For some inexplicable reason, everything I have been wanting to wear lately is summer-ish: light cotton embroidered dresses, open-toe sandals, big straw sunhats… Case in point: Sunday I wore one of my vintage, silk tops that is far too lightweight for this time of year (a sweater was employed by early evening when I couldn’t tough it out any longer!). Of course this little detail of weather and winter didn’t stop me from daydreaming about it and scanning a few images from 1948 of summertime fashion! It’ll be here before we know it! (Yes, I realize this is a complete turn-around from my longing for winter weather a couple months ago… lol.)
I love this pretty dress print and the blue shoes!
Lovely, classic, easy-wear outfits for warm weather. I also adore the hairstyles suggested in the sketches…
Skirt and blouse ensembles! My eye is really drawn to the top two skirts; bold prints are always fun.
The eyelet peplum blouse on the right is such a pretty look.
Another group of summer dresses! I love the variety of necklines; especially the scooped, collar neckline in the very center…
Swimsuits! Not sure what I think of the “bubble” bottoms on the center suit, but these sure are cute…
These shirred swimsuits are so cute–I love the prints you could purchase!
Any looks catching your eye? I’ll be back tomorrow with a fun tutorial to brighten up one of your winter wardrobe staples!
I LOVE the red dress in the top picture- so pretty. And the blue shoes and gloves with it just make it perfect. Gorgeous! I want the whole outfit (lol)!
Hey girl! i think i know what you mean about trying to bring the summer back by using fresh lighted clothes
i am kinda used to hear “is that not too fresh?” for me i always use my high waisted shorts on winter adding some nice warm leggings! I loved the prints with vintage bikinis ^.^ keep posting this treasures! greatings from Ghent 
***
Now Casey, this post is verging on unkind. (though I do not believe that is possible or likely for your lovely self.) However, as I look out my morning window and my sweet little birds feeding, while admiring about 10 inches of snow that has fallen in the last few days and hear that a few more are coming to visit, your summer posting is painful. Love the red dress. For those of us hibernating north of the Mason-Dixon line… any knitting news? Something warm and fuzzy? Socks, hats or scarves? (((smile))) Truth be told, All I am thinking is Spring/Summer…navy, white, pops of red, yellow, polka-dots and bows…………….
Oh dear!!! I’m such a bad person, I know… lol. How could I be so mean?! hehe! Rest assured, tomorrow I shall be posting something a bit more seasonal…
♥ Casey
I like the eyelet blouse!
‘He’ll love your fragile look’ *SNORT*
Nice blouse tho x
Old ad copy cracks me up sometimes… So funny! And yet, I dare say in 50+ years we’ll be looking back at our modern ads the same way… haha!
♥ Casey
I’m with you, Casey…ALL I can dream about lately is SUMMER fashion (vintage style, of course). Thank you for these images, by the way….they help me so much when trying to get my shop listings right (I find late 40s fashion tricky to date accurately some times, so finding images of similar frocks reassures me). ♡
I’m so glad you enjoyed this post, Jill!
Late 40s fashions can be tricky… The only way I’ve been able to figure things out is stare at pictures and fix certain characteristics of late 40s styles in my head that don’t show up in the early 50s!
♥ Casey
The peplum blouse is goooooorgeous. I have some broderie anglais that would suit perfectly. Love the looks in the Catalina ad too.
I wish I could wear hese looks, but sadly I’m the wrong shape totally!
Looking forward to the tutorial!
Portia
xxx
He’ll love your fragile look! I’m just going to think of that line of copy all day long. I sort of love the bubble bottoms dry, but cringe to think of the saggy diaper they would become once wet…
These are all so beautiful!! I am hating winter right now, especially after seeing these!
From Carys of La Ville Inconnue
I love it! I’m a warm weather girl 100%
I prefer cooler temps, but they tend to make me just want my jeans and a sweater. Summer time does lead me to skirts and dresses and that I’m looking forward too, just not 90 degrees and 95% humidity. Ugh!
The grass is always greener on the other side, right? Lol! I’m usually the other way around, though, a few months late with my sewing. Almost like it takes a while for me to realise what my wardrobe lacks for the current season =)
The white piqué dress is very cute, love the scalloped neckline! Hmm, maybe an idea for that linen dress I’ve planned as spring-sewing. Haven’t been able to decide on the shape of the neckline…
Cheers!
Gorgeous! I spend most of the year yearning for summer weather (including most of the “summer” months – this is Britain!) – and I make a point never to complain about it when it finally does come (unlike many of my compatriots). Only another three or four months to go before it’s back… *sigh*
xx Charlotte
Tuppence Ha’penny Vintage
What a lovely post as it’s forecasted sleet the next two days. I understand, I picked up some light homespun a few days ago to make something a fluff project–something quick, easy, and romantic–but know I won’t be able to wear it for months! I adore the eyelet blouse with the peplum. I really have to start on building more separates. Lovely post!
Casey,
Yes, this is the time of year when thoughts of spring begin to creep into our minds. For those of us in the north, we still have a few months left of cold. One of my favorite things to do in February to escape the chill is to go to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. I know, you’re thinking “A botanical garden? In the middle of winter?” The St. Louis botanical gardens boast a wonderful set of climatrons that simulate tropical and mediterranean climates. It’s a wonderful little break to be able to peel off a few layers and bask in the moist warmth. Plus, there’s all kinds of lovely exotic plants, fish, and birds to see. Last time I was there, there was a Chihuly installation in the tropical climate. His brilliantly colored, graceful glass sculptures looked very at home amongst the lush foliage.
Happy Winter!
Christine
I think that is a lovely diversion from wintertime! I’ve never been to a botanical garden, but really must at some point… Every time I hear about them it sounds heavenly!
♥ Casey
I live in Nevada where the weather is pretty much unpredictable and this week we are supposed to get all the way into the high 60s. I couldn’t help myself but wear a bright pink floral dress yesterday! Love your post!
I’m with everyone…i CAN’T wait for the warm weather! We’re getting another winter storm here in Jersey tomorrow and hopefully it will be the last one =)
OOh – what beautiful vintage eye candy!! Was out navigating the snow today and wishing for spring!
I did a post today on your sew along and your button is up – thanks again for your advice on my fabric choices!
The red dress is a definite winner … but why does it look fabulous on the vintage ads and not when it’s in your hand or on a bolt/piece that is for sale? *must write mother* ha! (this goes for most vintage printed or floral fabrics, especially to my eye. lol)
Love the first swimsuit picture, they’re awesome, maybe I need to make one myself this year, maybe I’ll try.
I can totally understand your cravings for summer. I don’t even have different wardrobes for summer and winter, I just do layering and now in january as it’s currently 12 degree celsius, I actually been outside without tights. But don’t envy me, on friday it’s said to snow again and although I love winter, I think it will feel twice as cold then, because it’s been so warm already.
Good spot on the marketing gumf there by Ms Dreadful (he’ll love your fragile look). I love the cut of dresses of that era but can so do without the marketing. I’m glad we’ve moved on even if our frocks aren’t as nice any more!!
I also didn’t realise there were two piece swim suits as early as 48.
Sometimes those old ad titles crack me up… But I dare say in 50+ years people will be looking back at our modern ads and saying something similar! lol. Every era has it’s little things that always strike later generations as quaint or bad taste. I’m kind of curious to see what will be considered funny to my grandchildren’s generation (but maybe I’m just odd like that in wondering about the viewpoint of future generations towards contemporary society… lol!).
Oh yes–two piece swimsuits were definitely gaining popularity in the 40s! I did a series of posts last year on swimsuits:
http://elegantmusings.com/2010/07/vintage-swimsuits-esther-williams/
http://elegantmusings.com/2010/07/vintage-swimsuit-style-the-one-piece/
http://elegantmusings.com/2010/06/more-vintage-swimsuit-style/
http://elegantmusings.com/2010/04/swimwear_1940s_style/
♥ Casey
Love your site, I indicate it on my blog with all my love. hug and success always!
Isn’t it funny how we get sick of the seasons?
I’m definitely a winter/autumn girl though – Yes I do get cravings for warm days and stockingless-legs in the depths of winter, but it’s currently January and barely into summer here in Australia, we’re experiencing a “cold snap” (22 degrees centigrade today) and yet I’m already wishing it was winter already.
Being Melbourne as it is, you can never really predict what the weather will be like over the next season. Sometimes winter will be long, cold and dry. We don’t get snow outside of the mountains so that’s a sort of bonus but we get some extreme heat here in summer – New Years Eve was 40C!
So all the pretty dresses I plan for summer – if they have wider straps than spaghetti and aren’t low cut at back and front then it can get so uncomfortable. Most vintage wasn’t designed for 40C!
I really do like that red dress. Very elegant.
I’ve been feeling the same way lately–I want it to be chilly during the holidays, but after they are over I’m ready for the spring weather! Love the swimsuits you posted, and that eyelet blouse is divine!
Thank-you for this!! I’ve been feeling so uninspired for the summer here but I think this may reinspire me. =]
-Andi x
I love reading your blog and think that you’re impeccable so I’ve nominated you for a Stylish Blogger Award!
Head over to my blog for more details.
Kisses,
Nikita B…
I’ve been dreaming of spring myself, and looking at all these cute dresses just didn’t help… I loved the skirt and blouse ensembles… Soo cute… I’ll be pregnant this summer though, so none of these looks for me :0/ lol!!
I’m afraid that swimsuit with the gathered gingham bubble-bottom was never going to be a good look on anyone. Ouch. Other than that, I give it all the thumbs-up!
I’m waiting for this to arrive in the mail. It’s 1970′s, but that red version makes me wish for warm, sunny, days forever.
Playsuits! A friend and I are going to try and draft our own pattern for a playsuit, technically it will be a swimsuit, and sew it up for our current sewing class! I am very excited.
wow I love these! Those two top skirts in the one shot are really pretty so I can see why you would be so drawn to them! If I were into two-piece suits (which I’m a one piece person) i’d love one like what is shown here because they cover the belly button which means my pregnancy stretch marks would be well covered. yey! haha. I wonder if that was part of why they did that at times. . granted I know that piece of the belly is alluring anyway, but just a thought i’ve had since having children.
Love the halter in the second ad. I’m with you in longing for warmer weather!
Thanks for the spontaneous summer post, being in Australia is was very appropriate for me! I’m in LOVE with those swimsuits, particularly the polka dots – i do belive you have just set my creative cogs a whirring – thanks casey x
Vintage is a way of life.. I’m loving your blog
Ooh I just love everything here! The swimsuits in particular are fab, love the ruffle bottomed one
Thank you so much for sharing these! I’m in love with the red dress up top, the “sun worshipper” dress and that polka dot bikini. And the line “He’ll love your fragile look”. I’ve never tried sewing with eyelet, I might have to pick some up and give it a go! The thrid set of pictures reminds me of the Southwest, I can see them in reds, blues, with touches of silver!