The End of Everything - Including Unicorns.

It's true. Everything comes to an end.

A Gibson Girl Christmas Message - 1910

From her....and me. I wish you all good things,Merry Christmas!

Ravishing Runarounds for that Well-Heeled Look

The Ladies who shopped thru the 1960 Floride Fashions catalog had a chance to order these "Ravishing Runarounds for that Well-Heeled Look". And while those Sawtooth Sensations might get all the attention, the Bunny Fur Collared slippers are pretty fierce too!

What the Kids Wore to the Christmas Party - 1960

In this 1960 Florida Fashions catalog there are lots of suggestions for the kids. Mom was responsible for making them look picture perfect at all times, but especially when company was coming. So the have to have darling new outfits, matching everything, and every bit of it had to be ironed. It's no wonder Mom needed a cocktail once in a while.

A Few Unmentionables for Christmas - 1960

A few more images from the 1960 Florida Fashions Catalog. Here are some lovely lingerie and frilly things to brighten the holidays!

What to wear to the Christmas Party - 1960 Florida Fashions Inc.

This is a terrific catalog from Florida Fashions with lots of glamorous holiday choices from 1960. You just know that the Mad Men era was in full swing, that's a Joan Holloway look-a-like on the cover. But if you want to look just right at the company cocktail party you need to order soon, but they do offer "New Jet Air Super Service".

I wasn't able to find out much about this company, but this particular one was mailed to a Miss Elise in California, so they must have been nationwide. After all Florida Fashion Inc. "Brings Florida Glamour To You!"

Actually I always enjoy these sorts of catalogs because this is what women really wore and bought for their families. My mom (or your grandma) would have ordered from these exact sorts of catalogs and paid these prices. They could "Look like a Million! - for little money".

Montgomery Ward Catalog 1924 Christmas Decorations

Are you putting up decorations already? You could choose from the 1924 Montgomery Ward Catalog. These are exquisite! Be sure to enlarge for details.
(A repost from December, 2008)

Montgomery Ward Catalog Christmas Toys - 1924

Great Sport For Little Folk...Choose from the doll Babette, a Velocipede or the Kiddo Bike!
(A repost form December 2008)

Beautiful Old Singer Trade Cards

This is a lovely set of Singer Trade Cards dated 1901 and 1902. They each have a snippet of poetry from Wordsworth, Whittier and Pope. But alas, the backs are in German and so I'm clueless. Maybe one of you can tell us what was being said?
(These were originally posted in December, 2008)

So many Mail Order Catalogs! 1929 - 1930

There are a few of the many fabulous catalogs you could choose from in 1929-1930. These advertised for urban shoppers, but also brought fashion to that rural small town gal who wanted to wear the latest thing.

The Charles William Stores started in 1913 in New York.
Did you know Lane Bryant started in 1904 selling maternity clothes?
I have posted about a 1940's Bella Hess catalog here.
The Hamilton Garment Company still sells fine shirts.
I only found more ads from Elmer Richards Company. Do you know more history of this Chicago business?
The Minneapolis Knitting Works had a long history before closing in 1952.
Frederick Herrschner Inc. is still in business today selling crafts.
And here is another ad from the Dolly Gray Company.

So there was no excuse for you or your family not to be well dressed!

Post Thanksgiving Blues

I know, I know...where are they now?!

Happy Turkey Day!

I hope you have lots of help today!

New Frocks for Youth and the Youngest - 1929

From McCall's Magazine September, 1929 we have new frocks with "hand-worked motifs...always a charming finish that gives an exclusive air to youthful frocks".

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - With Musical Accompaniment

These are the last bits from these 1864-65 Ladies Friend Magazine engravings. A couple last gowns, some story illustrations and several snippets of songs, including a tribute to President Lincoln after his death. (April 15, 1865)
I hope you enjoyed these as much as I have. They are a peek into a life we'll never know.

Civil War Fashions - Engravings from 1864 Ladies Friend Magazine - Hats, Capes, Hair

More fabulous engravings from Ladies Friend Magazine, 1864-65. This has hats and caps that "any lady with the least degree of expert in the way of millinery" can make. The capes look more involved with tassels and lace over ribbons. The Talma cape referred to the shape and length. The Watteau Coiffure emphasis is on the back view, just like a Watteau Panel hangs from the back shoulders on a dress.
All worth a close look and some serious consideration of how much time and money went into these.