Search Results for: half sizes

Mini Skirts and the Older Woman

Posted on June 2, 2021 by Lynn

The British designer Mary Quant is often given credit for inventing the mini skirt, that iconic clothing item of the 1960s.  Where did her ideas come from?  In her interesting book on women designers, Women of Fashion, historian Valerie Steele … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s, 2020s | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Unruly Seamstresses in the 1930s

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Lynn

The Works Project Administration (or WPA) is best known for funding murals and highways in the Great Depression. However, it also started programs aimed specifically at women. One was the WPA sewing project, which employed thousands women creating garments for … Continue reading →

Posted in 1930s | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

A May Gathering, 1953

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Lynn

The stamp on the back of this photo says May 1953, although sometimes people get their pictures developed long after the fact.  However, the trees indicate that it could be May.  The clothing also points to a transitional season.  The … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s | Tagged , | 5 Comments

And Your Little Dog, Too

Posted on March 30, 2020 by Lynn

Was the photographer who took this photo used to having dogs in the studio?  Perhaps the woman insisted, since this little dog was clearly important to her.  Did it help her through hard times, like pets are doing for millions … Continue reading →

Posted in 1920s | Tagged | 2 Comments

Today’s Fit Patterns by Sandra Betzina—A Line for Older Women?

Posted on January 14, 2019 by Lynn

In the Spring of 1999, Vogue Patterns launched a new line by well-known sewing expert, Sandra Betzina.  This wasn’t just a collection of new designs; instead, Betzina introduced a new sizing system that she called “Today’s Fit.”  “Today’s woman doesn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in 1990, 2000s, 2010s, General | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Pants (and Other Bifurcations) Go Mainstream, 1971

Posted on October 27, 2018 by Lynn

When did pants become acceptable garb for almost any occasion?  Of course that answer depends on where you look.  However, judging by the International edition of Vogue Pattern Book for August/September 1971, pants had really taken off. I counted nineteen … Continue reading →

Posted in 1970s | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Pajama Party

Posted on August 25, 2017 by Lynn

Two of my favorite blogs, The Vintage Traveler and Witness2fashion, have been investigating the pajama craze in the 1920s recently. I thought it would be interesting to examine the record in the world of down market catalogs The fashion forward woman … Continue reading →

Posted in 1920s, 1930s | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Pants for Women in Montgomery Ward Catalogs, 1907-1924

Posted on August 11, 2017 by Lynn

When did Montgomery Ward begin offering pants designed for women?  The first mention I found (and I could have easily missed some) had to do with horseback riding.  In 1907, you could buy a custom made divided skirt “for cross … Continue reading →

Posted in 1900s, 1910s, 1920s | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Mrs. Exeter in Sews with Vogue Patterns

Posted on September 23, 2016 by Lynn

Since I am interested in all things Mrs. Exeter, I recently contacted Vogue Patterns for permission to track her down in their collection of pattern magazines and catalogs.  Editor Gillian Conahan was nothing but gracious, and I got to spend … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s, 1960s | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Pants for Everywoman, 1966

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Lynn

By the mid 1960s, pants for casual wear had entered the mainstream of American fashion. I distinctly remember buying a pair of fuchsia stirrup pants in 1966, which I wore with a boxy fuchsia top covered with embroidered flowers. Ah … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s | Tagged , | 2 Comments