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?

One Pattern, Many Blouses - Inspired 1940s Style!

I recently posted Simplicity 1093 (below) in my shop. While I love detailed blouses with lots of tailored qualities, I also love simpler blouses styles that are designed to let the fabric be the star. And that is just what is provided by this popular pattern from the 1940s. It was so popular, that Simplicity reproduced it for its 85th anniversary, as retro pattern number 1692.

In this post, I feature two fashion bloggers and sewists who made multiple versions of this wonderful pattern. Prepare to be inspired! Note that each link for each blouse version is to the original blog posting by the sewist, so be sure to follow the links to read all about their sewing experience and see more pictures!

Here is a version of each blouse style:

View 1: Jacquard fawn silk version by Tulle and Tweed

View 2: Floral cotton lawn version by Tulle and Tweed

View 3: Glamorous velveteen version by Flashback Summer

View 4: Perfect summer floral print version from Flashback Summer

Tulle and Tweed also sewed a version that combines style 3 and style 4. Check it out here!

Is Life a Bowl of Cherries?

It is cherry season now - what a wonderful and delicious fruit - completely irresistible! This endearing drawing is from the cover of Home Arts, August 1939. Cherry earrings anyone?

From the Summer of 65 - A Dress to Get Away from It All

This lovely dress from 1965 looks cool and inviting - perfect for your summer get-away!

Home Sewing Tips from the 1920s - Easy-to-Make Frock with Pleats and Jabot

Perfect for summer, this frock is a snap to make - Ruth Wyeth Spears will tell you how! Note the  clever but simple jabot and the panel of crisp knife pleats in the skirt front.

 

You can start with or without a favorite pattern - just how clever do you feel? ;)  Just click on the image to make it larger and easier to read.

1938 Summer Fashion - Tennis, Anyone?

This culotte frock from the summer of 1938 is designed for action, in traditional white with a flash of color in the binding.

I love the crisp details in the wing revers collar and the flutter sleeves of this step-in fashion. I might just even enjoy playing tennis, if I could play it in such a cute frock!

Summer Fashion from 1938 - High-Waisted Skirt and Bolero!

A doff of the sun hat to this fabulous high-waisted skirt with front-crossing suspenders - with its matching bolero, it's1938 summer fashion that's yummy!

Notice the shirring on the short gigot sleeves?

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!

1938 Summer Frocks for Girls - Sunny, Sweet Fashion

Little girls love cute clothes too! These cotton frocks are perfect for play and special occasions for growing girls - and with 1938 style, they are timelessly cute fashion too!

From left: apron is gathered to shaped yoke; frock with bows and a belt; jumper frock with suspenders and blouse; frock with shirred waist & center front princess panel; frock with white collar and trim.

Spotted in a Shop Window: Peplums for Summer!

Seen in the shop window of Anthropologie in downtown Seattle, this gorgeous tropical print blouse sports a flared peplum that dips low in the back. Simply superb.

In the shop window of Mario's in downtown Seattle, my eye was drawn to this divine little cardigan with the look of crochet, trimmed with a softly pleated peplum. Note the 3/4-length sleeves, and the scalloped edging. I just love all the details - want, want!

Spring 1952 - A Study in Crisp Black and White

A full skirt, a doll waist - it's a fabulous silk dress in crisp stripes. That cute boater hat sets it off to perfection.

Very wide, very striking shaped white collar and white wing cuffs for a dark dress.

A black sheer wool dress provides a straight silhouette, broken by a swing of contrasting white wool bolero.

This dress has an overskirt that flips back to reveal a pale, pretty lining.

Strange pose... is this a hallelujah moment? Dotted scarf collar is pulled through the bodice closing to create a large bow at the hip. Now that's dramatic fashion! Pouf!

Resort Fashion - A Swirl of 1951 Summer Style

This fine summer dress is a swirl of color. Fabulous with off-shoulder neckline and a beautifully flared skirt, this cotton dress is also easy to care for! Just step through the door, and I am transported. :)

Resort Fashion - Don't Forget Your Clam Diggers!

These 1951 tapered pants are a high fashion way  to make a stand on the beach! Called clam diggers or cabin boy pants, they are also simply called - short slacks. ;)

Resort Fashion Month!

It's January! Yippee, that means it is time for resort fashion - vintage, of course! What could be more fun during the heart of winter than to peruse summer styles for the beach and resort?

Do you need sexy swimwear from the 1980s?

Maillot or bikini ... or both with McCall's 8089!

Or perhaps you'd prefer this very cute beach ensemble from 1954?

 

Love the sunny bra top with shorts and a great cover-up with or without hood!

Before and After Hit Parade: Cute 1940s Summer Frock

Seamstress: Emily in Australia
Pattern: Du Barry 5833

Here is the pattern, Du Barry 5833, from 1944 and the war years. Such a classic style, this frock has a swing skirt, square neckline, and a lightly bloused bodice with short sleeves and the option to go sleeveless:

The result:

Emily picked a gorgeous color for this frock, and is true to the short-sleeve version. Lovely flare and a perfect length. So flattering, and a lovely result! And I think I spy her cat (named Lamp) in the mirror! ;). Speaking of her cat, Emily has her own shop on Etsy, Lamp's Little Luxuries, where she sells beautiful hand-knitted accessories, so be sure to check it out!