Reader Kathy wrote me this question about 1940s sunglasses: I’m desperately looking for a vintage pair, or good replica pair of women’s sunglasses for a WWII reenactment.  Can you steer me in the right direction? I thought my collection of 1940s fashion books would easily provide direction on authentic 1940s sunglasses, but none of them even mentioned … Read More about 1940s Sunglasses, Glasses & Eyeglasses History

 1940s hats had both a continuation of the popular styles of the 1930s and new additions to the casual headwear in the form of the beret, turban, headscarf, and snood. Women’s hats in the 1940s were a diverse collection of styles largely pulled from different times in history. To list them all would be one … Read More about 1940s Hats History, Hat Styles for Women

The 1950s were all about glamour, and Hollywood’s Golden Age stars were setting trends that every woman in America was after. Think Jane Russell, Lana Turner, and Marilyn Monroe. Big breasts, big hips, and small waists were a must– and if you didn’t have them naturally on your own, not to worry– there was some … Read More about 1950s Lingerie History – Bras, Girdles, Slips, Panties, Garters

As with any antique clothing style, the late Edwardian 1910s footwear had an array of unique boots and shoes.  Some styles were deeply rooted in the Victorian era while newer dress shoe styles were moving closer to the shoe styles we know today. Within the decade the early 1910s, including the 1912 Titanic era, had … Read More about 1910s Shoes, Titanic Shoe Styles – History and DIY Ideas

A 1950s wardrobe would be incomplete without classic vintage seamed stockings, also simply known as nylons. Of all the mid-century decades, I love 1950s stockings the best. The adorable heel and ankle designs are so fun! Read on to learn more about 1950s nylons: 1950s Stockings or Nylons? In 1954, women purchased an average of … Read More about 1950s Stockings and Nylons History & Shopping Guide

The 1920s was a decade filled with all-night partying. Jazz music exploded and people danced the night away in clubs around the globe doing the Charleston, the Shimmy, and the Tango. Money seemed plentiful, and electrifying parties at mansions and ballrooms were always in the mix. Women in the 1920s went all-out for evening entertainment. … Read More about 1920s Formal Dresses & Evening Gowns Guide

1940s makeup is one of the most “vintage” looks, and is rather simple to recreate. There was a push for all things natural, unlike the 1930s and 1950s, which favored reshaping eyebrows and contouring the face. 1940s makeup enhanced natural beauty with just a few tools. During the war, European women dealt with huge cosmetics … Read More about Authentic 1940s Makeup History and Tutorial

The 1940s weren’t all play. A lot of the men in the U.S. were drafted for the war. While they were off at training and fighting overseas, women were encouraged to leave their homes and work in all sorts of jobs – from office work to factories, most notably in ammunition factories contributing to the … Read More about 1940s Ladies’ Workwear Clothes- Rosies to Nurses

The 1940s was unique in that it brought a diverse selection of women’s fabrics and patterns to the mainstream. Because of this, it can be difficult to distinguish what is a 1940s print compared to a print from another decade, simply because there were so many designs, styles and colors. In the early ’40s when … Read More about 1940s Fabrics and Colors in Fashion

As we head into fall and winter, short-sleeved 1920s dresses may not be warm enough for a winter party. That and not all women like to expose bare arms any time of year! The solution in the 1920s is similar to today – wear a light coat, shawl, wrap, or large scarf to cover up … Read More about 1920s Shawls, Scarves, Furs, Boa & Wraps Styles History