Vintage Hollywood Movie Stars, who are THEY? Round 6

Ladies and Gentlemen I am back and ready to play the game some more. Sorry for the delay, I was somewhat under the weather. Here is another great HollyWood couple. Wonder who they could be? Don't forget the winner of the games takes the $50 gift certificate from Sydney's Vintage Clothing.

What did Men WANT Women to Wear in the 40's?

What was the approved fashion statement of the 1940's? I am always intrigued to read old articles and history of vintage fashion. I ran across this interesting fashion history tidbit and thought I might share it with you.

In 1941 Sears, Roebuck and Co. wanted to gain the knowledge on what men wanted juniors to wear. So they composed a survey across the country and the results are rather interesting.

The article starts, Remember Sears original Junior Jury Girl who was down on her tummy designing clothes for you last season? Remember how we polled the Juniors of America on fashions the seasons before? NOW we consult the Men Who Really Matter - the young men of America, whom nine out of ten young women want to please. "How do you like slacks?" we asked them. "And what is your favorite color?" And we went on, asking questions, getting opinions about everything to speak with authority on what clothes for 1941. So now Sears, Roebuck, and Co. are in a position to speak with authority on what HE likes as well as what SHE prefers. Read the results and see images of what this Junior Jury Fashion Panel chose.

Vintage Life Size Barbie #1 Swim Suit ?

So like it is almost November and the weather outside is getting colder, and you think why is she talking about a vintage swimsuit now, when every other seller is bringing out the warm coats, wool suits, riding boots etc.? Well many of you read this blog from around the world where the climate is different, some go on cruises for holiday vacations, some own indoor pools. And some are die-hard vintage clothing collectors, beauty pageant contestants or film makers and want to add to your wardrobe no matter what time of the year it is! Check out this Barbie / Hepburn late 40's or early 50's swim suit. I just love this!

As I was looking through People Tribute magazine to Katharine Hepburn, I saw this photograph of her diving in the movie, "The Philadelphia Story", the bathing suit she is wearing in this 1940 film has a very similar style.

And of course this vintage swim suit resembles the first Barbie Doll #1 edition of the black and white zebra striped swim suit. Okay so like it is not exact but there is resemblance! And besides who else at the pool or beach is going to have one on like it?

The designer of this vintage striped bathing suit is Tom Brigance, read more of the fashion history tidbit while viewing this suit at Sydney's Vintage Clothing. While the suit was designed by Tom Brigance, the fabric is a Hope Skillman. "Hope Skillman Schary served two terms as the president of the National Council of Women of the United States.
A woman of immense energy and talent, Hope Schary began her career as editor of Fine Arts magazine and Parnassus. She founded Skillmill, Inc., a cotton fabric manufacturing and textile firm, thus becoming the only woman cotton fabric converter in the United States." (from Northwood University). One could not go wrong with that combination!

P.S. She would love to open this rare find on Christmas Morning!

The Thrill of the Hunt ...Part 4

So many times over the years of collecting antiques and selling vintage clothing while out on the "hunt" for that special treasure, I often think about the person of the estate that I might be attending. What was the person like? What were their hobbies? Religion? Why are the family members selling some of their prize possessions?, etc. (instead of inheriting the items themselves).

While on one "hunt" of the estate of Jeannette (Jeanne) Hanke Bishop, a native of San Francisco, CA., I acquired a small portfolio of her fashion sketches. Most of the sketches dated from 1940-1948. Bishop used her talent of art to represent fashion from around the globe. She loved the opera, and she loved designing. She had quite a taste for fashion! Let me share some of the sketches with you.



















































You can also read more about Jeanne and her experience at the Lux Radio Theatre, with Ronald Colman.

The sketches will be available for sale soon, at fashion sketches.

Suprising Secret Sales on Vintage Clothing

Want to stay informed of Secret Sales? Want to be the FIRST to get incredible discounts and know about what is happening at Sydney's Vintage Clothing? then you better subscribe to the Newsletter! It is FREE. Don't worry, I only send about 3-4 month. And of course, I don't sale your information, give it away, blah, blah. All that important stuff!

Incredible Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show

After watching the Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show video, from New York Magazine, apparently there were some pretty awesome vintage clothing & accessory pieces available. Dealers from around the world sale in this amazing show, and collectors from around the globe come to purchase! Costumers, Filmmakers, Museum Curators, etc. all gather for the big event three times a year. Take a more detailed view of the extravaganza from the following slide show.

Apparently the dealers will ship from the show to make your travel home a more pleasurable trip without all of the extra cargo.

Wish I could have attended the show!

Vintage Hollywood Movie Stars, who are THEY? Round 5

Guess the Hollywood Movie Star Couples, Are we having fun yet? I sure am! This is an own going trivia game to win a $50 gift certificate from Sydney's Vintage Clothing. For rules and details see the first round post. We are almost half way through the game and at this point commenter Lisa will take the prize. But there is still a chance to beat her!

Will this be YOURS?

Keep in mind when guessing, these are / were couples!

1930's Dream of Vintage Dress Fabric

Your fabric dreams have come true! Well maybe if you could find an old general store from the 1930's that still had these fabrics in stock. But of course it is always fun to look at the old catalogs and advertisements and think "If only...".

In this ad you can find Wado Laurelle Flat Crepe, rayon, silk or cotton, prints and solids. Pictured are some of 1936's newest dress fabric. And take a look at those prices! Ranging from 21 - 69 cents per yard. Once again, I need a time machine!

There is even a great cleaning tip in the advertisement:


HOW TO WASH WARDS SILKS

"Wash each garment by itself in warm sudsy water, with mild soap flakes, such as Wards Soap Flakes. Do not rub fabric, but squeeze suds through until clean. Use several waters to rinse; hand over line to dry in shade or roll in Turkish towel with layer of towel between layer of fabric. Press while damp, on wrong side, with a warm iron."

And today, the only instructions we get for modern day clothing, "Dry Clean Only"!

Upcoming in my online vintage clothing store, I have several 30's 40's dresses that have VERY SIMILAR prints. So stay on the look out real soon.

Vintage Hollywood Movie Stars, who are THEY? Round 4

Why am I thinking that many of you are going to try to guess once all of the couples are posted? I am getting allot of traffic on this series but only one contestant! Keep in mind it is who guesses first, remember. Right now the contestant only has 3 point, and somebody else can still take all. Do you want to give it up, that easy? Leave a comment on who you think this couple is in round 4! You never know you just might get it correct!

Commenter Lisa: Up to 4 points! Ann Blythe. Let's remember "Couples".

Vintage Hollywood Movie Stars, who are THEY? Round 3

So here we are up to round 3! Is commenter Lisa going to take the $50 gift certificate without any competition? Ladies that could be some vintage jewelry, shoes, purse, dress?

Who is this couple?

Commenter Lisa: Guy Madison is CORRECT but wrong girl! Lisa with 3 points!

Ceil Chapman NEVER goes out of style!

When a avid collector comes across a designer label of a Ceil Chapman, the rich luxury with so many details all in one dress is so amazing. A Ceil is known for two things, one of Marilyn Monroe's choice designers, and secondly the draping construction on the bodice. Spectacular!

The top pictured Ceil is a gorgeous red tone with an attached velvet rose at the waist. Just in time for the Holidays, right around the corner! This one carries the Ceil label.

Secondly, is a floral watercolor print, with a Blum's-Vogue Chicago label. Gorgeous draping in the bodice, and wide sarong draped to the floor. Blum's has been historically known for carrying high end fashion designer labels. Although this one does not carry a Ceil label, there has been a Ceil Chapman dress almost identical sighted in a vintage designer boutique in California. But of course, let me be clear, this one is a Ceil Chapman style and what ever the other designer label may have been it deserves a high end fashion applaud!

Blum's has been described, "Blum’s Vogue was a fashionable women’s clothier featuring high end imported and domestic women’s fashions. This store and stores like it gave Michigan Avenue its reputation as an elegant shopping district during the age of the railroads."

Music Hall of Fame Sweater

It is no secret that music speaks to our lives, every day. Different ways, different flavors and styles, for different folks. That is why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors! But there is one thing that is a secret in the vintage clothing sweater world. Or at least that is my only logical explanation of why this one is still for sale and not in your closet. So I am going to get you ready to Deck the Halls for the holidays. Yes, I know it is not even Halloween, but look at this adorable, vintage 60's sweater! Great novelty sweater , at a GREAT price, from a terrific seller, Fran.

When you buy it, tell her that Sydney sent you.

Vintage Hollywood Movie Stars, who are THEY? Round 2

Looks like we have the commenter "Lisa" in top position at the moment. Can she hold her position to get the $50 gift certificate?

What Hollywood couple played chess together? Don't forget the person who gets 20 points first takes the prize!

Commenter Lisa has 2 points NOW! Vic Damone is correct! But who is the lady?