Two of a Kind or Mother and Daughter Shoes

Welcome to another Sunday Shoe Spectacle! Today's post features two pairs of very similar shoes in my personal collection. I've had both pairs for a few years now. You may remember the pair with the bows from this post when I wore them with my Sew For Victory dress. I don't wear them all that often as I have a hard time keeping sling backs on my feet. They other pair are far too tiny for my feet! But they are a great example of a pair of stylish shoes for a young teen.

To give you an idea of the size difference the pair on the right with the bows are about a US 6 1/2. But they look huge in comparison! They are marked "Air Step, Magic Sole." The tiny pair are marked "Magic Stride by Gregory & Read." It is rather magical that these shoes are so similar, don't you think? (If anyone has tiny feet, they are listed for sale in my Etsy shop.)

It's a shame this pair doesn't fit me! But that's OK, they look nice on the shelf in my sewing room. :)

McCall Fashion Pattern Book - Summer 1938

While trolling the web I found some more pretty pictures! Check out the lovely patterns available in this summer 1938 pattern catalog from McCall. One thing that stood out to me are all the neat prints used for contrast on some of the dresses. Also the pointed or V shaped waist detail for dresses seems to be the "in" thing for 1938.

And some lovely evening styles, can't forget about those! Where can I find a pattern for that green Hollywood goddess dress? Drool!

I REALLLLLY like these styles below! The dresses with matching jackets are just too awesome for words!! Number 9615 in the bottom right is especially nice this the stripes and matching sash!

I do wish that some of the ladies I see at reenactment/living history events would pay more attention to illustrations like these. With some exceptions of course, most women don't have that "put together" look of the 1930s and 1940s. So often there is something lacking. I like details and pay attention to them, but that's just me. I'm a geek when it comes to historical clothing. :)

So, any favorites? Are you inspired to sew something? I'd love to hear your thoughts!!

Sunday Shoe Spectacle - Notes on Evening Shoes

Today's post in my Sunday Shoe Spectacle series .... Notes on 1930s evening shoes.

Source - Etsy

The last word on evening shoes is that they must be dyed in brilliant colors of contrast with the evening gown you are wearing. The shoes themselves are sandalized and open. The platform is the thing because of the height it lends when you go formal, every last one of us wanting to be of regal stature then.  

If you are wearing a black formal, spice it with evening slippers dyed cyclamen. Bright green evening shoes will make a white evening dress doubly enthralling. An if it is a print you are wearing, choose the very brightest color in it and have your shoes dyed that shade.

Source - The Dallas Morning News, February 13, 1939

Source - Etsy

My Latest Sewing Project

The last couple weeks have been very busy! Lots of sorting, sewing and packing to get ready for some big events. Most of my sewing has been mending or little projects like adding buttons to an otherwise finished blouse and adding removable suspenders to my blue linen skirt.


One of the things I have been working on is this late 1930s dress. I'm using Du Barry 2413B one of my very first vintage patterns which I made up once before (see the dress here). The first time I used the pattern I made View A so this time I thought I would make it a little different. The pleats in the skirt are pretty much lost in the print but I'm happy with the fit of the skirt. I also decided to leave the collar off and alter the neckline a bit. The cute V pockets really make this dress so those will be added as well.

Here are the pockets with the cotton lace ready to be added.

The fabric is a late 1930s reproduction print in 100% cotton. I also have this print in a lavender colorway. :) It sort of reminds me of tiny balloons.

Of course, no sewing project of mine would ever be complete without the proper kitty "help." Miss Rita likes to help whenever there are large amounts of fabric involved. More then once I've had things side off the table as I'm working only to discover her fluffy butt rolled up in the fabric under the table.

Due to time restraints I'm cheating and using snaps to close the front of the dress but will be adding buttons that match the dark colored belt. Because the print is so bright and busy these will help break it up some.

That's all for now! What's on your sewing table?

Vogue Fashion Pattern Book - Summer 1935

A short post today with some vintage pattern eye candy! I recently came across this pattern catalog for sale and saved the images to share with all of you. It's a Vogue Fashion Pattern Book for the summer of 1935. It's full of illustrates in both color and black and white. I really like the sporty blue dress shown on the cover.

Source - Ebay

Source - Ebay

These 1930s evening fashions are divine!! I thought the gown on the bottom left looked familiar, and sure enough! You can find a single size reprint of it here at Eva Dress Patterns.

Source - Ebay

Source - Ebay

The dresses and jackets for day time are pretty neat too! Do you have a favorite from this catalog?

Source - Ebay

Source - Ebay