a step back in time…
[ click for a larger view. ]
Today my sister is arriving, and I would be lying to say I’m not more than a little excited! (I’m surprised I actually got any sleep last night… lol!) Especially since we have a super fun excursion planned for her (belated) birthday present. But, I figured I should post before I got too distracted today… hehe!
Today we’re taking a trip back 80 years… to March 1929! I pulled a few images from one of the magazines my aunt sent me. I’m not a huge fan of the 1920s look for me (wide hips means it’s one of the worst looks for me!), but I adore the details. After all: part of designing and making (or putting together any outfit for that matter!) is about the details, isn’t it? The first is this lovely spread of Paris interpretations on the fashion of the day (be sure to click through to full size!). I just love the evening frock (lower right); the back ruffling is so elegant. I especially adore the dramatic v-neckline with buttons!
[ click for a larger view. ]
Now here’s a page of little sweet designs for little girls! I know, I’m far too old (and big!) for any of these, but just look at all the sweet embellishments… My favorite is the yellow and white dress on the bottom. Scallops have been filling my imagination (especially in this, hem-centric usage), and hte bright, cherry hues are so appealing! Can’t you see taking some of these elements and applying them to an existing frock or blouse? Perhaps a lace collar, long bow, or a bit of embroidery would do the trick? Perfect for some summertime prettiness!
I have so many exciting things coming up for the blog in the next few weeks: a couple giveaways (including a sponsored one!), a tutorial, a post devoted to getting started sewing, and another inspiring interview! But for now, I must pull myself away from the computer and go vacuum… So boring… haha! Have a lovely Wednesday, my dears!

inspiration week #86 »25 lovely thoughts to “a step back in time…”
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maria says:
Lovely!! Is it weird that I want every single one of those little girl dresses?!!
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Sal says:
Have a fantastic time with your sis!
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Amanda Nicole says:
So sweet! I love the little green one at the bottom left. Have a wonderful time with sis!
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The Glamorous Housewife says:
I noticed a bunch of blouses at Anthropologie that were very simiar to the little girl’s frocks. Thanks for the inspiration.
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Trudy Callan says:
Enjoying your blog.
If you would like to pay me a visit, you can find me at:
http://www.sewingwithtrudy.blogspot.com
I just posted some sweet little quick and easy little sundresses I made for my 8 year old daughter with instructions on how to do it yourself, and I recently made a maxi dress for myself from a 1974 pattern I found in an antique store.
Regards,
Trudy
(My 8 year old also has her own blog where she shares her sewing adventures. http://www.sewingsister.blogspot.com
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Shayla says:
the one with the misses dresses is so cute. oh my!
I agree, the 20s are not all that flattering on me either.
I prefer the 30s for sure. -
Reilly says:
Great inspiration as always! I’m going to have to file away that use of buttons in the dress you pointed out!
Sometimes I wonder if vintage collectors or sellers in the distant-future will find the clothes inspired or made from vintage patterns and confuse it as being much older.
Or just wonder why someone born in the 90s has all these close from 40 years before her time! :p
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Sarah says:
Oh how sweet! I can definitely see incorporating those features into a blouse or even a waisted dress. I love those vintage children’s clothing styles.There is a lady with a booth at a local antique mall who always has the most amazing children’s clothing from the 1920s-1930s, and they are darling. At least I know where to find gorgeous clothes if I ever have a little girl!
Have fun vacuuming, and enjoy your sister’s visit!
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Christine H. says:
I’m with you with on admiring the fashion of the 20′s from afar. I do love the lavender girl in the top far right corner—I wonder how pockets with pleats would look on a skirt? I may have to try that out.
Have fun with your sister!
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Syd Divine says:
Those little girl dresses are just darling! I love the yellow one with matching socks. They always make the cutest stuff for little girls. Even in today’s shopping (sigh). I am so used to shopping for little boys things. Not that they aren’t just as darling in there 1920&30′s knickers, however it is fun to look at all the frilly little things. They also had the cutest little bob haircuts!
X,
Syd -
Bri says:
I’m kind of built like a 2×4 so maybe I’ll check out these looks! Very cool to look at.
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Maggi says:
Awww, Toot would look so cute in one of those little dresses! And I am so with you on the hip thing! lol Happy b-day to your sis, have fun!
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Lauren says:
Oh, these are TOO CUTE! I just love that sunshiny yellow that was so popular then. I used to not like the 20s, but I really have an affinity for them now!
Little girls 20s looks are the cutest. They look like little dolls. So cute you want to squeeze them! -
Maegan says:
I have been looking all over for little girl designs…but something “fancy”…lol. I have found a few cute things, but my girls are not-quite-two & 5 1/2…so it’s hard to do the same pattern in 2 seperate sizes. Plus the little one is still considered “baby” in most sizes…so I can’t find matching patterns for the same design.
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Marie says:
I hope you have a wonderful time with your sister!
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Marmielu says:
I’m thinking that the bottom detailing on that cute yellow frock would be nice on a skirt? You know me, I love those dropped waist things.
Mom -
Dalila says:
I do like the style of drawings of fashions for those 20s women but it does make me wonder: do those clothes only look good on tall thin women? I would look very silly in those outfits, I think. Without a waist, I would just end up looking dumpy!
But they’re very cute fashions and I also like the v-back with buttons and ruffles – that would be fun to incorporate into a dress (but then I get practical and think, how do I wear a bra with that?).
Thanks for sharing and have fun with your sister! -
Nadja says:
Ooo my good(!!!) how qute are those girldersses!!!!
Hope you have a good time with your sister! -
jen says:
Lovely Casey – please feel free to flick me an email about the tags, business cards etc
Its nice to talk to someone who id doing/thinking about doing the same thing!! -
lauren winter says:
wow, the cool titles.. ‘paris interprets the mode’ and ‘gay party frocks for miss six-to-ten’.. so funny! I love the style of the orange little girl dress. if I could make it my size, I’d wear it in an instant. beautiful finds
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Alli says:
oh, i’m really looking forward to the post about getting into sewing. that’s really something i could use!
i also tagged you, it would be interesting to get to know you a little better:)
have a lovely day!
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Sara says:
How *did* pear shaped girls do it in the 20s? Go for the waist-bandless looks on the right?
Sisters are the BEST!
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autumn says:
The only place I can find real vintage dresses are severely overpriced antique stores.
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Jessica says:
There is so much wonderful inspiration in those charmingly precious designs. I can definitely see applying elements of these styles to grown-up pieces with great affect.
I hope you have an absolutely amazing time with your sister! Seeing my parents at the start of June for the first time in almost 2.5 years was truly what I needed to revive some elements of my spirit that were a bit worn out.
Hugs & happiest wishes,
♥ Jessica -
ambika says:
drop waists do me no favors but I adore the aesthetic of the 20s. can’t wait to see what you have in store for the next weeks.


























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