Summery 1950's Fashions // CATALOGING CATALOGS MW51

This week on Cataloging Catalogs we're taking a flip through Montgomery Ward's Spring Summer 1951. Since my footage came out a little less HD than I would have liked (understatement), I also went ahead and scanned the majority of the fashion pages for this catalog, which means you can also browse, and pin, and download, these same images at your leisure over on my pinterest!
See the scans: / 1951-montgomery-ward-s...
Drafting the sweetheart neckline gathered yoke bodice style: theclosethistor...
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But wait there's more! A PO BOX finally wahoo!
First, a disclaimer: So many of you have kindly offered to send me things, including vintage items you may have inherited, and I am so honored you would think of me and of course I do adore vintage treasures, however, unfortunately I only have so much storage space currently! So there is a chance that if something just wont work for me, or doesn't fit me etc, that I may not be able to keep all of your lovely things. Please only send things if you are okay with the possibility that I may donate items I just cannot keep. If you would prefer I put things that I can't keep into the TCH Etsy shop to help raise funds for me and the channel, please specify this in a note or letter in your parcel. Thank you so much!
Bianca Esposito
PO Box 632177
Highlands Ranch, CO 80163
Thank you for watching!

[@alka6122]

i am a simple person. i see a new closet historian upload, i hit 'like' 2 seconds in.

[@dianavoermans]

Me too :)

[@ladyjo581]

Me too!

[@Jules0001]

Me too 😁

[@ruthkirkparick3535]

I click the like before it even she can get two words out. I am a big fan of '40s styles in particular.

[@Melissa.1989]

same!

[@HUDSONVINTAGE]

Your "pointer" is very antiques roadshow!

[@TheRossspija]

I felt like we went for a coffee and chatted through the magazine. This pandemic lasted too long.

[@tovekjellerd6552]

What a world of inspiration! I'm a sucker for the 50-ies and that era`s collars and cuffs. So please continue to sew from that decade! Thank you!

[@artemisarojas9999]

Yes more catalogs please, 1940 to 1950 are perfect

[@michellecornum5856]

ABSOLUTELY!! MORE CATALOGS! Older younger, it doesn't matter, really. The shoes might kill us, but go for it!

[@me1123581321]

Edit: Can you even BEGIN to think about the differences in these catalogs to the ones from the '80s?! Oh my gosh the accessories alone >.< I'm a professional cataloger at my library, and I LITERALLY SQUEE'D - OH MY GOSH my little information management heart

[@CavegirlMelanieHobby]

If you have any catalogs from '38-43, I'd CRY from happiness to see you go through it! Late 30s are so under-represented

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Unfortunately I don't have any 1930's catalogs as they are 3 to 4 times the price as these later ones! We can do 1940 and 1941 sometime though!

[@RychaardRyder]

*Inhales* I proclaim that we must see more giant collars and winged cuffs in modern life, welcome to my tedtalk *exhales* But seriously tho can we please get a winged cuff tutorial? I have so many things i would add it toooo

[@michellecornum5856]

Yes, sew us up! Anything that catches your eye -- LET's DO IT!

[@Msmeohmy52]

I have seen “collars and cuffs” advertised for sale! Fun add on!

[@riskygamble]

YES, more quality catalogs! Thank you for these!

[@bohemiansusan2897]

I get nostalgic just looking at catalogs from the 70s and 80s 😁. So this was a lot of fun to see. Thanks. My modern wardrobe is much like the four piece wonder suit, though mine is 14 pieces to mix and match. I keep a capsule wardrobe more or less. Far smaller than the average American woman's wardrobe but considered huge by the standards of my aunts who became adults in the late 30's to the early 50's. Many of whom thought I should be content with two pairs of pants, three blouses, two sweaters, two skirts and two dresses. One formal to wear to every dance. My Dad would spend around $800 on my clothes at the end of summer. My CK jeans were $28-32 in the 80's. So I ended up with 6 pants, 6 blouses, 6 t-shirts, 6 skirts, 8 dresses, 8 sweaters and a new formal for every dance. These days my kids think that is being stingy. My aunts sewed their clothes to ensure the end product was no more than $3 for a dress. Late 40's to early 50's they had 5 dresses, consisting of 3 house dresses, one downtown dress and one church dress. One aunt had a husband in the Army in the late 40's and stationed in Germany. She spent $28 to have a tailor make her a coat. The only luxury she ever had. She wore it for 25 years, then her youngest daughter snagged it for herself when she went to college. In the 90's my aunt was surprised to see one of her younger grandaughters wearing it. Talk about high quality!!! If I wanted ordinarybor average, then I'd shop at the stores. However I go for very high end sewing, which is hard to find in today's ready to wear, no matter how much you spend. That said, its cheaper for me to make most of my own clothes. An example is a cotton blouse, with gathered vertical ruffles, ribbons and embroidery in a repeat stripe like pattern. Put about 30 or so hours into it. Metal buttons, fabric and thread would now run about $60. My labor: $600, paying myself $20 an hour. I do natural fibers. Now that I live in poverty, I only sew for others. The clothes I made 5-12 years ago are still in good shape.

[@Jules0001]

Oh please, please, someone go back in time and get me the "Gay in Spirit" evening dress! I am totally smitten 🥺 😁 xxx

[@darklymoonlit]

Loving these deep dives into vintage catalogs! edit: As someone who's been buying purses based on whether a book will fit in them for a good decade I feel personally attacked by "you could fit a whole Agatha Christie novel in there".

[@karenramnath9993]

It dismays me to know that there are people living on this earth who do not choose their purse based on whether a book would fit into it.

[@darklymoonlit]

@@karenramnath9993 Right? I hate not having something to read with me. That's inevitably when I end up stuck somewhere for ages with nothing to do.

[@annastevens1526]

Also, handbags MUST be big enough to fit a decent drink bottle!! 😆 (Sadly, have often had to resort to backpacks as handbags just aren't big enough to contain the cardigans, books, drink bottles etc than one has to tote if traveling around town without a car to stash things in?)

[@harrietetter9321]

i was 11 in 1949 -- my mother and grandmother read the monkey wards catalog to get ideas for sewing at home -- loved the new synthetic fabrics invented in the war -- look how slim everyone was -- before corn syrup in all our food -- and how short everyones hair is -- look at all those covered belts -- they had kits for belt stiffening and buckle covers -- i began sewing my own clothes on mothers singer featherweight -- still have it -- in high school (1955) it took 4 yards to make a skirt -- and yards and yards of nylon net to make our can can petticoats -- still make and design all my own clothes at 83 -- glad i lived back then --- thanks for the memory

[@jirup]

Oh my, I am in love with that 'symphony in soft curves'... I better save this video for tomorrow and get some sleep before the sun is up again.

[@jirup]

Had to check... tebilized is a trademark for a fabric treatment for wrinkle resistance. Now to sleep.

[@noexpensespentstudios]

There's a lot of inspiration in those bodices and pockets, it's tempting me to take design elements from this catalogue and applying it to menswear to see what I end up with. Those deep chevron pockets on a pair of trousers, for example, could work really well. Please do make some pocket videos, it would be really interesting to see how easy or complex some of these designs are to put together.

[@ailsadixon408]

The only complaint I have is that this video is 1 hour instead of 12!!! These videos make me so happy it's absurd. Thank you 💞

[@susanperna4722]

Yes, Alisa. She's my favorite because she works so many hours to teach us.

[@ailsadixon408]

@@susanperna4722 absolutely! ❤️

[@kaytiej8311]

Best historical fashion lecture ever!! My mum was a seamstress in the 40's and she said that many of the fabrics they used to have weren't around any more - and that was in the 70's.

[@teresav302]

This was so fun to watch. I love the fashion of the 40’s and 50’s. I remember looking through all the catalogs as a child and loved the Christmas Wish books. I’m amazed at the fabric choices. I appreciate how the price equivalent of today’s dollar was included with the prices of the dresses. The clothing was a nicer quality back then and so much more fashionable. Now so much clothing is throw away and made cheaply.

[@ZitaAnneReno]

I love these catalog videos! The suiting inspiration alone is just phenomenal. I'm going to law school in the fall...where boring, ill-fitting suits seem to reign supreme...and all I want is one good vintage ensemble.

[@annastevens1526]

Reminds me of my years working as an archivist/records manager for a big accounting firm. Monday meetings were like an all-black funeral, especially in winter! 😂 Definitely the experience that cemented my determination to intrude colour into the professional workplace, as well as clinging to slightly more fun details like fabric-flower hairclips and interesting thrifted or handmade jewellery...

[@CharredFibers]

Because of you, I look at patterns so differently. I'm at Joann's right now and I'm like can I slash and spread this pattern? Yes? Done!! Thank you for your knowledge. ☺️

[@navahx9406]

Same! I'm like "I like everything except the neckline... but I can just change that"

[@DeathByFashion1]

My great aunt had those shoes! She dressed so lovely everyday with perfectly curled hair❤ thank you for showing this flip through. I really enjoyed it and with I could order everything!!

[@elyssadougherty8255]

Silk baron does have a green-purple shot taffeta. The color is aquarius and it is beautiful.

[@emmaclancy9342]

I think I speak for everyone when I say we need to see a video on you making those waistcoats and a video on a chevron striped dress omg

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I have luckily made a waistcoat video already kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnSmmXilbpedqdU ❤

[@dianeshelton9592]

The dress you described as a pastel dream. I actually wore that fabric in a. Straighter dress as a teeenager in the 1980:

[@sandrabrown6326]

Taking a step back in time is always so fun. Especially because you have made some of these and I love seeing them all.

[@annaadams8131]

I love listening to you talk about different fashions and giving little bits of extra info and insight. It's super soothing and lovely content.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Anna!

[@dinahfreeman4886]

I would like an entire series of catalog tours. ❤️

[@helenahandbasket3244]

Love these fashions! So interesting! Something about rayon just after the war: When I was in high school (in the 70's), and there was a dress up day, 50's Day or some such thing. Well, my mom had a few items she had in her closet from the early 50's made out of rayon. They were badly wrinkled, so I carefully ironed the dress. Whew! What a stench! I couldn't believe that this fabric would smell so bad. My mother said that all the rayon and polyester always reeked after ironing and after getting warm after dancing, etc. She said that the smell of ironing polyester and/or rayon got better in the 60's. Maybe the process of the chemicals to produce the extruded cellulose in which rayon fabric was made stayed in the fabric? For what it's worth...

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I imagine the chemistry has come a long way, luckily!!!

[@danielled403]

Thanks for taking the time to do this. I love these videos because they remind me of the fashions in old photos of my grandma and great-grandma. They were always so put together and dressed up. 🙂

[@Lillyk96]

The sound I made when you turned to the housecoats!!!! Idk if it's a result of the pannier, but I just love the very specific genera of clothes that is lounge wear, but nice enough not to change if someone showed up! I have a project for a house coat in the works just waiting for my fabric to show up!

[@sunshinecakes7962]

This was so fun! I love all the explanations of each outfit. And yes to a video about pockets! Yes please ❤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@MildredCady]

Re: the dress with the spiky peplum… As a friend of mine in the SCA says, “you only dag for those you love…”

[@sharonrussell7933]

As usual B, I was in seventh heaven for one hour. I simply adore looking through the catalogs like this. The narrative enhances the experience. I would have been 3 years old in '51, but I'm certain that mother would have been using mail order as her shopping of choice. Living in the country would also prompt the need to shop this way. I recall drooling in my younger years over new catalogs just as I still drool looking at the vintage product. Love, love and love.

[@geministargazer9830]

I’d love to see some more details in sewing. I’m a fan of hip details because my hips are a bit smaller than my bust so it evens things out a bit visually so I love decorative skirt pockets and other details. Also some fancier blouses with the cutouts and details would be cool

[@joannaerhardt7294]

The 50s were a pocket lovers dream!!

[@aliceadler4569]

OMG I remember Montgomery Wards & Sears catalogs back in the days!!! Thanks for the memories ♥️♥️♥️‼️‼️‼️🥰🥰🥰💋💋💋💄💄💄. PS - have you heard about the trillions of cicadas emerging late May - June??? Over here in Alabama we hear about nothing else!!! PPS - my mother made me a navy blue a-line mini dress in the 1960s with a scalloped hemline - it was my favorite dress EVER!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I don't think we're getting the cicadas here in Colorado but everyone says it's supposed to be intense 😅

[@chaeburger]

I am reminded again that 1951 was a phenomenal year for femme fashion. This is the best era for suits.

[@silvergypsylady]

I was born in 1952, so seeing this is so much fun. I enjoyed this very much and would love to see more catalogs from the 50's. I can remember going through the Wards and Sears catalogs for school clothes. Great video. I'm a sucker for navy blue with white poke a dots dresses.

[@TheClairegrant]

1960s i remember well my great grandmother still wearing clothes from 40s and 50s. You keep and wear a good dress. The depression affected them for years to come.

[@carolynjoyce7882]

I loved the part about how the sleeves can help slim the waist and bust etc. I have never ever even thought of that before but it makes so much sense! X

[@gerileemakes]

I would love demonstrations! You could even do them half size/just make them for the dress form since you won't wear them. I want to see all the catalogs but what I liked here was you pointing out the ways the styles were transitioning.

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Somewhere in the attic is a picture of me in front of my high school gym in 1970. I'm wearing a 40's style suit. It's my favorite era, and I guess I was sort of a weirdo back then. I had stockings with seams and Cuban heals. Mostly my mom's clothes. We were allowed to wear slacks on Fridays, so I wore my dad's 1940s ties. I found a 1980s pleated skirt and matching blouse at a thrift store, 99¢. The classic I love Lucy polka dot. I took it apart to use as fabric, and this walk through your vintage catalog has given me ideas of what to make!

[@xequth]

Last time this series inspired me to cut the top of a plaid dress on the bias for the 1940s pattern I was making at the time (turned out super-cute, can't wait for warmer weather to wear it without a jacket!), and this time I kind of want to add another 2 or 3 notched collars to my current project...

[@rosiemakes]

These catalogue videos are a balm to my soul (I have a cold right now so I'm feeling dramatic) Late 40s, early 50s is my favourite fashion period

[@believeinfaeries8713]

I would love to see a video about drafting a blouse with a pointed yoke similar to the middle dress at timestamp 20:57. I'd also love to see a video about all those lovely lattice work inserts that feature greatly in this catalogue. Loved seeing the shift towards the New Look in this catalogue.

[@SallyBarnes274]

I always like those full dresses and circle skirts. I have made a few circle skirts, but its hard to find the right material to makes them.

[@barbiedesoto7054]

Winged cuffs! Yes please! I also love the turned back pockets.

[@nix_cosplay]

Keen to see built in sleeves and pointed cuffs! Winged cuffs are probably quite simple to draft, but I do love them

[@kachnickau]

Actually, Mariah Pattie done video week ago, all about custom printing and I am sure she mentioned silk option too. Would post the link on video, but I am not sure if it gets flagged or not :) And soo much inspiration in those catalogs.

[@nataliestanchevski4628]

Thank you for keeping me company while I was cooking dinner! I like these cataloging catalog videos, it's like having someone to hang out with without them getting in my way as I move from sink to counter to stove (which is what my roommate does). I literally gasped out loud when you turned the page to show the shoes lol.

[@jennifercollins6291]

Thank you, Bianca, for sharing this latest Montgomery Ward's catalogue. Every page brought Ahhhs and Ohhhs. There are so many outfits that I loved but I would especially like to make the eyelet blouse. Even though it is hard to find a good quality eyelet fabric, I think the design could be made in another fabric and still look very smart. Any catalogue from 1940s and 1950s would be a joy to see. Both those decades, followed by 1930s, were the most stylish in fashion history, in my humble opinion. Great idea to draft and make toiles to demonstrate the designs that followers like that you yourself would not necessarily make for yourself. After all, your wardrobe is not a Tardis!! Your suggestion to demonstrate making examples of the different pocket styles would be of interest as well. I would also like to learn how to make a cloth belt. Take care and stay well.

[@frddy2487]

very interesting! thank you for this video! in my country it's impossible to fing any catalogues, and you not only show but also comment about fashion! thanks a lot!

[@lauriepelayo296]

Would love to see more 50s. I collect that Era and am fascinated with what you share from the catalogs. Thanks by the way for doing that. It's very cool

[@vincentbriggs1780]

ArtFabrics in Quebec does printing on silk! They don't have a crepe, but they have three 100% silk options and two blends (one with modal and one with cotton). And some really nice cottons, including a couple of VERY wide sateens. They've only been around since 2019 and their stuff is more expensive than Spoonflower but the difference in quality is definitely worth it. I have a few metres of a couple different cottons from them, and it took longer than expected to print, but I was super happy with them. They use reactive dyes, so the black actually prints *black* , and darker areas aren't stiffer like they are with the inks Spoonflower uses. And they have a gorgeous sample pack!

[@lisathebear33]

OOOO! That purple/green silk fabric 😍 *swoon*

[@slothburglar]

As someone who can barely tell the difference between a cotton fabric and anything else, these are so fun and informative for me. Thank you!

[@willynthepoorboys2]

Thanks for the video, it was a pleasure looking at the old catalog and seeing the vintage styles.

[@mimiandthemuse]

This type of video is very interesting Bianca. What I love about the 40's was the drapey bias cut rayon dresses with intricate pleating and strong shoulders a la Hollywood movie star. And from the 50's I love those off the shoulder ballerina tops and full long skits a la Audrey Hepburn. Also the amazing wardrobe of Kim Novak in Vertigo.

[@swingularity1119]

I'm really enjoying this video series, I love seeing the silhouette change in little ways over time.

[@kimf1993]

Wow. Sometimes KZbin really knows me better than I know myself. I didn't know I wanted this- but I do!

[@CS-lk2ys]

I would love catalogues from any year you have them. Also yes to all of the demonstrations you mentioned at the end. Would love to see them even in muslin (and even just on Patreon). These videos help me fall asleep on my insomniac nights, thank you 💕✨

[@annastevens1526]

Really interesting to see almost an Edwardian influence in these early '50s styles, both in the skirt/vest combos harking back to the shirtwaist 'working girl' outfit, and blouses with so much yoke detail, eyelet lace etc...?

[@kschindle1]

Remember Montgomery Wards in the 60's. love the suits! I live near two large universities - one an ivy league one. I have found sewing machines in from of the garbage compactor! One is I think 50 ish 60 ish and the other was a Singer one 2017. found 2 with the tables and talked a woman into putting it in her van and keeping.

[@papillonpress]

I really love this type of video. I like hearing you talk through the styles and commenting on them...it keeps me company while I’m sewing. Thank you so much for scanning the pages! It’s such inspiration for my own projects. I would love to see a video on pockets because they are AMAZING.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@cloisterene]

I like all of them, but would especially enjoy some 50s catalogs that include some Dior or Chanel knock-offs. Really any designery knock-offs would be sensational. And I am obsessed with "frocks", which I define as pullover or easy-on and -off dresses. I live in a semi-tropical climate, so constantly looking for lightweight summery dresses and cool, backless "sundresses". Also Alfred Shaheen 'bombshell' types, and Hawaiian or Polynesian gowns and even muu-muus. There was a popular designer who did one of kind patchwork maxi skirts that I love, too.

[@brigittedevereaux8429]

Please do more videos like this! Browsing through the catalog is so fascinating.

[@kendal4452]

I love that you disgust your bust shape because it is so helpful to me. I have a rather large bust and often I worry just what would look best on me. That is why I stick close to your channel because, I learn a lot from you and your body shape is similar to mine. Thank you for sharing, I am loving viewing this book with you. Its so fun!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kendal!

[@franziskaibes6265]

Screenshoted a ton of close ups. I'm afraid I cannot sew every of this lovely details. 😢Modern daily clothes don't have any of this fun stuff...thanks for this inspiration

[@kateknitsthings]

Thank you for another catalogue walk-through! I learned loads from your commentary and enjoyed all the fabulous styles (those lacy blouses - be still me heart!) I’d love to go further back in time to see more 1940s catalogue looks.

[@caoimhenimhuireadhaigh1303]

The evening dresses in this were sublime!! The one with the white embroidery is sublime!

[@fri5481]

Realy love to watch al this cool stuff 💗💗i realy love big pockets. A Nice fitted woman suit. And do's house coats realy need something like that...so nice 💗💗

[@khaxjc1]

28:09 that center dress! Most of the catalog I was liked aspects of a piece but not the whole, but for some reason that one made me oo? Lol 31:50 and this one with the drop waste that was examined intrigues me for reasons I don't understand. And the checks and plaid type patterns on the bias kept drawing my eye even though I wouldn't have thought to have such a thing in my wardrobe. 45:57. Yes please to learning that kind of drop sleeve thing. And I love that and bishop sleeves. I would be so excited to learn! The spider web print is gorgeous. Most look too halloweeny for me. But the Eyelet options made me want to cry. So beautiful! I want it all!

[@5DNRG]

These fashions bring back memories of my childhood... most catalogs and fashion illustrations followed their company's protocol to emphasize what they were selling vs today's sensationalizing just to get attention. Back then it was easy to have a long attention span.

[@AnotherAmy]

I love these catalogs so much. I’d love it if you could do some more. Frankly, I can’t get enough.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Amy!

[@eaglegoldengate4184]

These cover dresses are SOOO almost early Nancy Drew, tho she started in the 30's, unsure when movies began. These are so very cute!

[@marinary1326]

I have no idea if they have rayon or silk, but- another youtuber, Mariah Pattie, just did a whole video on her experience with custom printing fabrics and she seemed to have a good experience with a site called My Fabric Designs, so, might be worth checking? And also watching her video cuz she talks about ways of making printable designs and stuff, that might be helpful. Aaaanyways, gosh this is another video where I just want to respond line by line, these catalogs and your commentary on them are just filled with gems. "Gay in spirit", now that's a Halloween mood, a year round mood tbh. And omg those pocketsssssss! Those arrow shaped chevron striped ones... *chef's kiss* as you say, "yummy". And honestly I wouldn't be surprised if the Blade Runner costume designer looked at this exact catalogue, the resemblance in fabric pattern is uncanny. And the shoes, oh the shoes... I normally like my shoes in black, black, or black, but I might just make an exception for rainbow. The 50s stuff in this catalogue is maybe a bit more my style I suppose, I don't like the shoulder pads and boxiness of 40s fashion on myself personally (if I had a drink for every time you mention your bust or hip size this video I might be drunk enough to forget that I don't really have either) though I enjoy looking at all of it! Now I'm curious if you'd ever make something like those house coats/house dresses, if a "robe of distinction" strikes the balance between ultra glam and ultra casual for you :P Maybe in a suitably geeky print?

[@Nyaabird]

Looks like they do silk (what's cotton silk? a blend?), but I didn't see rayon

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marinary! I checked out her video and it was some great information, especially relevant was the discussion of who prints a good dark black because we all know I love black background prints 😅

[@ashleymainmakes]

All the pockets!!! Also I would love to see those wing cuffs

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Bianca!! So much fun flicking through the magazine with you.. So as I your video began a memory hit me, my grandpa use to call Montgomery Wards - Monkey Wards, had a nice little chuckle.... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@SewTexas]

Yes, please, sign me up! Wouldn't it be nice if we could actually order from the catalogue and at those prices! I love those old catalogues, thank you.

[@Melissa.1989]

the fabric prints are to die for !

[@zorayagaray9301]

Thank Ms. Bianca. Your videos are so informative and entertaining. Greatly enjoy how you blow up the page so we can view the item up close. I would love a video on pockets to just get the pesky things out of my system!

[@lorenheard2561]

Your joy and enthusiasm is contagious! Thank you for sharing! Love the more 40's era! The suits from that time per.are really stylish!

[@theycallmehotrod1940]

More 50s please! Love this kind of video!

[@petapendlebury9024]

Ooh yes - early 1940s and goodness me those pockets! I also don't do pockets on the outside (apart from jeans) but oh so tempted by those chevron arrow ones. And that navy banded dress reminded me a little of your grey/black banded one with those phenomenal sleeves - think that was Blade Runner inspired? Lovely anyway.

[@kyasarin131]

I loved nearly every thing in this catalogue, and as always your presentation is like listening to a friend share their favorite book, but the thing that got me nearly turned inside-out with glee was that little purse made to look like a straw hat. That was just THE cutest thing. I need to find some straw hats for babies or toddlers and make myself a purse like that. Just way too freaking cute.

[@pdxcyn]

I have a true vintage taffeta shirtdress that is from this 40s to 50s transitional period. I keep hoping it will show up on the pages of one of these catalogs :) It's definitely more of a fall/winter style though. It has the all in one sleeves in 3/4 length, shoulder pads and those huge pockets. It fits but looks too frumpy on me. I actually rescued it from the goodwill outlet, just seconds before the bin it was in was removed from the floor.

[@LikeEmmaWithaT]

Your timing is perfect. I'm literally trying to decide what kind of dress to make. :) Thank you for sharing!!!

[@rc31802]

I love these catalog reviews. It helps me see options and makes me wish for fashion of the past. Sigh. I really like the all-in-one sleeves and the fuller skirts that were starting to show up in the early 50's

[@viviennefairfax5133]

Hi! I've been quietly enjoying/admiring your content for a few years. Thank you for all of your hard work in providing such great content for us, it is so appreciated! I would love to see more of these videos (particularly late 50's- mid 60's). They're such a great resource for inspiration and for analysis- and I love how you share your insights on construction and styling! I also think having more of these videos offers such a great opportunity to see the year-to- year progressive changes in fashions, styles, tastes, etc. throughout the period(s).

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Vivienne! More of these coming soon as I have just invested in a nice giant scanner to make the process easier!

[@tiamatmichellehart6821]

I *love* that you`re a fellow lover of *heels!* To me, that just further cements your position as a true fashionista (and an historical one at that)!

[@Chowah]

love these videos! Show us MORE 50's catelogue's 🥰😍😍🥰

[@geriattrique7141]

OMG MORE 1940s catalogs yes please!

[@karenramnath9993]

Pinterest boards! 🤩 I am loving these catalog flip through videos. 50’s will always be my favorite, but so would love to see other decades as well. They would all be interesting. 👍🏻

[@zanthiaaihtnaz6510]

Love these walkthroughs.

[@stephenellis753]

Thank You. I"ve sewn my own clothes for the last 50yrs trying to duplicate the fineness of fabric and detail that was just normal clothes in the 50's. After a few generations of wearing synthetics it s not understood that natural fibers are comfortable; warm or cool as needed and pleasant to look at as well as sew. That everyone could dress like that and did made for a good looking well groomed public. Can't help but compare to raggy jeans and a hoodie as standard or skin tight leggings and a tee shirt..

[@rocks2wear270]

Thank you for the nostalgic thrill of catalog possibilities

[@TayaSews]

I would love to see you draft a shelf bust. It can be so flattering, but SO unflattering if it's wrong. I've always wanted to try it... (love these videos!)

[@geriattrique7141]

I’d be super interested in a drafting video of 1940s winged cuff/collars and unique pockets something like what is seen in sewing patterns such as Hollywood 766 (Betty Grable dress) or the blouse from New York company 1196.

[@jackiezorko2562]

Love this ! Please do more of these . My aunt was a seamstress and kept a few old catalogs in basement- loved looking through .

[@rocks2wear270]

Wow, all the shoes! Like the two tone especially.