Recent Infatuation: Gunne Sax

I don't know where it started - I suspect Etsy - but at some point I began to long for a Gunne Sax dress. To be specific, I adore the coquettish, prairie designs of the 1970s.

 

Gunne Sax, so named for the "gunny sack" or burlap trim used on some of the earlier dresses,was founded in the 1960s. In 1969 it was purchased by Jessica McClintock. Yes, the very Jessica McClintock who made your coveted homecoming dress in 1995.

via The Dusty Dog Vintage

The brand is often associated with its 1970s prairie designs with Victorian and Edwardian details.I adore how the designs took classic elements such as lace, gingham, and calico, and combined them in a way that turned late-19th and early-20th century American fashion on its head.
 

via Rosebud Vintage

Gunne Sax also manufactured renaissance- and medieval-inspired designs, with empire waistlines and middle plackets, and used other historical costume elements such as corset-like laced bodices.

via The Vintage Bazaar and possibly my personal favorite

Despite all the Victorian-ness these babies are actually rather sexy. Everything is (mostly) covered up, but designs with decolletage-baring necklines, corset lacing, and tailored bodices are, as I said above, coquettish. The body-skimming tailoring doesn't hurt either.

via Hellhound Vintage Clothing

Sign. Me. Up.

Oh, what to wear?

Since I was talking about an out-of-the-box host gift yesterday my mind was whirring with thoughts of holiday parties. I doubt I'll be throwing any, but I might get to go to one or two. What to wear?

Originally, I was just going to show this chic bronze, bedazzled number recently featured on The Coletterie.

Bronze dress from Dear Golden via The Coletterie

Then, I started clicking around in Dear Golden's shop and Oh. My. God!

I'll take this for a Christmas Eve reception.

1950s wool plaid wiggle dress from Dear Golden.

For this I'll have to find tickets to The Nutcracker followed by cocktails.

1940s green taffeta gown from Dear Golden

And for New Year's Eve I wouldn't hesitate to trade my LBD for this beauty!

1920s beaded chiffon dress from Dear Golden

Smashing, aren't they? I've shown you my holiday dream closet, so now you tell me about yours!

Treasury Tuesday (on Wednesday. Again)

For the month of June, my Etsy team has been given a treasury challenge. Each member must create a themed treasury featuring eight fellow Sweet n' Stuff team members and eight non-team Etsians.  The three treasuries with the most views "win" and will be featured on the team blog. This month's theme, chosen by Vicki, is

Back to the Garden

For my submission I chose to throw a moonlit garden party. I like my celebrations to be just a little dark.

I was feeling pretty proud of my treasury, but then Tina submitted hers and I LOVE it!

You know, these monochromatic deals get me every time. While I would appreciate you visiting my treasury, I know Tina's is so much better so please stop by her peachy keen creation and help her win. You can visit both treasuries at their Etsy home by clicking on the links or the images above.

Thanks for stopping by, my darlings.  I love it when you visit - even more so when you leave me a comment.  Tell me, what epitomizes "garden" for you?