1920′s Vintage Wedding Dress Find
May 5, 2009
Here it is, finally- my 1920′s wedding dress discovery! And did I mention the price tag on this little gem- I couldn’t even believe it when I heard it.
We were visiting our great friends in Seattle, having an amazing weekend, when us girls decided to go shopping out on Whidbey Island while the boys stayed home and went over some business. The last time we were here, we discovered a beautiful little antique shop where I found these gorgeous jewelry sets for an amazing price as well. Back to this visit though-
Of all the amazing items I found on this visit and have shared with you, this one is exceptional. We all admired this delicate wedding dress sitting gracefully on in the window, dreaming and not daring to consider the price. It looked so elegant with such a story to tell. The tag on it was resting at the top very high, and we could only just slightly see the number three written on it. If that was the start of the price or the item number, we couldn’t tell. As we were leaving we casually asked the attendant the price of the dress, to which he answered $39.99.
I didn’t know what to do at first, honestly. My mind was wowed.
So after a little walking and thinking I decided to at least give the dress a try on while my mind continued to absorb the concept.
This dress fit me in every way possible- you could even see how delicately it had been altered for a custom fit. The buttons are small metal ones (which I left unbuttoned for these photos as they are difficult to close by yourself, with assistance it is a simple task though) and some eye hooks.
Even the clasp at the end of the sleeves fit me perfectly. This was incredible, how unusual to find a dress of this style and condition, at this price, and fit like a custom made dress.
Incredible. The dress is beautiful as it is and definitely a look of the 1920′s- I am planning on giving it a modern twist that will remain classic and elegant. The sleeves will be going- they are a bit much for me. I think some antique lace continued just over the shoulder would make a very sleek and elegant look.
The front, too can be altered a bit- removing some of the rosettes and bringing the line a bit lower, this will be something I will have to play and experiment with. Over all I don’t want to do too much to this dress, but I think some simple well thought alterations and touches will blend some modern elegance into the feel (and make it my own).
The back is gorgeous, too- with a very long and graceful train.
With a little cleaning, pressing, and alterations this dress will have a complete turn around. I am very much looking forward to it! A slip will also need to be created with antique lace at the bottom so that heels can be worn with the dress. Little things!
Oh, it also came with a veil, the headband can be used but the material will have to be replaced as it is old and tattered. I may eliminate it completely, I haven’t quite decided yet- opinions? It may be a bit much!
So here you are- the original before photo shots of my $40 wedding dress find, I still don’t know what I think of this amazing find- or that it is real. But here it is!
Oh my. $40?? It has beautiful detail! It will be absolutely gorgeous after updated alterations! Very nice find.
I didn’t believe it when I first heard it- my mind was wowed- I had to take a walk and absorb the whole concept!
Thank you! I’ll keep you posted on the alterations when they happen, it will be a very different “after” look.
xx
Hehee, I’d be taking a bit of a walk to absorb too! That vintage wedding dress is beautiful, but will be even more so with a few alterations like Wendy said. Amazing find!
Wow, what a beautiful dress! And a great story too! I love the detail of the dress!
and for anyone else reading, I shoot weddings for a living, so even though I’m a guy, I’ve learning to appreciate this kind of thing
Congratulations!
Carlin in Tacoma
http://twitter.com/carlincomm
Hi, gr8 post thanks for posting. Information is useful!
Sosnowiec Fotografia Ślubna…
Nice article. Its always a good time to see, what You are doing….
It’s a masterpiece. I have never thought people can have such ideas and thoughts. You are great.
Can I borrow it when you’re done with it? LOL! IT is absolutely beautiful!
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Just found this Post my technorati Newsfeed, Very Nice post and Interesting too. Keep it up.
Jenn
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