Rose Marie Reid Swimsuits, 1954

Tired of winter?  Here's a bit of relief.  This ad for Rose Marie swimsuits is from November of 1954 and featured two jewel-toned suits for tropical vacations during the winter of that year.  The suits are incredible, but note the matching scarves that were designed specifically to coordinate by Rex.  And then note the addition of the rhinestone starfish brooch on the pink scarf.  Love!

"Pouf go those winter winds! Blaze goes the sun...and from Trinidad to Tuscan, Majorca to Miami, you're part of the fun!  Smart girl, if you're a second-vacation traveler, revitalizing for the rest of the year. Lucky girl, if your first flight is in fashion...a new shape that says you've arrived!  The shape, a feather boned sheath.  The suits, "Court Lady," left, $19.95. "Beau Catcher," right, $17.95." (That's about $173 and $156 in today's dollar.)

Photo from a full page ad appearing in Harper's Bazaar for Rose Marie Reid, 1954.

Novelty Print Swimsuit - 1954

Photo by Tom Palumbo for Harper's Bazaaar

This morning I was doing my usual thing, flipping through one of my vintage magazines looking for inspiration to post for you here.  And there it was....bam!  This image nearly knocked me out of my chair!  Do you see it?  From 1954, this Rose Marie Reid swimsuit is made from black cotton printed with giant red, white and blue safety pins!  Look again.....do you see it?  The matching cotton terry beach towel with the same print enlarged on white terry!  This will make me smile all day long.  Swimsuit sold in 1954 for $12 (about $102 in today's dollar.)  Beach towel sold in 1954 for $4 (about $34 in today's dollar.)