If You're Not Slender...

                                               
So, I just started a new part-time job at Lane Bryant. It's a nice store, and the history nerd in me loves the idea of working for a company that has been around since the early 1900's. Not many companies last that long. Even Sears is on the decline now.

I've always been a big girl, and the term "plus-size" has been in my shopping dictionary, but I'm guessing that  the euphemism hasn't been around that long. According to the 1923 ad above, "stout" was used to market to us big and beautiful ladies. I honestly like the word. It might not be so feminine, but it gives off an air of power and confidence. "Plus-size" sounds like you are calling people abnormal. "There are normal sizes, and then there are plus-sizes."

At least it's better than chubby! I lol'ed at the ad on the bottom. Chubbies? Really? Who thought that was a good idea? Now that's just insulting! Hahaha.! Not sure on the date, but it looks around 1950-early1960-ish.

The Tallest Structure in the World

The worst part about having a grandmother who is somewhat of a hoarder is cleaning out 70 years worth a stuff out of her house when she decides to sell it. The best part---finding stuff like this.

It's a brochure/menu from the Empire State Building. I'm not sure of the date, but it says that the Empire State Building is the tallest structure in the world. The building held that title from when it was built in 1931 until 1967. So we know that this is from before 1967. I'm guessing that it's from the 1950s. Judging by the food prices this seems right. Ten cents for a cup of coffee (Now: $3 in Starbucks ...easy), and those are NYC prices! I have to admit that the menu does seem a little dull. American cheese sandwich? Where is the nearest Panera Bread?

Sorry if it's a little blurry on the ends. The brochure was slightly bigger than my scanner.

Solitair Cake Make-up

I recently came across this amazing blog called Glamour Daze about vintage fashion and beauty. It has tons of great photos and video that date as early as 1900. There's a lot of interesting facts and tid-bits about the history of fashion and beauty. It's definitely worth a peek! Anyway, After looking through "Glamour Daze," I was inspired to post my vintage make-up ad that I found tucked away. I love vintage advertising with a passion, and I fell in love with this ad instantly. I found it in a page saved from a newspaper dated June 8, 1952.