Vintage Reveries is Getting a Fresh Look!
We’re pivoting from a shop catalog to a dedicated vintage archive, blog, and showcase.
5-Star Vintage, No Matter Where You Click.
I am currently behind-the-scenes converting this site from a shop to a fast-loading digital archive and blog (which it started out as in 2011)!
Feel free to explore the latest blog posts, genealogy research guides, and history articles below while we finish updating our layouts!
Vintage Fashion History & Articles
Vintage 50s 60s Brown Glen Plaid Wool Pencil Skirt Metal Zipper Dark Academia Small 26
The ultimate vintage library skirt. This late 1950s/early 60s tailored wool skirt features a classic Glen Plaid check, a side metal zipper, and a sharp kick pleat in the back.
Measurements (Flat):
Waist: 26 inches
Hips: 40 inches
Length: 27 inches (Midi/Below Knee)
Sweep: 48 inches
Vintage 80s Pastel Abstract Leaf Skirt | Handmade Silky Jacquard Pencil Midi | Petite 27″ Waist
Soft pastels meet sharp geometry in this lovely vintage 1980s handmade skirt. Featuring a “leaf-on-leaf” textured jacquard fabric in dreamy blues and pinks, this fully lined pencil skirt is tailored for a Petite fit with a classic back kick pleat.
Measurements:
Waist: 13.5 inches flat (27 inches around)
Hips: Approx. 19.5 inches flat (39 inches around)
Length: 25.5 inches
Kick Pleat/Vent: 8 inches
Modern Size Estimate: US Small / 4 Petite (Fits a 27″ waist)
Vintage 80s Diane von Furstenberg Pleated Wool Skirt – Angora Blend Plaid – Cream & Pastel – Made in Portugal – 26” Waist (Modern Small)
A rare, textural delight from the queen of fashion herself, Diane von Furstenberg. Dating to the late 70s or early 80s, this pleated midi skirt is crafted from a cozy, fuzzy blend of wool and rabbit hair (Angora) in a “oatmeal” cream with woven pastel checks. Unlined, breathable, and boasting that high-end Portuguese construction. Fits a modern Size Small (US 4).
Measures:
Waist: 26 inches (Doubled)
Hips: 39 inches (Doubled) – The pleats offer some room here.
Length: 30 inches – A lovely midi length.
Vintage 80s Navy Polka Dot Pencil Skirt | Handmade Rockabilly Pinup Petite | 27″ Waist
Channel your inner pinup girl with this classic navy blue and white polka dot pencil skirt. Handmade in the 1980s with a nod to 1950s style, it features a sleek high waist, a sturdy “slick” finish fabric, and a Petite-friendly midi length.
Measurements:
Waist: 13.5 inches flat (approx. 27 inches around)
Hips: 18 inches flat (approx. 36 inches around)
Length: 26 inches
Hem Allowance: approx. 3 inches (can be let down)
Modern Size Estimate: US Small / 4 Petite (Check hip measurements carefully!)
Historical Bus Routes to the Muny in 1943
It appears as if bus service to the Muny at Forest Park during World War II was very comprehensive! Bus service extended as far as Gravois and Hampton, Grand and Holly Hills, 3rd and Washington (downtown), Florissant and Kingshighway, and Delmar and DeBalviere… a pretty wide radius!
Also in these last few pages of the 1943 St Louis Municipal Opera program, besides ads, was the list of large donors who gave to the Municipal Theatre Associations guarantee fund. It reads like a long list of old St. Louis society’s who’s-who and includes Adolphus Busch II and his son, August Buch (of the Anheuser-Busch brewery). It’s interesting to see who the early supporters of the Muny were!
Standing on the Shoulders of Other Researchers: How I Broke an 87-Year-Old Johnson Brick Wall
An 87-year-old family mystery, a misidentified woman in a Virginia court case, DNA matches, and an unsent 1939 letter finally helped me break one of my biggest genealogy brick walls. But the real story is about the generations of researchers who preserved just enough evidence for someone else to eventually finish the search.
Rare Plus Size Antique 1920s Dark Brown Drop Waist Dress | Art Deco Embroidered Wrap Dress | Flapper Era Tubular Day Dress XL 1X
Step straight out of the 1920s with this incredibly rare, plus-size antique day dress! Featuring a rich dark chocolate brown worsted fabric, a classic drop-waist tubular silhouette, and exquisite gold and green Art Deco embroidery, this dress has absolute main character energy.
Please note that this is a near 100-year-old survivor and is being sold as a wearable project or display piece. The interior silk lining has shattered (a common occurrence with 1920s weighted silk) and will need to be carefully removed.
Measurements (Doubled):
Bust: 44″ (leave room to drape)
Waist: 41″
Hips: 47″
Length: 46″
Fits a modern XL / 1X.
More scanned photos from the turn of the century St. Louis Photographers
Discover a selection of turn-of-the-century photographs from St. Louis studios like When Studio, Crescent Studios, and J. Haas. This collection includes a mysterious unmarked photo, formal headshots of young men, and an intriguing bridal portrait featuring a black wedding dress. Explore the history, fashion, and social customs captured in these historic cabinet cards and vintage portrait styles.
The Production Code and Continued Evolution of Cheesecake Pinup
This is an interesting article on how the Motion Picture Production Code affected the evolution of cheesecake pinup, and changed the recipe.
Types of Necklines Defined. Fashion Terminology, Lambswool to Nets
Defining and illustrating various types of necklines. How useful to describing and selling vintage clothing online, as well as when buying it!
1940s Handmade Navy Blue Floral Brocade Midi Dress | Decorative Mother of Pearl Buttons | Vintage WWII Era Snap-Front Dress with Original Belt
Step into a beautifully preserved piece of 1940s history with this extraordinary handmade navy brocade dress. Featuring a cleverly concealed full-snap front closure, dramatic power shoulders, and delicate metallic silver piping, this dress is a masterclass in mid-century home dressmaking.
Whether you are a dedicated collector of WWII-era garments or someone who simply appreciates the weight and texture of true vintage jacquard, this dress offers a flattering, belted silhouette with a story woven into every single seam.
Measurements (Doubled):
Bust: 40″
Waist (Belted): 34″ (can go up to 38″ unbelted)
Hips: 42″
Length: 42″
Fits like a modern Large.
CheeseCake – An American Phenomenon
This was the most amazing 1950s magazine to photograph! Is this Marilyn Monroe on the cover? I wish I could have bought this vintage pinup magazine for myself! It’s dated 1953.