Wendy Brandes Jewelry Blog

Never Is the Next New Thing

Donald Brooks Dress Debut

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Earlier this month, I mentioned that I got this vintage Donald Brooks dress on eBay.

The dress in its original form. Photos by eBay seller.

After having the wonderful Jean of Ghost Tailor make some serious alterations, I wore it to my birthday dinner with MrB last night.


In this picture, I’m wearing the dress with my self-designed gold Hatshepsut locket, my Lagerfeld shoes from 1994 and a pair of Emilio Cavallini tights that were apparently “one size fits most giraffes.” (If you’re 6 feet tall and want a pair of used tights, let me know.) I think I am also wearing a little sugar on the front of the dress from the big pile of cotton candy that was presented to me as a birthday dessert. The cotton candy looked like Marie Antoinette’s wig with a candle in it.

At the beginning of this month, I wore a different Donald Brooks dress with my silver Hatshepsut locket.


The multi-colored dress is the same one I wore when I went out with gorgeous blogger La Belette Rouge in January 2008. I love both the above Brooks dresses, but my favorite Donald Brooks acquisition is still the Sex-ay Pilgrim dress. All three Brooks dresses are incredibly well-made. Brooks is an underappreciated designer and his pieces are often a bargain on eBay, so keep an eye out for them. And remember, you better snipe if you want to beat my bids.

By the way, I’m posting as usual through the holidays. So when you’re tired of dealing with your family, especially that drunk uncle who always touches you inappropriately, sneak away with your laptop and visit WendyB. I won’t touch you inappropriately, not even if you beg me to. And, oh, you know you WILL beg. You always do, you slut!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  4. Looking good in both dresses! That last paragraph made me chuckle–it was just so classically you. 😉

  7. You got like a cotton candy birthday cake! Love it.

    The short version dress looks very hot!

    Have a great Christmas:)

  8. You got like a cotton candy birthday cake! Love it.

    The short version dress looks very hot!

    Have a great Christmas:)

  9. You look amazzzing as usual, guess it’s another fab classic piece! Happy Holidays beautiful!

  10. Hi there-oh Wendy, the first ruffle dress is amazing, they all are!! I’ll have to watch out for Brooks, they sure look beautiful on you!

  12. Gorgeous, gorgeous dresses! Wowee.
    I am glad that you will be posting through the holidays. You don’t know how much TV I am planning on watching during the break. You may have saved an hour or two…

  13. I cannot decide which dress I love more. Dress #1 has sleeves that are making me swoon. Dress#2 is so lovely and it brings back memories of the wonderful night I met you. I am just going to love them both equally.

  17. Photos of the cotton candy? BTW, wearing your dinner or dessert on your person is a badge of honor! (As long as the garment is not terribly soiled, of course).

  18. Oh! I am jealous of the multi-color dress. As always, you are one lucky and fabulous girl! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

  21. It seems our birthdays fall on the same day! Lucky you getting to go out and celebrate.. my family went out to celebrate my birthday dinner whilst I was stuck in bed with a vomiting bug!

  30. I love the sleeves on the black dress! Great idea to shorten it. I also love the second dress, but the first one sure is hot!

  32. Ah Wendy you know me so well. I will beg, and I don’t even celebrate xmas! The Donald Brooks dress is lovely..
    Happy holidays!!
    xx-LJ from SOS!

  33. Both of those dresses are superb. I can’t decide which one I like best! You wear vintage so very well.

    The locket looks awesome with both dresses.

  36. The dress was nice in its original form, but looks AMAZING shortened! I also love the 2nd one. The little letters I have underneath my comment box are “waxidedi.” I thought it was funny.

  37. You look stunning… that black dress is incredible 🙂

    P.S. Happy Holidays !!!

  40. You look beautiful in your birthday dress – a little like you’re ready to take on the world – sugar or no sugar from the candy wig! Glad you had the alterations done, it really is flirtatiously modern now!

  41. even though i love long dresses, i think the shorter length makes it more modern. you’re looking good!

  43. lol,I’m your slut!

    Looking pretty hot in that newly altered DB.
    The thought of sniping against makes me laugh. I do remember when Susie ‘lost’ her bidding against you on eBay. haha

  48. Oh my I love the ruffled sleeve Donald Brooks the best! You look freaking fantastic! And your alterations are perfect. I’m not really supposed to say that as a member of the Vintage Fashion Guild, but honestly, I think you kept the integrity of the dress intact.

    I’m so glad you are showing us pics of DB. He’s one of those unknown, kick ass designers. Should I do a blog post on him? People should know how great his designs are.

    xx

  49. Happy belated birthday, and incredible dress! I’m 5’10 1/2, is that close enough? I could swap you a pair of organic tights made with bamboo that come to my knees. Not as nice as cavalli, but they have a nice ribbing and shouldn’t go to waste.

  50. We have the same Donald Brooks dress in the studio, except we have it in cocktail length. It is also in the archives of the Costume Institute at the Met. Great find you wear it well.