It's said that history repeats itself and nowhere else is that more apparent than in fashion. Whether it's wiggle dresses from the 50s re-emerging in the 80s or slim fitted 40s suits re-surfacing in the 70s, fashion always comes around again.

Even for the male of the species fashion is cyclical. Is world famous footballer David Beckham starting a fashion trend? If a cravat is posh enough for David, wouldn't you love to follow that trend?




In my vintage travels I came upon these two wonderful cravats circa 1950. The cravats were made by Tootal and have not seen the light of day in 50 years. What a wonderful addition to a mans wardrobe. The cravat is more forgiving than a tie as it is loosely tied and gives one the appearance of a dashing man about town who knows his fashion and knows what he likes.

Both of these cravats are available from Braccles7 at Specialist Auctions. Simply click the photograph and you will be linked.

This is a Vintage 1950s MOD Tootal Yellow Paisley Rayon cravat in a wonderful pattern of black and red on a light yellow background. The cravat is just over 41 inches in length.



Or this Vintage 1950s MOD Tootal Red/Black/Grey cravat made of rayon in an unusual regular pattern in dark red & black on a light silvery-grey background. The cravat is about 42 inches in length.



This handsome devil certainly seems to know his way around a cravat and dare I imagine a few other things as well!

Check out Specialist Auctions where vintage clothing is new again!

Today I'm writing about a friend named Chris. Chris' vintage store is called Alley Cats Vintage. Now Chris has a wonderful plan. She is attempting to buy all the Fred Perlberg dresses in the world and become the Fred Perlberg queen of the universe.

So today I'm featuring Chris' Perlberg dresses. You can also find loads of other delectable dresses in Chris' stores, hats, shoes and many other great items at very reasonable prices. I say this with the utmost confidence because I've bought things from Chris and you'll never find another vintage seller who cares about her customers more.

On a personal note, Chris is retiring. Tomorrow is her last day. To my friend Chris I wish a joyful retirement full of doing the things you enjoy so much like gardening, going to the auctions on Friday and the opening of your new collectibles store. We big business women need to stick together!

So now onto the Fred Perlberg extravaganza!

First we have this breathtaking celery green liquid satin formal evening gown from the 1940's. There is gathering on the shoulders. The front has a high V neckline with a lay back collar which drapes around the back of the gown. The waist dips into a long V. There is a small bustle which lies flat just below the waist in the back. The gown closes with a side metal zipper plus hook & eye. The skirt is full and the dress can be worn with or without a crinoline. The fabric is heavy rich satin in a definite celery green color.



Next we have this stunning pink satin Fred Perlberg 1940's evening gown. The fabric is high gloss liquid pink, very true to what you see in the photographs. The construction and details are extremely beautiful, from the rear bustle treatment to the piping around the curved and pointed waistline. The inside is labeled “Fred Perlberg” who designed fabulous evening gowns starting in the 1940's. There’s a side closing metal zipper which works perfectly. The fabric is very dense and heavy.



Not to be outdone by the 1940s Perlbergs Chris also has this dazzling 70s era evening gown designed by Roger Milot for Fred Perlberg. The fabric is a sheer metallic weave with little loose strands of gold raising up, completely lined with a lime acetate blend. The sleeves are sheer and puffed with snaps on the cuffs. The waist has a double looped thick cord made on band and adorned with 4 cris-cross rhinestone pins. All the rhinestones are pink but one small stone is missing on the front. With all the glitter no one could possibly notice.



I'm very partial to champagne and what better way to fill that need than this Fred Perlberg exquisite liquid satin champagne/antique white satin evening gown. The fabric is very heavy satin. The bodice is bone with a wide cuff around the top and tiny cord shoulder straps. This can be worn without the straps. There is a side metal zipper closing. The skirt is full with a circumference of 128 inches. The condition is excellent, only having a pin hole where a corsage was pinned.



And last but not least we have this gorgeous Fred Perlberg classic pink satin party gown which was so popular in the 1940's. It is made with a fitted waist. It is
sleeveless with 21 satin covered buttons up the front. There is a little round peter pan collar and an attached matching satin belt. The gown closes with a side metal zipper. The skirt is full sweep and is shown with and without a crinoline. The inside is labeled “Dance Originals by Fred Perlberg” who designed fabulous evening gowns starting in the 1940's. The fabric is very dense, heavy and in almost perfect condition.



Chris has several store locations where you can purchase some of the best vintage items I've ever come across. She is located at:

Main Street Vintage

and

Specialist Auctions