Wednesday, July 6, 2011

~~~~~~UNCOVERING VINTAGE DRESSES~~~~~ and Other Chic Romantic Frocks

 ~FABULOUS LACE CAMISOLE and VINTAGE SKIRT~

Over the July 4th Holiday my Mr. AGPMan and I decided to do a little sightseeing up north.  We had the most wonderful time visiting the Nebraska Prairie Museum where we saw firsthand a collection of simply amazing things!  I was over-the-moon happy with what we saw!
 
 ~GORGEOUS ANTIQUE LACE CAMI~

From archival documents to period dress, the Museum was jam-packed with tons of antique and vintage finds...more stuff than one can possibly see in a single visit.  It is located in Holdrege, Nebraska, and I promise you it won't disappoint!
 ~Sooo ROMANTIC and LOVELY~ 

I've included the link above in case you want to check out the Museum information for yourself!
 ~UP-CLOSE VIEW OF SKIRT~

Now...It isn't too often I find a sweet little something that turns my head to the point that I must carry it home.  I have a true weakness for antique clothing and lacy little frocks and my passion and deep appreciation for them has done nothing but grow over the years.
 ~GORGEOUS LACE EDGING~

I found the charming vintage skirt and matching lace camisole you see above and below in Hays, Kansas.  After visiting the Museum in Holdrege we stopped off to browse for a bit inside a few antique malls and shoppes on the way back home to Oklahoma.
 ~UP-CLOSE CAMISOLE LACE~

I found the price was just about right on the skirt and cami (give or take a few dollars) so I decided I just couldn't live without them...
~PRECIOUS VINTAGE BUTTONS~

They were destined to find a new and comfy little home within the walls of my La Chaumière de Briarwood...
 ~CROCHETED LACE CAMISOLE~

I also snagged the sweet little beauty you see above (and below) for only $6.50.  I loved the heart crochet lace (simply yummeee!) and thought it would look beautiful on one of my vintage mannequin girls! :)
 
~PRISTINE CONDITION~

I can't wait to showcase this sweet little piece!
~ANTIQUE SEWING DRESS FORM~

While at the Museum I saw this lovely antique metal dress form.  I had never seen one like it in person...only in an antique catalog!  I used a similar image/graphic to create the greeting card you see below!  How neat was stumbling onto that piece of history?
~VINTAGE DRESS FORM CARD~
~ANTIQUE WEDDING DRESSES~

Directly above are some of the dresses from the Museum!  Aren't they gorgeous?  Can't get lace like this much anymore.  My favorite 'baby-sewing' girls (Jeannie B and Sara) will surely love seeing this lace...
~GORGEOUS DETAILS~
~PRECIOUS SHOULDER~
~LOVELY FLOUNCE~
~BEAUTIFUL CUFFS~

Even if you COULD find a dress like the one below offered for sale today, I'm quite sure the price would be outta-sight!
~WOMEN USE TO BE SOOO TINY!~

I'm not 100% sure what size the little dress actually is...probably a size 2 or 3.  Maybe even a zero!  I am certainly MUCH BIGGER than that and I would never be able to fit into such a tiny little thing!  The waist/rib cage was probably no more than 21".  Wow!
~"GOING AWAY" DRESS~

The little number you see above is from 1910 and was a "Going Away Dress".  Isn't it gorgeous?
  ~FUTURE TEACHER?~
Our Miss K ~ Age 8
~FOR NOW A GREAT STUDENT!~
 Our Precious Grand-Girl

I have lots more pictures to show you from our trip and will do so later this summer!  Our Miss K was with us and she loved visiting the Old School House you see above.  It was a highlight for her at the Museum!

Thanks for visiting me today!  I'm off to my studio to actually DO SOME WORK!  Everything on my website is nearly SOLD so I can certainly tell I haven't been putting in very many business hours this summer!

Blessings for a lovely day.

Love to you...

23 comments:

Brenda ~ The Heminger Farmhouse said...

Hi Rebecca ~ Sounds like you had a wonderful time ~ I am drooling over those gorgeous lacy dresses ~ LOVE the "Going Away" dress especially :) Oh yes!!

My beautiful bottle arrived, and I LOVE it!! Thanks so much :)

Have fun creating!

Warmest hugs, Brenda

A Shabby Moment in Time said...

LOVING your post and all that lace! What beautiful finds!
Blessings & Hugs,
Karen

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Rebecca,
Such beautiful works of art! I would love to have a closet full of vintage lace gowns and dresses so I could just look at them everyday. The pieces you brought home are lovely.

hugs
Sissie

Rebecca said...

Wow! Those are simply gorgeous! Sounds like a fabulous trip! Have a most lovely evening, my friend.

Waving from Our Back Porch,
Rebecca

Linda said...

Wow Rebecca...you saw some beautiful things on your trip! I love pretty lace too.

We go to Holdrege when are visiting family in Alma Nebraska sometime...we make a little day trip of it. We haven't been in awhile though.

That's neat that your precious granddaughter got to go along. I am sure she loved being with you on your treasure hunt. (:>)

Olivia said...

Oh, I am so in love with vintage pretties and lace! Your post is breathtaking and that cage dress form, heavenly!!!
Hugs,
Olivia

Olivia said...

Oh, I am so in love with vintage pretties and lace! Your post is breathtaking and that cage dress form, heavenly!!!
Hugs,
Olivia

Olivia said...

Oh, I am so in love with vintage pretties and lace! Your post is breathtaking and that cage dress form, heavenly!!!
Hugs,
Olivia

NanaDiana said...

Rebecca-There is nothing quite as beautiful as those old vintage lace covered gowns! You found some wonderful pieces..and I can't wait to see them on a form. It looks like little MissK had a wonderful time too. How special-something she will long remember.

I am glad you were able to get away and had a fun day! xo Diana

Something Special said...

Rebecca, I just emailed you a lenthy email, and it said it did not go through. I really want to talk you into for sure participating in our Vintage Christmas in July Swap. We will be having so much fun. Please email me at ask@comnett.net and put in the subject line Christmas in july swap. I will waiting to hear from you. I hope you will join us. I love your blog and your post is just lovely. All that lace is to much! Let me know soon, as i need to partner everyone up. I will give you more details too after you email me. Thanks

The Polka Dot Closet said...

I love vintage clothes and lace, they are so feminine

Carol

Cherished Treasures said...

Dear Sweet Rebecca,
Thank you for sharing your lovely photos with us. They remind me of the original "Victoria" Magazine.
I actually have the pattern for the heart crocheted lace. I made a guest towel once and trimmed it out with the heart lace. VERY TIME CONSUMING !!!
Can't wait to see what new treasures you un-earth next.
BTW, Miss K is sure getting grown, and as beautiful as ever. Kinda takes after her NaNa.
Have a glorious rest of the week.

XOXOXO, Carol

Jeannie B. said...

Well, that was an amazing post. I did love looking at the lace along with all the beautiful clothing. Especially the tucks and featherstitching. Your pictures are perfect!

Unknown said...

Love these gorgeous garments!!! The laces and the featherstitching on that one dress makes my heart skip a beat!!!
Thank you for sharing!!

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Rebecca,
Sounds like you had a wonderful time!!
And thanks so much for sharing these great pieces with us!!
They are all so beautiful!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Sonya Badgley said...

Dear Rebecca,
All this vintage lace is to DIE for! I am swooning!I can't believe the detail work. The going-
away dress is just breathtaking. I want it!! The dress form is just amazing. I would love to find one like that. Your skirt and camisole is just beautiful too.
Your little Miss K is growing up!
Thanks for taking us with you.
love and hugs,
Sonya

Nancy said...

Rebecca, I am sitting here drooling over these gorgeous pieces of clothing.......I love the pieces you bought so beautiful and that going away dress.....WOW....

Obviously, a great trip...making memories with your granddaughter.....so sweet

Pink Roses and Teacups said...

Hello dear Rebecca!

This sounds like a wonderful place. I had gone to a Victorian Day last year, and the outfits were awesome. My favorite were the wedding dresses. Just like these you have shown. They did a fashion show, and I love them. I will send you a few pictures. I know you will love them too. Thanks for sharing sweetie!

Hugs,
Debbie xxoo

Maria said...

Hi Rebecca!
Oh we're home ~ we LOVED being in Texas and close to our son... My eyes can well up with tears just thinking about all the LOVE and JOY we shared ... and how I do miss him so.
Your post today is so beautiful. I am so glad that Kate {William's new bride} wore a wedding dress with sleeves. I miss that look on brides...with all the strapless gowns that are popular now.

The lace of old is sooo beautifully made, all by hand and just so lovely.
The camisole was indeed a great find and bargain! I enlarged all the lacy photos ~ thank you for sharing them with us ~
I hope you have a beautiful weekend, Rebecca!
God bless you always,
Maria

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dearest Rebecca,

I want to thank you for your visit today! Your blog is lovely and your comments are so kind! Keep that SURVIVING CHILD ALIVE and BE THE CREATIVE ADULT GOD MEANT YOU TO BE!!! Anita

Dolores said...

I love all your gorgeous lace, flouncy, feminine dresses!
Happy weekend

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

Hi Rebecca
Thanks for sharing all the feminine lacy clothes from a bygone era. The camis would be fine today but I wouldn't want to dress up with the long sleeves and up to the neck front. Besides, my waist would be way too big for a dainty dress like these.
Nice to look and dream though.
Judith

Sheila said...

Beautiful simply beautiful... Just like you.
have a great day!!!

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