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
As the halfway point of this pregnancy draws closer and closer (how did it sneak up on me like this?! lol.), I’ve been finding myself musing over teeny tiny clothes for the Blueberry. Hopefully, we’ll find out soon what the baby’s gender is, so I can really get started on planning a cute wardrobe! I have a real weakness for baby and toddler clothes from the 1920s through 40s, and these pages show some really adorable pieces I’d love to have in the nursery’s dresser drawers. Gingham! Rompers! Cute little sunbonnets! What’s not to love? I’ve decided, no matter what the Blueberry is (meaning boy or girl!) I need to make some little shorts overalls like the ones on the bottom of the last page for next summer. I suspect if this baby is anything like SH and I, it’ll be a scooter and have the proverbial “ants in it’s pants” even at an early age… 
P.S. Thank you for the words of concern and good health for my mom in the previous post. She has been so touched and heartened by reading those!
October 23, 2012 ·
24 lovely thoughts
posted in baby diary
· tags: 1940s, baby diary, vintage inspiration
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?
July 9, 2012 ·
16 lovely thoughts
posted in inspiration
· tags: 1940s, 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
Somehow, some way, I finally finished the 1940s playsuit I’ve been working on for the past three weeks! I think it’s safe to say that the days of knocking out projects quickly are over for me. But in a way, that’s proved useful for me: I’ve had to slow down and become more patient with myself (nothing is more frustrating than to spend a precious hour on sewing, only to have to rip it all out again!) and the process. After tinkering on this set, I am so excited it’s done! Pictures of me modeling the pieces will follow shortly. But until now, the trusty dressform will suffice!
On the topic of 1940s playsuits (also known as sunsuits): I have decided this summer is The Summer of the Playsuit for me. I already have my sailor playsuit, this one, and possibly another in the works! They are just so darn comfortable for the hot days ahead, and I love breaking up the pieces and coming up with new outfits! I thought I’d share some of my favorite vintage playsuit inspiration with y’all!
images: McCall 5650 on Etsy | Ann Rutherford | Simplicity 1710 on VPW | Dorothy Lamour.
images: Simplicity 3380 on VPW | Hollywood 1135 on Etsy | 40s playsuit on Etsy | Ann Sheridan.
images: 40s novelty playsuit on Etsy | Butterick 3756 on VPW | Simplicity 1621 on VPW | Deanna Durbin.
So what is your opinion? Playsuits: yay or nay?
June 18, 2012 ·
54 lovely thoughts
posted in sewing,vintage inspiration
· tags: 1940s, sewing, spring-summer
