This is a wonderful 1930s pattern–very Shirley-esque–for girls’ dresses. I love the tailored look of this era.

This is a sharp-looking pattern from 1938. Note the long, slimming lines and the slight emphasis given the bustline by the gathers underneath.

This is a beautiful hand-colored photograph of a young woman dressed up for a special occasion (wedding? dance? tea?). The overdress looks like organdy or silk georgette, and her sleeves flutter in the breeze. Her ornament of choice is a big bunch of flowers pinned at the waist. This is probably from the early 1930s, [...]

A slim afternoon dress with tucked bodice and stitched-down pleats.

For some reason, I think of a Frank Capra heroine when I look at this pattern. It looks just like one of his “office” gals from “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” or another great 1930s film.

A wonderful double-breasted everyday dress from the late 1930s. Very crisply tailored.

A set of vests and dickies from the early to mid-1930s. These are so very chic–I picture Ginger Rogers when she’s not on the dance floor.

Chic and sleek 1930′s pattern for an everyday dress. Would be lovely in flowing rayon or challis–or crisply elegant in lined organdy or silk organza.

A pair of slim 1930′s skirts.

Totally glamorous 1930′s day dresses. I love the details on the cuffs at right and the flutter sleeves on the left. Scrumptious!