Fashion Treasures by What is Style by Yellow Tulip

Posted on January 21, 2013 by stylebyyellowtulip in My Life & Times, Personal Opinions, Style Tips, What is Style? // 9 Comments

Vogue Nov Issue 1954

What is your oldest and most treasured fashion item in your wardrobe? I was thinking about what mine would be.

Mum & Dad – Engagement 1957

Many years ago Mum gave me her engagement dress with matching coat that she wore back in 1957. On asking Dad where he bought it – he advised me that it was from a boutique in Dominion Road, Auckland and that it cost him over a week’s wages. Surely Mum was worth every cent or was it shillings in those days I asked. He didn’t comment – but then Dad has always been the strong but silent type!

I haven’t actually worn the dress since Mum gave it to me. I have thought about it, but haven’t quite found the right occasion. I do like knowing the dress is hanging proudly in my wardrobe though. I decided in the writing of this blog to see if I could still fit into it. I could definitely get the dress on, but couldn’t really move my arms much.

Me wearing Coat/ Dress

The style is obviously very 1950’s and described as ‘princess line’ (being a sleek-fitted dress, without a waist line), accompanied with a swing-back Coat. The dress and coat are made out of brocade satin, with a modest hem length. The fabric is amazing and has stood the test of time. It makes you wonder whether clothing bought in this era would look this good so many years later. I am guessing Mum’s dress wasn’t made in China?

Me wearing the Dress

So, what is your most treasured fashion item from yester years? Why don’t you send a photo to stylebyyellowtulip@gmail.com and I’ll share some of our fashion ‘treasure’ moments.

Yellow Tulip

About stylebyyellowtulip (244 Articles)

I fell into the art of style quite by accident. There was no defining moment when I decided that I knew what I wanted to do. I want people to feel good about themselves. Many don’t know where to shop and/or how to wear fashion. It has never been solely about cost, but of finding quality at a reasonable price and being able to wear - to suit your own figure, style and fashion. Join me as we explore – What is Style? Yellow Tulip

9 Comments on Fashion Treasures by What is Style by Yellow Tulip

Deborah // January 22, 2013 at 2:45 am // Reply

Hi,

What a great photo of your Mum and Dad – they look so happy! Gorgeous dress – I’d have loved to have been around then as I love those styles!
- stylebyyellowtulip // January 22, 2013 at 6:43 pm // Reply
  
  Hi – it was amazing looking through all Mum’s old photographs. Of course they didn’t have colour photos back then. The styles back then were made for ‘dancing’ Mum tell me. Thanks for reading my blog and the lovely comments …
Erin Mills // January 23, 2013 at 1:45 am // Reply

Love it! What a fantastic outfit and such a lovely gift from your mum. I have one of my mothers dresses from the 60’s – I doubt I could fit it though, as she was super tiny. Your mum’s arms are so slim!! My favourite clothing? right now it is my new black dress that a fashion stylist friend called yellow tulip chose for me. I get so many complements and can’t wait for her to come shopping with me again. Oh, and anything Zambesi as it never dates.
- stylebyyellowtulip // January 24, 2013 at 6:55 pm // Reply
  
  Would love to see a photo of your mum’s dress from the 1960’s. Mum commented that she had the same issue I did with trying to get my arms into the dress – she did have lovely slim arms back then. So glad you are happy with the lovely black dress you bought. You truly look fantastic in it, and will be an investment piece that you can wear to many occasions. Zambesi (well what can I say) I have pieces in my wardrobe dating back to 1999 that I still wear every year. It makes me appreciate the brand even more. Looking forward to our next shopping date. Yellow Tulip.
Marsha // January 28, 2013 at 1:31 am // Reply

Gorgeous dress and beautiful colour. Yes, interesting to see if a dress bought today would last well in 50 years time!
- originalyou5 // January 28, 2013 at 3:29 am // Reply
  
  I say this about some of the things I bought in the 80’s .. but alas there was no fashion sense in that era. Would we want to keep anything from back then !! I still have some lovely old winter coats that I’m saving for a rainy day.
astimegoesbuy // February 3, 2013 at 2:05 am // Reply

What a gorgeous dress and coat!
I love the shoes you have paired it with.
Timeless and chic.
My most treasured fashion items from years gone by are some of my grandmothers jewelry. A pearl necklace and bracelet and few brooches.
Cheers,
Laura
- stylebyyellowtulip // February 3, 2013 at 8:09 am // Reply
  
  Hi Laura – Thanks so much for the lovely comments …. and to think that I nearly sold the shoes, but decidedd at the last minute to keep them.
  Your grandmother’s jewelry sounds lovely .. have always been a fan of pearl’s and brooches are timeless. Thanks so much for following my blog. I really enjoy reading yours and so wish one day that mine will become just as popular one day … take care. Helen.
  - astimegoesbuy // February 3, 2013 at 9:22 am //
    
    Thanks Helen!
    Keep up the great work and your blog will do well. 🙂
    Cheers,
    Laura