During the past few days, we've been packing up our clothes, kids toys and various things to put into storage. Since we'll be spending the next 3 months with my sister in law, we need to pack light until our permanent move in November. I, especially have to be good and narrow down my ridiculously large wardrobe!
In sorting through my over 100 dresses (I know, right?) I thought about the women of the 30's-50's. They generally didn't own 100 dresses because they were smart, frugal and knew how to change up the look of one dress with many different accessories. This article from The Women's Home Companion 1953 was a great inspiration to me. I paired it down to only my comfortable, practical clothes and left out one fancy dress just in case. Accessories are great for tight spaces because they can easily fit in my train cases, hat boxes and little nooks and crannies without being a bother to anyone.
Having space to sprawl has certainly spoiled me and has allowed me to neglect some of the clothes that I have stashed away in the back of my racks and closet. Through necessity, I'll become more creative with my clothes and will get a chance to wear some of the things that I would have otherwise overlooked. It's funny but crummy situations always seem to yield some really exciting, fun moments, don't they?
click the image to see larger and zoom in
In sorting through my over 100 dresses (I know, right?) I thought about the women of the 30's-50's. They generally didn't own 100 dresses because they were smart, frugal and knew how to change up the look of one dress with many different accessories. This article from The Women's Home Companion 1953 was a great inspiration to me. I paired it down to only my comfortable, practical clothes and left out one fancy dress just in case. Accessories are great for tight spaces because they can easily fit in my train cases, hat boxes and little nooks and crannies without being a bother to anyone.
Having space to sprawl has certainly spoiled me and has allowed me to neglect some of the clothes that I have stashed away in the back of my racks and closet. Through necessity, I'll become more creative with my clothes and will get a chance to wear some of the things that I would have otherwise overlooked. It's funny but crummy situations always seem to yield some really exciting, fun moments, don't they?
click the image to see larger and zoom in
You are right and it was true especially here in FRANCE after the war, most of french women only had 2 hats one black wool one for winter and one made of straw for summer, they used ribons and silk flowers to make them look different. But in the same article from ELLE in the early 50's they compared the wardrobe of a french girl and an american one from this era, it was like day and night! 5 times more things for the US one!!!!
ReplyDeleteBut I must tell you that we, vintage lovers, must have many dresses if we want to keep them in good condition we cannot wear them over and over again because they will quickly become in bad condition!
So my advise is to keep with you easy to wash clothes made of cotton for example and some repro dresses that you don't fear to deteriorate...
I was sorry to hear about what happened to you but I see that you keep smilling even it's hard for the moment...
http://lostin1950.blogspot.fr/
I have started to feel the same way recently - which is why so much of my own collection has ended up in my Etsy shop recently. My personal style has also changed of late - so out with the old and I shall make the new from some thrifted fabric :)
ReplyDeleteGreat article, I'm putting a freeze on my shopping, we want to refinance our house and we were itemizing our bills, way too much on vintage clothes. I need to calm it down. Good luck with the move.
ReplyDeleteI really agree with you that sometimes great realizations and possibilities can come out of rough/unexpected circumstances and totally commend you on your approach to pairing down your wardrobe (which, I just have to say, I'm doffing my vintage hat to you over - 100+ dresses is utterly amazing!!!).
ReplyDeleteSo many hugs & best wishes with everything,
♥ Jessica
I am aiming to do the same thing. We are moving too - probably into a 3 bedroom home with no built ins (and 1 bathroom), with four children, down from a 5 bedroom home with walk in robe. Sounds harsh, but very true to the vintage lifestyle! Imagine only having one bathroom to clean too! Of course if you are selling any of your dresses I could take a little look! Deb xx
ReplyDeleteYou are so correct, women in the past really knew how to change up a look with a few finely tuned accessories. I wish I could do the same instead of feeling the need to purchase new clothing at every turn.
ReplyDeleteI just did the same thing! Most of my clothes were in storage, and we moved into a MUCH larger house where I am able to have my own personal dressing room. It might sound odd, but it forced me to go through all of my clothes and I'm getting rid of 5+ trash bags FULL of vintage and modern clothing. Now my collection is carefully curated, including only those outfits that make me feel good about myself, and none of the "oh, if only I lose 5 pounds" outfits. And maybe I'll make a little bit of $ from my upcoming yard sale :)
ReplyDeleteI love how the white scarf really changes the entire look of the dress!
ReplyDeleteThanks doll,
The Glamorous Housewife
Ps: can't wait to read the book. If you need any quotes on blogging or any advice on YouTube videos for it just let me know. Always happy to help.