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Brown Bread and more..............

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:29:00 +0000

My guy and I were having a discussion about food. We actually do this a lot, because he is a real foodie, and a great cook. I mentioned to him about brown bread, and he thought I was talking about pumpernickel. Nope, I said, brown bread. In a can. He thought I was nuts, but I was sure I remembered it being served by my grandmother, when we would visit her in New York. I was six or seven, and gotta say, I was not a fan of brown bread in a can. I asked my mom, and she said yep, brown bread in a can, and it was delicious. And that she hadnt' thought of it in years.

So I went looking online, and found it, at the Vermont Country Store. Bought two cans of it for Jim for Christmas, and I don't think he's had it yet. I also bought some for Mom and Dad, and tasted it when I was visiting and hey -- I love the stuff now. Like a fine wine...............

But The Vermont Country Store, I've found, has lots of other cool stuff that hearkens from the past. Like LemonUp shampoo, with the cool lemon shaped bottle top. And Max Factor's Pan-Stick makeup, from the 40s and 50s. And Evening in Paris perfume -- straight out of the 1920s. And the real kicker? Longcils Boncza liquid eyeliner -- used to give Miss Audrey Hepburn her beautiful cat eyes. How cool is that?

They have lots of food, and housewares (including a selection of chenille bedspreads), and even some clothing brands like Lanz. You can even find Necco wafers there. Browse around, cause it really is a blast from the past. And don't forget the brown bread in a can.

British Eye Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 02:14:00 +0000

Gotta say, I'm a bit obsessed with this youtube channel.

Dearest Abby, May You Rest In Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 02:50:00 +0000

We lost an icon of cultural history yesterday, with the passing of Abigail Van Buren, aka Dear Abby. Pauline Esther Philips started her column in 1956, and quickly became known all around for her sage advice, often embellished with a bit of humor. Her twin sister, Esther Pauline, aka Ann Landers, wrote a similar column. I was honored to have a letter published by Ann Landers about 15 years ago. I have a copy of it around here somewhere, and will always keep it, because it was my little 15 minutes of fame. But it was Dear Abby who I grew up reading with my breakfast cereal every day, and whose style I preferred.

She grew up as "Popo," but took her pen name as her personal one, going by Abby to everyone who knew her. Esther grew up as Eppie, and never used her pen name to friends and family. Just hearing that the twins' names were Eppie and Popo makes me smile.

Rest in peace, girls.

I'm not sure of the year on this one, but I'm better late 50s. And how about that early IBM Selectric typewriter? That was some pretty fancy typing, for those days.

The Un-Bumpifier

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 04:19:00 +0000

You know, I generally don't understand these clingy maternity clothes women are wearing these days. Maybe I'm old fashioned, or maybe I just don't like constricting clothing. It's quite possible that I reject them solely on the basis of the occasional hot flash that creeps into my world, but one thing I do know: I would never wear a maternity corset

I found one some time back at an antique store. It was complete with the box and instructions, which clearly told the purchaser how to tie it for each month of pregnancy. This concept is very foreign to me.

From 1915.

Kitschy on your head

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:39:00 +0000

I love this video. And is the model at 1:39 Dovima?

I Dream of Gorgeous.

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 01:11:00 +0000

Leopard, yes? And no, I'm not a an of fur, but this photo is about as close to perfection as anything I've seen.

Drool.....

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 20:18:00 +0000

Over these 1930s shoes. I'm not sure of the specific date, however.

Number, number, who's got the number?

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:47:00 +0000

Because if this really IS a 60's Simplicity pattern, I want to know the number.

Semper Fi, This We'll Defend, Honor, Courage, Commitment, and Semper Paratus

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 20:16:00 +0000

It is Veteran's Day today. This is the day we honor the 10% of Americans who signed a check, payable with their life, for the defense of our country and the people who live here. This includes my grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather, all of whom graduated from West Point. It includes my great uncle Bruce, who died at West Point from the flu. He was 19. It includes my Uncle Will, who died in WWII, only a month before V-E Day, also at the age of 19, leaving a whole in his family's heart that never has healed. It also includes my dad, who had an appointment to West Point, couldn't pass the eye exam, and instead, memorized the eye chart and went into the Air Force. It includes his brother, my Uncle Roger, an Army vet, my own brother, a Navy vet, his son, who is not only an Army vet, but who served in Iraq AND Afghanistan, and who received a Purple Heart. I am in awe of him. And yes, it includes my boo, who served as a Marine for 33 years, including Desert Storm.

No matter your feeling about war, or our involvement in international arenas, we will forever owe a debt to those who are willing to sacrifice themselves so that we can be safe, and I hope that you think of them not only today, but every time you see the flag that they so proudly defend.

I salute you.

Pretty

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 02:18:00 +0000

My boo and I went to a wedding tonight. The bride is a girl I've known since she was very small, and she looked gorgeous. Of course, she always does, but there's nothing more beautiful than a bride on her wedding day.

I came across this photo in my travels, and thought I'd share it. Sorry for the poor quality -- my phone wasn't cooperating well. I'm not sure of the year, but it looks about 1961-62 to me. Pretty, yes?

Bar One

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 03:33:00 +0000

Dior's Bar Suit, created in 1947, changed the face of the fashion world. After years of wartime fabric rationing, he created a suit that required up to 15 yards of fabric just for the skirt. Critics were brutal, women even picketed, but the nipped waist, padded hips New Look era had begun.

See the suit that changed fashion:

And so, when I came across this pattern, you can understand why I immediately thought of the Bar.

Yes, the collar is different -- I love the contrasting lining and the shape -- but I've also seen a shawl collar version of the Bar Suit, so the notched collar wasn't set in stone. This is an Advance Import Adaptation pattern, unknown year, but must be late 40s, because of the Bar influence. It's not really known what the Adaptation part of the name means, but most of us generally think that they were cheaper adaptations of what was seen on the Paris runways. It would be fun to go through them and see who we thought influenced each one, wouldn't it?

But this one just screams Dior. Pattern currently available on the website.

Blitz-ed

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 02:54:00 +0000

Men pretty much have never had a real issue on what to wear under their trousers. Boxers or briefs? That's pretty much it. But when I was looking through the issue of Life magazine that I used in the last post, I came across this: what to wear under your slacks.

"for under slacks control, pantie girdles and bra are suggested. Pantie shown is advisable only for slim hipped girls. For women with bulges, stronger support is urged." Wouldn't want to let the muffin top loose, now would we?

"Slacks-chemise, a one piece affair which functions as bra and pantie, will not bulge under slacks. This is the 1942 version of envelop chemise popular during the last war."

" "Blitzies" is the name of this garment which combines blouse and pantie. Shirttail which comes around to forma a pair of brief pants also acts as an anchor, keeps shirt in place." Of course, we have no idea how you will use the powder room, but your shirt will not come loose.

Note that there are no real embellishments here, and the Blitzie's shirt could easily go with Rosie the Riveter overalls. This is because it was 1942, so fabric rationing was still in place. Lace and fripperies were not allowed, so the clothing was straight up practical.

Courtesy, Life Magazine

Men Lose Their Pants to Slack-Crazy Women

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:35:00 +0000

Don't you love the Rosier the Riveter looks? Many thanks to these women for giving us freedom to choose, and the ability to walk around in the winter without freezing our legs off.

From Life Magazine, April 20, 1942.

A little something beautiful

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 03:05:00 +0000

Lucy truly was a gorgeous woman, but I think that this photo is one of my favorites ever.

From "Reminisce" magazine: "Harry Warnecke, a photographer with the New York Daily News, created this color portrait of Lucille Ball in 1940. Except for Sunday funnies, color was unheard of in newspapers in the 30s and 40s, but Warnecke believed that color photographs would give a paper a distinct upper hand in the newsstand. He developed a unique one shot color camera that created dazzling images like this--shots that graced the covers of the Daily News Sunday magazine."

Photo by Harry Warnecke, currently featured in the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.

Oomphies.

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:18:00 +0000

There's nothing more fun than a pretty pair of boudoir slippers. Do they even make them anymore? I'm not sure. But look how cute these are, and to add to the fun, they are called "Oomphies." I'm not sure who came up with that completely sex-less name, or completely vulgar name. They are cute, no matter how mis-named they might be.

From Bride's Magazine, Winter 1948-49.

Really?

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 03:54:00 +0000

Darned if I can find a photo of it, but I was watching the Dick Van Dyke Show the other day, and I saw something rather crazy. It was The Talented Neighborhood episode, from the first season. Something about a most talented child contest, and how the neighbors wanted Rob to help their child win. Well, the neighborhood kids ended up standing next to Rob and Laura's bed, with their son Richie. It was a rather Children of the Corn sight -- parents sleeping, weird children standing there talking about them. And then Rob sat up. He was wearing what appeared to be zebra striped silk pajamas. Zebra. Striped. Silk. Pajamas. Now if that wasn't one of the most odd sights I've ever seen, then I don't know what is. I wish to heavens that I could find a screen cap of it but no........I can't even find a video clip from the episode. So if you find one, let me know and I will post it. Crazy, huh?

The Heir's Birthday.

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 00:57:00 +0000

Today is my oldest son's birthday, so I thought I'd share some vintage maternity wear for you to look at. It's a much better look that letting it all hang out like the girls do now. But that's just my opinion......

The Innest In

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 02:38:00 +0000

Here's a Butterick brochure from November, 1966. The military style coat on the front is designed by Gayle Kirkpatrick, described inside as "one of the innest in designers." His focus was on sportswear. "He believes it's a look...not an activity uniform. It's an amusing, alive look...with surprises...but no gimmicks...His clothes are well constructed and designed with great individuality. We're proud to add his name to our growing list of famous 'Young Designers.'"

If you've never seen any patterns from this Young Designers series, you should. This line from Butterick included such designers as the legendary Mary Quant, Norma Tullo (who made some REALLY cute things), and none other than Betsy Johnson "of Alley Cat." I'm starting to offer up some of my pattern magazines from my personal collection on the website, so if you are interested, come and see what I've got. I'm the innest of the in.

Happy Birthday, Miss Garbo

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 03:37:00 +0000

A little something special for Greta Garbo's birthday. An early Garbo photo, from the 1920s.

Of course it's fabulous, but I just can't help thinking Snuggie every time I look at it.

Photo from the book "Decades of Fashion."

Mocambo

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 13:42:00 +0000

I never realized that this happened.

In the 50's black performers were usually not allowed to play in the larger clubs. They generally played in smaller clubs for what was presumed to be primarily black audiences. Well, they didn't plan on Miss Marilyn Monroe shaking up that system.

Marilyn loved to go to The Mocambo, a Latin-themed club in Los Angeles. It was a place where the stars loved to hang out: people like Frank Sinatra, Natalie Wood, Myrna Loy, Bob Hope, and many more. It was so popular that Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball replicated it to create The Tropicana (tell me you aren't saying "bobalooooooo" in your head right now. You know you are.) Well, there was plenty of entertainment at The Mocambo, but no black artists. They just were not allowed. Enter Marilyn, who was a great fan of Ella Fitzgerald.

Marilyn appealed to the owner to have Ella Fitzgerald sing at his club, promising that she would sit front and center every night if he did. Well, he did, and so did she. It was a group coup, because the club got plenty of publicity for Miss Marilyn Monroe being there, and Miss Ella reportedly never played a small club again. It was acts like this that changed civil rights as we knew them, bit by bit.

Marilyn was a deeper thinker than most people realized.

Worth-y

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 02:32:00 +0000

This beauty is from the House of Worth, circa 1898. Frederick Worth is known as the first couturier, because he was a pioneer in using live models to show off his creations. The House of Worth was a destination -- women would travel there to buy an entire wardrobe. The House of Worth opened in 1858, and didn't close its doors until 1952.

Who says in fashion, one day you're in, and one day you're out?

(Photo: Met Museum)

Princess For a Day

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 02:43:00 +0000

So, my friend Janet shared this photo with me. It is the wedding dress of Margaret Campbell Surry, whose wedding dress was designed by Norman Hartnell for her wedding in 1933. Mr Hartnell, as you may remember, designed dresses for such casual events such as then Princess Elizabeth's wedding to Prince Phillip, Princess Margaret's wedding dress, and Queen Elizabeth II's coronation gown. Little stuff like that......

So rumor got out about this fantastical dress, and on her wedding day, Miss Margaret found traffic jams in the streets of London, with people anxious to see the dress. And for good reason. It's easy to see how Mr. Hartnell became such a favorite of the royals, isn't it?

If you'd like to see a bit of footage of the recessional from the wedding, here it is. What a bunch of somber bridesmaids.

BRILLIANT SOCIETY WEDDING

Sadly, the wedding ended in divorce in 1947. Mrs. Surrey later fell down an elevator shaft, falling 40 feet. The resulting head injury caused her to lose her sense of taste and smell, and to become something of a nymphomaniac. Her next marriage in 1951, to the Duke of Argyll, ended in a very nasty divorce full of Polaroids of her escapades.

But despite her marital foibles, on one wonderful day in 1933, she was princess for a day, and wore the most beautiful silk creation to grace the planet thus far. If you'd like to see other beautiful wedding dress creations, check out this link. How I would've loved to be there for the unveiling of that display.

One detail.

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 03:00:00 +0000

My brother mentioned yesterday that he had just watched Stage Door. What a wonderful movie, with early performances by not-yet-known stars like Lucille Ball and Ginger Rogers. But first and foremost, of course, is Miss Katherine Hepburn.

The climactic scene is shown above, with Miss Hepburn wearing a gown designed by Muriel King. I saw it, and I fell in love. I can't find a full length photo of it online, and I'm hesitant to post the video clip, lest it ruin the movie for you. But if you must.......

Just look at how that dress moves. It's like liquid. Absolutely gorgeous. Apparently, Ms. King believed that dresses should have only one focal element which, of course, is the bodice in this dress. How smart is it when a designer knows how to edit themselves? And it served her well, because although she didn't draw, or sew, or even drape, she became a personal designer for Ms. Hepburn both on and off the stage. Her work process was backward -- she painted a full watercolor of the dress, then left it up to her people to make the dress a reality. What I would give to have one of those paintings.........

And if you are like me, and wonder how that dress looked in real life color, here it is.

I imagined it in powder blue, but after seeing it in color, realized that designers had to design for the lighting of black and white film. This detail only adds to the genius of designers such as Muriel King. She retired in the late 50s to paint full time, leaving behind a fine set of designing credits.

Photo: Kent State (who had a display of Katherine Hepburn's wardrobe in 2010. Had I known it was there, I would have slept on their doorstep, waiting to see it.)

50 Years.

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 03:15:00 +0000

Her life was short, but left a legacy that is probably never going to be equalled. She was both innocent and sexy, sad and joyous, amazing and tragic. She married and divorced. Her first husband sent flowers to her grave every week for twenty years.

She was our Marilyn.

It was said that she could walk down the street unnoticed, until she turned on Marilyn. As Norma Jean Baker, she could blend into a crowd. As Marilyn, she attracted one. Her film career didn't include any Oscars, and it was, by comparison, short. But we will never forget her.

And 50 years later, we still mourn her.

Love Knows No Bounds....

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa) — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 13:37:00 +0000

I love old wedding pictures, especially from the wartime era, when women wore a nice suit, got their hair done, and went off to take their vows. There's something beautifully simple about those pictures, so this one caught my eye. The picture, and story, are courtesy of Reminisce magazine.

As the story goes, Darrell and Louise had been together since Louise was 15. Darrell joined the Marine Corps the day after Pearl Harbor, and went off to San Diego for training. One day after that, Louise and a friend went to an amusement park in Chicago, where they met two sailors. They had their pictures taken in one of those little photo booths, hung out for a while, then went their separate ways at the end of the day.

Well, fate plays tricks on us, and as fate would have it, the sailor who Louise was photographed was also stationed in San Diego. It's a small world indeed, because the sailor ended up showing Darrell the photo of him and this "random" girl from the amusement park. Darrell promptly went AWOL, and showed up on Louise's doorstep demanding an explanation, and telling her he wanted to get married. Louise refused.

Darrell turned himself in and was thrown into the brig, where he had his his head shaved and was fed nothing but bread and water. After that, he was shipped to the Pacific, and ended up receiving a Purple Heart . He married Louise on October 16.1944. They were married 49 1/2 years before Darrell died in 1994.