Walk Tall

"To make you and each garment you wear look twice as attractive, learn to stand and walk correctly"
(a repost from September 2009)

How To Put On A Bra

Do you know how to put on a bra? "Figure authority Henry Plehn" gives advice here from Cover Girl Fashions Magazine from 1947. ( How does one become a "Figure Authority"?).
Remember..."Each breast should point outward to the right and left".
(A repost from June, 2010)

Let's go to a party! Lovely Frocks from 1939

From McCall's Magazine, April 1939.
These were pretty then and pretty now. Don't you wish you had one?
(A repost from May 2009)

Paris Fashion Leaders Wear Big Spectacles - that they don't need! 1925

"The correct thing is to have the frame made in colors to match the the dress"
(a repost from March, 2009)

Harper's Bazaar 1944 - "Says the girl in the swallow-tail gown."

So much extra pleasure, luxury, distinction..." I just know they are talking about her gown, not her Marlboro.
(a re-post from November, 2010)

Sears, Roebuck and Co. Catalog from 1948 - Little Girls - Dresses, Coats and Jodpurs, Oh, My!!

These are sweet, but remember they all had to be ironed!
(A repost from July, 2010)

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.
(A repost from July, 2011)

Barbie has a bad day.

Barbie had a late night...and when she showed up for her modeling assignment there was some short twirp wearing nearly the same dress!
(a repost from 7/22/2009)

Then she was suppose to stand next to last seasons ruffles!

Then Blondie took WAY to long in the bathroom...

But the last straw was that Muu Muu she was expected to wear. Really?

Bella Hess Ladies Shoes from 1940

I am surprised how cool these are. Not a lot of color choices, but some exotic shapes. Which ones do you want in your closet?
(This is a repeat post from February 2009)

Stitch Ripper - Not Scissors - Does Not Cut! 1902

Stitch Ripper - Saves your fingers. "Money back if you want it." Good to know.

Fay Stockings - No Supporters, No Garters - 1902

Fay Stockings - Something New, Something Good "for women, boys and girls." "Perfection for babies".
And of course the "best non-poisonous dyes"!

Hat Bleach - 1902

"Easily applied and costs a trifle"

To the Heroines of America - 1943 Avon Cosmetics

"One of the modern American woman's contribution is her calm outward beauty which so eloquently expresses the courage and faith in her heart"
"Be Hostess To Loveliness"

Harper's Bazaar 1944 - Not A Bra!

Improves your appearance 100%!
(Another 'I'm on vacation reprint' reprint from November 2010)

Kestos Brassiere Vest -"...supplies the discreet restraint that every dancer needs." - 1932

"...the result would be perfection."
(This a repeat post from December 2009)

How To Make A Sock and other ideas from Brother-Knitter Home Study Course

This Brother Home Study Course is for their Knitting Machine. It's undated, but the illustrations tell the story. "Remember, your knitting machine is your slave and you are its master".
Here are some images for inspiration, get out your machine!

The Dolly Varden Gown - 1902

These are showing a revival of the Dolly Varden dress, a style that is named after the character in Charles Dicken's book Barnaby Rudge. These dresses were popular in the 1870's. There was quite a fad, the name shows up in songs, on stage and there is even a trout we still call a Dolly Varden.
Since this is from The Ladies' Home Journal dated 1902, these gowns were a look back. It's too bad these aren't in color since "The term Dolly Varden in dress is generally understood to mean a brightly patterned, usually flowered, dress with a polonaise overskirt gathered up and draped over a separate underskirt.".
These are designed by a Mrs. Ralston and illustrated by Thomas Mitchell Peirce, the same artist who did the bride on the cover.

Summer Hat's for Children - 1902

"Summer Hats for Children. Showing some of the newest shapes." More from the June 1902 issue of The Ladies' Home Journal, with styles for infants, little girls and even one for a "tiny boy". Imagine the work that went into making these, and the work of keeping them on a child's head!

The Midsummer Hat - 1902

Again we have some wonderful designs and illustrations by Katherine Vaughan Holden, this time hats with various shapes and trimmings all perfect for the heat of summer. I'm sure you have yours ready for stepping out!