Sew Characteristically You
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Learning Style

6/30/2016

6 Comments

 
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Authenticity in my 1940's outfits is very important to me and for many who are involved in historical impressions. No matter what historical period you want to recreate, the principles for creating an accurate outfit are the same.
It must be realized that it is perfectly fine to not create a perfectly accurate ensemble, most especially if you are simply interested in wearing vintage on a regular basis. However, many of us strive for perfection in our vintage style wardrobes. To get to that level of superb authenticity takes time and likely some mistakes along the way. :) 

I should say that I don't own any period clothing, only accessories. What is important to me is that I achieve "the look" even if it is achieved with modern garments or clothes that I have made that fit the period. That is my definition of an accurate period outfit. I would much rather be complimented with "You look like you stepped out of a photograph!" than be completely decked out in all vintage items.
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This is one of my early attempts. Hair, shoes, the glasses, and dress length all needed attention.
I must confess that I have often been in a hurry to get an outfit finished and put together in time for an event, which means that I don't take as much time to find what I really want, or the time to do the research I need to find something that is accurate. I have done quite a bit of shopping in ignorance, which is part of the learning process.

One thing I need to remember is to (if possible) take my time and do my research, and then look long and hard when shopping to find what I really want. (Otherwise I end up with the consequences of less money in my pocket) :) But if you really don't have the time, just go for it and have fun! I think it is better to try and fail, than not try at all! For example see the picture above. The outfit I wore was awfully inaccurate, but I had fun doing it. Recognizing the inaccuracies has spurred me on to try again and again. It will take awhile to get it all right. (Not many people have the budget to buy it all at once, nor the expertise.)  Many outfits later I am still working on it. (But I finally did get some seamed stockings!) But do please be careful about making rash decisions just to get into the middle of it. : ) There is a difference between stepping in the water with thought and planning knowing you still have to learn to swim and will occasionally flounder, and jumping in without any prior knowledge of swimming. :) Although this doesn't matter if you aren't going for an accurate portrayal of a period.
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I have gotten much more comfortable looking through vintage patterns and approximately dating them to the correct period, pre-war (late '30s), early war (as in pre rationing), late war, and post war, at least to the point where I am fairly sure, and then will look the date of the pattern up to confirm. I am also more comfortable looking for vintage shoes. Again it takes quite a bit of just "hanging out" with vintage styles.

One area, I do hope to grow in is that of period fabric. I know to a certain extent of what the common materials were, but the prints are eluding me. A dress can be made in a period pattern, with the right material, but if the pattern isn't quite right, it about ruins it for me. It has to scream 1940's at me. So that is where my research is being focused. In the mean time, I continue to buy fabrics that seem of the right era. Usually about a few weeks later, I change my mind, but I can continue to hope to improve. :)

I will always be learning more about this period of fashion. I would love to hear how others like to wear vintage, and what their definition of an "accurate" vintage outfit is.

​Sarah
6 Comments
Jessica Cangiano link
7/1/2016 09:44:18 pm

A lovely fellow vintage blogger (and one of the most fashionable people I've ever encountered) once said that "Something doesn't have to be vintage, to look vintage", and I couldn't possibly agree more. It's a principal that I've long lived by and which is why one will find a healthy blend of genuine vintage, vintage reproduction, 1980s does 1940s and 50s, and vintage appropriate pieces in my wardrobe.

While, ultimately, it may be hard to beat the real vintage deal, I feel that we only stand to shortchange ourselves if we aren't at least open to all fields (including, for those such as yourself with the skills to do so, making one's own clothing, too) and that a thorough knowledge of the looks of certain eras are often more (or at least equally!) important in putting a period authentic style ensemble together than whether or not each element is actually, say, from 1940 - 1942.

It sounds like you're doing an awesome job of growing your vintage fashion knowledge and dating abilities and I'm sure that your lovely outfits will sing the benefits of such all the more as time goes.

Many hugs & joyful start of July wishes,
♥ Jessica

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Sew Characteristically You
7/2/2016 06:02:16 pm

Thanks so much for sharing, Jessica. I think that you have well summed up what is also my philosophy of vintage wear. I certainly couldn't put it any better. :)

Sarah

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Molly
7/2/2016 10:45:11 am

Trying to dress vintage can be such a challange sometimes can't it?!
It always pays off in the end though.😉
I usually just try to look for "vintage looking" clothing and then add on accessories. (Great-grandmothers gloves, earrings, ect.)
I have a few vintage patterns that I found in my great-grandmothers house that I'm very nervouse about using!
I think that I'll wait until I have something (like a reenactment) to wear a dress or suit like that to, before I attempt to make something! What event will you be going to? I do so hope you'll do a blog post on it!
Happy Independence Day!🇺🇸🎉
In Christ,
Molly

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Sew Characteristically You
7/2/2016 06:09:16 pm

I definitely think trying to look the real deal is worth it. :)

That is so lovely that you have some of your great grandma's things. I think that is wonderful. I have the pair of gloves that my Grandma wore for her wedding. I will not be wearing those for any sort of event. I want to treasure those. I have some embroidered house linens that were I believe stitched by some of my relatives back quite a few decades. :)

I also think it is just wonderful that you have some of your great grandma's patterns. I would have loved to have something like that, but hopefully I can do that for my descendants some day. :) Unless they are in rather delicate condition, I would worry too much about using them. I would treat them carefully, and make sure I copied every piece that I needed and use the copies to actually do any dressmaking with. I typically copy even my new pieces so I can do any alterations that need to be done, besides preserving all the sizes intact.

Sarah

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Emily's Vintage Visions link
7/11/2016 08:19:47 am

What a great post, Sarah! I completely agree that when starting out in reenacting/living history getting "the look" is more important than being 100% accurate. (And for many times periods it's just not possible, for a variety of reasons, to be dressed 100% head to toe in true vintage/clothing of the era. For 18th century, for example, certain period fabrics are just not produced today and "period appropriate" materials must be used.) You are absolutely correct that to achieve a high level of authenticity it takes time, money and lots of knowledge, and I myself have made many improvements to my living history impressions over the years. I like to remind myself that no matter how much I think I know there is always more to learn about a period of time I want to recreate!

I thoroughly enjoy dressing head to toe vintage when I can but depending on the event or occasion I find that reproduction or "in the style of" clothing suits my needs just fine. I guess I'm one of those odd ball people who toe the line between dressing in historical or vintage clothing for living history events and just for everyday enjoyment. I think you, and others who commented on my recent blog post, have inspired me to write a future blog post on this topic! Keep up the great work!
-Emily

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Sew Characteristically You
7/11/2016 09:40:58 am

Thank you so much for giving your insight, Emily! Different people wear vintage for different reasons, but for me being authentic is so very important. Which I have to remind myself that not everyone goes for authenticity, but more for the spirit of the thing. I know for myself though I will always be learning more about the 1940's and seeking to be more authentic! Unfortunately, for various reasons complete authenticity doesn't always happen. I had one such event just this last weekend, but I made the best of it recognizing it was in my best interest to follow doctor's orders. :) Anyway, more on that later this week. Thanks for commenting!

Sarah

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    The Seamstress:

    Sarah loves to sew, learn more about sewing, and create items with a vintage flair. Her arch enemy is clipping curves, and she has a tolerable relationship with the seam ripper.


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