30s Secretaries Dressing Inspiration

[MissNathalieVintage]

I am a clerk "AKA" secretary, I very much dislike the title clerk (modern term). It confuses people, when I say secretary I get the ohhh look.
I have always admired the 1930s secretary look but have been so over whelmed when trying to achieve the 30s secretary wardrobe. Especially in the summer.
Do any of you ladies know of good repo sites that offer secretary type clothing?
I say repo since I have to do a lot of bending and stretching. I do wear vintage but would like to add more repo to my wardrobe.

I am very inspired by these photos.
From: Twitter.Com/AdelinesAttic

Took me long enough to buy this one! Seriously! #1930s , #vintage , #yegvintage http://instagram.com/p/ckKvboOfKh/

My fall vintage fashion cues will be coming from smart talking and sharp dressing 30s secretaries,… http://instagram.com/p/ckn0WzufEw/

30s secretary dresses are all about action at the neckline: makes sense since it's what would have… http://instagram.com/p/ckti0WOfAN/

Eeps! 30s blouse http://instagram.com/p/cku39yOfC3/

Now, THAT'S some serious 30s swagger! http://instagram.com/p/ckyTQVOfLA/
I do have a few vintage collars, a lady tie, and a dickie pin, I adore and ware as often as I can.
I got my lady tie from http://www.etsy.com/shop/flappergirl best tie ever!
My dickie pin is from https://www.etsy.com/shop/vinnyandvernelle?ref=seller_info_count

 

[pineapplefruitcake]

Ooh those photos are darling! I think Jitterbuggin or http://puttin-on-the-ritz.net/blouses/trip-up-the-nile-blouse.htm might have the sort of thing you're after - they have some lovely blouses although they are a little on the expensive side. Are you able to knit? if so there are some really good and quite simple 1930's sweater patterns available that pretty much instantly add a vintage vibe without having to accessorize at all

 

[Metatron]

Don't know about repros,
but thought you would enjoy this photo:

from 'They Drive by Night' (1940)

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Try this lace thingies to add a 30s vibe to your modern blouses. I don't know the correct name. Got a safety pin on their back. Same seller also has some nice repro blouses and skirts.

 

[Stray Cat]

Well, for inspiration, I offer:

and

As for links to shops:

http://www.20thcenturyfoxy.com/en/1930s-inspired-fashion
20th Century Foxy

http://www.heydayonline.co.uk/default/womens-clothing
Heyday!

Hope it helps.

 

[LizzieMaine]

If you sew, there are some good basic blouse patterns -- the "Simplicity Retro" pattern 1590 offers several variations of a basic '40s blouse, and if you can sew from original 1930s-40s unprinted patterns, blouse patterns tend to be much cheaper than dress patterns.

from 'They Drive by Night' (1940)

Boy, I really hated that job.

 

[fashion frank]

Had to Look Twice !

If you sew, there are some good basic blouse patterns -- the "Simplicity Retro" pattern 1590 offers several variations of a basic '40s blouse, and if you can sew from original 1930s-40s unprinted patterns, blouse patterns tend to be much cheaper than dress patterns.





Boy, I really hated that job.

Wow is that your stunt double Lizzie , she looks just like you !

All the Best, Fashion Frank

 

[Stray Cat]

Wow is that your stunt double Lizzie , she looks just like you !

Now that you've mentioned it, Frank...
The resemblance is quite stunning! :nod:

 

[Poison]

If you knit:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/3-hour-sweater-1930s

http://thevintagepatternfiles.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/1930's

 

[Lovely Leah]

e

These shoes are perfect for the 1930s secretary. Check out page 224, I had two pairs of the Gypsy tie, one in black and the other in white. My aunt stored them away they were in pristine condition when I found them in a closet. The open toe pair above them are beautiful. Alas, I could have never worn them. I am sure a sexy 1930s secretary could have down them justice.

 

[MissNathalieVintage]

Great find you guys

 

[Two Types]

From 'The Secret of the Loch' (1934)

 

[Maltese]

nice arms

 

[scarletgrenadine]

This makes me think of Miss Lemon as played by Pauline Moran in the Poirot Series. I love her clothes. Maybe she will help with inspiration?

http://justskirtsanddresses.blogspot.com/2013/06/miss-lemon-wardrobe-files-introduction.html

 

[W-D Forties]

scarletgrenadine - I LOVE that Miss Lemon blog, what a great source of info! I have a couple of 30's clutch bags just like hers and I was always baffled as to what that strap at the back was for.

 

[Stray Cat]

This makes me think of Miss Lemon

She's just perfect:

 

[Miss Sis]

The strap at the back of 1930s handbags is just that - a strap to slip your hand through. It also happens to be handy for sliding your gloves through should you remove them to eat. After all, a lady doesn't otherwise remove her gloves in public.

 

[Two Types]

Patricia Roc (in her first film role) as a secretary in The Gaunt Stranger (1938)

Zip-up dress and mini bow tie.

 

[Stray Cat]

Just to add this one:

 

[Stray Cat]

Ruth Donnelly as Miss Stevens in "Blessed Event" (1932)