Pretty

Lots of fabric...Susan is off on a fabric buying spree now that we have a seamstress on the payroll - well, sort of. She is making me a french waiters' apron to serve in. She will make Susan dresses like these.

A little less structure

It took a lot of material for a woman to look gracious in the 50's. Plus a belt, a pretty hat, lovely gloves and the sort of occasion where all these could come together and be admired...Which we should be able to create.

Susan just interviewed a seamstress who loves retro clothes. I suspect treats await.

Underpinnings and Hose

Much as Susan likes corsets, the fact is that well made foundations can create much of the pretty waist effect while allowing actual breathing and movement.

Plus, a nice open bottom girdle keep her stockings in place perfectly.

Wasp Waists...Full Skirts

I suspect it is the belt as much as the underlying corset or girdle....and the wonderfully full skirts: crinolines and petticoats.

It is a wonderfully feminine and, oddly, powerful look.

Lovely Looks for a Spring Afternoon

A lot of the looks will come from pictures and drawings from the fifties...they are about a bygone world where ladies really did dress for lunch and elegant entertainments.