Aldens Catalog from 1956-57!

Look, we get to see what Aldens had to offer in Fall and Winter of 1956-57. They were "presenting round-the-world fashion inspirations"!

Clarks Crochet Designs - 1920 - Edges, Insertions and Medallions

Let's just take a minute and enjoy the skill and dedication of these "simple" crochet projects. Look how intricate the work was and how pretty. And then remember that these are from 1920 and think how rough laundry was on these delicate linens...it's amazing we ever find vintage pieces intact.

Looking at Good Looking Men - Esquire 1968

If you think the gals had to work at looking good in the sixties just think what the guys had to go through. They had to find the "innest" thing in boxers, decide between the Water Buffalo Astro Thongs or the all leather Calais. What do you wear under your lace up swim suit, a foam rubber swim cup or elastic brief? Does your collar have a high flare roll? Do you want your Formal Turtleneck in Maize or TV Blue? And your "tapered hipster swimmers" been syncopated by Bill Miller? But your Ruffled Shirt requires No Ironing!

Pretty pictures of pretty women from 1901.

These sorts of books made use of the stockphotos of their era, but they still give us an idea of what was considered fashionable in early 1900. And they are just pretty.

Votaries = Devotees (I had to look it up too.)

Dreaming The Happy Hours Away

I have just received a much loved (read: beat up) copy of The Woman Beautiful or Maidenhood, Marriage and Maternity, 500 pages of advice about everything pertaining to a young woman's life. My copy is so far gone that I can't be sure of the publisher, but other copies are dated from 1901 and the authors listed as Monfort B. Allen M.D and Amelia C. McGregor M.D., apparently they wrote a few of these all encompassing advice books. But remember, books such as these are often all a young gal had to get her through. We'll look at several bits here and be thankful we don't have to live under these rules, charming as they sound.
(The picture by the way is of me...just longing around)

"Young ladies who devote their time to leisure amusements and the follies that invariably attend them, should be regarded as entirely unworthy the notice of those young men who have any regard for a healthy and happy family."

Do You Want A Heavenly Figure?

The Heavenly Figure All-In-One has wonderful "hold in" power that's comfortable and effective to properly shape your torso.
And you can order extra crotches at 49¢ each.

Television and Radio Scarfs - 1950

You slacker! Haven't you made scarfs for your entire house? The TV, the Radio, all your Chairs, Tables, Dressers and Couches? Well, what about the Fridge? Get going!

Jewels of the Sea - McCall's Magazine - 1956

Rose Marie Reid from the Hourglass Collection with "Helmets by Rex"!

Doll Costumes Unlimited - From Old Socks!

B>Doll Costumes Unlimited - From Old Socks, by Ruth Wexler. This came to me already clipped out so I don't have a date, or even what magazine this is from, but it's SO good! (But I think they had jazzier socks than I do!) As it says towards the end of the article these are about 7 inch high dolls, but different socks can be used to fit different sized dolls.
(If you still can't read this after clicking twice let me know)

Wrights Easy To Sew Gift Ideas - Charming Bibs, Aprons, Towels, Cat Bag!

This undated little leaflet of Easy To Sew Gift Ideas comes to us from Wrights and shows lots of ways to use their trims and tapes. Have fun!

The Sewing Manual For Home Decorators - 1943 -Is your home dreary and dull?

The Sewing Manual For Home Decorators, from The Spool Cotton Company, copyright 1943. This booklet has a TON of helpful advice on how to "make new 'dresses' for your windows...for your chairs and couches...for your tables and beds". There are detailed instructions given on how to get these fabulous forties looks, but maybe these cheery illustrations can get you started.