[ click for larger view. all images from Ebay. ]
Since I shared a couple of my favorite 40s-inspired summer outfits last week, I thought I’d show you some of the inspiration behind them! The last two images are from a 1947 magazine, and are a pretty good representation of this look (not to mention I love the easy-breezy hairstyles; so cute!)
[ may 1947. click for a larger view! ]
The “peasant” (or ethic, bohemian… whichever title you call it!) isn’t a new concept within fashion; designers have been lifting motifs from regional styles of various cultures for decades. One of my favorite eras to take up the look is the 1940s (surprise, surprise… considering it probably is my favorite style decade!). American designers came into their own during this period; previously many design houses and stores copied designs from Europe, and American designers had been largely unable to design based on their own vision of fashion. One of the popular interpretations of this look was taking inspiration from South American and Native American motifs and styles. In many ways, it was like North American designers were finally taking a look at the bountiful and rich design history in their own backyard!
[ may 1947. click for a larger view! ]
I think my favorite of these looks from the mid 40s is the peasant blouse and full skirt look. It’s so classic and pretty, yet still grounded in practicality and a sportswear aesthetic that pervades most casual clothes from this era. They can be sweet, simple, or frilly. Made with eyelet trim, a ruffled collar, or just a gauzy fabric. One of the top items on my “to sew” list this summer is making a peasant style blouse; something with a simple elastic or drawstring neckline (many patterns show these options), and short puffed sleeves. Nothing too fancy–I’m not much of a frilly gal when it comes to neckline–but light and simple to mix with my beloved stash of floral gathered skirts!
May 18, 2009 ·
14 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: style inspiration
I just wanted to post a quick reminder that you can now advertise on Casey’s Elegant Musings! I have adjusted some of the terms, including that advertisers are welcome to begin their ad at any time during the month (ads will run 30 days from the date the ad goes live). Whether you run a vintage fashion business or an Etsy shop, your ad can reach a variety of visitors! Feel free to contact me if you’d like an updated version of the ad rates sheet!
May 17, 2009 ·
0 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: misc
[ click for larger view + sources! ]
Another weekend already! Can someone please tell me where the days are going to?! hehe. As usual, we seem to have saved up loads of errands for this weekend, although I’m hoping to squeeze in some shoe shopping and recording a couple new video tutorials (providing I can find a table top mirror. It helps when doing make up and hair, you know!). What are you weekend plans? I do hope they’re a bit more fun and exciting than mine!
May 15, 2009 ·
15 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
·
[ click for larger view and description. ]
There is something that keeps drawing me back to floral skirts again and again! Both of these were made from 1980s “prairie” style dresses I had thrifted, and since the style was rather out-dated, I just chopped off the wonderfully full skirts and remade them! Even a year after I refashioned these, I still haven’t grown tired of their cheerful floral patterns.
The above outfit I actually wore in late April, and just forgot to post until now! I was inspired by one of my favorite standbys: the 1940s summertime skirt and peasant-style blouse combination (a post is coming soon on this look!). The hair style for that day was inspired by a video tutorial by the lovely Aya. I daresay this is one of my best outfits in the past month; the combination of vintage inspiration and romantic styling is me to a “t”!
[ click for larger view and description. ]
Outfit #2 is from earlier this week, and is quite simple. I was feeling minimalist, and wanted an almost modern 40s look. I blame browsing through a few Anthropologie catalogs from last summer; some of the styling is very similar to this look. The hair was copied from one of the model’s ‘dos (although mine isn’t as pretty; the model had straighter hair, and mine definitely doesn’t like to lay flat).
So, my dear readers: do you like floral prints? What is your favorite incarnation of them? Do you like them big and bold, or the small “ditsy” prints?
May 14, 2009 ·
19 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings
· tags: outfits
