile pieces from our ‘From Blue to New’ exhibit, is a great example of the shibori dyeing technique. Indigo and shibori dyes and patterns are turning out to be very popular this season. We found this beautiful maxi dress, perfect for summer, that shows off just how chic this technique can be!

Spring is here! …We hope! With this wave of warmer weather, we can’t help but daydream about spring fashion. This fabulous 1950s James Galanos dress (from our collection) is a wonderful classic, but this 2014 Modcloth number is so imaginative! We love to see modern brands having fun with 50s fashion. 

The evening bag has been a wardrobe essential for more then a century. It has often been a subtle depiction of changes in women’s ideals and freedoms. Shown first is a traditional, early 20th century piece (from our collection), then a classic 1960s update, and finally an edgy Alexander McQueen show stopper. This is quite the progression don’t you think?! Which leaves us asking, what does this McQueen say about women today? 

Happy Oscar week! In honor of the wonderful red carpet looks we love to covet, we would like to share this lovely Miu Miu dress, worn by Kerry Washington, that has a striking resemblance to the 1965 ensemble, from our collection. Drool on fashion fanatics!

Did you know it’s actually quite spiritually symbolic to wear a scalloped design on your shoe? Even before this 1970s shoe and the 2015 (Manaolo Blahnik) interpretation were conceived, the Medieval Christians used the scallop pattern of St James to depict the many sacred pathways (or grooves of the shell) that led them to the cathedral Santiago-Saint James and ultimately, to God.

Playing at love this Valentine’s Day? This Edmund Potter & Co. swatch, from our collection, shown with an updated sample from Spoonflower.com are the perfect examples of a whimsical pattern for any Queen of Hearts. 

The classic 50’s circle skirt gets an update this wardrobe wednesday! We love this midi length oldie with its grosgrain details.