an idyllic summer

I was recently searching the Google-hosted Life photo archive (which I have to admit I find very confusing to use) for images about summer and came across this collection of beautiful and evocative photos.  I say "collection," but on the site, these are actually called "related images," and since no information about any of them is given whatsoever, I don't actually know that they are all part of the same collection, although some of the same people appear multiple times in the photos.

My guess is that these are from the 1930s, and taken in Europe.  The settings are mostly a seaside beach (beaches?), with some taken in other pastoral locations.  What they all have in common is a feeling of summer joie de vivre, from calisthenics on the beach, to midday naps in the sun, to moments of quiet peace and contemplation.  

Enjoy the photos--there are lots of them--and I hope you're also enjoying your summer.

summer wrap up

This article from the June 13, 1955 issue of Life magazine (you can see the article online here) is about wraps, shawls and bolero jackets that ward off the chill of summer air conditioning.  When I worked in an air conditioned office, I always had a cardigan with me; otherwise I would freeze to death at my desk.  I suppose the modern day equivalent of these might be the pashmina, but I really prefer the cover-ups shown here.  And they work just as great at helping transition your summer dresses into autumn wear!  The two modeled on the left side are made to fold up small enough to fit in your purse when not being worn.  And the best of all of them, I think, is the striped shawl on the right, which was made by Claire McCardell "to inspire do-it-yourselfers."

Here are a few lovely cropped jackets, sweaters, and boleros I discovered for sale on Etsy.

1940s reversible lace-trimmed bolero (the other side is solid black, but wouldn't you have a hard time not always wearing it on the cute folklore print side?) / DeseoVintage

PDF pattern for a 1950s knitted shrug / KinsieWoolShop

1960s Jonathan Logan shrug with rhinestone embellished flower appliques / LittleHavanaVintage

1950s cropped jacket with a big collar / Planetclairevintage

I really love this.  1960s Vera Neumann lemon print linen jacket / CustardHeartVintage

1930s white eyelet bolero / wildfellhallvintage

And a pair from my own shop:

1960s cropped, fitted tapestry jacket or blouse

1950s cropped gingham jacket

xo

k