In memory of  business and fashion legend Liz Clairborne,  who passed away this week, I thought I’d feature a few dresses from her earlier labels.

She will always be remembered for revolutionizing the way women dressed in the workplace by providing them a casual, yet still dressy alternative to the suit. With many more women starting to work outside the home in the 60s and 70s, she had the foresight to realize most of them would neither desire, nor require more formal business attire. So the Liz Clairborne line of co-ordinating separates was launched in 1976, after years of her designing for other companies, including Tina Leser, Ben Reig, Dan Keller and Jonathan Logan’s "Youth Guild" junior label.

I still remember my mom going off to work in the 80s in her new "Liz" outfits.  She and her friends always enjoyed showing each other their newest "Liz" purchases, eagerly demonstrating how they could mix and match the pieces to extend their wardrobe.  Of course, since then, the company has diversified its line and acquired other companies along the way, including Ellen Tracy, Juicy Coutoure, Lucky Brand Jeans, Dana Buchman, Kate Spade, Monet, Trifari, Laundry by Shelli Segal  and Kenneth Cole. 

In 1986 Liz Claiborne made Forbes Magazine top 500 companies in the United States, an amazing achievement and a testimony to what a woman can accomplish when she puts her mind to it!

A fabulous red wrap dress from Isabella’s Vintage

Black velvet and lace party dress from Vintage Virtuosa

1970s Youth Guild black gown with organdy and pearl trim offered at Midnight Glamour

Her classic 70s and 80s styles are available at very reasonable prices and, who knows, they may just become one of the collectible vintage labels of the future !

Click here for more facts about Liz.