Beauty in a 7/8th-length Bell Sleeve

The details are similar in these two patterns from the mid-1930s and 1940 - each with  a full sleeved blouse and a bolero that features a 7/8th-length bell sleeve. Yummy fashion!

This lovely ensemble from 1940 features a gorgeous tuxedo blouse that takes advantage of the graceful 7/8th-length bell sleeve to showcase the full sleeves with tucks.

And this ensemble from the mid-1930s has a similar 7/8th-length bell sleeve on the bolero, joined with a full-sleeved blouse that peeks out with charm, showcasing the contrasting fabric.

Marvelous, eye-catching style, don't you think?

Scraps from the Past: Sunny Summer Wartime Frock

The pattern: Du Barry 5791 (1944)

I love how the original owner wrote her name on the pattern, and drew an arrow to the version that she sewed. Someone also wrote in very faint pencil vertically next to "This view": "no geathers will bring back" - a somewhat mystifying statement, I can only guess at what was meant. The handwriting is different from the writing in ink, so it may have been someone else.

The scrap: This floral cotton print is just a smidgeon of a scrap that was tucked inside this vintage pattern from the war years. But it is still enough to let us envision this frock in a summery print of blue flowers with pink and green bits. It paints a very pretty and sunny picture!

1930s Shirtwaist Dress

She looks ready to do business in this great shirtwaist dress from 1937. I love the rows of darts at the shoulders, the buttons on the sleeves that match the toggle buttons of the front closing. It's a graceful dress, and I can picture wearing this! Can you?

1930s - A Delightful Dress for Day or Afternoon

The model in this dress from 1937 has a bit of  a "matronly" look to her. :) The dress has charming details, and looks like it was drawn as if sewn with sheer fabric - now that makes it special!

I love the princess seams, short tie belts at waistline sides, and the saddle yokes with short flutter sleeves that appear to have outseam vents. So graceful!

Mid-1950s - Super Separates

Dressed in soft autumn colors, this model is wearing an eye-catching blouse from Advance that  features bold buttoned diagonal interest, and a skirt with light flare. It's a superb combination from 1955, courtesy of Advance patterns 7798 and 7799. :)

Summer Colors to Keep You Cool - 1930s Style!

I've notice that blue and teal are very popular this summer. So how about these beauties from the late 1930s? I think they'll do nicely. :)

 

Spotted in a Shop Window - Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Dress

Really? Summer hasn't even started, but the Fall 2014 fashion season is ready to roll! I spotted this in one of the windows at Nordstrom's in downtown Seattle today.

What really caught my eye, though, was this stunning embroidered dress - the shimmering light blue background and the rich gold, blue, and pink floral motifs are dramatic and dazzling. I simply love embroidery.

 

The black and white midriff dress in the background appears a bit understated in contrast, but is lovely too. ;-)

1938 Summer Fashion - A Fresh Spectator Frock

Oh boy, love those sunglasses - so very 1930s! And love that spectator frock - sporty and fresh, with short sleeves, an inset belt, and flared "action" skirt with a pleat in front.

Such inspiring style from the summer of 1938!

Neutral Grays for Spring - 1952 Fashion

Soft pleats distinguish the skirt of this lovely dress and add back fullness - a trend from the late 1940s that continued into the 1950s.

A big ribbon bow accents this soft gray capelet - beautifully matched with the dress.

White contrasting "punchinello" cuffs trim the eye-catching sleeves of this gray dress, also trimmed with bows.