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hoopskirts to bathing suits, this Cheesecake Pinup magazine takes a look at the history of sexual innuendo in humor and media.

One of the first cartoons is from the 1860s, showing the wind blowing up a dress to reveal the hoopskirt underneath and (gasp) the sexyness of the woman’s ankels! Then came the peepshows in the Kinetoscopes of the 1890s (as examples are The Bedroom Farce, and a womens’ wrestling). Then, the late 1890s cinema came along, and in the early 1900s, Hollywood and the Keystone comedies and the scantily clad “big names wearing too little” and sensual Femme Fatale Movie Stars of the 1920s…

The article covers women’s baseball with interesting pictures showing women’s baseball teams from World War I and the 1950s (including pictures of Ruth Engle and Doris Sams), and also pictures of figure skaters and golfers to contrast fashion trends of the first part of the 20th century.

From Jane Russell’s legendary bustline in The Outlaw to the 1950s fixation on the derrière, this article traces how pinup art has cycled through busts, legs, backs, and bottoms. Discover the origins of cheesecake pinups, the role of humor, and how early television reshaped our ideas of feminine allure.

Step back into the 1930s with the last 11 pages from the Summer 1935 Chicago Mail Order Company catalog! These colorful vintage ads feature a stunning variety of silks, viole, pre-made lace, Tahiti prints, polka dots, and more fabric treasures. Explore Hollywood-inspired dress prints, Sanforized fabrics, and delicate woven dot Swiss and organdie materials, all revealing the creativity and resourcefulness of the Great Depression era. Perfect for vintage fashion lovers and history enthusiasts!

Originally posted 2021-08-01 21:12:43.

Here are shown some lingerie and shapewear ads from the 1800s-1950s. The chemise replaced the corset cover by 1918, although shape wear was still worn in the 1920s to achieve that stylish “boyish” form. The inflatable bra of the 1950s replaced the “Victoria” bosom pad of 1879… such changes in lingerie styles and advertisements!

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.

Originally posted 2020-06-01 03:38:11.

Dive into 1935 summer fashion with highlights from the Chicago Mail Order Company catalog! From wool bathing suits to women’s sportswear, men’s summer suits, and even a quirky zip-on chest supporter, these pages reveal the trends and practical designs that defined an era of innovation and leisure.

Originally posted 2020-06-20 01:35:24.

Step back into 1935 with the Chicago Mail Order Company catalog, showcasing timeless men’s and boys’ fashions. From $8.95 tailored suits to 37-cent chambray shirts, fashion during the Great Depression emphasized elegance and practicality. Discover the vintage appeal of fedoras, knickerbockers, and shirts that still inspire today’s styles.

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.

Originally posted 2021-12-17 05:52:51.

Step back into 1953 with a Cheesecake Pinup Magazine spread celebrating Lucille Ball and Marie Wilson as successful TV pinups. From Marie’s “dumb blonde” Irma pushing TV’s censorship rules to Lucy’s rare mix of brains, beauty, and slapstick, this post also traces the deeper history of American pinups, musical comedy stars, and the origins of the “cheesecake” pinup tradition.

Originally posted 2021-03-09 08:48:57.

This is an interesting article on how the Motion Picture Production Code affected the evolution of cheesecake pinup, and changed the recipe.

“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.

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.

These next few pages of old pictures are a history of chorus girls and showing skin on stage, from Can Can girls, to to Mae West, to the Zigfield Follies, and the Rockettes.

Originally posted 2021-03-03 11:47:08.

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.

Step back into 1935 with the Chicago Mail Order Catalog’s vintage measuring guides. These tips for measuring hats, dresses, corsets, and more highlight how fashion sizing evolved during the era. Whether you’re a vintage enthusiast or curious about 1930s fashion, these guides remain relevant today!