The 1956 "Miracle Brim" Hoodcharmer

A 1950s Hoodcharmer, currently available on Etsy

I love the people who keep their vintage items with all original information. This hat would have been a bit hard to figure out without the accompanying pictures and instructions. Once I figured it out, I had too much fun with this neat invention, which dates from some time after 1956, as I found by looking up its patent numbers.

The illustration from US patent number 178,833

Made by Jane Richard (the patent belongs to Irene Greene) and called the "Magic Brim" Hoodcharmer, the simplest way to wear the soft knit tube of wool/Orlon acrylic is as a hood. To get fancy, you slip the white wire through one end, then twist and shape to make a hat.

Very DIY...are you there Etsy crafters?

Feeding America update

According to the Feeding America site, the contribution I was able to make yesterday will translate into 1172 meals for hungry Americans.

In honor of Thanksgiving

On November 23 and 24 I am donating 25% of my sales from any of my shops to Feeding America. Until November 25, any donations to Feeding America will be matched dollar for dollar, and I'll be sure to get that 25% in by the deadline. We can't pass up the chance to make a difference for people in need. If you'd like to make a donation directly, go to feedingamerica.org

Holiday party frocks

When you get that invitation, what will you wear?

I have a few vintage suggestions:

All these and more can be found in my web store and Etsy shop

Speaking of Ginger...

...I have a dress that I believe she would have worn well, labeled Jean Carol.

I was already excited to see such a great example of 30s style (I mean, just look at this back!)

...but was overjoyed to know the history of the Jean Carol label. It was designed by Peggy Hunt, long a favorite for her dresses under her eponymous label. The Jean Carol label was used before she became well known by her own name. Peggy Hunt's daughter, Jeannette Alexander was also fine designer with her own label. Both labels are always attached to covetable dresses.

Read more about this family of designing women at fuzzylizzie.com (Peggy Hunt & Jeannette Alexander). Lizzie had the honor of hearing from Jacqui Hyland, the daughter of Jeannette Alexander and the granddaughter of Peggy Hunt.

The dress is currently available in my Etsy store.

More on the way you look tonight

If you didn't already see it, my latest theme features a Jerome Kern song and Fred Astaire singing. I love the song, love Fred singing it, and built the theme around the nostalgic look of the anonymous but lovely faces that we come across while browsing in antique stores and estate sales. I love imagining who the women in the photos are.

The movie Swing Time shows Fred and Ginger in a sentimental but comical scene featuring the song.

I only wish I could look so beautiful in shampoo!

The way you look

A nostalgic theme for November. Please click on the image to see, and hear...