On my bookshelf: The Mode in Dress and Home

This vitage Home Economics textbook is one of my very favorite books that I own. Originally published in 1935, this is the "New Edition" published in 1939 by Dulcie Godlove Donovan of the Los Angeles, California Department of Home Economics.

The purpose of this book is to teach a young girl how to be attractive and popular, how to cook and sew, how to care for a home and family of her own, how to dress and talk and act accordingly and how to become "a worthy member of society."

There are absolutely charming illustrations all throughout this book:

And when it comes to sewing, there is great information about all manner of things:

There are times when I just take this book off the shelf and page through it. This volume has definitely seen better days, and has pen and pencil marks throughout the book, including the name Jeannie penned just inside the front cover. Sometimes I wonder what ever happened to Jeannie, how she did in Home Economics, and if she managed to fit in "as a worthy member of society."

As for me, I struggle to balance the life that Jeannie learned about in her textbook with that of a working professional, sometimes it all comes together and then there are days when it all comes apart at the seams!

Take a look at this wonderful book yourself! Browse through the 1935 issue of  The Mode in Dress and Home right here!