This is probably the most vulnerable post I have ever shared. Like so many women there are times that I am not comfortable in my own skin. Phrases uttered decades ago on occasion still ring in my ears. Chicken legs. Thunder thighs. Giraffe neck. Hunchback. But I am moving forward because Fun 1950’s Beachwear makes me smile.
Fun 1950’s Beachwear
Society, social media, and the advertising world are youth-centered. Some would say that a 50 something woman has NO business modeling Fun 1950’s Beachwear. But why not?
Sure, I have spots, bumps, rolls, and lines where often our world says none should be. But I am HEALTHY! This is a true gift not afforded to everyone. So I have decided to enjoy it.
Simplicity 1659
Recently my sweet friend Tanya held a pattern sale. She is an amazing seamstress in her own right. I purchased several vintage patterns perfect for a summer wardrobe. The pattern that made me smile the brightest was Simplicity 1659.
It was a fantastic pattern. I would recommend that a beginning seamstress or tailor start with the shorts, then the blouse, and finish with the bikini-style top.
The charming vintage style brought back memories of two silly summer-themed movies.
Beach Blanket Bingo
I actually bought the pattern with the Fashionista in mind. When she was recently home we went through my pattern collection and sure enough, she loved it. This sweet summer set will soon be on its way to Nashville.
I am glad to have made this set for her. Because honestly, I am more comfortable being a bit more covered up.
Yet this outfit DOES make me smile and I thought, perhaps my vintage fashion readers would enjoy it too.
So I put it on and had my son take a few photos.
Our wonderful neighbors, Lori and Larry, gracious and possibly giggling, provided their pool as a backdrop.
The fabric, found at an estate sale, is also vintage. The print reminded me of crashing waves.
The bikini-style top is accented with four buttons. A truly cute detail.
If I am honest this is probably the hardest photo for me to share. I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine). One shoulder is higher than the other.
Even camouflaging the flaw with a casually tossed shirt and close cropping doesn’t hide it. I can still “see it”.
Years of being told to “Stand up straight”, an impossibility for me, left me feeling ashamed of my appearance.
A gentle reminder that a simple proverb doesn’t quite ring true.
I hope by revealing that I sometimes struggle but am still willing to share might possibly give someone else the fortitude to embrace themselves.
Many of us look beyond the physical and see only a beautiful heart and soul in others. So shouldn’t we also do this for ourselves?
I encourage everyone to build each other up with kind words. They often bring the biggest smiles!
I hope you are smiling!
Laura
A sweet beach set and beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. I still can’t see any physical issues. Your smile captures my attention!
Christine you are an absolute gem!
Hi Laura,
This outfit is super cute! You look fantastic in it! You always inspire me to sew more. I want to try to get in to clothing but am so intimidated! I think I’ve got pillow covers down pat, so maybe it is time to try something more challenging! Thanks for sharing!!
Heather you are so kind. Thank you so much! This was a great pattern for a beginning seamstress.
Oh my goodness! You are so adorable in your cute outfit!!! I hope you enjoy it a lot this summer. Your stitching is perfect!
Please stay safe and be careful when you go out anywhere. I have been watching the US news and the covid numbers are terrifying. Here in New Brunswick in Canada we are so blessed there haven’t been any cases in 14 days. Everyone seems to be following the guidelines and looking out for each other. Hopefully the US will soon be safer for all of you as well.
Hi Em,
Thank you SO much for your concern. Our family has been faithfully wearing masks since March. We also try to maintain social distance. The rates here in Texas are a definite cause for concern. I am so thankful that New Brunswick is doing so well! Have a gorgeous day!
You look fabulous as always and that cute set is perfect for you. I think you need one for youself too.
Thank you my sweet friend! I wish we could lounge by your pool together. 🙂
Laura – I love how you brought this design to life with that beautiful fabric! It’s perfect for that pattern. I hope your daughter loves wearing it. I know that we’re most critical of ourselves, but I don’t see any “flaws”, just a pretty lady in a playsuit. 🙂
Laura, you must now make one for yourself as it suits you to a tee! Both you and the fun outfit look great and it looks so relaxing and cool.
Ann
Dear Laura, You have brightened my Day!! I am home for one day as I take care of my sweet 83 year old mother with dementia 24/7…my brother gives me one day off…and I found your blog years ago. I feel like I can escape my care-taking duties for one day. My Mom met my sweet Dad who passed in December 2018 at the age of 84 after a four year battle with bladder cancer. I took care of him along with my Mom until he passed….so YES CELEBRATE YOUR HEALTH!! My Dad met my Mom in Germany when he was in the Army so I am intrigued by your posts that celebrate Oktoberfest….etc. You are a magnificent seamstress and I in AWE!! Could you share how you make your cloth masks?? My husband takes care of his 91 year year father who is retired from the Air Force and I purchased some cotton fabric that has the Airforce/planes on it but haven’t had time to make masks… Congratulations to your son on his recent high school graduation!! You are blessed with a wonderful family!!! I am a mother to two sons, one married with three grandchildren, and one unmarried who has been unemployed since Covid-19 hit in Denver. I pray for everyone during difficult time. YOU look marvelous in your swimwear!!! Your son is a excellent photographer!! GOD BLESS & STAY SAFE!
You look adorable, Laura. Rock that back, girlfriend! It’s strong and has carried the weight of the world many couldn’t even think of carrying! Love all the little details of your outfit. Speaking of which, did you notice besides Frankie and Annette, Paul Lynde and Linda Evans were in Beach Blanket Bingo?!
I’ve lost 75# so far in 15 months time. I’m very proud of that. I’ve grown accustomed to wearing a one piece bathing suit, but wanted to give it a go to a 2 piece. And by all means not a bikini, but up to my belly button bottom. So I did it!! I asked my daughter if it shows my stretch marks or flabby skin badly. She told me “Mommy, that is your trophy”. I never thought of it that way. Funny how your children are your best advocates.
As for what another of your friends here said, I can’t see your “flaw”, I just see your winning smile. Thank you my friend for having the courage to show yourself off. <3
Laura,
You are beautiful as always!! I have never noticed your shoulders. I have only noticed you look sooooo young for your age and you are just a beauty! Inside and out!
Oh, my gosh, Laura,
The only way I’ve ever seen you is BEAUTIFUL I have scoliosis, too, and it never crossed my mind to be self-conscious that one shoulder is higher than the other. I’m too busy worrying that people are looking at my skinny toes.
That retro bathing outfit is to die for!
Ginene
I love these photos!!! The fabric is perfect for the pattern!!
One of my favorite outfits to date. I think maybe it needs to stay with you in Texas. Enjoy your Summer!
You look wonderful. And you are brave. I also have scoliosis and things don’t hang correctly on my frame. I’m always more worried about my skinny knees and ankles. Funny how critical we are about our bodies. Being healthy is the most important thing! Love the fabric choice.
You know, Laura, if I had been asked to guess your age I would have said you were in your 40s! You look terrific, and if you were keeping the outfit I’d say shorten the shorts to show your greatlegs. As for the scoliosis, well, you have something in common with the Royals – Eugenie showed off her scar and you should show off your shoulders proudly. You are a great sewist and now you should make another outfit for yourself!
You look lovely. Absolutely flawless, I see nothing but beauty in these photos.
The pockets and the criss-cross back are two of my favorite things. Hugs
Hi Laura,
You rocked this, the color is beautiful on you, you look fantastic! This is such a cute outfit, I think you should keep it for yourself.
So many pretty pictures.
Cindy
This is just darling and so are you! I love it all — I know it would be a not-so-good look for me (except the shirt — maybe even the shorts; the top, not so much! But it looks fabulous on you. And I love the color. It’s Jeanie Blue! Even more I love that you went out on a limb. Well done!
You could play beach Blanket Bingo with the best of them. I always look forward to your new outfits. This one is delightful. You are a very lovely lady with a very nice figure.. That fabric is perfect for this outfit.
Gadget is my all time favorite beach movie. Once upon a time I was as skinny as her. Boy, was I ever teased about being skinny and flat chested. I was extremely self conscious until Twiggy became the In Look and The Annette Funicello Look was out. I am so glad those struggles are over.
My shoulder bone is far more pronounced on the left as my shoulder is about a half inch higher than the other one and so is my hip.I am constantly adjusting my bra strap on the right because I am tipped to one side. Every time I have xrays done, the comment is ” Your spine looks like an S. I should have had a back brace as a child but my parents could not afford it. I have suffered a partial rotator cuff tear from a patient pulling on my arm when assisting her out of bed in my job as an RN. I now have 2 compression deformities in the cervical spine area and 3 in the thoracic spine area because of the severe scoliosis that I have lived with now for 62 years. I suffer back pain because as a nurse, I did direct patient care in a Physical Medicine unit ( Acute Rehab) where I was constantly lifting patients. It even affected my Physical therapy in my recovery from knee replacement surgery because I suffered back pain and balance issues with some of the exercises. My scapula on the left rests on top of the church pew and the one on the right rests below the top of the church pew. I carry purses without shoulder straps because they never stay on the left shoulder without sliding off… I have to be very careful that the compression deformities do not turn into compression fractures. Because of the severity of my back issues, how I look in clothing because of it, is the least of my worries You look great by the way and it is a stunning set..
Hugs,
Deb
You look so cute in your beach attire! the fabric is perfect and I love the button detail on the back. Laura, what we notice about you is your beautiful smile & kind heart. I have only met you once in person, but right away, I saw what a friendly & self-confident air you have. We all have things about our body/personality that we don’t like, but just look at all the good things we have!! Keep smiling!
Dear Laura, You look so cute! I would never guess someone as beautiful as you would feel self conscious about their appearance. I guess it is something most women struggle with.
I wish I could sew as well as you. I love reading about your sewing and decor projects, as well as your family. I love that you are thrifty as well as creative because that is reality for most of us!
Thanks for all the hours of entertainment and inspiration you’ve provided me over many years.
Laura, I am late in the week reading this, but just had to comment! I think your inner beauty really shines outward in these photos.
And the outfit is stunning as well! Your daughter will love it, but I wish you would keep it for yourself as that color is so fabulous on you!
A person would NEVER know by looking at you the slight handicap you speak of. You are just gorgeous, plain and simple!