So it turns out that I'm a bit of a streaker.
I suppose it's natural when you live by yourself... You just stop bothering to put on a robe and slippers every time you leave the bedroom. And though it really isn't a problem if my blinds are closed, I don't think it's very vintage-minded of me to be running about with only my nightclothes on.
Every time I see a movie from these years, the heroine (or villainess) always seems to wake in the morning with her slippers on the floor by her bed and her bathrobe draped over the foot of the bed. Before she steps away from her bedside, she's gracefully attired in robe and slippers. Even in her own home, it's kind of improper that anybody see your nightgown but your mirror and your spouse.
Should I really be treating my home like it's one big bedroom?
12 comments:
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That robe with the hood would be great for those who live in cold climates!
I wonder about things like this. I'm sure modesty standards were higher "back in the day" but I also think part of it might be a lot like the way contemporary actresses wear lipgloss and understated eyeshadow in their sleep.
Of course, I'm guessing that less efficient heating would have prompted some dressing gown wearing anyway!
Although not related to this post, I wanted to comment on what you said about dairy, especially top milk and cream. I did my supermarket run today and was thinking that dairy was a big shock to me when I came to Britain. There are more types of cream here, and lots of things that Americans "add hot water" to are made with hot milk here. When I moved here, it felt as if I was going back in time boiling all of that milk.
I seem to recall my grandparents always attired in robes over nightclothes when I visited in the early '70s. But my grandmother wore short nighties with a peignoir (come to think of it, she's traded the peignoir for heavier silk in her 80s), so it wasn't the full-on Hollywood Hayes Code Look.
I ran around my place naked in the morning until I accidentally flashed myself to a neighbor a couple of months ago. Now I feel more modest even if I'm only wearing a sheer bed jacket.
If you're more comfortable without the robe, I say be scandalous!
Whether you live alone or with rooommate/spouse/SO/family I firmly believe a pretty bathrobe is a must. If you sew, Butterick has reissued one of their wartime "dressing gown" patterns, B5152.
http://www.butterick.com/item/B5152.htm??tab=sleepwear_maternity_men_uniforms&page=1
Courtney, thank you! I just left you a note at your blog...
Hairball, I love the hoodie! It's like a track suit 'n' bathrobe all in one. ;)
Public Artist, I guess the only people who can really give us the lowdown are people who lived through the era. What we see in the movies is never quite what goes on in real-life homes... Both my cookbook and one of the vintage magazine articles I read about breakfast recommend cooking your hot cereals in milk instead of water. For that extra serving of dairy, I guess.
Teru, darn those neighbors! There's a new couple living just across the way from me and they smoke outside on their landing. So I have to be careful to keep the blinds closed after dark. Not that they'll be that thrilled by my ratty ol' pajamas anyway!
Shay, I wish I sewed! Maybe after I master all this housework... I love the blue robe with the plaid panel in the picture in this post.
That is hilarious as I have that same pattern. Although I have since found a pattern form the 1950's. I have to say that I and my husband both wear pajamas (well I wear night gowns mostly and sometimes pajamas) and we both wear robes. We have always done this. We do, indeed, leave our slippers at our side of the bed facing out so easy to step into. we leave our robes hanging in the closet, though I leave mine in my husbands as his closet is closer to the bed, so it is easy to get to before I head downstairs in the morning. Of course, we live in new england where it is often cold, though even in high summer we do the same, only lighter weights. Of course I am a kookie person who has chosen to timetravel back to the 50's so probably not your norm. I do think, however, that having these morning clothes does make one feel 'done' before getting dressed and we both love lounging in on a sunday in these morning outfits. SO, my vote is go for a robe and some nice pajamas or nightgowns.
i have intentions of making a chiffon robe to go with my hostess slippers...
and maybe a flanel robe for winter
"...the heroine (or villainess) always seems to wake in the morning with her slippers on the floor by her bed and her bathrobe draped over the foot of the bed. Before she steps away from her bedside, she's gracefully attired in robe and slippers. Even in her own home, it's kind of improper that anybody see your nightgown but your mirror and your spouse."
I always did that and still do.
Alfazema
50s gal, as a person who spent most of my life in a much colder climate, I remember very well that the last thing you wanted your toes touching on a freezing winter's morning was an ice-cold floor. And you had to put on a bathrobe if you were going to get out of those warm covers! I have the opposite problem where I'm living now. For several months, it's so darn hot - even in the middle of the night - that an extra stitch of clothing feels practically impossible.
Weenie_Elise, a chiffon robe! How fantastic... Yes, you must find or make something that will live up to your hostess slippers. They definitely up the ante.
Alfazema, I'm heartened to know there are women out there who still believe in a little modesty. Thanks so much for visiting my blog!
Sweetie, it's too bad you don't live nearby, we could work out a trade ;-)
Just for the eye-candy here are instructions for a "housecoat" and a pair of scuffs from 1950...a little bit late for your era but still fun to look at.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14033721@N06/sets/72157604410471218/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14033721@N06/2310523381/in/set-72157604048311089/
Thanks for the links! Hey, I can crochet. Maybe I can crochet myself a housecoat or slippers. :)
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