[ be sure to click for the sources of these gorgeous images! ]
Happy Friday, everyone! How did your week go? Like so many other bloggers, I have mysteriously been feeling under the weather all week. I don’t know if it’s a collective “blogger bug” that is going around (oh no! Now germs can transmit through our computer screens!), but I had a sore throat that left me feeling a little run-down. However, it was conducive to getting some much needed knitting done; both on testing some snood designs and my own projects. The latter has been quite a comical process, a sweater that I posted about a little while ago. I seriously have not gotten much further than when I posted, because I keep ripping out the yoke rows. Why, you may ask? Well, firstly I did not like the original “lace” pattern for the yoke; it wasn’t lacy enough for me. Not that I want something super-open and sheer, but it just looked chunky and un-lace-like. I tried a few more patterns, and like a goof, didn’t swatch them but just plunged ahead on the sweater. So, three pattern tries later, I finally found one that I like on the Vogue Knitting site. Hopefully that means it’ll actually show some progress!
- I haven’t really been paying attention to Fashion Week, but Jessica caught my attention with the fun, Nancy Drew-inspired Rachel Antonoff collection!
- A super lovely pair of mini bloomers from Colette Patterns–perfect weekend sewing.
- To whet your appetite for cute summer clothes even more, Lauren shared images of some snappy 1934 summer separates!
- This week Tricia asked some interesting questions regarding fashion week (that I think extend to the fashion world in general), and started some good discussion.
- Gertie shared how she creates covered buttonholes using a kit, but with some tricks to make them look even more finished.
[ a fantastically cheerful ad for shoes from 1950 ]
This week’s inspiration image is prompted by my latest search for some practical shoes for the summer. I’ve found a few pairs, but nothing nearly as adorable as these (although Remix has a few that come close…)! Really cute for $2.98 (a little over $25 in today’s dollar–still not too shabby!). lol! Have you found an fun shoes lately?
Have a lovely weekend, all!
Hi, Casey!
I’ve been drooling over summer shoes lately, too. I recently purchased a lovely pair from Rocket Originals in the UK. I haven’t received them yet, but I fully intend to send you a pic once I get them!
Christine
I absolutely love your blog. I stumbled across it while obsessing over vintage patterns and you’re such an inspiration. I have recently picked up sewing again and I love seeing your projects. Though, your results look quite a bit more professional than mine.
That said, I have a sewing question. I have a very small waist and proportionally much bigger hips. I recently inherited the sweetest gingham secretary dress. It fits beautifully everywhere but for the hips. Do you have any suggestions for altering it in a way that’s flattering to the dress and my hips?
Oh noes! I gave you the blogger bug through the interwebs! The remedy is simple and painless: rest, tea, and cookies. Doctor’s orders!
Casey,
I have also been searching for a just-right pair of shoes for summer. My sights are currently set on a pair of espadrilles from ropey soles in the uk. The only question is whether to buy them in the super cute natural color, or in the more practical admiral.
I hope you feel better soon!
I’ve been considering new shoes for some as well, and can’t get these Anthro shoes out of my mind:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=&id=944240&catId=CLOTHES-NAUTICAL&pushId=CLOTHES-NAUTICAL&popId=CLOTHES&sortProperties=&navCount=10&navAction=jump&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=023&colorName=TAUPE&isSubcategory=&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=
Why, oh why, do they have to be so darn expensive!?
Casey –
Oooh,jinx-you-owe-me-a-Coke! I just posted the photo by the same artist of apricots in the colander on my blog this week! LOL!
I have fond memories of my Grandma wearing shoes very similar to the blue ones in the shoe ad. Even way into the 80′s, she was still wearing them. I wonder where she found them? Or maybe they were 30 years old?! Knowing her, she just took really good care of them and kept wearing them. Remix and Rocket both have variations on this style, and I’m coveting them.
I always find shoes I love; I used to manage a store that sold high-end shoes and leather goods, and now I have expensive taste in shoes, but no employee discount! John Fluevog always has some wonderful vintage-inspired shoes. I wrote about some last week (I think).
Good luck with the sweater. Happy Weekend!
Cheers-
Nancy
I found these shoes http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/clearance/womens-shoes/heels/71700637-fripia/28 at Aldo when they had their 1/2 off clearance after Christmas. They looked like a modern version of a 40′s shoe, with the heel being a little higher, no?
If I can’t find a skirt pattern, I’m inspired enough to try drafting one from a skirt I already own – that’s how inspired I was! Shoes will do that to a girl 
Inspiration struck, so I’ve been on the look out for a cute 40′s skirt pattern to pair with a Sencha blouse
You poor thing! I hope you’re feeling better soon. I had exactly the same thing just a week ago so I think you may be right about it transmitting through our computers! x
I am picking up sewing and my starting project is those mini bloomers! I’m so excited. I bought some beautiful fabric today and I can’t wait to get started.
Maybe there’s some sort of psychological affect to hearing somebody is sick, and it extends all the way to the internet. I wouldn’t doubt it. The mind is a powerful thing.
I feel you on the shoe search. Vintage shoes (for non-narrow size 7.5-9 feet) can be a very difficult search, especially if you are 30′s/40′s inclined. I have one pair of re-mix shoes that I bought at the store and they are lovely (spectator wedges!) and totally worth it.
Last time I went on a buying trip for the store I work for I found an amazing pair of taupe leather oxford style round toe 1940′s heels. As I lamented about their fallings-apart to my mother, she pointed out to me that they looked a lot like dance shoes, specifically character/ballroom shoes. I did a bunch of research and ended up finding all sorts of cool dance shoes that had a super 1940′s look (patent leather, cuban heels, round toe) and if you look at the ‘practice’ variety, they even have adorable mesh inserts (for letting your foot breath while dancing) that also have a 40′s summer shoe vibe. Also, since they’re dance shoes, they’re comfortable and you can really wear them out. They’re not terribly expensive either
I know I was excited when I found these, so I thought you might like them too! I love these ones.
I just posted this one for sale and thought of you
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41104916
Ugh, I am sick too. I think it is from being out on the lock-out line with my husband in the wind and cold. They have a fire going and a sort of shelter set up, but it is still nasty at night.
As for shoes, for some reason I am coveting brown brogue styled oxfords to wear with spring dresses. I guess I am weird.
I know that many knitted laces become more lace-y and open after blocking – still, I have no doubt you’ve picked a lovely lace pattern. Can’t wait to see how it turns out!
Hey, Casey, just thought I’d let you know the link to the bloomers actually goes to Jessica’s blog, too.
Sigh. Those shoes are gorgeous. I kind of want to cry! Haha.
Hope you’re feeling better!
-Andi x
Lovely photos! Hmmm… I couldn’t get the link to the Colette pattern nor the link to the 30s separets to work… might be my computer though, it’s notorious for making strange things happen =)
I’m also on the look out for a pair of wedgies! They seem so perfect for summer. Unfortunatly I’ve already tested a pair of Remix, and my feet informed me that nothing else will do, so I’m going to buy a pair later this spring. Damn feet to have expensive taste! =) Seriously, I have some problems with my feet, so they actually do need shoes that are new and well made. Which always means expensive. *Sigh*
Hope you’re feeling better soon!