Curve-Hugger: Vintage and Vintage-Inspired Fashion and Beauty

Vintage Inspiration: Autumn Bride

2009-11-12T23:55:00.004-08:00

Not that I'm looking or anything (ok, admit it ladies, we're always looking!), but I found my dream wedding dress:

[ White Dahlia at Joan Shum Brides, $6500 ]

Pretty much the most amazing dress ever! It was modeled after a 1940s housedress... *swoon*

I love the shirtdress-style overdress, and the voluminous puff-ball skirt underneath. Such a nice contrast with the sharp, vintage-inspired tailoring up top. Although, because it's Etsy and custom-made, you could probably get it with a straight skirt or a shorter full skirt (in the fit-and-flare party dress mode), which would be less formal but still so bombshell.

Also love the styling in the close-up shot, with the sparkly dress clip, deco necklace, and white netting fascinater/veil.

I ♥ Etsy!

Death By Fabulous: Sonia Rykiel for H&M

2009-11-11T08:16:00.004-08:00

I just saw this in my e-mail inbox this morning and OH. MY. GOODNESS.

[ Via StyleCaster ]

Couldn't you just die??!!!!!

I don't normally post about ladies' underpinnings, but these are just too fabulous. I love the heavy vintage vibe, and that these pieces make "shapewear" sexy.

And that pale pink color? So sweet. The whole line feels very vintage European. Every woman should feel like a pinup when she's getting dressed in the morning!

I am 99.9% positive they will not be stocking my brassiere size, so I'll have to sit this frenzy out, but I hope some of you will be able to get your paws on these gorgeous pieces!

The Sonia Rykiel line (including knitwear as well as the lingerie pictured above) will be hitting 3 lucky H&M stores and Rykiel's boutiques on December 5th, but will be available in all 250 H&Ms February 20th (source). Mark your calendars, ladies!!

Vintage Love: 1940s Eyeglasses

2009-09-27T17:50:00.003-07:00

I just won this gorgeous pair of 1940s art deco-feeling eyeglasses off dr.hugo on eBay! Aren't they gorgeous?!!

$24.80 with shipping (+ the cost of adding my own prescription lenses). :)

I am so tickled to finally own a pair of vintage eyeglasses! I've been waffling back and forth about what style, frame thickness, level of ornament, etc. for quite some time now. I love that these are slightly masculine-feeling, but with a nice amount of detail to them. I won't really know whether they'll work until I try them on, but the size matches up to my current eyeglasses (though these are a bit taller). I'll be sure to take photos as soon as they arrive! I can't wait!!!!

Worn Out: "Rough Rough"

2009-09-08T21:35:00.018-07:00

So... I'm a little nervous, but I wanted to share a little project of mine:

[ "Rough Rough" on YouTube ]

I'm in photography school (university round 2!), and I made this short film/photo story for one of my projects. The lead actress is my gorgeous cousin, and Jake is her dog. ;) All of the clothing and accessories she's wearing are mine, and I styled it from top to bottom. I definitely picked the song first, and then put together the story around it, with a twist of course! I hope you enjoy it!

About the outfits (in the order that you see them)...

Griffith Park:
Top: Velvet at Anthropologie
Belt: American Apparel
Skirt: Paper Doll Clothing, thrifted at Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: BC Footwear on Endless
Hair bows: street vendor!

[ L: American Apparel $16, R: ModCloth $39.99 ]

Bob's Big Boy:
Dress: vintage from Funky Monkey (New Orleans)
Petticoat: Hubba Hubba!
Belt: Buffalo Exchange
Shoes: Payless
Hair bows: street vendor
Necklace: vintage, Funky Monkey

[ Sock Dreams $30]

Frank's Diner:
Top: Miuse at Francesca's Collections
Shorts: Urban Outfitters (sailor buttons!)
Shoes: Payless

[ Payless $24.99 ]

Girl's House 1:
Dress: vintage '80s bodycon, Funky Monkey
Belt: ModCloth
Shoes: BC Footwear on Endless
Necklace: vintage, Funky Monkey
Hair bows: street vendor

[ BC Footwear on Endless $59.95 ]

Girl's House 2:
Dress: Wet Seal (thrifted at Goodwill!)
Belt: vintage at Uptown Modern
Shoes: Payless
Necklace: vintage, Funky Monkey
Hair flower: H&M

[ Babygirl Boutique $15.95 ]

Hope you all are having a wonderful week! Don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to the weekend...!

Vintage Inspiration: Ann Miller

2009-08-18T21:22:00.009-07:00

Do any of you have a particular actress, songstress, or historical figure that you look to time and time again for style inspiration?

For me, that inspiration is Ann Miller.

Drop-dead gorgeous!

[ From On The Town 1949 ]

How fabulous is her green dress in this clip?! I am going crazy for that plaid lining which you can see peeking out of the slit. *dies*

It's no understatement that when I'm looking to buy new clothes (or new-to-me vintage especially), I think: "What would Ann wear?"

[ From Kiss Me Kate 1953 ]

Ann Miller would wear something that shows off her fabulous legs.

Ann Miller would wear a fabulous, exuberant frock.

[ From Kiss Me Kate 1953 ]

Ann Miller would wear something she could dance in at a moment's notice.

Ann Miller would wear something colorful, or with a graphic pattern.

Ann Miller would wear something that shows off her tiny waist.

Ann Miller would wear something no one else could get away with.

Ann Miller would wear something that made her look like a goddess.

Check out this FABULOUS vintage dress I just bought (seller says '50s/'60s, I say '70s/'80s), thinking "Ann Miller would wear this!" from Black Sheep Boutique on eBay:

I fell in love with the full skirt, wrap front, tonal stripes, and bizarrely alluring sleeves! It's also a very classic dress that I know I'll wear for years. I can't wait to get my paws on it!!

Holiday Hullaballoo: ¡VIVA LA FIESTA!

2009-08-07T21:48:00.003-07:00

Not much to do with vintage fashion (unless you want to talk 1800s!), but this time of year in Santa Barbara all that's on anyone's mind is... FIESTA!

Parades, rodeos, street fairs, music, dancing, carcassonnes (decorated eggs filled with confetti), and colorful outfits are everywhere!

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!!

¡VIVA LA FIESTA!

Out of Print: Vintage Life Magazine

2009-08-06T22:38:00.003-07:00

Just a quick post today, my lovely loyal readers! I just had to let you all know (especially readers in the UK) about this AMAZING new magazine:

[ Vintage Life Magazine ]

I heard about it via Lisa, who's contributing a beauty tutorial for the first issue! I can't think of anyone better! She's recently done a phenomenal hair and makeup tutorial on her YouTube channel evoking Clara Bow:

Isn't she adorable?!

Anyways, back to the magazine! Basically it's a vintage lifestyle magazine covering the '20s-'80s, with a focus not just on a nostalgia but on recreating vintage lifestyles. I'm just not sure if I can fit the £32 "Rest of the World" subscription into my budget!

I am so excited to see more from this magazine, and I hope any readers or fellow bloggers out there will keep me in the loop!

Hearting This Week

2009-07-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

It's my birthday! :)

Here are some things that would make me smile a little bit bigger today:

[ L: French Connection $168; R: Anthropologie $98

Bright-colored party dresses!

[ L: Boden $128; R: eBay $175

Stripey shoes! Couldn't you just die for that vintage 1930s pair on the right?!

[ L: TopShop $40; R: Couture Allure ~~$75~~ $40

This old-timey muscle man shirt would be so awesome to wear during workouts. ;) I'm also completely in love with this vintage floral housedress (that's exactly my size if anyone's looking for a last-minute gift, lol!).

[ L: TopShop $24; M: TopShop $60; R: TopShop $50

Vintage-inspired bedclothes and underpinnings!

[ L: See by Chloe ~~$300~~ $150; R: Anthropologie $38

Fun skirts and petticoats (this one also comes in yellow)!

[ L: Anthropologie $345; R: Anthropologie $128

Friggin' adorable menswear-inspired preppy shoes! Is it autumn yet?

[ L: TopShop $460; R: J.Crew $148

Nipped-waist jackets! These would be so flattering! I wish it were colder here so I could wear these lovelies.

[ L: J.Crew $88; R: Martin + Osa $110

Classy black pants!

[ L: ModCloth $89.99; R: Trashy Diva $34

Green dresses! (Reminds me of a Vargas painting of the goddess Diana, and she's wearing a gorgeous green dress. I want one!)

[ L: J.Crew $188; R: Heartbreaker $79

A sexy black '50s-style sheath/wiggle dress!

[ L: J.Crew $250; R: J.Crew $228

More fun shoes! I'm completely head over heels for those yellow ruffle-y ones.

[ L: Etsy $69; R: Etsy $75

Fabric corsages designed into shirts!

[ L: J.Crew $49.50; R: J.Crew $78

...and some lovely J.Crew knock-offs of the same idea. ;)

[ L: Aris Allen $74.95; R: Aris Allen ~~$59.95~~ $34.95

I could definitely use a new pair of dance heels! Mine are looking quite ratty. :( I own a pair of the ones on the right and love them (they're on clearance sale, too!) but I've been dying to try a pair of the ones on the left.

[ L: Singer $299; R: Sur la Table $39.95

Love this industrial-feeling sewing machine. My current one I bought almost ten years ago and has silly stickers all over the white plastic. Could be sooo much classier. I started making an almost identical version of this cherry-print apron a couple months ago, but wouldn't it just be easier to buy it? Ah, I kid. Funny how they read my mind on this one, though. ;)

My brunch this morning! Delicious crepe with eggs, potatoes, swiss cheese and goat cheese, and a strawberry melba (ice cream & whipped cream) for dessert. Because I'm an adult like that. ;)

Anyways, I'm off to enjoy the rest of my birthday! Hope you all have a lovely rest of your week and an even better weekend!

Worn Out / Street Style: Ticket To The Twenties

2009-07-19T20:02:00.006-07:00

If any of you dear readers live in Southern California, I hope you made it out to City of Industry this weekend for Ticket To The Twenties! The weather Saturday was a little warm, but lovely nonetheless.

I thought I'd share some photos of what I wore and the fabulous clothes that others wore:

First off, what we wore! I went with my lovely cousin (right). You may be surprised to learn that my dress came from Urban Outfitters and hers from H&M! Hers is a spot-on flapper fringe mini-dress and mine is a very art-deco crochet illusion dress.

They had some gorgeous antique cars at the event, which the owners were kind enough to let us pose with and in!

My cousin is a whiz with vintage hairstyles, and I placed myself in her capable hands! These were taken toward the end of the afternoon, so there are a few flyaways, but the gel + hairspray + half a million bobby pins (notice how she cleverly hid them all?) kept the whole do pretty rock solid. My hair will never be short enough for a traditional bob, so she did a sort of '30s-ish roll in the back which I love!

My cousin curled her hair around cut-up pieces of straw earlier in the week, and decided to wear a fabulous scarf around her head. I love the photo on the right... very kitschy, but so much fun! ;)

Such a gorgeous couple! I love both their outfits, and had to get a close-up of her lovely hair. Spot on, from head to toe!

My cousin and I joked that we looked like hussies compared to these classy ladies, who illustrate a very lady-like '20s look.... because not every woman in the 1920s was a flapper! Love the pale colors of their outfits and pretty parasols.

Some shots of the dance floor! The ladies in red were part of the One2Swing performance group, which is why they matched. The shot on the right shows my fringe in action! I love the look on the face of the other man, and the adorable playsuit worn by his dance partner. What a great fabric!

The band was Dean Mora, and this particular shot was during the hilarious number, "Masculine Women, Feminine Men"! ;) Isn't the singer's outfit lovely? Her gloves are so perfect. I also love the sheer black dress on the woman on the right.

Did you go? Do you wish you did...? What did you do this weekend?

Death By Fabulous: Minna Parikka

2009-07-13T10:20:00.008-07:00

It's been a while since I've done one of these designer features, but I just fell in love with this one and had to share! I heard about her on the blog Slanelle, who was reporting from the Under le Louvre:

[ Via: Slanelle ]

First off, isn't the designer herself adorable? Apparently she's been designing shoes since she was 15 (are you kidding me?!) and her brand officially launched in 2005. I just love her whole aesthetic. As her website boasts, "Minna Parikka’s shoes will knock your socks off."

I can't get over that adorable art deco skirt she's wearing with the high-heeled legs sprouting up from the hem! It might be worth a trip to Paris or Helsinki just to get my paws on some of her gorgeous, vivid, 1930s-inspired clothes, accessories and shoes! She has a webshop (in English as well as Finnish) which ships internationally, but only her shoes and bags. No clothes online yet! Though it does say "sold right alongside the world’s other luxury brands in no less than 10 countries" so who knows? According to Slanelle, knitwear and gloves are in store for her fall collection!

[ Via: Minna Parikka WebShop ]

I love this photo, and the vintage hair! (The boots are pretty amazing, too!)

[ L: Polly 270.00 €; R: Jackie ~~285€~~ 205€ ]

Hello, lovelies! Why yes, I would like you to live in my closet, thank you!

[ Via: Minna Parikka ]

Love the colors, laces, heel heights, retro styling... just GUSH!

[ Via: Minna Parikka ]

Love the cutouts on these!

And oh! You have to read the "About" section of the website (this is just a snippet):

"It had been almost impossible to stay hidden behind the fresh bouquet of lilies when I saw those perfect shoes – I was so exhilarated.

Just the colours of the new collection made my tiny fairy wings quiver: powder, ivory, shiny red, pale blue and grey, mixed with touches of brighter colours. It felt as if Minna had been thinking of me, her shoe fairy, while choosing these colours.

I moved closer. The shoes were enticing, as if inviting me to touch them. I couldn’t resist the temptation, so I caressed the soft suede, leather and the seducing satin.

The shoes’ curves, corset lacing, and lace details brought to my mind things that few would believe a shoe fairy ever dreamed of.

Stiletto heels, thick and low heels, hearts, chain decorations…"

Holiday Hullaballoo: Independence Day

2009-07-04T06:44:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July, all! I'm traveling this weekend so I wrote this post a few days ago and scheduled it to be posted now. I apologize for not writing as much this week! I'll be back on track after this weekend, for sure.

Hope you're all having a fantastic weekend, spending loads of time with friends and family, enjoying cookouts and fireworks. :) Here's a glut of red white and blue patriotic goodness:

Isn't that adorable?!

[ Etsy $2.25 ]

Love these antique 4th of July images!

[ Swing Heaven ]

Hedy Lamarr does her patriotic duty. ;)

[ L: Etsy $12; R: Etsy $9.99 ]

Some adorable vintage fabrics, including a darling little sailor novelty print and a red and blue flower feedsack.

[ Wildflower Vintage $118 ]

Check out this amazing '30s day dress, with a red and white greek key print on a navy blue background. Also love the double-breasted closure and high, draped neck.

[ L: No Slippy Hair Clippy $8; M: Babygirl Boutique $9.95; R: Babygirl Boutique $9.95 ]

Some adorable hair bows to accentuate your curls!

[ L: ModCloth $129; R: ModCloth $129 ]

These swimsuits are cute as a button! Love that you can buy the same suit in a skirted one piece or a high-waisted bikini.

[ L: ModCloth $42.99; R: Daisy Fairbanks $55 ]

The perfect accessories to compliment your outfit!

[ L: Dorothea's Closet $215; R: eBay $75 ]

These smashing frocks would be a hit at any party. The 40s dress on the left is from WWII is so unique. The full-skirted '50s number is such a nice juxtaposition showing before and after fabric rationing. There's so much for us to appreciate.

[ L: eBay $75; R: Wallflower Vintage $75 ]

The 60s mod dress on the left would be so crisp and perfect for any summer get-together. And that '70s maxi dress... what a statement. Great for celebrating America's 200th anniversary (and beyond!).

[ L: eBay $5.99+; R: ModCloth $134.99 ]

Hoping some of you are spending your Independence Day on the beach! This '50s/'60s skirting one piece would be so fetching! You could also wear the sweet little romper on the right for a picnic, hula-hooping, or writing your name with sparklers.

Of course, all of these items would be lovely any day of the year, not just limited to one weekend in July! ;)

Wardrobe Staple: Sportswear

2009-07-02T08:06:00.014-07:00

What's a vintage-loving gal supposed to wear when she exercises? No one in their right mind would go jogging in a '40s play suit or swim laps in a '30s bathing suit. But to me at least, modern workout clothes can be just downright depressing!

I think it's important to talk a little first about what kinds of exercise ladies were doing in the first half of the 20th century. Dancing (particularly ballet), swimming, tennis, horseback riding, golf, pilates, gymnastics and a whole score of now-forgotten methods of keeping oneself in top form. Sportswear back then meant an entirely different thing that what it means today! The actual term "sportswear" could be what you wore for just about any casual leisure activity, from badminton to sailing. None of this "jogging" or "jazzercise"! ;)

For some inspiration check out these clips from the 1939 version of The Women, at the ladies' health club (2:14-3:19), and horseback riding (4:13-4:43):

There are some great finds on YouTube! Check out this gem ("Get those curves in the right places!"):

Also, check out the pictures of Fordyce Bath House in Hot Springs, AR:

Sweating yet?

Basically, you see a lot of pleat-front, full-legged shorts/skorts (plenty of room for those leg kicks!), cute tops (love the flutter sleeves in the first clip), and hair pulled back in a ponytail or piled in curls on top of the head. So how does a modern girl look good during her workouts? You could probably get away with newer vintage from the '70s or '80s, but older garments often can't stand up to the wear and tear of regular exercise.

[ L: Etsy $59; R: Etsy $46 ]

This '30s playsuit and '40s tennis dress are excellent vintage, but would you dare to exercise in them? In cases like this, I like to use original vintage garments as jumping off points for finding vintage-inspired or reproduction versions, or vintage patterns to make a reproduction myself!

[ L: Etsy $22; R: Etsy $12 ]

These full-legged seersucker shorts are just what you'd need! I love how the legs are so full and heavily-pleated that it almost looks like a mini-skirt. The '50s dancewear patterns would make such wonderful reproductions! I love the boycut legs and modest necklines. You could even wear this out of the gym, with a skirt or shorts.

[ L: Etsy $14; R: Etsy $22 ]

If you're very dedicated to vintage, you might try some classic sportswear pieces produced in the '70s and '80s. These pieces might still be delicate, but the techy fabrics will hold up better to wear than older cottons and linens. How cute are these '70s gym shoes? The leotard on the right would also be great.

[ L: Etsy $25; R: Etsy $10 ]

Look at these classic pieces from the '70s. It seems to me that sportswear designed specifically for golf or tennis retains a pretty classic style regardless of the decade. Those shorts on the right could so easily have come from the '50s. A white polo shirt is such a good basic.

[ L: Athleta $69; R: Athleta $44 ]

If you need something modern and high-performance, check out these classic pieces from Athleta. Their website shows a girl running in that sweet little dress on the left. What a heartbreaker you'd be! Like the '40s tennis dress above, it has built-in shorts.

Check out these vintage-inspired exercise clothes, via Metropolitan Housewife:

[ Prancing Leopard, L: top $89; M: unitard $119; R: slippers $49 ]

This classic unitard would be so perfect to wear for pilates, yoga, and dance! It feels so '30s to me. And those adorable little slippers are a ringer for the slippers Rosalind Russell ("Mrs. Fowler") wore in that clip from The Women up top, though hers were probably leather.

[ Box Wine Betty (photos from their MySpace page) ]

This whole collection of vintage-inspired workout clothes looks amazing! Cute little short and skorts, sweetheart necklines, halter tops... too cute! So perfect for just about any exercise you can imagine... even running!

ETC.

For most low-to-medium impact exercises, you can wear your Keds! No help if you're a runner, but quite nice and authentic (company was founded in 1916) for most other types of exercise. Converse would also work, but Keds are best for me.

For more discussion of the matter, check out this thread over at The Fedora Lounge!

Also be sure to check out Oldtime Strongman for articles, archival videos, and vintage training regimens.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Betty Boop & Cab Calloway

2009-06-27T07:17:00.002-07:00

Betty Boop was one of my favorite cartoons to watch as a kid... I really didn't watch too much Thundercats et al., I was watching Betty Boop, Mighty Mouse, Bugs Bunny, etc.!

So this episode (1932 I believe, pre-code) is a teensy bit creepy, what with the ghosts and skeletons and all, but what I love about it is that it features Cab Calloway singing and dancing to "Minnie The Moocher" in Rotoscope. Skip to 4:00 for the good part.

Isn't that amazing?!

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend!

Street Style: meaghanfkelly on Chictopia

2009-06-25T16:52:00.003-07:00

I love "street style" communities like Chictopia! They are such a wonderful source of inspiration, these everday girls with knockout style. The strangest feature has to be the "people like me" sort, where they display people with your hair/eye/skin color and/or body type. You can filter by brand or simply vintage, so you only see vintage and vintage-inspired outfits.

I fell particularly hard for the posts of meaghanfkelly of Montreal, Canada. Her style reminds me a little bit of Rhiannon, which I'm sure is no coincidence! She has this amazing Old Hollywood starlet vibe, helped in no small part to her halo of golden curls, à la Marion Davies or Jean Harlow, if you caught them out on a picnic or jumping on a train, away from the studio lights and makeup artists.

[ L: Chictopia; R: Chictopia ]

Love this outfit on the left! The dress is from ModCloth, and the (ubiquitous and lovely!) bag is vintage. I can't think of anything I'd rather wear aboard an old-fashioned steam train!

The outfit on the right is too cute. Love the sweet little pink cardigan belted over the shirtwaist dress. Classic and lovely! Doubley amazing? Almost head-to-toe thrifted/vintage.

[ L: Chictopia; R: Chictopia ]

I've such a week spot in my heart for high-waisted little shorts like those on the left. The fact that they're part of a matching vintage playsuit just tickles me. Also adore the little sailor collar.

The outfit on the left is another amazing thrifted gem, and I adore her chambray skirt (handmade by her grandmother)! The boater hat is too cute.

[ L: Chictopia; R: Chictopia ]

Ok, I find these shorts on the left irresistible because they're 1) high-waisted, 2) vintage, and 3) yellow!

The outfit on the right is such a great juxtaposition of the black lace (connotations of lingerie and/or gothic lolita) with the sweet, girlish silhouette and bow in the hair.

Hope you enjoyed! Be sure to visit meaghanfkelly's page on Chictopia to see more of her awesome outfits past, present, and future (her page has its own RSS feed link)!

Accessory to Style: Double Flap Clutch

2009-06-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

An alternate title of this post could be... vintage knock-offs, or modern designers who directly copy vintage designs without giving proper credit, or... well, I digress!

I just had a little twilight moment this morning. A few months ago I saw and loved the See by Chloe clutch below, and then this morning I stumble across the ORIGINAL design. I'm blown away by the similarities here!

The original clutch was a creation from Bags by Josef (1935-1959), which specialized in evening bags (details here), produced during the 1950s, the company's heyday.

[ Vintage Martini $158 ]

This is one of the most unique clutch designs I've ever seen! The front and back of the clutch have identical flaps which snap shut over the angled top. Inside is a lovely kisslock coin pouch and pocket. The shape of the rounded bottom is so perfect. This is truly one of those once-in-a-lifetime finds. I want it badly!

And here is the uncredited reproduction:

[ See by Chloe ~~$325~~ $227.50 ]

Also in red:

[ See by Chloe ~~$325~~ $227.50 ]

Aren't the similarities insane? Of course, it doesn't have that gorgeous navy blue velvet or the smashing blue and orange satin lining, and the size and shape of the flaps is a little off. The patent leather definitely makes the shape crisper. But everything from the double-flaps which snap shut over the angled top, the piping, the coin pouch... it's all the same! Even the dimensions are almost identical: 5.5"H x 10"L x 2"D (original) vs. 5"H x 10"L x 1.5"D (Chloe)! Ok, so the Chloe version has a mirror and credit card slots. Qui se soucie?!

Ah, but the world of fashion is so cutthroat!

But I do still love the Chloe clutch. I just love the original more because it's been copied by Chloe! ;)

Homespun: Current Projects

2009-06-24T09:04:00.003-07:00

Thought I'd share some of the projects on my to-sew list! I have high aspirations, but find myself lacking in time and patience, as I'm sure many of you can relate!

I love these dress patterns! The pattern on the left, I picked up for the sleeveless options (the long and short one on the far left), because they felt very 1930s to me with the inverted waist and keyhole neck. The one on the right is so BOMBSHELL (I'd do the narrow skirt, in black), and I adore the higher, wide neckline. This is to be my LBD ("little black dress").

I think I probably forgot to mention in my last post about vintage sewing patterns that several older brands (Butterick, Vogue, etc.) often issue reproductions of some of their vintage patterns. The selection isn't great, but you'll occasionally find something worthwhile!

Just some spot-on wardrobe basics. I adore pencil skirts and 1940s-style high-waisted, wide-leg trousers. Seriously, can't get enough! They don't always have to be for "work attire" either... change up the materials and outfit styling, and it could work well for evening or dressier day occasions as well.

Now I'm just deluding myself! ;) I love cute little aprons like this, in part because of the irony involved... I think I'd make a god-awful '50s housewife! I totally respect women that embody the domestic goddess role, but I just don't have it in me.

For my baby niece, Lucia! These are a higher priority than the rest, as she's growing so fast. The little apron dresses on the left remind me of things that my sister and I wore as children ('70s/'80s).

Some lovely vintage fabrics from my grandmother. ♥! I haven't decided what I'm going to use them for, but they feel like heavier weight suiting or home decor fabric to me. We'll see!

Homespun: Vintage Sewing Patterns

2009-06-20T23:40:00.002-07:00

There are so many places online to buy to vintage patterns... I can't even begin to tell you about all of them. Of course, Etsy and eBay are the normal sources, but there are tons of independent sellers like So Vintage Patterns:

[ L: So Vintage $250; R: So Vintage $55 ]

[ L: So Vintage $28; R: So Vintage $42 ]

An amazing source for looking up vintage patterns is the Vintage Sewing Patterns Wiki, which is a great way to find a pattern for a specific kind of garment, say a 1930s evening gown for instance. Or you can browse by decade or type of garment.

However, there are a lot of problems inherent in buying vintage patterns... pieces could be missing, it could be the wrong size or proportion for your figure, and the instructions can be maddening. They are often sold as "collectibles" and prices can be quite high ($250!) for older patterns especially.

If you are a particularly gifted seamstress/designer, you might be able to make educated guesses about the construction based on illustrations and create your own pattern.

...Yeah, me neither!

For the rest of us, there are incredible people in the world who reproduce vintage sewing patterns (with clarified/translated directions). I just recently found out about the Vintage Pattern Lending Library, essentially Netflix for vintage sewing/beading/embroidery patterns. Membership is a great deal ($25+/yr) for someone serious about vintage patterns, but they also have some patterns (high quality reproductions) for sale. Just browsing through this site causes me to hyperventilate... consider yourself warned!!

[ L: VPLL $7.25; M: VPLL $6; R: VPLL $16.50 ]

[ L: VPLL $12.75; R: VPLL $12.50 ]

Now, those prices are more reasonable, especially if you're a member and using your "free member loan"! Plus, you don't have to worry about caring for antique paper, deciphering old sewing instructions, or missing pieces!

A handful of other sites that do reproductions of vintage patterns: Decades of Style, Folkwear Sewing Patterns, Past Patterns, and Colette Patterns (VI).

Do any of you sew? Have you ever attempted a vintage sewing pattern?

Best Face Forward: New Haircut!

2009-06-20T12:29:00.005-07:00

I promised photos of my new haircut, so here goes! This is what my hair looked like before, and here we are after:

This is my hair freshly-cut, just back from the salon. I took my stylist a stack of images of Lana Turner, Jane Russell, Lauren Bacall, and Miss Amanda Lee, as well as a vintage cutting diagram for reference. I asked her not to copy the vintage cutting diagram exactly, as I wanted the option wear my hair in a more modern fashion at least some of the time. I think she did a really great job! Light layers, U-shaped, cut with my hair parted down the center (so when I part on the side, there are shorter layers).

My hair has a pretty intense natural wave, but I wanted to try out some pincurls for some extra structure and full-on curls:

If you can ignore the silly face I'm making in the mirror, you can see my hair just after I took down the pincurls and shook them out. Several people online will tell you to brush the curls out, but as any girl with curly/wavy hair can sympathize, my hair turns into a big fuzzball if a brush comes anywhere near it! So I literally just flipped my hair over and shook my head really hard to loosen the curls. I used my fingers to pick apart some of the more stubborn ones. I am by NO means a pincurl expert, and my pincurl set was a hot mess, with uneven rows and ten different sized pincurls, but I kind of like the messy, bed-head curls I ended up with!

You can also see all the tools I used to do my hair... bobby-pins, pincurl clips, flower pins, hairspray, spray bottle of water, mousse, and curl-defining gunk. The oval turquoise thing is my grandmother's old bobby-pin magnet. I love it! For the most part, I used Super Kawaii Mama's pincurl tutorial.

This is my hair about halfway through an evening of dancing, on a band break. You can see that the curls have calmed down quite a bit. I'm wearing my hair in side rolls (Casey's tutorial again!), with the little white flowers stuck in the rolls in the back. I think the structure of the curls held up very nicely (I could've used a few more bobby-pins to hold up the side rolls), though they did lose some of their fullness as the night wore on.

This is my "day-after" hair, though I did wash it, so it's not technically the same set. I think you can still see some evidence of the pincurls, though that could just be my natural wave. Side rolls again (this is becoming my day-to-day hairstyle!).

Well, there you go! Have a great weekend! :)

Wardrobe Staple: Beach Coat

2009-06-18T10:49:00.001-07:00

When I first discovered the existence of such an amazing wardrobe piece, I was looking for a beach cover-up and was disappointed by all the structurless, floaty shapes out there. Turns out, I'm not alone! Women of the past also longed for something a little classier than a bathrobe for their beach excursions.

Check out Lana Turner wearing one in The Postman Always Rings Twice (Via Couture Allure Vintage; Wear your seatbelts, kids!):

The purpose of a beach coat is the same as any of the inumerable variations on "cover-up" garments of the past and present... they provide a bit of modesty and lightweight warmth. What sets the beach coat apart from the rest is the structure, tailoring, and unmatched style! They were often designed to match one's bathing suit, creating a formidable ensemble.

In the 1930s, what could then be called "skimpy" swimsuits were becoming more widespread, and women needed something to keep them covered up until the moment they entered the water. These two examples only just begin to resemble the iconic beach coats of the 50s and 60s. Love the fun floral print on the cape!

[ L: Vintage Patterns Wiki; R: Vintage Patterns Wiki ]

These beach coats from the 1940s make the connection more obvious. You can see how the coats on the left are almost a cross between a bath robe and an oversized man's blazer. The coat on the right is really getting to the meat of the 50s style beach coat, with the "swing" silhouette, large patch pockets (perfect for a pulp novel!), and a fun print.

[ L: Vintage Patterns Wiki; R: GlamourSurf $34.99 ]

By the 50s, the strong shoulder lines of the 40s dropped off, and designers experimented with prints, collars, pockets, hem and sleeve lengths, and a few chose to nip in the waist for that "New Look" hourglass figure. ;)

[ L: Glamoursurf $38; R: Vintage Patterns Wiki ]

The "swing" silhouette dominated in the end, though a belt was always an option for women who preferred the hourglass figure. I love the cheeky, feminine patterns on this coats.

[ L: Glamoursurf $42; R: Glamoursurf $49.99 ]

The 60s brought a slightly narrower, less-exaggerated silhouette...

[ L: Vintage Patterns Wiki; R: Vintage Patterns Wiki ]

Though racy sheers and innocent "babydoll" shapes reflected the overall style trends of the 60s.

[ L: Vintage Patterns Wiki; R: So Vintage Patterns $26 ]

During the 70s, the beach coat became even more narrow, rejecting the swing coat style altogether. Beach coats became little more long shirts, though they still retained the matching (or at least complimenting) fabric of one's swimsuit.

[ L: Vintage Patterns Wiki; R: Etsy $5 ]

On to the shopping! :) The red one pictured below stole my heart, though I'm currently hunting for an earlier style (less pointy 60s collar) in white or another pale color.

[ L: Main Street Vintage $42; R: Vintage Vixen ~~$54~~ 37.80 ]

These next too are equally stunning. The white one is lovely, but it doesn't have the "swing" shape of the 50s ones! I'm definitely falling for this Japanese-print coat...

[ L: Etsy $15; R: (My secret!) ]

Hearting This Week

2009-06-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

Another busy week! I just got back from having my hair cut... I'll post photos once I get a chance to style it!

In the meantime, here's what I'm hearting hard this week:

♥ Echo in general, particularly their heritage vintage line of scarves... but check out they're new design lab/blog. I am completely infatuated by their scarf-pattern desktop wallpapers! So much to love!! This gorgeous print is on my iMac:

[ Echo Design Lab ]

♥ This amazing animated 1930s stockings ad, with hypnotizing music by Teresa Brewer, from Glamour Daze:

♥ Recently re-watched The Great Gatsby, and I'm absolutely dying of jealousy looking at the photos from the 20s weekend on Governor's Island (NYC), taken by The Sartorialist:

[ The Sartorialist ]

♥ Candid snaps of Joan Bennet over at Retro Ways.

♥ Amy Jeanne thinks her preference of 1930s fashion over modern hipster style is "warped"... mais non! I can't believe there are people in the world who would prefer an enormous tee and skinny jeans to those adorable 30s sweaters! ;)

♥ Super Kawaii Mama gives such good advice. I secretly want her to adopt me! Though, Australia is quite far away...

♥ Really excited about Able Grable, a new vintage reproduction line (sizes S-XXXL!). Via Chronically Vintage and Fleur de Guerre.

[ Able Grable price upon request ]

♥ OMG! If you're thinking of buying something from ModCloth between now and August 1st, Aya has a 10% off coupon for her readers (which you should be, because she's adorable).

♥ I am green with envy over Ariella's new coat!

♥ Whether you call it taupe, dusk, clay, or fawn... I am definitely a fan of Lauren's gorgeous 40s shirtdress! This is the only shade of brown that looks good with my dark hair.

♥ You should take Kim's "Tight Sweater PSA" very, very seriously! Lives can be saved!!

[ Etsy $3.50 ]

♥ AMAZING giveaway over at Metropolitan Housewife!!! Yes, linking to her blog is part of the contest, but c'mon!! Her blog is so awesome, and it's already in my sidebar link list! Go and enter, but I'm still crossing my fingers that I win! ;)

♥ Don't mind me, just having a little heart-attack over the gorgeous 1930s vintage wedding over at, well, Vintage Glam Weddings of course!

♥ This post over at DeluxeVille ("go out and make some history just the way you are....") reminded me off this Mother Goose rhyme:

For every ailment under the sun
There is a remedy, or there is none;
If there be one, try to find it;
If there be none, never mind it.

♥ Recession Fashion (no, not this one!) over at Glamour Daze.

♥ Vintage 30s manicures! Read about them here, video tutorial here, inspiration here:

♥ Pure nautical joy over at Vixen Vintage! No really, I have an addiction!

♥ Vintage ballerinas?! Couture Allure kills me sometimes. So beautiful it makes me want to cry!

♥ Charles Lindbergh and David Carradine featured on Nerd Boyfriend. So perfect.

♥ Are you hardcore enough to wear vintage and heels camping? Retro Chick is.

♥ Satellite Kustoms stocks amazing purses and luggage with retro car-inspired styling (Via Metropolitan Housewife):

[ Satellite Kustoms ]

♥ Doesn't this dress from Bear Flag Republic remind you of something Ann Miller would've worn in one of her musicals?

[ Bear Flag Republic $120 ]

♥ This 1940s reproduction dress from Lipstick Vogue is perfect in every way, down to the tiny sparrow print:

[ Lipstick Vogue $160 ]

♥ There's always a million things on Etsy that I fall hard for every week. Here's a sliver of what's been knocking my socks off recently:

[ Etsy - Vintage $38 ]

[ Etsy - Vintage $178 ]

[ Etsy - Handmade $75 ]

[ L: Etsy - Handmade $70; R: Etsy - Handmade $95 ]

Hope you're having a great week!

Vintage Love: Flying Heart Pin

2009-06-13T15:56:00.005-07:00

Look what my sister and brother-in-law dug up in their garden!!

I used a q-tip to try to get some of the dirt out of the edges, but it's still a little dingy looking (not rust). The pearl heart is just gorgeous!

My best guess is that it's some kind of "sweetheart" pin for a girl with a beau in the Air Force. Those wings designate a pilot, and I've seen a similar pair before in a WASP (Women Air Service Pilots, WWII) pin I bought for my grandmother years ago. I'm going to ask her the next time I visit if it means anything to her. It also looks like there's an old-fashioned airplane propeller in the center of the wings.

According to the imprints on the back of the heart and bow, it's made of sterling silver. There's also the letters "LGB" above the word "STERLING" on the back of the heart. Don't know if this means anything.

It doesn't seem old enough to be from the 40s, though I don't have the foggiest clue what decade it could be from! Then again, it is sterling silver, so it would fare better than a baser metal.

I'm thinking of wearing it as a pendant necklace, since the pin mechanism seems a little flawed.

Best Face Forward: Vintage and VI Makeup

2009-06-12T14:14:00.013-07:00

I won't try to convince you that I am an expert on makeup, or even vintage/vintage-inspired makeup specifically, but I wanted to do a post pulling together all the great options for ladies wishing to achieve a vintage effect.

Here are some gorgeous vintage advertisements for inspiration:

[ L: 1920s Guerlain lipstick £5.99; R: 1920s Bourjois toiletries £5.99 ]

[ L: 1930s Caron perfume £5.99; R: 1930s Twin Beauty $12 ]

[ L: 1940s Coty cosmetics $30; R: 1940s Max Factor £5.99 ]

[ L: 1950s Max Factor £5.99; R: 1950s Cutex lipstick £5.99 ]

[ L: 1960s Cardinelli cosmetics £5.99; R: 1960s Max Factor £5.99 ]

As I see it, a girl's got three options if she wants "authentic" makeup:

1) Buy vintage makeup (!!), and/or put modern makeup in vintage packaging:

[ L: Vanity Treasures $5; R: Vanity Treasures $85 ]

2) Buy heritage brands (like Coty and Bourjois, featured in some of the ads above) that still produce cosmetics similar to what you could have bought back then:

[ L: Coty Airspun $6.99; R: Bourjois So Rouge $15 ]

3) Buy vintage-inspired makeup, like Bésame, Pin Up Cosmetics, TINte, or Too Faced Vintage:

[ Pin Up Cosmetics $10-$20 ]

[ Bésame Cosmetics $12-$19 ]

This isn't to say that you can't achieve good results with your everyday drugstore makeup, but if you're craving historical accuracy, there's really no substitute for makeup with a color and texture created specifically for the era you're trying to replicate.

For tips on application, Casey has some amazing tutorials on YouTube, or you can do a search for how to recreate elements from a specific decade.

If you live in (or are visiting) LA, be sure to check out reVamp Vintage's Vintage Make-up Application Workshops, using Bésame Cosmetics and focusing on either 1930s, 1940s, or 1950s makeup.

Wardrobe Staple: Shirtdress

2009-06-11T22:29:00.002-07:00

Button-front, collared dresses have been around since the late 1800s, modeled after men's shirts as a more practical way of dressing that didn't require assistance. They made an appearance in just about every decade of the 20th century, and continue to be popular with contemporary designers in the 21st. At the heart of it's enduring appeal is the impression that you stole your boyfriend's shirt, threw a belt around it and walked out the door. Very alluring!

[ L: Chaiken ~~$300~~ $161.99; R: French Connection ~~$148~~ $59.99 ]

Endlessly adaptable, ranging from casual day dresses to more formal affairs, the cut of the shirtdress can flatter just about every figure. Short sleeved or long sleeved, high collar or deep v-neck, floor length or mini, cotton or silk, patterned or plain, cuffed or flat, belted or loose, narrow or full-skirted... the possibilities are endless! (Shirtwaist dresses differ only in that the buttons stop at the waist, terminating in a defined seam.) Because of the menswear details inherent in the style, a shirtdress gives the wearer a polished, put-together, tailored look.

[ L: reVamp 1956 pattern $195; R: reVamp 1932 pattern $195 ]

The huge variety of cuts and details means that different women might look to different decades to find a shirtdress to compliment their particular body type. Look at each decade's style icons to find out which decade most celebrated your shape (Twiggy? Marilyn Monroe? etc). To avoid overwhelming you with information, I'll give just two examples from each decade.

[ L: eBay $19.99; R: Etsy $50 ]

Fashions of the 1920s were characterized by elegantly cut, drop-waisted, fairly boxy dresses. Flappers favored a more boyish look, with bobbed haircuts and attention focused on athletic legs rather than womanly curves. The gold dress on the right is a later style showing the transition into the more defined shape of the 30s.

[ L: Vintageous $195; R: Couture Allure $95 ]

In the 1930s, the natural waistline became more defined and an hourglass silhouette was carved out by the end of the decade. You can see the difference between the earlier gown on the left and the later day dress on the right. Dresses from the 30s were cut long, sleek, feminine, elegant and unfussy.

[ L: Nelda's Vintage Clothing $45; R: Shrimpton Couture $225 ]

World War II arrived in the fall 1939, and restrictions and rationing had a huge effect on women's fashions. Dresses became shorter, skirts less full, decorations more spartan. The dress on the right has a gorgeous "oriental" print, no doubt influenced by Western presence in the Pacific during the war.

[ L: Vintageous $180; R: Etsy $35 ]

With the "New Look" Dior introduced in spring/summer 1947, hemlines dropped to mid-calf or longer, yards and yards of fabric were used (a reaction to the end of fabric rationing), and a sharply-defined hourglass figure celebrated a large bust, full hips, and a tiny waist. The fashions of the 1950s were founded in this post-war clothing revolution. Full skirts and belted waists were status quo for many women, though figure-skimming narrow skirts were also very popular. The 50s oozed with immoderate sex appeal.

[ L: Market Publique $38; R: Atelier Mayer £345 ]

The early 1960s weren't so different from the 1950s, though silhouettes became sleeker over time. The "Mod" era (driven by pop music and scooters) changed fashion forever. This is the decade where mini skirts came into popularity, and designers found a new kind of sex appeal reminiscent of the flappers of the 1920s, focused again on boyish looks and long, toned legs.

[ L: Market Publique $24; R: Shrimpton Couture $125 ]

Where does one start with the 1970s?! This was a decade of experimentation, for sure. One of the better moments in 70s was when designers returned the sleek elegance of the 1930s, which is why these two dresses look so much like throwbacks. I'm planning a separate post on this subject, so I won't go into it too much here. I find these particular dresses to have a beautiful, powerful sort of femininity. Not too short or low-cut, but sleek and classy.

[ L: Etsy $34; R: Market Publique $14.99 ]

Oh, the 1980s. Bright colors. Body con[scious]. Retro. Sometimes 80s fashion makes my head explode, other times it can be quite cool and elegant. The mini skirt body con dress on the left is definitely a younger fashion, which I think is a sweet throwback to styles seen in the 1960s (only much, much tighter... trying to work sex appeal into every inch of the figure). The "secretary" dress on the right is meant to be worn loose, though the belted waist and shorter hem is still very sexy. Like the contemporary Chaiken dress up top, it is a very literal take on the the shirt dress.

[ L: Market Publique $12.99; R: Shrimpton Couture $250 ]

Just throwing in the 1990s here for a frame of reference, because things did calm down a bit. The sweetheart neckline of the denim dress is very 50s, and the whole thing has a strange sort of innocence about it. The Missoni dress looks so modern and classic to me, pulling everything together from the shirtdresses of the 70s and 80s in a perfect silhouette. The pattern is a little too pastel for my current tastes, but it is a very cool print.

P.S. This is an extremely perfunctory history of the shirtdress. Please excuse small inaccuracies or large oversights... I did my best to cover the basics without going on too much.

STYLE TIPS:

Fit is everything. Because a button front shirt or dress can pull apart in an unattractive way if worn too tight, you want to give your bust plenty of room to breathe! If you like a tighter fit, give yourself at least an inch or two so that you can sit down comfortably. If you like a looser fit, go up a full size (or two, or three) and belt it! Pay particular attention to the fit around the shoulders. If it's too tight, you won't be able to move your arms, and if it's way too loose, it will look sloppy.

Belt it! With the exception of some of the more formal examples above, just about every shirt dress you come across will look better with a belt. I'm addicted to belts. For almost every shape (hourglass, bottom-heavy, top-heavy, smaller curves) belts define your waist and create a flattering silhouette. A middle-heavy shape should probably ignore this advice.

Worried about buttons pulling apart? Go for a faux placket (decorative buttons, with a slip-on style or hidden zipper). It will give you the flattering line of a vertical row of buttons without worrying about revealing too much.

What length should you choose? I'm personally fond of knee length (or just above or below the knee) skirts and dresses, mostly for practicality but also because I find myself too self conscious with anything shorter and too dowdy with anything longer. In my opinion, mid-calf or lower-calf length dresses are harder to pull of if you have shorter legs. Mini skirts look best on long, toned legs.

All the other variables here (collar size and shape, sleeve length, size of buttons, fullness of skirt, etc.) can be left up to personal preference, and whatever you feel suits you best. :)

Worn Out/Vintage Tragedy: Atomic Pajamas

2009-06-09T09:54:00.006-07:00

SO, here's the story:

I visited Amelia's Retro-Vogue & Relics in Austin, TX for the first time in years, and of course headed straight to the clearance rack, which is in their outdoor courtyard (page 14 of the latest Anthropologie catalog, P.S.). My eyes and hands were immediately drawn to this most fabulous set of atomic pajamas from the 50s with this strange little abstract gold fireworks (comets? flowers?) print:

I noticed immediately that there was a pen mark on the front, and a few minor stains, but that's why it was on the clearance rack, right? (Side note: Amelia's has amazing, and excellent quality vintage. The condition of this garment in no way reflects the overall quality you can expect from them.) I was in love, it fit beautifully, and it was about $14. SOLD!

Check out the cute details, like the gold piping on the hem of the pants, and the insanely sparkly buttons that remind me of the backseat of a Bel Air convertible. I mean...

The awesome high-waist, drop-crotch, side-button, elastic-back pants are so comfy! In case you're curious, the fabric feels like that awesome faux-silk rayon that everyone was wearing.

ANYWAY, I decided that they were the perfect thing to wear to a pajama dance party! I didn't get any pictures from that night, so I took these this morning. Just imagine my hair all done up in cute side rolls and braided pig tails, and y'know, makeup. ;)

I ♥ my atomic PJs!

OK, here's where the Vintage Tragedy part comes in. The time comes to wash these beauties. I don't know how you gals/guys wash your vintage clothes, but I handwash mine with Woolite and then hang dry or lay flat to dry. Well, after they finished drying, I hung them up in my closet. It was then that I noticed...

MY POLKA DOTS WERE FALLING OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OMFG.

Now, these were on the clearance rack, and I did take a risk dancing in them, but that doesn't make me any less sad about it! :,(

It does appear that they're only coming off around the arm pits, so I'm thinking that these were just very well-loved before they found their way into my hands, and dancing in them was just a bit too stressful for the already stressed-out polka dots. I don't think the washing hurt them... I was very gentle. But now I'm in a tough predicament:

Are they too damaged/fragile to wear? What would you do?

Vintage Inspiration: Le Lierre

2009-06-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

"And now for something completely different..."

Because it's Monday and I need a little cheering up after an exhausting (and sunburnt!) weekend, I decided to share with you some of my favorite discoveries from the family photo albums. :)

I've already done one vintage inspiration post on my paternal grandmother, Sara. She and her cousin, Vail (who is going to get a whole post to herself soon), were partners-in-crime growing up. They went to the same boarding school in France, Le Lierre ("ivy") during the early 1930s.

The first two group photographs are of their class, though I can't pick out their faces. These photos just crack me up! You have to look at the details, like the bored face of the girl in the lower left of the second photo. I apologize for the quality of the scans... these photos are huge and didn't fit on my scanner very well!

The rest of the images are scans from the brochure. If any of you out there are fans of Little Britain, I'm picturing the "Emily Howard" skits, where David Walliams prances around in an Edwardian dress and wig, proclaiming to the world: "I'm a lady, you see? I do ladies' things!" Well, at Le Lierre boarding school, ladies really did do ladies' things, like ballet dans le jardin and le tennis. I especially love the doily-heavy decor of the sample dorm room.

Well, I hope all you ladies out there enjoyed this very lady-like post. Au revoir, mes amis!

Hearting This Week

2009-06-03T18:39:00.013-07:00

I've been pretty busy this past week, but I have had time to fall in ♥ with:

♥ V.I. shoe buys from Fleur de Guerre. *drool*

[ Via Diary of a Vintage Girl ]

♥ "Street fashion photos from the past" on What We Wore, via Bits and Bobbins. Such a cool project, and a really amazing collection of photos:

[ Via What We Wore ]

[ Via What We Wore ]

[ Via What We Wore ]

♥ Santa Barbara is apparently #1 for good hair days! ;) Via The Frisky.

♥ Vintage hair tutorials from Lisa, via Chronically Vintage. I've been watching all of her tutorials for days now... I'm absolutely obsessed!

♥ Speaking of vintage hair... check out the Vintage Hair Flickr pool (Via Vintage Glam Weddings):

[ L: Flickr; R: Flickr ]

♥ Garance shows us how good the basics can be.

♥ Amazing photographs of NY train stations from Retro Ways:

[ Via Retro Ways ]

♥ Tips for finding, buying, and caring for vintage, from Bryna Howes on Mademoiselle Robot.

♥ Dress Cutting -- Instructions and Illustrations for Sewing 26 Vintage 1930s Fashions from Bramcost Publications:

[ Amazon $16.95 ]

♥ These drop-dead gorgeous Miss L Fire shoes:

[ Asos £84 ]

♥ Found this amazing homemade 1950s skirt with the most adorable grey and yellow "traffic pattern":

[ Candy Says £45 ]

♥ As well as my dream evening dress, a beautifully-draped tangerine 1940s gown:

[ Candy Says £85 ]

♥ This crisp white sailor blouse is almost irresistible:

[ Anthropologie $68 ]

♥ I love the style and fabric options available on this bag:

[ Dungaree Dolly $85 ]

♥ This 1950s "goddess style" cocktail dress is just about the most perfect LBD (little black dress) ever created:

[ Etsy $32 ]

Hope you're having a great week!

Always/Never: Summer

2009-06-01T09:56:00.010-07:00

Not sure who to credit this idea to, but I first saw this as a "tag" on Rhiannon's blog, and decided to have a go at it myself:

"List 5 fashion always-es (things you always like or cannot do without) for YOU personally and conversely list 5 nevers (would not be caught dead in) for you personally."

Here are mine for summer!

[ Clockwise from L: Linen/Cotton; Tee; Tee; Wedges; Braided hair; Sundress ]

ALWAYS

1. Cotton/Linen fabrics - Can't stand synthetic fabrics in hot weather! The smell! Cotton and linen are made for hot summer days.

2. Wedges - I love wedges year-round, but they seem especially perfect in summer, worn with shorts or a knee-length skirt or dress.

3. Sundresses - You don't have to think about an "outfit", just throw on a lightweight dress and get!

4. Braided hair - I need to cut my hair, but as it's so long right now, I'm living in a braid. My hair is very thick and slightly curly, so a braid just sort of effortlessly keeps it out of my way.

5. Cute tees - I don't wear unisex anything. My summer tees are soft, lightweight, in lovely colors, have feminine cuts and sweet vintage-inspired details like ruffles, puff sleeves, sweetheart necklines, etc.

Runners up: pencil skirts, wideleg trousers, wide belts, ballet flats, sunglasses.

[ Clockwise from L: Mules; Empire Waist; Maxi Skirt; Stiletto Mules; Mini-skirt; Platform Stilettos; Spaghetti Straps ]

NEVER

1. Mules - Hatehatehatehatehate slide-on shoes, especially as heels. I have never seen them attractively done. Your feet always fall out of them (or off them, which is dangerous with heels) and they just look awful. No, thank you!

2. Spaghetti strap tops - Granted, I'll wear a delicate little camisole as a layer beneath a sheer top or dress, or for extra coverage with a plunging neckline, but I won't wear spaghetti straps on their own. They feel too young, I don't like my bra straps showing, and it's just not a good shape for my figure. If I wear a tank (though I prefer cap sleeves if I'm going to be baring arms), it has to have wide straps to visually balance things out.

3. Empire waists - Any woman with a large bust will know what I'm talking about here. When a top or dress is cut with the waistline meant to nip in just below the bustline, it doesn't always, ahem, sit where it's meant to. I also notice when I try empire waist dresses on that the fabric skims over my waist and hips (my favorite parts!) and makes me look like an ice cream cone.

4. Very high heels - 3.5" is my absolute maximum, though I prefer to stay well under 3" if there's no platform to it. 4"? 5"? 7"?! Hells no! And keep those giant stripper platforms away from me! I have no desire to be the same height as my 6'3" beau.

5. Mini-skirts - I love my legs, but mini-skirts don't love them back. I'll sometimes wear shorter skirts when I'm dancing, but in general I prefer my hems to over around the knee. (Also, not so into "maxi" skirts or dresses. See Never #3.)

Runners up: tube tops, gladiator sandals, bleached hair, capri pants, sweatpants/suits.

Hope you enjoyed! I'm not "tagging" anyone in this, but extending the invitation to participate if you choose! :)

Worn Out: Black & White

2009-05-29T15:27:00.004-07:00

You are not going to believe my luck! Remember the outfit inspiration I posted yesterday? Well, I found a black and white version of that exact same plaid skirt at Buffalo Exchange for $13!

I was selling them clothes at the time, so I managed to get the skirt and a killer pair of mary jane wedges for next to nothing! I was so excited, I had to go home and change. Because yesterday's look using the skirt was so casual, I decided to go put together a day-to-night type of outfit, where someone who worked in an office (err, not me!) could make a few adjustments and then wear it out for dinner and/or drinks. Wore this out for a late lunch with a friend. The styling is a nod to Nubby Twiglet, who has a bit of a thing for black & white, red accents, wedges, and round sunglasses.

[Outfit details below.]

Sunglasses: vintage Peck & Peck ($0, mom's)
Necklace: vintage "chiclet" ($0, mom's)
Brooch: vintage monogram pin ($11)
Shirt: thrifted ($?)
Watch: consignment costume jewelry ($10)
Ring: bought from a bead store ($?)
Skirt: thrifted Paper Doll clothing (~~$13~~)
Shoes: thrifted Steve Madden (~~$18.50~~)
Book: More Scary Stories ($5.99)
TOTAL: <$50!

Please forgive the cluttered state of my ~~storage locker~~ guest room!

Outfit Inspiration: 50s Florals

2009-05-28T16:21:00.001-07:00

Just putting together a very cheerful late spring look, based off of this amazing 1950s cotton floral triangular handbag by Margaret Smith. It has an amazing combination of colors, such as yellow, pink, red, green, and pale grey (lining), which I used to create a complete outfit:

Spring 2009 by dgenevieve featuring Margaret Smith handbag

I just found the yellow skirt ($39.99) on ModCloth earlier today, and I love the sweet yellow plaid, big pockets, full skirt, and ruffle hem. Love the mix of the plaid with the floral pattern of the bag.

The pale grey flats (~~$165~~ $99) are on sale from J.Crew. Nice vintage-feeling style, and the color is such a wonderful compliment to the yellow.

I picked the ribbon-tie tee ($34) from Effie's Heart in white because it was a simple counterpoint to the effusive skirt and bag. The ribbon detail at the back is sweetly feminine without being too sweet. Tucked into the high waist of the skirt, of course!

The accessories pull out a few of the other colors in the bag, like the pale pink of the Tarina Tarantino beaded bracelet ($63), the orangey-reds of the Alexis Bittar lattice ring ($275), and the vibrant green of the Echo satin headband ($20).

Don't forget your sunglasses! These Luella rounded cateye sunglasses (~~$300~~ $120) would look so amazing with any vintage or vintage-inspired outfit. (P.S. For some reason Polyvore squished the image, so the shape is a little wonky. Follow the link to Outnet to see better images.)

I love this outfit so much! I think I'd wear it... oh, just about anywhere: the grocery store, out to lunch, shopping, reading a book in the park... Hey, now! What am I doing here?! I could be reading a book in the park! ;)

Worn Out: Cicada Club

2009-05-26T21:30:00.000-07:00

Not, worn out as in shabby, but worn out on the town!

Here are the photos (finally!) from my night out at The Cicada Club, and of the stunning new coat that I told you about earlier. Excuse my shiny complexion... I had been dancing, and that coat is pretty cozy! May in LA is not so conducive to wearing one's vintage wool coat, but I had just bought it and needed to wear it somewhere fabulous.

[ 1940s/50s coat; 1980s dress ]

My companion's friend's vintage auto. If you knew him, you'd understand. He is the King of All Things Dapper, a really meticulous vintage dresser. I can't imagine him driving anything else.

[ 1940s/50s coat; 1980s dress ]

Gorgeous, isn't it (the coat, not the car)? There's an internal tie to keep the wrap front in place, but obviously I wasn't using it in these pictures! Now, I will be the first to admit that I had never considered this type of silhouette before (the title of my blog is Curve-Hugger, after all), but I really couldn't believe how genius the construction is, and how good it looks on. I'm afraid the photos really don't do it justice, but if you own or have ever tried on this style of jacket, I'm sure you understand. I think the top right photo is the best representation of the shape.

Beneath it, I'm wearing a red cap-sleeve dress I bought at Funky Monkey in New Orleans last month during Fleur de Lindy (talked about it here).

[ Nautical Necklace (decade unknown) ]

The necklace was also bought at Funky Monkey in New Orleans. I had a little heart attack when I saw it in the display case and knew it was destined to be mine. (You know about my love of things nautical, right?) Love the mixed metaphors of the ship's wheel and crossed arrows. And yes, that's a wee little anchor tangled up in my hair.

[ Clarks (Apple Star) ~~$100~~ $85.50 ]

I'm wearing these awesome heels from Clarks a few months ago at the grand opening sale of the Clarks store in Glendale. They're on sale at Zappos for $85, but I got mine for $70. They're so comfortable, but still cute and vintage-looking. I can (and have) spend all day in them.

[ Etsy $155 ]

This is a close approximation of my coat, though it's more than twice the cost of mine and a shorter mid-thigh length. It does have a cute detail at the edge of the portrait collar, though, and an amazing patterned lining.

[ Etsy $65 ]

[ Etsy $18 ]

If I were really on top of things, I would have worn this gorgeous vintage '50s hat and classic black purse. I know Cicada Club is '20s/'30s, but I love me some Atomic Age! (Also, I only have one 1920s look, and I can't wear the same thing every time I go!)

My hair is done in a bare-bones version of Casey's 1940s hair, without the high sides, and left loose in the back.

Vintage Inspiration: Movie Maidens (1950s)

2009-05-23T10:04:00.010-07:00

Movie Maidens is such a fabulous source of style inspiration. In the '50s particularly (I ADORE the other decades featured, but I can't talk about them all in one post!), film starlets had some bodacious curves.

One of my personal style idols is Jane Russell. Not trying to flatter myself, but I find I have more in common with her than with the 5'1 blonde ingénues.

[ Movie Maidens: Jane Russell ]

I love the casual way women used to tie their curls back with a scarf (also see Ann Miller in Kiss Me Kate). I never feel this chic at the beach. Absolutely love the photo on the right, not least because I adore yellow and she wears it so well. Also, is she in Morocco? Glendale...?

[ Movie Maidens: Jane Russell ]

Have I told you yet how much I love yellow? No...? Well, I would wear either of these gorgeous swimsuits in a heartbeat. Did you see those buttons?! Remind me to wear some yellow flowers in my hair... they look so stunning against dark curls.

[ Movie Maidens: Jane Russell ]

I half expect her to pull a tommy gun out of that suitcase and start laying down the law. You know how much I love pencils skirts, don't you? This one means business (though I doubt it's the kind that pays taxes). She even looks pretty sassy slouched across a saddle (and check out her sash belt!).

*

And of course, the incomparably beautiful Elizabeth Taylor (NSFW, nudity). The tiniest waist you ever could imagine, and nothing short of regal facial features.

[ Movie Maidens: Elizabeth Taylor ]

I would get married in that dress she's wearing on the left. Love her little crown of flowers. And oh lord, isn't that the most perfect boatneck tee on the right? Notice how she's never without perfect accessories?

[ Movie Maidens: Elizabeth Taylor ]

A princess and a queen. Goddess gowns, again with all the perfect accessories.

[ Movie Maidens: Elizabeth Taylor ]

I can't get over this green dress. It will haunt my dreams. Also, another sassy sash belt, and... wait a second! Is she wearing a brooch on her turtleneck bodysuit?!

*dies*

Via Penny Lane.

Vintage Inspiration: Waikiki in the '30s

2009-05-21T00:01:00.007-07:00

Aloha!

[ Via: Retro Beach Flickr pool ]

Looking for a surf-saavy retro bathing suit?

[ Urban Outfitters ~~$88~~ $59 ]

Just ordered this cross-back one piece a few days ago. Yay, sales! Can't wait to try it on!! :) I love halter-neck styles, but they always pull so much on the back of my neck. These straps aren't going anywhere!

[ L: Urban Outfitters top ~~$48~~ $34.99, bottom ~~$48~~ $34.99;
R: Toast top £30, bottom £35 ]

I'm completely smitten with the Toast bikini, especially the bottom with the self-belt. It also comes in the most beautiful dark cobalt blue.

[ L: Hawaiian lei $0.98; R: Havaianas Surf Girl $24 ]

Don't forget your accessories! ;)

Hearting This Week

2009-05-20T16:25:00.010-07:00

This week, I've fallen in ♥ with:

♥ Drive-by kisses on Le Love.

♥ Carmen Miranda's shoe collection:

[ Via: Living and Loving Retro Ways ]

♥ Proust questionnaires, specifically the one answered by Edward Gorey, found in Ascending Peculiarity.

♥ Loose, wrinkled, menswear-ish button-up shirts with the long sleeves cuffed at the elbows... on women, as photographed by The Sartorialist.

♥ Shrimpton Couture Luxury Vintage and Couture, via The Glamourai:

[ L: Shrimpton Couture $225; R: Shrimpton Couture $150 ]

♥ Bright red lipstick and smoky eyes (thankfully, NOT at the same time!) over at Cupcakes and Cashmere.

♥ Rudolph Valentino and Paul Newman on nerdboyfriend.

♥ Jennifer Behr's gorgeous collection of hair jewelry, fit for an Old Hollywood starlet:

[ L: Jennifer Behr $138; R: Jennifer Behr $68 ]

♥ Are these kitchens plain or plainly beautiful? Via Mrs. French.

♥ This vintage wedding in Michigan, via (where else?!) Vintage Glam Weddings. Also this vintage Edwardian wedding gown.

♥ 1930s beach babes at liebemarlene vintage.

♥ Vintage luggage in can't-miss-this-on-the-carousel yellow:

[ Etsy $82 ]

♥ This heart-stopping-ly beautiful French perpetual desk calendar is gone, but not forgotten:

[ Etsy $46 ]

♥ I heart Rachel Comey. I heart her even more when she's this affordable:

[ Rachel Comey for UO $78 ]

♥ This bikini from Stop Staring! takes my breath away:

[ ModCloth / Stop Staring $134.99 ]

♥ The details on this blindingly white shirtdress are just so phenomenal. The tie waist remind me of an obi belt, and I just can't get over those artful shutter pleats:

[ MCQ Alexander McQueen $393 ]

♥ Green, t-strap (t-bar for you Brits), slingback, peep-toe wedgies?! Oh, I could just die:

[ Halo Shoes $234 ]

Street Style: London Florals

2009-05-18T11:00:00.012-07:00

Loving all the spring florals!

I'm a little pattern-shy myself (with the exception of stripes... those count, right?!), but I just recently bought not one, but TWO vintage floral/fauna-patterned dresses that I'm just waiting for an excuse to wear out.

Found this cool street style video from Elle UK... Not the hugest fan of the '90s "grunge" florals some of the girls are sporting, but I'm hearting the self-named '50s-style girl in the blue floral dress and tan cardi. Check it out:

Here are some ideas for incorporating florals into your spring wardrobe:

[ L: Market Publique $32; R: Market Publique $42 ]

These vintage pieces are so muted and lovely. I'm in love with the '50s shirtdress on the right.

[ L: Market Publique $24.99; R: Market Publique $19.99 ]

Some bolder vintage options, from the '70s/'80s. The red one is so perfect!

[ L: Fleur Wood $437; R: See by Chloé ~~$425~~ $255 ]

Fairytale-worthy! Such gorgeous vintage-feeling details.

[ L: Elie Tahari ~~$398.00~~ $239.00 ; R: Lauren Moffat $409 ]

Genius color palettes... that Lauren Moffat print is sold out in almost every style. So gorgeous with the unexpected grey background.

[ L: Trashy Diva $253; R: Urban Outfitters $58 ]

These feel a little darker, almost film noir. Easy transition into fall and winter, just add a cardi, scarf, tights, coat.

[ L: Irregular Choice £65; R: Topshop $30 ]

I don't recommend going head-to-toe floral, but if you're iffy about wearing florals, you can experiment with your feet! ;) I would wear those Irregular Choice pumps everywhere. Just a little flash of springtime on your toes!

[ L: Hunter £60; R: Echo $98 ]

I about had a heart attack when I saw these floral-print boots from Hunter. Great for tramping around a rain-drenched English garden. *sigh* Also love the scarf from Echo. Similar colors, but a different pattern. Use it to keep your curls dry in the previous rain-drenched English garden fantasy.

Death by Fabulous: Mama Maria Swimwear

2009-05-17T12:26:00.013-07:00

Mama Maria gets it.

From her website:

"All the designs of MamaMaria are originally inspired by the movie stars of the fifties. This means that MamaMaria's designs are cut higher in the waist and lower on the hips than most contemporary swimwear. The models are elegant without being too revealing, which gives many women back the pleasure and confidence of wearing bathing suits... All designs are manufactured in small quantities, using the best materials available. Designer of the brand is Ruth Kenter (1974), who grew up in Rosmalen (near Den Bosch) and graduated in 1997 as fashion designer at the St. Joost Art Academy. Since 2003 she has been working and living in Amsterdam."

[ Gael magazine May 2009 ]

Her website is worth visiting if only to see the phenomenal European fashion magazine shoots featuring her swimsuits... *drool*

[ La Vie en Rose magazine June 2008 ]

I need a subscription to this publication STAT! Yellow eyeshadow?!

[ L: Libelle magazine April 2009; R: Eyeline magazine 2009 ]

~~The following are shots are from the Mama Maria webshop, paired with images from her collections. The website isn't the easiest to navigate, so this is definitely a bit of an image glut. ;)~~

EDIT, 5/19/09: I've removed the images, per the request of the designer. Please visit her site to view the gorgeous suits and photo shoots! Trust me, it's worth it!

IMAGE REMOVED
[ Mama Maria €229 ]

Adorable little ruffles along a sweetheart bust!

IMAGE REMOVED
[ Mama Maria €229 ]

This suit needs to be in my life NOW. I'm a sucker for chevron stripes...

IMAGE REMOVED
[ Mama Maria €229 ]

Black and white plaid, tie front top and bottom... too cute for words! Such a cute picture with the camper trailer.

IMAGE REMOVED
[ Mama Maria €199 ]

Same basic design as the red suit above, but with a crazy hourglass-defining colorblock pattern.

IMAGE REMOVED
[ Mama Maria €229 ]

Variations on the adorable bikini above. This photo cracks me up... I didn't know the Dutch were so into tiki umbrellas. ;) So disjointed-looking with the surroundings.

IMAGE REMOVED
[ Mama Maria €159 ]

No wait... I need this one in my life...

IMAGE REMOVED
[ Mama Maria €239 ]

Totally sold on the big bow on front and the dark khaki color.

IMAGE REMOVED
[ Mama Maria €229 ]

Answering the eternal question: Is there such a thing as a formal bathing suit? YES. Love the vague tuxedo feel of this. I'd feel like an uber-glamorous starlet.

IMAGE REMOVED
[ L: Mama Maria Childrens €55; R: Mama Maria Childrens €55 ]

Oh, and of COURSE she makes the sickest bathing suits for little girls too. I would absolutely wear that orange-print one if she made it in my size!!
(But... am I the only one that finds something awfully wrong about a little girl wearing a cherry print swimsuit? Just... ick! No. I don't even think I'm a fan of grown women wearing cherry print anything. It's not just a fruit, people.)

P.S. I found the link to this wonderful designer on someone's blog... but it seems as though I didn't star the post in GoogleReader, so I don't know who to give credit to for steering me in this fabulous direction. Boo.

Wardrobe Staple: Sailor Trousers

2009-05-15T18:32:00.011-07:00

Something about summer stirs up something of a nautical-fetish in me. The sun, the heat, the beach... it all just seems to require at the very least a pair of sailor trousers...

For my purposes, I'm defining "sailor trousers" as essentially wide-legged trousers (fitted at waist and upper hip, not too tight through thighs, maybe with a subtle flare out towards the hem), often higher-waisted, with a definite possibility of a double row of buttons down the front. Of course, it being the start of summer, they should be lightweight and light-colored (or navy blue).

[ L: Tara Starlet £56; R: Heyday! £40 ]

These vintage-inspired trousers are too cute for words. The high waists and big buttons are so '40s.

[ L: Etsy $25; M: Etsy $29; R: Etsy $42 ]

Found these adorable vintage sailor trousers on Etsy. The first pair is from the '40s, no mention of the dates on the other two, though they may be authentic Navy trousers.

[ L: Young, Fabulous & Broke ~~$145~~ $102; R: Stewart+Brown $224 ]

Another name for these is "boat pants", especially in white. These two are so summery-feeling, I almost can't stand it. The first pair is linen, the other organic cotton. So perfect for scorching summer days.

[ L: Gap ~~$69.50~~ $54.99; R: French Connection $148 ]

Another option is to go for "sailor jeans", which keep the same styling as sailor trousers, but in a more contemporary denim. This is an easy way to work the retro style into a more modern wardrobe.

[ L: Alice & Olivia ~~$270~~ $162; R: French Connection $148 ]

Still denim, but in ultra-crisp white. The Alice & Olivia pair are the only ones I'm showing you without the sailor buttons, just because I'm so in love with them. They keep the spirit of the sailor trousers without being as literal.

[ L: Adele ~~$237~~ $71; R: ModCloth $74.99 ]

STYLE TIPS:

A crisp cotton button-up shirt (short sleeves or rolled up long sleeves) looks so sharp with sailor trousers, especially in white or a classic small-scale print. Tuck it in, or wear it knotted in the front as a crop top.

Don't even think about wearing a belt with these. The details at the upper hip is more than enough for one outfit. The more prominent the buttons, the more toned-down your jewelry should be.

Wear your size, or one up. Just like in button-up tops, the last thing anyone wants to see is your buttons straining.

If you don't have a large bust, a horizontal striped tee (particularly with a boat/bateau neckline) looks sweetly nautical without being too costumey.

Speaking of... be careful of wearing a similarly nautical-themed blouse with your sailor pants, unless you're explicitly going for a complete look. In the wrong context, people might look at you like you're nuts.

If you like flats, wear lace-up Keds or skimmers. If you like some height, go for wedges for an authentic '40s look. If you like a more '70s look, go for wooden platform sandals.

Shoot Love: Silver Springs

2009-05-13T10:46:00.009-07:00

Bruce Mozert created the first underwater camera and underwater lighting system in 1938 while on the set of Tarzan Finds a Son, filmed in Silver Springs, Florida. He never left. From the '40s on, Mozert choreographed kitschy underwater scenes for TV, film, publicity stills, and tourist postcards. One can only imagine that behind the happy-go-lucky faces of the models were long, frustrating days of experimenting with the new technology... but you have to appreciate how well he translated pin-up style and allure underwater.

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

[ Photo by Bruce Mozert ]

Via: Smithsonian; Ocala Style; Dive Photo Guide.

Shop Love: Hubba Hubba!

2009-05-12T11:27:00.008-07:00

Hubba Hubba!
vintage apparel (guys 'n dolls)
Tue-Sat 12pm-6pm
818-845-0636
3220 W Magnolia Blvd
Burbank, CA 91505

[ Google Street View ]

This place is a little slice of vintage heaven...

(...if heaven were guarded by Cerberus, that is.)

Joking aside, if you read the reviews of this shop, you'll notice that no one has very pleasant things to say about the owner, Pat, and that all the negative reviews are from people who've had bad run-ins with her. I haven't met her, but she has a pretty cantankerous reputation. But look, in the search for buried treasure, you're going to cross paths with pirates at some point, right?

If you're turned off by that type of personality (or her chain-smoking), you should definitely try coming while her daughter is working. Seriously, call ahead. That was the advice given to me, and I am passing it on! Pat (the mom) is a great shopper... the store is filled with gorgeous clothing, coats, and accessories... but go when the daughter's working. The daughter is very sweet and helpful, and while she does get excited about the outfit you're putting together and will suggest period-appropriate details (gloves, earrings, brooches, etc.), she doesn't get upset if you don't buy everything she suggests.

All in all, it's a great little shop, tightly packed with really excellent quality vintage. Because of it's location in Burbank (where a lot of studios are located nearby), it often supplies clothes and accessories for the entertainment industry. (P.S. There's another shop nearby, It's A Wrap!, where you can buy TV/film costume castoffs. Haven't been yet, but it's on my list!)

Anyway, I went to Hubba Hubba! just this past weekend, looking for a red petticoat to go with an insane Hawaiian-print '50s-style dress I bought last month in New Orleans (I'll post photos of the complete outfit soon!). As I was waiting for my companion to finish his shopping for our evening at Cicada Club, I found myself lovingly stroking a gorgeous black swing coat. At my companion's urging, I slipped it on. I had to pick his jaw up from the floor... it was stunning. Bracelet-length sleeves, wide portrait collar, wrap style front, just below knee length... I felt (and apparently looked, judging by his reaction!) like an Old Hollywood starlet. I was waffling about the necessity of such a purchase, but couldn't argue with an early birthday present... could you?

Of course I wore it to Cicada Club the following evening, but I'll have to see if the photos he took came out halfway decent. If not, I guess I'll have to take more!

Vintage Inspiration: Pygmalion (1938)

2009-05-07T12:43:00.008-07:00

Just rented this from Netflix a few days ago, at the recommendation of my sister. Took a few (cough100cough) photos of my screen while watching it a second time, so I apologize for the poor quality and awkward crops. Her outfits are just too perfect!

Wendy Hiller + Leslie Howard = film magic.

That gown! Those shoes! The tiny bows on her shirt cuffs!

That tie! That jacket! That wicked smile!

*WINK*

Breathtaking... goddesslike...

The "Hungarian princess"... ;)

All eyes on her.

Things fall apart.

High drama.

Back in the gutter... in a fabulous coat.

"GAAAAAAAAAAAAOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWW!"

Such a fabulous dress.

Finding her own.

"Goodbye, Professor Higgins."

"I washed me face 'n hands before I come, I did."

(Yes, these are mostly in order.)

I'm going on vacation this weekend, so there won't be any updates until at least Monday. Bon weekend!

Shoot Love: Swedish Elle

2009-05-06T20:22:00.003-07:00

I adore this photoshoot from Swedish Elle (via Luphia Loves)! It feels very old frontier, but exceptionally refined and lady-like (yes, even flat on your back in the hay).

[ via Luphia Loves ]

[ via Luphia Loves ]

[ via Luphia Loves ]

[ via Luphia Loves ]

[ via Luphia Loves ]

I loved Luphia's suggestions for incorporating a "country" look into an urban wardrobe, so I decided to throw in some extra wardrobe inspiration for you:

[ Anthropologie: dress $289.95, skirt $198, bikini $166, blouse $98 ]

[ Urban Outfitters: blouse $58, skirt $68, dress $78, shorts $54 ]

[ Market Publique: dress $24.99, dress $44, shirt $9.99, skirt $44.99 ]

Blog Crush: Nerd Boyfriend

2009-05-06T09:56:00.012-07:00

There is so much to love about Nerd Boyfriend...

[ NB: Yves Saint Laurent ]

When I first heard about the blog (I don't remember who I found the link from first, sorry!), I thought it was going to be one of those wearily ironic, hipster-inspired "geek chic" things. Mais non!

[ NB: Buster Keaton ]

I find myself greedily checking my RSS feed for new posts, and loving not just who she picks for inspiration, but the styling suggestions for mimicking elements the look (even if it's just a pair of wicked glasses, or an insane tie, or the perfect pair of shoes).

[ NB: Early Astronauts ]

What you end up with is a very authentic vintage-inspired look. Nothing too costumey. Very easy to incorporate into a modern wardrobe. It's all about the details...

[ NB: Pelé ]

Plus, she picks the coolest nerds. What's that? A nerd can be cool? But of course!

[ NB: Kraftwerk ]

When I asked Roxanna how her blog got started and where she finds inspiration, she replied: "Several months ago I started a photo blog of people I like, then I realized I liked their fashion sense too, and it just took shape from there. So my inspiration is just people I actually find intriguing/funny/talented."

[ NB: Gene Wilder ]

I'm hooked. Keep up the amazing work!

Accessory to Style: Clamshell Purse

2009-05-04T11:54:00.008-07:00

I just spotted this adorable straw clamshell purse on Endless, which combines the vintage-styling of clamshell or hinged purses with the summers-in-the-country feel of a straw purse:

[ Endless $115 ]

Isn't it adorable? The little clutch handle is such a nice touch, and of course the big yellow buckle. The whole thing just reminds me of a picnic.

[ Vintage on Etsy $12 ]

This is a (far cheaper!) version I found on Etsy. It's from the '80s (which I suppose people are calling "vintage" now), made of wicker, and has a nice little chain strap if you get tired of holding it, as it doesn't have a handle like the one above. I think I'd like it more if it the color was more natural.

[ Vintage on Etsy $225 ]

Absolutely gorgeous vintage evening clutch from the late '40s or '50s (according to the seller on Etsy). Not only does it have a clamshell (hinged) closure, but it's also styled to look like an actual clamshell, right down to the round "pearl" clasp. That's a molded plastic exterior. So beautiful! Can you just imagine the history of this purse, and the woman who carried it?

Vintage Inspiration: Sara

2009-05-03T17:28:00.014-07:00

Sara was my paternal grandmother, and I'll probably have to do at least two more features on her style from her younger and later days. Today, though, are some photographs from her late teens and early adulthood, during the 1930s mostly.

Here she is dressing up in fancy clothes as a teenager. I adore her plaid coat, and I would absolutely wear that today. My favorite part of this photo? The neighborhood boys peeking at them over the fence. ;)

Here is her school photo. There are so many amazing outfits here, I don't know where to start! Wide collars, wrap dresses, polka dots, stripes, belted waists, scarf ties, and cute bobs galore!

Her wedding. :) I love the inverted "V" waist, the effusive corsage, turban-like hat, and the fact that her groom is wearing all white. How dapper is that?! And her shoes...!

[ Aris Allen $49.95 ]

These are my dance shoes, and the style is almost identical! They also sell white captoes like he's wearing. ;)

A family trip to the beach shortly after getting hitched. I love her swimsuit! There are so many skirted swimsuits out this summer, I really need to get my hands on one!

[ Urban Outfitters $98 ]

This polka-dotted version is particularly sweet.

Taking a break from playing golf with friends. I need those shirtdresses in my life!

[ L: ModCloth $47.99 | R: Ruche $30.99 ]

These are two shirtdresses that might need to find their way into my closet sometime soon. They'd be so perfect looking crisp for hot summer days.

Honeymooning in Caracas, Venezuela. Such a serene photograph. Nothing says, "I'm on vacation" like a big floppy straw hat...

Shoot Love: Summers at the Ranch

2009-05-02T15:37:00.002-07:00

Painfully Hip + ModCloth = LOVE!

[ Painfully Hip ]

This shoot reminds me a lot of my childhood, when I spent summer vacations at my grandparents' ranch in North Texas. Granted, there were more cows and slightly less fabulous get-ups, but there definitely was a rusted-out antique car!

[ Painfully Hip ]

Just when you thought that striped dress couldn't get more fabulous... it's backless.

[ Painfully Hip ]

Adore the hat, and the menswear-style brown oxfords. Reminds me of when I had to borrow my grandparents' shoes if mine got too muddy...

[ Painfully Hip ]

Remind me to try this very soon! I love the way the black netting blends in with her dark hair. Such a simple, understated accessory.

[ Painfully Hip ]

I've never seen such a feminine-looking plaid shirt! And of course I love those high-waisted denim work trousers. And the boots.

[ Painfully Hip ]

Adore the belted fit-and-flare patterned pink dress, and the '30s-negligee style of the camisole and bloomers.

[ Painfully Hip ]

Too cute! I'm loving the high-waisted shorts and the sailor-inspired blouse.

[ Painfully Hip ]

Also amazing? How sinfully cheap these pieces are! For more information about the clothes, accessories, models, and styling, visit the Painfully Hip blog. Even MORE image over at Painfully Hip's Flickr set for the shoot!

Street Style: New Orleans

2009-05-02T14:28:00.007-07:00

Firstly, forgive the god-awful picture quality and the anonymity-protecting bars. I took these photos with a little point-and-shoot camera on the dance floor last month before I started the blog. This type of feature will get better very soon! I really appreciate your patience with me as I get this new blog rolling.

[ Rock 'n Bowl ]

I ran into these girls at a vintage shop on Magazine Street, where I was buying a fabulous Hawaiian print '50s-style dress, and the girl on the right had found the photographed cupcake dress. Yes, a dress with cupcakes. I love how she tied it together with those pale pink kid gloves and double-strand necklace. The girl on the left has such a sick sense of style. You may not be able to tell, but there's a little skull and crossbones on her tie. Sick, I tell you.

[ French Quarter ]

I really regret not getting a better shot of this girl's amazing sailor-inspired outfit. I have a sort of thing right now for all things nautical, and this is right up my alley. The wide-leg pants, the tie-neck, and that adorable cap! It might be a little costume-y for everyday wear (unless you're just that awesome to pull it off), but I would love to incorporate elements of this into my life.

[ Rock 'n Bowl ]

I had to get a picture of this girl's dress. So adorable, and YELLOW! I've been hunting for a vintage-inspired shirtdress, and this is just so perfect. I love the collared v-neck, darts, gathered shoulders, puff sleeves, and ties at the sleeve cuffs. I might add a wide white belt, but I'm a sucker for a cinched waist.

Shoot Love: Feather Love Photography

2009-05-02T12:53:00.008-07:00

Stumbled across this breathtaking engagement photo shoot by Noa, featured on Rock 'n Roll Bride (one of my favorite fashion inspiration blogs, regardless of the whole "bride" bit), and I had to share:

[ credit: Feather Love Photography, via: Rock 'n Roll Bride ]

I love the moody, almost film noir quality of the images, and of course the vintage-inspired styling...

[ credit: Feather Love Photography, via: Rock 'n Roll Bride ]

... and the historic building in which it was set, with all the quirky paintings and sculptures.

[ credit: Feather Love Photography, via: Rock 'n Roll Bride ]

I need that red dress and those teal peeptoe heels in my life!

[ credit: Feather Love Photography, via: Rock 'n Roll Bride ]

Love his skinny tie, and her half-sleeve jewel-neck cardi. Great make-up, too!

[ credit: Feather Love Photography, via: Rock 'n Roll Bride ]

Honestly, some of these are a little more rock band, less traditional engagement photos, but that in no way decrease my enjoyment of them! Now dreaming of teal shoes...

Also check out the feather love photography blog!

TV's Style Queens

2009-04-30T09:09:00.003-07:00

Love this slideshow from Lucky Magazine, breaking down the fabulous styles of some of my favorite TV style queens.

Some of the more modern characters I just don't get, like Ally McBeal. All I remember about that show was how everyone was shocked by her uber-thinness. Oh, well. I guess she's somebody's style icon...

Wardrobe Staple: Pencil Skirt

2009-04-29T13:35:00.009-07:00

I firmly believe that a woman can never own too many pencil skirts. Okay, not everyone likes the way they look on them, but if you're looking to really own your curves, pencil skirts will make you look and feel like a queen.

[ Marc Jacobs Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear runway looks ]

Pencil skirts are straight, close-fitting skirts which usually have a slit or vent on the side, back or front for ease of movement. They look particularly sharp with a matching suit jacket that hits at the top of the hips, although they are also quite sexy when worn casually or as cocktail attire. As hemlines rose in the early 20th century, pencil skirts were designed with varying degrees of modesty. In the '30s (and again in the late '40s), hobble skirts had close-fitting hemlines at about mid-calf, which created the gait for which they were named. By the 1950s, pencil skirts and wiggle dresses were becoming scandalously tight, though the hemlines rarely crept above the knee. In the 80s, tight skirts were back with a vengeance, and pencil skirts crept ever higher up the leg.

[ J.Crew cotton pencil skirt ]

Possibly the most wearable pencil skirt ever, from J.Crew. The waistline isn't too high or too low, the hemline isn't too short or too long, the cut isn't too tight or too loose. Great material, simple cut, vivid and neutral colors.

But what if simple just doesn't work for you? Try a pattern or interesting seaming, or details like pockets, buttons, bows, lace, topstitching, high waists, fishtails, or draping. The possibilities are endless!

[ L: Tara Starlet; R: Urban Outfitters ]

[ L: Nanette Lepore; R: Nanette Lepore ]

[ L: Anthropologie; R: SPORTMAX ]

STYLE TIPS:

Tuck your shirt in!!! Nothing ruins the slimming, long-line effect of a pencil skirt more than an untucked shirt (although I suppose you might be able to get away with a cropped shirt that ends around the same spot on your waist as the skirt begins).

Also, if you consider yourself "bottom heavy", you might avoid non-vertical patterns or seams. Find a pattern or seaming that works for you.

Layer a longer cardigan or open wrap sweater on top if you're feeling body-conscious. As long as the waistline is visible from the front, you'll still get that long-line effect. If your layers are loose, belt it in at your waist to create an hourglass figure.

Check out more of my favorite pencil skirts over at StyleHive!

Death By Fabulous: Norma Kamali

2009-04-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

"Death By Fabulous" is a feature highlighting the work of a designer who just gets it.

[ L, R ]

Norma Kamali creates pieces that are just too fabulous for words. She's... a sickness. And she has a diffusion line through Wal-Mart, just to spread the sickness around.

[ L, R ]

Her mission statement is to encourage self-esteem in women, which makes me love her even more.

[ L, R ]

"Timeless style...is anything but fashion."

Frankie Manning: 26 May 1914 - 27 April 2009

2009-04-27T10:31:00.007-07:00

[ Cover of Frankie Manning: Ambassador of Lindy Hop ]

[ Shim-Sham ]

[ At Lindyfest in Houston, 12-15 March 2009 ]

Frankie Manning, 94-year-young Ambassador of Lindy Hop, passed away this morning, mourned by friends and family, as well as an entire worldwide community of lindy hoppers who owe him every triple step.

If you don't know who Frankie is, or what he meant to so many people, I can't begin to explain here. NY Daily News posted a story about his passing, you can watch an interview, watch one of his legendary performances in 1941's Hellzapoppin', read his bio, or buy his book. He did it all, he knew them all, he saw it all. He was so nervous meeting the Queen of England, he curtsied.

I saw him speak, laugh, and call out for a shim-sham at LindyFest just last month in Houston, TX. He was only a month away from his 95th Birthday. His life was long and unfathomably rich, he had a vibrant sense of purpose and joy that inspired dancers everywhere.

We'll miss you, Frankie.

Guess The Decade!

2009-04-26T09:47:00.004-07:00

Glamour's recent slideshow, 70 Years of Style: Guess Which Decade This Outfit Is From was waaaay too much fun...

Go ahead, see if you can pick the '50s out from the '80s!

Do You Hive?

2009-04-25T20:15:00.004-07:00

While I'm still adding new posts, you can get a sense of my style by checking me out over at StyleHive!

It's damned addictive, I tell you!

I've also made a fairly extensive list of blogs and shops I visit most often in the column to the left there.

Welcome!

2009-04-25T19:22:00.008-07:00

[Great Aunt Vail]

Who? My name is Diana, and I'm a late-twentysomething pursuing a second career in photography after completing my undergraduate degree in architectural history. I've been a dancing fiend for at least the last ten years; I do swing, lindy hop, balboa, charleston, and blues dancing. I grew up with jazz, blues and '50s rock 'n' roll, and I love just about every permutation from Jelly Roll Morton to The Cramps to Lavay Smith. Whatever moves you! I also enjoy trail running, writing, home reno, traveling, and thrifting.

What? My initial intention is to share some of my favorite shopping resources, styling and shopping tips, inspiration, etc. with women who love their curves as much as I do! That being said, this blog is not specifically aimed at the plus-size fashion community, but is for any and every woman who loves the curve-hugging and feminine shapes of vintage and vintage-inspired fashions. I intend to have a variety of posts featuring my favorite thrift/vintage finds, photos, shop features, and more.

When? It's my goal to post 3-7 times per week.

Where? Right here! (Or in your feed reader, or live bookmarks folder, etc.) I'm physically based in Santa Barbara, CA.

Why? I have some amazing photos of my sister and I as kids, dressed in our grandmother's fabulous vintage evening dresses and hats, just to show that the obsession with vintage fashion started very young indeed. I've long since grown out of her clothes (she was very petite woman), but the love for vintage and vintage-inspired fashion has remained. The femininity of these retro styles is suggestive without being sleazy, sexy without being explicit. Showing a flash of a curvaceous lower leg was enough to send men into fits. Hips were in, and waists were defined with belts and sashes to exaggerate a woman's hourglass figure. A little fullness went a loong way. I'm thrilled to see contemporary designers returning to these flattering silhouettes and fabrics.

How? You can keep up-to-date with new posts by using the "Subscribe..." links to add this blog to your feed-reader or live bookmarks.