Hello, friends! My sincere apologies for dropping off the face of the internet, but things just got too hectic around here. (I seem to say that a lot anymore, don’t I? lol. Since moving, life seems to keep going through these spurts of intense activity and packed schedules!) Namely: little Maverick had surgery, we had family visiting over the Fourth of July holiday, and SH took a few days of leave that both of us desperately needed. Thanks for sticking around through these little, impromptu breaks I take occasionally!
Now on to a little Monday morning inspiration! I’ve got some lovely images from the mid 1940s that I scrounged up; a few might look familiar to long-time readers (but I think were worth resharing!). For the past couple weeks I keep going between obsessing over 1940s style (sailor style shorts and plaid tops, scarves around my head and bright red lipstick!) and early 60s looks (bouffant hairstyles and bouncy sundresses). I have precious little inspiration pieces from the early 60s, which is probably why I keep returning to the 40s (it happens to be my favorite anyway!). hehe! Enjoy!
Aside from this being a really cut dress (stripes! pinafore style!), I also love that it was sold at Hecht’s. Anyone who grew up in the mid-Atlantic region probably remembers the Hecht department stores.
Aren’t those shoulders crazy?! hehe! Not so keen on the shoulder (or the ruffled hip yoke…), but I love the print. Those loopy, abstract florals were quite popular in the 40s, though a bit difficult to find today. I love how informal and not overly-sweet these sort of floral prints tend to be.
Aren’t these two dresses just too cute (and perfect for afternoon tea)? I love the windowpane plaid dress on the left; though the scooped neckline and self-fabric sash on the right dress is pretty too!
I think I may have posted this one ages ago, but it’s honestly a favorite of mine! I love the piped sleeves–I’m sure it’d be quite fussy to do, but is such a neat detail…
Funtogs! (Don’t you just love those terms they came up with in the 40s?) I do love me a good, 1940s trousers outfit–and these light colored ones (I’m assuming white?) on the left are drool-worthy! I’m also intrigued by the skirt that supposedly “repleats itself” when folded… Must have been some permanent press technique?
With temperatures soring near or above 100°F lately, stylish mesh shoes sound like a good idea to me! I’ll take a pair in each color. The $5.50 price tag from the mid 1940s translates to just under $68 in today’s dollars–not too bad! If only one could find shoes like this now… (The only modern mesh shoes I’ve seen are pretty icky, imho!)
Any details inspiring you in these pictures?
I am a little bit in love with that Russian dancers print fabric. Gah! Amazing.
I remember Hecht’s! We probably had one of the very few Hecht’s in PA- since most were Strawbridges. I think it was one of the non-national places I was recounting for DH when we were comparing childhoods (like Boscovs or Bon-Ton.)
I have a pair of partial mesh shoes (Aris Allen), and they’re not that comfortable. I found they tend to rub something awful but they are a tad bit cooler.
I live in a small town that was booming in mid-century – I find the most precious things just tossed away to thrift stores – one of my favorite finds recently were spring green mesh heels, like the ones mentioned above: https://www.etsy.com/transaction/95424420 (aren’t they adorable?!) I found your site googling 40s-inspired shoes, by the way; so glad! I added it to my favorites – you have a great eye, and a very informative website. Thank you for writiing!
Sara
Well the last Hecht’s here only disappeared about 5 years ago when Macy’s took it over!
).
Lets see. I love the pinafore dress- I have been admiring these ever since I saw Tasha’s one!
The windowpane check is a print I have been after finding, ever since I saw a dress on The Twilight Zone in a similar pattern (think 50′s shirtwaist and you’ll see it
Everyone keeps talking about the repro Simplicty trouser pattern, so I have been wanting to make a nice linen pair of trousers in it- and in my mind they look a lot like the trousers you posted
As for the shoes… whew, I am just glad those triple digits are gone now (I hope). Although I would happily wear these
I love 40′s very much! Thank you
I got some Michael Kors mesh shoes that were adorable, but the mesh couldn’t handle the stress of being worn, and it split open in multiple places across the toes where the foot bends when naturally moving. so disappointing. cause they were really awesome for about 2-3 weeks of constant wear.
I love 40′s fashion and always enjoy your posts Casey! Thank you
Can’t say I’ve ever seen mesh shoes before! But if I saw some as cute as those, you know I’d snap them up. I love those trousers too. I really need to get on the ball and sew some up, I know fall/winter will sneak up on me!
We’re style twins, what you’ve been wearing lately is pretty much the same sorts of things I’ve been wearing! Miss you!
I don’t think there’s a single detail in these terrific images that isn’t inspiring me, but I find myself especially drawn to the ruffled sleeves on some of the dresses. I was watching a 1940s summer dress with just such sleeves for about three weeks on etsy, trying to save up for it. Murphy’s Law of course, the very day I had enough, I found out it sold the evening before. Oh well, such is life and there’s bound to be another one out there like that waiting for me someplace.
Wishing your darling pup a speedy recovery, and you a beautiful, relaxing week ahead, dear Casey.
♥ Jessica
I do find the mid 40s a slightly odd period for fashion – so much shoulder, paired with slim skirts seems to make a slightly unbalanced silhouette. But once you get past that and focus on the details like that piped sleeve, or the prints, or mesh peeptoe shoes (yes please!).
Anyway, glad you (and Maverick) are okay, and I think it’s pretty acceptable to take unscheduled breaks every so often (I do it often enough haha!).
xx Charlotte
Tuppence Ha’penny Vintage
I think the second picture from the top is quite inspiring – those gorgeous ruffles look unique in that they are double-layered ruffles (folded in half with the raw ends gathered into the sleeve cap), but they are also somewhat pleated. It’s a unique take of ruffles you don’t often see much today.
Thanks for sharing these!
Happy sewing,
Katrina
Beautiful pictures! The 1940s are my favorite era of all time! Lately I’ve been obsessing over floral hair clips of the time, especially after seeing all of Veda’s in the movie Mildred Pierce (even though she was a total brat lol). Thanks for sharing all the inspiration!!
xoxo
Cassidy
Love the last resort outfits….I would definitely wear those.
Hope little Maverick is ok. Wishing you a speedy recovery pup! Hugs
Man o man that so sweet! This is on my list as for a must try!
Love the pictures. Love the Russian print and the window pane plaid.
Sounds like you have been happily busy doing some fun things.
We were in VA last weekend amazing how much cooler it is than here and the grass was still green.
Where DO you locate these oool images? Love visiting here, Ms. Casey.
I love the resort pant look and the juniorette ad!