Women's fashion of WWII

From 1930 to 1945 America went through both WWII and the Great Depression. During this time many household items and food were rationed to America, including fabrics. Ultimately making fashion practically unaffordable for many folks. Also forcing the America’s who do have money to shop into buying locally. During this time women were encourage to reinvent mens’ suits into smart outfits since many uniforms weren’t in use. Often women would even recycle old clothing, perhaps making a pair of shorts out of a pillow case. Other women resorted to buying or trading clothes from friends and family. The style of the time was a huge difference from the 30’s flapper girl. Women fashion turned for a more softer look by using techniques like cutting on the bais. Returning the waistline to it’s natural place, creating fuller skirts that end below the knee. Matching pants or skirts suit sets were very popular during this time. Also, women started to wear long hair again, women often arranging their hair into what was called a high pompadour at the front or sides of her face, while creating u-shaped roll at the back. Bathing suits became a hot commodity, now with more styles to choice from then ever before; one and two-piece swim suits available with a variety of options. Suits with halter-tops, or other options likes shorts or skirt-like bottoms. Moreover, the fashion of this era inspires me with its pure glamorousness. I admire how this era’s fashion concentrates on accentuating a women’s hour-glass figure, with suit jackets curving in at the waistline and A-line skirts. In my opinion this era is very flattering to almost any women’s figure.

My Bulldog

Phoebe the Fearless Leader, happens to be this loud, smelly, snoring heap next to me. Phoebe is an English Bulldog who just turned 2, on May 7th and has taught me a lot in just a little less then one year.

First lesson, even though you name a dog Fearless Leader does not mean that they are in fact, fearless.

When Phoebe gets excited or happy she wiggles her whole butt to make-up for her anti-tail

My Bully snores louder than humanly possible

And when she snores she does so, with no rhythm

Because of this she is not allowed to sleep in the bedroom with us

Phoebe loves anything that stinks, especially feet

Phoebe sometimes gets gas... often waking herself up, she gets up and runs away from her own stink

Phoebe who hates getting wet is petrified of umbrellas

My Dog loves long car rides, but hates the wind in her face

When Phoebe likes another dog she feels the need to put her butt on them

Phoebe putting her butt on you is sign that she likes you

When she is excited Phoebe begins to run sideways, wanting to lead the way, yet trying to watch me and see which way I am going

Phoebe’s nickname is stinkerella, and for good reason too..

My bulldog naturally smells bad

An excited Bulldog may lead to a chipped tooth, ask me how I know

Phoebe loves the Vet’s office

My bulldog can not skateboard (not like Tiltan and Rosie can)

Phoebe is in fact afraid of a skateboard

My dog likes tall weeds or snow, she likes to hop through them like a bunny

When she sleeps her tongue is often hanging halfway out of her mouth

Phoebe loves to sun-bath, she stretches her paws out in every directions and basks in the sun light

Victorian Mourning Costume

Mourning clothes were very fashionable during the Victorian Era. This trend was believed to be started by Queen Victoria. After the death of Prince Albert in 1861, The Queen went into mourning until her death in 1901. Traditionally when mourning a close family member the morning period can last for 2 years, in some cases till the mourners’ own death. Often families would tie a piece of black crape on their doors’ to signify to visitors that there had been a death in the family. The typical mourning period consisted of to phases; full mourning and half mourning. Full mourning lasted one year and one day. Women’s full mourning clothes were predominately made out of a material called Crape; a black silk-like material with no shine. Women’s dresses had no adornments and usually covered their hair with a bonnet. The half mourning period usually lasted about 9 months. During this time we start to see women’s clothes with more adornments such as; buttons, lace, fringe and ribbons. Also women would start to wear more elaborate fabrics like silk and velvet. Jewelry was also was popular during the half mourning phase. Often mourners’ would make jewelry using a lock of the deceased’s hair. After the half morning period, Mourners’ would have many more clothing options. Even with black no longer being enforced, after the mourning period, women would still wear subdued colors like; grey, purple, lilac and steel blue. Again many women mourners continue to mourn until their own deaths. In my opinion Victorian mourning fashion has influenced today’s gothic fashion. The Victorian era has been such an inspiration to me and my design aesthetic. This era is one of my personal favorites because I love the all different styles of cosets and bodices they incorporated into their wardrobes. Personally I look forward to revamping the Victorian corset.