Welcome to my Vintage Blog

Wow. What a cool series of pinup and burlesque star history!

I’m not sure if there’s much of a point to the words in these pages, but the pictures show the history of fashion and burlesque with pictures including

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.

When Imogene Coca and Sid Caesar took aim at 1950s cheesecake pinup culture on their groundbreaking show Your Show of Shows, they created comedy gold that doubled as cultural commentary. Through hilarious sketches featuring Coca as Cleopatra, satirical beefcake parodies, and pointed jabs at ballet photography’s “legs as art” phenomenon, these comedy pioneers exposed the absurdity behind the glamour photography that dominated the era.

Explore how television’s most fearless comedians used satire to challenge beauty standards and gender norms in 1953, revealing the fascinating intersection between comedy, pinup culture, and social critique during television’s golden age.

Step back in time to 1935 and discover the timeless elegance of 1930s women’s fashion! Featuring Old Hollywood-inspired glamour, feminine caped-back dresses, dramatic collars, and the rise of “mannish” two-piece outfits, this era balanced chic sophistication with practical designs. Highlights include nautical-themed styles, crepe fabric dresses, and even a sport dress designed with a “suntan back” for that healthy glow. Explore vintage scans from the 1935 Chicago Mail Order Company Catalog and get inspired by the blend of movie star glamour and everyday practicality that defined the decade!

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!

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.

Take a charming trip back to 1935 with this page of advertisements from the Chicago Mail Order Company catalog, showcasing baby bonnets, little girls’ dresses, rompers, boys’ sunsuits, and sanitary hemmed diapers. These adorable and practical garments reflect the styles and ingenuity of 1930s fashion during the Great Depression, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the past.

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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Here is illustrated how two marketing companies used cheesecake pinup, double entendre, and sexual innuendo to sell mens shirts and bed sheets.

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.

Here’s a scan from CheeseCake – An American Phenomenon. It’s a spread with Ed Sullivan’s Toastettes and film snaps of Marilyn Monroe’s appearance on the Jack Benny show. “It was wonderful,” said MM, “You know, Mr. Benny at 39 has all the charm and poise of an older man.” When Marilyn Monroe agreed to be on the Jack Benny Show, finally television had come of age and could compete with the movies. Cheesecake Pinups on the new medium of television!

Women’s changing fashions and shapes thru the 1900s! This first page quotes a skit about womens’ changing fashions from 1903-1953 written by Lois Long of the New Yorker and performed on “The American Road” by Mary Martin. Following that are production stills of Miss Martin performing her skit in various outfits representing the major fashion trends of the first half of the 20th century. Doesn’t it seem like every era declares itsself the one of the “emancipated clear eyed career girl”?

Then… and article about women in television commercials and television advertising (“bringing glamor to household appliances”).

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!

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.

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

Discover vintage 1920s St. Louis fashion advertisements from the legendary 1924 Fashion Pageant featuring Schwarz & Wild and Ely & Walker. Explore rare fabrics like crepe de chine, foulards, and Poiret twills when St. Louis was America’s shoe capital and fashion manufacturing powerhouse. Download the complete 105-page digital program.

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!