Machine Decoration is Quick, Easy, and Fun To Make Money, Save Money - 1952

As I suspected this was a Necchi production...the lovely Mary Beth scanned her copy and shared the introduction pages. This book features the "Necchi Custom DeLuxe (Model BU)", but the tricks and treatments shown work with any machine...but I'm sure the Necchi did it all better!

Monograms and Glamour to Suit Your Taste - 1952

More grand ideas from Modern Home Sewing. I want those tulip curtains!

Elegance, Contrast, and an "Expensive Look" from 1952!

More from 'Modern Home Sewing'. Lots of good ideas and inspiration here...try something new/old!

Modern Home Sewing - 1952 - Drucella Lowrie and Sylvia Magar

This 1952 book is a little odd. It actually is two books in one, Modern Home Sewing is the cover title, but it's made up of Modern Machine Sewing by Drucella Lowrie and part two, A Complete Guide to Home Sewing by Sylvia K. Mager. My copy is missing a few front pages of Drucella's section so I am guessing a bit, but since Necchi Sewing machines are featured throughout I think they may have put these two authors together. In any case it was a great idea, this little paperback book has tons of great stuff for us to see, stick around.

Young German Lady - Sixteenth Century

"Young German Lady - Sixteenth Century - From a Sketch by J. B. Wehle" - from Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly from 1886
Isn't she lovely? And look at all the details of her outfit. Beautiful.

Realities Magazine -1956 - Chanel Fashion

Dancing Numbers - Four summer evening dresses from the Chanel Collection

Chanel No. 1
A stream of silver paillettes circles the long torsoed bodice and forms cascades along either side and down the front of the skirt in this strapless gown of filmy white tulle.

Chanel No. 2
Spanish influence is felt in this dancing dress: the bodice in black taffeta continues below the waist with a small bow in the back: a provocative turn is given to the sumptuous triple-tiered lace skirt.

Chanel No. 3
A dinner dress of Grecian simplicity in black chiffon: two skirt panels forming an inverted V begin just above the waist; while the stole, attached in a V, is flung over the shoulders.

Chanel No. 4
A summer dress of silk net, heavily embroidered with rhinestone and pearl-studded flowers. The low waistline is marked by a satin bow. Frills trim the bodice and organdy stole.

And I guess we all know what Chanel No. 5 looks like...

Jean Harlow - 1934

Just couldn't leave this magazine without showing you this close up of one of the great screen beauties. Wow.
Did you know she died at age 26?

Eleanor Holm and her Gantner Banda-Wikies Swimsuit!

"Eleanor Holm, stage and screen star, recognized All American Girl, for amazing accomplishments, charm and beauty . . . selects her swim suit for glamour and smart swim freedom.
Photographed, in Gantner Banda-WIKIES with high slim WIKIES trunks, silver buttons, rope-and-anchor belt, and adjustable beautifully knit striped bandana that bares her back to the sun."

Mae West in "It Ain't No Sin" - 1934

Doesn't this dress just suit her so well? "It Ain't No Sin" was the working title for the movie that became "Belle of the Nineties", due to censor problems. (Check the link to find out about the parrots!)

Fay Wray's Autographed Patterns - 1934

These gowns, while fabulous are also a bit of a mystery. Were they under the Hollywood brand? Or Style? I can't find these particular patterns anywhere else, so they may just be out there under vast "Mail Order" categories. But if Screen Play magazine was putting out a line of autographed patterns with movie star photos I sure want to know more! Any ideas?

Why Jean! How did you get so thin? The Perfolastic Girdle

"...specially designed to wear next to the body."

Tricky Undies for the New Silhouette - 1933

"Think of the time you have so often wasted trying to buy a slip and pantie that match. You can make this darling set in a single morning."

De Wans Special Facial Hair Remover - 1934

"...leaving your skin a thrill to see...a greater thrill to touch!"

Butterick - It's Easy To Decorate - Aprons, Skirts, Blouses, Children's Wear

"A splash of tape here, some rick rack there..."!

Butterick - Sewing for Children is Fun!

This Butterick pamphlet is from about 1956 and shows standard measurements from that era and some swell outfits "for the hopscotch set"!

Butterick - Know The Right Fabric For Every Occasion

More great advice from this pamphlet suggesting the correct fabrics for every outfit!

Butterick Facts About Figures - "What Does This Dress Do For You?"

"If you are average, wear what you like."
Otherwise here's some mid-fifties rules for clothes and how to choose a neckline that will "flatter the contours of your face."

Our Flag - 1928

McCall's Magazine - 1964- Hail the Pale Look

"The fashion picture this spring is painted in the prettiest and palest of watercolor shades, serenely soft-spoken pastels appropriately interpreted in lovely ladylike costumes. Look for deep-textured fabrics, effortless lines, and many delightful details derived from Chanel."

"Pale aqua, a subtle admixture of blue-and-green checked wool in a beautifully slender reefer-and-skirt costume. The coat has a casual elegance, with lion-head brass buttons reminiscent of Chanel, a notched collar faced in sage-green silk. About $110. Victor Joris for Cuddlecoat."

"Faint lilac, a shade delicate as perfumed spring air, in a superbly detailed wool-tweed coat. Note the pocket flaps slightly curved, a half belt joined with a Chanel-like chain. About $60. Faye Wagner for Dani Jrs. We show it accessorized with a lilac silk snood."

"Seafoam green, a frothy mixture of green, blue, and white, in a chenille like blend of wool and cotton. The suit jacket, in the Chanel tradition, is braid-trimmed and brass-buttoned; and the blouse is in this season's important new soft crepe. About $90. Stephan for Briarbrook."

"Powder blue, in a deceptively fragile-looking white-flecked tweed with the delicacy and porousness of lace. The suit jacket has a mere suggestion of a stand-up collar and giant ball buttons; the eased skirt has two slash pockets at the hip line. About $100. Junior Sophisticates."

"Clear-sky blue, in a bold plaid on white, is fashioned into a dashing and dramatic cape costume. The cape, cut to full street length, has a big stand-up collar and fastens in front with outsize tabs of the same fabric. The matching skirt beneath is slim but easy. About $85. Modelia. The tasseled hat, by Adolfo."

"Not quite white, but a rich creamy color, in an elegantly fluid afternoon dress, with a gently lowered waistline accented with heavy welt seaming, a high, cuffed neckline, and raglan sleeves. In lightweight textured wool. About $40. Stephan Ltd. Headline news: The big brim is back; ours is by Halston."

"Faint blush of pink, a marvelously muted shade in a delicate-looking three-piece costume. The jacket of lightweight tweed has accents of quilted pink silk inset in the collar, revers, and pocket flaps. The matching pink silk blouse is collarless. About $60. Frank Adams for Junior Accent."