Shoe love, courtesy of 1940s Vogue

Sigh! I need a new pair of day-to-day shoes, and I wish these were among my choices!

1939 continued

With the late 30s on my mind I was looking through my inventory for items to offer this week and I suddenly recalled having this venerable beauty:

Listed now here

With its cotton gauze fabric, Deco-style wavy stripes, and flowing skirt, this dress is a wonderful example of its era.

Care to play Lisa Fonssagrives and model the dress on the Eiffel Tower? (Please hold on tight...)

A great year in clothing

Quick, when was this photo taken?


If at first glance you thought 1970s, I'm right there with you. The actual date is 1939, it's a slip dress designed by Charles Armour. The dress was made of gingham, and worn with an organdy jacket.

The photo, found in New York Fashion: The Evolution of American Style, sent me looking for clothing from 1939, especially evening dresses of daywear fabrics like cotton and wool, or daywear prints like stripes and plaids.

Further inspiration:

Lisa Fonssagrives on the Eiffel Tower by Erwin Blumenfeld, 1939, found online at with a cherry on top

This magnificent 1930s striped dress can be found at Sheila Cook Textiles


I love this cotton 30s lace gown found at Poppy's Vintage Clothing


You could make your own from a 1939 reproduction pattern found at Eva Dress:


and maybe a vintage inspired plaid


There is so much more to love about the year 1939 in clothing, from trouser dressing to surrealism, and I hope to explore the year more in future posts.

Lulu of Lulu's Vintage holds an annual contest for the public's favorite vintage clothing websites, and the time is now (through May 31) to vote for your top 10 favorites!

I would be honored if one of your favorites was denisebrain!

Petal pusher!

I'm pushing petals this month! I hope you don't mind. :)

Please visit my latest theme by clicking the image, and then watch for flowery vintage all May at denisebrain.com.