Vintage Travel - Brampton Island, 1954 style

Many people have heard of Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.  I live in Mackay, which is about 1 1/2 hours drive south of Airlie, and gateway to the southern Cumberland group of islands.  One such Island is Brampton Island.  Once a tourist destination, with stars such as British band The Police holidaying there, Brampton island is now closed to all but the most intrepid day trippers - the buildings are derelict and there are no facilities.

Brampton's derelict swimming pool

Fashion and Figure Problems Solved, 1953

Today some fashion advice for different figures, from 1953.  Basically if you are large or plump, don't wear full-skirted dresses, and if you're slender, do.

From the Australian Women's Weekly, December 1953

So as a tall, large woman I should wear deep Vs and simple cuts - which I usually do, although I love the occasional full skirted dress.

I love the neckline of the black dress in the first page, and the skirt of the blue floral dress on page two.
I recently bought this pattern, which has a similar style skirt, and an interesting neckline (not V-neck though!)

You may notice the scan code in the corner - it connects to an institutional video, which you can find here.  It is very detailed, and includes how to choose your size and work out how much fabric you need. If I can find a nice crepe or damask I might give it a go.  Firstly this weekend I am going to rearrange things so I have a place to sew with air-con, as my fan-less dining room is just too hot.  Then I will defiantly have no excuses not to sew!

Have you got any sewing projects on the go?

Deb xx

Food of the Fifties - 1953

What were people eating in the 50s?  Everything we read today tells us that we eat much more processed foods now than  they did fifty years ago.  But do we?  Here are some food ads from the year 1953, taken from the Australian Women's Weekly magazine June issue.

  

 

 

 

 

 

Mmmm, fish and cheese in the one recipe. I think I may try it out on the kids.

Images via

Deb xx

June 1953 - Coronation of Queen Elizabeth

It's the Queen's Birthday long weekend, and also sixty years since Queen Elizabeth's coronation.  Here is the cover of the Australian Women's Weekly, 10 June 1953.

If you attended the even in London, you may have worn something like these.

Or maybe these - love the one piece leopard print outfit.

 

While back in the Australian winter these colored coats were all the rage.

And furs were also popular.

While pretty buttons added a special to that handmade dress.

And of course no lay would be caught without the proper stockings, or nylons.

Here's cheers to a wonderful lady - happy birthday Queen  Elizabeth!

Deb xx

Happy first of June!

Happy first of June!

Today the cover of Australian Home Journal from  1 June 1953.  The start of winter brings some very stylish outfits - a straight-skirted frock with layered hip pockets and kimono sleeves (love leopard muff!), an extrememly full-skirted party frock with raglan cap sleeves and a full pleated skirt.  For the little girl a sweet double-breasted coat dress.

via

Deb xx