dressupgirl

Black and white and it's all a crazy pot dream in this floor-length quilted evening skirt by textile artist Alex Colman. Wheeling Pop flowers drop down down into a dark Victorianesque thicket. Larger, abstract, and-faintly-Asian, designs dot the skirt. A stripe border nails the hem. The best and worst of 60's baroque. size : medium price : $39

Retro navy ribbed top --- a 30's Chanel sportswear cartoon. Cuffed sleeves. Trompe l'eoile belt. Stripes and stripes. Let it cling. size : sm/med price : $35

A sweet bowed corduroy pinafore with floral embroidery. Homespun Lolita.... Bows tie at shoulders. Cut-out, quilted yoke. Smocked back. Tiered straight skirt. Babydoll fit. size : sm/med price : $48

Straight from the late-60's… one heck of a suit. Thick, cotton-backed suiting shows off a hypnotic herringbone stripe in brick, chocolate, forest-green and white. Pants are stright-leg, with a front zipper. Satin-lined. Couture quality. Store label is Saks Fifth Avenue. Maker label has been removed but golden "G" buttons give a hint. size : medium price : $310

Elegant ballet dress makes play with layers and textures. The bodice is crafted of a soft, yarn lace --- partly-lined with black faille and open-weave through the arms. Skirt is a gathered, swishing, sheer chiffon, lined with a rustle of faille. Glossy satin pipes the wide scoop neck and the bracelet-length sleeves. A sculptural satin belt cinches the waist… and ties you with a bow! size : sm/med petite price : $55

Slithery, heavy, liquid-satin brocade coat. Lustrous jade-green silk. Dramatic trapunto-stitching at yoke, pockets, cuffs. Glossy frogs close the robe. Bracelet-length sleeves. Gleaming silk interior. Luxuriate. size : med/lg petite price : $205

A hollyhock top for Bettys. Short, boxy rayon/cotton blend blouse with dark-pink florals. Classic shirtwaist styling... Pin-tucks. Peter pan collar. Sleeves can cuff. Melt in your mouth. An Avril Wash 'n' Wear. size : medium price : $38

Simple silk sheath plays dark and conservative in the office --- get it in the sun and the silk pattern glows with highlights. Rich batik-print in royal blue, gold, rust-red, emerald and black. Elephants and wagon wheels hide in the elaborate pattern. Cut-slim and to the mid-calf. size : lg/ extra lg price : $48

Ahoy, matey! Ye can learn a few knots as you tie your jug. Reef knot, sheet bend, carrick bend, clove hitch & more. Brown, red, cream, black. A hand-printed Rooster tie. price : $22

Velvet bow dress with flirty fit. Supple, blood-red velvet. Bust is fitted from the waist. Short cowl-neck, puffy bow, four little round buttons. Delight! size : small price : $32