Swing

A hundred years ago the world was recovering from its first world war, lifestyles were changing rapidly, and people were brightly optimistic about the future. We cannot say the world is currently in a similar state of positivity; however, while the 1920s roared into life they ended with the Great Depression, so let us hope at the start of this new decade we slowly see the pendulum swing to the opposite direction, that is, to change for the good.

But every new year at least begins with a party! I’m wearing a classic 1920s-inspired look with a bob, grey silk dress, jet bead lariat, that decade’s ubiquitous mary-jane shoes, and attempting a Charleston swing.

Here’s to fresh starts, brand-spanking beginnings, a youthful spring in our step and swing on our hip – happy new year!

Photo: March 2014

Hurrah and Farewell!

It’s the end of a decade, and I’m sending off these Teensies with some 1910s fashion: some antique cotton bloomers and a modern printed cotton dress worn tunic style, which is very reminiscent of Edwardian-era bathing costumes.

I used to wear these bloomers as fun shorts in summer as their very voluminous bottoms were so cool in the heat, but those same baggy bums eventually made me retire them to storage. They are a fun thing to have in a vintage collection, but they do not really work with the typically slim 1930s silhouette!

I hope you all have a fun final day of the year, and a wonderful evening celebrating … see you in the Twenties!

1910 bathing suits – give me that umbrella! Image found on Pinterest

Photo: March 2014

Taking Stock

Belated Christmas greetings, Snapettes. I hope you are all having a wonderful holiday full of seasonal blessings of peace and joy, spent with family and loved ones.

I hope also your stockings were filled with good things, not lumps of coal, which would certainly ruin these fine vintage Schiaparelli stockings. I bought them a little while ago in a thrift store, but have not yet dared to wear them for fear of ripping them. They are a size 10½, which I discovered refers to foot length and indicates they are a UK shoe size 7. This is a little bigger than what I wear, but bigger is better than smaller surely! And how pretty is the pink print on one of the stocking tops?

Here’s to continuing festivities as we take stock of what’s passed these last twelve months, and countdown to a new year!

Summer Shade

I am always very chuffed when I manage to find an original 1930s item in a thrift store.

Quite a while back I found this little emerald green leather clutch bag on a lunchtime foray. The handle on the side and the style of the interior coin purse, which is on a separate frame and has a kiss lock are the giveaways that this dates to the 1930s, my favourite vintage fashion era.

I also like the wood-like texture of the leather, and the ruffle across the top. Although it is quite worn about the edges, the interior of the bag is in good condition and very clean. It would definitely benefit from a spit and polish with a good leather conditioner, although I have not yet got round to it because I lost the bag for a while in my closet! I eventually rediscovered it inside another handbag, where I had put it for safekeeping.

These darker shades of green are very appealing to me, especially when paired with white, which reminds me of peppermint candy canes, Christmas, and summer all rolled into one. I have a pair of 30s-style emerald green leather shoes with cut-out patterns, which possibly date to the 1970s, and a white cotton drill A-line skirt with green buttons down the front that, together with this bag, would make a perfect summertime sartorial statement. If only the weather would co-operate!

Photos: September 2019

Double Happiness

Bluebirds have been a symbol of happiness and hope in many cultures for thousands of years. This little pair are billing and cooing, so they are surely very happy.

I found this in a thrift store quite a while ago; I think it is probably from the 1980s. I collect brooches, but I prefer vintage plastic or enamel over rhinestones. However, when it is a novelty shape as opposed to an abstract, I do like the sparkle of rhinestones.

At the time of purchase, I put it into a zipped compartment of my wallet, and forgot all about it. As I’ve switched back to a tiny vintage crocodile leather wallet that can hold only a couple of plastic cards, I only recently went back to the longer wallet to look for a not-oft-used card, and rediscovered this brooch inside! It’s like being twice-surprised by a sweet find.

Photo: Today