15 January 2009

Turn of the Century Children

Recently I read an interview with Zooey Deschanel (I can't remember where!) and she was asked about her fashion inspirations. She mentioned that she always gets a little jealous of children's clothing. I have to admit I share her sentiment. While I don't like dressing child-like or coming off costumey, there is something about the details in children's clothing that always gets me. I think it's the little pleats and ruffles, the button details and the Peter Pan collars; all the charming bits and pieces that don't always translate well to adult clothing. I'd like to have grown up versions of these little turn of the century dresses...
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- all photos from Flickr

30 comments:

Alice said...

I agree! It's the beautiful little details and the proportions that make the clothes so adorable. I especially love the little girl in the 3rd photograph, so sweet!
Clothes back then were made with much more love and care, rather than mass produced, I think thats what makes them so special. xxxx

Parapluie said...

Oh, I so share that view! I love all the little details of childrens clothing back then!

Rebecca said...

Hello! I'm a new reader to your blog. I also get jealous of children's clothes - for some reason they're usually cuter than women's clothing! I'm still able to fit into a girl's XL shirt or dress every once in a while, and I try to take advantage of that.

Still, they don't make them like they used to. Those are adorable photos!

forest bound said...

that first photo is incredible!

Maya said...

I am also so jealous of kiddie clothes. I would steal my six year old sister's clothes if I could.

Anonymous said...

oh those photos made my heart leap!
x

Lisa said...

i used to work at a young girl's clothing store and would snag as many items as i could fit myself into.

i particularly love that first photo...could definitely see you in an outfit just like that little girl's!

Kathryn said...

Oh I share your sentiment, I just found some gorgeous Victorian photos today and the children's outfits are amazing!

me melodia said...

I love the first photo!
That little girls attitude, boots and pleats are to die for. Also a tiny tot in maryjanes is also pretty sweet.

AlicePleasance said...

Oh yes, those dresses are so nice! And these children have such fun expressions!

AlicePleasance said...

Oh yes, those dresses are so nice! And these children have such fun expressions!

Anonymous said...

So true! I do a lot of thrifting at a Goodwill bin store and I always get excited when I see a corner or something that looks amazing, but then I pull it out and it's a tiny child's dress, or a pillowcase or something. Pillowcases, curtains and kid's clothes are always tricking me!

Alice said...

I definitely agree. Tall ruffly socks, mary janes, pretty blouses, sweet skirts, ruffles, buttons, bows... to die for.

Anonymous said...

Ahh yes, I adore children's clothing & those old-timey b&w photos, too. Their eyes & facial expressions tell a sweet story. Too bad the TLC in making things nowadays is no longer there with the "must make more" mass production. I really wish we could go back to those more simple times.

I love the 3rd picture of the little girl in the ruffled dress...it makes me of think of another favorite ~ Shirley Temple! <3<3<3

ren said...

Aaw, what adorable photos!
The first one is especially cute.
;)

Anonymous said...

ooo those are amazing photos, I think the collars are missing from adult clothes

Penny said...

i totally agree!!! they always have the cutest peter pan collars and such lovely gingham checks!
kids get all the best things!

thevintageyear said...

Oh cute photos! I get totally jealous of childrens' clothes too... There's nothing worse than finding your dream dress on ebay then realising it's actually made for a 2 year old, hehe.

LauraK said...

Adorable! Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I have always kind of wanted grown-up children's clothing too! Sometimes I will stroll through the baby clothes section just because they are so adorable and frilly :) lol

Anonymous said...

Totally agree! Especially old fashion childrens clothing is admirable.

Meaghan Kelly said...

oh wow i couldnt agree more! i absoltuely love little children's clothes from the early 1900's.
the little bows in their hair are always so adorable! and those ruffles and pleats!

Anonymous said...

Yep. Unfortunately for me I still look like a kid (tho I'm 21). So it just looks like a kid wearing kids' clothing lol. Sometimes I feel like designers are just saving their best stuff for kids...

Josephine Frances said...

I completely agree! I also really like the chunky look of little kids jackets, and small sailor dresses are great because they are often much more smocky for kids, which i really like

Anonymous said...

Part of the reason I love collecting vintage needlework books and old snapshots is for the children's clothes! I always love the intricate details... I think what draws me the most to vintage children's wear is the work put into each piece (ruffles, lace insertion, embroidery... *drool*). I've even purchased a couple pieces for my own collection just to look at. :)

Unknown said...

Where do you find these things? you are an endless stream of inspiration!

Thank you! and have a super weekend!!



feather

Anonymous said...

Oh! I'm the same way--I always see kids clothes and wish they were in my size!! The collars and cute little details especially make me so jealous! These pictures are wonderful...I love them all--especially the first one!!

xx

Jenni said...

I hate kids... Sittin' around, looking all creepy, wearing cute clothes I can't wear and lordin' it over me...

Anonymous said...

I LOVE children's clothing. It's always so cute and innocent-like.

Should check out my blog:
http://glitteranddynamite.blogspot.com/

:)

Anonymous said...

Ohh. I'm adding you to my blogroll :)