A Household Treasure for every Fashion-wise Woman

In 1954 the Craft House catalog showed you how their new Pearl and Rhinestone Setter "makes studding your garments with exciting sparkle and glamour more enjoyable than ever."
So get out there and stud! 

Making A Dress At Home - 1954

Her First Dress Looks Professional...just be sure to follow these helpful tips from the US Department of Agriculture - Farmers Bulletin dated 1954. That sounds very offical, so pay attention!

"It's as simple as Dropping Coins In a Slot!" - White Sewing Machine -1954

Since I'm in Las Vegas right now this caught my eye..."simple as Dropping Coins In a Slot".
Sort of an odd phrase don't you think?

Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954 - Part 7

28. A lovely dinner gown designed by Marusia. (Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue)

29. A youthful evening gown with a sophisticated air. (Courtesy of Franklin Simon and Co.)

30. A cleverly contrived gown designed by Adele Simpson which may be changed from a formal evening gown to a dinner gown by the mere redraping of the shoulder cape. (Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue)

31. A beautiful evening gown of pouf-shirred white peau de soie. (Courtesy of Ceil Chapman)

Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954 - Part 6

22. Luxury touches of mink give an air of sophistication to this simple frock. (Courtesy of Junior Sophisticates)

23. A simple but dressy afternoon frock of the classic shirtwaist type. (Courtesy of Henry Rosenfield Originals)

4. A lovely afternoon gown designed by Sophie that is simple but elegant and which may be worn for important parties and an evening at the theatre. (Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue)

25. This short jacket in ivory nutria has a youthful casual look and a touch of unstudied elegance. (Courtesy of Fredrica Furs)

26. A perfect afternoon coat collared in mink for dressy occasions. (Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue)

27. A black velveteen coat looks especially lovely when worn over a short, satin evening gown. (Courtesy of Judy 'n Jill)

Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954 - Part 5

17. A bathing suit-youthful and gay-that you can easily make. (Fabric made with Enka Rayon)

18. Well-tailored shorts and slacks which give a trim look to the figure are appropriate for certain moments of fun and relaxation. (Courtesy of Davenshire Co.)

19. A coat made of the finest Stroock Camel's Hair and tailored by Originala is a cherished possession and one that may be worn for many occasions. (Courtesy of S. Stroock and Co., Inc.)

20. A fitted coat with princess lines that may be worn with afternoon clothes as well as for street and spectator sportswear. (Courtesy of Franklin Simon and Co.)

21. A printed frock for afternoon wear is always a popular item in the spring and summer wardrobe. (Courtesy of Henry Rosenfeld Originals)

Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954 - Part 4

14a. A two-tone version of the classic suit makes an excellent spectator sports costume for the tall girl. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

14b.An afternoon suit with its soft dressmaker touches that may be worn for after-five affairs when you wish to keep your outfit simple but in good taste. (by courtesy of Security Mills, Inc., and Claudia Young)

15. Simple classic frocks that have become perennial favorites for girls as well as women. (Courtesy of McMullen Company. Photography by Fritz Henle)

16a. A dressy cotton for afternoon wear. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

16b. A gay skirt and a simple blouse lend pleasing variety to a summer wardrobe. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954 - Part 3

11a. A silk suit with classic lines may be worn with distinction at the country club and for street-wear on a warm summer day. (Courtesy of Peck and Peck)

11b. A trim well-tailored coat for rainy days. (Reprinted from Mademoiselle.Copyright Street and Smith Publications, Inc., 1953. Photo by Colhoun)

12. The versatile polo coat has an important place in any wardrobe because it may be worn for so many occasions-traveling, shopping, and on the campus. (Courtesy of Russeks)

13 a. & b. A versatile type of costume which becomes a trim street outfit when the jacket is worn. (Courtesy of Peck and Peck)

Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954 - Part 2

5. A plaid dress designed with classic lines may go to the office as well as to college. (Courtesy of Franklin Simon and Co.)

6. This coat dress has slim, youthful lines and will be pleasing for many occasions. (Courtesy of Peck and Peck)

7. A simple top-coat with swinging lines is a good type for the college student. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

8. A small bit of fur worn as an ascot lends a smart, fashionable note to this simple suit. (Courtesy of Fredrica Furs)

9. A jaunty, short coat will look equally well when worn with a slender skirt or a bouffant dress. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

10. A nicely tailored suit which makes an excellent costume for shopping or office wear. (Courtesy of Glenhaven, Ltd.)

Clothes For You - A Pictorial Fashion Show 1954

This week I am going to show you a series of photos From "Clothes For You" by Mildred Graves Ryan and Velma Phillips (Published by Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc. Copyright 1947, Second Edition 1954) . This was a text book written "as a guide for the young woman who wishes to be well-dressed". They have included some wonderful photos of outfits as suggestions and inspiration. Some are from pattern companies, some from top designers of the era.

"Are you sometimes perplexed when you plan your wardrobe by the variety of dresses, suits, coats, blouses, jackets, and accessories from which you have to choose? In order to help you with this problem, this portfolio of fashion has been included. Here you will find clothes of various types, both classic and high style, that may be worn by certain individuals depending on their age, figure, personality, where they live, and the occasion for which the clothes are to be worn. As you look at these pictures imagine that you are watching a fashion show and that you are selecting costumes that are correct for you. Of course there will be some clothes that will fit your needs perfectly but there will be others that you cannot wear. But perhaps you can visualize the type of person who can wear these outfits. Do try. In this way you will be able to develop discerning taste. If at any time the fashions that are presented here appear out of date, you can supplement them with a portfolio of your own. The captions that you will find at the end of this fashion collection will aid you in your study of the costumes."


1. Two smart costumes achieved by combining a simple skirt with a perky blouse. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

2. The classic sweater and skirt which is always popular with the student is worn with smart distinction. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

3. A checked weskit adds gaiety to the campus suit. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

4a. Blouses give variety to the wardrobe. A simple, tailored blouse looks equally well in the classroom or in the office. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

4b. The tailored sleeveless blouse becomes an interesting part of the suit costume. (Courtesy of Simplicity Pattern Co., Inc.)

Over Thirty Clothes for the Person with a Trim Figure

Apparently we are to choose from these four outfits...but we would look great!

"Give yourself a daily spanking..."

"...to reduce those fleshy spots on your hips, thighs, calves, and arms."

What comes first? The project or the fabric?

How do you get your inspiration? From what you want to make? Or does a fabric sing to you to make something? Or both?

I don't think Sophia Loren posed for Knitting Magazines...

...but this model sure has the look doesn't she? Here's the real thing.

Meet my space age siblings!

At first I was just charmed by this illustration, then I realized it's me...and my three little brothers. That's how we played all the time. Except I can't account for the rabbit, but there was usually a dog around that had been assigned a role. Love that the baby is plunged in place. And you can be sure I would have had a side arm...ever try to get three brothers to do what you wanted?

Nelly Don Dresses from 1954

If you don't know Nelly Don dresses you can learn more here.
"Nell's story is important for many reasons: she is one of the first and most successful self-made women millionaires in American business, she designed and sold more dresses in the 20th century than any other single person in the United States and she challenged the notion that women were best suited for domesticity."

Now I can make anything...with the Wonder Wheel

Evocative Fashion Shoot from 1954

This Good Housekeeping Magazine layout really caught my eye...the setting is beautiful, the models are making those day dresses look like exotic evening gowns, and there is just such a mood. Enjoy.