If the Glove Fits
Awhile ago on this blog (here), I discussed just how easy it is to become hooked on collecting random vintage items. Everything from vintage cookware such as Pyrex to vintage cufflinks. One accessory that can be super addicting to collect and that can really give a vintage outfit more authenticity is vintage gloves! Vintage gloves are super easy to come by. Normally they're pretty cheap (those gorgeous sheer pink ones in the middle were only $5!), and add a certain chicness to a look. There are so many different kinds of gloves for different occasions. There are casual ones for everyday use (such as driving gloves, horseback riding gloves, winter gloves) and fancier ones for evening wear.
My vintage glove collection is pretty vast, so today I will only focus on some of my pink and white gloves that I own!
Crocheted gloves are always a treasure to come across. Oftentimes they are hard to date because crocheted and knitted gloves were popular from Edwardian period through 1950s. Because of the immaculate condition of these vintage crocheted off white (probably pure white back in the day) gloves, I'd guess they're from the 1940s. I particularly love the flower detailing, diamond pattern, and the fact that these are short gloves. These pair best with daywear especially in spring/summer.
These beautiful white netted gloves are to die for! Picture Grace Kelly driving Cary Grant around town in her Sunbeam Alpine convertible in To Catch a Thief (1955). These are gloves meant for driving! These were definitely made in the mid 1950s - early 1960s due to the machine work--theoverlocked seams--inside of the glove.
What looks good alongside a pair of pretty gloves? The perfect handkerchief! Vintage handkerchiefs are not only pretty but are usable. I've used many a pretty vintage handkerchief for the occasional tear shed or to dab at the face with. This delicate pale pink scalloped handkerchief with floral detailing is from early 1930s.
Another wonderful more durable pair of gloves are these 1950s cotton ladies driving gloves. These are fairly simple and pair best with more casual outfits. Think Katharine Hepburn---high waisted trousers, pretty blouses, and a good flat. The flair at the hem of the gloves only makes them even more fabulous. I often wear these as winter gloves because they are warm, snug, and probably the most wearable vintage gloves I own.
Now onto the pinks. These baby pink cotton gloves (see first two pictures for a better sense of coloring) are another great pair of gloves that can transition from day to evening wear. The gorgeous silver rose embroidering at the base of the hand dresses the gloves up. This pair could go with dresses (day or evening), casual attire, winter coats, etc. This is one of the most versatile vintage gloves!
Another pair of gorgeous pink gloves! These are more on the sporty side but still maintain a feminine quality. These are fairly simple cotton gloves with loop embroidery on top. These gloves are meant to be worn with more casual attire--wool dresses and separates and are best worn during fall and winter.
Last but certainly not least, my most recent glove purchase. These gorgeous 1950s pink (much deeper color than this photograph) gloves are absolutely stunning! They are sheer with beautiful rose and leaf embroidery on the thumb and entire front of the glove. The embroidery continues onto the scalloped hems of the glove. To top it off, the hem is lined with the sheer fabric to give it an elegant touch. These gloves suit afternoon tea and picnics, gorgeous girly dresses and warm weather. These are the kind of gloves you work outfits around!
Hope you enjoyed exploring part of my vintage glove collection and I'll see you next week!
Photographs taken by Henrietta Audu.