A Trip to the Skating Rink

 

 Living in California, I can count how many times I've been ice skating (which is once). This winter I want to say that I've at least been twice! I always think of rich colors and plaid as the ideal ice skating outfit. This look seems to span a few decades with its classic items and textures.

 

 

 

 

 

 The history of ice skating is an interesting story. According to a study by Federico Formenti of the University of Oxford, it suggests the earliest ice skating happened nearly 3000 years ago in Finland. Apparently original skates were simply sharpened, flattened bone strapped to the bottom of the foot! Instead of skating in the ice, the skater merely glided on top of it.



Walt Disney and Wife

  Invented by the Dutch in the 13th or 14th century, a different kind of skate was designed. Instead of bone ice skates, they were made out of steel with sharpened edges on the bottom to aid movement. Since then, the construction of modern skates were modeled after this method. In either case, ice skating had been enjoyed for centuries!

 

Here are a few photos of vintage ice skaters:

Ice skating in the1940s

     

Young people in the 1950's skating

 

Kiddos in the 60's getting ready to skate

Have fun and don't slip!

Sincerely, Vera



Eyeglasses are for Movie Stars

All three of us wear glasses. It is interesting to note that according to the Vision Council of America, about 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction. However, especially in Old Hollywood, images of glamorous stars rarely included glasses. So finding images of bespeckled actors can be fun. Here are some familiar faces in frames.

Robert Cummings, Doris Day, Phil Silvers

Marilyn Monroe

Grace Kelly

Gregory Peck

James Dean

Here is a list of links to places where you can buy vintage glasses:

*We have not purchased glasses from any of these sources*

Vintage

Old Focals

Eyeglass Boy
Fifties Frames Vintage Eyeglasses

New

BonLook

Warby Parker

Cutler and Gross 

--Viola

Tips for Style- How to Steal a Million

How to Steal a Million takes place in Paris, one of the  fashion capitals of the world! The comedy carried through out the film makes it quite enjoyable, as does the wardrobe. The clothes Miss Hepburn wears in this movie are very monochromatic, and created with very little effort. Everything is simple sleek and put together not lacking in style.The monochromatic look really comes to life in How to Steal a Million, showing that wearing all one color, if done right, isn't at all boring!

Style:

Accessories

I really like these accessories from the movie. By combining classic elements with very hip and current styles from the time they create Audrey's streamlined look. The  short gloves, small structured bag, printed/ textured tights, big sunglasses, low heeled shoes, and sometimes a hat, are all stylish and practical, perfect for winter and fall!

Create the Look

For this look I picked three colors to repeat in the outfit, black, orange and white. Everything coordinates, is a solid color and there are no prints. A basic bag, dress and simple accessories such as the hat and watch all match to finish off the look.

Audrey Hepburn- How to Steal a Million by brentwoodlane featuring vintage watches

Make-Up:



I'm not some one who is super girly, but I do love make-up. It is really an art and an excellent way to express yourself. This movie is from the 60's and the make-up clearly reflects that. Mate pink lips and black eyeliner is a common thread in both looks.  

I think we'll definitely do a make-up tutorial on this look in the near future.

The Make-Up Bag

1960's Audrey Hepburn Make-Up by brentwoodlane featuring a grey eyeshadow

To see all her looks, I recommend watching the film.

Have a good weekend!

Sincerely, Vera

Mint Julip in Paris

A couple months ago Polyvore had a contest, "Designer for a Day", and this was one of Vera's entries. She didn't win but I really liked the outfit she put together!

 

Mint Julip in Paris by suburbanstudio featuring a leather skirt

Peplum top / Oasis leather skirt, $50 / High heel shoes, $110 / Warehouse clutch bag / TarinaTarantino stud earrings / Leather glove, $24 / Beret hat, $71 / Illesteva Leonard 2 Sunglasses / David Bushell London - Cream



Feel free to follow us on Polyvore as well as here on blogger!

--Viola

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.



 

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.
 

 

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


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A Roman Holiday Evening



Image Source



Roman Holiday Synopsis

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!

Sincerely , Vera