Harlem rooftop fashion shoot, 1942

Lorraine Duffy Merkl, author of the acclaimed novel Fat Chick, usually publishes her personal parenting anecdotes in places like the New York Times. So I was honored to have her share her own mother's memorable style exclusively for this here little window shop.

Lorraine writes:

"My love of vintage comes from growing up looking at photos of my now 88-year-old mother Angelina (Sacino) Duffy.

I have boxes of pictures with her in cocktail dresses, suits with peplum waists and shoulder pads, peg pants and all that was in vogue when she was a young woman.

This shot, taken on the roof of her apartment in the Italian section of Harlem circa 1942, is a particular favorite of mine. I love the strappy shoes, trousers, formfitting top to accentuate her small waist, and most of all the 'Take that Betty Grable' attitude.

Even though her family did not have a lot of money, my mother always managed to look stylish, because as a gifted seamstress she made most of her own clothes."