After the lovely response to the 30s inspiration post last week, I thought I’d share with you another peek into this little treasure. This time it’s a selection of those accessories that make a girl’s heart go pitter-patter: shoes, hats and handbags.
I love the “Robin Hood” style hat at the far top-right!
Aren’t the dance shoes at the bottom so gorgeous?
Overshoes seem like such a quaint accessory from the past, but sometimes I think they’d be quite handy!
Isn’t that Maple Leaf handbag such an interesting design?
What “accessory type” are you? Do hats make you swoon? Or are you constantly obsessing over shoes? Perhaps handbags are what steals your heart? I think I’m firmly in the shoe camp; although handbags are a close second. But given the choice between the two, shoes win out almost always. I’ve been whittling down my shoe collection over the past year and trying to replace them with better quality footwear that I really love. Of course, this doesn’t mean I’ve been completely immune to cheap pretties (though to be honest, these Forever 21 shoes are amazingly comfortable. Trust me, I’ve given them quite a test drive.).
weekly visual moodboard be sure to click on the image to view the lovely sources!
Hello, friends! How is your weekend going? Here in the US we’re enjoying a long, holiday weekend (and the unofficial kickoff to summer… although it’s been summer weather-wise here for nearly two months!). It’s been a long, tiring and upsetting week in my little corner of the world, so it’s been nice to kick back and really relax. What have you been up to?
I’d also like to mention a little guest post I contributed to Tilly’s blog this week! When Tilly asked me to write a post, I had a completely different idea (for a how-to, which was a complete disaster!) but ended up writing about planning your sewing projects. I just sat down and figured out what I’m anticipating I’d like to tackle on the sewing-front for late spring/early summer, and shared my methods. I’ve been using this particular approach for a bit now, but have found it especially helpful as I’m working to fill in some sparse areas in my closet. Do be sure to read the comments (and contribute ideas of your own, if you’d like!) with other ideas on how to keep track of and plan sewing; I love to hear how other sewers plot and plan. Lots to learn!
I have been needing a “Casey” umbrella for rainy days (snagging SH’s one ins’t doing it anymore), and I lovethis umbrella DIY!
Tasia has started a little series on how to make your own half slips; be sure to check out installment one & two.
Another fantastic, free pattern to download; this time a 50s shrug from Tanit-Isis!
I am coveting this beautiful Edwardian dress Lauren wore recently. Lucky girl!
Ever wonder how to get a perfectly smooth, raised waistband that resists crumpling when you sit down? Check out Gertie’s tutorial for how to add boning to a raised waistband.
In honor of the long weekend here in the US, I’ll probably take a break from Monday posting, but will be back Tuesday! Have a lovely rest-of-the weekend!
Am continuing my break from the domesticity posts I usually do on Fridays (truthfully, I haven’t felt very inclined to do anything brilliantly new in the kitchen lately…). But, I have another little video tutorial for you today! I warned you I’ve been feeling really inspired lately, hence the deluge of tutorials. This time it’s for a variation on the 40s headscarf look, and something I first saw in an illustration in one of my vintage magazines and in photos of women factory workers during WWII (hence the “working girl” title). The scarf almost acts as a snood in the end, and this tutorial also includes how I did the rolls in the front. Hope you enjoy!
I’m sure you’ve gotten sick and tired of seeing this belt pop up in outfit photos–I wear it so often! It’s a lucky find from an estate sale last year, and quickly became my go-to belt. I am a complete sucker for tailored bows anyway. The downside is, that it’s at least 45-50 years old, and starting to show it’s age. One of the holes has ripped and it was really on it’s last legs during the 30×30 challenge. But I couldn’t just loose one of my favorite belts! So I set out to recreate it—that’s right. I made another one. Not patent like the original (just because I couldn’t find a decent patent faux leather), but close enough. I also had enough foresight to document how I did it (mostly for my own reference), but thought I’d make it into a full-blown tutorial to share with you all.
1/4 yard lightweight (not too stiff) faux leather 60″ wide (or real leather, but keep in mind these directions refer to faux)
Sewing machine needles compatible with the leather
1” pronged belt buckle (I took mine from a thrifted belt)
Leather punch or awl
E6000 glue or similar heavy-duty adhesive
Paperclips
Scissors, ruler, black permanent marker (or a color close to your material)
It is nearly the end of May–has the month flown by for you too? But it’s not over quite yet–I have this last post of returning sponsors to welcome back and share some goodies with you all!
You probably already know that the 40s sailor playsuit I made last summer is a favorite of mine, but Wearing History has quite a few other summer-worthy patterns that would be sure to find a home in your sewing stash! She also stocks a delectable array of actual vintage pattens that are not worth missing!
Julia’s shop, Stelma Designs offers a wide variety of pretty little vintage goods. From floral wiggle dresses suited for a special event, to vintage pretties like slips and tap pants, she has quite a few treasures for you to unearth!
Wedding season has already started, which means that brides and ladies attending weddings will be looking for little bits and bobs to complete their outfits. That is where Paige’s shop, Little White Chapel comes in! She offers a delightful selection of jewelry and accessories for the budget-minded bride (or guest)–so many pretty things to choose from!
Have you been reading Her Five Year Diary? If you missed the sponsor spotlight on this website last month, you really must stop by and take a look! It’s the day-to-day diary of a lady in the early 1960s, and offers a neat peek into life in the past.
Going through Jill’s shop, Adelaide’s Attic is kind of like going to a candy store on a budget–it’s too hard to pick what to showcase! Suffice to say she is the go-to gal when it comes to delightful vintage frocks and accessories from the 20s through the 50s. Lots and lots to tempt even the strongest-willed vintage-aficionado!
