Trading in My Blue Suede Shoes for a DC Suit

Today's look:
Urban Outfitters Black and white polka dot chiffon blouse with self-tie bow
Black lyrca-blend camisole
Black crepe, three-button Ann Taylor suit jacket
Black crepe, wide-leg Banana Republic trousers
Charcoal Pewter Cole Hahn heels with ankle strap

Today's Makeup:
Stila Stay-All-Day, 10-in-One Illuminating Beauty Balm
MAC Blush in "Well-Dressed"
MAC Brow Crayon (very lightly applied) in Spiked, set with Model in a Bottle Brow setting liquid
Eyes done with Urban Decay Primer Potion, MAC Paint in Untitled, MAC eyeshadows in Vapour, Vex, Blanc Type, and White Frost, and MAC Opulash Mascara
Givenchy Lipstick in Brun Createur and Chanel Lip Pencil in Rose Tawny
Coty Loose Setting Powder and Urban Decay "All Nighter" Setting Spray

So, you may be asking: what is the meaning of all this? Well, today the look at work called for a more "DC professional" esthetic.  On a typical day, I can "get away" with wearing vintage, "office girl" attire paired with cat wing liner, dark, defined brows, and a bold red lip. However, due to various meetings with new clients and government officials, I am blending in with the DC masses!

This town is not know for being a hub of cutting-edge and/or unique fashion. Instead, it is the epicenter of government employees, Senate staffers, lawyers, lobbyists, military personnel, government contractors, and professionals. Therefore the look requires suiting textiles in charcoal, black, and navy paired with sensible shoes and an ID badge on a lanyard. While cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, New York, and Portland are famous for their funky, hip  'come as you are' vibe, DC's "business and politics" atmosphere tends to leave us off the bullseye of cool.

 http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-worst-dressed-people/15

Despite the horde of the dark-suit masses that dot the concrete, traffic-clogged landscape, there are little pockets of trendnistas in DuPont, Adams Morgan, and even in nearby Baltimore. Now, these 'hep kids' are the exception and not the rule. Most of the people here range from the yuppie soccer mom in Crocs and Gap khaki capris to the preppy guy on the Metro reading "Freakonomics," decked out in his crisp heather grey J. Crew suit and striped tie. If anyone (like me) has the gall to dress differently, then be prepared to endure the judging stares and stinging whispers.

Like the "Travel and Leisure" article stated, I suspect the reason for DC's lack of fashion is due to the nature of the workforce. This is the center of our nation's government. DC is also known for it's museums and monuments. We represent the nation, both politically and historically. Our local news makes national news. On more than one occasion, I have spotted Marine One (the President's Helicopter- and there's more than one) flying over the city. I love it how no one looks up in awe and wonder. Oh, we DC kids are so seasoned to the POTUS! Aren't we just too cool for school?!

So, today, in my modern professional attire, I feel I am playing "dress up!" I do not mind. It is just another day.

Have We Become "Too Casual" In Modern Society?

This past weekend, I started reading my new (1955 edition) Emily Post Etiquette book I bought off Etsy.com (only $8.00 USD!), I visited Old Town Alexandria with my sister, niece, and nephew, and yesterday afternoon I watched the last two Season 3 episodes of Mad Men on AMC (they are re-showing two episodes from previous seasons on Sunday mornings).

On Saturday, I met with my sister and the kids (ages 17 and 15) and we spent the afternoon visiting the shops in Old Town before enjoying a fantastic meal at a quaint Italian restaurant. It was so fun hanging out with family while browsing the racks in a few consignment boutiques, including an overpriced vintage store that seemed to think 80s and 90s was 'vintage.' I did, however, find a beautiful 50s lucite and silvertone metal 'basketweave' bag on display in a window but it was scratched and filthy (yet they wanted $145.00 for it).

Before heading out to meet my sister, I shook off my lazy morning repose, put my makeup on, and dressed. I wore a 50s plaid wool pencil skirt, stockings, saddle shoes, a 50s black wool collared cardigan, pearls, and a lightweight, 50s era cashmere and alpaca blend, taupe-colored coat. Basically, I was wearing my usual Fall attire. Nothing 'fancy,' it was just another day like any other.

As the gang and I walked around town, I noticed quite a few people staring at me like I was a crazy woman. I get the odd look now and again (especially here in the DC area) but I am used to it. But, the number of stares seemed to be peculiarly high. Most of the 'gawkers'  were clad in North Face jackets, jeans, baseball hats, and college hoodies.

(Above: my alma mater)

I have nothing against hoodies or North Face. As an avid skier, I have several North Face items I love and rely on heavily during season. I even have a GMU hoodie and tee. I graduated from Mason twice (BA and MA). I often wear my hoodie and/or tee to the gym, when I am cleaning house, or when I am sick.  I know 'style' is a personal choice. If someone wants to wear hoodies to a nice restaurant or a baseball hat to Sunday brunch, who am I to judge? And more importantly, how does one's clothing (especially a stranger) effect me? In addition, how does *my* choice to wear vintage effect others? The answer to those questions is, "it doesn't."

Not taking personal taste into consideration, I would like to know why we, as a society, have become so casual. When did a nice hat, suit, and tie morph into "business casual?"

For example, these two looks below:

Became these:

The suit, tie, and hat have been replaced with untucked blouses, shapeless blazers, and tieless, unbuttoned shirts paired with pleated Dockers. Instead of day dresses and a sharp sweater (for the gents) on the weekend, we see hoodies and baseball hats.

This casual vein has permeated every locale from the workplace, weekend errands, sporting events, airline travel to cruising. When I was little, I actually remember dressing up whenever my family and I travelled on a plane. Even when we dined out, all of us dressed nicely. Nowadays, whether it's seat 11B on United Flight 916 non-stop to Denver or the corner table by the window in Ruth's Chris, people wear everything from Juicy Couture tracksuits to Old Navy tees.

On a recent flight to Fort Lauderdale, I saw a mother and teen daughter decked out in matching Victoria's Secret "Pink" tracksuits. What is funny is how the mom looked at me (wearing a 50s warm weather suit) like I was yesterday's garbage. Her face actually made a wide-eyed, scrunched nose look. Priceless.

Again, I am not judging anyone for their choice of wardrobe. I am trying to figure out how dressing super casual became the norm. Also, why do I get odd looks when I am dressed nicely and tastefully? Now, I am sure the main reason(s) people stare is simply because I wear vintage. I understand that seeing seamed stockings and saddle shoes on someone nowadays is not typical whatsoever! Despite the vintage element, I am still dressed well. I do not judge others' style. Sure, there is a part of me that wants to "call them out" on their audacity to stare at me like I am the weirdo when they look like they stumbled out bed. But, I refrain from doing so. It's not fair nor it is my place.

So, the questions are: why did "casual" become mainstream? And, is there such a thing as 'too casual?'

Do You Wear White After Labor Day?

This up-coming weekend marks the last hurrah of summer. Families take that last trip to the beach, folks fire up the grill one more time,  and parents drive their kids to the mall to take advantage of the holiday weekend's "back to school" sales. There is something sad about Labor Day. Despite all the picnics, grilled corn, and cannon balls in the pool,  Labor Day weekend means summer is over.  Hot temperatures cool down and the lush green trees transform into vibrant hues of gold, orange, and red. The light cottons and whimsical sundresses are put away and the wool blends and dark colors taken out.

Even though summer does not officially end until September 21st, many girls store their summer whites (especially shoes) when Labor Day arrives.

For as long as I can remember, I have always heard people say "White after Memorial Day and before Labor Day."  If someone was seen wearing white shoes after the first Monday in September (especially in the South), fashionistas and traditionalists were horrified.  How dare she wear white!


As for me, if the weather is still hot, I will wear white shoes. Here in the DC area, it can stay very warm until late September. I usually put the whites away when October 1st arrives.

My mother-in-law is from South Florida and she says the year-round warm temperatures make the "no white rule" null and void.

So, do you follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule?

Vintage Movie Fun! "The Day The Earth Stood Still"

When the husband and I turned on the TV this morning to catch up on the day's headlines, our TiVo was recording the 1951 classic, "The Day the Earth Stood Still." It was directed by Robert Wise and featured Michael Rennie as the 'spaceman' Klaatu who masqueraded as "Carpenter" and Patricia Neal as war widow, single mother, and Washington, DC secretary Helen Benson. Even Francis Bavier, known later as "Aunt Bee" on the "Andy Griffith Show" makes an appearance as the landlady/boarder. The movie was shot on location in Washington and I love watching it not only for the fashion, but to see how much DC has changed.

The story is a compelling tale warning mankind against the ills of violence and war. Spaceman Klaatu and his gigantic robot servant, Gort, land one day in the middle of the city and the world it set alight with wonder, curiosity, and panic. Klaatu comes with an important message and he needs to get the world leaders together in one place so he can deliver his words of caution. Can Klaatu do it? Will he get through to the human race? Watch and see!

I also love this movie (and most classics) for the hair and fashion! The clothing in this movie, particularly that of Helen (Neal) represents the late fashion of the 40s and early 50s well. For the majority of the film, Helen is seen wearing a dark, solid-colored rayon dress with a white point collar. The dress also boasts a self belt. I also adore Helen's white day gloves, sleek black handbag, red lips, and Middy hairstyle. As the husband and I ate our breakfast, he looked over at me and said, "Hey, that your hair!" I was so flattered.

So, if you are in need of a great sci-fi classic with a great story, then this is the movie for you!

Are You a 'Vintage Nerd?' Spotting Vintage Mistakes in Movies-UPDATED 9-19-2010

The photo above is from the infamous "Pearl Harbor" film from 2001. I did not see this film in theatres. I saw it on HBO a few years ago and I have to say that the costume department got a lot of the vintage clothing right but they also got a lot wrong. I admit that I tend to obsess over three things: vintage, historical facts, and grammar. (I am a linguist and copy editor by profession).

So, with that said, the costumes in "Pearl Harbor" captured pre-war fashion well. But as I watched a bikini-clad Evelyn (Kate Beckinsale) cavort with Danny (Josh Hartnett) on the Oahu shores, my interest in the story became overshadowed by the obvious, fashion oversights. The bikini was created by French designer Louis Reard in 1946. He named his design the "bikini" after the famed Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Now, my mother-in-law, informed me that there were two piece playsuits in the pre-war era but bikinis were not worn really until the late 40s and into the 50s.

UPDATE: I need to correct the information in the above paragraph regarding the historical accuracy of the "bikini." Yes, the "bikini" was invented in 1946 but it was a newer style that was very revealing and quite controversial. Unlike the two-piece bathing suits with shorts-like bottoms that covered the navel and posterior completely, the French design featured higher cut legs and a skimpier top. With that said, I have done some in-depth research this past weekend and found that not only were cotton two-piece playsuits in existence, two-piece bathing suits were/are period-correct! There are two-piece bathing suits AND bikinis. Unfortunately, I did not make an accurate distinction between the two. A bikini equals skimpy and two-piece suit equals modesty. Yet, over the years, bikini has come to mean all two-pieces suits! It is like every medical bandage being called a Band-Aid when Band-Aid is a distinct brand. Thus, when Evelyn was seen wearing a modest, 40s-era two-piece, the costumers got it right. I also want to credit Kim Bombshell for her valuable insight on this information as well (see the comments section)!

Another mistake the movie made was how the Navy nurses were not in uniform after war was declared. In the scene where the nurses and servicemen are seen attending the funeral of those lost in the Pearl Harbor attack, the women are wearing chic, civilian clothing while the men are in their uniforms. Moreover, when Evelyn is sitting at the desk in the communications/radio office during the Doolite Raids, she is again wearing civilian clothing and her hair is down!

Also, in the scene where Evelyn meets Rafe (Ben Affleck) for the first time, Evelyn is wearing her nurse's uniform and her hair is down. Military regulations state, even to this day, that hair must be off the collar. I was in the Army ROTC program for two years when I was in college and it was mandatory for me to have my hair off my collar.

As for the many historical inaccuracies of the film, in the scene where Rafe takes Evelyn to the harbor, the Queen Mary is docked in New York Harbor. Rafe says something about the ship's passengers having a luxurious time. In August 1939, The Queen Mary left Southampton, Britain with passengers trying flee to the United Stated in an effort to escape the impending war in Europe. This was the ship's last peacetime voyage. When the ship arrived in New York, war had been declared between Britain and Germany. In addition, even before the declaration of war, the portholes had been painted over to help lessen the threat of attack from German torpedos launched from U-boats. Six months later, the ship was commissioned by the British government to be used as a troop ship.

In an earlier scene of Pearl Harbor, the Army Air Force base on Long Island, New York was misspelled "Mitchell Field." It was actually "Mitchel Field."

Whenever a 1940s 0r 1950s period movie like, "A League of Their Own," "The Notebook," "Far From Heaven," or even a 1930s homage like Peter Jackson's 2005 version of "King Kong," I find myself paying attention to the vintage fashion way more than the story itself. In my humble opinion, I think "A League of Their Own" captured the 40s look perfectly. Everything Madonna and Geena Davis were wearing was just amazing. Their hair was also perfect! Didn't you girls just want to die when Dottie (Geena) was wearing that yellow rayon blouse after the end of the women's world series final game (when she says goodbye to Kit (Lori Petty) as they both get on their buses)?

As for "King Kong," I wanted to just scream when I saw Naomi Watt's eyebrows! They were unshaped and modern! Her whole makeup look was wrong too! The makeup department really dropped the ball on that one! 1930s brows were thin and high arched and lips were blue-red!

Now, the *best* depiction of vintage fashion is of course, vintage movies! I often watch the Turner Classic Movies channel on the weekends for clothing and hair inspiration. I recently watched Betty Grable in the 1950 classic, "My Blue Heaven:"

Betty looks so pretty here! I was also able to copy her hairstyle the other day. It was easy to do. It just requires pin curls and a middle part.

The fashion in old movies is always 'to die for.' I would do anything to be able to get my hands on those dresses, hats, and shoes! But, since I cannot go back in time, I will continue to study vintage and period movies for help when it comes to true vintage style. I know that some modern movies are going to get it wrong and yet, I will use my knowledge to properly amend my look.

So, are you a vintage nerd? Let me know what you think?

Vintage Shoe Spotlight- Wedges!

Here is the famous Carmen Miranda with her shoes! I am SO JEALOUS!

Shoes. It is a word that evokes feelings of fascination and wonder in almost every girl I know, vintage or not! Putting personal taste aside, I have yet to meet a girl who is not obsessed with shoes. I've had a passion for shoes ever since I was able to wear high heels. In high school, I would often steal my mother's heels and as soon as I got my first real job, I blew most of my earnings on clothing, makeup, and of course, shoes! The first high heels I ever bought were a pair of black suede platforms made by Sam and Libby. The shoes had a late-40s, New Look vibe about them. I was 17 and I felt like a vintage starlet as I strutted my way to Spanish class.

In 2006, I started wearing vintage on a normal basis. As I slowly built my vintage wardrobe, I realized my shoe collection needed to be updated as well. I had a few pairs of contemporary heels that 'looked vintage' as well as two authentic sets of late 1940s/50s deadstock saddle shoes. As I searched various websites for inspiration, I noticed several 40s looks were combined with wedge shoes.

Wedge shoes, are a category of platform shoes. In 1935, Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo designed the first prototype of the wedge. This primary model didn't have an obvious heel. It was almost like a flat-type of shoe. Ferragamo's inaugural creation was in the form of the traditional 'angled' wedge. In 1936, the designer introduced a higher, heeled version. In the following years, different kinds of wedges were made in a myriad of styles and heights. Some wedges were designed with heels as high as five inches!

In the late 1930s and into the early 40s, many shoe designers began to make wedges in a variety of colors and materials. Wedges made with cork, wood, rubber, and/or leather. However, cork became a widely used medium due to its light weight. Moreover, cork soles were long-lasting and sturdy. Women discovered that wedges were not only dependable, they were easier to walk than their high heel counterparts.

During the war years, wedge shoes became fashion mainstays due to comfort and rationing. Heavy restrictions were placed on rubber and leather. As a result, cork continued to be a major component in the wedges' construction. As for the upper balances of wedges, some were made with cottons, velvet, and raffia.

In the late 40s and into the early 50s, wedges were made with lower heels and were usually deemed for casual and summer wear ie, “play wear.”

In the 1970s, the wedge made a huge comeback. The wedge was found in every style from day wear to disco couture.

In the early 1980s, espadrilles (especially those made by Pappagallo) were extremely popular with the “preppy set.” (I remember my sister begging our mom for a pair of espadrilles.)
Throughout the later years of the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s, various forms of wedges have come and gone. I have noticed that in the last two to three years, wedges have been a major feature of the haute couture collections ranging from Gucci, Galliano, Yves Saint Laurent, Stuart Weitzman, Prada, Louboutin to Chanel. Even the 'retail' market brands like Roxy, Rocket Dog, and Volatile have been coming out with wedge designs.

In my shoe collection as it stand now, I have wedges from Punk Rose, Natural Comfort, Miss Sixty, Castañer, Re-Mix, and Ayers Allen. I would do anything to have the real thing but most of us vintage girls know how hard it is to find vintage shoes that are in good condition, let alone our size!


(Re-Mix Vintage wedges in red)


(me wearing wedges from Miss Sixty)

Despite fashion's fickle love affair with the wedge, I am going to keep wearing them! They are comfortable, cute, and so 40s! On the weekend, I love pairing my red ribbon espadrilles with my dark rinse, denim capris and plaid, 50s camp shirt. Wedges go with everything from 40s house dresses, 50s pencil skirts, sundresses, and vintage playsuits! Instead of flip-flops, I compliment my summer looks with wedges.

So, vintage girls, whatever your budget, be sure to include wedge shoes in your collection!

Honoring Our Health, Honoring Ourselves

Here is a vintage, 1940s pin-up girl drawing by famed artist Alberto Vargas. Vargas' work has become synonymous with the image of classic feminine beauty. I love how artists from this era, both male and female, depicted women with healthy body types. The voluptuous "pin-up girl" could inspire the 'boys over there' to fight for victory and still be your best friend.

However, in the 1960s, the fashion began to change from curvy and proportional to lanky and angular. The pin up of the 40s and 50s ala Ava Garnder and Bettie Page became the gamine Audrey Hepburn and Twiggy of the Vietnam era. Clothing was no longer made to fit a woman's curves. Designers instead created dresses with straight and boxy lines that skimmed the body. The look was boyish.

In the late 1970s and 80s, models like Cheryl Tiegs and Carol Alt who graced the covers of Vogue and strutted down the runways in Halston and Lauren represented the new era celebrating the sporty, girl-next door. The look was that of the tan and blond 'beach babe' who played volleyball in the sand and tennis on the back court.

When I was a kid growing up during the late 70s and into the 80s, I felt like a total outsider. I was a redhead covered in freckles. Despite my mother's diligence with the sunblock, my super pale skin literally cooked in the sun. I was that weird kid on the beach wearing a big straw hat, white tee over her bathing suit, and a huge white stripe of zinc on her speckled nose. I was like the pale warrior hero ala Braveheart meets General MacArthur: "I came, I saw, I burned." No matter how hard I tried, I knew I could never be the tan, blond girl every boy in my elementary school pined for. Nope. My sister was blessed with the blond and tan gene thanks to our father's Norwegian DNA. I, instead, got the Irish genes (thanks, Mom). You know, the ones that evolved after living thousands of years in a country where it ALWAYS seems to be cloudy, cold, and rainy!

Despite my skin and hair, I was a thin kid. I mean, skinny. I was *always* hungry. My mom and dad had a thing for organic food and as a result, they restricted my diet. At lunch time, my classmates drank Capri Sun and dined on Hostess cupcakes and Doritos, while I begrudgingly choked down Roman Meal sandwiches made with ham and cheese accompanied with 'oh-so-appetizing' celery and carrot sticks.

The day after Halloween, my parents took my candy away. After walking the streets all night, my pillow case-sized bounty was relocated to one measly ziplock bag. Most of the candy was either tossed out or given to my dad so that he and his co-workers could revel in Whoppers, Milk Duds, and Sweet Tarts.

However, when I got my first job in 1992 at Kings Dominion, I found myself relying on fast food and the offerings from the employee cafeteria. My best friend, Tracy and I would often eat McDonald's for breakfast on the way to work and at lunch, we would dine on pizza slices, fountain drinks, and ice cream sandwiches. Let me tell you, I was in heaven. I was no longer subject to my parents' celery-stick laden mercy and there was no stopping me!

When I left for college a year later, my food-lust was just beginning. I ate Lucky Charms for dinner and munched on Cool Ranch Doritos between classes. I was also in ROTC at the time so I was able to burn most of the calories off. Eventually, after school ended, my unhealthy ways started to become noticeable, with a vengence.

This is me and the husband before we got married. It is 1994, I am 19, and I was about to complete my first year of college. I was about 115 pounds.

Now, here is me, 10 years later:

This is me and the husband visiting Puerto Rico during a cruise in November 2004. I was 156 pounds. I was miserable. I ate like crap and felt like it too. My blood pressure was high and I was always tired.

When I turned 30, five years ago, I knew I had to change. I visited my doctor and we formed a healthy weight loss plan. In April 2005, I weighed in at 155 pounds and by January 2006, I was 122. I not only got healthy, I learned to love working out, I learned about portion control and healthy eating, and my blood pressure was good.

However, during the early stages of my weight loss maintenance, I started to get a little 'crazy' with my caloric restriction. I kept a record of my workouts and food along with a list detailing the number of calories consumed each day. At one point I was only consuming 820 calories daily and I was trying to go even lower. One night I went out to eat with my parents. I ordered the steamed fish with steamed vegetables and when my dad got a slice of chocolate cake with his coffee, I was in a panic. I knew I wanted some cake but I was scared by the very thought of taking in sugar. I ended up having only a couple of bites. As we drove home, I could feel myself starting to freak out about the cake. Later that night, I waited until everyone went to bed. I then snuck into my parents' cold garage and rode their 80s exercise bike for about 2 hours. Even though the shoddy seat hurt my butt, I kept pedaling. When I awoke the next day, I felt I had to scrimp on the calories to make up for my "evil cake mistake." At this point my husband began to take notice and told me that I was going to make myself very sick. I wanted to tell him off at first but then I realized he was right.

I refocused my healthy efforts and began anew. I also realized that in order to be truly healthy, we have to be happy. I have to be balance of health while celebrating life. I love food and that is okay. I cannot restrict myself to the point where I may end up dead. I also cannot eat like a teenager my whole life and expect my heart and cholesterol levels to be healthy. It is all about finding our balance and discovering our own happiness.

Now, when I see models like this wearing repro vintage, I get so happy:

This is Doris MayDay! She is just beautiful! She reminds me of the real, classic pin-ups of the 40s and 50s! She looks healthy and her curves are proportional.

However, when I see models like this wearing repro vintage, I get worried:

This girl just doesn't look small, she looks, I hate to even say it: anorexic. Just look at her arms! Even my 16 year-old niece's arms are not that thin!

Like I said earlier, the 1960s introduced the thin ideal for women. This thinness made a huge comeback in the 90s and it seems it is here for a while. Everyone from Stop Staring, Ralph Lauren, Bebe, the editors of Vogue (ahem, Anna Wintour!) to the red carpet seems to be promoting (and cashing in on) the image of the malnourished woman!

I know that trends for women's bodies come and go, but I have learned over the years that I prefer a balanced view, a happier view for myself. I am a 5ft 3in, 126 pound, pale, freckled-face, redheaded vintage girl who has a big butt and great legs. I may not be able to tan, be 5ft 10in, or weigh 100 pounds, and I am okay with that. I run 5 days a week, I lift weights, do yoga, eat brownies, and drink martinis. And when all is said and done, I will know that I truly *lived.*

Celebrate who YOU are! Honor yourself each day.

Summertime Vintage!

This is my beautiful hibiscus plant on my back porch! Now that summer is pretty much here, I am so ready for summer vintage clothing! My favorites are cotton house dresses, 50s sundresses, late 40s wrap dresses, and cotton halter and sundresses from Heartbreaker Fashion!

Speaking of Heartbreaker Fashion, check out this latest and greatest beauty! It just screams "summertime!" It is made from 100% cotton and retails for $80.00.

I bought a cherry print cotton dress, a red cotton pencil skirt, and two cotton print halter tops from Heartbreaker in 2007. Not only are they wonderful must-have summer pieces, they are all still in great condition (even after multiple washings)! I also love how the ladies at Heartbreaker are always releasing new designs and prints!

You can find the above dress here:

http://heartbreakerfashion.com/aimee-dress-dandy.html

So, when it comes to your summertime vintage wardrobe, what are your 'must-haves' for the season?

War Time Fashion

In this photo: Vintage Weldons Pattern, Circa 1942.

In response to the United States joining the attack against the Axis powers in late 1941, clothing designers began to create couture that reflected the country's strong sense of patriotism along with its dire economic situation. From 1942 to the end of the war, the American public rationed everything from food, textiles, paper goods, metals to paints. The U.S. Department of Agriculture established food rationing guidelines for the general public in an effort to help conserve food resources and reduce waste.

America's involvement in the war not only inspired rationing and fashion, it also paved the way for several innovations. For instance, some of the many food goods that were restricted were dairy products. Milk, buttermilk, mayonnaise, eggs, and butter were severely limited to the public. In response, scientists help develop certain food substitutes that were not only easy to manufacture but also proved very inexpensive! Two of these products that is still in existence today are margarine and Miracle Whip! Even though Miracle Whip was created during the Depression as a mayonnaise substitute, its popularity amongst American households skyrocketed during the war years.

Factories and most manufacturing plants reduced their use of metal and relied on “scrap.” Even household paint was no longer sold in can form. Instead, containers were made out of a special coated paper! When Battleship Row was bombed in Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, many of the heavily-damaged ships that were either sunk or capsized were scrapped for their metal (only a few ships were able to be repaired and re-entered into service). Salvaged metals were used towards the fabrication of military equipment and some of the gun turrets and their ammunition were removed and reused on other ships. However, guns and machinery that were too damaged for safe use were eventually scrapped as well.

Textiles and fabrics were also limited, especially for public use. Cotton, silk, nylon, and rubber were heavily restricted. Nylon and silk went towards parachute fabrication and cotton was used for uniforms and the lining of airplanes. In 1942/43, DuPont halted production of nylon stockings. As a result, ladies began wearing white bobby socks and some even drew on fake back seams down their legs using India ink!

Due to the restriction of certain fabrics, rayon became a very popular textile for clothing. Rayon was an easily-made synthetic that held its shape well and proved to be quite durable. Rayon was soon seen in forms of dresses, blouses, and skirts.

Because most ladies were on a tight budget, they not only changed they way they dressed, they no longer spent hours at the hair salon. Between trying to maintain their households and working in factories for the war effort, ladies truly had no time to tend to hair! Subsequently, women often wore chic hair snoods to mask unkempt hair. Those working in military manufacturing plants also secured their long locks in bandanas to prevent hair from getting caught in dangerous equipment.

The overall mood of war time couture was that of utility and uniformity. Military servicemen in their uniforms were seen at most civilian social occasions from movie theaters, dances, baseball games, diners to USO events. It was virtually impossible to go anywhere without being aware of that our country was at war. Therefore, clothing designers not only considered the fact they had to work under heavy limitations, they also created styles that mimicked military fashion. Patriotic ladies wore dresses with shorter hem lines, jackets with strong padded shoulders and utilitarian pockets. Fabric colors were like those of the Armed Forces: blue, grey, olive, and green.