Saturday I had some free time to make a quick visit to one of the local antique stores. Mostly to look for vintage glass buttons (needed for a knit cardigan that is 97% done; but I’m being a Button Snob), but also to have a good rummage. The button hunt turned up nothing (did I mention I’m feeling particularly picky? Not to mention there really weren’t a lot of vintage buttons to choose from period.), but I did light upon a couple other treasures! Firstly, there was a cut little 50s hat that reminds me a bit of this hat, only navy. It needs a few stitches and a soak in some Woolite, and then it’ll be blog-worthy. But my favorite find–the one that had me jumping up and down–was this:
[ cue excited exclamations. ]
Yep. The thing I’ve been coveting for years. They go for quite a bit on Ebay and at most antique stores, but I’m assuming because the economy is still so crummy here that the dealer priced it to sell. Because it’s pretty much in perfect condition (aside from the usual foxing/age marks). To think I nearly walked past the booth it was in too–it’s normally just full of overpriced kitchen wares that I skip it. Boy, am I glad I didn’t! This is so much fun to look though–especially all the women’s fashions. And the shoes. Oh my–let me tell you that my friend E. came over Sunday afternoon and we were squealing over the adorable shoes. If I could figure out a way to rig up a time machine (or bribe a mad scientist), I would go back and pillage all the department stores of the era. lol.
[ click for a larger view. ]
[ all the details in this outfit--I love it! ]
[ the shirring on the jacket of the center suit is quite an interesting feature. ]
[ such smart looks! ]
[ the embroidery detail on the far right dress is quite fun! ]
[ border prints (top right) yum. ]
[ more cute rayon prints. ]
[ ruffles and fun pockets! ]
[ I love the striped dress (top right). ]
There’s lots more to show you, so I have plenty of inspiration post fodder for at least the next couple months! Enjoy!
I can just feel your excitement!! What a find!! You will probably spend as much time pouring over it as did the lady who received it when it came out. Have fun!
Love,
Mom
Casey,
I am so envious of your 1944 Sears catalog find! I’ve managed to collect a few from the 20′s and 30′s, but can’t seem to get my hands on one from the 40′s that won’t cost me an arm & a leg.
The suit dress with hat that you say you love is my favorite too. Hope you’ll share some more of the catalog fashions with us soon!
Oh wow. What a find indeed! I what them all!!!
Oh Casey, that is wonderful. You know I recently bought a Marie Claire edition that dates back to 1939! Quite amazing. It is in excellent condition and it was a true bargain:0,50 cents, which is about 0.62 cents in US dollars.
Yours is a treat to look at as well.
-Ana
Wow, this is just amazing, what beautiful dresses!! I covet them all! Also I can’t wait to see the hat!!
From Carys of La Ville Inconnue
I have a 1941 Sears catalog I got for about $25 a few years ago…as you say they go for a lot on eBay but I think if you ask around your antique dealer friends you can get a good deal. Besides, then you have a story to tell about your find! Since then I’ve had a chance to buy other catalogs for about the same price …. so dreams do come true even on a budget!
That top photo reminds me of Doris Day!
I think I might love 1940′s day dresses more than anything.
Oh, and: McCall 995 (embroidered peasant dress, 1942)
Oh yay! Good for you! I can’t wait to see more pics!!
Erica
danired922.blogspot.com
danired922.etsy.com
OH MY I WANT THEM ALLLLLLLLLLLL!
Wow! These are gorgeous! How exciting!
Nice find indeed! I have a Sears from 1948 and an Eatons from 1952, both from a gargage sale for maybe $5? I love to look up things I buy from that era in them and I’ve found quite a few objects!
Omg, omg, omg! Lucky find! Looks fantastic, and isn’t it always great to find something that you’ve always wanted at a decent price?!
Thoroughly enjoy your latest “find”!
You stumbled on a gold mine! Looking forward to seeing more scans from this treasure!
If I could use a time machine, I’d go back and get a job singing with a big band, and buy a great wardrobe of 40′s fashions! LOL!
Oh! How deliciously vintage – I love all the every day dresses! I love the collars and pockets and all the darling prints…too sweet! Thank you for the lovely pictures : )
I could see you in all of those lovely shirtdresses! Gorgeous, inspirational pics, look forward to more!
They are all so cute! I don’t really know how to sew, Trust me I’m planning on learning. So I’m always looking for modern dresses that have a similar look, or some sort of vintage looking touch. Trust me I’m planning on learning.
Hi, Casey,
Wow, what a find! I have several Sears and Wards catalogs ranging from 1938 to 1941 and they are HOURS of entertainment. I particularly like the yard goods section that has color prints of all the fabrics they sell. One Wards catalog I have even has a few extant fabric swatches that were included so the customer could feel the texture of the fabric!
Enjoy!
Christine
Lucky you. what a great find. I love the dresses, esp the striped and the polka dots (did I mention I love stripes and polka dots).
Good luck finding the buttons.
Wow, the pictures are amazing and from what I can see of the shoes…. I want to steal them all too!!
xox,
b. of Depict This!
they were like uniforms for women!
Oh wow! That sure is an amazing find. =D
-Andi x
Wow! Fabulous find! I just love these old catalogs. They’re so inspiring!
Oooohhh, lucky you! I have a few Montgomery Ward catalogs from the 50′s I’ve chanced upon—I can browse them for hours! Don’t you love to look at the household goods sold back then? Some of the “personal” items can be quite hilarious.
Wooooowwww! Lucky you! And lucky us that you are sharing!
Such a good fashion year, we have one at my work from winter 1945/46, and the prices of everything are almost unbearable!
xoxo
Solanah
I cant get enough of vintage magazines, they are so fun. I often find myself yearning to send in my dollar or two to geth the amazing item they’re selling
if only!