A Vintage Pendleton Houndstooth skirt suit

As regular readers would know, I absolutely love houndstooth - the classic black and white pattern that has been used for eons in fashion. Although houndstooth skirts are fairly easy to get online, I have always found it a difficult to find a houndstooth skirt suit (they are very sought after and often go for quite a lot on ebay and etsy). So I was very happy when I found this lovely 1960's Pendleton suit on etsy a few months ago.

I bought the suit from 'Dear Golden Vintage' who is a very good seller on etsy (see here for a link to her etsy shop). She has very good quality items at reasonable prices - highly recommended.

It was such a good investment because I have absolutely worn it to death this winter (and of course being vintage it doesn't look worn to death at all!). Look at this close up of the wonderful fabric, what a classic design . . .

The 'Pendleton' label

I must say I had never really heard of 'Pendleton' before, but it seems to quite a famous US woollen company. It is so-called because the mill and company are situated in Pendleton, a town in Oregon.

This woollen company started up in 1909 with the manufacture of blankets and over time has diversified into other areas, including the creation of mens and women's clothing. It began to manufacture women's clothes in 1949 with the release of a woollen jacket that became so popular it is known as the '49er jacket'. The 49er jacket was developed over the years into different incarnations and colours, as can be seen from this 1957 ad . . .

I have to say I am not a fan of plaid and you should be warned that a lot of the Pendleton suits online do seem to be plaid, but if you keep on looking, you should find something a little less, well . . .  plaidish (!)

I was also interested to see, from their website, that Pendleton is what they call a 'vertically integrated company', which means they basically perform each step in the manufacturing process - they dye, spin and weave the wool and then manufacture that wool into suits. That control over the whole process is probably why their clothes are of such good quality.

The Pendleton Mill and Company still functions today and from the look of their website it looks as if they make beautiful clothes (although nothing contemporary can be as good as vintage in my book!).

I hope you enjoyed that insight into one of America's very interesting clothing companies and good luck with buying your very own houndstooth suit!

A 1960's mustard yellow trench

As the cooler weather is slowly starting to make its appearance in Melbourne, I have had great fun getting out my autumn trench coats and putting away some of my summer dresses. Being of Irish origin I simply love winter so I am eagerly awaiting wearing my scarves, coats, and my vintage skirt suits. I was given this mustard yellow trench coat by a cousin (twice removed I think, I am not good on the family tree!). It is 'true blue' vintage made in the UK.

I have to say I was a little hesitant about wearing this trench as I have never really liked yellow, and especially not mustard yellow (just the name itself turns me off!). However, I have to say with the right blouse underneath it looks quite nice. I have also tried the trench with a grey scarf and that seems to work too. I wouldn't have though grey and yellow went together, but the right shades do.

I really like the gold tone buttons on this trench and the matching belt - very classy. The label says 'Aquascutum', Made in England, Regent St, London. Don't you love a label that says that says Regent St, London? From my knowledge of vintage (which I have to say is not expertised) I understand that the UK did not make masses of clothes in the 50s due to the effect of WWII but you can find some great 60's English clothes.

Finally, just a quick shot of the vintage blouse I wore underneath. It is 'new/old' stock from etsy USA. The tag, still attached, said 'Laura Mae'. I am not familiar with this manufacturer/brand, but because the shirt is polyester I am guessing late 1960's, early 1970's?

1960's yellow vintage trench, made in London a gift

Blouse etsy USA

pants Basque Myer (ages ago, I try to avoid Myer now, had enough of rude sales assistants!)