My new Glitzy Rhinestone Swimsuit is Here!

I just bought this for myself for Christmas, because I've been good this year, and well because I just LOVE it! Made by Danecraft of genuine Austrian Crystal with 24KT gold plating. I might try wearing it as a necklace as well, but it suits me just fine!

Hot Off the Press: Glamoursurfs Vintage Men's Swimwear

Back in 2009 Glamoursurf was contacted by AND MEN magazine for use of some of our vintage men's swimwear for a pictorial presence in the publication. The images contained here are what transpired from this effort. Fabulous no?

Photographer: Kah Poon

And Men is a biannual publication that explores men's fashion, grooming and lifestyle. It is currently available in selective magazine and book stores in the USA, Europe, South East Asia and Australia.

Newly listed at Glamoursurf!

We've been busy working on listing some fabulous lingerie in our store recently. This is just a small selection. We'll be listing new pieces all week, so if you don't see something today, be sure to check back tomorrow!

	Vintage 70s Subtract Black Lace Panty Girdle Stunning Vintage 70s Subtract Black Lace Panty Girdle, size 28-M. This stunning piece features a satin front with zip up closure. Balance of girdle is made of lace which is lined with black stretch fabric. Total piece is lined. Elastic along the inner bottom modesty panel hemline and at waistline.
	Vintage 70s Comfort Hours Brief White Lace Rubber Panty Girdle XXL New old stock with tags Vintage 70s Comfort Hours Brief White Lace Rubber Panty Girdle XXL. Made by JC Penney. Body: 84% Rubber, 16% Nylon. Front Panel:72% Rubber, 28% Nylon, Non elastic crotch facing: 100% Nylon, Crotch Liner 100% Cotton. Elasticized wait and leg openings.
	Vintage 60s Double Chiffon Nightgown Robe Short Babydoll Peignoir Set Vintage 60s Double Chiffon Nightgown Robe Short Babydoll Peignoir Set sz Large. Pretty in pink is what you'll be wearing this yummy set. Short puff sleeve robe has a sweet bow accent at the collar which snaps in place to hold closed. The sleeve endings, hemline and edges of the bow have a white lace inserted between the two layers of nylon chiffon. The short nightgown also has the same lace treatment on the shoulder straps and hemline. Babydoll nightgown also has two layers.
	Vintage 40s Petite Paris Black Sheer Silk T Back Nightgown 34 Vintage 40s Petite Paris Black Sheer Silk T back Nightgown 34. One of the most supreemly sexy nightgowns we've had in a while. Gathered bust cups have a double layer of silk. The back t strap is so unigue and has elasticised gathering at the back empire waistband. The sides have godets at the hemline. Pinked seams.
	Vintage 50s Coral Pink Vanity Fair Grecian Romantic Nightgown Negligee Vintage 50s Coral Pink Vanity Fair Grecian Romantic Nightgown Negligee sz 32. Nightgown has a semi sheer double chiffon bust with balance of gown being opaque. Knee length nightgown has an inset waistband with a double self fabric piped belt which can be tied at back or front. 100% all nylon tricot.
	Vintage 70s Vanity Fair Black Olga Style Nightgown XL Vintage 70s Vanity Fair Black Olga Style Nightgown XL. This gown take s it's cue from classic Olga styling yet it's made by Vanity Fair. The style has a beautiful lace inset at waistband and front bust cups. Nice full sweep skirted area.

Vintage 40s Two Piece Swimsuits

This is a page from a 1947 Montgomery Ward catalogue. Aren't these stylin? I really can't pick a favorite. All of them are gorgeous!

Cole of California Swimwear Advertising in the 1940s and 1950s

Fred Cole used various ingenious advertising techniques in his ads from the 1940s and 50s. We show share of them here.

1945

Cole developed Matletex, an elasticized fiber, that helped to create the shape of women.

1945

Wartime restrictions in the 1940s placed American companies on the amount of fabric they could use in fashions including swimwear. This is an ingenious way Cole used 'Parachute Colors' in advertising.

1946
Ren Wicks was one of the artists Cole of California used in their ads in the 1940s and 1950s.

1948

This is one of my favorites from Cole in the 1940s. Text for the main image reads "Backless Strapless swimsuit by Cole in EVERFAST. Exciting new bra engineered to stay put, trunks shirred with Lastex for perfect control. Sizes Small, Medium, Large $10.95. matching barrel skirt, ideal weekend accessory. $10.95

1949

And here is a stand alone ad featuring the same 'backless strapless' swimsuit paired with another skirt. I have yet to come across one of these types of backless strapless swimsuits. I would love to actually see the construction and how they really fit.


Esther Williams became the spokes model for Cole in the late 1940s. You can read more about that effort on our blog here. Overall, I believe these were successful and brilliant advertising techniques in their day.

PIN -UP Calendar & Journal Giveaway!!

Just in time for Christmas! Need a little something under your tree cause you've been good this year? Or perhaps a little goodie to place in your stocking! The kind folks over at Orange Circle Studio sent me some of their fantastic pin up calendars by Gil Elvgren. One large format and one smaller and both for 2011. We'll be giving these away to our blog readers.



I love Gil's work. And these images are suitable for framing too one you're done with the calendar.



They also threw in a couple of journals. The journals are very nicely bound with a bookmark and a special envelope section in back to keep your important receipts or notes. The images on the front look 'vintage' to me.





So, to enter the giveaway leave me a comment and tell me why you need one of these and how you've been good this year. I'll randomly select 4 lucky recipients to receive either the calendar or a journal. Giveaway will be open until December 10th. Please include a way for me to get in touch with you on your comment. Good luck!

The lovely Ella Raines

Today we share the lovely Ella Raines. Born in the 20s she traveled to Hollywood after graduating and started her short lived film career in the 1940s. She retired in 1956.

1943

1943

1947

1947

And lastly a small clip of her in Film Noir 'Phantom Lady' 1944.