Some passions stay with you your whole life. I can't remember a time when plaids didn't thrill me. There's something in me that responds to the colors woven at right angles and then intersecting to magically create new colors. Plaid goes in and out of fashion, but I've always loved it and worn it. I love it in men's shirts and ties, linens, wool scarves, blankets and skirts.
I found 3 beautiful vintage Pendleon skirts at the thrift store the other day. The Oregon mill has been making gorgeous wools since 1909. They were the first to make plaid shirts popular, for men in the 20's, and for women in the 40's. They've been synonymous with plaid patterns ever since.
You can find lots of Pendleton kilts and pleated skirts in thrift stores because they were the rage in the 70s and 80s. The fine wool plaids of these skirts are gorgeous, and so much better quality than you can get today. The long pleated skirts contain yards and yards of finely woven wool plaids, but sadly, they aren't wearable today unless you're going for the ultra-conservative 'I just had a religious conversion' look. I'm sometimes tempted to buy them just to reclaim the fabric.
The Pendleton skirts I found are more wearable. I'm not sure what era they're from, but they are a cross between a pencil and a slim a-line skirt, going just past the knee, right to the top of a boot. There were three skirts, and the prettiest plaid had a few moth holes so I had to leave it behind. The other two look unworn.
They're lined and have small kick pleats at the back. Perfect! I predict J Crew will have this style in the catalog next year.
How do you feel about plaids?
Oh my, Pendleton! Just the name takes me back to my early teens, when I first encountered the craze for everything preppy. I am very curious to see a full length shot of the skirts you found. As you said, I wouldn't be surprised if J. Crew is busy copying these vintage finds.
ReplyDeleteI used to wear kilts all the time,as a child in the 60s, and in the 70s as a choice. I love tartan, it's timeless and classic. It's due a revival, fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteLouise---I'll try to update later with a full length shot. That way J Crew will have something to work from!
ReplyDeleteA Trifle Rushed---I love tartans, too. There is a website called Tartansonline where you can see every tartan plaid and the family name it's associated with, and also custom order skirts and kilts in any of them. It's fun to click through the thousands of patterns.
ReplyDeletei suppose you know that you are preaching to the choir here re plaid. that picture of the slim skirt and pendelton jacket/shirt. omgosh, makes me want to recreate the look this instant. i'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteI had just been dating my husband for a month and I bought him a Pendleton scarf for Christmas. He stills wears it with his dress coat. That was 1983. Wow, their wool lasts a long time. Neat post!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the Tartan print. It reminds me of high school as we were the Scotia Tartans. I could see both of those paired with a bulky cream sweater and some knee high boots. Great find Sue!
ReplyDeleteI love those plaid blankets. They look so comfy!
ReplyDeleteI first discovered Pendleton when the vintage store American Retro opened in London. We fought over tartan and uncomfortably bulky Shott leather police jackets! GG
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