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Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Lovely Lilli, Lill Ann

Yes, faithful blog readers, it be that time again....Lilli Ann time..

Here is the 50s glam Lilli Ann suit I mentioned about here.    I've posted a couple of similar ads below that I think are from the same time period, maybe one day I'll find the exact ad.  It certainly is a pleasure to wear and it's actually perfect for the slightly chilly weather lately, although this may change daily.

You can see why I had to hit the sale button pretty fast on this beauty.  All the elements of Lilli Ann charm the nipped waist,  pelum edges to the jacket, and of course I need not mention the tailoring and the speckled wool detail is fabulous.  I love the skirt length.  This suit is in great condition and I don't think it was worn that much.   I'd love to know the history of who these ladies are that wore some of these garments.  I'd also love to hear from you if you are a Lilli Ann collector too.  I know there are quite a few of you out there since Lilli Ann's are high on the commodity list.  I was trying to decide with or without the scarf but I think my inclementation is to go with the scarf.

I thought you'd also get a kick out of this hat.  The feathers imbedded in the top are so interesting and grand, you only see it when you tilt down, pretty cool eh?  I'd say a total "New Look" hat.  I'm really impressed with the way they were able to mold and press these feathers into shape and think about how long it's held up too!

I've been reading The Thoughtful Dresser almost through this book too (still reading the Gloria Swanson autobiography).   Overall, I like the book and an interesting approach to how fashion is a cornerstone to a woman's character.   It's kind of sad how in the part of the book how the "New Look" was looked on as old school and confining by the next generation.  But, I get it as well as it was all about mini's and free flowing maxi dresses for the next generation.   It's also brings up the thought of the Gloria Swanson interview below.  She comes into the interview with a skirt about the length of mine in the pictures and is slammed by Janis Joplin and the Dick Cavatt (because it's the 70's and mini's and maxi's are in) for what she is wearing, watch the YouTube clip and let me know what you think.


Outfit details-
Lilli Ann Suit -50s (1954-55)
Scarf - Hattie Carnegie
Hat- 50's velvet cartwheel hat lined with feathers on the top, no label
Gloves- gifted from a lovely friend
Umbrella -50's Saks embellished with red roses
Earrings -Eisenberg
Shoes- 40's/50's slight peep toe bought as NOS through Etsy
Blouse-vintage shear pintuck

































A similar but not quite the same ad from a Lilli Ann  ad 1954 originally listed at Dandelion Vintage.


Lilli Ann ad via Pinterest..





Gloria Swanson interview mentioned above...






25 comments:

  1. I just love how stylin' you are in thes gorgeous Lilli Ann suits!

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  2. Oooohh, Joanna, I am swooning over every last element of this beautiful, sophisticated ensemble. I can completely see why you pressed the BIN button at the speed of light - this suit is so you, and looks nothing short of fantastic. Love the classic, springtime perfect accessories your partnered it with.

    ♥ Jessica

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  3. That suit is gorgeous!I really love the wool fabric!

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    1. Thank you Anthea, there certainly was an attention to detail that is missing nowadays.

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  4. Such a fabulous suit, and that hat is spectacular!

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  5. Gorgeous suit! What a great find. I like it with the scarf, too. It adds just a splash of color.
    -Emily

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  6. Thanks so much for the photos of this amazing hat. Love the feathers, too! I'm so glad you found a brand you REALLY love in Lilli Ann.

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    1. It's funny how I've gotten the bug on certain vintage brands. I also feel it's less of a gamble when I get it because I know it's going to be quality. I just love vintage suits. I wish I would have been more aware of them when I was wearing suits daily for my job (pre-kids). Maybe this is why I also still gravitate towards suits because I used to love to wear them in my career too.

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  7. Oh, I dont even know where to begin! The suit is fabulous, the whole outfit, perfection! You look amazing Joanna, love it all!

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  8. I really enjoyed in your photos. What a wonderful suit, love it. Shoes and hat are so good combined with the rest of the outfit!

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  9. It is very glam indeed! Looking great! I particularly love that hat and the lovely brolly, most sophisticated - you look like you've walked out of a Norman Parkinson fashion photo.

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    1. Thank you Emalina, I appreciate your comment:)

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  10. Everything that you are wearing there is just gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I really want to have one day a Lili Ann coat or suit but my size are not easy to find and when I find one it's over $300. I don't want to spend so much in one piece of clothes...
    So perhaps one day....
    You look terrific!

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    1. You know Lilli Ann is tricky, some suits go for astronomical prices and some are reasonable. I think that is part of the fun, the quest for a decent priced Lilli Ann:) I've found that there basic black swing coats with no bells and whistles can be quite cheap under $100.

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  11. Thank you everyone for your fabulous comments:) I love to hear from each and every one of you.

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  12. this look reminds me of mary poppins, so beautiful!
    I'll be happy if you check out my blog too=)

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  13. Such a perfect suit! Love Lilli Ann!

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  14. Oh Joanna, that suit and hat combination is divine and so classic!

    I absolutely love that you added that touch of red with your Carnegie scarf.

    Wendi

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