Thoroughly Modern Vintage

05/25/2026

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Another bit about Claire McCardell

“Clothes are for real live women . . . They are made to be worn, to be lived in.” - Claire McCardell

Claire McCardell is a central figure in modern American sportswear. When Time magazine featured McCardell on the cover (May 2, 1955), she was described as “the person who understands best how American women want to look.” Her clothing had a casual ease.

McCardell followed many of the basic lines of the postwar New Look, but stripped them of their rigidity and formality. A great many of her designs emphasize the waist—by means of a belt, however, not a girdle—and many have full skirts (yet do not require a petticoat). By employing deceptively simple construction techniques, McCardell pushed the aesthetic limits of mass-production while redefining the look of modern dressing.

was born in 1905. Happy Heavenly Birthday!

[Image: Claire McCardell (1905 - 1958), two-piece dress, red wool jersey, c. 1950, USA, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Adrian McCardell]

05/23/2026

I will be bringing vintage fabrics, patterns, and supplies to this event.
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05/22/2026

05/13/2026

Here to catch up on the last three days of . Day 10, the prompt was favourite decade which would be like picking a favourite child (I have four). One reason I love vintage fashion is its ability to time travel. This outfit are all relatively modern pieces but they all inspired by the first three decades of the 20th c. which through costume dramas and movies of the 70s and 80s encouraged my love of vintage fashion. I love accessories and these shoes and purse could be contenders for today's prompt as could my love of brooches like this celluloid beauty. Day 11's prompt was favourite outfit which again is somewhat impossible but this Liberty of London dress from the 80's is a first choice for travel and often worn when there is a change in the weather (yesterday was cold) as is my 1960s black blocked cap style hat. Day 12's prompt was favourite accessory and anyone who looks at my grid knows, I am known for hats. Today's hat is appearing for the first time today and will likely be in regular rotation just like these Fluevog shoes. Thanks to the hosts- and .strohm.voss -especially for understanding that we might not post every day.

05/10/2026

Today's prompt for is neutrals so I chose black and white for my outfit as a vendor for a vintage and craft show. I am certainly not neutral in my belief in the wearing of vintage clothes and how it supports individual expression in a sustainable way. Swipe to see my stretching of the definition of neutrals in wardrobe choices with two not typical neutrals: my red purse and my pale pink blazer which have acted as anchors to outfits and days of choices in the way usually held by more neutral choices. Also, one of my frog brooches that often find their way on my jacket.

05/09/2026

This Saturday, I am presenting my stock at the Mother's Day Vintage/Craft Show at the Champlain Fieldhouse from 10-3 at 149 Cowley Ave. Here are some sneak peaks!

05/09/2026

Metallics are the prompt today for . I do not have many options for daily wear that fit the bill but this cardigan from the 1960s works well with my Liberty print blouse and Chanel bouclé skirt shown here after setting up my booth for Saturday's event.

05/08/2026

Purple was the prompt for today's and I managed multiple shades in one outfit along with wearing the same outfit with a few switches for two different activities. The first photo shows my outfit this morning chosen for the colour prompt, the still unseasonably cool weather, and activities which included dog walking, shopping, and preparing for a vintage show. My vintage Laura Ashley corduroy pants are from my 90s wardrobe; my blouse is another Liberty of London print, and my new to me silk tweed blazer is vintage Talbots all pulled together by a vintage Liberty silk scarf. This evening's activity was attending my husband's concert. There was an emergency excavation of the building as we were walking in before the concert with me regretting my lack of a hat while waiting for the all clear. I was able to dress up the outfit by swapping out the cords with grey flannels, changing into my purple shoes (worn on green day), and a favourite antique amethyst bracelet with my purple birthstone! Thanks to the hosts and .strohm.voss for giving me a chance to enjoy and share my wardrobe!

05/07/2026

Fulfilling the colour prompt for for today was easy - it's pink! Cold temperatures meant the my Spring Winter coat was necessary and this one was made in Nice, France in the early 1980s. I took it off, long enough to have a photo of my new to me linen dress, also in pink. This is modern piece is obviously inspired by the past. The drop waist is very 1920s with the windowpane check suggesting pieces from the slightly earlier teens. I have deeper pinks in my closet but this lighter shade has been especially appealing in the last few years. Thank you to and .strohm.voss for hosting the challenge.

05/06/2026

The prompt for day 5 of is blue. I love blue from baby to navy but chose classic sky blue. My raincoat is vintage Talbots classic and my blouse is what I like to call -a beautiful print used here by Smythe worn with vintage Viyella linen blend pants. Thanks to the hosts of the challenge and .strohm.voss.