Today I decided what I'll wear to brunch, or another dress-up event (but not the wedding). In 2008, I bought a vintage 1980s skirt suit by Janice Wainwright from a lovely woman in the U.K. She wore it once, with a big black hat, to Ascot -- and possibly a second time. It is three pieces, jacket, skirt, and long scarf, made of silk twill that is about the same weight and texture of fabric as my Hermès scarves. The cut is fabulous, with padded shoulders, 3/4 length dolman sleeves, and kimono-like paneling on the jacket. The skirt wraps around in the large dot pattern, but has a black silk handkerchief overlay as a front panel.
Here's the only photo I have of it, from her listing:
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| 1980s vintage silk three piece skirt suit by Janice Wainwright |
Even though the label says "dry clean only," I'm considering a delicate hand wash in cold water. I'm worried about the harsh dry-cleaning chemicals on thirty year old fabric. Plus, I love my Hermès scarves after I hand wash them. They're softer, cleaner, brighter and feel better when I wear them. I am a bit worried, because of the assymetrical design elements and custom construction of the outfit -- but it probably will hold up better because of those factors.
I asked the seller to tell me her special memories about the dress, and she replied:
"I wore the black and white outfit, with a very large black hat (which I still have) to go to the Derby the year my husband hired a box to entertain friends and business acquaintances. I don't think he ever quite got over what the day cost him - because he never did it again! Ah, those were the days.
Best wishes,
Marie"
I tried it on moments ago, and love the look! Now, I need to decide about shoes. Fun!
