Welcome to my Vintage Blog

This article discusses how Hollywood press agents can create a national pinup sensation thru posting daringly sensual photos in select magazines. As examples, they point out Theda Bara in the first part of the 20th century, and the “modern” sensation Roberta Haynes.

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.

Here’s a captivating look at the August 1924 issue of the St. Louis Fashion Pageant, a local society and fashion magazine that reflected the roaring twenties in all its stylish glory. Featuring advertisements for flapper dresses, children’s shoes, and elegant coats, this issue highlights the city’s role as a hub of fashion and innovation. Many fashion companies were based on Washington Avenue, the heart of St. Louis’ bustling garment district, showcasing trends like beaded dresses, wash frocks, and non-wrinkle neckwear. Explore this unique time capsule filled with illustrations, ads, and photography from a pivotal era in American history!

This 1920s advertisement just proves that babes in swimsuits have long been used to advertise products for men. In this 1924 advertisement for neck ties, a photograph of a girl in a swimsuit is surrounded by illustrations of mens neckwear, for Frank & Meyer Neckwear Co., 1130 Washington Ave.

By the early 1950s, beauty and publicity had become almost ridiculous, as evidenced by the crowning of Potato Queens (Marilyn Monroe), National Soybean Queen (and Miss Missouri), Sourkraut Queen, Queen Pickle.

Marilyn Monroe wasn’t just a movie star—she was the all‑American pinup girl who helped define mid‑century beauty and advertising. This post explores how WWII pinup culture, postwar prosperity, and Hollywood glamour turned Marilyn into an enduring advertising icon and a symbol of the American dream.

Take a journey back to 1924 and explore vibrant vintage advertisements from the St. Louis Fashion Pageant magazine. From Lammert Furniture’s luxurious offerings on Washington Avenue (now the home of T-Rex coworking space) to sleek Art Deco retail fixtures, men’s fashion from Korrekt Clothes, and flapper-ready dress forms sold by Belle Hickey, these ads capture an exciting glimpse of St. Louis’ roaring ‘20s consumer culture. Dive into the history of local businesses and the trends that defined the era, from linoleum carpets to Baldwin’s reproducing pianos—truly a snapshot of the dynamic and stylish 1920s in St. Louis.

Explore the fascinating world of 1935 shoe fashions through scans from the Chicago Mail Order Company catalog! From practical kid leather women’s shoes and “super comfy” nurse oxfords to durable work boots for men and cheerful styles for girls, this catalog captures the balance of practicality and style during the Great Depression. Discover the timeless charm of vintage footwear designed to meet the needs of hardworking families while still delivering thrilling and optimistic styles. A true glimpse into 1930s fashion history!

Where was modeling going in the 1950s, and what would future fashion trends hold? The main point of this article seemed to point out the sheer diversity of pinup models and beautiful women. An interesting picture was one of Rita Hayworth without makeup, and then made up. One of her movies, “An Affair in Trinidad”, was chosen by the National Photographers Association as “the sexiest and most provocative motion picture still ever made”.

This ad is trying to sell the prospective business owner into starting a variety department or general store, and offers assistance with arrangement of merchandise, advertising (sale plans, newspaper advertising, and more), displays, merchandising (help with product markup, selection, and how to make a profit), office (how to keep books, and a control system that prevents over-buying), management (training your clerks, how to inventory, etc.,), and more!

Advertising to women, often by showcasing attractive women, has always been a fascinating part of history. Explore the evolution of corset and shapewear ads, from Warner Brothers Coraline Corsets in the 1880s, Gilda Grey’s 1923 fat-reducing cream, and Gypsy Rose Lee’s electric shaver endorsement, to the sleek 1950s girdles designed to create a flawless silhouette. These vintage ads showcase cultural shifts in beauty standards and women’s fashion through time.

Here’s a nostalgic look at 1930s song lyrics from the October 1935 edition of Popular Music Magazine. It features sentimental lyrics like “I’m Grateful to You,” playful tunes like “There’s No Substitute for You,” and others like “Congo Rhythm.” With only audio of “A Little Bit Later On” available today, this reminds us how fleeting history can be. The singer pictured is Maxine Gray, a stunning and talented voice of the 1930s.

Step into the roaring 1920s with these vintage fur coat advertisements highlighting the luxurious style trends of Jazz Age St. Louis. Featuring elite furriers like Leppert-Roos Fur Co. and Landers and Pearlman Fur Co., located on Washington Avenue near the iconic International Fur Exchange, these ads offer a window into St. Louis’s pivotal role in America’s fur trade. Discover the craftsmanship, variety of furs, and the glitz of a bygone era that cemented St. Louis as a fashion and fur hub during the Roaring Twenties.

“Today’s musical comedy stars replace the Grecian bend of The Florodora Girls with abandon, and little else” reads the headline. It mentioned the famous gals who have come from the anonymity of chorus lines, including: Eva Tanguay, Ann Held, Bebe Daniels, Ruby Keeler, Barbara Stanwyck, and Lucille Ball.

Step back into the elegance of 1935 with these stunning summer dress styles from the Chicago Mail Order Catalog. Featuring designs made from fast-color summer cottons, romantic Tahiti Lawn fabrics, and swanky seersucker ensembles, these vintage pieces showcase the grace and affordability of 1930s fashion. Each illustration offers a glimpse into the timeless silhouettes, practical elegance, and cultural trends of the Great Depression era. Perfect for lovers of vintage style and history!

“Step back into the 1930s with this glimpse into the music and culture of a turbulent decade. From the romantic ballads of ‘Ciribiribin’ to the spirited humor of ‘La Cucaracha,’ these vintage song lyrics capture the style and soul of the Great Depression era. Meet Nola Day, a celebrated contralto and NBC radio personality, and explore iconic tunes that entertained and resonated with audiences of the time. Discover the spirit of the 1930s through music.

Here’s an interesting history of pinups in advertising! Showing pictures of billboards from the 1800s-1950s, with a focus on pretty girls in beer advertisements.

The next page shows samples of pretty women used to advertise books and, the latest thing, record album covers. Even classical music “moves off the shelves” faster when an attractive woman is pictured on it!