Winter fashion & beauty tips from 1911

The lovely Donnah Morgan (with whom I'm running a workshop in January) gave me the most fabulous early Christmas present - the very first issue of Woman's Weekly from November 1911. I spent a morning pouring over the articles, and the adverts which are almost as entertaining! (It does indeed seem that everything was a miracle cure back then).

One of the things that I found really interesting was that although the fashions may have changed, and women's lives may be a little different, the issues they faced are in very many ways the same that we would see in women's magazines today. There is a page-long article on how to rid oneself of 'over-fat' (the suggestion is a new diet pill) and an advert for 'bust enlargement', as well as one of my favourites - how to update last winter's clothes for the new season. See, even in 1911 women were looking to get the latest trends on a budget!

So, as 2011 draws to a close, I thought I'd share a few pictures with you, and some of the top fashion & beauty tips from 1911. Thanks again to Donnah for the amazing gift!

The Winter Complexion
One of the reasons why some complexions become dull and sallow in the winter is that their owners stay too much indoors, and so miss the outdoor exercise which is the best skin tonic in the world. Many women are absurdly averse to rain and wind, and during the dark months get into the habit of spending the greater part of their leisure time lounging in front of a big fire. This practice has a debilitating effect upon the whole system. All the organs, and the liver in particular begin to function imperfectly, with the result that the blood becomes impure and the complexion muddy-looking. A quick short walk in the rain, with a cam and no umbrella, serves wonderfully to freshen up the complexion.

Doing Up Last Winter's Costumes
I am taking it for granted that you have a coat and skirt in fairly good condition put away, and now want to freshen it up for everyday wear this winter. Probably it has quite a narrow skirt that has become rather shaped to the figure, and a little rubbed at the back, and the coat, while there is nothing definitely wrong with it, doesn't look quite new. In the first place, brush the cloth thoroughly, sponge carefully, press well under a piece of muslin, and remove any obstinate spots with benzine. Procure some black velveteen, single width (in a good enough quality it will cost you 1s, 11d the yard); Insert narrow inverted pleats of this either at the side seams or at each side of the back panel (according to the cut of the skirt); this will give the slight extra width that is fashionable.

Keep Wrinkles at Bay
Most people was their faces in such a way that lines and wrinkles are deepened instead of smoothed out. Get into the habit of moving the hands upwards and outwards, instead of in the usual up and down way. This practice will keep the heaviest age lines at bay.