August 28, 2012

1920's Starlets and Their Styles


Recently, the 1920s has been getting a lot of air time and many are interested in the fashions and styles popular of this decade. Like others, it is branded with a stereotype, being the flapper. Although not completely incorrect, there are sweeping assumptions made about the era. I am going to briefly focus on a few starlets and their iconic looks which provide an example of the diversity of the 20s.

1. Clara Bow- The Mischievous "It" Girl

Her shoes are beyond fabulous!!

Possibly the most popular and well-known actress of the 1920s is Clara Bow. Besides being adorable, Clara had a signature style: fluffy hair, wide eyes, and drooping eyebrows. In keeping with her playful nature as portrayed in her films, her hair was kept short and curly. Her waved or curled fringe was worn to the side(as pictured above) or parted in the center(as pictured below).



Sometimes she wore no fringe at all except for a spit curl!
(pictured below).


Overall, her look had a tousled and carefree element that most other stars did not, adding to a spontaneous-but-still-beautiful look.




2. Louise Brooks- The Edgy Porcelain Doll




Though not the originator of the Bob, Louise Brooks is synonymous with the bobbed flapper of the jazz age. Her severe dark hair, straight brows and lightly lined eyes is a look imitated by many to this day. Her fringe were curved slightly upward at the corners and, as pictured by the two photos below, her fringe were also gently parted creating an almost porcelain-doll appearance.





 
3. Lillian Gish- The Soft and Feminine Waif


Besides Mary Pickford, Lillian Gish had a youthful, soft and dreamy look of long coiled locks, big innocent eyes and dainty mouth. This look was carried over from the earlier movies-a big contrast to the vampy, exotic makeup of other stars.



Her eyebrows are natural and her skin looks fresh and youthful-appearing as if to have no makeup at all. Her lips are richly defined in an assumed natural color.

 

Obviously, these are not the only famous iconic stars of the 1920s, but are a few of my favorites. I will definitely spotlight others in the future.

--Viola

August 24, 2012

What Would Marilyn Wear?

 Many simulate the looks of the stars today but there is something that is appealing about the fashions of the stars of the past. When watching old movies as a little kid I always payed attention to the wardrobe. The endless styles and trends of the costumes in movieland over the decades have inspired all. Gaining this plentiful amount of inspiration from those stars' effortless looks makes me want to draw from their fashions for my own style.


Marilyn Monroe (800x600 - 64 KB)
 
Although it's not vintage Polyvore is quite fun, you can create retro looks with the modern clothes provided. I try to create outfits that they might have worn, but for places and events that I go to in my life. What would Grace Kelly wear to a picnic or what would Rita Hayworth wear to the beach? If you try to create looks from that avenue you might to be able to create looks that you would want to wear that are inspired by your favorite fashion icons.
 
Marilyn Monroe Glam
 
I've never been a HUGE fan of Marilyn Monroe, but she is definitely worth mentioning. In looking at pictures of her I noticed she can be very versatile in her own way. I choose her because she is one of the stars of the month on Turner Classic Movies (TCM). This outfit isn't really that practical but it is pretty. If you find your self at a very formal dinner party or the Oscars (if you have really swanky friends) this costume will be showing that you're channeling your inner Marilyn.  


Hope you enjoyed this segment, there will be more like it to come!
Sincerely, Vera


*Didn't really care for this post? It's okay, just tell us what you do want to see by taking the poll at the upper right!*
 

August 20, 2012

Classic California


I really enjoy looking at Viv's photos, she's actually a pretty good photographer! These are shots off her Instagram that capture classic California. They are all taken off her iphone.
Enjoy!










Sincerely, Vera

August 12, 2012

A Roman Holiday Evening


Image Source


Audrey Hepburn became a star with this film, in which she played Princess Anne, weary of protocol and anxious to have some fun before she is mummified by "affairs of state." On a diplomatic visit to Rome, Anne escapes her royal retainers and scampers incognito through the Eternal City. She happens to meet American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), who, recognizing a hot news story, pretends that he doesn't recognize her and offers to give her a guided tour of Rome. Naturally, Joe hopes to get an exclusive interview, while his photographer pal Irving (Eddie Albert) attempts to sneak a photo. And just as naturally, Joe falls in love with her. Filmed on location in Rome, Roman Holiday garnered an Academy Award for the 24-year-old Hepburn; another Oscar went to the screenplay, credited to Ian McLellan Hunter and John Dighton but actually co-written by the blacklisted Dalton Trumbo. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Last night we went to a friend's house for dinner and a movie. It was projected in their backyard ... the night was warm but it quickly cooled down as the sun set. Accompanied with candy and popcorn, we started the movie promptly at dark, the feature was Roman Holiday. Surprisingly enough I've seen it from beginning to end, including last night, only twice! Here are some iphone pics of the movie.











 
 As always, we intently look at the clothes. Edith Head designed Miss Hepburn's iconic outfit from the film, people constantly make references to it and are inspired by it- and for good reason! It's so simple and looks very comforatable too!

Roman Holiday Inspired


Sincerely , Vera


August 8, 2012

Stars and Swimsuits!

Hey everyone, I hope you all are having a good week, and those who live in hot places are staying cool! It's been very hot in our area lately which makes me think of the beach and swimming pools, and what do you need to go to the beach or swim in a pool- a swim suit! I'm sure a lot of you would agree that vintage swim suits don't really compare to the suits we see today. I would definitely rather wear a retro inspired suit than the modern styles that are sold in stores. There is some sort of class that accompanies the gal that wears a retro suit. They also seem more flattering and forgiving than swimwear of today.
Enjoy these lovely photos of these lovely stars in their lovely suits!

Esther Williams

Claudette Colbert


Jeanine Crain


Joan Fontaine

Ann Rutherford

Elizabeth Taylor

Sincerely, Vera

August 4, 2012

Ticket to the Twenties-2011

Last year we went to the 1920s Festival at the Homestead Museum. Complete with food vendors, live bands, a dance floor, vintage items being sold, a fashion show and crafts for the kiddies.Not to forget the silent movie showings with live piano accompaniment. There were a nice variety of activites.
This years' event will be on September 15 &16. For more information, go to their website:

 Here are some photos of last years event:
Day 1:

The film was hilarious!











Winner of that day's contest.

Day 2:








The End!