2000.159.5

This three piece outfit/pants suit was made and worn by Deborah Cooper while she was working at the H. C. Capwell Co. After working in Capwell's warehouse she was made a clerk and worked in the dowtown Oakland store at 20th Street between Broadway and Telegraph. Women were required to wear skirts. However, early in 1973 management changed the dress code so that women were allowed to wear "pants suits" to work. "Pants suits" implied that the top and the bottom had to be coordinated. The fabric used is "kettle cloth" which was purchased in the Capwell fabric department. The suit was developed from three different patterns (2000.159.2, 2000.159.3 and 2000.159.4). The pants from the Simplicity pattern, the top, especially the collar from Butterick 3139 and the sleeves from Butterick 6548. The outfit was worn during the Spring and Summer of 1973 along with a necklace of white shells, purchased at Cost Plus in San Francisco (2000.159.6) and a pair of white slip on sandals with 2" cork heels which were purchased at Capwell's. A: Blouse, made of printed lime green and white printed gingham with long sleeves; 6 white buttons down the front and one on each cuff. B: Trousers, made of lime green kettle cloth, with a zip fly front, a pocket at either hip (on the side) and a 1 1/2" cuff at the bottom of each leg. C: Sash of matching lime green kettle cloth, top stitched in matching thread.

Used: work | H. C. Capwell | Oakland | Adult | Female | Deborah Cooper | Women's issues