Button Up Back

[Permanent Top Post] Contributing

2011-08-31T14:26:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to mention that this blog will benefit tremendously from your input and suggestions. If there is anything topical that you are aware of, please share it with us. If you have a file you'd like to share or otherwise wish to contact outside of blog comments, please write to ButtonUpBack[at]gmail.com.

Also, if you enjoy this blog, please spread the word a little bit, so that we can all benefit from a bigger community. Thank you as always!

[For the original, click here]

Celebrity Sighting: Ashanti

2009-08-18T22:01:00.003-05:00

This one goes back to June 2008, at the third annual Cartier Loveday reception. Ashanti made in appearance in this white dress that buttoned up the back.

You can see some more photos here. If you can't see the dress too well - don't worry, there's a video that shows it from all angles:

The Uniform Project

2009-07-28T20:41:00.003-05:00

Came across this curious site: TheUniformProject.com

Apparently it documents an attempt by an enterprising girl to try out sustainable fashion, by wearing the same dress (or rather seven copies of the same dress) for an entire year. And wouldn't you know it, the design she chose buttons down the back! Of course for versatility she wears it the other way as well, but certainly quite topical.

On another note, check out this cute top on Flickr.

Revolve Update

2009-01-04T18:00:00.010-05:00

Another good source for back-buttoned designer items is Revolve Clothing. Here is some of the current crop:

( Betsey Johnson Plaid Strapless Dress )

( Build by Wendy Gab Tracht Dress )

( Diesel Damery Dress )

( Elizabeth and James Chrissie Dress )

( Larsen Gray Pleated Blouse )

( Rory Beca Warhol Button Down Back Top )

( Wren Pintuck Blouse )

Celebrity Sighting: Angelina Jolie

2009-01-04T15:33:00.004-05:00

Here's Angelina at the premiere for her hubby Brad Pitt's film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, in, as perhaps a cute reference to the title, a button-back dress from L'Wren Scott.

You can look at Scott's Spring 2009 collection here - while I don't see this particular dress, the collection is full of well designed pieces.

Labels

2009-01-03T17:38:00.002-05:00

Now that this blog has grown a bit, I added labels to the posts to make it a little easier to browse (see the right side of the page).

Hope everyone had a great New Year's, and looking forward to a much better 2009.

Celebrity Sighting: Teri Hatcher

2009-01-03T16:14:00.006-05:00

Here is Teri Hatcher at the 2006 Women's World Awards in a black dress with white buttons in the back, by Azzaro - a name becoming rather popular on this blog.

Net-a-Porter Again

2009-01-03T15:07:00.016-05:00

Net-a-Porter always seems to be a treasure trove of button back fashions, perhaps simply because it offers a good selection of higher-end designer apparel, which tends to feature buck-buttoned items more often.

Oscar de la Renta Silk Brushstroke Blouse

Chloe Layered Chiffon Gown

Marc Jacobs Two-tone Sweater Dress

Vanessa Bruno Balloon Sleeve Dress

Azzaro Diane Silk Jersey Dress

Wow, what can you say about Azzaro - this is the third great full button back dress we've featured (see here and here). Let's hope they keep it up!

Chloe Keyhole Silk Blous e

Day Birger et Mikkelsen Paparazzi Cotton Blend Tunic

Stella McCartney Stellar Dot Dress

A repeat appearance here for Stella McCartney.

Richard Nicoll Silk Mini Dress

Miu Miu Frilled Satin Blouse

Paul & Joe Turtleneck Sweater Dress

You may have noticed this is not the first time we see the Paul & Joe label. Looks like they appreciate the style of the back-buttoned option.

See by Chloe Waffle Knit Dress

Already Chloe's third appearance just in this post alone.

Dress identified - Paul & Joe

2008-12-25T20:32:00.003-05:00

We've identified the dress in the last entry as one made by Paul & Joe. You can find it for sale at Net-a-Porter or S|Sense.

Back buttoned on the street

2008-11-27T02:48:00.003-05:00

From the Fashion Addict blog comes this photos of a great back buttoned dress worn on the streets of Milan.

Celebrity Sighting: Blake Lively

2008-11-08T22:24:00.003-05:00

Blake Lively, wearing a back-buttoned sweater dress at the opening of the Juicy Couture flagship store.

A Few Random Pieces

2008-11-08T21:15:00.005-05:00

This set comes from various places.

Fornarina Bond More White T-Shirt @ Sarah Coggles

Tall Button Back Jumper @ Dorothy Perkins

LaRok Dusk Button Back Cindy Top @ LuvCharlie

Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Sleeveless Camelhair Dress
[for some reason they no longer have the back view, unfortunately]

Jill Stuart Dream Mini Dress @ ShopBop

Browns

2008-11-08T21:06:00.006-05:00

Here are a few back-buttoned pieces from Browns:

Botegga Veneta Dress With Button Down Back And Belt

Meadham Kirchhoff Long Contrast Knit

Vanessa Bruno Button Back Blouse

Richard Nicoll Sleeveless Satin Top

My Wardrobe

2008-11-08T20:54:00.006-05:00

A couple of items from My Wardrobe, including the coolest leather top I've ever seen:

Hannah Marshall Button Back Leather Top

Tara Jarmon Button Up Back Dress

Chloe Button Back Dress

Hair Salon Video

2008-07-04T10:30:00.004-05:00

A quick clip of a hair stylist working in a back-buttoning smock:

Another Update

2008-07-04T09:59:00.008-05:00

A few more items around the web:

Rebecca Taylor Black Shift Dress @ Fashion Chateau

Alexander Wang Tricot Button Back Sweater Tunic @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Generra Button Back Dress @ 6PM

Sutton Studio Taffeta Dress @ Bloomingdales

Checkered Wool Skirt @ Etsy

Nylon Overall Dress from JMD (French)

A Belated Post - Revolve Clothing

2008-06-29T20:21:00.011-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted links to new back-buttoning pieces currently available, so here's an attempt to make up for it. :) These are all from Revolve Clothing.

Whitley Kros Arden Silk Button Back Tee

Camilla Norrback Shirt

Kyumi Button-Back Dress

Da-Nang Button Back Sleeveless Dress

LA Made Button Back Pleated Tunic

Whitley Kros Edgemont Top

Cutout Blouse by Stella McCartney
(note also the lovely rear exposed zipper on the matching skirt)

Unfortunately, these are all designer, fairly expensive pieces. I hope that more affordable lines incorporate these ideas and put out their own versions of back buttoned fashions, which are so noticeably absent from everyday wear.

More coming soon!

A Kindred Blog

2008-06-29T20:06:00.005-05:00

For the French speakers, check out Homme Boutonne Dos, a blog about back-buttoning clothing for men (an underappreciated topic).

BTW, in the 19th century, there were formal shirts for men that buttoned up the back - you can still see them occasionally on eBay, such as here. It would certainly be interesting to see a contemporary designer's take on such an item.

A Video and a Discussion

2008-06-11T20:22:00.005-05:00

This update comes to us courtesy of contributors to the Buttons up the Back group at Flickr.

Check out this video featuring an unusual back-buttoned outfit:

You can see photos featuring the same at Flickr.

Also, an interesting discussion at eBay regarding the dress/button back jacket combinations that were popular in the middle of last century, such as this:

BUB Appearance in a Who's the Boss Episode

2008-03-09T20:43:00.004-05:00

In this portion of an old Who's the Boss episode, a guest star wears a nicely fitted red satin button-up back blouse.

Update: here's another part of the same episode.

More JCrew

2008-01-20T09:13:00.001-05:00

A couple more relevant items from JCrew. First, a cute zebra print dress:

Zebra Print Linen Dress

Then, a bridesmaid dresses that has functional buttons over the zipper, a nice touch compared to the cheap look of faux buttons covering the zipper that you see on a lot of modern wedding dresses:

Sadie Silk Faille Dress

Our First Music Video Find

2008-01-20T00:43:00.002-05:00

I thank backbuttoned for finding the first music video I have seen featuring the singer in a back-buttoned top - featured quite prominently for the whole video.

Golden Boy featuring Miss Kittin - Rippin Kittin

Wikipedia link for more info on the star: Miss Kittin

Button-back Hobble Skirts

2007-12-18T23:24:00.001-05:00

If you are a German speaker and a fan of tight back-buttoned skirts like these, you can order them at Mode Trend S.

If however you're in the US (or simply wish to take advantage of the weak dollar), you can also custom-design your own skirt, including back-buttoned variations, at HobbleSkirt.com.

Who's That Girl?

2007-12-17T22:49:00.002-05:00

Can anyone name the celebrity on the right wearing the Azzaro dress mentioned in an earlier post?

Update - it's Kimberly Stewart, here hanging out with Kelly Osbourne.

Free People

2007-12-17T22:31:00.001-05:00

Already looking for something for the spring to distract you from the cold outside? How about this pretty top from Free People?

Emily Grace

2007-12-16T23:03:00.001-05:00

A few back-buttoned items from Emily Grace:

Jewel Neck Mini Polka Dot Top in Black Ivory

Beaded Top in Currant

Mauvee Dres in Ruby

Net-a-Porter

2007-12-09T01:10:00.002-05:00

If you have some money to throw around, you can find lots of designer fashions at Net-a-Porter that button up the back:

Azzaro Chimere Crepe Dress

Stella McCartney Stellar Dot Print Mini Dress

Graham & Spencer Winter Lace Dress

Michael Kors Satin Mini Dress

Paul & Joe Akela Mini Dress

Miu Miu Pleat-Front Dress

Graham & Spencer Silk Charmeuse Blouse

JCrew

2007-12-09T00:25:00.002-05:00

Surprisingly enough, JCrew is currently offering several back-buttoned outfits:

Lillian Duchesse Satin Gown

Sarah Cotton Candy Dress

Solid Rivoli Blouse

Polka-dot Rivoli Blouse

Saks Fifth Avenue

2007-10-18T22:24:00.004-05:00

SFA never fails to disappoint with elegant (though expensive) back buttoned pieces. Some of the current crop:

Generra Button Back Dress

Blumarine Matte Stretch Dress

Ports 1961 Wool/Cashmere Low-Back Dress

More from Asos

2007-10-17T21:28:00.001-05:00

One of the nice things about Asos is that their product features not only photos of the clothing, but Flash videos of it being modeled on the runway, allowing you to get a much better idea of how the item looks when worn. Check out these examples:

Firetrap Button Back Jumper Dress

Lace Circle Button Back Tunic

Lace Trim Button Back Dress

Anatomy Organic

2007-10-16T22:12:00.001-05:00

If you are a fan of both natural/organic fabrics and back-buttoned apparel, you'll enjoy Anatomy Organic, a site that sells items made from sustainable sources like hemp and cotton, including such rarities as these button back skirts:

Celebrity Sighting: Jessica Simpson

2007-10-11T22:32:00.001-05:00

At a recent charity event, the Operation Smile Foundation's 25th Anniversary Gala, Jessica Simpson wore this fetching full-button-back number:

[source]

Button Back Trio

2007-10-01T19:55:00.001-05:00

From Net-a-Porter, check out this attractive Azzaro black dress with sheer sleeves and a full button back:

At Ron Herman, we find this silk blouse by Madison Marcus:

And finally, Maneater Threads have this version of Ziji's button-back top we featured previously on sale:

Revolve

2007-09-30T21:40:00.001-05:00

A couple of button-back pieces from REVOLVEClothing.com:

Graham & Spencer Silk Charmeuse Short Sleeve Blouse

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Crew Neck Blouse

shopbop.com

2007-09-28T20:55:00.001-05:00

There are a few back-buttoned pieces currently for sale at shopbop.com:

Graham & Spencer Button Back Blouse

Paul & Joe Bow Back Dress

Mint Jodi Arnold Button Back Ponte Dress

C&C California Nicolette Dress

New at Nordstrom

2007-09-22T16:58:00.002-05:00

Sorry about the temporary absence, there were other matters to attend to. In the meantime new fall lines are out at most retailers, giving us more topical material. Here are some new items from Nordstrom:

Juicy Couture Ruffle Collar Silk & Lurex® Tunic

Trovata 'Jennifer' Silk Blouse

Graham & Spencer 'Winter Lace' Dress

BB Dakota 'Venus' Sheer Blouse

Pink Mascara

2007-08-11T13:38:00.002-05:00

A couple of back-buttoned tops from Pink Mascara:

MINT Button Back Top

Velvet Sue Short Sleeve Ruffle Top

Runway Restrospective

2007-08-11T08:30:00.001-05:00

A couple more examples of back-buttoned designs on the runway. The first one is unknown; the second is by Tracy Reese.

New Flickr Group

2007-08-07T21:36:00.001-05:00

There is now a group on Flickr for images of back-buttoned clothing. Some of the images that won't make it on posts here will end up there, in addition of course to other members' contributions.

A little red dress, and a dress from Stella McCartney

2007-07-31T14:04:00.001-05:00

An embroidered red dress with a button up back from Plenty at eDressMe.com:

This is a ruffled Stella McCartney dress from Net-a-Porter:

Something old, something new

2007-07-28T10:17:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of dresses - first, a turtleneck dress from Neiman Marcus:

And this is a gabardine pencil dress suit from the 1940s, from Smoky Diva:

Active Endeavors and a Poster

2007-07-27T15:08:00.001-05:00

Currently available from Active Endeavors is this button back top by Rebecca Taylor:

Also, check out this print at AllPosters.com, featuring an illustration of an 1880s gown with buttons down the back (larger image can be seen on their site).

Kittel Fashion

2007-07-25T21:02:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Robert, who pointed out Kittel Fashions, a German eBay seller that not only specializes in back-buttoned uniforms, but accepts customs orders. Here's an example currently available on eBay:

Peter Jensen, Fornarina

2007-07-22T17:29:00.001-05:00

I want to thank our first contributor, bbfanatic, who brings us the content for this post.

First, we have a menswear-inspired top by Peter Jensen from his Spring 2007 collection.

You can see this top on the runway here:

Then, here is a stylish jersey button back top by Fornarina, available at several retailers such as Kays.

Le Boutonné Dos

2007-07-20T12:27:00.001-05:00

I'd like to welcome all the guests checking out this blog via the BlouseNylon.net forum, a French discussion group that focuses on nylon overalls. I had originally found it through La Blouse de Nylon, their sister site, which in its text section had an article on button-back closures entitled Le Boutonné Dos. If you're wondering what the connection is, one of the reasons lies in the old nurse uniforms, many of which used to button down the back, like this:

Runway Retrospective - Unknown Part 2

2007-07-14T17:11:00.001-05:00

A couple more from my unidentified folder (different designers). The first one *might* be Gaultier but that's a guess.

I guess parrots are a fashion accessory? :)

Avant Gaudy, Paperbird

2007-07-13T16:11:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure if this is a resale/consignment site of some sort or what, but Avant Gaudy (whose slogan is "Experimental Vintage for the New Garde") features (or featured, as it has apparently been sold) this interesting black back-buttoned dress:

Paperbird, a small independent designer, feature a few designs that button up the back, like this top:

A Pair of Quickies

2007-07-08T19:26:00.001-05:00

First, a shift dress by Rebecca Taylor:

And, a zig zag pointelle dress by Betsey Johnson:

2007-07-07T09:25:00.001-05:00

Vintage Textile is another place where you can find vintage pieces in good condition, with good descriptions and multiple photos of each item. Here is a back-buttoned Edwardian lawn dress:

2007-07-06T22:17:00.001-05:00

Free People is a brand owned by Urban Outfitters, and it occasionally dabbles into back-buttoned designs. Their catalog currently features this dress with a back neck tie and a button closure at the back waist:

Until recently, Standard Style also sold a back-buttoned Darling Bib Top by Free People, but it looks like it's now sold out.

Runway Retrospective - Unknown

2007-06-28T21:55:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately I don't know the name of the designer for this interesting take on the button-back closure. If anyone recognizes these, please comment.

Celebrity Sighting: Britney Spears

2007-06-27T21:04:00.001-05:00

It's rare to catch celebrities in something that buttons up the back, but in these candid shots from 2006, Britney Spears is sporting a white button-back top. Photos are courtesy of BritneyZone.

Vintage French Ad

2007-06-25T20:53:00.001-05:00

A scan from an old French magazine showing a stylish back-buttoned dress in tweed.

Isaac Mizrahi Dresses at Target

2007-06-24T14:15:00.001-05:00

A couple of special occasion dresses from the Isaac Mizrahi collection at Target. Notice the functional back buttons, as opposed to the faux buttons covering a zipper closure that are seen on so many modern occasion dresses these days (a topic for another post) - and these are even fairly affordable.

Strapless Sheath Dress

Taffeta Retro Sheath Dress

Wings Creative Studio

2007-06-23T20:59:00.001-05:00

This image, featuring a back-buttoned top, was done by Bulgaria's Wings Creative Studio. You can check out the full-size version at DeviantArt.

Old Fashioned Girl

2007-06-22T13:13:00.001-05:00

If you're a fan of Gibson Girl blouses and white lawn dresses of early 1900s, check out Old-Fashioned Girl for custom-made reproductions of Victorian/Edwardian fashions. There you can request designs like these two below, or submit a completely custom inquiry.

Cotton 1900s Waist

Early 1900s Lingerie Dress

A Quick Pair

2007-06-21T20:20:00.001-05:00

First, the Rose Hips Sweater from Anthropologie:

And, the Daisy Embroidered Blouse by Jovovich Hawk, available at Ron Herman:

Runway Restrospective - Proenza Shouler

2007-06-20T19:42:00.001-05:00

A back-buttoned top from the Spring 2004 collection by Proenza Schouler.

Saks Fifth Avenue

2007-06-18T18:26:00.002-05:00

A couple more items from Saks Fifth Avenue:

Moschino Cheap and Chic Ladybug-Print Silk Dress

Nicole Miller Silk Print Tunic Dress

Runway Restrospective

2007-06-17T16:58:00.001-05:00

Another couple of designs from past collections. One the left is a classically-inspired gown by (I believe?) Vivienne Westwood; on the right is a reverse denim top by an unidentified (so far) designer.

Vintage Fashion Collection of Lori Knowles

2007-06-14T10:13:00.002-05:00

If your interests run into vintage Victorian and Edwardian fashions, be sure to check out the collection of Lori Knowles. You'll see some wonderful examples, including of course some items relevant to this blog, such as these two bodices from the early 1900s.

David Rodriguez Button Back Jacket

2007-06-09T11:44:00.001-05:00

When David Rodriguez launched his more affordable Red Label line for Fall 2006, one of the best-selling pieces was this button-back jacket.

Vintage Martini

2007-06-03T19:11:00.001-05:00

For actual vintage pieces from earlier 19th century (and even some Victorian pieces), swing by Vintage Martini. As it was a much more common closure method then, you'll find several items that button up the back, such as these:

Edwardian Gown

1940s Dress

1930s Ivory Wedding Gown

Runway Restrospective - Badgley Mischka

2007-05-31T22:15:00.001-05:00

A few looks from an older collection by Badgley Mischka, known for classic bridal and evening wear.

Ballyhoo Vintage

2007-05-31T07:16:00.002-05:00

Vintage shops can often be the easiest places to find clothes that button up the back. One such shop is Ballyhoo Vintage, where you can find items like this mod Norman Norell dress:

'

Revolve Clothing

2007-05-30T21:21:00.001-05:00

For a large selection of designer apparel, you can check out Revolve Clothing. Among the offerings you'll see several back-buttoned designs, like these two:

Corey Lynn Calter Lauren High Neck Keyhole Top

Deborah Sweeney Poppy Tie Blouse

ReVamp Vintage Recreations

2007-05-29T12:49:00.001-05:00

If you are a fan of fashions of early to mid 19th century, check out ReVamp, who offer faithful recreations. Here a couple of examples from the 1930s:

Olivia Blouse

Zelda Evening Gown

Asos Top, Flickr Image

2007-05-27T14:45:00.002-05:00

Another back-buttoned top from ASOS:

And to tie in with the previous post, here's an example of a button back checkered black and white skirt:

See the full image at Flickr.

Yves Saint Laurent

2007-05-18T23:45:00.002-05:00

Check out this print ad for YSL, featuring a back-buttoned take on the classic checkered skirt.

The skirt comes from the YSL Spring 2007 collection - you can see it here on the runway:

A Pair of Tops

2007-05-18T22:17:00.002-05:00

A couple of quickies today - first, a button-back camisole by Jak & Rae, from Overstock.com.

And, a cute top from Topshop (currently on sale - no back view though).

Miss Sixty Top

2007-05-13T08:07:00.001-05:00

A few years ago, Miss Sixty offered this casual top. You can still occasionally find it on eBay.

Juicy Couture Dress

2007-05-12T13:32:00.001-05:00

This Juicy Couture dress is available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Anne of Green Gables

2007-05-11T21:44:00.001-05:00

The films Anne of Green Gables and its sequel, Anne of Avonlea, feature many examples of turn-of-the-century fashions, when button-back closures were common. You can learn more about the fashions worn in the films at In Timely Fashion, which includes screenshots, design notes, pattern references, etc.

Marc Jacobs Dress

2007-05-06T20:40:00.001-05:00

A jersey dress by Marc Jacobs, from Nordstrom.

Couture Candy Top

2007-05-04T22:07:00.001-05:00

This one is by Ziji, available at Couture Candy.

Alice Roi Top

2007-05-01T19:13:00.001-05:00

Cotton chiffon top by Alice Roi, available at Active Endeavors.

Free People Top at Nordstrom

2007-04-26T22:09:00.001-05:00

This is the Free People Antique Lace Trim Top, available at Nordstrom.

Bluefly

2007-04-24T22:06:00.001-05:00

A cute vintage-inspired top by A.B.S. from Bluefly.

ASOS

2007-04-23T22:16:00.001-05:00

ASOS is an apparel store that fashions itself after celebrity trends. They call this top the Jessica Blouse in honor of Jessica Alba.

Check out their site for a video of this top on the runway.

Backstage

2007-04-22T20:38:00.001-05:00

The major sites covering runway shows, like style.com and firstview.com, almost never feature photographs of the models' backs - even if the designers took time to add rear detail. Sometimes the only way to catch some of the back buttoned details is via the backstage photos, like this one from the Yves St. Laurent Fall 2006 collection.

And here are a couple from the Spring 2006 collection by Proenza Schouler.

Dior

2007-04-15T10:18:00.002-05:00

In his Fall 1999 ready-to-wear collection for Christian Dior, John Galliano explored the back-buttoned theme on multiple pieces, particularly knit skirts.

Jeffrey Sebelia

2007-04-14T20:07:00.001-05:00

Jeffrey Seblia, who won Season 3 of Project Runway, runs his own line called Cosa Nostra. Here is a top from the Fall/Winter 2006 collection:

Saks Fifth Avenue

2007-04-13T22:04:00.002-05:00

It may not be cheap, but Saks tends to occasionally feature some back-buttoned pieces.

( Matthew Williamson Cashmere Button Back Top )

( Nanette Lepore Pin-up Pullover )

( Milly Ruffled Tuxedo Camisole )

Nordstrom

2007-04-13T21:47:00.001-05:00

A couple of items currently available at Nordstrom:

( Free People 'Darling Bib' Jersey Top )

( James Perse Linen Blend Jumper )

oda

2007-04-07T16:25:00.001-05:00

A piece from the oda 2005 collection, entitled Bedouin Princess:

Striped Tee

2007-04-07T16:17:00.001-05:00

A casual piece from YesStyle.com:

Button-through Back Dresses

2007-03-04T22:51:00.001-05:00

It's not often that one sees button-through back dresses - with the buttons running all the way down the back to the hem, but Anthropologie currently features not one but two:

And one of unknown origin:

A Nod to the Past

2007-02-18T21:26:00.001-05:00

Recent seasons have seen some mainstream retailers carry designs inspired by Victorian and Edwardian blouses, including some back-buttoned tops carried by places like Anthropologie. Some are still available, like these two pieces by Barrie Pace:

Another example is this top by Jessica McClintock, a label known for featuring back-buttoned designs in past years:

But most of them, such as the three examples below, are no longer available.

Button-back Skirt Slits

2007-02-04T00:28:00.001-05:00

One place you do still occasionally see rear button closures are skirt slits (or vents, as some call them). Even mainstream retailers occasionally pick up this trend - for example, Victoria's Secret has no less than three variations among their sleek line of pencil skirts, like this one:

Not to be outdone, BeBe has three styles of its own, like this one:

Here's another example for House of Dereon:

The detail has shown up on some dresses as well, such as this plaid chemise from Barrie Pace:

Intro

2007-02-03T23:42:00.001-05:00

So why a blog about back-buttoned apparel? Well, why not. Just about everything else has its sites and blogs, but few exist about this particular topic. A distinctly feminine detail, it was frequently in use historically, but seen fairly rarely today among adult clothing. So here I'll point out some modern examples, like this pretty black dress from Yves St. Laurent's Fall 2000 collection:

So that's about it. Please feel free to comment, especially to share any of your own finds.

Button Up Back

[Permanent Top Post] Contributing

Celebrity Sighting: Ashanti

The Uniform Project

Revolve Update

Celebrity Sighting: Angelina Jolie

Labels

Celebrity Sighting: Teri Hatcher

Net-a-Porter Again

Dress identified - Paul & Joe

Back buttoned on the street

Celebrity Sighting: Blake Lively

A Few Random Pieces

Browns

My Wardrobe

Hair Salon Video

Another Update

A Belated Post - Revolve Clothing

A Kindred Blog

A Video and a Discussion

More Video Finds

BUB Appearance in a Who's the Boss Episode

More JCrew

Our First Music Video Find

Button-back Hobble Skirts

Who's That Girl?

Free People

Emily Grace

Net-a-Porter

JCrew

Saks Fifth Avenue

More from Asos

Anatomy Organic

Celebrity Sighting: Jessica Simpson

Button Back Trio

Revolve

shopbop.com

New at Nordstrom

Pink Mascara

Runway Restrospective

New Flickr Group

A little red dress, and a dress from Stella McCartney

Something old, something new

Active Endeavors and a Poster

Kittel Fashion

Peter Jensen, Fornarina

Le Boutonné Dos

Runway Retrospective - Unknown Part 2

Avant Gaudy, Paperbird

A Pair of Quickies

Runway Retrospective - Unknown

Celebrity Sighting: Britney Spears

Vintage French Ad

Isaac Mizrahi Dresses at Target

Wings Creative Studio

Old Fashioned Girl

A Quick Pair

Runway Restrospective - Proenza Shouler

Saks Fifth Avenue

Runway Restrospective

Vintage Fashion Collection of Lori Knowles

David Rodriguez Button Back Jacket

Vintage Martini

Runway Restrospective - Badgley Mischka

Ballyhoo Vintage

Revolve Clothing

ReVamp Vintage Recreations

Asos Top, Flickr Image

Yves Saint Laurent

A Pair of Tops

Miss Sixty Top

Juicy Couture Dress

Anne of Green Gables

Marc Jacobs Dress

Couture Candy Top

Alice Roi Top

Free People Top at Nordstrom

Bluefly

ASOS

Backstage