Tag Archives: shirtwaist

Women and War Bonds, 1917

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Lynn

When women are depicted in political posters, they are most often young and appealing or heavily idealized, like Liberty herself.  I’ve looked at a lot of war posters in my day—they are a convenient teaching tool—and the older woman in … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910s | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

A Skirt with Fur Trim, mid 1910s

Posted on January 15, 2020 by Lynn

Here’s an elegant update to a classic style. This older woman wears all the components of the classic shirtwaist look–a white blouse and a dark skirt–that had been an American fashion standard for years. However, the fur trim added to … Continue reading →

Posted in 1910s | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Church Sunday, August 1969

Posted on October 14, 2019 by Lynn

It looks like these four have just come out of church services.  Their different styles show how younger and older women adapted to the big fashion shifts of this decade. Even though her hair is still brown, I’m guessing that … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Separates and the Older Woman

Posted on September 11, 2019 by Lynn

Behold an oldsters’ gathering in Tracy California sometime in the 1950s.  The city is east of San Francisco, part of California’s agricultural core.  The summers there are very hot. Judging by the clothes I’d say that the photo was taken … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Birds of a Feather

Posted on August 23, 2019 by Lynn

For those of you who complain that people today all dress alike, I offer this World War Two era photo as proof that the past might not have been all that different.  The men show some individuality—one in a jacket, … Continue reading →

Posted in 1940s | Tagged , | 3 Comments

What to Wear on an Airplane, 1957

Posted on July 23, 2019 by Lynn

These women from Kern County, part of California’s agricultural heartland, are dressed up for a trip to Hawaii.  According to Calisphere, they were part of a delegation from the Kern County business women’s organization.  Look at their clothes!  Not only … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s, General | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Slim and Full Dresses in the Sears Catalog, 1965

Posted on July 18, 2019 by Lynn

The 1960s saw many fashion battles—pants, pantsuits, miniskirts, etc.  But when I was growing up at the time, I thought the biggest showdown was between the sheath dress (modern) and the shirtwaist (not).  Imagine my surprise to see versions of … Continue reading →

Posted in 1960s | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Rookwoods, 1907

Posted on June 14, 2019 by Lynn

Sometimes you find astonishing information on the back of old snapshots.  This one turned out to be a treasure.  It reads: “1907–Miss Helen Culver and Miss French at their home Rookwoods, Lake Forest, Ill.  Back entrance.”  Imagine my delight when … Continue reading →

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

Five Generations in the Valley Times

Posted on June 11, 2019 by Lynn

Have you discovered The Library Book by Susan Orlean?  Ostensibly about the Los Angeles Public Library, it is a love letter to libraries and librarians everywhere.  One section of the book reminded me that the LA library held digitized photos … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s, 1960s | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Portrait with Donkey, 1957

Posted on July 19, 2018 by Lynn

Is it a political statement? A farm visit? A portrait with a favorite pet?  There are no clues on the back of this photo, given to me by Lizzie Bramlett of The Vintage Traveler.  On the front is the printed … Continue reading →

Posted in 1950s | Tagged , | 2 Comments