Vintage Chic

Rayne Shoes - Fabulous Details

2012-01-31T19:24:00.000Z

From my colletion some sumptuous fabrics, rich trimmings and tiny details.

1940s brocade with gold thread

1960s devore velvet

Lurex fabric c1960

1950s printed leather

1970s perspex and black rhinestones

1970s ceramic Wedgwood heel

1950s embroidery and rhinestones

1960s dupion silk, embroidery and beading

1980s embroidered grossgrain

1980s nautical applied rope and gilt charms

1960s HUGE rhinestones in a buckle

Peter Russell

2012-01-26T19:36:00.000Z

Little is known or said these days about Peter Russell, who judging from this 1948 article was a very private man. His clothes have that English country style that can be worn for years and years without looking old fashioned.

Shopping August 1948. Click for Big

Shopping August 1948. Click for Big

Shopping August 1948. Click for Big

Eve's Journal December 1938

Vogue September 1946

Vogue September 1946

Shopping 1946

Shopping 1947

Vogue (?) December 1941

Vogue March 1947

Norvic Shoes 1945-46

2012-01-21T11:56:00.000Z

Advert campaign from 1945-46, presuambly there are several more as these 4 adverts span 14 months.

April 1945; Naughty Norvic, you can't have these yet.

June 1945.

March 1946.

June 1946.

Crochet Tam and Snood 1941

2012-01-17T17:53:00.000Z

Fab hat and contrasting chenille snood can be worn together or separately.

Click for full page of instructions.

1940s Hollywood Stars in Colour #7

2012-01-13T13:10:00.002Z

Number seven in a series of colour photographs

Jane Wyman looking rather Egyptian

New Stock at Wickedlady Collectables

2012-01-09T22:59:00.002Z

Over 60 new items just listed

A Decade of Decorating

2012-01-06T12:42:00.000Z

10 years ago today, we moved into our lovely Victorian School House so I thought I'd show you a few corners.

Ever the eclectic and not a huge fan of Victorian styling ( though I have enough junk to fill 20 whatnots) we decided on an early 20th century/Deco theme for decorating. (more Surbiton than Mayfair). We had 2 completely empty rooms when we arrived having come from a small 2 bed terrace in Brighton, so the first room to be decorated was our bedroom.

Dressing table and chandelier from antiques fairs, Call Girl poster is an original Swedish cinema sheet.

Every single wall in the house and most ceilings were covered in woodchip (ugh), and some had decorative wall paper over the top of that so any decorating meant at least a couple of days stripping the old stuff off. In most rooms were interesting relics like this

Dyed walls from a vintage paper.

We installed new central heating as we went along and repainted the doors some of which had been stained but were looking rather sad.

Just after we moved in Dad's boss stripped an old house in York and was going to throw out the vitrolite from the bathroom so we rescued it from the skip and kept it until we could re fit the kitchen, it's such a lovely colour. There was also a mid green band which we put in the bathroom, sadly we never saw its original design so we just made it up to fit the space, I have some left over and plan to make a cocktail bar - one day.....

Citrus green and black vitrolite, cabinets MFI & Ikea

The living room has been painted twice, first it was gold and blue but we decided we HATED the gold so repainted it totally blue, with a blue carpet and tiles on the fireplace it is lovely and cool in summer.

1940s Woodmet aluminium side table - ebay. 1930s coffee table antiques fair.

1940s aluminium nest of tables antiques fair, chair & 50s footstool charity shop, recovered. Chandelier ebay France.

Theres not much you can do to make a 42" flat screen TV look 1930s so we didn't go for a vinatge look in the TV room (though we mostly watch old movies and 1960s TV series if that counts). So we went for a fun wallpaper and I found the Powder Room sign at an antiques fair and it conveniently (sorry) points the way to the downstairs loo.

Saturday Evening Post Bathing Belles wallpaper.

Old cinema or nightclub Powder Room illuminated sign - antiques fair.

There are still 2 rooms and the upstairs landing and corridor to decorate, the latter will involve scaffolding and possibly 'a man' due to the high ceilings and bloody woodchip, so maybe in another 10 years it will be done, by which time the bedroom will be looking tatty and we can start all over again.

Am I Blue?

2012-01-01T15:25:00.000Z

Not in this fantastic dress that the lovely Vix sent me a couple of weeks ago.

I planned my Christmas shoes ages ago: shoes are always the basis of my outfits and for Boxing Day I decided on some gold silk Raynes with huge rhinestoned clips on the front, so when this dress arrived it seemed the perfect choice to go with them, unfortunately I forgot they weren't my size. So All Change to another pair of late 60s Raynes in blue linen with patent V straps over the top, Et Voila! Thanks VIX!!

The dress fits perfectly, I didn't have to alter anything, but it does need A MAN to zip it up as the zip ends up behind the right shoulder at another rhinestone brooch and I just can't reach to do it. There used to be a gadget for doing this back in the 60s. Maybe I should bite the bullet and get one of those catalogues with gadgets for elderly people, theres bound to be one in there.

Homemade Baileys

2011-12-30T14:49:00.000Z

Super quick and easy to make, perfect for New Years, theres no excuse not to make some.

2 tspn instant coffee
4 tspn boiling water
3/4 cup white sugar
1 cup whisky
1 large can condensed milk

In a pan mix the coffee in the boiling water and ensure it is all dissolved, then add the sugar and whisky. Stir until all the sugar is incorporated. Add the can of milk and pour into a warm bottle, allow to cool before sealing. Shake bottle before serving. This will last a couple of months at least. (haha)
If you don't like coffee try cocoa powder instead.

What are you waiting for?

Charles of the Ritz

2011-12-27T12:20:00.000Z

Founded in 1916 when Charles Jundt took over the beauty salon at the Ritz Hotel in New York. By 1919 he was making his own cosmetics and from 1926 they were given the name Charles of the Ritz.

The 30s, 40s and 50s were the heyday of the company, during the 60s mergers and acquisitions took their toll, as with many industries at this time. Later years were less glamorous as the brand became associated with lower end stores.

One of the company's biggest marketing ploys was Made to Order face powder which was blended specially for each customer. For more information on this see this great beauty website. These pages from 'About Town and Shopping Opportunities' are what today we would call an advertorial.

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Margarita

2011-12-22T21:05:00.002Z

This hugely popular cocktail has misty origins like many other popular mixed drinks. It was either named for Margarita Henkel by Mexican bar tender Don Carlos Orozco in 1941, or a few years earlier Carlos "Danny" Herrera mixed it for former Zeigfeld Girl Marjorie King.
Similarly the ratio of the ingredients has changed over the years.

Try this mix for starters

2 measures Tequila blanco
1 measure Cointreau
1/2-1 measure lime juice depending on how sour you like it.

Alternatives: lemon instead of lime juice and salt on the rim of your cocktail/margarita glass.
Shake over crushed ice, and decorate with lime and lemon.

Small Christmas wreath made from a 1970s lurex skirt and garden wire.

Norman Hartnell Dresses the Stars 1938

2011-12-19T18:18:00.000Z

Norman Hartnell discusses his design process in this Home Chat article from 1938.

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Ann Todd dressed as a Greek Column in the film 'Ships with Wings' 1942, this film featured the work of several couturiers but which designer created which gown wasn't established. However, I have since discovered that each couturier dressed a single actress throughout the film. Norman Hartnell dressed Ann Todd

I previously blogged about Ships With Wings here

1940s Hollywood Stars in Colour #6

2011-12-15T18:34:00.002Z

Number six in a series of colour photographs

Viginia Mayo in a fabulous fur

Party Feet

2011-12-13T16:45:00.003Z

Shoes I'll be wearing this Christmas. (don't know about the rest of the outfit yet - thats not so important)

Already worn for the Cointreau Prive Party in London, these 1970s Rayne sandals with black Swarovski crystals - Very comfortable despite being higher than I can normally manage. I've also got a pair of these without the crystals, but frankly, once you've worn crystal encrusted shoes you can't go back.

For Christmas with the family (as I won't have to do very much) Early 60s nylon net slingbacks by Rayne.

Boxing Day with friends, perfect shoes for standing around drinking in. Late 60s Rayne gold silk courts with a HUGE clip on the front. I've seen these in silver and turquoise too.

What are you going to wear?

For the man who has everything - 1954 style.

2011-12-11T15:52:00.000Z

Men are alwas the most difficult people to buy meaningful Christmas presents
for especially if they aren't into fashion or have a particular hobby.

This is how Mrs 1954 got around the problem. Perfect no?

Yes, I really would like my lounge to be on castors...please Mr R.

Christian Dior Perfumes Christmas 1952

2011-12-10T20:39:00.000Z

I picked up a fascinating magazine last week called 'Around Town and Shopping Opportunities'
It haslots of fabulous english couture and what today we would call advertorials. Published December 1952 it is Volume 1 Number 1 and as far as I can tell there was never a number 2.

So to start with here is the Dior advertorial.

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Its a very high class magazine and I wondered if it might have been aimed at the foreign royals and dignitaries that were about to descend on London for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. There are guides to shopping streets and sights to see as well as Surrey golf courses and the inevitable fashion shopping.
More to come soon.

Crazy for Navy

2011-12-07T10:58:00.000Z

Navy has always been by favourite colour, and the larger part of my vintage wardrobe is in various shades of blue. But at the moment is seems to be quite hard to get navy clothes or fabric, so I jumped at this navy & white viscose when I saw it on ebay. Alas when I got it, it seems to be a viscose poly mix which I'm not so keen on.

BUT it has become my all time favourite frock which I made from this pattern.

I have been wanting to make ruched sleeves for a long time and the extra fullness on the front of the skirt is achieved by 2 groups of knife pleates with gathering between. I'm going to make this again in navy wool crepe with long sleeves. I made a copy of the pattern so you can buy the original here.

The shoes and bag are Rayne (of course) a recent purchase c1950 and the seller included the almost matching gloves, looks very garden party or summer weddding to me.

Norman Parkinson 1946 - Jewels

2011-12-04T11:44:00.000Z

During the war colour photography suffered very badly from poor printing inks and paper stocks. Most colour adverts were drawn rather than photographed. But by 1945 improvements in the higher class magazines became noticable.

These two photos by Norman Parkinson were printed in Vogue March 1946 as full pages.

Norman Hartnell Gown, purple sheath half sleek, half swathed.

Rhavis dinner dress, described as moss green with 2 deep red roses

London: Christmas shopping and a show

2011-12-01T19:00:00.000Z

But not quite the show you might expect....

The lights...

The shops....

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Surreptitious Onigiri breakfast in our hotel....

The show....

Dita's Be Cointreauversial show at Cointreau Prive.

It was fantastic, great club, great vibe.

Many thanks to Cointreau for looking after us. For more info go here. I had a Cointreaupolitan, a Margadita and 2 of these orange ones. Delish.

The frock....

Red Velvet 2 piece - charity shop
Rayne 70s Black rhinestone sandals - ebay
Dune bag - ebay
Jewellery - already owned
MAC eyelashes - by Ivan at MAC in Covent Garden.
total cost £27

The MAC Lash - actually the most expensive part of the outfit - but Soooo worth it. I'm too long sighted to put my own eyelashes on successfully so getting an attractive young man to do it for me seemed like a great idea.

Stylish Winter Coats: World War Two

2011-11-25T20:38:00.000Z

A small selection of gorgeous coats from the war years (oh and 1946 which sort of counts as far as design and restrictions are concerned)

Windsmoor December 1941

Selfridges Autumn 1943

Harella Autumn 1943

Dereta December 1945

Marlbeck October 1945

Molho December 1945

Harella Spring 1946

"Ribbon" Twin Set 1939

2011-11-23T17:26:00.002Z

If i could knit this would definately be at the top of my To Make list.

Click for Full Instructions

PLUS there is an additional pattern for turban band tucked in at the end.

Click for Full Instructions

SALE at Wickedlady Collectables

2011-11-20T13:49:00.000Z

Click the image

1940s Hollywood Stars in Colour #5

2011-11-18T11:49:00.002Z

Number five in a series of colour photographs

Gene Tierney

Outfit Post

2011-11-14T17:05:00.002Z

So, at last I got some photos done of the navy hat I renovated and the coat I intend wearing it with. This coat is so heavy and warm, I got it last March at the end of winter the price below includes the postage! It was billed as black and red but turned out to be navy and red - even better! My all-time favourite houndstooth check and even the sleeves aren't that much too long.

1960s Windsmoor coat - Ebay £13.38
Blue dress - made by me - another outfit post coming soon
Navy Leather Brogues - Etsy £19.06
Navy Leather Gloves - Ebay £4.99
Hat - Ebay £3 rennovated by me.

11. 11. 11.

2011-11-11T20:18:00.002Z

How it all began from PUNCH, Nov 6, 1946.

November Chic

2011-11-08T21:10:00.000Z

Grey and damp days have arrived in England so to cheer myself (and you, I hope) up
I scanned some ravishing images from magazines of Novembers past.

First is this stunning ensemble from 1946, all items available from Marshall & Snelgrove.

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An irresistable offer from Md'lle Parfait from 1923, a sale in November hmmm sounds good.

Party Frock from 1948, seems to be a mix of New Look and 18th century

Shoes also from 1948, can't possibly choose a favourite.

More party frocks this time the latest looks from Paris in 1929

White sunray pleated confection from Nina Ricci 1938

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Jaeger's Suit and matching Coat 1947 fabulous pleat details, designers went a bit mad on pleats after the restrictions of the war.

Furs a la Hollywood 1937 and advice on how to get a cheaper look-alike

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Viyella housecoat for eating toasted crumpets by the fire in 1940

Utility Coats by Dereta 1943 (I've included the pattern for the cap too)

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Feeling Better Now!!

Time to start thinking of party shoes again

2011-11-04T12:08:00.000Z

Irregular Choice Purple Suede with HUGE Bow, also black & wine

Dune Flowery Bling with a peeptoe

Classic gold - go-with-anything slingback with small platform

Bargainaceous Teal Satin with a Knot Trim, also in gold and silver

Ruby Slippers, Romantic and oh so glittery, also in blue, black/multi and gold

Totally Mod, limited sizes available

Gothy Sequin Platforms

Gorgeous

60s Style Net Stilettos also in Smoke

Not really party but damn fine all the same

Vodka Martini

2011-11-02T11:09:00.000Z

Made famous in the 1960s by James Bond - then played by Sean Connery. As with the regular gin martini the ratio of the ingredients varies according to taste.

1 Measure Noilly Pratt Vermouth
2 Measures Wyborowa Vodka
An Olive (or 2)

Shaken over ice in a cocktail shaker in true 'Bond style' or stirred in a mixing jug. Perfect while watching 'You Only Live Twice' or 'Dr No' (I don't recommend the books they are a bit dull)

Molyneux September 1950

2011-10-30T21:42:00.000Z

The tunic line, but just look at those buttons, fabulous. AND an acid yellow bow!

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1940s Hollywood Stars in Colour #4

2011-10-27T19:28:00.002+01:00

Number four in a series of colour photographs

Rita Hayworth

Cover Girl

Cover Girl

Glovelies 1946

2011-10-23T11:58:00.000+01:00

This knitting pattern is actually from a spring Everywoman magazine, but March seems to be too late for getting out the gloves. Each style has a name that links with the instructions.

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Click for Complete

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Wool Coats and Suits for Autumn

2011-10-21T11:20:00.000+01:00

Wool wins hands down over any synthetic fleece for warmth and with another hard winter looming its time to get some inspiration for cosy coats and chic suits.

Rust red suit with fur collar and cuffs by Lelong autumn 1937

Marjorie Dunton sports suit with divided skirt and leather hat November 1937

Wool housecoat with leopard belt and buttons by Lydia Moss November 1938

Braemar herringbone suit autumn 1939

Otterburn tweed suit by JK King October 1939, this style would get you right through the war.

Marlbeck check wool suit spring 1945, not that different from the tweed suit above.

Spring cape coat by Rodex March 1947

Suit with cutaway jacket and SLIGHTLY longer skirt winter 1947

War Weekend Outfit

2011-10-19T18:48:00.000+01:00

My mothers cousin has kept a lot of her vintage sewing patterns and gave me this one a couple of years ago. I finally got around to making the jacket last month just in time for the war weekend at Pickering.

The wool is quite lightweight and I think it would have come out better using coating, but I didn't want a heavy jacket, I lined it with an old rayon floor cushion cover

Hat - Hemswell
Coat - made by me fabric from Ebay
Earrings - Ebay
Jumper - 50s 60s Vintage
Skirt - Sand Flannel from a 30s dress pattern, made by me

1940s Hollywood Stars in Colour #3

2011-10-16T18:48:00.002+01:00

Number three in a series of colour photographs

Martha Raye from Pin Up Girl

1950s Modern Furnishing Fabrics

2011-10-13T19:20:00.002+01:00

David Whitehead November 1953

Grafton Fabrics March 1954

Heals September 1954

Grafton Fabrics October 1954

Grafton Fabrics November 1954

Grafton Fabrics March 1955

Heals April 1955

Heals April 1956

Cloche Hat Project

2011-10-10T19:10:00.000+01:00

For several months I have been looking for a good navy felt cloche hat to no avail. In the end I decided the only way I was going to get one for THIS winter was to remodel an old hat. I found this 1980s plain oval hat with a curled in brim on ebay for £3.

Unfortunately I didn't take any in progress photos, but firstly I unrolled the brim and cut off the wire edging. Then I thoroughly steamed the hat over a kettle to loosen up the shape a bit and also stretched the bottom part of the crown. Then I cut a template for the shape of the new brim, deep at the front and narrow at the back. and stitched the pleat into place. Finishing off with double sided velvet ribbon around the edge and a chrysanthemum trim.

To be worn with my accidentally fashionable navy & red houndstooth 60s Mod coat.

Roger Moore 1953

2011-10-07T18:46:00.002+01:00

The Same But Different

2011-10-05T12:41:00.000+01:00

One of Edward Rayne's amusing mid 70s adverts using a legal blurb. I don't know the exact date of this one but about 1975.

I like variations of the same shoe, here is the velvet version from the advert above and silver lame. Presumably there is a black satin version too as the bag is satin.

I don't often buy bags separately but i got this one to go with the rhinestone encrusted heels from the late 50s here. Which it does even thought there is a good 15 years between the 2 items.

1940s Hollywood Stars in Colour #2

2011-10-02T16:00:00.003+01:00

Number two in a series of colour photographs

Ginger Rogers
I think this is from "Lady in the Dark" 1944.

Winter Warmers

2011-09-29T18:59:00.000+01:00

It seems a bit strange posting this in the middle of a heat wave, but thats what happens when you 'plan' your posts, I shall have to go back to a more impromptu arrangement.

Spring 1944, lovely big shoulders and a double button fastening that was popular for the rest of the 40s.

Spring 1947, A classic 40s style to wear over a suit no sign of the New Look here.

Autumn 1949,Big Swing Back coat with a sort of scarf hood, fabulous check.

Autumn 1949, Regency Style full, pleated coat in grey.

Autumn 1953, Flared coat with a stand up astrakhan and fur trimmed shawl collar.

Squiggle Dress

2011-09-26T19:11:00.000+01:00

So suddenly its warm in England, and there is actual sunshine.

Having changed over my wardrobe to winter clothes last week I suddenly need something summery again. I made this a few years ago from 2 different patterns one for the bodice and one for the skirt, the a bit later I made the bolero with the leftover fabric from a 3rd pattern. The fabric is a soft 50s cotton printed to look like applied braid. Smart but easy to wear.

But despite the warmth the swallows have left and the geese are on their way south.

Autumn Frocks 1941

2011-09-23T11:17:00.002+01:00

From Weldon's 'Good Taste' Magazine. Patterns to order to make yourself. The austerity rules had not yet impacted the designs presented here. In fact most of these still look pre-war.

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1940s Hollywood Stars in Colour #1

2011-09-19T21:34:00.000+01:00

Number one in a series of colour photographs

Carole Landis

Giveaway Winner

2011-09-18T21:24:00.002+01:00

And the winner is

fabriquefantastique CONGRATULATIONS

please email me at tracy(at)wickedlady.com with you mailing address.

Snow Maiden

2011-09-16T20:57:00.000+01:00

This pattern for a white 'astrakhan' hooded jacket or bolero & hat appeared in January 1940. The black out in Britain exacted a large toll of injuries and deaths and there were many ideas to make yourself seen such as luminous carnations.

Luminous corsage on sale at Woolworths

They were not actually very bright (and probably radioactive) and certainly not as chic as these two coats. Don't forget the Giveaway

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200+ Followers Giveaway

2011-09-13T18:11:00.000+01:00

A week or so ago I passed my 200 followers mark, FANTASTIC!
It took me a few days to notice because the Blogger app in the side bar seems to only work when it wants to recently.
But I'm so happy that there are lots of you out there who share my interests and
like what I post, so to celebrate I'm having a giveaway.

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The prize consists of a large 1940s/50s rayon crepe scarf with a paisly design, Persephone Press' The Blank Wall by Elizabeth Sanxay Holding, with matching bookmark and a 1930s copy of 'Confessions' magazine.
There are some incredible stories in this magazine, one deals with a blood transfusion from a murderess!! another is called Yellow Man's Bride (and he was a DOPE FIEND too!).
You should probably read this first and then go onto the comaprative calm of The Blank Wall :)

To enter you should be a member of my blog (you can join now), and leave a comment below.
I will draw the winner on Sunday 18th September at 7pm (GMT). I will post anywhere.

Gratuitous Bette Davis Post

2011-09-10T21:02:00.000+01:00

While looking through some 1940s film annuals and magazines yesterday my eye fell on several adverts and pictures fromBette's movie 'A Stolen Life' (1946), one of those tours de force for which she is so well known. Good twin/bad twin and Glenn Ford stuck in the middle.

Pre-release advert from British magazines. Click for Big.

Post-release advert - cut to the chase. Click for Big.

Which one is this? And does he care? Click for Big.

General promotional portrait, ignore the puffy eyes and look at the size of those shoulders. Click for Big.

This was not the only film to feature twins from the late 40s, if you're up for it there is also 'The Dark Mirror' (also 1946) starring Olivia de Havilland,a British contender 'Dual Alibi' (1948) starring Herbert Lom and in a slightly twisted way 'A Double Life' (1947) starring Ronald Colman.

Rayne in the Boudoir

2011-09-08T22:07:00.000+01:00

Recent acquisitions to my alarmingly fast-growing collection are these 2 pairs of boudoir mules.

Pink Satin and marabou with perspex from the mid 70s and gold brocade with medieval kings and queens or princes and princesses if you prefer from the mid-late 40s. My favourite style.

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Cute no?

Hats Autumn 1937

2011-09-06T12:05:00.000+01:00

Hats were quite tall in 1937 and at their most fun/surreal/unlikely, in spring 38 designs became flat saucer like or tipped forward. Click for Big.

A colour pic of the Agnes hat above.

After Dinner Cocktail & Ginger, Lime and Brandy

2011-09-04T11:51:00.000+01:00

Two for the price of one this time as neither of these cocktails seems to have a discoverable history. I had a surplus of limes last week so looked up a few recipes to use them up. Both recipes are from the web.

After Dinner Cocktail

1 measure Triple Sec
1 measure Apricot Brandy
1 large dash of lime juice

Stir together in a tumbler half full of ice, serve short.

Ginger, Lime and Brandy
Similar to the Moscow Mule but with brandy replacing the vodka.

1 measure Brandy
1/2 measure lime juice
top up with ginger beer, over ice.

How to be a Spiv

2011-08-31T19:17:00.000+01:00

Wanna buy some nylons, lady?

Its easy, when someone asks you if you'd like to buy 'A suitcase full of nylon stockings' Say 'Yes, please'
These will be going up on the website very, very soon.

An added bonus was a trip to Lichfield, actually my first title for this blog was going to be How far will you go for nylons? (Ans 242 miles), which is my longest journey (driving) since i passed my test. It's a lovely small market and Cathedral town, the birthplace of Samuel Johnson of dictionary fame and has the only church in England with 3 spires.

the guildhall, it was a pretty grey day, but declined to rain while we were mooching about

Sam's house.

A small alley off Dam Street

West Front. dirty but that makes the details stand out

South door, as we passed the bell struck 3 o'clock, such a sweet sound.

Horrockses Dresses 1954

2011-08-27T22:21:00.000+01:00

Two full page back to back adverts from Vogue Dec 1954. The first for Horrockses Fashions the second from the company who treated the fabric to make it so crease free.

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Gas Mask Carrier & Handbag Patterns

2011-08-24T22:08:00.000+01:00

Gas mask carrying in world war two was an intermittant occupation. In the early days everyone had their little cardboard box on a piece of string slung over their shoulder. The more fashionable had zipped leatherette cases bought for a few of shillings, or more expensive bags incorporating beauty sets or pockets for books, knitting etc.

Expensive bags suitable for Christmas presents.

This was produced by Elkes biscuits in 1938 when the first tranche of masks was issued to the public, presumably as a gift for those who had begun ARP work.

After a few weeks of the Phoney War many people began to leave them at home and not until the blitz began did they start to carry them again. When the blitz ended and raids became sporadic, many masks were put away and did not see the light of day until the flying bombs came.

Patterns to make your cases own are mainly of the type that have a lower compartment for the cardboard box and a small handbag on top

Pattern to send away for, Woman's Own June 1941.

Pattern for a gas mask case and handbag. Woman's Fair November 1939. Click for big.

Pattern for a gas mask case Ideal Home July 1941. Click for big.

Many people remembered the horrific effects of gas in the First World War and the fear was very great. In the end, thankfully, they weren't needed.

Mask, box and fabric case.

Some 1930s Oddments

2011-08-23T15:45:00.000+01:00

Tidying up my archive folders and came across some adverts and pics which are
one-offs, but worthy of sharing.

Ann Sheridan gets ready for Autumn, Picturegoer Summer Annual 1939. Click for Big

Coronation 1937 Craven A advert, love the print and silly veil and the gents aren't bad either. Click for Big

Advert for Dawkins Dept Store 1935.

Cyclax Stockingless Cream. I was looking for this pic when I wrote Bare Leg Chic - better late than never.

Hollywood style coats from Marshall ward catalogue 1937. I love astrakhan trimming on coats hats and jackets. Click for Big

Informal (ahem - not much it isn't) gown from Marshall & Snelgrove 1937, for all those Coronation year galas and dinners.

Schiaparelli chooses Viyella fabrics for her designs, fab hat too.

Mary Quant eye candy

2011-08-20T11:12:00.000+01:00

Some odd photos from the archive

Mary Quant in 1957, just married, just opened Bazaar.

Justine Lord in The Prisoner episode The Girl Who Was Death 1967

Early 60s dress with 1920s influence.

Gaily Continental Yoked Jumper Pattern 1937

2011-08-17T13:13:00.000+01:00

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Bowes Museum

2011-08-13T13:37:00.001+01:00

Last Tuesday armed with umbrellas, sunglasses, picnic and waterproofs we (ie me, the Mr and my Mum) headed up to County Durham to visit Bowes Museum as I had heard that there was a newly opened costume gallery there. In the event, umbrellas and waterproofs were irrelevant and we scoffed the picnic immediately upon arrival in
beautiful warm sunshine.

The museum houses the life-collections and of John & Josephine Bowes, 19th century serial collectors. The piece de resistance of the collection is the life-size silver swan automaton made in 1773 out of 30lbs of solid silver. It provides 34 seconds of total joy. more details here

The costume gallery is small but perfectly formed there are 5 cases covering 500 years, and also a lot of north country quilts. Other collections include European ceramics, musical instruments, paintings and toys. There are two very large and fabulous Canalettos.

The 20th century case, there was even a pair of Raynes on display. Click for Big

The Edwardian case. Click for Big

Beaded shoes by Fenwicks.

50s Undies. Click for Big

My outfit for the day - homemade dress from a pattern c1950, I made the skirt a bit longer than the original.

I got the original 50s fabric at the local charity shop for £1.50, buttons by Purplestevie at Specialist Auctions

And just to add to an already perfect day we discoverd some lovely ruins on the way back, which would have been the perfect picnic spot if we hadn't already scoffed the lot.

Egglestone Abbey in Teesdale

Homemade stiff petticoat made from vintage curtain lining £1 from charity shop as mentioned before.

Hollywood Eye Candy

2011-08-10T16:26:00.003+01:00

Some favourite outfits from the 30s. this could also be titled Dresses I Have Nowhere To Go In.

Myrna Loy

Carole Lombard

Kay Francis

Joan Crawford

Ginger Rogers

Bare Leg Chic

2011-08-07T12:01:00.000+01:00

One of the great home front stories of world war 2 is that of using bisto gravy browning on your legs when stockings became hard to get. A good story but probably not a very satisfactory outcome, not being rainproof and possibly smelly too.

For fashion leaders going barelegged began as early as the 1920s and liquid makeup was available to cover pasty white legs when sunbathing wasn't an option. but for the middle classes going without stockings was almost as damning as not wearing a corset and it wasn't until the mid 30s that leg makeup adverts began appearing in the middle class magazines.

In Britain silk stocking production ceased at the end of 1941 and it was either rayon or wool stockings - often not fully fashioned, for the rest of the war or socks. So there were many editorials on leg beauty and the possibilities of leg makeup in 1941-1942, until this, in it's turn became unavailable.

Woman magazine May 1941. click for big.

How far will you go for the perfect cocktail cabinet or bar?

2011-08-03T21:39:00.001+01:00

Impromptu tabletop conversion?

Ideal home magazine December 1951

A Woodmet trolley?

Woodmet factory c1960

A cupboard under the stairs?

Ideal home magazine December 1950

A corner of your living room?

Ideal home magazine December 1953. Click for Big

A loft conversion?

Ideal home magazine April 1955. Click for Big

Monkey Gland

2011-07-31T15:11:00.002+01:00

1/3 gill gin
1/3 gill orange juice
4-5 dashes absinthe
6-7 dashes grenadine

Add the grenadine then absinthe, gin and orange to half a shaker full of crushed ice and shake well. Strain into a glass.
1/3 gill is about 50ml which makes a large cocktail, halve the quantities for a more civilised amount. Raspberry syrup may be substituted for grenadine. The more you add the sweeter it will be.

A pleasant though not outstanding fruity mix with gin dominating the absinthe but quite palatable. Invented by Frank of the Ritz Bar in Paris c1923.
The name comes from a dubious medical operation involving the implant of monkeys testicles which you can read about here

Recipe from 'Bernard'

Flying Colours: Summer Sports Jumper 1938

2011-07-29T16:34:00.000+01:00

Colourful stripey sports jumper from Woman's Fair July 1938.

Could be made nautical or pastel. Click for Big.

Click for Big.

Famous Shoe Collectors

2011-07-26T18:33:00.000+01:00

The Imelda Marcos Shoe Collection
The wife of Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos and a politician in her own right. Was for many years reputed to have 3,000 pairs of shoes.

Infamous Quotes - Imelda Marcos, "I did not have 3000 pairs of shoes, I had 1060"

Though, there are in fact 2,700 pairs in the Marikina Shoe Museum and about 800 pairs on display. (I'm not getting into the politics here)

However Romance writer Danielle Steel makes Ms Marcos look like an amateur. Who, according to The Daily Mail (so it MIGHT be true) has 6000 pairs of Louboutins. Daily Mail

Not much point in a frock like this, though.

There is of course much divided opinion about the size of Ms Steel's collection from 'she's so sad' to 'give me a pair?'

But is it possible to ever have enough (ahem I mean too many) shoes?

Utility Clothes for Spring 1944

2011-07-25T20:08:00.000+01:00

Another tempting spread from Picture Post although the issue of coupons was at
its most meagre. It is the run-up to D-Day: all manufacturing is aimed at the invasion and its needs. There's not much to be had in the shops, shoes are very hard to find, hats are expensive. All the magazine adverts say 'please do not insist on this style' or 'when peace comes we will be able to offer you...'

February 26 1944. Click for Big.

February 26 1944. Click for Big

Liberty Home Furnishings

2011-07-21T22:02:00.000+01:00

A selection of furnishings from Liberty in Ideal home magazine 1951-56, to my mind some of these designs are trying too hard to be 'new'. But i could definately go for the Globe cocktail bar and the black and white shelf/cupboard thingy.

Ideal home 1951 July

Ideal home 1952 August

Ideal home 1953 August

Ideal home 1956 April

In A Jiffy

2011-07-19T10:12:00.000+01:00

Simplicity Patterns TV Advert 1965
Starring Donna Loren (Sweet Sue in Batman, Colette in The Monkees)

Googie Withers 1917-2011

2011-07-16T20:56:00.001+01:00

Googie Withers has died aged 94. the actress was born in India and moved with her family to England in the 1930s. She was spotted by a casting director when dancing in a West End chorus line and landed the 2nd lead in "The Girl in the Crowd" when the previous actress was fired.

Convict 99

In the late 30s she appeared in a string of good but minor movies including "The Love Test", "Paradise for Two", "Action For Slander" and "Convict 99". In 1938 she appeared alongside Margaret Lockwood and Michael Redgrave in "The Lady Vanishes".

During the 40s she got more meaty roles playing the femme fatale in "Pink String and Sealing Wax" luring a very young Gordon Jackson into evil ways. In "The Silver Fleet" she plays the unsympathetic wife of a Dutch submarine manufacturer whose
business is taken over by the Nazis when Holland is invaded. She played the title role in "The Loves of Joanna Godden" the story of a strong and independent woman at the turn of the 19th century. There were other strong and not necessarily sympathetic roles in "It always Rains on Sundays", "Night and the City" and "Miranda".

Googie and Richard Widmark in Night and the City

In the mid 50s she turned to TV and during the 60s both her and her husband took a break from film acting. Her husband John MacCullum was an actor, director and the producer responsible for "Skippy, the Bush Kangaroo". More TV series and films followed throughout the 70s and 80s including "Screen Two" and "Within These Walls"

The Loves of Joanna Godden

Digby Morton

2011-07-13T21:55:00.000+01:00

Digby Morton was born in Dublin in 1906, his father and grandfather before him were accountants for Guinness and it seemed likely at first that he would follow in their footsteps, however, it turned out that Maths and Mr Morton did not get along. He initially thought of becoming an architect but was put off by the 7 year apprenticeship and instead enrolled in the Dublin School of Art.

In 1922 he arrived in London ostensibly for a week's holiday with friends, but instead he stayed and after working in Selfridges advertising department and Liberty as a display artist and decorator he went to Jay's as house artist. This included sketching the latest Paris fashions for Jays's clientele.

Coat October 1938.

Suit Autumn 1939

In 1928 Gray, Paulette & Shingleton commenced business in Mayfair. They wanted to provide an alternative to the Paris couture and English copies that aristocratic women were then buying, they also wanted the clothes to be cheaper though still well made but with fewer fittings. They concentrated on dresses and suits. In 1929 Digby Morton was approached to join the company as designer, he stipulated that he would only work on his own designs and with a hand-picked staff.
He also suggested changing the name of the company to Lachasse. His work in soft tweeds for coats dresses and suits soon became very well known and the company thrived. His designs were based on English country sports styles but with a softer
tailoring as befitted the wools he used. Country tweeds became fashionable town wear under his expert cutting and tailoring. He reduced decoration to the barest minimum allowing the cut to speak for itself. He continued at Lachasse until 1934 when he was succeeded by Hardy Amies.

Dress with draped neckline 1946. Click for Big.

Dress with surplice bodice and short jacket summer 1949. Click for Big.

He set up his own couture house using his own name in deepest Kensington and in 1936 married magazine editor Phylllis Panting (known as Anne Seymour editor of Woman & Beauty). In the late 30s he moved back to Mayfair. As a member of the
Incorporated Society of London Fashion Designers he was invited to design initial styles for the Utility scheme and he also designed the uniform of the WRVS. After the war he re-opened his couture house and again started designing unobtrusive suits, dress and coats, and now, also some evening wear but strictly tailored, no meringues.

Coat 1951

Gathered blouse 1952

In the 50s he began to move towards ready-to-wear as many of the couturiers were doing, and he had great success in America. This led to him closing his couture house in 1957 and starting up Reldan-Digby Morton with Nadler. In 1963 he began designing menswear and continued until his retirement in 1973.

Ford advert May 1955. Click for Big.

Ford advert August 1955. Click for Big.

Sorry for the long absence, I've been ill.

Holiday Fun

2011-07-03T19:36:00.000+01:00

Butlins holiday camps were incredibly popular holiday destinations for working class families in the 30s and 50s. The posters advertising them on the railways and in magazines suggested a sophistication which I feel fell a long way short
of the images, in real life.

Clacton camp 1930s

Skegness camp 1930s

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine February 1952

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine March 1952

In 1947 Gainsborough Studios made a film in association with Butlins called Holiday Camp. It featured the Huggett family who appeared in a series of films at this time.

Any Colour You Like So Long As It Is Black

2011-06-30T19:43:00.000+01:00

A couple of years ago my birthday present was a collection of Rayne shoes. They were all owned by a model and wife of a restauranteur who had an obsession with Rayne shoes particularly if they were black. They date from the late 1950s and early 60s when the stiletto heel was rapier thin and elegant as never before or since.

Dress Envy - Evening Gowns

2011-06-28T19:07:00.000+01:00

Very difficult to pick an absolute favourite as I can think of different occasions for all but perhaps the Deanna Durbin just wins by a (halter) neck.

Joan Blondell

Deanna Durbin

Loretta Young

Rita Hayworth

The Men Who Dress the Women: British Couturiers 1947

2011-06-23T14:57:00.000+01:00

This article by Anne Scott James appeared in The Strand magazine in 1947 at a time when the New Look had exploded onto the public's consiousness and trade was beginning to pick up. As with most goods manufactured (or in this case hand-sewn) at this time the main drive was for export.

Click for Big.

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I will post some photos of the designers work over the next few weeks. there are some images atVintage Chic Evening Gowns 1947

A Guide to Shoe Styles

2011-06-18T22:21:00.000+01:00

From the downright obvious to the technically obscure. Here is a guide to the basic
shoe styles that have diversified into a thousand different blends and variations.
Some of these shoes have different names in different countries.

Court/Pump - a simple slip on shoe

Oxfords - the lace tabs are sewn underneath the vamp

Mules - slip on with only a covering over the front of the foot

Sandals - toe out, heel out, sides out

Slingbacks - a sandal back to a closed shoe

Peep-toes - a small amount of the toe is open

Derby/Blucher - the lace tabs are sewn on top of the vamp, slightly more casual than the Oxford

Brogues - historically there were 4 different patterns of holes

Loafers - originally low step in casual shoe

Mary Janes - a court shoe with a strap across the top

Platforms - shoes raised up by a thick sole

Spectator (co-respondent) shoes - two colour shoes

Wedges - shoes which have the arch filled so there is no separate heel

Moccasin - a more casual version of the loafer in soft leather

Espadrilles - french fabric shoes with a rope sole

Clogs - have a rigid wooden sole

T-bar - a T shape strap on top of the shoe

Monks - a closed shoe with buckle(s)

Pilgrim - a low Court with a large decorative buckle

Heel Types

Stacked - fairly sturdy looks like a pile of wood

Cuban - usually low and raked forwards

Cone - broad at the top thin at the bottom with straight sides

Stiletto - very slender and curved

Kitten - a low type of stiletto

Louis - broad at top and bottom with a narrow waist

French heel - taller than the Louis and does not flare at the bottom

Novelty - the comma & choc are early novelty heels

Bette in Blue

2011-06-14T21:47:00.002+01:00

How about this for a ravishing costume, I wonder what colour her shoes are.

New Stock: Shoes 1930s 1940s 1950s

2011-06-12T18:09:00.000+01:00

At Wickedlady Collectables

Home Notes Summer Fashion Supplement 18 June 1938

2011-06-10T11:32:00.003+01:00

Details for knitting this jumper further down

I'd be quite willing to wear all of these. Click for Big.

And these. Click for Big.

Click for Big.

Eeek No Time!!!

2011-06-07T21:17:00.000+01:00

So, I've been away for a few days and now there is a mountain of work to catch up on. Are holidays really worth all the extra effort?

Well yes, I got to see lots of old friends, trolled around my university days stomping ground - the North Laine in Brighton and discovered a fab new shop into the bargain.

Utility at 28a North Road Brighton. But stylish too.

Everything you need for your kitchen including Hamster Brushes (!!)

Swim Wear 1939-1940

2011-05-30T12:21:00.000+01:00

Although its raining today and only 12C the weather man has promised warm sunshine later this week and I'm off to Brighton. (Not that I shall be dipping my toes or anything radical). So it seems an ideal time to show some swimsuits. Although 2 piece suits had been around for a couple of years, for the most part they remained in the adverts and illustrations. One piece suits were worn by "Everywoman' as suggested by the editorials below.

Picture Post May 1940. 2 Piece in Fringed Towelling. Click for big.

Picture Post May 1940. Click for big.

Picture Post May 1940. Click for big.

Jantzen advert summer 1939.

McCall Pattern Leaflet for Vokins Dept Store Brighton May 1939.

Short Story Illustration Woman's Fair Summer 1939. Click for big.

Swimsuit Editorial Woman's Fair Summer 1939. Click for big.

Shining Brightly: Metal Studded Dresses 1939

2011-05-26T18:41:00.000+01:00

Last year The Vintage Baroness blogged about these dresses with metal stud decorations and its only taken me 9 months to find the article which I KNEW was lurking somewhere in my magazine collection.

Home Chat 1st April 1939, send away for a ready cut dress and studs. Click for Big.

Home Chat 1st April 1939, at left Virginia Grey MGM star wears a grey wool frock spotted with studs. Click for Big.

This fashion had been introduced in about 1934 in a lighter style see this fab frock at Adelines Attic The beginning of the war soon put paid to the fashion however, with all metal decorations being strictly limited under the austerity rules. However, they returned briefly in 1945/46 as did many other styles and fads from 1939 when the rules were eased.

Get your own at Wickedlady Collectables

Fabrics of the Fifties: David Whitehead

2011-05-23T22:31:00.001+01:00

Fabrics from the 50s are very very collectable and seeing these designs by David Whitehead it is easy to understand why. Very soon there were high street copies everywhere and they are still being copied today.

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine November 1952

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine November 1953

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine May 1954

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine June 1954

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine September 1954

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine April 1955

Advert in Ideal Home Magazine April 1956

Much as I love 50s decor (except those Knitting Needle coat stands) I can never look through the old magazines without thinking of Flanders & Swann's satirical song
'Design for Living'

We're terribly House & Garden at number 7B,
We live in a most amusing Mews, ever so very contemporary.
We're terribly House & Garden - the money that one spends
To make a place that won't disgrace our House & Garden friends.

We've planned an uninhibited interior decor,
Curtains made of straw,
We've wallpapered the floor.
We don't know if we like it
But at least be can be sure:
There's no place like home sweet home

for complete lyrics visit here

I Wake Up Screaming

2011-05-21T15:53:00.000+01:00

Have had a bad computer week so all I can manage at the moment is some eye candy, hopefully its all sorted out now and normal service will resume soon.

I Wake up Screaming 1941, l to r: Betty Gable, Carole Landis, Victor Mature.
Click for Big.

Ginger Rogers 1939. Click for Big

Desperately need these shoes. Click for Big.

Gowns For Dancing and Dining 1939-40

2011-05-15T21:13:00.000+01:00

Evening gowns from Weldons Catalogue of Fashions Autumn Winter 1939-40
Where are these patterns now?

I can see Miss Pettigrew in 130413. Click for big.

I'd make 131103 and 130323. Click for big.

Some lovely Edwardian and Victorian inspirations here. Click for big.

Open Air Entertaining 1936

2011-05-13T17:59:00.002+01:00

Oops, missed Easter but never mind. The weather is good now for outdoor parties
even in Yorkshire, which is what reminded me about this article.

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Advert 1936

Her Husband Designs Her Clothes

2011-05-09T22:58:00.000+01:00

From Everywoman magazine January 1950. Gene Tierney was married to dress designer Oleg Cassini from 1941-1952, she was in London when this article was published filming the superb film noir Night and the City starring Richard Widmark, Gene Tierney and London.

Click for big.

Candid shot 1948

Publicity shot from the film Night and the City

New Stock at Wickedlady Collectables

2011-05-08T21:39:00.000+01:00

Shoes Shoes Shoes

From Utility to New Romantic by way of New York & London Mod

Hairpin Crochet Shrug 1952

2011-05-07T13:23:00.000+01:00

For evenings, for weddings, for everday if last years' summer was anything to go by.
From Everywoman magazine May 1952. You can get hairpin lace/crochet tools on ebay

Short bolero crocheted in strips then joined with chain stitch/double crochet.

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Down to the Sea in Shorts

2011-05-04T11:38:00.000+01:00

Beach wear for summer 1940, (many people cancelled their holidays and the beaches were populated by barbed wire and the Home Guard.)

From Woman's Sphere July 1940. Click for (very) big.

Festival of Vintage at York Racecourse

2011-05-01T22:37:00.000+01:00

Popped out to a vintage fair yesterday, despite it being a bank holiday weekend. But it was a lovely day even though the wind wanted to steal my hat.

This was basically a vintage fair with some extras thrown in such as fashion shows,
a hairdresser, dance lessons and live music.

The venue is quite small but they managed to pack quite a lot into the small space.
Prices varied, there were some bargains to be had such as a 1930s Worth evening coat at £145 and a fab pair of 80s Charles Jourdain perspex slingbacks at £15. But some items were way overpriced such as a 60s cotton dress at £75 and re-styled hats between £20-30.

The festival was very popular, we had to queue for about 10 minutes to get in just after opening and when we left there was still a queue.

More venues at Discover Vintage

Fantasy Kitchens of the 1950s

2011-04-27T20:55:00.000+01:00

If there are 2 words that epitomise aspirational interior decoration in the 1950s they are 'Fitted Kitchen' (followed closely by 'open plan').

Leisure Kitchens December 1954. Click for Big

Nevastane March 1955. Click for Big

Redwing March 1956. Click for Big

Many companies that had made aircraft and armaments during the war turned their
factory production to metal furniture including all-metal kitchen cabinets.

English Rose metal kitchen July 1954. Click for Big

Paul kitchen MArch 1956. Click for Big

Finch November 1952.

Moulding techniques allowed a more streamlined look than could be obtained from wood, though the introduction of coloured formica and other wipe clean surfaces soon smartened up the wooden kitchens and their deigners realised they needed to make more than oblong boxes to compete.

Formica in a wooden kitchen April 1955. Click for Big

Formica in a metal kitchen January 1955. Click for Big

In 1954 colour-coordinated appliances were introduced.

Warwick cooker December 1954.

Paul kitchen May 1954. Click for Big

Pirate's Gold

2011-04-25T23:27:00.000+01:00

It's not easy to find interesting cocktails that contain Southern Comfort. But this one comes straight from the horses mouth - a leaflet that came with this promotional cocktail shaker from the manufacturers themselves. Some time in the 1960s by the look of the bunny girls.

1 1/2 meaures Southern Comfort
1/2 measure Bacardi
1/2 measure lemon juice
orange juice

Fill a tall glass with crushed ice and add the measures of lemon juice, rum and
Southern Comfort, stir and top up with orange juice, garnish with fruit.

Fruity with warm herby undertones.

Trio for Smartness 1936. Beret, Scarf & Belt to Match

2011-04-21T18:13:00.000+01:00

From Woman's Illustrated Nov 7 1936

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My Rayne Shoes on TV !!!!!!!!

2011-04-18T17:14:00.000+01:00

Drum roll please.

Those of you in the UK will already have noted the plethora of Royal Wedding programmes scheduled by the BBC and others. But here is one you MUSTN'T miss.

Thursday April 28th at 09.15 (huh?) on BBC1: "When Royals Wed" part 4

Now, I'm sorry to suggest you should watch a programme called "When Royals Wed", but can guarantee there will be some great shoes in this episode. Part 4 is about clothes and other accompniments to wedding success and will be featuring craftsmen who contributed to previous Royal Weddings including Nicholas Rayne who will be talking about Queen (Princess then) Elizabeth's wedding sandals.

NOT Queen Elizabeth's wedding sandals

Other episodes
Monday April 25th at 09.10 on BBC1: "When Royals Wed" part 1
Tuesday April 26th at 09.15 on BBC1: "When Royals Wed" part 2
Wednesday April 27th at 09.15 on BBC1: "When Royals Wed" part 3
Thursday April 28th at 09.15 on BBC1: "When Royals Wed" part 4

Hey, did you happen to see the most expensive shoes in the world?

2011-04-15T18:47:00.000+01:00

After seeing these shoes in a news article here at £140,000 I felt the need to find something a little more affordable (and wearable?)

Yes, solid gold and diamonds.

LA Nights by Poetic License

Sling Bling Wedge by Iregular Choice

Tea & Cakes Bunny Bow by Irregular Choice

Mystic Decorative by Jane Shilton (you know I'm a sucker for brogues)

White Sandals by Marco Tozzi

Priscilla Wedges by Moda in Pelle

Cherry Whisky

2011-04-14T21:06:00.000+01:00

1/2 teaspoon Angostura Bitters
1 teaspoon Grenadine
1/2 gill Scotch Whisky
1 dash lemon peel juice
1 Cherry

Half fill a tumbler with crushed ice then add the bitters, grenadine and whisky.
Stir well and strain into a short glass. Add the cherry as decoration, and the lemon peel juice squeezed on top.

For a gal who isn't too keen on whisky (at least the affordable sort) this turned out rather well. Fruity and slightly sweet.

Absolute Pap!

2011-04-11T19:29:00.000+01:00

Another recent find is this 1930s brilliantine tin - still full.
Not really surprising perhaps, given the brand name.

Brilliantine is now used mainly by men, but in the 30s was very popular to give
definition to pincurls and rolls.

Pap:
1. Soft or semi-liquid food, as for infants.
2. an idea or material lacking real value or substance

Presumably the name derived from the first definition and not the second?
Lovely tin, terrible name!

Now available at Wickedlady Collectables, lots of new listings: hats shoes,
clothes etc.

Hunting

2011-04-08T14:59:00.000+01:00

I've been out hunting - or antiquing as it seems to be called now - this week.
April is the start of the season in earnest. Winter fairs are usually an ordeal of mud, rain and cold, but now the fun begins again, I always get reinvigorated at this time of year after a few months of buying being a chore, now it is a pleasure again.

Newark International Antiques Fair

Some of my favourite finds

Military style 1930s ladies hat, really want to keep this for myself but I already have 3 black hats (I need a navy one)

Late 40s Utility wedding sandals

1930s cotton scarf with fairies/princesses/godmothers (your choice)

Plus there are loads of new clothes, magazines and some tins to come too.

Incorrigible Tempter

2011-04-06T22:21:00.000+01:00

Edward Rayne himself in an advert from 1975, one of a series of tongue in cheek adverts all in a similar vein.

Vogue October 1975

Merida in black. Only 5 more colours to collect.

Spring in the Garden

2011-04-03T18:59:00.000+01:00

I've been thinking about getting out the garden furniture as the weather has been so nice recently. But alas thinking is as far as I have got. However when I found this picture in one of the 1950s home magazines I purchased recently I realised that I couldn't possibly sit outside in anything less than the 4 piece primary squared outfit of the girl on the airbed. £7 15s (all sold separately).

House Beautiful June 1955. Click for big

DIY Frock Fabulousness @ Wickedlady Collectables

2011-03-30T11:29:00.000+01:00

Just a few of more than 200 day and evening dress patterns and over 25 wedding dress patterns available at Wickedlady Collectables

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Classic Styled Utility Clothes June 1943

2011-03-27T15:04:00.000+01:00

By 1943 the austerity rules had made a big impact on clothes design, this article stresses the practicality and go-anywhere styles of the new designs. Although fashion may not have stopped quite as dead in its tracks as the author suggests, the emphasis on value and practicality where what most women needed in the mid-war years.

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Article by Anne Scott-James