What is she on about now, I hear you cry. Well, recently, I re-discovered this little beauty languishing in the back of my wardrobe.
Beeeeoooootiful isn't it?
I bought this 1950s swimming costume about 13 years ago at a car boot sale, never wore it (dunno why as it did fit if I remember rightly) and had it on display in the bathroom of our old house. Since moving house 10 years ago, I'd forgotten all about it it until now.
It's made of cotton, has a lovely ruched front with an elasticated back. It has a detachable strap which buttons onto the inside so the lucky wearer can wear it halter style or strapless. The orange tulips are gorgeous, don't you think? And even more vibrant than my pictures show.
Sadly, the elastic at the back of the cossie is no longer elasticky (no, I don't think that's a word either). So, the dilemma is: do I keep the swimming cossie as an almost but not quite fine example of the 1950s swimsuit or do I transform it into ..........(1950s swimwear fans, look away now)......a cushion cover (or some such thing)!
What would you do?
I've also got a largish number of 1950s/60s dresses which I used to wear, back in the day, that are also languishing in my wardrobe. I'll show you them sometime. I still wear a couple of them but the rest don't fit me anymore and I can't bring myself to sell them. Oh dilemmas, dilemmas..........
Personally I couldn't cut into it. I feel your dilemma and I cannot help. Sorry. xxxx
ReplyDeleteOh, it's gorgeous! I used to wear one tucked into jeans as a firty suntop as all that cantilevering and ruching did wonders for my lack of boobage.
ReplyDeleteI think a cushion cover would be a lovely end, you can admire it daily. xxx
PS If you haven't already get hold of "House Proud" by Danielle Proud, it's full of fabulous projects to transform both furniture and old clothes into something more beautiful.
I couldn't cut it either, it would seem a shame. Why not put it on display again?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't cut it up - but make a cushion - an unusual cushion keeping the shape of the costume. Or just keep it with your other dresses
ReplyDeleteJulie xxxxxxxx
Argh please don't cut it up! I see your dilemma though; I often see fab vintage cossies in charity shops but have no idea how I would wear/use them. Love Vix's suggestion of a suntop
ReplyDeletex
It's lovely and pretty, I would feel guilty cutting into it too! :) x
ReplyDeleteIt would be a shame to cut it but it will be better on display as something else than forgotten and all sad in the bottom of a drawer somewhere.
ReplyDeleteKandi x
I feel the same about cutting it up as I do about chopping up old books for illustrations etc - a great big nooooooooooooooooo.
ReplyDeleteCan you frame it or put it on a pretty hanger as a display piece? It's beautiful enough to be a piece of artwork.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Don't cut it up! It would be a sin! Mind you I don't know what you should do with it!
ReplyDeleteOh my, such a beauty! I couldn't bear to cut it up but at the end of the day it's your decision.
ReplyDeleteShe is lovely though.
Have a great weekend.
x
Oh I think it's so special as-is. It would look amazing framed. Not sure if you've seen this - http://beachvintage.blogspot.com/2009/05/project-day-framed-vintage-swimsuits.html
ReplyDeleteHow fantastic as a wall hanging?? :)
I'm with the majority.Keep it in all it's fifties beauty.
ReplyDeleteNo I didn't make Percy! He was gift from my SIL a few Xmas's ago.Have a lovely Sunday. :0)
Hi gorgeous Loo,
ReplyDeleteCould you re-elasticky it and either keep it as a swimming costume or turn it into a gorgeous fifties-style halter top?
I think it would be easy peasy.
Alternatively, cushion....
I'll cut into it for you, if you are having moral dilemmas. I have no qulms about cutting older things. If it's not working for you then make it so it is.....is my not-so-catchy mantra!!
Now I will try and duck while everyone throws things at me.
Sarahxx
You should send them to me! Who definately had a 50s+ figure ;)
ReplyDeleteO My goodness NOOOOO please don't cut it up i can feel my heart racing just at the thought its far to beautiful for that its unique and of its day 50's fashion is so Elegant, please keep it so the future generations can enjoy it the way you did it at the time. Would love to see your dresses sometime to. Sorry my comment doesn't help either. Dee
ReplyDeleteOh please do not cut it up - It reminds me of one I had back in the day, the only thing about these costumes is when wet they tended to 'droop' not a flattering sight I might add. It would be such a shame to cut it up so have you thought of contacting a fashion museum to ask if they want it? but please, please please do not cut it up - I could give it a good home if you really want to get rid of it!!!!! Have a lovely weekend
ReplyDeleteBeverley x
Hope you make the right decision, but I couldn't chop it up either!
ReplyDeleteIt is totally delectable.
Lisa x
Oh wow, I am in love with that swimming costume! I love all things 1950s! xxx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic item. I love it and it would be a pleasure to wear it (if I could ever get into it!). I agree with everyone else. DO NOT CUT IT UP! I would always keep anything like that - Other Half says 'that figures'. Failing that, the idea of giving it to a museum or displaying it suitably sounds great. What about a 1950s Holiday photo-shoot with yourself in the cossy and other family members suitably attired, making a memorable photo - in sepia or faded colour of course! Ann x
ReplyDeleteNO! No! NO! Please don't cut it. Have the elastic mended, then wear it as a top with a skirt or sunning at the beach with an umbrella, or just display it again. It is a true gem from the 50's.
ReplyDeleteI echo everyone else and say DON'T LET THE SCISSORS NEAR IT! Could you frame it and hang it on the wall?
ReplyDeleteSeems like I'm going to go against the grain here but I say do it. Don't get me wrong it is a gorgeous piece and it is a shame that it needs to be but if you aren't using or able to use it as it is then why not get the enjoyment out of it in another manner.
ReplyDeletex
I so want that cossie !don`t cut it pleeease !
ReplyDeleteHello Sarah! I think it's lovely and unique!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for visiting and your lovely comment!
Best sunny wishes! Teje
Sorry , but I agree with the don't cut it lobby, it is a lovely bit of history. If you send a photo of it to Cath Kidston you'll probably see them in her summer catalogue !!
ReplyDeleteLouisex
PS I love your blog, this is my first visit
So, Loo, did you decide what to do with this? I see I was a lone voice calling in the desert for some snipping action!
ReplyDeleteI should be stoned for swimming-costume heresy
id keep it as it is and display it in the bathroom again, but if your not going to use it that way then i might be tempted to cut it and reuse it rather than just have it packed away! fliss xxx
ReplyDeletehi I am just catching up on some blogs having been off line for ages this cozzie is lovely I don't think I would have the heart to cut up such a rare and pretty item but then again it could be transformed into something magnificent .I cant wait to see your other vintage clothes
ReplyDeletexx fee
Shall I start a campaign by commenting on your blog every hour on the hour until I hear the answer to my swimming costume question?
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine if I did that....!! That would be too weird. In fact, it's weird I'm even thinking it!
The suspense is too much for me......
Sarahxx