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Stockings In The Summer?

jitterbugdoll

Call Me a Cab
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2,042
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Soon to be not-so-sunny Boston
Daisy Buchanan said:
I know what you mean, my legs are short enough, and bobby socks by cutting me off above the ankle make my legs look even shorter. You are lucky, you've got long legs, or as the guys would say "nice gams!", I could totally picture you in a vintage poodles skirt, bobby socks and saddle shoes. Well, at least for a photo shoot it would look great. I feel a bit too costumey wearing a poodle skirt out. Even with their popularity in the 50's, today they are synonymous with highly costumed movies like "Grease" (I do love this movie!), I think lots of people would assume that I was in the theater. I get enough of that around here when I dress vintage without wearing something as obvious as a poodle skirt!
Anyway, I just don't think bobby socks are a good look for me. If I had long legs, or even just a few more inches (I hear there's a surgery to lengthen ones legs, but apparently it is excruciating:() I'd take advantage of bobby socks for my casual walks.
No matter how hot it is, I feel naked without a slip. Although I'm very comfortable in tap pants and a camisole too. Except for the tap pants that I wore the other day that were a bit too big. I couldn't feel them over my waist cincher. When I went into the bathroom I realized that they were falling down and I didn't even know it:eek: A few more minutes of walking and they would have been around my ankles!!

I know what you mean; I have a vintage 'poodle' skirt as well, and I have never worn it out (and it's a really neat one--four aces on green felt.)

As an alternative to bobby socks, you can always follow one method utilized during WWII. Ladies would fashion peds from their old stockings to cushion their feet and save wear and tear on their shoes (heels and otherwise.) Sometimes I will wear this type of sock in lieu of regular socks when wearing Keds; you do receive the benefits of wearing socks, but in a more flattering style. ;)
 

Kim_B

Practically Family
Messages
820
Location
NW Indiana
jitterbugdoll said:
I know what you mean; I have a vintage 'poodle' skirt as well, and I have never worn it out (and it's a really neat one--four aces on green felt.)

As an alternative to bobby socks, you can always follow one method utilized during WWII. Ladies would fashion peds from their old stockings to cushion their feet and save wear and tear on their shoes (heels and otherwise.) Sometimes I will wear this type of sock in lieu of regular socks when wearing Keds; you do receive the benefits of wearing socks, but in a more flattering style. ;)


This sounds interesting...do you have any websites or anything that illustrates this concept? I don't think I've been able to comprehend things very well today...:rolleyes:
 

jitterbugdoll

Call Me a Cab
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2,042
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Soon to be not-so-sunny Boston
Kim_B said:
This sounds interesting...do you have any websites or anything that illustrates this concept? I don't think I've been able to comprehend things very well today...:rolleyes:

Basically, they would cut the feet off a pair of stockings and then stitch in a bit of elastic at the top to hold the 'footies' on their feet. I do have an article around that explains it in greater detail. I will have to find it and scan it in. :)
 

Kim_B

Practically Family
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820
Location
NW Indiana
jitterbugdoll said:
Basically, they would cut the feet off a pair of stockings and then stitch in a bit of elastic at the top to hold the 'footies' on their feet. I do have an article around that explains it in greater detail. I will have to find it and scan it in. :)

Ahh, that makes sense... :eusa_doh:
 

Kitty_Sheridan

Practically Family
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817
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UK, The Frozen north
Daisy,
do whagt they did in Britain...slap on some Gravy Browning!!!
Failing that a bit of that daily mosturiser with tan stuff and dare to go bare.
Women in Britain did during the war years!
(Tell us more about Patrick!!)

:p
 

Paisley

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,439
Location
Indianapolis
You can also buy peds at Walgreens.

At work, we have to wear panty hose or stockings. We can't go bare-legged.

When I go dancing, I wear a cotton t-shirt and skirt and sandals without stockings or socks. It's too hot, even in winter.

I too have heard of women drawing a "seam" down the back of the leg during WWII when stockings were in short supply.
 

jitterbugdoll

Call Me a Cab
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2,042
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Soon to be not-so-sunny Boston
You can indeed buy ready-made peds at places like Walgreen's and Target. I have always wanted to try the make-your-own method though, as store-bought peds seem to poke too high out of your shoes, and can look tacky.

I almost always wear stockings when dancing, and find that it is no less hot without them; when dancing up a storm, it is always hot regardless of your outfit!

I should add that painting on stockings is a certainly WWII-style option, but in hot, humid weather, that makeup can melt off your legs pretty quickly. I read an article in a WWII magazine that stressed how careful one must be when using this method; you cannot cross your legs and must be careful not to touch them either, or your carefully applied handiwork will rub off. Even the convenient 'airbrush' sprays on the market today transfer very easily.
 

ShooShooBaby

One Too Many
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1,149
Location
portland, oregon
jbd, i've often worn stockings when dancing up a storm too, and it never bothered me much. of course, this is coming from someone who's alltime number-one favorite type of top to wear dancing is the cashmere or wool (though short-sleeve) sweater! lol

all-in-all though... i am way too lazy/klutzy to wear stockings much. i've always pulled them out for special occasions only! i'm not much of a proper vintage lady, i'm afraid.
 

jitterbugdoll

Call Me a Cab
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2,042
Location
Soon to be not-so-sunny Boston
ShooShooBaby said:
jbd, i've often worn stockings when dancing up a storm too, and it never bothered me much. of course, this is coming from someone who's alltime number-one favorite type of top to wear dancing is the cashmere or wool (though short-sleeve) sweater! lol

all-in-all though... i am way too lazy/klutzy to wear stockings much. i've always pulled them out for special occasions only! i'm not much of a proper vintage lady, i'm afraid.

I can't wear sweaters when dancing (though I've tried many times), but even a cotton frock is beastly warm after a couple of spins around a crowded dance floor. :)
 

ShooShooBaby

One Too Many
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1,149
Location
portland, oregon
jitterbugdoll said:
I can't wear sweaters when dancing (though I've tried many times), but even a cotton frock is beastly warm after a couple of spins around a crowded dance floor. :)

:eek:fftopic: you DO live in arizona though... the warmest i've danced in has been socal!
 

Girl Friday

Practically Family
Messages
793
Location
Junius Heights, Dallas, Texas
Take a look...

At the sandals Lauren Bacall is wearing...1945. Awesome. ;)

Becall&Bogie.jpg
 

roselily

One of the Regulars
Messages
161
Location
On the Mississippi
Okay, so I'm resurrecting this thread rather than create one of my own, even though we're going into cold weather.

I'm actually curious about bobbie socks- are they the only alternative to stockings (or bare legs)for a younger person? How about tights or knee socks?

btw- for dancing I strongly recommend Danskin's NYCB seamed tights in tan- they're awesome with moisture management!
 

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