There are things in the world of vintage you think you would be lucky to ever even see in person, let alone own, and the Lilli Ann of San Francisco label is one of them. Most of us have admired a fabulous Lilli Ann suit on another vintage gal, on Pinterest, or perhaps live at a fancy vintage shop. They are always rather expensive, because they are fabulous. To tell you the truth I never thought I would own one, what a crazy idea! They are pricey, the odds of finding a suit in my size was so dubious to dream about. Then I was browsing Etsy last Monday morning and spotted something rather extraordinary...
"A Lilli Ann, hmm lets click on it just to admire it. Oh wait what do those measurements say? Wait what was that price again?..."
Before I knew what had happened I had put the suit on reserve, and after my paycheck cleared, I had hit the buy now button. One just doesn't hesitate when a perfect Lilli Ann magically appears. I seriously never thought I would get to own a Lilli Ann, but this one was somehow crazy affordable. It was still money I hadn't been planning on spending, but again a LIILI ANN LADIES!
It isn't in perfect condition of course, there are a few spots where either a month has had a nibble or something similar. They are small, and luckily on the back of the collar so my hair hides the damage. I plan on darning/stabilizing these areas and the one small spot of similar damage on the skirt. Other than these tiny areas the suit is in great wearable condition and more importantly FITS PERFECTLY! Imagine for a moment, my worry, spending more than I ever had before on a vintage item (but still a crazy deal) not knowing if it would fit when it arrived! Thank goodness it fits <3
I paired the suit with a big hat, a new taupe handbag (that looked ivory online but whatever), my beige gloves, and some carved bone jewelry. I tried to film a tutorial of how I do my basic retro hairstyle I'm rocking here, but I'm pretty sure the sound didn't record so I'll see id I can salvage it!
Goodness the details though, the ivory piping, the carved shell buttons, the flecked navy fabric! Ahhhh Lilli Ann! It will be days before I get over it, I am just so pleased :)
I hope you all have a lovely start to the week!
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| Lilli Ann (!!!) Suit: HungryHeartVintage Gloves, Scarf, Jewelry, Hat: Vintage Shoes: Modcloth Fishnets: Amazon |
I'm so happy that you got this suit! It looks wonderful on you. Enjoy it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Lisa, I will enjoy it indeed!
Delete*Picks jaw up off the floor...proceeds to fall onto my imaginary fainting couch...calls for smelling salts...jaw gaps open again...cycle continues...* :D
ReplyDeleteOkay, my silliness aside, that is really how I feel right now, because this suit is knocking my socks off and then some. What a stunning find and true heirloom piece for your wardrobe. It fits you marvelously and is nothing short of sublimely beautiful. You should be on the cover of a mid-century edition of Harper's or Vogue in this amazing LA suit, Bianca. From one vintage suit fan to another, I couldn't be more elated for you about this score!
Big hugs,
♥ Jessica
Thank you Jessica! :) I still can't believe how well it fits!
DeleteIt's a gorgeous suit and it really does fit perfectly. I really like the colour - it looks like it's somewhere between navy and midnight but the piping and the weave-like pattern give such depth. And it's the most fabulous match with your handbag. Beautiful! Kx
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is indeed a rich dark navy and the ivory fleck in the fabric is so fun :)
DeleteJ'adore Lilli Ann from the fifties, and even went so far as to scour resale and thrift stores when I visited San Fran in hopes of a lucky find, to no avail. Imagine my surprise when I found a black, wool crepe, sleeveless coat dress, original Lilli Ann label in tact, in my own city! I was a very happy vintage loving gal, even if the silhouette is more sixties. I wish you many happy moments wearing your new suit, looking beautiful, and dreaming vintage daydreams.
ReplyDeleteThank you Piper! How awesome that you found a Lilli Ann out in the wilds!
DeleteOh my gods. That's AMAZING! I don't have even any words other than that. CONGRATS!
ReplyDelete-- Tegan
Thank you Tegan!
DeleteOh yes when it comes to Lilli Ann all rules go out of the window. They are truly amazing. Before I owned one I thought they're overpriced and overhyped but they really are well made and the details are always so gorgeous. I do not blame you at all for spending the money. I mean this kind of suit goes for 600 dollars plus.. if you're lucky ahhaha! And man.. you look a million dollars - definitely a great investment!! You have styled it beautifully too - that hat... THAT HAT!!! Seriously amazing - you've respected the suit and styled it with accessories that are subtle but also really flatter the suit!
ReplyDeleteThank you Nora! The shoulders are quite wide (40s power suit!) so I had to go for a big hat for some balance :) I had the same thought knowing these suits go for 600+, so for a third of that (!) I had to have it. I am a lucky gal indeed <3
DeleteWow! This is vintage suit perfection! It looks amazing on you and I love all the accessories. I'm not surprised you just bought it, it is glorious. These are lovely photos and that hat!! It is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kate! I had to have it, oops! ;)
DeleteThat is one stunning suit lady! Good purchase. I do like that sweet little hat with it also xx
ReplyDeleteI think my comment just got lost... Stunning suit, it really is every girl's dream to have something fit so perfectly. Happens rarely!! Sweet little hat too xx
ReplyDeleteIt was floating in cyberspace :) Thanks Porcelina! It was a magical moment when I slipped it on and it fit <3
DeleteAhhhh!! This suit is so perfect!! A Lilli Ann late 40's/early 50's suit and a Lilli Ann Princess coat are my two LA vintage unicorns ~ I think it's so amazing that you found that gorgeous piece! I have to cross my fingers for such luck myself... And your hat is too divine, a perfect accompaniment for this ensemble. ❤
ReplyDeletexox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill
Thank you Bonita! I know just what you mean, Lilli Ann is on most gals unicorn list I'd imagine, I still can't believe how lucky I am to have found one! I'll never get over it <3 I hope you have some vintage hunting luck too :)
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