Several weeks ago Emily of Emily's Vintage Visions posted a really neat 1939 article describing popular and fashionable color combinations of that era for spring. Meanwhile describing the most delectable outfits and accessories! Inspired by the article, she is hosting a photo contest of ensembles her readers put together inspired by the different suggested combinations.

I thought it was a great idea! Just reading over it made my mind teem with ideas. So here are photos of my entry, and also the first blog outing of the suit I made last winter. (If you're interested, there are still a few more days to enter since the deadline for sending her photos is May 3rd.)

There were so many wonderful descriptions of how to pair things for different styles of outfits. I especially loved the color pairings (some of it quite interesting!) since most 1940s movies and photos are in black and white, which shows details well but not what colors they wore!

I loved some of the other suggested combos but this was the only one actually in my closet and I had no time to sew another, though now some of those outfit descriptions are on my list to make! 

I went with the Navy & Wheat combo, suggested in the 3rd option. I already had the “natural color straw hat with spring flowers and a navy veil…"

…and the “two-piece navy suit, navy shoes and bag", but had no blouse the color of wheat so as a substitute I wore my white-and-blue blouse with wing collar and dramatic sleeves. I paired it first with  wheat gloves and navy bag as suggested.

This suit was made with each part from a different pattern – the skirt from a vintage Simplicity pattern, the vest adapted from a late '30s blouse pattern, and the button-back blouse from a pattern from the late '40s (I think).

I then switched it up a bit with navy gloves sporting a woven straw cuff, and a wheat clutch.

This also is my first photo shoot in our new home state of Idaho. Notice my new background! I'm sure you'll see a lot more of it. 🙂

We also have these cute little steps, right now crowded with plants and flowerbed ornaments. I thought it would make a good backdrop for a spring-themed outfit photo shoot.

I'm not sure which of my accessories I liked better with this suit, but I was very pleased with the pairing of wheat – golden tan – with navy blue, and will keep it in mind for future outings. Very tailored yet springish! Thank you, Emily, for the impetus for this photo shoot and the lovely article to refer to!