In fall I am taking my seminar course, a course where students hone their skills as a historian and write a 25 page research paper.  Each seminar is themed, and students choose a topic within that.  My course is themed to Oregon history.  I’ve been throwing around ideas, and have determined I want to discuss something scandalous.  Prostitution has come to mind, especially after reading Karen Abbott’s Sin in the Second City.  For awhile I have been seeing the book, Portland Confidential, and I figured it a good place to start looking for info.  So I called a local used bookstore to see if they had a used copy, which they did for only $8.00.  It is this journey that led me to these dresses, because located just across the street is Buffalo Exchange.  Making my trip downtown worth while, I went in, and boy was it worth it!

First off is this very Jackie Kennedy style cocktail dress.  It’s color is very interesting, since it’s not really red, nor is it really pink.  It has a small boat neck with a collar and broach.  In terms of fabric, I think it is linen.  I’m no fabric expert though.  The tag reads Alper Schwartz.  I did some researching on-line to try and found out some more, as well as pricing.  Grace’s Vintage Garb, a wonderful site specializing in vintage clothing offers a dress similar for $59.99.  Grace’s describes Alper Schwartz pieces as being higher end department store dresses, selling originally for $50.00 or so.  I paid $13.50 for this jewel.  For detail images, please check out my flickr.

Along the same rack, I found this younger styled piece.  A lovely lavender color, this dress has a Carol Craig label.  With interesting pleats, this dress has a fuller skirt, and short sleeves.  Additionally, the waist is beatifully made with a bead, instead of a simple stitch.  I think this is made of a heavy cotton weave.  Finding information for Carol Craig has proved a little more difficult.  I did find this dress at DRESS, where they are asking $195.  But I also found four CC dresses on Etsy, which ranged in price from $28.00 to $175.00.  I paid only $12.50.  Detail images available on flickr.

These two dresses are by no means my only vintage dresses.  I am in the process of photographing all of my dresses and putting them up on flickr sometime soon.

With the first half of summer term behind me, Monday brings a history course on the Iraq War and History of Women in the US Part II.  The Iraq War class provides the much needed 400-level credit I need, and I have been longing to take the remainder of the History of Women class.  I took Part I way back in winter term of my sophomore year.  Obviously, since my focus is mid-20th century, Part II will prove more interesting to me.  Thankfully, both courses are taught by professors I like.  But before I walk into those classes, my dad and I are attending the NASCAR Camping World Series race at Portland International Raceway.  Yes, yes, I’m a NASCAR fan.  Have a lovely weekend!