For the Love of Lilli Ann

Snapbacks and tattoos? More like old cars and vintage suits. When you have the chance to play show and tell with some of your greatest obsessions, you almost don't know where to begin with your rant on how fantastic they are. That is how I feel about old cars and one of the most legendary vintage brands in the world, Lilli Ann. 

Lilli Ann holds a special place in my heart, and is my ultimate favorite brand next to Christian Dior. They are famous for the quality, details, and materials used in their suits, coats, and dresses that set themselves apart from all others. I had been looking high and low for my very own for the longest time. I finally came across this 1940's beauty in an antique shop. It had to be one of the best finds I've ever had, and I actually teared up. This one in particular features rhinestone buttons, commonly used in his suits, that were made from Austrian crystal. 

With further research, I have found that this may possibly be my exact suit from 1947. Not only has it been my dream to wear one, but to also find the exact date it was made. A very helpful website I use to date clothing according to their labels is http://vintagefashionguild.org/. 

Established around 1934 by the San Francisco based Adolf Schuman, Lilli Ann was created in honor of his wife, Lillian. Although, Lilli Ann didn't quite reach their height until after World War Two. Adolf was known to have supported local fabric factories after the war in France. With his purchase of these fabrics in not only France, but also Italy, he was able to save them from being forced to close down. He benefited from this by being awarded the "Chevalier of the Legion of Honor" from France, and then the "Order of the Legion of Merit" by Italy. The customer benefited by being able to wear some of the most luxurious hand loomed fabrics in the world. Along with being a fashion hero, he opened a Paris showroom which led him to some of his close business partners, Coco Chanel and Cristobal Balenciaga. 

Many people may not know, but Adolf Schuman has quite the success story. His father was a Hungarian Jewish immigrant who came to San Francisco during the 1880's. He made a living by driving a milk truck. His son Adolf took the risk of starting Lilli Ann with an $800 loan and a mere two room space. From his success he was able to have sales reported around 40 million in 1982, three years before his death. 

Not only was he a famous designer, but also a prominent political figure as well. He was known to have been close friends of the Kennedy's and held campaign fund-raising dinners at his home in San Francisco. 

Now that you understand just how important Lilli Ann is to me, here is my interpretation of how they were worn. I am posed with a gorgeous 1959 Mercedes that was a dream to photograph with.

Worn with the Lilli Ann, I paired tan leather gloves, 1940's brown leather handbag, vintage Sanger Harris hat, and early 1950's Jacques Heim leather heels. 

As much as I am in love with this suit, preserving it's historical value is far more important to me, and I want it to go to someone who will truly appreciate it. I recently started an Etsy store "Gwendolyn's Golden Eras" at https://www.etsy.com/shop/GwendolynsGoldenEras. I will be selling items from the Victorian era up to the 1960's. To see the listing for this Lilli Ann go to https://www.etsy.com/listing/268039310/vintage-lilli-ann-suit-with-peplum-waist?ref=shop_home_active_1

If you are interested in seeing more of Lilli Ann, visit my Lilli Ann Pinterest page to see more vintage ads at https://www.pinterest.com/erinvintage/lilli-ann/. 

"For the Girl Who Knows Clothes"

"For the girl who knows clothes..." Today's feature is on a very special label that I only recently discovered. While in Sherman (shown in my last post), I bought this gorgeous three piece navy blue suit by name of "R&K Originals". I was lucky enough to have it fit perfectly, without the need of alterations, and in almost mint condition. It dates back to the late 1940's, early 1950's. 

What makes this suit so special? Well, R&K Originals was founded in 1932 by the R & K Dress Corporation of New York. It's famous store was located right on Broadway. It makes me wonder if my suit could have possibly been purchased from there. Given it's location, you can imagine the success that emerged with the brand. You can still find it today in your department store! There isn't a lot of information about R&K out there, but there are quite a few old advertisements. These first two look very similar to my outfit! 

I tried to find an original photo of the storefront, but it's no where to be found. Just to get an idea of what it was like back then, these photos of Broadway and Times Square from the 1950's accurately depict what it may have been like where the store was located. 

I was very inspired by the first ad you saw above, so I imitated most of what was worn, such as the vintage white gloves, and matching navy blue silk chiffon handbag. 

This 1950's white hand-beaded hat matched perfectly, as well as these vintage pearl earrings passed down to me from my late cousin Ruth. 

My favorite part about this suit would have to be the adorable detachable capelet. The wind helped to show off it's pretty lining. It's very rare to find a three piece vintage suit, and I got lucky. 

"For the girl who knows clothes..."

The Adventure Suit

The year is 1948, three years after the second world war has ended. Luxury fashion is back on it's toes after Christian Dior released his "New Look" just a year before. His concepts and form are on the rise, and the world is anxiously awaiting each intricately designed garment. Designers, women, and celebrities are all inspired by this one man's creations. In our current day, I am equally inspired to replicate this look in my own way. Found only in a museum, the "Adventure Suit" is a stunning day-wear look from Spring of 1948. 

The original shown above features of button-up skirt made of wool, and a double breasted houndstooth jacket with a tie.

Photo of suit taken in 1954.

(Modern recreation, taken by the famous Patrick Demarchelier)

Shown here, is a checked pattern jacket, double breasted with a tie from http://www.yoyomelody.com/. Do you see the resemblance that I initially noticed? I had to have it! You can find yours here at http://www.yoyomelody.com/check-print-flare-sleeve-cape-coat-with-bowknot-embellishment-ja0230024-2.html. 

Though I may not have the original hat that was possibly worn with the suit, I do have my own original, designed by me. I was so inspired by all of Dior's ideas from his 10 year reign, and hats that adorned many of his looks. I had a vision to create a 1950's oversized, structured, black velvet hat, with a white satin lining (not pictured). Thanks to my mother's talent, she is able to bring these visions to life for me. 

Here you can see the full size of the hat. 

He didn't name it the "Adventure" suit for nothing. I had a wonderful day trip (my second actually) visiting Sherman, Texas. It is a beautiful town frozen in time. 

Sherman in the 1940's. 

Sherman today, taken by me. 

I do not own these two photos, but they perfectly show off the Touch of Class Antique Mall and the people who bring it all together. The name by far suits this antique palace. There are three floors filled entirely with rarities and pieces you only dream of finding. I found a beautiful late 1940's suit that I will be featuring soon! Visit their website at http://www.atouchofclassantiquemall.com/ and be sure to like them on Facebook!

After being so exhausted from shopping, this is the right kind of place for a pick me up. 

The Boiler Room is located inside a historical steam laundry factory from the turn of the century. There is also a second floor to eat and drink coffee from. 

I didn't catch the name of this artist, but the works really caught my eye. 

It just so happens there was a patio to sit at, and I couldn't help but take a similar picture to the 1954 Dior photo. 

Before leaving town, there was a car that went so well with the look. I couldn't resist!

The lipstick featured in this shoot is by Besame Cosmetics http://besamecosmetics.com/, a beautiful vintage inspired makeup line that will take you through each decade. I am wearing their 1946 lipstick, "Red Velvet" http://besamecosmetics.com/collections/lipstick/products/red-velvet-lipstick.

If you're looking for a good "adventure", make Sherman your next stop!