Convention time

It's that time of year when paper doll collectors convene-- this year in Las Vegas.

Deanna Williams and her crew always put together a great party, whether a one-day luncheon or a full-out convention. I'll be sure to post pictures of souvenirs and sales room finds--and would love to post photos that other attendees take. I'll be busy in the raffle room helping Ron Fong, so I may not catch everything!

Here is a glimpse of one of the most beautifully drawn paper doll sets,
Big and Little Sister, Merrill, 1945.

Hand-turned shoes

Steppin' out in style, c. 1938.

Lastex and Adaptolettes

Another great page from the 1938 Lane Bryant catalog.

I'm getting ready for the convention in Las Vegas, so my posting may be sporadic over the next few days. Usually I'm good about posting in advance, but this has been a busy week.

Did I put tabs on that Dress A Doll entry? Hmmm.....

Lena Horne

Sings "Paper Doll" from Two Girls and a Sailor, 1944

Paris decrees elegance, 1938

Be sure to click on the photo to savor some of the ad copy. I love the wordiness of old time advertising. People were expected to read!

Of course, during World War II and the Nazi occupation, French designers and products were cut off. The power of "Paris decrees" returned briefly in the postwar era, but would gradually diminish over time.

Sale prices, 1938

"Acetate pebble crepe" was in vogue, and brings to mind the kind of fabric I've seen over the years in vintage stores.
The layout of this ad is a little creepy, with those extra arms drawn in to illustrate the "push up" sleeve, apparently ringed with elastic.

Lane Bryant 1938 catalog

Love that "outsize" hose. Some copywriter figured, "Let's not mince words here." More pages to come.