Fashion by Decade - 1930s

The fashion from the 1930s was influenced greatly by the Great Depression. (Wall Street Crash Oct. 24, 1929) Women were unable to change several times a day like in the past, they had less money and learned to remake, reuse & patch their wardrobes. The styling was much more feminine than the 1920s.

Many Styles Changed: 

Waistlines returned to the natural waist

Hemlines returned to mid-calf or floor length

Dresses & blouses had a broader shoulder, which gave the illusion of a smaller waist

Necklines were lower with V-neck & crossover styles embellished with ruffles, lace and scallops. Women also used feed-sack to make dresses and children's clothing

Feedsack Dresses

Women's business suits were tailored and slim at the waist, they were still masculine to help women be taken more seriously. 

Evening dresses for the first time, were being influenced by Hollywood actresses like Jean Harlow & Greta Garbo, more than Paris. Dresses were backless, floor length, silky and biased cut to flatter a women's curves.

The Cloche hat faded and the Pillbox hats, Rimmed hats worn tilted & Turbans were popular.

-Thanks Y'all-

Ashley

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Valentino Ready To Wear Spring 2013

Nothing makes me happier than vintage inspired clothing for a modern gal!

Valentino's Spring 2013 Ready To Wear Collection is perfection...

well for a modern gal with large pocketbook. HEY, a girl can dream! 

Lead designers for the label, Maria Grazia Chiuri & Pierpaolo Piccioli, created this amazingly effortless collection.  It  channels the 1930's  feminine style, with fluttery blouses, puffed sleeves, small floral prints & bias cut dresses.

Styles from the 1940s and 1950s were also seen with more structured coats and nipped waists.

-Thanks Y'all-

Ashley

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Lovely Vintage Coats

Vintage coats are definitely a weakness of mine.

Which is a bit of a problem considering I live in Alabama and its never chilly enough for me to justify buying every coat I see....oh well.

Look at these gorgeous collars, unique buttons, bright colors and how fabulous they are! 

Audrey Hepburn

Lana Turner

 Grace Kelly

-Thanks Y'all-

Ashley

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Fashion by Decade - 1920s

No more floundering from me this year! I am going to focus on my passion for vintage fashion and sewing it! So along with taking classes, I want to learn the history of fashion and look at what defined fashion through the decades. The styles, the lengths, the necklines and who influenced it.

The 1920s brought great change in woman's fashion. The end of the war brought an economic boom and woman entering the workforce in record numbers made fashion more accessible and relaxed. Trousers and skirts were now being worn and the development of synthetic silk and rayon for hose allowed a once costly look for much cheaper.

 A much more relaxed style emerged from an every increasing active lifestyle and younger adult woman. Which brings us to the FLAPPER style (a tubular dress, dropped waist with pleats or gathers for movement...the Charleston).  This dress was for function. It flattened the bust line and was worn with a "bob" hair cut and cloche hat. Jersey sweaters and suits were embraced as well for comfort. The feminist movement played an important roll too, corsets and other restricting undergarments were now being replaced with a chemise and bloomers and woman were showing off their legs. 

Coco Chanel was one of the most influential woman and designers of this time. She was one of the first woman to be photographed wearing trousers and her designs were for an ever increasing active lifestyle.  

-Thanks Y'all-
Ashley

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New Direction

I haven't blogged much in the last 6 months. I was burnt out and felt like my blog had no focus. So with that, I decided to stop for a while and decide if I wanted to continue and if so...what to blog about? I love everything vintage and nostalgic....and that was the problem. Fashion and sewing is really my passion and everything else comes after. So starting today...THE NEW Dixie Delux is a VINTAGE SEWING and FASHION BLOG.  

-Thanks Y'all-

Ashley

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Gil Elvgren...Pinup Spotlight

Gil Elvgren is one of, if not the most important and influential pinup artists of all time. Best known for his work with Brown and Bigelow publishing company, his art and the woman he portrayed defines pinup to many still today. He is by far my favorite!!!

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Vintage Beach Style

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So darn sexy....

What was it that made the classic Pinups so darn sexy? 

It amazes me that after 50+ years classic pinup paintings remain the ultimate in beauty to men and WOMAN across the world. So I ask myself, what is it that makes them stand the test of time?

HERE IS WHAT I CAME UP WITH

Purpose-  Pinups were not just a pretty face, they were doing something other than laying in bed waiting on a man. Whether it be shooting a gun, gardening, housework or checking the mail, she had a purpose other than sex. They were not objects, they were sexy being themselves doing day to day things and looking good doing it.

 

Smiles- Often caught looking clumsy making a mess, she still always seemed happy to see you, regardless of the situation. There was none of the over-sexed animal waiting to pounce look you see today, she was just a happy gal! 

Clothes- Sure, sex sells but who wants to be sold much less while naked... NOT ME! Pinups not only had on killer outfits, but them showing a little skin meant an upper thigh or bathing suit, not a full on frontal shot. EFFORTLESS

Innocent- This to me is what sets classic pinups apart from the woman portrayed today. Pinups were innocent, nothing was contrived or manipulative, it was all innocent and cute. (cheesecake) She was sweet, pretty, and meant no harm to anybody - including other woman. She was no bitch!

Now that is SEXY....Call me crazy....

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The Pinup Necessities

Pinup Fashion can be a little pricey...but there are ways to get that look without breaking the bank!

This retro style is in the details...it is all in picking the right pattern, color palate and style of everyday pieces that you can get at local stores and this can get you looking like a pinup in no time! 

The Necessities:

High Waisted Black Pants

 Wrist Gloves

A simple scarf or bandana

Red Lipstick

 Cateye Glasses

Bettie Bangs

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