a vintage wardrobe: tops

Vintage top patterns are my particular weakness. So many lovely little details!  I gravitate to the 30s and 40s, and although I try to stick to my size range, if it's an especially beautiful pattern I'll snap it up no matter the size. 

You might recognize the very first photo, I loved the shorts in yesterday's post, but in truth, I loved the entire outfit!  And I have the perfect pattern too, a 1940s Simplicity.  The 2nd pattern below I love for the variety.  I'm dying to muslin the interesting keyhole/cutout neckline (but it's the bow version that is a ringer for Gene's blouse).

I think Esther Williams is adorable and I love this little peasant top!  I have already made it up once, so I know it's a good fit and very sweet.  (Those are fabulous printed shorts she's wearing too.) And another beautiful photo of Gene Tierney, wearing the perfect 1940s blouse, a tie-neck.  My vintage sewalong pattern will be perfect for this one, with a minor change for the tie.

Anyone else a Thin Man fan?  Love Myrna Loy!  So classy.  I wish I had more 1930s separates, but most of my 30s patterns are for dresses, coats, and pjs.  I adore her top.  I could knock it off with one of my (many) 1940s blouses, but I am holding out for this Butterick 6423.  I just missed it on Etsy (rats) a month or so ago, but the search continues.  It's gorgeous enough to wait for. 

Lastly, a more casual blouse worn by Rita Hayworth.  I ended up with several choices for photos featuring this blouse, and I chose this McCall pattern I picked up last fall on ebay.  It has a placket rather than a button-front.  Love the tailored sleeves.

I'm having an unexpected snow day today.  I'll be doing a muslin of the sewalong patterns with my surprise free time and hopefully will have pictures to show shortly!