Sorry, Waists Are Shrinking!

The 'Fashion Staff' at Pictorial Review in 1939 warns us of an up-coming crisis! You could choose from these patterns put out by Pictorial Review, but it looks like you had no choice about the fit...you were going to have to suck it in! 

"The full skirt and broad shoulders of the dress above conspire to make your waist look minuscule. The wide band seizing you through the middle dramatizes the contrast twixt wide hemline and tiny waist." Pictorial Review Pattern 9600

"The neck is high, the bodice draped and full, the skirt slim with a full draped panel. The waist is the focal point of the dress; a belt gathers the fabric to as few inches as your anatomy permits." Pictorial Review Pattern 9597

"A dress with swing pleats for action, extremely wide shoulders. Again the tidy, belted waist contrasts boldly with the more ample curves above and below. Not quite an hour-glass figger, but something like." Pictorial Review Pattern 9594

"The new dress that falls with full abandon from a round yoke, exactly like an old fashion shift! A nubbin of a belt clutches all the width of fabric firmly at the waist, giving you a Victorian middle." Pictorial Review Pattern 9604

Probably.

For The New Years Party in 1937

Make an entrance...wear a cape inspired by British Peeresses! 

Maybe you are tired of shopping too.

I am feeling much better since yesterday, but man, this getting ready for Christmas takes it out of a gal! 

For Good Little Girls in 1937

Get them ready for the holiday parties in a new dress! 

The Mary Brooks Picken Method of Modern Dressmaking -1925

This is the Mary Brooks Picken Method of Modern Dressmaking, published by The Pictorial Review Company in 1925. Mary Brooks Picken was the editor of this and many other books, a fascinating woman. And pretty too!
More of her helpful information tomorrow.

A Fashion Splash from 1937

I bet these would sell today to anybody over 25. Tried to buy a suit lately?

Valedictory- Graduation Frocks!

The graduating gals in 1939 worn these before they went on to run the world. Maybe you should follow their advice!
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"My children are so thoughtful..."

She must change her dress and her mood.

Schiaparelli Shocking Pink - 1937

"These are the little under-coat dresses that are making headlines...and this is the color, a pink as brash as you please. That Schiaparelli brewed in a moment of inspiration and calls Shocking."

The Big Four - 1937

I think the idea here is that if you make these four outfits you are ready for anything. And really, these would cover anything that you could need. Evening dress for cocktails, shopping on Fifth Avenue, country house visits, and even going to the theater!

If you're somewhat larger than a sylph. Suggestions from 1939

There are RULES ladies. And if you get it wrong you'll look like a "floozy"!

"I thought I had a problem figure"...But NO!

Here's your chance to have "real foundation garment satisfaction"...a home visit by your Charis representative for a personal fitting. (I think the secret to selling these was not getting the giggles!)

In Step - Terrific 1937 Dresses!

I just love all of these, but maybe that highest one has my vote. Which one speaks to you?

With slightly mad accomplices....

"...with slightly mad accomplices - beads, bracelets, scarfs, saucy hats and wayward veils - they'll keep you chipper 'til spring!"

Movie Star Mary Carlisle picks these...and she should know!

I admit, I'd never heard of Mary Carlisle, but you can learn more here. And here and here are a whole bunch of photos of the child star turned famous movie blond...with great fashion sense!