dreamland

One of my favorite luxuries is vintage sleepwear! Nothing can compare to the sheer glamour and luxury of those sweet silk and lace confections. I thought I'd share some of the creme de la creme of my modest collection. All of these pieces are 1940s to early 1950s, and all were thrifted for $3 to $10!! 

~ 1950s nightie, 1940s bedjacket, 1920s silk roses:

~ 1940s/1950s "Tula" seersucker dressing gown, 1940s satin dressing gown:

I feel like Jean Harlow in the satin number, it's such a dreamboat. Was thrifted for ten clams... among my greatest vintage victories!

~1940s "Tutundgy Original" dressing gown:

....this pretty piece was clearly well-loved, and has quite a few stains and pinholes towards the hem. I think I'll take it up a few inches to eliminate those, and perhaps add some strategic snaps and sport it as a day dress this summer.

~ Some graceful midcentury nightgowns:

~ 1940s bedjacket:

~ 1940s mens' "Tootal" rayon robe:

....well now, what's happened to all the glamour?! Honestly, on many nights I just wrap up in this. A little more practical than floor-length satin, I daresay!

Oh, and of course, no vintage lady's bedroom is complete without a li'l boudoir doll...

That's all!

school rags

Here are two li'l school outfits from this week. In anticipation of the new season of Mad Men (25 March!) I have been rewatching Seasons 1 and 2. Combine this with my weariness of winter's drab hues, and I've found myself quite fixated on vivid early '60s looks of late.....

Early '60s dress, thrifted Etienne Aigner penny loafers, '50s cowboy-print scarf, '50s belt.

Henry Clive

The dreamtastic pastel pin-ups of Mr. Henry Clive (1882-1960) have been inspiring me of late... I love how they are so gloriously romantic, so colorful, and laud the unnatural beauty of the painted lady. A swell reference for hair and make-up styles, and just such a joy to look at.

And oh... here's wishing you a happy St. Valentine's Day!!

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I'm gonna be warm this winter

Just a little show-n-tell with some of my favorite everyday coats. No matter what cute frock I'm wearing underneath, my darn coats are really all most people see this time of year! Northern New England winters are long and bitter, you see, and it's function over form when it comes to bundlin' up. So here you have it, this is how I keep warm:
  
 My versatile li'l dreamboat coat, a '50s cashmere shawl-collared number... 
(The cashmere's lovely, cozy as can be but quite sveltely tailored)

  

My late '50s/early '60s snow queen coat...

(...I think most vintage gals own some variation on this classic mid-century swing coat!) 

       

My '60s "Mincara" faux mink, perfect for those Mildred Pierce kind of days...

My two '60s black faux-furs, which yes, are quite similar. The one on the right hits just above the knee, though, and the longer one has far more elegant lines and detailing.
(Also, that's my '50s kitty-cat muff and cap set!)

(Those two pictures are from last winter, but the coats still look the same)

Now I do have a couple of ~fancy~ older coats, but they're neither warm enough nor sturdy enough for winter in the Great North Woods! These here were all thrifted on the cheap (none cost over $15) , so if they do get worn out it's not the end of the world. By the by, wearing dresses and skirts everyday is seldom a problem despite our chilly climate. Typically I just layer over-the-knee socks over wool tights, and it's pretty cozy (though I do favor wool slacks on the especially windy days). Ear muffs and headscarves are frequently worn, as are mittens.


 If you have any tricks or tips for maintaining vintage style in cold climes, do share!


❄  ❅  ❆  ❅  ❄

Dale Evans, Queen of the West

... is the very best ♥ 

" 'Cowgirl' is an attitude really. A pioneer spirit, a special American brand of courage. The cowgirl faces life head-on, lives by her own lights, and makes no excuses. Cowgirls take stands; they speak up. They defend things they hold dear." -- Dale Evans
                                                                         

{ Photo credits-- 1 and 10: Doctor Macro. 2-5: royrogers.com. 6-9 from Flickr; click through for source. }

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