bust

CheeseCake – An American Phenomenon

This was the most amazing 1950s magazine to photograph! Is this Marilyn Monroe on the cover? I wish I could have bought this vintage pinup magazine for myself! It’s dated 1953.

How to create a “French Look Bust” (aka cone shaped bust of the 1950s)

These “French Look Bust Wires” were interesting to shoot… not because of the wires themselves, but the instructions for fitting any bra or garment to make a “French Look” of the quintessential cone shaped bust shape of the 1950s. It promises support and uplifting, and the instructions are illustrated with 3 easy steps. Foundation garments and functional lingerie, including bras, helped create the classic curvy “pinup” silhouette of the 1950s.

Types of Blouses and More from The Language of Fashion, a Fashion Dictionary (Blouses thru Caps)

The illustrated “blouses” section was pretty interesting, especially since I sell vintage clothes. It’s nice to have precise definitions, general illustrations on how the garment was worn, and approximate dates for when the look was fashionable!

History of Beauty Contests and the Ideal Female Measurements of the 1950s

History of Beauty Contests and the Ideal Female Measurements of the 1950s

This entry is part 11 of 32 in the series CheeseCake Pinup Magazine - 1953

Discover the ideal female measurements of the 1950s, a decade that set distinct beauty standards through beauty contests and societal expectations. This article delves into the historical context and cultural significance of the 1950s beauty ideals, offering insights into how these standards influenced fashion and shaped the perception of female beauty during the era.

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Popular Songs Magazine: October 1935

Popular Songs Magazine: October 1935

This entry is part 1 of 5 in the series Popular Songs Magazine: October 1935

Ginger Rogers graced the front cover of the October 1935 edition of Popular Songs Magazine. It advertised the lyrics to over 30 popular songs of the mid-1930s!

On the inner cover was a full page illustrated advertisement for diamond engagement rings, wedding rings, watches, and other jewelry for men and women wanting great values by Royal Diamond and Watch of 170 Broadway, NYC. You could could get a diamond engagement and wedding ring set for only $29.75 (approximately $525.12 in 2016 dollars).

The Perfolastic shapewear had a money back guarantee if it did not reduce your waist and hips by 3 inches, and an offer to send a free sample of the perforated elastic material that the girdles were made from. This illustrates the ideal 1930s silhouette of narrow waist and hips, with a small to medium bust.

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Television reshaped the 1950s Pinup Phenomenon

Television reshaped the 1950s Pinup Phenomenon

This entry is part 32 of 32 in the series CheeseCake Pinup Magazine - 1953

“The Bust Line May be Best Line in TV”. This article explores how television was currently reshaping the Pinup phenomenon, remarking on Faye Emerson’s low cut gowns in the late 40s, but then turning again away from excess by raising bustlines and hemlines (referencing the Breen office’s revision in 1951, that apparently included a ban against showing intimate apparel on a moving figure). However, these restrictions had the result of making the female form more enticing, “A whisper echoes more than a shout”.

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How to create a “French Look Bust” (aka cone shaped bust of the 1950s)

How to create a “French Look Bust” (aka cone shaped bust of the 1950s)

These “French Look Bust Wires” were interesting to shoot… not because of the wires themselves, but the instructions for fitting any bra or garment to make a “French Look” of the quintessential cone shaped bust shape of the 1950s. It promises support and uplifting, and the instructions are illustrated with 3 easy steps. Foundation garments and functional lingerie, including bras, helped create the classic curvy “pinup” silhouette of the 1950s.

read more

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