Monday, December 31, 2007

A little New Year's Glitz

Finding The New Year's Eve dress can get less-than-festive. Feting the bright future calls for serious wow factor and somehow we always end up scrambling for solutions. These three dresses = instant style fix.

Late '60s rhinestone-studded Pierre Balmain


In the airiest silk chiffon and studded all over with teensy rhinestones, this swingy Balmain was made for coy glances behind champagne glasses. It's been altered (probably from a maxi dress) into a shorter more wearable shift. Excellent condition, about a modern 4-6.
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'80s Betsey Johnson giraffe micro-mini

Trademark Betsey: outrageous b/w giraffe print, daringly skimpy, and lots of stretch for maximum vamp effect. Labeled a medium, about a modern 6-8. Punk label, good condition.
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'70s Mollie Parnis plum chiffon evening gown


The classic fairytale dress with the perfect dose of '70s, this Mollie Parnis plum chiffon is a super-flattering dream. The bodice is boned and quilted without being bulky; the skirt is semi-sheer and lined with a nice full sweep. No size label, about a modern 4. Excellent condition.
SOLD
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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com

Monday, December 10, 2007

Fend off frostbite in these natty knits

Around this time of year, the merest mention of sweaters is liable to induce panic attacks (or at least a few holiday horror stories). Don't reach for the re-gifting drawer just yet - these knits are are a far cry from grandma's homage to Rudolph & co.

'70s Electric Blue & Patent St. John sweater
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Dear St. John,
Please start making knits like this again. Tiny patent leather appliques and awesomely bold colors = better image overhaul than slapping a powersuit on the nearest pillow-lipped screen siren. Also see below dress for further reference. Thanks,
Pinky Guest Vintage
-no size label (about a 2-4), partial zip up back and slightly puffed sleeves. Excellent condition.

Early '70s St. John Naughty Nautical Dress
**click to enlarge**


Again, we wonder why the ritzy knitwear brand took a turn for the regal grand dame scene - this fantastic striped shift is begging for a night on the town! No size, about a modern 4-6. Shown with amazingly fabulous one-of-a-kind orange rubber corset belt (available by custom order at a surprisingly low price!). Excellent condition.
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Mid '80s Missoni ethnic print sweater dress
**click to enlarge**


F/W '07 Checklist:
1) Slouchy Knits
2) Modern takes on ethnic prints
3) Luxurious Lambswool from legendary Italian knitwear house
Done, done, and done!
Shown belted for minidress/tunic fit - unbelted it hits just at the knee. Photos don't do this one justice. Range of sizes depending on preferred fit. Excellent condition.
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More Missoni - late '70s rose-print cardigan
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Unless you're a strong-willed type who manages to resist the glossies, you know that prints are white hot. In flexible jewel tones and soft lambswool, this chic Missoni cardigan is the perfect year-round piece. No size label, it'll be slouch on the skinnies and saucily snug on an hourglass. Excellent condition.
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Marvelous Mugler '80s angora sweaterdress/coat
**click to enlarge**


Thierry Mugler is best known for his strong architectural shapes that often bordered on the severe (his armor-like suiting put the power in powersuit). This buttery angora sweaterdress/coat is pure Mugler but with a softer side. The asymmetrical snap closure and figure-friendly dropped waist make for pure comfort without sacrificing an iota of chic. Labeled a 44, about a modern 6-8. Good condition with minor pilling.
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Knit and vinyl appliqué Kansai Yamamoto skirt
**click to enlarge**

Most famous for his legendary work as David Bowie's costumer, Kansai Yamamoto is one iconic designer whose work appears in museums but has somehow missed the mass adoration of his like-minded peers. With his genius blend of traditional and trashy, his pieces are instantly recognizable and this skirt is no exception. With enormous black and red vinyl appliques and figure-skimming stretch knit, this one really proves that knits need not be dowdy! Labeled a small, it's about a modern 4 with some minor fraying at the waist.
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For more information or to purchase, e-mail pinky.guest@gmail.com