Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

"Noble Idea." Or the Gold Crepe Dress

Many of you will recall last year's spring photo contest here on my blog. Today's post is about one of the outfits I created as part of that contest. (I WILL be hosting another photo contest later this year, don't you worry!)

Below is part of the newspaper article that I used as a the basis for that first photo contest. It talks about the latest colors and color combinations for spring in 1939. At the time I read the article it was the dead of winter and here in New England we were buried under several feet of snow so anything spring-related was most welcome. Today, although we are lacking in snow, I find myself craving spring big time! Is anyone else looking forward to warmer weather?

"Color Recipes Compiled from Fashion Shows. Dominating Note of Style Can Be Used in Many Combinations. By Alma Cunningham.
    Color is everywhere. It's the dominating note of fashion. And it's used in new ways, new combinations. If you've never a doubt about what color to wear with what for that much desired chic, turn the page. Our color recipes, taken from outstanding ensembles of recent style shows, are for the likes of us who sometimes like to dabble in unusual color, who sometimes astound natives with our color consciousness, who always want to wear a color accent that is effective.
    Assuming that your first purchases for spring will be a pair of shoes, a bag and hat to snatch your winter wardrobe from boredom, our color recipes start with at least one of these items already on hand."

Reading the descriptions of the article and going through my vintage clothing and accessories was so much fun! And in doing so I learned a number of things. It really made me think about colors and the many ways to mix and match to make the most of your wardrobe. I put together a couple outfits based on the article last spring (you can see them here). While I did share photos of this yellow dress, I didn't post about it with these particular accessories.


I really can't say why exactly, but I have a weakness for mustard yellow. It does not seem to matter what time period either. (I have a lovely worsted wool in my stash waiting to be made into an 18th century gown and I'm looking for silk of the same color.) Last year I made a 1940s suit in a very similar color. (See it here.) It's such a wonderful color and one that I don't see on many people. It can be difficult to wear for sure but I've found it to be very versatile.


This particular dress is probably late 1930s or very early 1940s and is made of rayon crepe. Sadly, the dress didn't fit as well as I would liked so it went to my Etsy shop. It was too snug in the waist and across the back to feel like I could wear it comfortably all day. Darn it! When it comes to wearing true vintage, you win some and loose some. But oh I do adore that color!

Here is the quote from the article that this outfit is based on.

"Noble Idea.
Because of the popularity of some colors, there will be some who will wear a less popular color in order to be individual. Thus brown is literally and figuratively a dark horse for spring. ... (3) Or a gold crepe dress, a natural straw hat with a bright blue ribbon trim, and bright blue gloves."


I paired the dress with brown alligator shoes, a brown alligator or lizard clutch, blue gloves, and a hat that I reshaped and trimmed with vintage ribbon. The hat was actually made for a doll but it's a perfect representation of those adorable little tilt hats that were so fashionable in the late 1930s. I've been meaning to put together a tutorial on how I reshaped and trimmed it. Any interest?


How neat are these gloves!?


Outfit details
Dress - Facebook swap group
Hat -  My own creation
Shoes and Clutch - Brimfield Flea Market
Necklace - Was my grandmother's
Gloves - Thrifted
Stockings - Bobby's Warehouse

And just for fun, a quick look at the same dress worn three different ways. See, versatile! This color can be paired with red, blue, green or brown! :) The possibilities are endless.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Fall Photo Contest - Our Inspirational Outfits

Hello everyone! I am so excited about today's post!! If you have been following along you will know all about my vintage fall photo contest. If you are just joining us, you can view this post will all the details on how to enter. There is still plenty of time! The contest, which is open to everyone worldwide, is open until October 18th.


Lauren of Wearing History and Jessica of Chronically Vintage have graciously agreed to help me judge the photos for this contest. Not only that, the three of us will be offering the winner and runner up each a fantastic prize package. Here is a look at what you could win!


THE PRIZES!!
Winner Will Receive the Following Prize Package
Vintage Related Goodies Bag Plus $30 in Store Credit from Emily's Vintage Visions
Beautiful Collection of Autumn Themed Accessories from Chronically Vintage
Vintage Sewing Goodies Bag Plus $30 in Store Credit from Wearing History

Runner Up Will Receive the Following Prize Package
Vintage Related Goodies Bag Plus $25 in Store Credit from Emily's Vintage Visions
$20 in Store Credit from Wearing History
$30 in Store Credit from Chronically Vintage

To help inspire you Lauren, Jessica, and I have put together our own vintage outfits inspired by the contest newspaper articles. (Read the articles here.)

Emily of Emily's Vintage Visions, Jessica of Chronically Vintage and Lauren of Wearing History

My Outfit
While I did not intend to recreate an exact outfit from the newspaper articles, I found that I was able to get really close. Brown was one of the colors mentioned over and over in the articles - brown suits and accessories such as hats, alligator bags and shoes. Brown can often be a blah color but happens to be a color I really like. It can be worn so many different ways and paired with an endless variety of other colors.

Brown appeared again and again in both accessories, suits and coats. One noteworthy ensemble included an imported tweed suit in a soft cinnamon brown shade worn with dark brown accessories and a nutria fur coat. - From the Dallas Morning News, July 25, 1940

I wore my brown 1940s wool suit, first blogged about here, and paired it with a variety of orange and pink accessories. The turban I made using a vintage sewing pattern and fabric from my stash. (I plan to post a turban tutorial soon!) I chose orange as it fits the fall theme so well. My pink leaf pin may seem a bit out place but I thought the color made an interesting contrast to the brown and orange. You can read more about my outfit here.


Jessica's Outfit
I really like the selection of colors and accessories that Jessica picked! Her blue jacket brings to mind the blue Schiaparelli jacket mentioned in one of the articles. You can read more about Jessica's outfit here, as well as view the prizes she will be providing here.

Here is what Jessica said about her outfit.
"I really didn't have a lot of pieces in the specific colours mentioned, so instead I focused more on the colours themselves and went with a look that struck me as someone that could have been worn to cheer on a football game or the like back in the day. The articles talked about brown, red, green, and blue, so I included all those along with a coat, which was another frequently discussed piece."

That all important question of what to wear while cheering on the favored eleven ...
all designed to take the attention away from the football field and put it on milady in the stands. Come football weather, the quarterbacks will have to look to their laurels to get the crowd looking their way. From the Dallas Morning News, September 18, 1940

 photo 1940s denim jacket red and brown fall outfit 3_zpszouu03bv.jpg
Photography by Tony Cangiano
Photography by Tony Cangiano
Lauren's Outfit
Plaids and tweeds are mentioned several times in the newspaper articles. The color green was mentioned many times as well. I really enjoy plaids but somehow my vintage wardrobe is lacking, something I think I will need to remedy. Lauren's lovely plaid jacket and green knit dress - knitted items were very popular in the 30s and 40s! - fit the bill for this contest perfectly don't you think? The yellow hat and shoes are a nice complement to the green dress and plaid jacket! Lauren's hat, purse, jacket and pretty brooches are all vintage. Her earrings are from the lovely shop Dames a la Mode. Lauren's shoes are from Remix Vintage. You can read more about Lauren's outfit, the prizes she is providing here.

Green took a curtain call in a brighter shade ... Black and pale blue, black with benedictine brown and black with vivid greens were outstanding in the daytime ensembles both in suits and dresses. - From the Dallas Morning News, September 18, 1940

A striking coat for casual wear was made of imported tweed in huge plaids with fuchsia and red on a gray background ... A two-piece suit of hound's-tooth check in silver and gray ... green and electric blue check woolen cape. ... a three-peice affair, with swagger length coat over a trim two-piece suit, ... A striking coat for casual wear was made of imported tweed in huge plaids with fuchsia and red on a gray background. This was worn, too, with dark brown accessories, and the brown felt hat had a sweeping profile brim. From the Dallas Morning News, July 25, 1940  

Photos by Wearing History
Photos by Wearing History
I hope this post gives you some ideas of how to put together your own outfit inspired by the newspaper articles. As you can see we all used a mix of original vintage as well as reproduction and vintage style items. We certainly had fun with our outfits, I hope you do too!

Photos for the contest must be submitted by October 18th. Don't miss out!! Contest rules and how to enter here.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Announcing My Fall Photo Contest!

Update 10/19/15 Contest is now closed! (View all the entries here. Winner and runner up announced here.)

Exciting news everyone!! Remember my "Color Recipes for Spring" photo contest? (See the winners here.) I had such a great response to it that I have decided to host another one this fall! Start thinking wool suits, colorful crepe dresses, plaid coats, and furs! The cooler weather will be here sooner then most of us would like but this is the perfect excuse to bust out those fur coats and wraps. :) But it gets better. Judging all the lovely photos on my own last time was challenging so I thought I would call in the big guns this time around.


I am so very pleased to announce that I will be teaming up with Lauren of Wearing History and Jessica of Chronically Vintage to host this fall photo contest. Yippee!! (Thank you ladies!) Both ladies have graciously agreed to help me judge the photo entries. Not only that, we will each offer a special prize to the contest winner and runner up. (Details at the end of this post.) Both Lauren and Jessica have an amazing eye for vintage fashions and, let's face it, Jessica is the queen of coordinating vintage inspired ensembles. :)

2015 Fall Photo Contest Judges!! From L. to R. Emily of Emily's Vintage Visions, Jessica of Chronically Vintage and Lauren of Wearing History
This fall themed vintage photo contest will be very similar to the one I hosted in the spring. Below you will find two newspaper articles from 1940 describing some absolutely delightful vintage ensembles for fall. Like last time, your outfit must be inspired by the descriptions in the given articles and must be true 1930s/1940s vintage or vintage inspired from that era. Reproduction and newer clothing and accessories are of course welcome as long as they are in keeping with the spirit of the contest. You don't need to sew something new for this contest unless you really want to. ;) Use one or both articles to find your inspiration!

Couple attending a Texas college football game, circa 1940s. (Photo by George Strock//Time Life Pictures/Getty Images) Source
Source
THE INSPIRATION ARTICLES

From the Dallas Morning News, September 18, 1940 
Accessories Are Fashion Show Theme. By Alma Cunningham.
Those saucy fillips of fashion - accessories - provided a theme for a showing of autumn clothes Thursday noon by A. Harris & Company, at the Century Room. That all important question of what to wear while cheering on the favored eleven was settled with a simple black crepe dress worn under a big plaid topcoat in tones of rust and brown. Its soft luxurious collar was made of lynx and the model wore alligator sandals with ankle straps, an alligator bag and a puff crown green hat tilted forward - all designed to take the attention away from the football field and put it on milady in the stands. Come football weather, the quarterbacks will have to look to their laurels to get the crowd looking their way.

More on the teacup side of the clock, a model wore one of the new tunic dresses with a slim shirt of dove brown crepe topped with a long blouse made of tapestry. She carried a brown skunk muff, barreled shaped, stabbed in the middle with a sparkling pin about the size of the palm of your hand.
Suits with long torso jackets in vivid colors over black or brown slim skirts were the order of the day. Inaugurating the call to colors was a trim little suit with Schiaparelli's sleeping blue making the jacket. The skirt was black to compliment a tiny Persian lamb collar and hat. Another suit went dramatic with a golden brown jacket with pockets of ocelot over a black skirt. A golden greenish bird with wings spread in flight topped the black ht, and the model carried one of the new elongated flat bags of black suede decorated with a spiral gold cord.

Change Basic Black Effect
The possibility of changing the looks of a basic black dress with a variety of accessories began with an all-black ensemble as to shoes, off-the-face hat, bag and gloves, but with a heavy necklace of Balenciaga's honey pearls. Another was shown under a hypnotic red full-length coachman's coat with black velvet collar. Two rhinestone clips, one a question mark, the other an exclamation point, were pinned on the bodice pockets of the dress.
The blouse of a long tunic dress in balsam green was given a horizontal stripe effect with bands of amber beads. The skirt looked new with a flounce effect, and this dress was effectively ensembled with a balsam green hat swathed in veiling, and brown accessories.
Green took a curtain call in a brighter shade, this time worn in a two-piece suit, and worn with, of all things, a bright red sailor and bright red gloves. A red bag and gloves were worn with a fleet gray wool suit, and red kid gloves provided a startling accent for a soldier blue jacket suit, otherwise ensembled with brown accessories.

A winter navy costume, a three-peice affair, with swagger length coat over a trim two-piece suit, showed a military influence with brass buttons marching down the front of the jacket, and an eagle in gold braid adorned the right sleeve. The model's hat was a sailor beret in navy felt and popped with red, perched on the back of her head behind her pompadour.

Black and pale blue, black with benedictine brown and black with vivid greens were outstanding in the daytime ensembles both in suits and dresses.
_______________

From the Dallas Morning News, July 25, 1940 
New Fall Hats Steal Show at Weekly Fashion Display by Alma Cunningham. 
New fall hats stole the show at the Wednesday afternoon fashion revue presented by Nieman-Marcus Company on Peacock Terrace. An off-the-face beret in bright green felt had a narrow band of black lace veiling across the eyes. The model wore this hat with a tailored black suit and carried a silver fox muff. Another hat that showed a Peruvian influence was a black and red felt pillbox type with a bright red silk scarf which extended from the sides of the hat, was brought together under the chin, thus framing the face, and draped across both shoulders.

The combination of colors in the hats was stressed again in a trim off-the-face brim felt, the crown of which was black, the facing of the brim brown, with the brim edged in taupe. The was shown with a tailored two-piece black wool suit and sables.

Brown Proves Popular.
Brown appeared again and again in both accessories, suits and coats. One noteworthy ensemble included an imported tweed suit in a soft cinnamon brown shade worn with dark brown accessories and a nutria fur coat. A striking coat for casual wear was made of imported tweed in huge plaids with fuchsia and red on a gray background. This was worn, too, with dark brown accessories, and the brown felt hat had a sweeping profile brim.

A two-piece suit of hound's-tooth check in silver and gray led the show and was ensembled with brown shoes, a bright red alligator bag, a trim gray felt hat, and the model wore a sparkling ruby red pin of brown glass on her coat lapel and silver earrings. 

The importance of the cape suit was emphasized in an ensemble with a full-length, flowing green and electric blue check woolen cape worn over an Indian summer brown jersey dress. Enlarged gold heart earring sparkled on the model's ear lobes, and she wore a green felt hat with a sweeping off-the-face brim, brown alligator bag and shoes.

Coats in brilliant colors looked especially new. A vivid Kelly green woolen in a fitted, slim silhouette and belted back was lined with a vivid red, and worn over a light beige dress. The model's hat matched the green of the coat and was trimmed with wavering turkey feathers that towered a good eight inches above the front brim.


Deanna Durbin Source

Source
CONTEST RULES and HOW TO ENTER - DEADLINE TO ENTER IS OCTOBER 18TH WINNER and RUNNER UP WILL BE ANNOUNCED OCTOBER 25TH

* Contest is open to everyone, worldwide! One entry per person, please.*

* To enter please leave a comment on this post. Then send up to two (2) photos of your outfit to me at vintagevisions27(at)gmail(dot)com no later then October 18th. Entries received after that time will not be included. One photo should show your whole outfit clearly, your second may be a view from the back, a close up or photo collage if you would like to highlight certain details such as hats, shoes, jewelry etc. Photos will be added to an album on my Facebook page so we can all enjoy your awesome vintage creation! You don't need to have a blog to enter but if you do please let me know so I can link back to you! (You are more then welcome to create your own blog post to show off your outfit. But please note only the two photos you email to me will count for the contest.) *

* Photos will be judged on creativity, use of color and accessories, and use of the newspaper descriptions. (You do not need to recreate a specific outfit from the articles but we should be able to see their influence on your choice of wardrobe.) Like last time, your outfit must be inspired by the descriptions in the given articles and must be true 1930s/1940s vintage or vintage inspired from that era. Reproduction and newer clothing and accessories are certainly welcome as long as they are in keeping with the spirit of the contest. Along with your photos please send a short description of your outfit, why you picked certain items, a line or two from the article, etc. *

* Photos do not need to be professional but please try to keep background clutter to a minimum. Choose a background or setting that will help show off your outfit! *


And now the good stuff! A great way to get a jump start on your holiday shopping!


THE PRIZES!!
Winner Will Receive the Following Prize Package
Vintage Related Goodies Bag Plus $30 in Store Credit from Emily's Vintage Visions
Beautiful Collection of Autumn Themed Accessories from Chronically Vintage
Vintage Sewing Goodies Bag Plus $30 in Store Credit from Wearing History

Runner Up Will Receive the Following Prize Package
Vintage Related Goodies Bag Plus $25 in Store Credit from Emily's Vintage Visions
$20 in Store Credit from Wearing History
$30 in Store Credit from Chronically Vintage

Lauren, Jessica and I will each create our own fall outfit inspired by the above newspaper articles. Stay tuned for that special blog post. Please feel free to share this contest with anyone who may be interested.
Good luck to all! I can't wait to see your outfits!!

- Just a quick little update! A few people have emailed me to say they were unable to leave a comment on this post. I'm looking into the issue and will hopefully have it fixed! Feel free to send me a quick note if you can't leave a comment and still want to participate, or you have questions about the contest. vintagevisions27(at)gmail(dot)com

Source

Monday, January 26, 2015

New Years' Resolutions and Blogging Goals

Before the month of January completely disappears, I thought I would share some of my New Year's goals and resolutions. These are going to sound very similar to last year's goals so please forgive the redundancy! So here we go!


Sewing/Blogging Related

1. Buy less fabric and use more from the stash. It can be soooo hard not to dash out and by more fabric when you want to start sewing something new. Really, who can resist a good fabric sale?? I give in to temptations which is why I have so much fabric. Not that I'm complaining! I do know for a fact though that for three of my up coming sewing projects I already have the perfect fabric in the stash so that's a good feeling. If I dig around I'll most likely find the perfect buttons, etc. too.


2. Sew more practical items that will be worn more often - i.e. blouses, pants, skirts. I really enjoy sewing dresses but I find I just don't wear them that much on a daily basis. I need items I can mix and match.


3. Get my sewing room organized! OK, I know I said this last year but since our move to the new house I've had to start over creating a good workspace.

4. Sew one thing that's truly amazing, even if it goes against resolutions 1 and/or 2. I think we all have a few dream projects. :)

5. Get a handle on that pile of UFOs! So far this month I finished an 18th century crewel embroidered stomacher that I started, errrr, a few years ago. I'm making good progress on a 1930s/40s blouse using left over material from my 2014 Sew For Victory dress. I also replaced the zipper in my Fan Print dress so now I can it  again!

6. Start a tangible sewing journal where I can keep notes about each pattern and project. There are lots of great suggestions/tutorials on the web for these. I looked at many of them then created my own using Word. It will be very useful to have a notebook of some sort that I can keep with my sewing books and refer back to.


Blogging Goals

1. Continue to improve my blogging skills. i.e. better pictures, more details, etc. It's hard to believe that Emily's Vintage Visions is four years old now!! (My blogging birthday was January 3rd. I think this calls for a belated celebration, yes? Special birthday post with a giveaway perhaps? I need to do something!!) There are so many amazing blogs out there and there is always something more to learn!

2. Write up posts on some of my past sewing projects. I already have a couple drafts started. There will be lots more 18th century sewing projects. Including the crewel embroidered stomacher I mentioned.


3. New series of posts - "Behind the Seams" posts that show the details of some of the vintage and antique goodies in my collection. This was something I intended to do last year but life just got so busy. Fear not! It will happen in 2015. I have already started photographing some of my favorite pieces and have even started drafting patterns for a few of them. The first two blogs I have planned will detail a 1920s black silk dress and an 1860s bright blue silk waist/corselet.


A few Life Related Goals

1. Do more things that make me happy even if they seem silly. Correction, especially if they are silly! Things like playing croquet with with friends using pink plastic flamingos and a stuffed hedgehog... Yes, this is a thing. :)

2. Dress in a way that makes me feel good about myself. It's time to start working more vintage into my everyday wardrobe.


3. Clear away the clutter. It's time to really go through and get rid of things. Cori and I are both collectors and things just seem to find a way into the house.

4. Eat better and be more active. Because I have a desk job, and even though I say these thing every year with the best intentions, I really need to be better about it

5. Spend more time outdoors and more time with friends.

So there you have it! What are your goals for the New Year?



Thursday, August 23, 2012

Fashion plates for 1814

Here are some fashion plates for 1814, the same year as the attack on Fort Cassin. Most of these plates come from the fabulous site Dames a la Mode. Enjoy!

 My goodness. Have some feathers on your hat!
Journal des Dames et des Modes, 1814

La Belle Assemblee, June 1814. “Blucher bonnet and spencer”

La Belle Assemblee, The Russian and Prussian Bonnet and Pelisse, July 1814
 These two gowns are very similar. Both are relatively simple but very pretty. And I love military shako style hat! I can't decide if the check piece on the left gown is all one piece of fabric or a separate sash and neckerchief. It could be a large neckerchief that wraps around the front of the body. Too bad there is not front view. 

Ackermann’s Repository, Walking Dress, October 1814
Journal des Dames et des Modes, 1814



Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Research and Inspiration Page Updates

Greetings,
I just wanted to let you all know that I have updated my Research and Inspiration Page. I have added a whole new list of books, a few additional links to museums, and new sources for fabric. I've added a little bit here and there since I started my blog but this is the first big update.

Most links for books will take you to Amazon.com but there are other places you can purchase them. Burnley and Trowbridge, for example, carry many of the 18th century costume/fabric books. Also consider inter-library loan!

Have suggestions for additional resources? Just let me know and I'll add them!
Who Wore What?: Women's Wear, 1861-1865, by Juanita Leisch (Author), Thomas Publications (PA); 1 Ed edition (April 1995)

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

What I'm "sew grateful" for

I thought I would take this opportunity to write about a few things I’m grateful for. Debi from My Happy Sewing Place is hosting a 'Sew Grateful Week'. She has invited people to blog about the sewing related things they are grateful for. In addition to many great posts on her site there are some awesome giveaways. Check it out! 

As a person who is new to the blogging world, I would have to say that I'm "sew grateful" for the online community. I’m grateful for having access to an amazing selection of online sewing and costume-related resources. I started this blog after being inspired by a number of really great blogs created by some very talented individuals. The online community is a wonderful way to share ideas, fabric, patterns, inspiration and much more! 

Here are just a few of the blogs I find inspiring…
American Duchess – This is one of the first blogs I started following. Lauren is a very talented seamstress and has shared a number of her sewing projects on her blog. Lots of great pictures and how tos! 

Sign of the Golden Scissors – I have had the opportunity to take a few workshops with Hallie and I always learn something new. She is a wonderful teacher and a lot of fun to work with. I thank her for her support and encouragement in my sewing adventures.

Chronically Vintage, Tuppence Ha'penny, In the Hey Day, Va-Voom Vintage,  Vixen Vintage, - These lovely ladies find every opportunity to get dresses up! Lots of great inspirational pictures for those of us who want to wear more vintage.

AllThe Pretty Dresses and OMGthat Dress – Something new and pretty everyday! What’s not to like?

The Fashionable Past – I first learned of Katherine through her website. Her attention to detail is outstanding. I don’t know how she finds the time to complete all her projects.

Here are a few more things I’m grateful for…

Online museums with zoom features

Sites like Etsy and Ruby Lane.

Fabric sales! Who doesn’t like those?

Having like-minded friends who are always up for a shopping adventure. Especially when the adventure includes fabric stores, second hand clothing shops or antique stores!

I’m especially grateful for having such a wonderful boyfriend who not only tolerates my sewing and vintage collecting habits, he encourages them too! I know he secretly enjoys fabric shopping, (so long as it’s for him) and dressing up too. He and I have attended reenactments and living history events together for the last several years.
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