DRESS PREVIEWS: 1930s, 1940s and 1950s!

Magazines: Modern Miss

New in the Library:

A family member (Thanks, Phyllis) kindly passed on two issues of this magazine titled Modern Miss: the Fashion Magazine for Home Economics and their Students, published by Simplicity Pattern company.

I have two issues, Fall and Winter for the year 1954.

Not only do the magazines advertise fabrics, patterns and various notions, they also include tips for sewing, dressing, grooming, and other things typically found in a Home Economics publication (A"Life Skills" course of today).

The typical confusion among youth regarding menstruation was addressed in small print ads with pamplets available to clear up any misconceptions:

"It's Natural, It's Normal," Being one title.

My memories of Home Economics circa 1984 include the making of iced thumbprint cookies; a green wrap-skirt with the popular preppy alligator pattern, and the day the teacher gathered us in a circle to watch her cover a banana with a flesh-toned latex tube without advanced warning.

"Okay, does everyone understand how to use the condom? "

There were a few heads nodding, and Silence broke by intermittent giggles.

"Okay, back to your desk and open your books...."

ADVERTISEMENT: Kleinert's On and Off Dress Shields

Dress Shields: Have you found or purchased a dress and wish someone had worn them? Modern Miss Magazine. Winter 1954, page 52.

PREVIEW: 1950s 60s Formal Dress by Seymour Paisin, Chicago

FEATURES:

Beatiful Watercolor Floral Print.
Lovely Neckline with Plunging V in back.
Shoulder wrap sleeves.
Drop Waist with wrap style skirt with bow and drape design.

Coming Soon: 1950s Chevron Stripe Day Dress.

1950s Vintage Dresses: Lana Lobell, Hanover, PA catalogs

I found four of these awesome Lana Lobell mail-order catelogs full of color and Black and white Photographs of beautiful 1950s Fashions! One has up to 72 pages; all have circle and squawl skirts, dresses galore and a small section of nighties and lingerie. Most dresses average around $15.00 dollars, and a lovely swing coat can be had for under $30.00. The best part is the catalog's offer of a payment plan: "Buy today with 6 months to pay." I will be sure to include illustrations from within at a later date. For now, enjoy the covers!

VINTAGE DRESS: Rockabilly and Western Style

From the 1940s and 1950s we have two examples of Western and/or Rockabilly Style.

The Brown and Blue is made by Saindon Spiegel; The latter has no maker's tag. Both SOLD at Flannery Crane on Etsy.

VINTAGE DRESS: L' AIGLON. 2 Examples from the 1950s.

I love the L'Aiglon Label.

The Blue Dress is available in my Etsy shop, while the Pastel Striped example has sold.

AD: Pan American Leather Factory

Last year, I acquired a box of ephemera documenting one lady's travel history across South America.

This brochure features the Pan American Leather Factory with some fine examples of Alligator Handbags, circa late 1950s via Montevideo, Uraguay.

PREVIEW: 1950s/60s Chiffon Formal by Mardi Gras.

FEATURES:

Rhinestone Spaghetti Straps;
Sequined and Beaded Bodice;
Chiffon Overlay Skirt;
Golden Yellow!

On Etsy: 1950s Debutante or Wedding Dress with Shelf Bust

NEW LISTING: 1950s old stock Taffeta Formal. Bust 40.

1950s NOS formal now available in my Etsy shop....

PREVIEW: 1940s Chiffon Formal Gown.

PREVIEW: Harvey Berin Formal

I have a beautiful Harvey Berin Formal that I am working on and hope to have listed in my Etsy Store next week. The trim on the skirt is gorgeous-Black crushed velvet ruffle appliques with black beading. Skirt hem has wide crystal pleats.

SOLD: 1950s 1960s NOS Lewella Brand Corset Cone Bra. Label and Box. "Figuratively Yours."

A local antique dealer bought a huge lot of old stock lingerie that had been in storage since the early 1960s, when a local department store closed it's doors. I was fortunate to acquire several corset bras, all cone-shaped, and many with the circle stitch cups. Most of them were still in their original box! This is one by Lewella called "Refresh;" I love the half-bra with illusion lace covering rest of the bust area. Lovely!