Vested Gentress

The highly coveted & very collectable Horse Tail Dress by Vetsed Gentress

Currently avail. through Pin Up Dresses

So without a doubt, my heart belongs to Lilly.  I just wanted to make that clear although, I hope I do that on a pretty regular basis.  I'm a huge fan of contemporary Lilly Pulitzer (meaning the Sugartown years, 1993-present) but, it's the vintage Lilly (1959"ish"-1984) that hits my bank account the hardest.  I'm on a constant search for items.  As I search for vintage Lilly, I'm always coming across Vested Gentress items and, I've become a fan.

If you aren't familiar with Vested Gentress, I'll just quickly tell you that Vested Gentress was a company based out of Valley Forge, PA.  They opened in the early 60s and closed in the 80s.  In addition to their regular clothing line, they had a golf and tennis line. They, like Lilly Pulitzer, were known for their prints. Only, the patterns that Vested Gentress used, could make Lilly's seem, well, pretty tame.  Rather than write about it, I'll share these amazing photos.  I don't own the items seen here. But here's the good news, the owners are now sellers, as the items shown here are available! See hyper-links.

Just like Lilly, Vested Gentress was known for their hand printing.  The patterns were playful and, at times, sort of in-your-face funny.  Many patterns used cartoon character-looking animals.  The dog that was also used as the company logo for many years comes to mind and can be seen below.  He's seen here as a puppy but, is usually seen in patterns all grown up and is often with this frog...I can't make this stuff up folks.  I'm sure someone out there knows more about the person who created many of these characters.  Please share the information with me if you have it.  I'd love to know more and give credit where it's due.

There are many Vetsed Gentress (VG) collectors.  One can easily see why.  Several of the patterns are unmistakably VG.  They even have a little "VG" by the pattern image (the G looks like a Q).  They are fun and colorful and remind us of a different time.  (I'm desperately trying not to start off every sentence in this post with "Like Lilly...." )There will always be people who want VG, there will always be sellers on the lookout because they know that there's such a strong resell market for the items.  Having said that, I will also tell you that VG prices tend to be all over the map.  I've purchased skirts for as little as $8.  Currently, there are a number of items online that are priced well into the hundreds.  This also adds to the collector's fervor as one can occasionally find an amazing deal.

Avail through: Heidi Hodge

I want to point out that VG comes in every color of the rainbow and more. I have a few dresses in brown! I just happened to post photos here with examples in pink and green.  Honestly, I just noticed it and blame it more on habit and preference than availability (insert happy face here).

Avail through: Pretty Plus More