Ah… Downton Abbey… Here in the US we just finished season three, and what a season! I’m still not sure how I feel about the turn of events throughout the season; especially the final one (I shan’t spoil it for you if you haven’t caught up on things!). But let’s talk about something on a lighter note, shall we? One of the appeals of the show is the gorgeous clothing. While I adored the elegant styles of the 1910s, the early 20s is one of my favorite periods in fashion history (after the 40s and 50s that is!). The styles were such a radical departure from previous eras, but still maintained much of that feminine charm in detail and trim. I wanted to share some of my favorite scans that I’ve shared previously here, just in celebration (or mourning…) of the end of season 3 of Downton!
Thank you for all the sweet inquiries of late about mine and the baby’s health! We’ve both been getting excellent reports when I’ve been to see my midwife, and I’m now 36 weeks along (nearly full term!), which means the end is near. SH is going to help with the last of the nursery set-up (I can’t reach to hang pictures quite as well as I used to… lol.), and then I’m hoping to get some decent snapshots to share with you in the next week or two. Let’s just say there is a lot of vintage influence (surprise!) in the space, loads of vintage floral prints, and soft colors. Heck, I want to live in there! hehe.
Have a lovely weekend!
P.S. I’ve posted some lovely 1920s inspiration previously that you might want to take a peek at!
February 22, 2013 ·
22 lovely thoughts
posted in vintage inspiration
· tags: 1920s, vintage inspiration
I have a little treat for you today! I was digging through some of my vintage patterns recently (we’re reorganizing all of my sewing stuff to make way for Miss Blueberry’s nursery!), and discovered a pattern design sheet tucked inside an early 1930s Pictorial Review apron pattern. I’ve had this pattern for at least ten years; I’m not sure how I missed it until now! But the designs were so darling, so I scanned them to share with you!
I really love the draped and tied neckline of #6001! Such an interesting feature and I’m sure wouldn’t be hard to do… The funny little sleeves on #5887 are another favorite.
Do I even need to say I’m quite smitten with the little girl’s dress patterns?! I’ve been hunting around for suitable 1920s and 30s children’s patterns lately in the hopes I can make something suitably vintage for Miss Blueberry next year!
I hope you enjoyed these! I shall be back Thursday with some knitting to show off–including a few things I finished months ago and have neglected photographing… Oops!
December 4, 2012 ·
18 lovely thoughts
posted in vintage inspiration
· tags: 1930s, vintage inspiration
Allow me to share one of perhaps my best thrift finds ever: a 1942 booklet of Hedy Lamarr paper dolls! I ran across this gem recently, and was floored that it was even in the thrift store (how many people donate these rather than throw them away, sadly?)–and better yet it was discount day! I love vintage paper dolls from the 1940s, and have a tiny collection going. There is something so darling about all their little technicolor, idealized paper fashions! I thought I’d share some snapshots of the inside pages because there is lots of beautiful, early 1940s eye candy! (Be sure to click for larger versions.)
Yummy fashions, no? I think I am particular in love with the casual outfits–and the colors! I’ll take one of each in my closet, please (though maybe after I get through this pregnancy… lol.)!
My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are in the coastal areas of New England, battling the after-effects of the hurricane! It skirted by us as it went up the coast, with comparatively little disruption, but still dumped a load of rain (the roads flooded here, as they always do!) on us along with strong winds. Seeing the pictures and video coming out of the New England area is heart breaking, and my hope is that everyone stay safe and authorities continue to work to get aid and clean up to the affected areas soon. Stay safe, everyone!
November 2, 2012 ·
33 lovely thoughts
posted in vintage inspiration
· tags: 1940s, vintage inspiration
Thank you everyone so, so much for all the warm congratulations to SH and I on Monday’s post! I cannot begin to say how these brightened my day–I think I looked like a Cheshire Cat for the last couple days. I can’t wait to share more of this journey with you–and beyond pregnancy too. I think having a small one around here is going to inspire me in so many ways I haven’t even thought of before. (Not to mention all the cute things I can make it! And planning birthday parties… I’m really, really excited about those! hehe.) I’d also like to say congratulations to all the mamas-to-be who posted as well!
I could have sworn I posted these previously; and perhaps I did back in the hazy, early days of the blog (or even a couple years ago). So if a couple of these images are repeats, please forgive me–but I think they’re worth posting again!
Every so often I become completely smitten with the 1920s–particularly the early 20s (which has more of a romantic, soft air than the latter half of the decade). It’s the details I think that get me. So many inventive pocket shapes, trims, fantastic fabric colors, soft ruffles… I start to fill the pages of my inspiration notebook with little sketches of these details that I glean from all over. I hope you’ll enjoy these inspirations. I’m not entirely sure of the year they date from (I purchased them as loose pages), but I’m guessing somewhere between 1919 and 1924. Be inspired!
September 12, 2012 ·
36 lovely thoughts
posted in vintage inspiration
· tags: 1920s, vintage inspiration
I never can quite keep from going a little weak in the knees when I page through my 1940s magazines and spot the shoes. The cute wedges, glamorous high heels–even the more humble saddle shoe–make me sigh and pause, take a moment to wish they could magically appear in my closet. Lately I’ve been saving some of my pennies for a new pair of Remix wedges for this summer (preferably these in red!), and since I’ve been feeling a bit shoe-mad lately thought I’d share some favorite images from the mid 40s of delectable footwear. Too bad we just can’t buy these now…
Be sure to click on the image to see the full size and read the delightfully fun copy about these shoes (and how they’ll make your ankles look so dainty! hehe!). I do love this style though–especially the sling back silhouette.
These “pin-up” shoes are so cute! (Be sure to view it large to see the style names!) Not to mention the illustrated co-eds sure are wearing some cute outfits… (I’ll take the one with the yellow jacket, please!)
Bunny fur-covered (not trimmed!) slippers? Oh my… (But, they were ration free!)
As much as I love highly impractical shoes (they’re pretty, what can I say?), the thing that I do love about the 1940s is the marriage of form and function. Shoes had to be practical and last. I really love the “Camilla”–cute! “Pep” reminds me a bit of Remix Vintage’s Greta wedge…
On a similar note as above: it’s interesting how shoe ads from this era were so often focused on how affordable, comfortable and long-wearing their shoes were. Shoes that last seems to be something we’ve lost in this day and age with the rise of fast fashion.
Hope you’re having a lovely Monday, friends!
June 25, 2012 ·
25 lovely thoughts
posted in vintage inspiration
· tags: 1940s, vintage inspiration
