Think couture is beyond your budget? Not if you go the vintage route. Leslie Hindman Auctioneers is holding an auction of vintage couture next week and has estimated prices for some pieces are as low as $200. LHA was kind enough to send me a catalogue (thanks Alice!) that I am drooling over. To wit: A slinky yet elegant Yves Saint Laurent black jersey evening gown from 1979 with a triangular open back and an apron front. A 1950 pocket watch with a neon chartreuse face by Schiaparelli. A glam black wool coat by Pauline Trigere from the 1970s with a round fur collar and cuffs. Want want want. The auction takes place on Wednesday, December 3, but if you want to check out the pieces before that (or just want to be a looky-loo) there are previews starting this Sunday, November 30. You can also look at the catalogue online.

If you just can’t get enough couture, head over to the Chicago History Museum for the Chic Chicago: Couture Treasures From the Chicago History Museum exhibit. The show–which features only a small amount of the museum’s collection–includes couture pieces dating all the way back to 1863, all worn by actual Chicagoans. See a slide show here (click on the image for information about the item). Or listen to a story I did for Chicago Public Radio on the exhibit.

Tags: chicago, costume, couture, designers, history, vintage