Vintage Miscellany – January 3, 2016

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This Edwardian era postcard is a real treat because it shows both women and men “En Bob-Sleigh”.  Real photographs of sportswear of this time period are hard to find, and this one gives a great view of the clothes in action.  To see the details, enlarge the photo.  You can see a variety of sweaters and caps and knit gloves.  The woman in front appears to be wearing a shortened skirt with leggings or thick stockings and a turtleneck sweater under her jacket.  It’s almost enough to make me wish for snow.

And now for the news…

•  Shoe designer Caroline Townsend has a line of shoes and boots made of Harris Tweed.  “Heed the need for modern tweed.”
• And in other Harris Tweed news, the industry recently received a financial boost to upgrade a mill which will increase production of the fabric.
• If you ever felt the desire to experience life in a Victorian London slum, now’s your chance.
• Jonathan Walford tells us about fashion and life one hundred years ago.
• Viveka Hansen has written a great study on the rise of shop windows.
• If you are confused about the current state of “fashion” then you are not alone.
• I’m not a student nor a collector of men’s sportswear, but I found this article about stirrup socks in baseball to be enlightening.
• How did the flapper stay fit?  
• The prices of antiques – items over 100 year old – are falling.
• Some clothing comes with a guarantee.  Don’t look for it at Forever 21.
• This is an interesting look at the making of a replica WWI nurse’s uniform.
• Remember my confusion concerning the Disney “princesses”?  I knew they were big, big money, but this great article gets to the heart of the matter.
• And my personal favorite – Carrie Fisher took no nonsense off the “She hasn’t aged well” squad:  “Youth & Beauty R NOT ACCOMPLISHMENTS, they’re the TEMPORARY happy/BiProducts of Time & or DNA. Don’t Hold your Breath 4 either”    As if I didn’t already love her and her dog Gary, who she made the star of her publicity appearances for The Force Awakens.