On Easter Monday, my eldest sister and my 2 gorgeous nieces visited, along with my mum. Mum is a real hoarder, it broke her heart to have to downsize from our family home to a one-bedroom bungalow, but she has still managed to keep all manner of treasures. She asked if I wanted my bridesmaid dress (from my sister's wedding in 1981, it was a Wallis powder blue/floral pussy-bow number, as I recall.) I thought it might sell, even if I couldn't fit into it anymore, so I said yes.
When she arrived, with a box full of all sorts of goodies, she very apologetically confessed she couldn't find the bridesmaid dress, but would I like this instead?
Would I?
Yes I would!
I remember this dress from my childhood. Mum bought lots of old frocks, bags, shoes and costume jewellery from jumble sales in the 1960s and 70s for my sisters and I to use as dressing-up clothes. This was one of them. It has managed to survive remarkably unscathed, and unlike much of that collection (oh how I wish I had it now!) Mum kept it, as she knew it was old and good quality.
It's a 1920-30s silk velvet devore print dress. It's stunning. And it fits me! This one is not going anywhere near Ebay, I am in love with it.
In the course of researching the dress (trying to date it, I can't decide if it looks more 1920s or 30s - Kitty, if you aren't too busy, could you help?!) I googled "devore" and discovered....
source
... Dorothy Devore. I've fallen in love again!
Dorothy was a silent film actress in the 1920s. It's not a period of film I know much about, apart from the household names, but I love the look.
Dorothy Devore giving Harold Lloyd a run for his money in Hold Your Breath.
Mum also brought me this 1930 needlework book. Naturally I don't have the ability to make anything in it, but I can appreciate the lovely illustrations and marvel at the fascinating stitchery skills required.
Who isn't amused by a handmade tea cosy?
There were lots of other bits and pieces to show you but I don't want to distract from the wonder of Dorothy Devore. She's the star.
Anyone fancy seeing my Black Bottom?
xxxx
