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Women's Magazines The turn of the century ushers in a flood of new magazines designed purely for women, with fashion tips, gossip and society news. Some even include dress patterns, for those who want to make something of themselves, but can't afford to shop at upscale stores. Many women can only imagine themselves as participants in this magical world, but it opens up a whole new market for advertisers. |
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Sheet Music, too Phonographs will soon be arriving to liven up the evening, but right now the only home music happens in gatherings around the upright piano in the parlor. The Ladies' Home Journal helps out by offering the latest tunes, in the form of sheet music. For the upper crust, a grand ball with a live orchestra can provide the setting for a magical evening. Gowns, of course, are floor length. | |||||||||
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High Society Vogue Magazine, another budding women's magazine, is targeted at the debutante set and their distinguished parents, offering a rare glimpse into New York's upper class. The stylish graphics set something of a benchmark for urban sophistication, with coverage of sports and social affairs thrown in to interest the man of the house. | |||||||||
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The Queen of Fashion McCall's Magazine actually starts out as a vehicle to showcase the sewing patterns created by its founder, and keeps the feature when it broadens its coverage to include children's issues, health, beauty and foreign travel. For many years, sewing patterns continue to fill many of its pages. | |||||||||
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Department Stores Many of the big urban department stores offer catalogs featuring new fashions for the coming season, to entice customers back in for a fresh look around. The illustrators needed to fill such catalogs often display a flair for depicting people. | |||||||||
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The First Amazon Montgomery Ward is where people shop for the many less glamorous items that are needed to furnish a home. Like kitchenware, plumbing, furniture and ... violins? Rural folk might be more interested in the harrows and plows, buggies or cast iron stoves. It's the mega-store of its day, until Sears Roebuck arrives to swoop in and dominate the entire market. | |||||||||