The 1950s will always be my top decade for fashion and design but over the summer I became enamored with 1930s and 1940s clothing. One reason was that I'd been reading novels based in the time period so it influenced the way I dressed. The other being that I'd finally come across several dresses from the time period in my size AND reasonably priced at The Vintage Bazaar and Vintage Garage flea markets. Since America was struggling with The Great Depression before WWII it doesn't seem like it would be a high point for fashion but surprisingly the everyday woman was innovative and their ingenuity resulted in well designed yet wearable pieces.

As you can probably tell from all the green in these photos, they were taken at the end of summer/beginning of autumn. Since temperatures have dropped significantly here in Chicago and the trees have lost their leaves, I wanted to post these images before bare legs are a distant memory.

The backdrop is the Chicago River in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Sarah and I ventured there on a Friday afternoon to shoot a few pieces from her shop and to explore the nature trails that run alongside the river.Yes, Sarah had me climb into a tree for this shot-- not the easiest task in heels.Vintage enamel and metal earrings featuring feathers from Zzouzi Vintage.Floral peplum dress, we thought it fit well with the environment.A fun Modernist necklace that featured slices of wood.Wouldn't this 1960s wiggle dress be perfect for a holiday cocktail party? It's for sale in Sarah's shop.Even though I'm 27 whenever I see a swing I still have to go play on it! There's nothing like swinging in the sunshine.I also had to pose daintily on this vintage playground toy.OUTFIT DETAILS:
Late 1930s cotton dress: Rainbow Vintage at The Vintage Bazaar flea market
1940s felt hat: White Elephant Thrift, Chicago (Now closed)
1950s belt: Onomatopoeia Vintage at The Vintage Bazaar flea market
Shoes have a 1940s feel to them but are contemporary and thrifted at Salvation Army