2.27.2009

Traditional 1940s suit.


Today was another day at The Urban Eccentric, and Sam suggested I wear this 1940s suit I've had for a few months but never worn. When I was searching for a suit I was looking everywhere but at work, and while arranging racks one day I came across it, right under my nose all that time I was looking. This one was considered a "man tailored" suit like this picture from a 1945-46 Sears catalogue. The term always confused me, and seemed putting off, because I thought it meant more of a boxy, masculine style. It actually means that the suit was the quality of a mans, well structured and from the same type of fabric. During the war women would take the suits of their husbands and brothers and re-structure them for themselves.This suit fits me very well, and I especially love the pocket detail on this jacket and on others from the era, we always seem to steal things from the boys and make it better :)

Here's a great bird hat photo, I was glad it wasn't raining or windy so I could wear it, but did need the fur collar to keep warm without a coat. On windy days bird hat flies away...

13 comments:

Josephine Frances said...

That suit looks so amazing. I really like the idea that it is cut down from a mans suit. That is the coolest hat I've ever seen by the way! I'm looking forward to your post about cleaning felt hats- I have a new felt hat and its a little out of shape and dusty, I'm not quite sure what to do with it!

Lauren said...

Gosh, that is way to cool as usual! I'm so jealous :) (In a nice way) of how you can find all those neat things and wear them and look great!

Tina { Luphia Loves... } said...

what a gorgeous suit!

Twila Jean said...

cute suit. again, please feel my envy. hahaha.

I dont get to go to the antique show til after i get off work :( :( BUT! I wont have to bring my kids! YAY!!!

I have crrrrrazy thoughts in my head about sewing 30s things. and making 30s things. we should talk.


anywhoooo.

Twila Jean said...

i am really just going to look. tim is gonna come too. so who knows what we will end up buying. hahaha.

I am really hoping to accidentally finda dress or a cool hat. but who knows.
I will be there at like 3:30 on sat :)

who knows, I just LOVE antique shows.
plus I need a new red fromica table.. my 30s farm table is just about dead august climbs on it all the time.

Blogger needs a more direct way to reply to comments. hahaha

Heidi Ann said...

You look completely fabulous in that suit! And I am totally in love with BOTH of those pairs of black shoes! Wish I had those.

Raquel said...

small world indeed! :) thank you! you are so pretty!
xx

bridgetwhoplaysfrenchhorn said...

I just found this site---and I'd love to send you a picture of me wearing my grandmother's 1944 wedding suit..should I email your etsy address?

I love this--all of this. Thanks for brightening up my night :)

Solanah said...

Ooo, yes Bridget I'd love to see a photo! My Etsy convo will be fine, and if you have trouble loading a photo I'll just give you my email.

I'm glad you've enjoyed it :)

Anonymous said...

Seriously gorgeous suit--love the drama of that fur collar! Funny you should mention women remodeling men's suits during the war, because I have several diagrams that show just how to do that in books from the 40s. I've been dying to do it for years, but a suit always seemed like a silly thing for a gal who works from home. ;) hehe!

Anonymous said...

40s are my favorite decade! the suit is beautiful, oh and this collar!
A few weeks ago I saw birds made for hat, I hesitated to buy one but I remembered yours and it was not as nice ! :)
This bird hat looks like a piece of art, and it gives such a dramatic look, i wish i'll find one for me!
Poupoupidou from flickR

Kitty said...

That suit is amazing! My daughter lives in Portland and I just knew she would love your blog so I sent her the link. She LOVES it too! Thanks for making our days more fun!I want to feature you on my Vintage Shop Of The Day blog sometime soon!

Kim Caro said...

when i used to collect vintage i had a zillion furs but they looked awful on me cause im so tiny with short hair. they totally fit you