Waiting for Santa

When you're settled in tonight waiting for Santa, why not do it in style? Nothing feels more glamorous than a vintage lounge robe from the 1940s. If you've got one hiding in your closet, tonight is the perfect opportunity to pull it out and let yourself be the star that rivals the one atop the Christmas tree.

Jean Patou wool robe with voluminous sleeves, 1945.

Jean Patou satin robe, 1945.

Molyneux wool robe, 1945.

Pink velvet robe completely lined in chinchilla fur by Carven, 1946.

Lucien Lelong satin robe with fur collar and pockets, 1945.

Holiday Gifts - Loungewear 1949

Loungewear always makes a lovely gift. How different are these lovely options from 1949 than the velour crap robes we can buy today! So much more glamorous and alluring, don't you think?

Jay-Nee jacquard tunic top with crepe back satin pants for informal evenings at home or Sunday loafing! About $116 in today's dollar.

Grayson Robinson Stores offered this quilted rayon brunch coat in several color combinations. $54 in today's dollar.

LampLighter Oriental style lounging pajamas in acetate crepe. $54 in today's dollar.

Campus Girl striped cotton flannel coachman style lounging coat with matching pants and scuff slippers. $36 in today's dollar.

Louisa Alcott polka dot rayon crepe housecoat. $54 in today's dollar.

Glamorous Loungewear from 1949

It's been a long day at the office. Due to cut backs and layoffs, you're doing the work of 2 1/2 people, putting in endless hours as just another cog in the wheel of commerce. You trudge home, put on the same oversize t-shirt and sweatpants you've been wearing in the evening for the last three years. And in the back of your mind, you hear Peggy Lee singing, "Is That All There Is?".

When is the last time you felt like a woman? When is the last time you pampered yourself? When is the last time you indulged your glamorous side?

In the 1930's, 40's, and 50's, at the end of the day, a woman would don luxurious loungewear, and spend the evening feeling feminine and beautiful. She didn't wear it for her man (although it didn't hurt), but for herself. Why not give it a try, and see if it boosts your mood? And if you've never had the pleasure of feeling vintage rayon satin against your skin, you're in for a treat. There's nothing today that feels quite so sultry and delicious.

Above, a Dorian lounge robe in wool jersey with rayon slipper satin skirt, collar, and cuffs. Sold at Neiman Marcus and Best and Co. for $35 in 1949 ($317 today).

A champagne rayon slipper satin lounge robe styled like a trench coat by Raymodes. Sold at Saks Fifth Avenue for $20 in 1949 ($182 today).

Left - Textron hostess gown in red, blue, or green taffeta with black plaid, adorned with black buttons and a black leather belt. Sold for $25 in 1949 ($227 today).

Right - Robert Rosenfeld black rayon pajama jumpsuit with a rayon taffeta overblouse in copper with black stripes. Sold for $35 in 1949 ($317 today).

Lounge robes and pajamas from the 40's are becoming harder to find, but here's a great set from Robin Clayton Vintage that has a short robe with matching wide leg pajama pants. When searching online, you can also search the term hostess robe to bring more results.

For fun, here's the captivating Jean Harlow in some over-the-top lingerie from 1933's "Dinner at Eight".