Friday, August 21, 2009

Splish, Splash! (Repost from Bygone Knits)

Vogue Knitting, Spring/Summer, 1950

As everyone heads off to The Pool or The Beach during this unbearable heat wave, it's time to talk bathing suits. First of all, were I you, Dear Reader, I would look into vintage, or vintage reproduction suits -- contrary to what's commonly available today, the coverage and cut of vintage suits is extremely flattering. Legs openings cut up to your navel do NOT make you look slimmer, or like you have longer legs, no matter what "fashion experts" say. They make you look like a tramp. And, most likely, a funny-shaped one at that, to say the least. (I could say something more unkind.) Look how elegant the model above looks. And the cut of her suit is, er, suitable (completely unintentional pun) for any body shape or size. Remember that 1950s models were not twigs like they are today.

What you may not know is that woolen bathing suits were the standard through the '30s and '40s, and even common through the '60s. But aren't they hot, you say? Not at all! They may not dry as quickly modern nylon and spandex, but, honestly, isn't it irritating when you're dry and hot again five minutes after emerging from the pool? Really, be honest. You hate it.

I hope to make the above swimsuit one day -- and I also happen to have the same pattern from Vogue sewing. Perhaps both a woolen and cotton one are in order, I love the cut so much.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Vintage Daily Wear 01


May I present my first post regarding my daily clothing habits. I would like to stress from the outset that this and any further posts (of mine) will draw no distinction between vintage clothing and quality, classic or repro clothing.
From a Saturday afternoon of shopping and supping:

  • Vintage Milan straw hat from The Girl Can't Help It.
  • Harrington from J.Simons (dreadful website, great shop). The jacket is made by Bramble and is exactly the same as the Barracuta harrington but in a superior cloth.
  • Vintage combination glasses from Klasik.
  • Short sleeved, striped top in Sea Island cotton by John Smedley.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Postcards!

Email me your address for postcards from vacation!
I love sending them and realized I have few addresses these days...

charmcitydaily@gmail.com

Sunday, August 9, 2009

The Social Club

There are many on-line fakers, fashionistas and followers of fads proclaiming a love for vintage style. Their passion for the fashion will mostly last for around 6 months.
For the lifestylers there is only one forum: The Social Club.


Monday, August 3, 2009

Put the Wiggle in Your Walk

I do apologise for this blatant advertising on behalf of Sophistikitten (the better half of The Sophisticate's Diary) but I feel that anything that encourages young, and not so young, ladies to please our eyes with displays of serpentine curves must be promoted wholeheartedly.
The tight skirt is seldom seen in these sartorially Hellish times and this dire situation must be rectified post haste.

Please take a stroll through the electronic emporium and feel free to ask any questions as the lovely Miss Nicola, proprietress, is most accommodating.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Mad Men Yourself

Photobucket

I've been having a bit of fun using AMC's Mad Men Yourself. If you're a fan of the stylish, witty and clever drama, you can entertain yourself inserting yourself into the world of Madison Avenue advertising's heyday. Several people have turned me on to this show and this little time waster. Thanks to all of you!

Miss Ann Darrow 1933

Here she is, Miss Amanda Lee sporting the Miss Ann Darrow 1933.

Inspired by my love of Fay Wray and her famous hairy Beau!

Can be worn for wedding gown, party frock, cocktails or simply because
you feel like a movie star!

My own current version is black satin.

If Mr M ever decides to make an honest woman of me, this is what I'll be wearing!

Miss Matilda xx

www.ablegrable.com