Fashionable History: Gear Up For Valentine's Day

The commercialization of holidays is nothing new. Let's have a look at some wonderful Valentine's Day related products from old vintage ads. 

"The gift of dreams"! For the whole family!

" more pleasure" 

Love this. Mother daughter favorites. 

This is actually the best! Matching swim!

Of course, lingerie!

And we can't leave him out! 

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! 

Fashionable History: Heel Appeal

This time of year means party dresses and high heels which is not to be complete with out stockings! What a wonderful time of year! 

 I've recently been looking at vintage stocking ads and am enamored by the selection of different types of heels associated with the ever glamorous back seamed fully fashioned stockings. Before they had machines that could knit in the round (tubular) seamed stockings were all you had. While FFS still exist, they are becoming harder to produce as many of the original factories and hosiery mills have closed. Most modern designs are stitched on over the tubular stocking. 

Of course there are the classic style heels: 

 Cuban: Reinforced heel design ending in a square top. 

Havana: Same as the Cuban but wider. 

French, Point, or Pyramid: Ending in a tapered point. 

 Manhattan: Similar to the Cuban but ending in a point with an outline.

See below for some classic heels as well as some party essential fashion choices that were available!

Fashionable History: Rainwear

April showers are here! How did one stay stylish on a rainy day in the past? 

Let's have a look:

I really enjoy this shot of a 1920's puddle jumper! There's not much keeping these ladies dry and the men, well, they aren't so helpful!

In the 1940's tailored trenches and capes are a wardrobe staple. In some old movies, they are worn even when it's not raining. Natural fabrics like crepe de chine, oiled silk, cotton gabardine and tweed are the mainstays. Rubber is introduced for rainwear in the 30's so that pops up too. I will take the "Scott" cape-coat, please!

Stylish ladies in the 1950's. I love the green with the hood!

 And let's not forget accessories! I am not stylish with the umbrella. Honestly, I will use what ever I can get my hands on. Living in New York City, we lose them and gain them so fast. I never know where my umbrellas even come from. But these are nice...and safe in traffic!

I succumbed to the modern rain boot trend last year. It has been worth it, as my shoes I adore are preserved. However, these galoshes are the real way to go!

What do you wear in the rain?

Mid-Week Inspiration: Be Beautiful!

I need this to be my mantra. 

Take the time, Ladies!

For more inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest. 

Mid Week Inspiration: Knitting Makes You Beautiful

I'd really like to think so! But seriously, I do find knitting/ crochet or any craft for that matter, does relax and provide stress relief. I really find a difference in my stress level when I go weeks with out working on one of my projects. 

Do you? 

For inspiration any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: 1950's Gingham Swimsuits

I'll take one of each! 

Find this and more inspirations by following me on Pinterest! 

Mid-Week Inspiration: 1940's Turbans

I love these 1940's turbans. I recently bought a vintage green one. I can't wait for next fall to wear it!

Image via chateauthombeau.com

Fashionable History: Who's That Behind Those Foster Grants? Give Away!!

If you read my earlier Fashionable History post on sunglasses you already know that Foster Grant is one of the oldest brands of mass produced sunglasses in America. Still in business they are still making very affordable shades for under $30!! Not only are they affordable but they are also extremely sturdy, fashionable, and well made. I should know, Foster Grant sent me a few pairs to test drive and I am amazed at how fabulous they actually are. Good news for you, in this post I am going to be giving away a pair to TWO winners! But first some more fashionable history...

Who's That Behind Those Foster Grants? That is the question the company has been asking for decades now. The answer has included several starlets, actors, directors, and models. I thought it would be fun to share some of those ads. Raquel Welch, who is still involved with promoting Foster Grant is pictured above. Check out her tattoo!
The glamorous Carroll Baker.

Elke Sommer. Umm how cute are those white ones?

And Cindy Crawford.

Now it's your turn to be the one that's behind THESE Foster Grants! If you are feeling creative you can also enter in the Foster Grant Facebook video contest showing yourself behind your Foster Grants with your prize from this give-away! The prize from that contest is a big trip for two! So break out that video camera!

Here's how to enter my give away:
*For one entry leave a comment on this post stating which pair of Foster Grants you would like. Either the classic aviator "Guy" or the classic "Reinvent".

All entries will be divided into two groups and one winner will be chosen from each. The winner will receive the glasses they chose, so don't put "either one" or " I like them both" as your entry. You must decide!

*For a second entry tweet a link to this post on Twitter and put a link to your tweet in a new post below. Your second entry will be put in the original sunglass group you chose. That gives you two chances to win the pair you want! It would also be sweet if you followed me on twitter @BobbinBombshell and Foster Grant @FosterGrant1929.

"Guy"

"Reinvent"

*This contest will close on Wednesday July 28th at midnight NYC time. The winner will be announced on Thursday July 29th. Be sure to check back in to see if you won so you can contact me with your mailing info!

Good Luck!

Happy July 4th!

How cool are these vintage firework ads?

Happy Independence Day!

Mid-Week Inspiration: Dating Lessons

Oh I hope you can read the small type! There is some good advice in these dating lessons from the 40's/50s. Or at least some good laughs!

via chateau thombeau

1930's Designers Predict Future Fashions

This charming little video has been making the blog rounds. It's too much fun to not spread it around a little further. Some of the predictions aren't that far off, others are just silly. I wish they mentioned the designers involved though. Enjoy!