I have a definite weakness for the film noir genre; especially what would be considered “B” 1940s films within this category. Black Angel (1946) falls within these parameters: a film noir, somewhat low-grade production, but is a bit of a gem fashion-wise. The film was made right at the crossroads of the decade’s styles, and is an interesting mix of the early 40s tailored look and the slight softening that would come with the late 40s. I hope you’re as inspired by some of the elements and looks as I was! (As usual, click on any images to see a larger version.)
The evening dress she wears in this scene is rather awful in my opinion (it’s covered in long fringe…), but the hair styling is beautiful! The softly-waved front and sides sweep back to be tucked into a low chignon. Which appears to be made up of a trio of bun-like arrangements. I’m itching to try this out for myself!
A checked peplum-jacket suit. You can see all the design details that make this a great little mid 40s suit: multiple darts in the jacket for a close fit, and a deep pleat at the back of the skirt to enable walking.
Some random bits and pieces of other outfits she wears. The open-brim hat (far left) is quite an interesting style (open brims seemed to have been popular around 1944-46, if my magazines are any indication), as is the large ginko-style leaf pin. A close up of another suit–I love how it’s been paired with a higher-neckline blouse and a choker of pearls (center). A “puritan” influenced blouse (far right)–another style very popular during the mid 40s.
I really have a weakness for checked coats and swing jacket styles! I love the beautifully detailed yoke along the shoulder (and the saddle shoulder is so unusual), and deep flair at the center back to give the coat even more swing and volume! It’s hard to see in these pictures, but the sleeves are gathered to a narrow cuff.
A very pretty and interestingly constructed floral dress. The piecing at the waist is so different–I’ve never seen a midriff treatment quite like it. Also: check out the lovely cascade of the peplum at the back–so elegant! Note that although it looks like the dress buttons down the entire front, they are most likely just for show and the dress is accessible through a side seam zipper.
Finally a fun little accessory you don’t see in a lot of films, but was another trendy item in the 40s: the evening snood. Made up of fine netting and gathered to a jeweled band, this is quite a bit of a departure from the chunkier snoods that were popular for casual wear. Very fun!
Did any specific details jump out at you? Seen any movies lately that catch your eye from a fashion standpoint?
September 30, 2010 ·
12 lovely thoughts
posted in fashion in film
· tags: 1940s, film fashion
[ my newly sewn late 30s trousers--I'm ready for autumn! ]
When the new Wearing History pattern popped up on my feed reader, I knew I had to get it!* All of Lauren’s patterns are top-notch, but this one was particularly appealing because she had updated the fit of the late 30s trousers a bit and it was also one of her shiny new graded patterns. Anyone who has ever sewn with an older pants pattern knows that the rise (or crotch depth) can be tricky at best and disaster at worst. 1930s and 40s style in particular seem to be plagued with extremely long crotch seams–ridiculously so! The kind that look utterly ridiculous to wear every day. While I’ve worked with my fair share of similar patterns and tweaked them, the fact that someone had already done it (yes, I can be lazy) was really appealing.
[ the Smooth Sailing pattern--I love the photos for this one! ]
I chose a length of cotton twill I had in my stash for this, fully intending the first version to be a “working muslin”. I was pleasantly surprised when the pattern fit spot-on with very few adjustments! I ended up cutting a 26″ waist and along the same size lines for the inner leg, while cutting along the larger size from the hip to hem (I always have to allow for my large hips). I think I probably could have cut the larger size from the waist to hem on the outer leg only–I ended up letting the front tucks out a smidgen. (Although truth be told, it’s that time of the month, so things are a little wacky size-wise!) Otherwise the trousers went together like a dream! Lauren has included some really good construction details, and as a result, I made these in about 5 hours. Can’t beat that for a new wardrobe addition!
[ somehow my standing-on-a-chair photos didn't turn out as cute as I hoped... lol. ]
The pattern also has a blouse included, which I haven’t made yet. The design has an interesting sleeve that is cut on the bias. I’m awaiting the perfect plaid or striped material to come my way–since bias-cut sleeves are just screaming for a directional fabric.
I can’t wait to wear these once the weather cools off so I don’t feel like I’m being slow-roasted alive in longer pants! Now if only I could find the perfect little plaid shirt and acquire some saddle shoes…
*Just for the record, as Wearing History is one of my sponsors: I paid for this pattern outright and this was not a “sponsored” post. I endeavor to write my honest opinion about any product I review here, and am just a very pleased customer and seamstress.
September 28, 2010 ·
35 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings,sewing
· tags: 1940s, 2010 sewing, sewing, wearing history patterns
[ gorgeous chenille robes from 1944. ]
Although I really love the more frou-frou nightwear of the 1910s through 1930s (it’s all that lace insertion that was popular), there is something rather appealing about the utilitarian styles of the 1940s. They’re practical, but still pretty in many ways (pretty much how I feel about 40s fashion in general!). Which is probably why I love and wear my 40s house dress so much. Even though the basic styles were more spare, nightwear in the 40s came in a variety of styles and fabrics; these catalog pages show just a small cross-section of what women could purchase at the time. The chenille robes are especially fetching–I’ve always loved how comfy they look!
[ I love that you could get peplum pajamas! yes please! ]
[ the striped on is my favorite! ]
[ aren't these dresses so pretty? almost too lovely to hide away just for "brunch" wear... ]
September 27, 2010 ·
15 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings,vintage inspiration,vintage monday
· tags: 1940s, vintage inspiration
[ please click the image to view the sources for these lovely images! ]
Thank you all so, so much for your lovely feedback, ideas and advice (especially about fixing the ribbing!) on the sweater post the other day! I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the number of comments–you all are the best! I think I’m leaning towards the Christmas jumper, although the Owls one is calling my name too. The Stella blouse was another popular favorite, but I think since it has short sleeves, I’ll put it on my “to knit” list for later in the winter so I can knit something for early spring. Now just to order yarn… (yes, I’ve been spending probably too much of my weekend hunting around online for that!)
The new season has me thinking of ideas for how I’d like to spruce the ol’ blog up a bit. I’ve been steadily working on a new layout in fits and starts the last couple months (more stop than go lately; but that’s my own fault!), but I’m also thinking up some ways to streamline things and introduce new content. Namely to bring in a few topics that I don’t regularly write about, but am just as passionate for! Long time readers will probably already know that I have quite an interest in homemaking: cooking, baking, green living, and decorating. Kitchen-related creativity is my main area of interest; I cook nearly every day and am constantly trying all sorts of new things. So why not blog about it since it too falls into the area of “creativity”? After a bit of a think, a lot has to do with not allowing my blog to more fully encompass what I’m interested in–not just the slim slice of the “hobbies and interests” pie that it seems to serve up now. I’ve been working out a little schedule and I think Fridays will be the day that I post about these more household-related things. So hopefully no one will mind! I’m looking forward to not only sharing more of my interests, but also learning and exchanging tips and ideas with you–there is always room for improvement, imho! Don’t worry though–sewing, knitting and vintage fashion will still be the main focus–I’m just trying to create more of a balance for myself here instead of confining my writing to just one or two genres.
Whew! So after that long-winded explanation, here’s this week’s inspiration links (there are some goodies!):
- Sarai shared a great reason to have a roll of freezer paper handy in your sewing kit.
- This roundup of herbal remedies resources has piqued my interest again in this area!
- The light and ethereal sheer dresses of the 1930s from the FIDM collection.
- Lauren posted her list of top 10 favorite sewing tools.
- Lovely images of the Spring 2011 collection from Rachel Antonoff on Erin’s blog
- I’m loving this post of vintage inspiration on the Threads Magazine blog!
- I’m going to save this tasty treat for next summer!
Have a lovely remainder of the weekend!
September 26, 2010 ·
9 lovely thoughts
posted in casey's musings,links
· tags: weekly inspiration
