I hate being a vintage snob. But for a long time every time there was a 1950s theme party or Halloween party, I would absolutely cringe when I would see a lady waltz in with a poodle skirt on. It bothered me that such a great period of fashion was reduced to a generic felt skirt with a poodle on it. That was until I actually sat down and did a little research. 
Juli Lynne Charlot was a singer, actress and fashion designer. Her story in a nut shell is, she meets the man of her dreams, quits her career to become the happy housewife. But her husband loses his job. She had over the years dabbled in fashion design and one Christmas for a party she decided to make her own clothes. She made a felt circle skirt from scrap materials supplied from her mother. Since, she had no sewing skills, a circle skirt was the easiest garment to be made. It could be completely cut from one piece of fabric without seams to sew. It was a hit. So, she sold it to a local boutique . The skirts supplied sold out immediately. She saved up some money to buy a factory. It was a very rocky beginning due to inexperience at running the books. Once, she hired the right person her designs took off.
The yellow skirt pictured is an example of one of her most famous designs. It was the inspiration for the now ever so popular poodle skirt.
Below is a vintage picture of the real deal.
The possibilities are endless. I simply love the skirts pictured to the right. Novelty skirts were very popular back then.
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| Here is me pictured with a appliqued circle skirt. Who knew it descended from the poodle shirt. |
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