Swing Fashionista » Accessories

One vintage summer…

Michelle — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:04:45 +0000

Yes…I’m on a bit of a swimsuit theme at moment because it is very hot here today, and just because I adore these summery pics from the 1930s. The first one is from Tamarama Beach in Sydney.

Source

Vintage colour swatch: Rambunctious red

Michelle — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:00:09 +0000

So, I thought I would do something fun and write a regular post every 2 weeks that focuses on a particular colour. I will also include pics showing all sorts of vintage fashion items that were produced in varying shades of that colour, hopefully to inspire some new outfit combinations in the future and some possible purchases.

Red: So many shades and varities. Crimson, fire-engine, scarlet, vermillion, cardinal, blood-red and the list goes on. I chose red today because it is a courageous colour and I have needed a lot of that in the last few days. I usually wear red when I am feeling confident and happy. Here are some amazing examples of red vintage/vintage inspired items. How gorgeous are the 30′s bias gowns – stunning! The black and red cloche is also breathtaking.

* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original source.

Michelle’s Etsy picks of the week – shoes

Michelle — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 19:53:03 +0000

Hi all. I apologise for my lack of posts this past week, but I have been pre-occupied with some personal matters, so felt very uninspired. But, I am back with some pics of some of my current Etsy favourites this week. Today I am focussing on shoes from the 20s, 30s and 40s and there some amazing examples for sale at the moment.

I do adore shoes from the mid to late 30s but find it somewhat difficult to obtain them in my size (8.5) so I am forever looking, looking. However, during my daily searches I always make a note of the beautiful examples I find so that I can show others. I hope you enjoy these lovelies…and maybe some of them will fit you.

* All items link back to their original source on Etsy

Vintage colour swatch: Tenacious teal

Michelle — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:26:04 +0000

Teal: A lovely medium blue-green that reminds me of the sea off the islands of Perth and Thailand, cooler weather and rainy nights. As with my previous yellow post, I was inspired this week by a 1940s crepe, beaded gown that I have in my collection in a magnificent teal colour. Here are some beauties in various shades of teal. I think my favourite is the 1920s French opera coat…stunning.

* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original source.

2 strip Technicolor film…1928/29

Michelle — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:56:23 +0000

I have been meaning to post this little 2 strip Technicolour film for a while now. It is quite amazing and seeing late 20s clothing and hats in all their coloured glory is mesmerising. I think my favourite hat is the black and white cloche and I love the green crepe ensemble.

You will notice that some of skirts are just slightly above knee. Contrary to what a lot of people think, these shorter lengths were generally only in vogue for a short period of time during the 1920s, from around late 1926 to 1928 and this quite often assists with dating a photo or piece of film. Hemlines soon plunged below the knee again in the early 1930s. Many thanks to Atqui on YouTube for uploading this.

1930s Men’s fashion snap shots: 2

Michelle — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 06:57:21 +0000

More stylish men from the era I adore most, the 1930s. This time featuring knitwear including swimwear, winter woolies and sportswear.

Source: Christian Montone

Bondi Beach, Australia, c. 1932. Source: Vintage Venus

German teenagers in the snow, c. 1930s. Source: Ipernity

Spectacular examples of sweaters (or jumpers as we call them in Oz), Plus Fours and knee high socks. Source: Fedora Lounge

Michelle’s Etsy picks of the week…vintage hair setting accessories

Michelle — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:43:09 +0000

This post is inspired by my last. I have drawers overflowing with this stuff (mainly from the 30s and 40s) – but I do love collecting and trying to use them. Must cull some of them soon though, maybe when I open my Etsy shop in mid Feb. So many contraptions; clips, rollers, water-wavers, barettes, finger-wave making sliders, pin-shooters, combs and hair nets. The lucite rollers below are interesting. I have never seen that variety before. My interest is two-fold as I am a graphic designer and I adore Art Deco packaging. Some of it is truly beautiful, especially the hair net envelopes.

* All items are linked back to their original Etsy store.

Hair waving items from the 1934 Sears catalogue

Michelle — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:34:54 +0000

I found this wonderful page courtesy of Lileks.com a long while ago and just HAD to share it today. After looking over it I realised that I actually have more than half of these items in my own collection! I have used the water wavers quite often (my profile pic is a water wave set) and my rather substantial box of vintage hair doo-dads contains Curly Lox Curlers, Wide Wide Curlers, Kurly Kews, WW combs, Kurl Kuiks, Wavos and Kid Kurlers.

It’s also fun to see the original prices and descriptions of these items. The Baldwin Marcellers are amazing! I’ve seen some online for sale on occasion and they look rather complex to use! And the Nayrs Waving Cap, what a nifty looking device. Wish I could find an old one of those and give it try! Oh blow me down! There’s one for sale at Taste-T Vintage!!

Vintage colour swatch…yowza yellow

Michelle — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 18:23:18 +0000

Yellow: I chose yellow today because I was inpsired by a superb pale buttery yellow, early 1940s dress in my collection, and funnily enough – a 40s handbag to match. Not a colour I would probably wear myself, but lovely nontheless.

In my mind, yellow clothing always screams warm weather and sunny days. So, since it is summer here in Perth, a yellow gathering of items it will be for this post And oh so many shades…from canary and lemon to mustard, pale yellow and daffodil! Have also included one modern item in this group…but it is very worthy of being here

* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original source.

Michelles Etsy picks of the week…hats

Michelle — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:43:18 +0000

Hi all. Sorry that I missed a week of blogging my etsy favs, but I was away for Christmas and New Year on a jaunt the country. Anyhoo…time to start off 2012 with some of my favourite vintage headwear from the 1930s and 40s. I am a big fan of 1930s ’tilt’ hats and ‘toppers’ or straw fedoras that tip towards the eye. So very flattering and sophisticated and I adore the balance they give to the face. For those new to vintage ‘hat-talk’ here is a little background …

Unlike today, hats were an essential part of every womans’ daily wardrobe and were not just worn for special occasions. As a lady, if you went out during the day before 6pm – it really was expected that you wear some type of headwear and that included church, shopping, going to the movies, posting a letter etc. The variety of hats available was endless (except during WW2 when rations were imposed – and ladies would improvise and make their own) and there were so many styles, colours and different hat materials on the market that you could pretty much find headwear to match any outfit you owned and for any season. Hat-pins and clasps were also extremely popular and could make a drab hat look quite special. Milliners were everywhere and huge sections of department stores were dedicated only to displaying and stocking hats.

I have also included a lovely 1930s hat pattern below for those among you who are creative. This great little pattern is produced by my friend Shelley from her very own New Vintage Lady line. Hope you like these beauties as much as I do

* Please note that all photos are linked back to their original Etsy sources.