All the day long, Whether rain or shine She’s part of the assembly line. She’s making history, Working for victory Rosie the Riveter
Rosie the Riveter has become a real cultural icon of the United States, Norman Rockwells recruitment poster unashamedly copying from soviet posters of the same period. American women who were not in the military turned up in their millions to do their bit for the war effort. Many worked in the manufacturing plants that produced munitions and war supplies. Others took over vital jobs in postal services,including flying across country [ there were many women aviators who also headed over to Britain to fly for the RAF : more on those ladies in a later post ]
Rosie the Riveter quickly became a nickname for women working WW2 and is often used as a feminist icon. Sadly when the men returned after the war, it was back into the kitchen for the women again, but not for long! Back in 2002, Norman Rockwell's Rosie the Riveter painting was auctioned by Sotheby's for nearly $5 million.And now some top class tutorials to get the Rosie look, starting with the amazing Lisa FreemontStreet
1940s fashion was hugely influenced by World War Two. So much so that no one can discuss this decade's fashion without talking about the war. Women cut many corners to stay glamourous, and as many women took over the mens jobs, fashion changed to accomodate. Womens trousers became the norm. Hair was tied up and turbans were all the rage. Even if a girl worked up to her glossed fingernails in grease and dirt, it didnt stop her looking fabulous! copyright Glamourdaze 2010 For a freal feast of vintage fashion, hairstyles and makeup looks, all combined into a set of beautiful vintage fashion calendars, treat yourself to Vintage Fashion Calendars 2011 / 2012
Joan Holloway, Peggy Olson and Betty Draper are the style icons of this season. Played by Christina Hendricks, Elisabeth Moss and January Jones, whose character Betty started out in series one as a very mousy plain Jane these actresses under the guidance of show stylist Janie Bryant have begun to adorn walls of teenage girls all over the world.
Mad Men Stylist Janie Bryant - author of The Fashion File.
And now Janie Bryant [ above ] has published a unique book called The Fashion File which will help women nail the look. "Retro underwear is the key to getting the perfect silhouette" , according to Bryant."I love a longline bra because it totally smoothes the back and it's seamless. It's quite a piece of engineering." Getting the right foundation garments is the only way to pull off the figure hugging, sultry secretary shape.
Betty Draper and ciggie - courtesy AMC
Peggy Olsen - courtesy AMC
According to show star Christina Hendricks " The first day I put on the retro undergarments and I was walking around the office like boom, boom, boom. I've always had a bit of a walk -- this girl's got hips -- but on the show it's exaggerated."
Joan Holloway in 'that' killer dress - image courtesy AMC
In Bryants " The Fashion File", she gives advice to ensure that a woman's clothes convey her personality, covering everything from where to find gorgeous vintage clothing and accessories and how to pair those authentic garments with modern shoes and jeans etc .Learn how to find their perfect bra size, use color to convey a mood and so on.
Some style icons in late 1950's and early 1960's fashion.
Witches have come a long way since Salem. As the 20th Century arrived, dressing up as a witch was becoming fashionable and even glamourous.This is an interesting photo timeline beginning with two amazingly gothic looking women from way back in 1900. Many of these images found from Sexy Witch , a blog dedicated to witches in film, art and fiction.Well worth a visit and extremely informative.
1940's fashion - Wardrobe Overview How often do you find your eyes enviously drawn to an attractively dressed woman in a pleasing frock, or suit, and who keeps her hair ' just right', her nails beautifully manicured, her makeup simple but appealing, her shoes fashionable, and above all has an air of graceful and feminine confidence about her? It would be nice to be that woman and have other women gazing at you enviously instead, wouldn't it? If you are a 1940's fashion enthusiast and you want to be ' just perfect ' in your chosen style, here's some vintage pointers for the everyday woman of the mid to late 1940's.
An attractive woman 1. Is appropriately dressed for every occasion. 2.Has good posture and attractive figure 3.Keeps herself well groomed.
1940's Fashion Film - How to Dress and Makeup
How to dress appropriately every day.
Appropriate clothes are suitable to the occasion, to the season, and to the time of day.
Street Clothes
These are general purpose fashionable attire worn to the office, when shopping, out on daily visits, or to college or when travelling.Skirts and pretty tunics are particularly satisfactory. Dresses should be long sleeved and high necked. Hats should be made from material that will not spot in the rain or snow, and should have a protective brim. Coats should be simply cut and trimmed and shoes should have sturdy low heels.
Skirts and Blouses
Shoes - for street wear are practical: They may be oxfords or pumps, depending on the current style, but they should be of low heels and fit up round the foot to give all day comfort. They can be in several colors. Dark wine red, dark blue or green, and try to match your jacket, cardigan or coat. Black shoes may be worn with black or blue coats and with dresses of black, blue, red or green. Brown shoes may be worn with brown or tan coats, and dresses of green, tan, red or brown.
1940's Shoes
Hosiery - for street wear should not be sheer, fragile hose. Current styles indicate what colors of hosiery are suitable.
Jewelry - Do please be inconspicious. A class ring or pin and simple beads to harmonise with the costume.
Gloves - must harmonise with everything else you wear and be durable.
Dress Clothes
Are those worn to afternoon occasions, like parties, receptions, formal dinners etc.Such dresses typically will made of rayon, silk prints, and crepes, taffeta, organdy and voile. These of course are less simple than street clothes and frequently have curved lines, flares, ruffles, and more elaborate trimming. They can have lower necks and short sleeves than street clothes and can brighter in color.
Dress shoes - may be made of patent leather, kid, or suede and designed as Oxfords, Pumps, or sandals with dainty instep straps. Their heels are of medium height. they sometimes are a perfect match for your dress.
Women trying on dress shoes in 1942 - Source LIFE
Hose - for dress wear are fully fashioned stockings, tan and sheer in texture. Your figure may influence your choice of colors for your stockings. For example if you are short and wish to appear taller, wear the same color from head to heels, including stockings to match your dress.If you want to look shorter, wear light toned stockings to match your light colored dress.
Fully Fashioned Stockings 1949
Gloves, jewelry and purse should be lightly decorative and in keeping with the spirit of the rest of your costume.
Typical Afternoon Outfit -1947
Dressing for Housework.
Garments may be attractive, simply made, loosly fitted and washable. Do not wear wool clothes in the kitchen as they absorb odours. Slacks are also very handy, and a neat turban to keep your hair tidy and clean.
The 1940's Fashion Wardrobe Checklist
Occasions - street | college | Shops | Office | Business | Travel
Dress - simple, conservative in color. Shoes - Oxford or strap. Practical and low heel. Leather or reptile skins. Hosiery- Sturdy cotton, rayon Coats- simply cut and tailored. Hat- Practical with brim Gloves- Heavy leather, plain pull on. Accessories- Leather purse, plain handkercief, only necessary jewelry.
Occasions - Church | Visits | Movies
Dress - conservative Shoes - Oxfords, low or medium heels Hosiery - Nylon, silk or fine lisle Coat - tailored Hat - Small | Pill box Gloves - Suede, kid, mocha, chamois or fabric
Occasions - Spectator sport
Dress - Gayer colors Shoes - Same as for street Hose - Plain or fifured depending on the season Coat - Very plain, scarfs Hat - Wide brim hat Gloves -Same as for street Accessories - same as for street wear, purse of leather,linen or cotton
Occasions - Dress | Party | Afternoon
Dress - Dainty, neck somewhat low, long or short sleeves, finer, softer materials. Shoes - Pumps or strap, kid, satin, suede and in medium heels. Hosiery - harmonise with chosen dress, sheer hose with dainty light dress, semi sheer with heavier fabrics Coat - Simple or elaborate to harmonise with dress. Hat - Color to harmonise with dress and coat, small, medium or large. Gloves - Suede, glace kid, or fabric, white or color to match dress. Accessories - Kid purse, as much jewelry as desired to accent costume, handkerchief to harmonise with dress.
How nice you look Margaret !
1940's Day Dresses
The ultimate secret of correct dress is wearing the right things together, and of course you have to have taste. The secret is to have enough, but not too much, variety and contrast to make your look interesting. Less is more.
1940's Fashion Film - What Not to Wear !
Edited from Elizabeth Todds ' Clothes for Girls ' 1947 - GlamourDaze 2010.
", she gives advice to ensure that a woman's clothes convey her personality, covering everything from where to find gorgeous vintage clothing and accessories and how to pair 
