Happy July 4th!

For my American readers, how will you be celebrating? 

Enjoy!

My Vintage Vanity: Striped 1960's Bikini and Cover-Up

I have to admit, I'm a little nervous showing my un-photoshopped 40 year old self here in a bikini but this vintage suit is way too cute not to share! From the 60's, this pistachio and soft white striped suit is complete with a matching cover-up and Gidget stylin' top and shorts. Perfect for Coney Island, where these photos were taken. 

I thrifted this amazing un-worn find a few years ago and I love wearing it on my rare days off at the beach (warning: pale skin alert!) 

I love chevron the stripes! 

The 1960's bra shaping here, is the best! 

Detail!

And let us not forget my vintage rhinestoned pink plastic sunnies from ArtDecoDame! 

Would you wear a vintage swim suit? Do you have a vintage suit that is your favorite? 

Mid- Week Inspiration: Adorable 1940's Swim

Love her and her round sunnies! 

1940- Photographed by Alfred Eisensteadt.

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

Fashionable History: At The Beach in the 1920's

These looks are adorable. Can we bring back Mary Janes as beach shoes? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: 1950's Beach

Fashionable History: Swim Wear By Decade- 1940's

With fabric shortages during wartime in the 1940's, the US Government issued the L-85 order which makes smaller swimsuits patriotic. Cutouts in the midriff and bikinis become very glamorous and by the end of the decade appear on every beach. Hollywood gets in on the act by ensuring that their pin-ups, Lana Turner, Rita Hayworth, and Betty Grable to name a few, expose their bellies. With two pieces, more options and combinations are available. The basic top styles introduced are the halter, the shelf bra, and the bandeau. For the bottoms which are always high waisted and cover the belly button and low on the hips, the choices are; the skirted panty, shorts, the sheath, and the sarong. These style lines can also be seen in the one pieces as well. The girls above showcase many of these styles.
A one piece with halter top and shorts. I love her sunglasses.

The skirted bottom.

A ruffled skirted panty and halter top. This photo is from the Met Museum archive. Truly lovely.

The classic 1940's look. Shelf bra halter and the sheath bottom.

Polka dots! Rolled hair!

This summer my Fashionable History segments are about swim wear by decade. Next week is the 1950's!

Fashionable History: Swimwear By Decade- 1930's

In the 1930's sun bathing became more popular as an inexpensive recreation. Athletic swimming and synchronized swimming was also popular. The suits reflect the need to show more skin to the sun and be more streamlined for water sports. Belted maillots were popular with boy cut legs or slim skirts. The exposed v-back was invented and a few daring ladies even exposed their midriffs with the first bikinis. The suits above are from a 1930's catalog. I love the red and white striped one on the right!
Jean Harlow striking a pose. Her suit is very glamourous for the time and shows a lot of skin.

Beach athletics. Notice her V-back and belted waist.

Claudette Colbert looking gorgeous in a simple white classic belted maillot.

This summer my "Fashionable History" segments are on swimwear by decade. To read about the 1920's click here.

Fashionable History: Swimwear By Decade- 1920's

In the 1920's swimwear started revealing the body more then ever before. The modern maillot was invented. The adrogynous athletic tank style of the maillot suited the fashions of the 20's as women became liberated from long skirts. Even though they were made in wool jersey and often worn with little booties these suits are the forerunners of the suits we wear today.
This picture is tiny, but the girls here "jazz" up their suits with flapper hats!

Although this pic doesn't actully show swim suits, it is too adorable not to share. Parasols were
your best sun protection back then.

I love these ladies!

They have it all, decorated maillots, parasol, hats, and musical instruments.

Adorable!

My "Fashionable History" segment this summer is Swimwear by Decade. Last week was the 1900's. Next week, 1930's!

Mid-Week Inspiration: Esther Williams

Is it obvious I'm ready to go swimming? I've been posting a lot about vintage swimsuits, beach accessories, and the cover up I'm making. It's time to hit the beach! If only I could be as graceful as the lovely Esther Williams is here in this photo. Beautiful!

Vintage Finds of the Week: Day at the Beach

I love vintage swimwear and all of the essential bathing accessories. For this weeks edition of Etsy vintage finds I have put together an outfit for a day at the beach or the pool.

(Above) Vintage 1950s Alexa of California Black Floral Cotton Bathing Suit-$48-retrotrend

Vintage Sarong Wrap Blue Hawaii-$45-GoodEye

Vintage 50's Rubber Swim Cap Turquoise with Flower Accents-$30-FireGypsyVintage


Vintage Summer Fun Beach Bag-$22-auroramae

Vintage 1940's Colorful Carved Wooden Wedge Scene Heels from the Philippines-$18-TeaAtHomeWithOlivia

Vintage Finds of the Week: Vintage Bathing Suit Patterns

A few weeks ago I bought the vintage bathing suit pattern above from Pattern Peddler. In today's world I would wear it as a little romper with my wedge heeled espadrilles. I have already bought some red and white gingham ruffled elastic trim to go around the leg holes and some cherry print buttons! I still need to buy fabric and am open to suggestions, perhaps a white terry or cotton pique? In the meantime, here are some vintage bathing suit patterns for you, as my vintage finds of the week. If we get started now, we can have them finished in time for the hot weather! 1960 Vogue bathing suit and skirt- $10- Vintage Jubilee

Vintage 1969 Swim Bathing Suit and Cover-up Beach Dress- $7- Bonton Vintage


Gidget Era Swim Suit and Beach Cover-up- $10.99- Pattern Peddler

1963 Vintage Sewing Pattern- Bathing Suit and Skirt- $9- Selvedge Shop