Ah, it seems colder weather is upon us! It went overnight from a hot California summer to a somewhat cooler Autumn. And of course, being the time traveling scatterbrained seamstress that I am, I’m jumping all over the board in terms of inspiration and/or things I’d love to see in my closet. Sometimes, you know, the desire to have said items in my closet does not always equal the motivation to start or finish projects ;) Autumn and approaching winter have me dreaming of wools. Wool suits, wool dresses, wool felt hats… anything snuggly, tailored, and warm. Here’s a few inspiring images from the Fall/Winter 1939-1940 Bella Hess catalog. Click on any of the images for a larger version. Enjoy!
Jill
November 21, 2011 at 6:02 pm (12 years ago)Snazzy!
Lauren
November 28, 2011 at 10:50 am (12 years ago)Indeed!
StephC
November 21, 2011 at 6:13 pm (12 years ago)I’m fond of the “Man tailored” suit with the ticket pocket… I’ve been reading up on ticket pockets lately, apparently they’re a bit “edgy-avante garde” in British and N. European tailoring these past few years… The implication is a need/desire for a pocket to hold your public transit ticket.. Especially interesting given the push in several cities in the region (London in 2004/5) to severely limit the number of cars on the road…
http://jonathanarogers.com/2009/04/29/ticket-pocket-trend-in-suits/
http://www.asuitthatfits.com/shop/index.php?option=com_myblog&task=tag&category=ticket+pocket&Itemid=370
Anyway, I’m dying to put a ticket pocket on my next suit jacket… I really like the way it looks, and since I don’t drive it’s also a very useful feature. :) I’m pleased to see a 40’s lady’s jacket with the ticket pocket!
Lauren
November 28, 2011 at 10:47 am (12 years ago)How fascinating! I did not know what that pocket was for, let alone called! Thanks for the link!
wacky tacky
November 21, 2011 at 9:46 pm (12 years ago)You always make it so hard to choose. I think the third page is my favorite, particulary “C” & “E.” I am way too big a sewing coward to attempt anything like these. Good thing Mary has the thrifting mojo – she found a 40’s suit in the desert for $0.49!!! It has a few of the problems that one would expect to come with a $0.49 suit but it is truly worth every penny. Thanks for the perfectly suited inspiration!
Lauren
November 28, 2011 at 10:48 am (12 years ago)What?! Mary obviously has skills of a thrifter! I didn’t even know you could get things for under $2 at thrift stores anymore!
The Dreamstress
November 21, 2011 at 11:35 pm (12 years ago)What gorgeous suits. Interesting that you can see that fashion was already restraining itself in the early war years, even before rationing really kicked in. The lapels would get smaller, and the the sleeves a little less puffed, but the basic shape of austerity is already there.
I love the suits, but what I really LOVE is those hats. I have a couple of my grandmothers hats from this era. They always remind me of the famously silly hat in Ninotchka. :-)
Lauren
November 28, 2011 at 10:49 am (12 years ago)Great eye! I agree, leaning more towards the lean war years :)
And I agree! Hats for the win! How lucky you are to have some of your grandmother’s hats!
Heide
November 22, 2011 at 8:21 am (12 years ago)Love the early 40s! One of my favorites. Look at those revers! swoon!
Lauren
November 28, 2011 at 10:49 am (12 years ago)Me too! Yummy!
Caroline
November 22, 2011 at 1:58 pm (12 years ago)Oooh, those are lovely! I’m already up to my ears in projects but a wool suit does sound nice….. (-: I’ll have to be content with my recently finished wool 1913 skirt, at least for this year!
Lauren
November 28, 2011 at 10:50 am (12 years ago)Ooh! I’d love to see your skirt, Caroline! Love the teens era!