Tangerine Boutique - Vintage Clothing and Accessories
These items have been with us for 65 to a
hundred years. Sometimes I think it is a
miracle they still survive! Even more remarkable,
most of them are still quite wearable. Some
do however require tender treatment. Always
consult a GOOD dry cleaner. To help you I have rated each of them on
a scale of fragility. Each item has this rating under the picture.
The key to that scale is at the bottom of
this page.
Note: NEVER store garments in or under plastic
bag for extended periods of time
#5052 
click to enlarge and to see other views |
Glamorous white jersey gown from the 1940s. The material is a creamy white rayon jersey with a sensual drape. Cut away neckline. Padded shoulders and shirred draped bodice. Long narrow sleeves with gauntlet peak at the wrist. Fitted midriff with basque waist. The skirt is gathered and falls in fluid folds to the floor. There is a side metal zipper. You will probably want to wear a slip since white tends to be somewhat sheer. Vintage jersey dresses were seldom lined because the lining interfered with the drape. Women wore slips instead. This was originally intended as an evening gown but could easily be used for an alternative wedding dress. The label is gone but it is very nicely made. It is rare to find these dresses in good condition particularly white. This one was lovingly stored and has endured the last 60+ years beautifully. It's been cleaned and is ready to be worn. As with a lot of side zip dresses putting it on takes a bit of effort. It must go over the head, arms in the sleeves and eased down over the shoulders. It is a lot easier if you have someone to help. The size is small around a modern 4-6. Bust 35" Waist 27" Length from waist to hem 39" Excellent Condition $260.00 
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#1194  click to enlarge and to see other views |
Simply breathtaking coral gown circa 1940s-50s . Boned strapless bodice swathed in shirred coral pink chiffon. Sweetheart neckline. The skirt is pure feminine fantasy. Yards and yards of sheer coral pink nylon chiffon cascade to the floor in deep gathered folds. Finished with a layer of filmy ruffles. It is interlined with tulle to give it shape without adding heaviness and the lining is coral taffeta. This dress is a near copy of the Charles James "Siren-Crustacean Dress" featured in the book Fashion and Surrealism by Richard Martin. Charles James was one of the great couturiers of the 20th century. From the late 20s until the 1950s he dressed many of societies influential fashionistas. Millicent Rogres being a most important client. Form did NOT follow function for this brilliant and temperamental designer. His gowns were undisputed works of art but often nearly unwearable. It was not uncommon for a woman to be unable to lift her arms or sit down in a James dress. Comfort was of no consequence, perfection of design ruled tantamount. Despite his bold disregard for practicality as it were, James dresses were eagerly sought for over three decades by women of a certain class. Meticulous draping and sculpting of fabric were trademarks and as with all great designer his works were often reinterpreted by other designers targeting a more mainstream market. This may not be a real Charles James gown (heavy sigh!) but it is a very nice reinterpretation and very wearable. It was a good dress in its day and nicely made but I could not find a label. A perfect vintage gown for prom, black tie or any formal occasion. The condition is wonderful with no stains or holes that I can see. It is a tiny size around a modern 2 with the following measurements. Bust 32" Waist 24" Hips up to 37" Length from waist to hem 43" Excellent Condition $245.00  |
#1445 Click to enlarge Durable |
Dramatic 1940s Style Stunning fur trimmed purple wool coat from the early 1940s. The finest wool in a rich shade of amethyst. The coat has a loose fitting straight cut with sharply defined shoulder line. The sleeves are beautiful, done in a two tiered design. The over sleeve has a scalloped bell shape and the more narrow undersleeve is trimmed with self covered buttons. There is a generous black and white fur collar. Fur is not my area of expertise so I hesitate to identify the type. It looks as though there may be two different types used. A top layer which is variegated in color, thick and lush with long guard hairs. Plus an edge layer that is softer to the touch in ivory and black. Check out the detail photos for a better view of the collar Beautifully tailored with self covered buttons and hand bound button holes. It is lined in a lovely amethyst satin and has welted pockets on the sides. The condition is exceptional with no signs of wear. The size is generous (modern 10-12) and will fit a taller frame very well. It has the following measurements Chest 49" Hips up to 54" Shoulder to shoulder 17 1/2" Sleeve length 25" Length from shoulder to hem 48" Excellent Condition $325.00 |
#5041  click to enlarge Stable |
Darling Black taffeta and lace gown from
the late 1940s. The upper bodice is black chantilly lace over blush taffeta. It is cut in a gathered peasant style with sweet puffed sleeves. The edges of the bodice and waist are trimmed with black piping. It has a fitted midriff of black taffeta and a very full two tiered taffeta skirt. I did not show it with a petticoat but it would bell out dramatically if one were worn beneath. The dress closes with a side metal zipper. The size is very small but somewhat long waisted so it will not be good on a petite body. It has the the following measurements. Bust 34" Waist 25" Hips free Length of skirt 39" Excellent Condition $235.00
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#5040 click to enlarge Stable |
Romantic floral taffeta dress from the late
30s early 40s. The bodice has a plunging
V neckline (front and back) with gathered
keyhole opening and navy velvet ribbon tie,
There are sweet puffed sleeves also with
gathered keyhole openings. It has a fitted
midriff panel and flowing bias cut skirt.
The material is taffeta satin with a French
Vanilla background and muted pastel flowers.
The size is medium/smalll with the following measurements. Bust 35" Waist 26"-27" Hips 38" Length from shoulder to hem 59" Excellent Condition $160.00
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#5039  click to enlarge and to Stable |
40s Elegance Bias cut Plum rayon crepe (a shade darker than the picture) with antique-silver bugle beaded bodice. The bodice is loosely fitted with padded cap shoulder and V neckline. There is a long peplum which dips a bit in the back for a more elegant line (see the detail pictures) Underneath is a long straight skirt with a modest center front slit. It closes with a side metal zipper. The size is Medium with the following measurements. Bust 37" Waist 27" Hips 38" Skirt length 42" Excellent Condition $195.00
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#5038  click to enlarge Stable |
1940s Perfection!! Absolutely stunning 1940s cocktail dress in black rayon crepe with illusion lace bodice and black tulle peplum. The alluring top is form fitting with sheer black tulle covering the shoulders and chest, the bust is covered with black lace over neutral taffeta. The lace cap sleeves are attached at the shoulder but open under the arm for ease of movement. Perfect for dancing! The skirt is straight with a peplum flounce of stiff black tulle. Lovely and dramatic. The size is small with the following measurements Bust 34" Waist 26" Hips 38" Skirt length 31" This dress will not work on a figure with a short waist. The waist is a bit long . Excellent Condition $195.00
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#5031  click to enlarge Stable |
Smart little black satin frock from the 1920s. I have always loved the combination of orange and black. It's such a fun combination. This darling little 20s dress is done in black crepe backed satin. The wide collar and cuffs are hand embroidered and appliqued in orange satin with a wonderful arts and crafts style design. The dress has a straight bodice, dropped waist and knee length circle skirt which flutters ever so nicely. The edge of the hem is finished with a border of orange satin piping. The sleeves are long and narrow. It has an open V neckline with broad collar. It is trimmed down the front with tiny orange satin covered buttons. The dress closes on the left side with little hidden snaps. There is no label but the workmanship is excellent so I am assuming it is a private dressmakers creation. The size is quite small and it is petite. I would say around a modern 2-4 and would look best on someone under 5'4". Bust 34" Dropped Waist 32" Sleeve length 21" Shoulder to shoulder 14 1/2" (narrow) Excellent Condition $275.00 |
#5023 Click to enlarge Stable but a little Delicate |
Attend your next social affair amidst a swirl of black chiffon! The heavenly frock you are viewing was created in the 1930s. This photo does not come close to portraying the gorgeous detailing. I will try to describe as best I can. The outer layer is done in yards n' yards of flowing black silk chiffon. First the bodice is lightly draped with an attached shawl. This piece hangs to the waist in back, flows over the shoulders and plunges to a deep V in front. Beneath this is a built in V neck, chamisole in ivory silk chiffon which has delicate chantilly like embroidery. The edge of the chamisole is scalloped and it ends just below the bust. It does not show in the picture but below the V, at the waist are two large flowers in black silk velvet. They are made from of a multitude of soft petals and give the impression of peonies. The bodice then loosely falls to a dropped waist. At this point there is a 1" black chiffon belt with a silver tone and rhinestone buckle in a pre-deco design. The skirt is cut in bias panels which curve in a "waterfall" design on both sides. This reminds me of some of Lanvins dresses. It is skillfully made with an ivory chiffon lining in the bodice and black silk taffeta underskirt. The finest feature is the way the fabric flows with movement. It would be perfection on the dance floor! Although this dress is in excellent condition and the fabric still has its integrity it is 80 years old and will need tender treatment. It's most vulnerable moments are when being put on and taken off. When removing gently take hold of the skirt and its lining and "peel" the dress up and off. If there is someone to help that's even better! The size is around a modern 20W-22W Bust 49" Waist 46" Hips 50" Dress length 58" Excellent Condition $325.00 |
#5013 click to enlarge Stable |
Late 1940s early 50s Hawaiian cotton, sarong style bathing suit. The label in this tropical gem reads Paradise Hawaii made in Honolulu. The fabric is a rich cotton sateen with a mottled olive green background with large orange and yellow hibiscus flowers. The bodice has a pretty drape design and the skirt is also draped to look like a sarong. There are little attached bloomers beneath. The sides of the bodice have elasticized shirring and there is a center back metal zipper. The bra area is lined with self fabric and there is boning to keep the shape. I would say the size is medium with a 36" bust 26" waist and 36" hip. The bust and waist have flexibility because of the elasticized panels. This swim suit is in lovely condition and entirely wearable! Excellent Condition $95.00
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#5010  click to enlarge Stable |
The picture you see here in no way does justice
to this stunning black silk velvet gown circa
1940s. I will have to try and describe it
in detail. The midriff of the bodice has
a diamond shape which comes up between the
breasts and down to a point at the waist.
The bust shaping is done with shirring. Around
the top of the bodice is a band of gathered
velvet and narrow velvet straps. the skirt
is bias cut clinging to the hips then flaring
out to the hem. The velvet is rich and has
a wonderful drape. There is a side metal
zipper. The size is around a modern 6. Bust 35" Waist 26" Hips free size because of bias cut Skirt length 39" Excellent condition $195.00
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#5008 click to enlarge Durable |
The beautiful coat you see here has me a bit stumped as to it's exact time in history. The strong shoulder line would indicate the 1940s but the cocoon cut, gay color and luxurious fur bespeak of a much earlier time. Nonetheless it is a fabulous piece. The color is best described as coral red and the ivory fur collar is incredibly soft and lush. I am not sure of the animal of origin, it is as full as fox but much softer. The lining is the same red in heavy crepe and it is fully underlined for warmth. The sleeves are a little full ending in a fold up cuff with covered buttons. The only closure on this garment is a gross grain ribbon inside and crocheted loop on the edge. It seems that it was meant to be worn loose. The size is in the medium range say from a modern 8 to 10. The sleeves are on the short side 22" long but nice 3/4 length gloves would remedy that. The length from shoulder to hem is 40" and the shoulder to shoulder measurement is 16" The label inside reads Exclusive Berkley Bonwit-Lennon, Baltimore. The coat had been worn but is in beautiful condition. I mended one small hole which is no longer visible. Very Good Condition $325.00
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#5006 click to enlarge and to see side view Delicate |
Romantic chantilly lace and black silk chiffon make up this 1920s overdress. It is so hard to see the beauty of the lace in these photos! I believe it is a silk lace which would explain its exceptional luster. The silhouette is typical 20s dropped waist with an underlayer of chiffon and lace panel overlays. There are narrow long sleeves and scooped neckline. There was probably a light colored slip of some sort which is no longer around. You can be vintage pure and wear your own light slip or experiment with a color beneath. Although the material is delicate this dress has aged well. There were two small holes in the chiffon underlining which I reinforced and an area of lace which I mended. I also mended one place where the sleeve was pulling away from the dress. These flaws are small and not noticeable. If you are new to older vintage you need to know these dresses must be treated tenderly. When being put on or taken off it is best never to tug. They can be worn but with care. The size of this dress is flexible due to its unstructured nature. I would say Medium/Large. The body measure 44" at the bust and hips. The shoulders measure 16" across the upper arm of the sleeve is just over 15" around. The length of the dress from shoulder to hem is 46" Very Good Condition $325.00 |
#5002 click to enlarge Delicate |
1940s brown Mongolian Lamb coat. The color in the picture is darker than the actual color of this coat. It is a rich warm brown with soft loose curls.The cut is long with broad padded shoulders and full gathered sleeves. There is a pretty tailored collar and slash pockets. Inside it is lined with brown crepe and has a side tie. The front closes with 3 furrier hooks and eyes. The label reads Jordan Marsh Boston. The fur is in remarkable condition, soft and luxurious with supple skins. The lining is in great shape but has a little fading in color at the hem. I mended both pockets where the pocket lining and fur was beginning to pull away. They are strong now and fortunately none of the fur is worn away on any of the edges. The size is a medium/large and should fit between a modern 12- 14. The shoulder measurement is 16 1/2", the chest is 43" around and the length from shoulder to hem is 44" Very Good Condition $265.00 |
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