Almost vintage for Summertime . . . . . . .

I often enjoy looking through racks of vintage clothing but rarely consider buying any.

Have you noticed how tiny women used to be who wore that clothing? 

Not so much in height perhaps, but definitely in wasp waistlines and small bosoms!

I do have a beautiful sheer embroidered vintage blouse which I use as

a window decoration in the guest bedroom - it's romantic looking and 

diffuses bright morning light while covering the harshness of the modern blinds.

Some of you may recall my mother was an amazing dressmaker.  She worked in a

London atelier for a few years and actually made clothes for Queen Elizabeth, our

current Queen's mother. . . . . . growing up I aways loved referring to my mother as

'a Royal dressmaker'.

Mother made most of my clothes when I was a child, therefore I had

some beautiful dresses - which is what most little English girls wore, even 

when playing outside. Trousers - pants - capris - jeans etc. didn't come into style

 until I was about about 12, although I do have a photo of myself in shorts at

age 10 when riding my first grown up bicycle.

When my mother came to visit, usually staying a month or so, she would sew for me. 

This continued over many years, with garments even coming across the

 pond in parcels when she couldn't travel as often. My mother lived to be 91, 

flying to the USA alone until her early eighties.

Back in the late '60's I discovered a small business in New Hampshire which imported

 beautiful fabrics, these were two of them, soft woven cottons - silky and light for

 Summer - made in Switzerland. We almost aways sewed Vogue Designer patterns, 

this simple blouse was part of a Calvin Kline outfit.  Can't begin to tell you how often

 they've been worn and laundered, and the fabric is as lovely as when it was new. 

In the heat of this Summer, again I brought these out to enjoy. 

My only almost vintage clothing I suppose. 

What sweet memories they hold.