Fashion is no match for a woman with a sewing machine!
Growing up, I vividly remember the outfits my mother sewed for us girls. She always wanted us to look nice, and now that I look back on it, I have to wonder the reasons behind it all. As a young girl, she grew up on a farm, and did without a lot of things other girls who lived in town might have had when it comes to fashion. It was the 1950s and that had a lot of influence on emerging fashion. The war had ended, and people were coming into a better way of life. And then there was Jackie O --- as Mrs. Kennedy she carried a lot of influence in ladies' fashions. (Easter Sunday ca 1965)
Research on the old adage “no white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day” rule is said to have originated in the 1930’s when the very wealthy began wearing nothing but white during the summer. This represented leisure (think country homes and croquet) whereas dark colors were associated mostly with the working class. And while that might have been the adage, for some reason, we always had new white shoes and matching purses for Easter!
And then there's gloves (and it's own set of rules!)
- A well-dressed woman wore gloves and a hat outside the home for all but the most casual occasions.
- Gloves should be worn on the streets of cities and large town, when going to church, to a luncheon, dinner or reception; a dance, a wedding or an official function. They are also worn to a restaurant and in the theater.
- Gloves must always be removed before eating, drinking, smoking, playing cards or putting on makeup.
No matter for the inspiration, my sister and I were always well dressed -- and matched! Mom enjoyed sewing, and she created many many outfits for my sister and I. For the whole family, in fact!
Check out this lovely brown plaid for the entire family! *giggles*
I happen to know in this instance, the material was a very good price!
And this only covers 1965 and 1966 ....
there were many more memorable outfits, but that's for a later post!
Happy Memories :)
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