I scanned these a couple months ago, but never shared them since it seemed a little silly at the time to be posting distinctly cool-weather clothing while it was nearly 100 degrees outside! But I think perhaps since many of us are starting to think about fall (maybe even notice the temperatures are starting to cool just a bit?), it wouldn’t be so incongruous now! (Though still a bit out of step with what is going on outside…) These images are from the 1936/37 catalog that I’ve shared previously here and here.

As seems to be a trend for me every summer, I’ve been obsessing over 1930s movies. Netflix was making some obscure little gems available over instant stream earlier in the season, which has made me quite happy. Plus the couple of 30s movie box sets I got last Christmas have been keeping me company. This ultimately means that the clothes are really what is catching my eye! The silhouette of the 30s—long, lean and narrow-hipped—isn’t that flattering on me, but that doesn’t stop me. At least I can wear (and knit!) the cute sweaters and cardigans from that decade… (Be sure to click on each image for the full-size view—lots of details not to be missed!)

I love the dainty little collars that 30s knitwear often sported. The contrasting button placket on the left, center sweater is a nice touch; as is the oversized row of buttons on the top right.

More sweaters! Isn’t the football sweater a hoot? I can see something like that in one of those adorable late 30s collegiate films… I really like the sweater blouses at the top too–especially the boat neck version.

Gift Problems Solved! (Yes, if anyone wants to give me a blouse like these, your gift problems will be no more!) Really loving the shirring detail on the top two blouses.

Those silk pongee pajamas at the top-left would only be $15.56 today according to my inflation calculator. Of course, in this day and age, such cheap fashion would call into question the manufacturing ethics and materials sources (rightfully so)… But still, not sure if I could make silk pajamas for that!

These may be girl’s clothes, but I’ll take one of each please! I really love the unusual collar shape on the top-left suit, and the scallops on the back and sleeves of the “Swingimer” coat.

Since last year I have been rather obsessed with the idea of making a clear raincoat in the style of the late 30s. This cape is pretty spiff for rainwear style, if you ask me!

Any details jumping out at you, friends?

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.).

I’m not sure how I haven’t fully shared this before—I could have sworn I did, but perhaps it was so long ago and is so buried in the archives that it’s worth sharing again. This 1936-37 catalog is a amazing treasure I found in a thrift store in Virginia years ago (probably 4 or 5)—a complete fluke since I have not found anything quite like this since. I rediscovered it the other day between some other old catalogs I have in storage, and just knew I had to start sharing the treasures within! They’ll be a few more posts like this since there are many pages of inspiration and adorable styles from the mid 30s that you’ll enjoy.

I am especially smitten with the pockets (of course!) and use of applied/passementrie trim. So many interesting ideas to cull for future sewing projects!

Good morning! Thank you for the get-well wishes after yesterday’s post. I am thankfully feeling a bit more like my old self today. I took Tilly’s advice to take a day “off” and just invest in my health. I am so bad about not knowing when to relax–but I tried yesterday! Although I will admit that I did several small projects that had been on my mind for a bit… including making three headbands! But more about that later this week…

One of the first vintage patterns I bought years ago on Ebay. I still haven’t made it though… Yikes!

I thought, rather than the usual magazine/catalog scans today, I’d show you a few vintage sewing patterns. I’ve been slowly scanning all my vintage patterns so I can look through the stash without having to go pull the boxes. So what better excuse than to share a handful of my favorites with you? I do not have a very large collection of vintage patterns, and I’ve been collecting since I was 18. While I have two boxes of them, they’re rather small and just filled with pretty patterns that have caught my eye over the past 7 years and picked up as I can afford them! Hope you’ll enjoy taking a peek at my collection… (This is mostly the mid 30s through 40s patterns.)

A beautiful and trimly cut 40s suit pattern that a lovely reader sent to me recently. I just adore the frog closures up the front!

A recent Ebay win. I have been hunting for this pattern for a bit, not because it’s hard to find, but rather because it’s similar to the Claire McCardell “pop over” design!

Loving the sailor-style version at the top! Princess seam styles are always so flattering–and versatile too. Seeing this in a pretty cotton or linen for the summer.

I love the embroidery on this vintage slip and tap pants pattern. I’m itching to try to make one or the other, but need to brush up on my embroidery skills first!

Another of my first vintage pattern acquisitions. I made view 2 up years ago and it’s still my favorite apron to wear! Though it is in dire need of a replacement…

Isn’t this design fantastic? I am seriously hunting down some coordinating fabrics to make this for the spring… it just looks so comfortable and classic.

This was an Etsy find last spring. I love smock styles from the 30s–and the idea that the pattern can also work as a dress. So cute!

If you’re curious about collecting vintage patterns, preserving and using them, I wrote a post last year on the topic that is worth checking out.

[ sources: 1940 Marie Claire, Shorpy, unknown, Reclining Beauty, Solanah's Grandmother. ]

Today is the last day of summer–autumn is just around the corner! Are you lucky enough to have some fall weather today? I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again, fall is my favorite season–not just for the weather (which I adore) but also the fashion possibilities. This year I’ve been trying to be a bit more organized about my wardrobe inspiration–if nothing else create a visual compilation of the ideas that have been floating around in my head. (Handy for when I get in a style rut halfway through fall to come back and revisit!) This season I’m feeling decidedly contradictory. The first look I’m envisioning is 30s/40s inspired sportswear ensembles with cozy sweaters and straight-leg trousers, tailored blazers (I’ve got a couple hiding in the closet from my thrift-store “blazer craze” three years ago!) over little flowy 40s dresses, and saddle shoes (I’m hoping a pair of these will be under the Christmas tree this year!). Kind of effortless chic and definitely more suitable for days I just pile my hair up haphazardly and dash out on some adventure–not really taking the time to be terribly lady-like. So maybe this season is just the “many moods of Casey” trying to mesh somehow? Now if only the thrift stores would be kind and allow me to find some of the things on my fall wardrobe wishlist…

[ Harvest, Modern Teddy Girl, unknown, 1946, Dubarry 2210, 1940s Knitting Group. ]

Now for some of the more overtly feminine inspirations this season! I’m excited about the idea of little fitted sheath dresses, perhaps glamming up a cardigan with a sequin initial, and some high heels with closed toes (silly to be excited about, but I hardly wear anything that isn’t a sandal during the summer!). Very bombshell, 1950s-influenced, and a little high-maintenance (but not too much so!) How is that for exact opposite of my first inspiration? The idea of a short cape is very appealing too (I know–that was all over the place last winter. What can I say? I’m always a bit behind the curve with “trends”. rofl.) Lots of ideas of things to thrift or possibly add to my sewing wishlist!

[ 50s Sweater Girl, Clothes, Cameras & Coffee, Briget Bardot, Bramblewood Fashion. ]

[ Advance 8373, 1949 Cardigan, Elizabeth Taylor, 40s photo by Nina Leen. ]

[ Sequin Accessories, Capelet, Kim Novak, Marilyn Monroe. ]

What styles and looks are inspiring you for the new season?