Bette Davis in the film adaptation of Mr. Skeffington (1944).
I've always loved studying ladies who exhibit classic elegance, grace, and poise.
One of the things I love most about classic novels is that you can stumble upon so many lovely descriptions of the elegant lady I wish to be - the one often with a serene, otherworldly demeanor.
Here are some quotes I've come across recently:
"In a few minutes Mrs. Forrester came in. She was a tall woman in a flowing negligee, who wafted graciousness all around her, putting the world at ease." — Mildred Pierce, James M. Cain
"The chauffeur, unable to hurry her because of having to be respectful, felt his situation acutely, with policeman shouting at him in front, held-up cars bellowing at him behind, while his lady, incapable of being flustered and used to doing what she chose and how she chose and when she chose, with her customary grace and dignity, took her time." — Mr. Skeffington, Elizabeth von Arnim
"This was a woman's room, graceful, fragile, the room of someone who had chosen every particle of furniture with great care, so that each chair, each vase, each small, infinitesimal thing, should be in harmony with one another, and with her own personality." — Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
"Not only did everybody with whom Helen Morrison worked and played with get along famously with her, but under her gentle management they got on beautifully with one another too." — Stella Dallas, Olive Higgins Prouty
I love the mental pictures each of these quotes stirs up for me. I'm reminded to take my time going through my day, to interact with the world in a gracious and calm manner, and to always bring beauty to my environment, wherever I may be.
I've unintentionally amassed a large hankie collection over my years of vintage shopping. They always seem to be so abundant, inexpensive, and just plain cute that you can't help but pick them up. It always makes me smile when I purchase a vintage bag and a hankie tucked inside comes as a bonus. I love the sentiment of a hankie - one fragranced with your perfume that you give to your beloved, or an embroidered "sweetheart" hankie that wipes away tears and waves goodbye. The red hankie has always intrigued me as it's so eye-catching compared to the delicate and lacy varieties.
The history of the little red hankie starts with none other than Joan Crawford. Rumor has it that while attending a glitzy awards show, she went to dab her lips and soiled her hankie with red lipstick - a bit of an etiquette faux pas! Hopefully she knew to use the folded underside of her hankie to hid her excess lipstick from the public. Nevertheless, soon after she asked her seamstress to whip her up a red handkerchief so she could dab at her lips without worry... and the red hankie was born! The audience took notice and soon all young women followed suit with their own red hankies at the ready.
Lipstick tissues did exist at the time, however these were more intended for blotting lipstick in between applications. Using a tissue after eating would have left little bits of paper all over one's pout. A red handkerchief is also just so much more stylish and would perhaps catch the attention of an admirer. Revealing a coordinating red hankie to dab at your perfectly reddened lips... talk about glamour!
You may wonder why many of these hankies are adorned with embroidery often featuring scottie dogs. Well, the scottie was the "it" dog of the era. President Franklin D. Roosevelt's own scottie, Fala, became world famous. The scottie dog became a symbol of feistiness and determination. As a result, the breed became the go-to in the 30s and 40s for spirited and fashionable ladies.
What should every housewife know in order to run her home smoothly, efficiently, and with style? Guides, like this 1930s film by McCalls, titled Recipe for the Perfect Housewife, were released to encourage the art of homemaking. I love these instructional, simple but authoritative videos that give a glimpse of life in the past when homemaking was considered a true art form. How lovely does this lady look pottering around her home in the clip below? She is totally chic with her short waved hair and pussybow blouse.
A housewife must know...
Food, and how to cook: A housewife should enjoy cooking for herself and her family. A few times a week, get creative in the kitchen and hone your culinary skills by attempting new recipes. Each time you make a recipe, make notes on what you could change to improve it or add your own twist. After a few attempts it will be perfected, and slowly you can build up your own menu of foolproof dishes that can be whipped up at a moment's notice. It's also important to know how to economize your kitchen by using up scraps and leftover servings.
How to set her table attractively: Make the effort to set the table nicely with china, silverware, flowers, and candles. Personalize the table's decor by coordinating linens, flowers, and candles to create various color palettes and themes that are pleasing to the eye. Table setting makes your meals feel more special - a reminder to slow down and enjoy your food and to connect with whomever is sitting with you.
How to make her home comfortable and inviting: Each room should be tastefully decorated with no clutter. Things like flowers, candles, throw pillows, antique books, lamp shades, and old paintings are easy ways to bring in charming decor. I enjoy looking at old homes because of the more formal style that the decor seems to have. Each room is decorated with the specificpurpose for that room in mind - the table is the centerpiece of the dining room, perfectly made beds in the bedrooms. etc. The homes are not gaping open-plan caves or stark minimalist dwellings - the rooms look cozy, warm, and lived in.
The worth of labor saving devices: Even women in the 1930s used "modern" devices to make their housekeeping more organized and efficient. The goal wasn't to expend all your energy in a cleaning marathon, but to strategically conserve your energy while still maintaining a clean home. Find what appliances, cleaning products, and organizational systems work best for you. Treat your home like a boutique bed & breakfast that runs on schedule for meals, laundry, and cleaning routines. Getting the housework done smoothly means more time for family, socializing, and hobbies.
Clothes, how to buy and make them: The quintessential housewife always looks put together. Yes, this is an exaggeration, but it's a reminder that just because you work from home doesn't mean you have to neglect style. Get dressed every morning, look at photos for inspiration, and cultivate a sense of dress appropriate for your lifestyle. Regularly prune your closet and add new items as you go. If you sew, you can thrift, upcycle, and mend clothing to stretch your wardrobe and add your own personal touch.
That she must face death to bring children into the world: Well... that escalated quickly.
To be a companion and sweetheart to her husband: It's the "little things" are the big things here. Treat your partner with respect, be supportive, spend quality time together, and make your marriage a priority. Have fun and make the effort to plan special dates, surprises, and traditions.
To make social contacts: Housewives often had a strong sense of community with other wives in the neighborhood and were encouraged to participate in social events such as community groups, charities, and bridge clubs. With the use of modern technology, you can also cultivate a community of likeminded friends from all over the world - a blessing for the more introverted housewife.
To widen her own horizons and find time for culture: Contrary to popular belief, housewives were not just mindless domestic drones. Not only were women experts at running a home, but they were also encouraged to seek out the arts and bring culture into their life. Once the daily tasks were finished, finding time to read with the family, listen to music, or pursue an interesting hobby was encouraged. Being able to make interesting conversation, not just exchange local gossip, was very becoming for a lady.
When's the last time you saw someone wearing a bed jacket? Unless you're a vintage clothing aficionado, you may not even be aware of these darling little garments and their ample utility and practicality.
Bed jackets were garments made to be worn in bed, particularly in the morning hours while reading or breakfasting. They were made in a wide variety of fabrics and styles, dependent on the season as well as the level of formality. Jackets that were knitted were often referred to as "bed sweaters."
When you think about it, the bed jacket is a perfectly practical garment. Sitting up in bed and trying to read a newspaper, work on your crochet, or drink a cup of tea with a comforter tucked up to your neck would be virtually impossible. A bed jacket allows you free movement of your arms and hands to make use of your time in bed while still feeling warm and cozy, and looking chic!
A bed jacket's boxy, roomy silhouette made it easy to take on and off. They were hemmed to the waist, eliminating the uncomfortable bulk of wearing a full length robe in bed. Most jackets are held around the shoulders with a simple tie at the neck and were intended to be worn over one's pajamas or nightgown. Not only did the bed jacket provide warmth, but it also lent itself to an air of modesty and put-togetherness in front of one's family or public.
Bed jackets were the middle ground when you opted for an appearance more
formal than a pajama set, but not as "ready" as a full-length dressing
gown or peignoir.
Not all bed jackets were created with utility in mind. The heyday of the bed jacket would have been from the 1930s through the 1960s, when the garment was beloved and celebrated by the glamorous actresses on screen. These jackets were often made from luxurious silks and satins, and decked out with all the trimmings including ostrich feathers, lace, and tulle. It was a completely feminine and frothy affair.
So what spurred the invention, and inevitable decline, of such a garment? Well, the most likely
conclusion seems to be the need to keep warm. Homes in the 1930s and 40s did not have adequate heating, and families bundled up with layers consisting of long undergarments and woolen dressing gowns to keep warm. In the post-war years, heating began to improve and some homes had central heating for the first time. Also, more and more women began to enter the workplace, which meant less time for breakfast in bed... quelle horreur!
The popularity began to taper off as the years passed, and by the 70s, bed jackets were often relegated to the back of the wardrobe - only to kept in alive by elderly women, convalescents, and new mothers on bed rest. Women used to spend up to two weeks in bed, by Victorian standards. I don't know about you, but two weeks in bed sounds just the ticket...
Yes, it does seem that the bed jacket has been lost to time. In fact, I have never found one during my vintage shopping excursions, so my wardrobe has a distinct lack of bed jackets - that just won't do! I hope to add one to my lounge wear wardrobe so I to can recline in bed, taking breakfast on a tray like the elegant lady of the house. Perhaps I will also finish off my daydream with a gorgeous quilted eiderdown at the foot of the bed... more on that next time.
I had the house to myself last weekend. My husband was off on a last minute work trip before the holidays, so the weekend was wide open and all mine. Instead of frittering my time away, I decided that I was going to make the most of it and have an Old Hollywood-styled weekend full of pampering, in which I carry out exquisite self-care and do relaxing activities.
Saturday morning I tidied up the house so everything was clean, calm, and spic-and-span as the backdrop for my weekend of relaxation. I wasn't in the mood to get the dutch oven out for a big meal, so instead I purchased a fillet of halibut, roasted asparagus for a side, and ingredients for greek salads as my personal "menu." Light but still delicious and bursting with flavor.
I also straightened the bedroom and did a load of laundry so I had fresh sheets and clean towels to enjoy. Ahh there is nothing better than fresh linens, is there? While I was prettying up my abode, I listened to some BBC radio like I imagined an old-timey actress might do.
I kept away from the internet and my cell phone for the majority of the weekend which was a luxury in and of itself. I don't know about you but something about that repetitive "ping" from a notification really disturbs my peace. Before dinner I had "cocktail hour" with some sparkling lemon water (I'm not a big drinker), cheese, and crackers while doing some journaling. It's when I make time to slow down that I get my greatest insights and ideas.
Later on was the main event: a leisurely bath, with some almond oil sprinkled in the tub and a book in hand. I was in the mood for something a bit more dishy than my usual novel so I picked up an old Hollywood memoir - Self Portrait by Gene Tierney. It's a very honest read, sad at times, but also full of fun show business anecdotes. I had no idea she was married to fashion designer Oleg Cassini or that she had a romance with director Howard Hughes. What scandal.
I applied a dollop of conditioner to my hair and let it soak in for a good 30 minutes before combing it out and wrapping my hair up in a terry towel turban. I shaved my legs, then applied body lotion from head to toe and an unctuous foot cream. After my bath I brewed a pot of herbal tea and cuddled on the sofa for movie night. I chose Cover Girl (1944) starring Rita Hayworth and Gene Kelly. So much fun and definitely fit the bill for my night in. The technicolor fashions were complete eye candy. During the film I filed and shaped my nails, and massaged them with a rich oily balm.
When my husband returned home late Sunday, I almost purred when greeting him at the door. After my weekend of bliss, I felt serene, refreshed, and capable of facing a new week. The best part of all was that it was simple and relatively cost free to carry out. All it takes is the mindset that you deserve it.
I'm sure any booklover out there understands what I mean when I say
how dear imaginary characters can become to you, like old friends that
you can always go back and visit. Mrs. Miniver is one of those
characters that I instantly adored. A 1940s housewife on the brink of
WW2, a blurb on the front flap describes Mrs. Miniver as "of the
endurable and pleasant sides of existence. Against the shadow of the
present, she holds up to view the everyday domesticities, the comings
and goings of family life, and finds them good ... the ordinary becomes
extraordinary, and suddenly important."
This adorable, peachy-pink edition from 1940 is one of my most beloved books.
Her station is described as middle class, but upon reading the book I
couldn't help but get the feeling Mrs. Miniver is definitely an upper middle
class lady, who owned a home in London complete with domestic staff.
Nevertheless, she exemplifies the beauty in daily routine life and
simple
pleasures. One of my favorite sections is the one dedicated to Mrs.
Miniver choosing the perfect diary, simply titled "The New Engagement
Book."
The book is actually not a novel, but a collection of short stories
that were originally printed in The Times, and was later made into a film starring Greer Garson in 1942. Most of the stories focus on Mrs.
Miniver's musings surrounding domesticity, routines, social etiquette, and thoughts
about her family. I marked quite a few quotes that resonated with me,
and still make me smile when I reread them. Mrs. Miniver seems like such
a kindred spirit.
"This was the kind of thing one remembered about a house: not the
size of the rooms or the color of the walls, but the fell of
door-handles and light-switches, the shape and texture of the
banister-rail under one's palm; minute tactile intimacies, whose
resumption was the essence of coming home."
"As a rule she managed
to keep household matters in what she considered their proper place.
They should be no more, she felt, than a low unobtrusive humming in the
background of consciousness: the mechanics of life should never be
allowed to interfere with living."
"No, it wasn't shyness. It was
more like a form of claustrophobia - a dread of exchanging the freedom
of her own self-imposed routine for the inescapable burden of somebody
else's. She must be prepared to adjust herself all day to an alien
tempo: to go out, to come in, to go to bed, to sit, to stride, to potter
(oh! worst of all, to potter), whenever her hostess gave the hint.
There was always a chance, of course, that the Havelocks' tempo might
turn out to be the same as her own ... and realize that a day without a
good chunk or two of solitude in it is like a cocktail without ice."
"She gave herself an extra handful of bath salts as a futile antidote to woe."
"To be entirely at leisure for one day is to be for one day an immortal."
"It is a thing, she knew, which must never be done in a hurry. An
engagement book is the most important of all those small adjuncts to
life, that tribe of humble familiars which jog along beside one from
year's end to year's end, apparently trivial, but momentous by reason of
their terrible intimacy. A sponge, a comb, a tooth-brush, a
spectacle-case, a fountain-pen - these are the things which need to be
chosen with care. They become, in time, so much a part of one that they
can scarcely be classes as intimate ... so it wasn't until January that
Mrs. Miniver ... found herself in the stationer's shop with enough
leisure to give the matter the attention it deserved. She stopped in
front of the rack marked 'Diaries' and prepared to enjoy herself."
"Besides,
Mrs. Miniver was beginning to feel more than a little weary of
exchanging ideas and of hearing other people exchange theirs. It's all
very well, she reflected, when the ideas have had time to flower, or at
least to bud, so that we can pick them judiciously, present them with a
bow, and watch them unfold in the warmth of each other's understanding:
but there is far too much nowadays of pulling up the wretched little
things just to see how they are growing ...
Half the verbal sprigs we hand
to each other are nothing but up-ended rootlets, earthy and immature;
left longer in the ground they might have come to something: but once
they are exposed we seldom manage to replant them. It is largely the
fault, no doubt, of the times we live in. Things happen too quickly,
crisis follows crisis, the soil of our minds is perpetually disturbed.
Each of us, to relieve his feelings, broadcasts his own running
commentary on the preposterous and bewildering events of the hour: and
this, nowadays, is what passes for conversation."
"She saw every
relationship as a pair of intersecting circles. The more they
intersected, it would seem at first glance, the better the relationship;
but this is not so. Beyond a certain point the law of diminishing
returns sets in, and there aren't enough private resources left on
either side to enrich the life that is shared."
"Words were the only net to catch a mood, the only sure weapon against oblivion."
"She
breathed surreptitiously on the window of the car and drew two circles
with her finger; but they were hardly interested at all - a mere moonlight
infatuation which would soon peter out - so she added ears and whiskers
and turned them into Siamese cat twins."
I've always had a fondness for books. As a child, I loved going to the little corner library in our town and picking out new books to take home. The scholastic fair was the best day of the year in primary school. As a teenager, I often hid away in the library at school between classes and during lunch, preferring the quiet solitude of the shelves over the boisterous school grounds. I would perch myself like a cat on the mezzanine level and read quietly, occasionally surveying the goings-on below.
My love of reading most likely stemmed from my mother, who always had a book in hand. One day, while searching for something new to read, I started rifling through my mum's bookshelf and stumbled upon a book that instantly caught my eye - a weighty, hardcover volume with a minky colored dust jacket. The title read "Finishing Touches: A Guide to Being Poised, Polished, and Beautifully Prepared for Life." Instantly I was smitten. I studied the pages day after day, hoping to absorb some of the information. Despite being too young to fully understand all of the lessons, I was fascinated by this book and carried it around with me like my own personal manual, a guide to a seemingly lost way of being. The contents brought me back to all those old films I had seen, ones where young shopgirls are sent off to study etiquette and elocution, and return home confident, poised and glamorous. I always imagined attending such a school would be wonderful.
Today this beloved book is part of my own vintage living library, covering many topics from beauty rituals to how to wax and polish furniture. My books are a constant source of inspiration for me, dear old friends that are always there, waiting for me to stop by for another visit. Whenever life starts to feel a little dull, I refer back to my shelves of inspiration. They help propel me forward and motivate me to dream about the life I want to live and the person I want to be.
Hello. I created this blog to celebrate the simple, elegant, & classic aspects of life, inspired by the bygone eras. A way of living that will never go "out of style" despite our changing world.
To me, the yesteryear girl
is someone who finds beauty in the old and forgotten, is mindful of
small quotidian pleasures, and embraces tradition by tapping in to her
creativity and femininity. Cultivating this way of life is one of my
true passions.
Growing
up with older than average parents, classic movies, retro television,
and flea market excursions were staples of my childhood. Since then, I
have been fascinated by vintage and felt drawn to old things and
historical places. As an only child, I poured over vintage books and sat
transfixed by old black and white movies, creating fanciful reveries of
myself as an elegant lady of another time and place.
My favorite decades are the 1940s and 50s, everything from beauty to fashion to interiors. Creatively, writing, cooking, and sewing are my favorite pastimes.
I
have always wanted my own little place to write about all the things I
love. This blog will focus on vintage lifestyle & fashion, classic
films, glamour and femininity, etiquette, homemaking, interiors, and
thrifting my way to my dream vintage life.
