Back to School: High School Fashion from 1949

In an earlier post, we got to see a vintage collection back-to-school fashion from 1949 and Woman's Day magazine. From that same source, today we get to look at the high school back-to-school fashion!

I am totally in love with this ensemble - love the blouse with its pin tucks and long bishop sleeves. And that skirt with the high waist - wow! 

Here it looks all together - tea length skirt with midriff-high waist, bolero, and blouse.

This is a one-piece dress that combines the skirt and blouse, short puff sleeved version.

Here is a "date dress" in corduroy: Jumper with midriff, blouse with puff sleeves. Do her bangs look too short to you?

 

And here is my favorite position - relaxed and reading a book! She looks so studious. :) This plaid wool skirt and matching stole is perfect with a sweater. Love it!

In Search of Style: Chic 1930s Blouse

I'm excited! It has been a long time since I've found a clipping insert in a vintage pattern. Now technically, this is isn't so much a case of "in search of style" as it is "style found", as you will see. :)

The Clipping: Found in the pattern was this 1950s clipping of a page from a Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog. In the midst of all the different fabrics is this lovely blouse which you could order from Sears. "A Silk Blouse Makes the Suit" the ad proclaims. And doesn't the model look simply the essence of sophistication?

 

The Pattern: Superior 506 

 

The overblouse features a softly flattering neckline with a tie collar, 3-piece puffy elbow-length sleeves with lots of shirring, and a self-fabric belt. I love that contoured front midriff. It's inspiring fashion!

 

The full catalog page

 

What do you think? Did she order the fabric from Sears too?

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. ;-)

Summer 1938 - Three Flattering Frocks - Redux

Yummmm, more 1930s frocks!

The slender frock on the left is topped with a gem of a bolero with a swing back; matching sash belt is perfect.

The crisp summer frock in the center features saddle yokes and a flared skirt. A bright striped ascot and belt add contrast.

The lovely frock on the right has a snug midriff, a deep V-neckline edged with white or pastel ruched trim, and full flared skirt.

1938 Playsuit for Summer Fun

With a bare midriff and flared culottes, this charming two-piece playsuit can be slipped over a bathing suit or worn for leisurely sunning. Such charming style from 1938!

Exquisite 1930s Bridal Gown

Isn't this simply exquisite? Worthy of Ginger Rogers, Claudette Colbert, and Jean Harlow (to name a few of the movie stars of the 1930s), this wedding gown from 1938 and McCall is totally gorgeous.

The sleeveless gown has a dramatic V-back, soft surplice front, snug midriff that drops below the natural waistline, dramatic cathedral train, and is topped with a lined, fitted cropped jacket trimmed with crisp dainty pleating.

All I can do is dream and sigh.

Resort Fashions 2013 - Swimsuit Retrospective 1935, 1936, 1938

1935

 This Jantzen suit was almost a bra and pants bathing suit but had a thin isthmus of material between top and bottom. Sun bathing had by now become a national craze, and women let down suits when no one was looking. :0 !

1936

By 1936, bare midriff suits like this one were widespread. It is really the Riviera maillot cut in half. The bra was ot shaped but it was still too much for Rye, New York and Dover, New Jersey, where it was banned.

1938

In 1938, "lastex" suits, very tight with molded bras, were worn everywhere. It was also the era of the clammy, easily torn, all-rubber suit. This was about the last summer that men wore any tops.

In Search of Style: 1940s Dress with Soft Gathers and a Snug Midriff

A clipping from the January 1949 Women's Home Companion magazine spotlights a softly graceful dress with a full gathered skirt and a softly gathered bodice, joined with a snug midriff.

And here is the pattern I found it in, Junior Vogue 3272 from 1949. And what an excellent match! Surplice bodice softly gathered to curved midriff, short French sleeves, and full gathered skirt in tea length. Lovely - agreed? :D