1938 Archives

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

Did you know that the first Miss America was 5 foot 1, weighed 108lbs, had a 30 inch bust, 25 inch waist, 32 inch hips and brown hair with blue eyes? In comparison, Evelyn Ay, the 1954 winner, measured: 5’8, 132lbs, 37-24-36. Here is a chart and a picture to demonstrate the perfect female form of the 1950s, as decided by Vincent Trotta, a Miss Universe judge. He claimed that it was proportion, so a woman could be taller or shorter, just proportional.

A Brief History of the Muny – St. Louis Municipal Theater Association History (as written in 1943)

Misc. Ephemera, Featured

This entry is part 12 of 13 in the series St. Louis Municipal Opera 1943

These pages from the 1943 St. Louis Municipal Opera program include the Municipal Opera Productions Directory (from 1919-1942), and a brief history and facts about the Muny Association.

Types of Stitches thru Tunics & Turbans

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 1 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

Ever wonder how to name or identify the stitching that you might find on pieces of vintage clothing? Here are some excellent definitions, descriptions, and illustrations for types of stitches used in clothing construction and decoration. Referring to these drawings and definitions has helped me to identify and describe vintage clothing.

Skirts thru sportswear – definitions and illustrations for vintage clothing identification

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 4 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

It’s interesting to see the types of skirts, sleeves, and sportswear illustrated and defined! Hopefully this helps you in identifying and describing vintage clothing… I can’t help but read thru this fashion dictionary and learn as I scan and post these pages!

timeline of Historical Fashion silhouettes thru the ages – Types of Satin continued

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 5 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

I find this fashion dictionary’s timeline of silhouettes thru the ages to be interesting, because people in certain eras interpret describe history differently than at other times. History is subjective, to a degree, if only because of the process of curating and deciding what to include or exclude in a synopsis. It’s interesting to see what a fashion expert writing this dictionary thought was important, and the descriptions they used, as compared to more modern historical perspectives.

Nets thru Robe de Style, and information about Rayon

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 7 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

As I’m recovering from my wonderful New Years celebrations last night… I’m posting 18 more scans from the 1938 fashion dictionary, The Language of Fashion. These pages cover nets (continued) to Robe de Style, with several informative pages between, including a lengthy and informative page about Rayon. Did you know that (in 1938) there are four different processes for making Rayon …

Types of heels to Hug Me Tights – Fashion Dictionary Scans

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 10 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

Here are more pages from The Language of Fashion dictionary. Of most interest to me was the illustrated and defined types of heels. In 1938, it looks like what I think of as a “stiletto” was called a Spanish Heel. I hope it helps with your identification of vintage and modern shoes!

Different types of hats, illustrated and defined.

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 11 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

Among other things, these next 10 pages define and illustrate the different types of mens and womens hats. Special emphasis seems to have been placed on the types of hats that were fashionable for women in 1938 (including the halo, mushroom, skimmer, profile, sailor, Chou, cartwheel, and bumper brim hat styles).

Carcanet thru Cloth Yard – From The Language of Fashion

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 16 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

Here are more fashion definitions from the “C” part of this 1930s fashion dictionary. It’s quite a feat to be scanning it all!

These pages define different types of cheques, chemises, and chingons.

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

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 18 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

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!

The Language of Fashion by Mary Brooks Picken 1938

Old Book Scans

This entry is part 20 of 21 in the series The Language of Fashion - 1939 Fashion Dictionary

I am so excited to get The Language of Fashion by Mary Brooks Picken (1938 edition) as an early Christmas present! I am even more thrilled by my friend’s thoughtfulness. Even more excited that this book’s copyright has apparently expired (according to my search on the U.S. government copyright site)…. so I can scan the pages!

1930s family and children photos

Old Photo Scans

Here are some family and children photos from around 1938 (according to the date on the pics).... The children are wearing cute white pressed collars and simple clothing! It's interesting to see the women wearing cloche-like turbans, showing that the fashion changes...