Fakes, Good Taste, No Money

Apparently, the woman here is a "fake beatnik in fake fabrics."

Today's translation: A thrifty vegan (wannabe?) hipster. Right? 

sounds almost like me!

Paging through a Cosmopolitan Magazine from February 1960 this editorial on thrifty shopping grabbed my attention; "Fakes, Good Taste, No Money." It profiles fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld as he assists a young woman shop for an entire outfit for under $20. (with inflation that's over $150! *)

He gives the following tips on scoring the best deals at "basement" shops. Verbatim.

Cosmopolitan, Feb. 1960 Lyn Tornabene

You wouldn't want your mother giving you bum steers, now would you? wink.

Below are some direct excerpts from this editorial.

  (Left) $8. Plaid Corduroy suit for "shopping, social work, or getting the bosses job" is a composite of Blumenfeld's fashion philosophies: "Underaccessorize rather than overdo matters; one wrong jewel can destroy all elegance. Don't try to match too much. And wear a hat only if you want to look like an executive."

(Right) $6 This nylon chiffon is from the "Specials" rack of a chain store. "This is a sensational gown," says Blumenfeld. "It looks like one hundred dollars worth of dress."Jewelry cost $2.50; gloves $4.

Sure is Mr. Blumenfeld.

Isn't this fun? I adore the ironies and similarities of these rules- and even vocabulary- to today. 

* I found a really fun website for those who are interested in economics (ha!) No really, to calculate the worth of a dollar in any year compared to what it is today. Go to:

www.usinflationcalculator.com

It's incredible to know that is cost just $1,500 to buy a Ford Thunderbird in 1955. Adjusted for inflation that's $12,685. 

Can I have a time machine, please?