I just adore women’s suits from the 1930s and 1940s. I remember watching On the Avenue not too long ago and almost weeping from sheer want of the gorgeous suits in that film. Alas, I cannot find any images from that film but I do have some pictures of other lovely suits for you all to look at.
These two images are from Gosford Park. The costumes in this film are absolutely gorgeous and actually what I enjoy most about the film. These two images are, if I recall correctly, from a scene when all the ladies are sitting around before a day of riding or possibly waiting inside whilst the men are out riding!
This is the beautiful Lolita Haze in a suit she made (her blog is Vintage Starlet - if you aren't reading it, you should be). I think this was one of the first times I really took notice of suits and realised that I absolutely love them - especially in fabrics like this. I think it's because this kind of colour, especially in a suit, makes me think of tweed.
Photo on the left from The Library of Congress, not entirely sure where I got the image on the right. Oops!
Photo on the left from scanned from The Sketch, photo on the right scanned from a True Romance magazine.

I suppose I really oughtn't start talking about suits and not at least mention Coco Chanel! And mention is all I shall do because many a better informed person has written about her before me but what an amazing and influential woman! (Queens of Vintage have had a few articles about her, of late - my favourite is the top 10 iconic designs).
So many lovely suits! And now, by golly, I have my very own! This absolutely gorgeous suit was made for me by my wonderful mother. She used one of Simplicity's Retro Patterns (3688) which you can find here.
Hat: Vintage, 1970s, Exclusive Vintage Clothing
Faux pearls: Hero Vintage
Top: Deborah K
Suit: Made by mum!
Stockings: Love Kylie
Shoes: Big W, these are the ones I bought the other day.
My friend, Cally, said I looked like Carmen Sandiego - she said it was the hat. I do like to make characters up for my outfits but I couldn't really decide on one for this. Maybe a reporter or a detective - something fun and romantic like that! I'm so happy with my suit. Huzzah! I think they're a winter must-have for any vintage wardrobe.
Love,
Andi B. Goode
x
P.S. Forgive the terrible 'punny' title.
Faux pearls: Hero Vintage
Top: Deborah K
Suit: Made by mum!
Stockings: Love Kylie
Shoes: Big W, these are the ones I bought the other day.
My friend, Cally, said I looked like Carmen Sandiego - she said it was the hat. I do like to make characters up for my outfits but I couldn't really decide on one for this. Maybe a reporter or a detective - something fun and romantic like that! I'm so happy with my suit. Huzzah! I think they're a winter must-have for any vintage wardrobe.
Love,
Andi B. Goode
x
P.S. Forgive the terrible 'punny' title.
Ooo, I like this!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to a vintage fair in Brisbane next week, and I totally thought of you when I heard about it. :D
Talented mother xxx she's very clever, you lucky gal!!
ReplyDeleteI love Gosford Park, they never look bad in that movie!
ReplyDeleteI have one suit, from the late 40's i guess with 2 matching skirts. but they're a bit too small for me so i only use the jacket. This is how it looks: http://bettylougotanew.blogspot.com/2008/09/senaste-ebay.html
Sonya: Thank-you! =D Aw, I'm glad you thought of me. Have fun at the fair!
ReplyDeleteMiss Matilda: Thanks - she is indeed!
Betty Lou: They really don't!
Oh, I love your suit. It's a pity the skirts don't fit properly but the jacket's still lovely!
Oh, you found some gorgeous ones there!
ReplyDeleteI am a real sucker for 40s suits, especially since watching the Notebook. The red 40s style suit the main lady wears in that is my favourite. (There is a picture in this post: http://shallowmallow.blogspot.com/2009/04/google-me-crazy.html)
Shallow Mallow: Thanks. =] Oh my, the red suit is lovely!
ReplyDeleteLove the ladylike suit- and the stockings! You look wonderful! Great suit post. My grandmother was married in a pink suit in her living room, her waist was as big as my ankle I think.
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness so much eye candy! I just love vintage suits from the 40s, they are just classy and stylish. I always long for one when I watch old movies and see some of the beautiful ones that the actresses are wearing and it makes me want some of my own.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and inspiring post!!
ReplyDeleteI love 30s/40s suits as well... and all of these are perfect. I also love Dolores Haze, she is so amazing!
Lemondrop Marie: Aw, thank-you! Oh, wow, that sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLizzy: I'm glad you enjoyed it. And I know what you mean! My biggest wish is to go on a shopping spree through classic cinema. ;]
Aya: Thank-you - I'm glad you liked it! =D And, yes, Miss Haze is just wonderful!
What a splendid post, I'm positively wild for vintage suits (and skirt suits in general), too. I don't always have the best luck finding dresses that fit my figure (petite but curvy), yet can often find a lovely skirt suit (or skirt and smart looking blazer) that do work (or work with minimal tailoring). I would adore finding a vintage suit that fit me, but in the meantime will happily make due with modern, vintage looking pieces.
ReplyDeleteAgain, a marvelous post, I enjoyed all the photos soooo much!
Wishing you a gorgeous week, my dear!
♥ Jessica
I think women should be more willing to mix and match colors with their skirt suits!
ReplyDeleteYour mom rocks! I love your suit, the style really does suit you! haha
ReplyDeleteJessica: Thank-you, darling. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteDarrah: Well, yes, I like to do that. =]
Reilly: Hee, thank-you! =D
Awww thanks for the little mention! Yoiu are so kind. And there is nothing wrong with Carmen San Diego! LOL. I loved that show! And the game.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Lolita! =D I've never played Carmen San Diego but I bet I'd enjoy it. Haha.
ReplyDelete