Snoods of the 1950s

Though snoods have been around since the Middle Ages, it wasn't until WWII especially in England that they once again became an adorable and handy wardrobe necessity. Perfect for keeping hair out of ones face while working, or keeping curls perfect before a night out on the town. Snoods are so simple and easy to put on, yet there are so many different variations, patterns and endless materials they can be made from. Snoods are a definite must have in ones array of hair goodies you can adorn them with bows, vintage hats, even brooches and of course they look killer with flowers.

One of the most popular style of snoods would be a crocheted snood, just like the one worn to the left. I just adore the bow adorably completing the look and fascinating her snood to the top of her head. Snoods in the 40s and 50s were commonly made of cotton yarn but they can be made from pretty much any material you can knit or crochet. I have also seen very delicate snoods made out of precious veil material. Snoods can also be made of cotton or pretty much any type of fabric, I prefer the knitted or crocheted snoods though. I just recently picked up a snood for about 3 dollars (including shipping) on ebay, though it is not made out of cotton yarn like the snoods worn in the 1940s and 1950s its made out of a nylon material but it is still adorable and does a great job at keeping my curls in place.

Here is a great link from the UK to knit a traditional 1940s Snood. I am sorry the link did not work before now it will work!


The best part about this pattern other then the fact that it is stunning, is that its from Madame Weigels Journal of Fashion, September 1, 1944. I just learn to knit recently and currently only own small needles, once I buy the right size needles I am going to start on this bad boy. Please enjoy!

High and hidden out of sight

During my lunch break yesterday I went to my favorite Antique Store in Long Beach. Its about two blocks from my work and is packed with all sorts of awesome vintage goodies. One of the greatest items they have is a 1940s photo booth, along with tons of old coca cola machines, cigarette machines and all sorts of vintage machinery that I have never seen anywhere else even online. They carry items from multiple sellers like collectibles, jewelry, furniture, lighting and tons of housewares. They also stock a bit of vintage clothing and accessories as well. This antique store specializes in old machines and hard to find items, its a pretty good size store and has all sorts of different areas with a multitude of stuff from an array of different sellers. One section is all old signs, another is all old bar goods, my favorite section is all the area with all of the 1950s furniture. The owners are really friendly I want to ask them if I can do an article about there antique store and take some photos so you can see this amazing store.

The reason for my trip was I wanted to buy an old coca cola bottle for a photo shoot I am going to do this week. I found the perfect bottle it was just what I was looking for its a 1954 glass coca cola bottle from Los Angeles. For the shoot I am going to fill it with some new coke and a straw and take some photos at the beach. While looking around just to see if I saw any great deals I spotted an adorable 1960s bathing suit but the pattern was to orange and just not something I would see my self getting much wear out of. I love collecting vintage luggage (its all I will use) so I visited a section where I had scored a gorgeous green suitcase about a year ago. Above is a photo of myself from a shoot I did using my green suitcase and a peach train case. As I look up where the seller displays his luggage high on top of a cabinet I spotted 3 pieces of luggage, one which matches a vintage Samsonite carry on case I have but I couldn't afford it at the time, if its there next pay day I will be snatching it up for sure! Back to my point next to the 3 suitcases there was a dress make torso with a vintage 1950s swimsuit on it that looked a lil bit big for the make. I knew the suit would fit me and I loved the pattern it has a real Hawaiian feel with these 1940s surfers all over. I asked one of the owners to bring the suit down for me as she was I told her I was curious about the price, she said "I have brought this suit down a couple times already and I think its around $85." If I could have snapped a picture of my face, I was so dissapointed and I felt like my heart had been torn out and I really dug this suit but as she got the suit all the way down "$45" dollars she said! Still a bit much then I needed to spend but a great price and the suit fits like a glove. I will have pictures of it this week along with the photos of the coca cola bottle and the vintage cigarette holder I scored as well.

The cigarette holder I picked up is extremely gorgeous with all of its rhinestones intack, it reminds me of Rita Hayworth in the 1947 movie Down to Earth pictured here. (those gloves are amazing) Rita Hayworth not only smoked in her movies but also off set. She even appeared in multiple ads for cigarettes companys like Chesterfield.

Photograph of Rita Chesterfield Ad

Contentment Farm Vintage

Contentmentfarm.com is like walking through a virtual museum of vintage clothing, the range of historical fashion to glance at or buy is breathtaking to say the least. This virtual museum like shop is full of everything from early clothing dated from the 1700s to the 19th century, to Victorian, flapper, art deco and so much more. Along with amazing clothing contentmentfarm.com also carry's antique textiles including extremely old and rare quilts. I always picture girls my age in the 1950s pining for vintage things from the 1900s like I pine for treasures from the 30s-50s. When I look at things like the first item below this gorgeous dress dated 1815-1820, I wonder did a young girl find this dress in an antique store back in the 40s and just drool over it like I would have, then save enough money just to buy it. Second this marvelous wool coat from the late 1930s early 1940s with its exquisite matching muff that even has a hidden pouch for your lipstick or compact is any gals dream coat. If only I had an extra $400, this would be in my closet. Among the array of vintage clothing I also adored this handsome men's coat and this drop dead gorgeous 1950s evening gown. All in all every item offered by Contentment Farm Vintage is a one of a kind piece of clothing that will definately be an amazing addition or start to anyones collection or wardrobe.











Photos Courtesy http://www.contentmentfarm.com/

Vintage woes and wins

Two days ago I stumbled on the most wonderful lot of five vintage 50s dresses, three of them shirt dresses with buttons to the waist, one two piece outfit as well a gorgeous 1950s cocktail dress. All but one dress are in great vintage condition, two of the shirt dresses even have the original belt, but the cocktail dress does have a few tears in the skirt and a few ripped seams. I just knew the price on this lot wasn't going to last and there was no way I would score the lot for $29 plus shipping, there was even 5 bids placed earlier. Shopping for vintage dresses it always seems like they are all so small and near every girl back then was a perfect 25 inch waist. Also its a score when you find a dress with the original belt or two piece outfit in tack. You cant even imagine how exciting it I was when I won the dresses for a measly $29, I felt like I hit the vintage dress loto.

For the cocktail dress (black and gold) I plan on fixing all the busted seams and holes by hand. In the pictures the seller posted on eBay, the holes are mainly large rips in random parts of the skirt which looks like a knit material and are repairable but will be noticeable wasn't fixed. My plan to disguise this little flaw is to add a cinched layer of black tulle starting at the waist and draping down to the edge of the skirt, the results hopefully will bring this beat up dress a new life. I also plan on adding tulle underneath the skirt as well but I will have to see the dress in person first.

With a lot of eBay sellers the photos do not do the clothing justice, sometimes a photo can make a gorgeous dress look like a dud and in person its a stunning one of a kind piece. Though the opposite often happens, a seller will make the dress look like a million dollars in the photos and in person its just a pile of old scraps. So buyer beware bid carefully and ask as many questions as possible if you are concerned. To the left is the two piece outfit that I also won that I think is so darling and cant wait to try on. I cant wait to give the dresses a good cleaning and see how they turn out. Here is a picture of one of the shirt dresses, isn't it darling? I just love the pleated detail as well as the lil bitty bows on the sleeves....this dress is to perfect for a picnic or a day at the park. Here are some tips on cleaning vintage clothing and removing spots on the collar and armpits.

Tips on cleaning a Vintage Piece of clothing
1. Before cleaning your item make sure it is worth the risk to try to launder, you wouldn't want to ruin anything, its not a good idea to attempt to wash the item if the fabric is really fragile or if it rips just by touching it. If you are not sure and still want to try to clean the item, I always test the garments durability by spot cleaning a piece of fabric somewhere inside the lining or a seam inside the garment. Hand washing your vintage item is the best way to go unless the piece is sturdy enough to survive the washer (with anything pre 1960s I never stick in the washer or dryer).

2. Starting out you will need two large containers of water, if your lucky enough to have a tub, that will work or a bucket and large bowls also work depending on the size of the item. For darker colors fill your container or tub with cold water and for lighter colors luke warm water works best. Its best to only wash one item at a time and never use bleach or any harsh cleaners.

3. If the item is a delicate vintage material like rayon, silk or wool it is best to use Woolite or any other non abrasive fabric cleaner. For cotton and other materials I usually use Oxyclean (it is a stain buster) or whatever fabric soap I have around for laundry.

4. The first bucket or your tub will be for washing and the second for rinsing. Fill the first tub or bucket up enough to fully submerge the item next dissolve the soap your going to use in some hot water and pour into the water. Next fill the second smaller container enough to submerge and rinse the item.

5. Submerge your item in the first soapy container, depending on the fabric and level of dirtiness soak your garment for about 5-20 minutes. If it is a heavy fabric like a wool coat or a heavy suit I don't recommend soaking the item just going straight to step 6 or possibly just spot cleaning with a towel.

6. After soaking the item the stains will lift much easier. One way to get out harsh stains is to rub the problem area with a towel, your fingers or even a clean sponge. Its helpful to have a small bowl of hot water with diluted soap in it, so you can dip your sponge or towel in the diluted soap then apply to the stain.

7. When pulling the wet fabric out of the soapy water be very cautious because the fabric will be much heavier and easily ripped. The next step is to rinse the garment in the second container making sure to remove all of the soap. If the garment is still very dirty try repeating steps 5-6 or adding a more diluted soap to your water.

8. After the garment is fully washed its best to towel dry the garment and get as much moisture out of the fabric as possible. If the weather is nice, and you have a good place to hang your item safely outside you can air dry the garment. When drying outside avoid keeping the item in direct sunlight, it could lighten your darks or darken your lights. I usually find a safe place near my closet or in the bathroom and dry the garment hanging over a towel or hung on a hanger.

9. For pin pointing specific stains like underarms and dirty collars, mix about 1 part water to about 4 parts oxyclean until you get a paste consistency. Apply the paste evenly to the stain and let sit for about 5-30 minutes depending on the durability of the fabric and the severeness of your stain. When done rinse off your item and you should hopefully see a big improvement.

Good luck! Happy Cleaning! If you have any tips or tricks you know, please tell me I love learning new things. Also I once read this tip from a 1950s house keeping book, the tip was to take your item with the stain drape it over a bucket or bowl (ohh how bowls and buckets come in handy!) fasten the item with a string or rubber band and then take boiling water and pour it on the stain from about 2 feet in the air. I havent tried it yet but its an interesting technique.

Remember wash your vintage items at your own risk! If it seems to fragile to wash just don't do it. Be careful with taking vintage items to dry cleaners, unless they specialize or insure vintage items.

Great site with tips on cleaning vintage items

Icing on the cake

Gloves appear to have been worn as early as 440 BC but it wasn't until the 13th century that women started to wear gloves as an accessory. Women in the 1930s made wearing gloves more of a fashion statement rather than in item to protect or keep your hands warm. By the 1940s and 1950s gloves were an outfit staple for women and were worn almost everywhere. From social gatherings, to fancy restaurants, parties and even just going out to run errands or get grocery's. Gloves complete any look from a ball gown made of silk, a cotton day dress to a sexy corset (to the left Betty page in leather gloves, a gorgeous corset garters and stockings).

Styles:
A common favorite was and will always be wrist length gloves, perfect for every day wear and these were the most commonly worn gloves and can be found in any color and texture. Perfect to wear on a hot day or a cold night, the shorter glove is a must have for any gal trying to recreate the classic looks from the 1940s and 1950s. (to the right is a picture from the late 1940s, 3 lovely young lady's wearing gloves) Clean gloves were also the hallmark of a lady and white or cream were the most favoured gloves. Elbow length gloves as well as longer gloves are perfect for cold weather, going to the opera and also look great with an evening gown or a silk prom dress. It was very common for long styles to have buttons down the side, making it much easier and elegant to take off the glove.

Gloves are a great way to make a subtle statement and complete that 1950s look. Plus they are easy to take off and put on to dress up or dress down and they look darling hanging out of your vintage purse when not worn. With so many styles to chose from; like buttons, bows, embroidery, cutouts and ruffles the options are endless and the list just goes on and on. My favorite look for summer are sheer gloves and gloves with cut outs, because they let in a breeze keeping your hands cool. My latest obsession is sheer gloves, I just bought 2 pairs: a new pair of sheer black elbow length gloves that look positively retro but are newly made and a pair of vintage dark blue wrist length gloves that are just stunning.

Gloves were worn everywhere in the 1950s and completed most any look or outfit, why not let them complete your classic look. Like icing on a cake, gloves just make any outfit a little bit more scrumptious.