Fashion In Film Friday - The Notorious Bettie Page

You can't stake claim to having knowledge of all things vintage without knowing who Bettie Page was.  Page, born in Nashville in 1923, became infamous in the 50's for her scandalous fetish modeling photos that catapulted her into pin-up queen status. She was even one of the first Playboy playmates to grace the centerfold spot of Hugh Hefner's now popular mag.  Her career was short lived as she retired in 1959 turning to her spirituality and even working with evangelist Billy Graham.  

In 2005, a movie was released titled, 'The Notorious Bettie Page' which was in part biographical, starring Gretchen Mol as the vintage pop culture icon.  The film starts at the early beginnings of Page's life when she was a young woman chronicling her life that begin with sexual abuse in her childhood, a failed wartime marriage and a gang rape in her early 20's.  It also gives the intricate details into how she became an unconventional model at a time when it was beyond taboo.  Bettie's signature black hair styled with the full bangs became her trademark and a much sought after hairstyle that is even being seen in current day trends with stars such as Katy Perry, Petra Nemcova & Beyonce, opting for the retro do.

Bettie Page was the ultimate style icon who made pointy bras the 'in thing' as well as pointy toed stilettos.  She taught women to embrace their sense of sexuality with a no holds barred approach to wearing corsets and thigh high hose.  There was definitely no shame in her game and she made no excuses for herself.  The woman reeked 'confidence' in spite of her troubled past.  

Bettie Page fashion is alive and well amongst the rockabilly community and die hard fans & Las Vegas which hosts the annual rockabilly event 'Viva Las Vegas' is even home to the Bettie Page Store that carries nothing but vintage inspired designs made famous by the legend.  You can even purchase online at www.bettiepageclothing.com

In 2003, the elderly pin up maven made an appearance at Playboy's 50th Anniversary party as seen here along with the late Anna Nicole Smith & Pam Anderson.  In 2008 at the age of 85, Bettie Page passed away due to complications from pneumonia preceded by a heart attack that had left her in a coma.

In 1998, she agreed to an interview with Playboy Magazine and was quoted as saying in reference to her early career... "I never thought it was shameful.  I felt normal.  It's just that it was much better than pounding a typewriter eight hours a day, which gets monotonous."

                                        "A humble headstone"


pics: hollywoodgravehunter.com,cmgworldwide.com,ablogaboutthings.com,moviesonline.ca,bohemea.tumblr.com,cinemaretro.com, prettyportabello.blogspot.com   

Gaga & Faris Go Hepburn...Who Wore It Best?

Both comedic movie star Anna Faris & pop singer Lady Gaga were seen wearing the same Audrey Hepburn inspired dress this past weekend. Gaga was in Vegas at the 'iHeartRadio Music Festival' & Faris was out and about in New York making a guest appearance on Letterman. The vintage knock off was designed by Moschino, for the Italian fashion houses Fall 2011 collection. Of course Gaga glammed up her version with some Fendi black sunglasses, pearl'esque necklace & Ferragamo black leather evening gloves.  Lady Gaga also went as far as to have her hair coiffed in the signature Hepburn chignon.  Faris on the other hand went more demure, accentuating her dress on a more simpler note with her only accessory being a pair of strappy Louboutins.  

Who do you think captured the 'true' essence of the legendary icon in full swag? 


pics: heatworld.com, dressingupindaisies.onsugar.com      




   

The Sixties Fashion Trend Revival For Fall 2011

Every fash mag I've read so far is pointing in the direction of a sixties fashion trend revival for this Fall season 2011.  Mod lined pieces, shift dresses, pleated minis and structured knits are back in full swing with a modern day flair of jewel toned hues and pop-art prints.  Make no mistake, the 70's styles are still in, but the era that brought us Twiggy & Edie Sedgwick is now more popular than ever!  Geometric shapes and patterned fabrics (plaids, argyles, checks & gridlocks), clean lines (meaning, ditch the frills & ruffles, play it simple), saturated colors (primary hues of red, blue & yellow) and last but not least short hemlines (that can be accentuated with tights for the colder months ahead).

Whatever vintage style you're trying to recapture, be it the Mod Squad, swinging 60's or channeling Twiggy, you can't go wrong because this decade is making waves once again in the wide world of fashion!

pics: urbanmodernista.com, bubblespop.com

Fashion Recycling In Hollywood?

There's a new trend circulating around Hollywood as many stars have been 'recycling' their wardrobe but maybe not in the sense you would assume upon hearing the word 'recycle'.  It's no secret that some celebs live so extravagantly that the mere thought of wearing the same garment twice would bring them to tears (Paris Hilton) however, there are those who are not above the grain and are opting for a more green approach to staying trendy.  Jennifer Aniston for example has no problem with being seen in public wearing the same black vest and slacks. 

In the 'real world' wearing the same thing twice is no big whoop but obviously for the rich and famous it's actually looked down on by their peers.  For instance, Ozzy's brat Kelly Osbourne who for whatever reason made it on the Fashion Police panel, slammed British royalty Kate Middleton for wearing the same dress on more than one occasion.

I'm thinking that was a bit snobbish and hasty considering Osbourne who is now considered to be a reformed hot mess, has been at the mercy of the tabloids herself in the past and was even recently pointed out as being one of the worst dressed!  Here is the 'same' look worn by Kelly almost decades apart, neither one is screaming "I'M EXTREMELY FASHION SAVVY!"...eh? 

Michelle Obama has been spotted buying clothes off the rack, Lindsay Lohan has been cited for sharing her closet with her sister Ali & even Brittney Spears is on board with the idea as she was seen wearing the same shorts and tee shirt twice in one week and her attempt to change it up a bit with a straw fedora didn't mix it up much!

I've never understood the hype associated with wearing the same thing twice, but of course my fashion choices are not out there under the scrutiny of the public eye so with that being said, "maybe it's a true 'sign of the times' that to some extent, the current recession is even hitting to the level that it's effecting the lifestyles of the rich and famous?"  To sum up my response, "BOO and HOO"...   


With all of the more pressing issues at hand going on in the world these days, who's wearing what and how many times over should be the least of our concerns! 


pics: ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com,bumpshack.com,radaronline.com,thefancyhub.com,socialitelife.com,reissfashion.blogspot.com   

MOD Monday - Missoni For Target Collection

The Italian fashion house Missoni, famous for it's colorful patterns and unique knitwear is reaching out to us 'common folk' and creating a collection exclusively for Target.  Missoni has been around since 1953 and was most definitely trend worthy in the 60's with it's flair for geometric chevron & striped prints, as well as bold florals.  These pricey designs that hail from Varese, are going mainstream and quite affordable as we will be seeing pieces ranging from $19.99 to $54.99 at the popular retail store, that are all set to go for this Fall 2011. 

Their clothing styles are definitely staying true to the vintage MOD vibe that captured the essence of the 1960's proving that everything in regards to fashion revolves back around decades after they were once popular.  My question is... "Will today's youth opt for this overtly edgy fashion fare?"  I'm thinking probably not and that this will be more revered by the late 30's to 40 something crowd, because these pieces are definitely in the same form as they were over forty years ago as pictured here in this vintage Missoni swimwear ad...  

The dish is that there has been a limited supply since they hit the stores on September 13th and once they're gone, they're gone so you can either purchase them direct or online until October 13th.  

I love all things MOD however, I'm not quite sure that I would personally go to this extreme with the pairings shown above.  In my opinion, I would worry that someone would mistake me as dressing up for Halloween as a hippie or a character from the Austin Powers flick ya know? Maybe one or two Missoni accessories would suffice, but as a whole, these styles are just too busy for my taste!   


pics: ladychirpsalot.com, thebohemianluxelife.com, maggiemaggio.com, missoni.com

Fashion In Film Friday - The Great Gatsby

Since I began the week with Mia Farrow as 'muse' for my weekly MOD Monday post, I figured I would end it with her as well!  In 1974, Mia played leading lady 'Daisy' opposite Robert Redford in the film adaptation, based on the 1929 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald called 'The Great Gatsby'.  This romantic drama is basically a love triangle about two guys who pine for a married woman.  Jay Gatsby, played by Redford is a wealthy extravagant socialite who come to find out, has gained his wealth by illegal activities such as bootlegging alcohol.  There have been many versions of this film produced and currently one in production set to be released in 2012, starring Carey Mulligan and Leonardo DiCaprio as leads...    

Regardless of staying true to the book, the movie succumbed to negative reviews stating that it lacked in staying true to the 'jazz age' that was prominent in the 20's.  In spite of this, it was a box office success, bringing in over twenty five million.  'The Great Gatsby' won at The Academy Awards that year for best costume design, and rightfully so.  The rich and elaborate details of the styles that ruled that era were pinpoint perfection!  

From the bodacious sequined flapper cloche to the uber feminine chiffon & lace simple frocks accentuated with wide brim hats, this film had the ability to send us back in time.  The word 'Gatsby' went on to become a term that defined the well off in comparison to those who were not.  It was the rowdy time of prohibition, when women were truly coming into their own.  This timeless style is eternal as we are seeing it being brought back to life by designers such as Ralph Lauren, who created his fantastically gorgeous modern take on this vintage Gatsby'esque classic.  The fresh elegance of the pale palettes shimmer in soft pinks, silvers and whites.  

Gatsby girl, flapper, whatever you choose to call the style that embodied this time frame, you can easily put together your own look by incorporating some of these pieces into your wardrobe.  I am personally in love with the return of the cloche hat!

This what seems to our day and age...a 'modest' style, definitely has the hint of the subtle sensuality that encompassed the bygone era that was "the roaring 20's!"


pics: shopstyle.com, shine.yahoo.com, polyvore.com, shockya.com, buffalodandy.wordpress.com   

Emmy Winner Designed Her Own Dress...

Up until this weekend, I had absolutely no idea who actress Melissa McCarthy was and then I saw the hilarious movie 'Bridesmaids' that's out on DVD today.  I'm not one for watching television so the sitcom 'Mike & Molly' that she won her Emmy for 'outstanding lead actress in a comedy series', was news to me!  In an interview she stated that she couldn't find a dress that appealed to her to wear to the yearly event, so she decided to design something for herself.  McCarthy said her love for creating fashions goes way back to her college years as she initially pursued her passion for textiles & fabrics by attending design school with the intent of ending up in that field.  The purple gown created was a joint effort being that she got Danielle Pearl who is a reputable couture dressmaker on board with her in her project.  Melissa was quoted as saying the piece was "wildly comfortable".  In my opinion, the dress did absolutely nothing to flatter her plus size figure and there was a definite lack of lines or variations in patterns to do the job.  I'm totally not fond of the empire waist on full figured gals and the dress was so long that you can't even see the shoes she chose to wear which could have been a focal point for accentuating the otherwise dismal dress.  Because she's rather short, I would have chose a more delicate fabric, like a layered chiffon in anything but deep purple, maybe black with intricate beading accents and perhaps a bolero jacket to give the illusion of height.  Seriously, anything but this!... 

This comedic actress is far from a plain Jane, so it really disappoints me that it was her first time to shine in the spot light and she didn't hit the mark!   


pics: nydailynews.com 

MOD Monday - Mia Farrow

If you're in my age group, you very well know who Mia Farrow is because as a kid you saw the cult classic horror movie 'Rosemary's Baby' and often confused her for the popular mod icon of that era known as 'Twiggy'.  Like Twiggy, Farrow's signature hair do was the short coquettish pixie and they were both fair and thin which often caused them to get mistaken for each other.  Farrow first began her acting career on the old vintage classic soap opera called 'Peyton Place'.  She gained her celebrity status however because she was the wife of crooner Frank Sinatra for a brief time & later became the wife of the quirky actor/director, Woody Allen.

Both Twiggy and Mia, made the cover of Vogue in 1967...Their resemblance to one another is uncanny!

After her career catapulted, she went on to star in over forty five films, winning numerous awards and aside from acting, modeling became her forte.  In the 1967 spy film, "A Dandy in Aspic", Farrow wore/modeled the mod designs of Pierre Cardin.

In her later years, along with adopting about 15 children, Mia Farrow has become an activist and is a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF.  Her focus is primarily on advocating for the refugee children of Darfur Africa.  She still acts, however only in bit parts these days.  She's also an avid writer on the subjects that are dear to her in regards to her humanitarian efforts.

Mod styles are very much still alive and kicking in the current trends, as we are seeing newbie stars attempting to emulate the once popular 60's hairstyles of Farrow & Twiggy.  Michelle Williams, Carey Mulligan and Emma Watson.

There's always going to be a 'new version' of an 'old fave' and with that being said, I for one am making sure I never get rid of anything that was once popular because you just never know when it's going to be back in style again?


pics: goldenlondon.blogspot.com, tumblr.com, cinebeats.blogsome.com, celebritylifeandstyle.com  

Fashion In Film Friday - The Flapper

Since the early 1900's when motion pictures were first coming to life, costumes have been the most important element.  Aside from the actors capability to make you believe in the characters they portray, the wardrobe for each character has been just as much an essential element to each film.  For as long as we can remember, the fashions we've seen in the movies we love to watch have had a major impact on our own personal style choices. The very first vintage film that sparked my interest was "The Flapper", a non talkie flick made in 1919. Actress Olive Thomas was 25 at the time she played the role of a 16 year old pretending to be a flapper. Thomas' look in the film was the embodiment of the trends of the approaching 1920's, from the bobbed hairstyles & cloche hats, to the short hemmed fringe flapper dresses that shimmied.

Olive Thomas, born in 1894, was an American silent film actress and socialite who gained her rise to stardom after being hired as a dancer in the Ziegfield Follies.  A vixen in her time, known for being a wild party girl, Thomas posed nude for a Peruvian artist before she went on to sign with an international film company to which she acted in over twenty movies in four years.  Her untimely death at the young age of 26, happened by accident when on a coke binge, she mistook her husbands syphilis meds (liquid mercury bi chloride) for either water or alcohol?  Either way, she screwed up big time and it cost her, her life...

'Flappers' by common definition, were women who were seen as non conventional in that they had no shame in their game and were totally not unopposed to wearing excessive makeup, drinking booze, smoking, driving and most of all had no issues with professing their attitudes towards sexuality which was unheard of at the time!  Sounds like they laid the ground work out for us!
I absolutely am in love with the designs of this era and am convinced that this timeless style will always be 'IN'.  Just this past year we are still seeing designers at the board, creating their unique versions of the 'modern flapper'

pics: silentsaregolden.com, tumblr.com, myspace.com, maureentillman.blogspot.com, freenewfashiondesign.com

Going For Baroque?

Of all the style trends that were popular for Spring/Summer 2011, I have to say the oddest in my opinion was the 'Baroque' style sunglasses frames & the variations produced by several designers.  Baroque, by definition was an era in which everything in regards to music, clothing, dance and art were overly exaggerated.  This started in around 1600 in Rome Italy.  I'm sure you'd know exactly what I'm talking about if you picture the women as well as the men who wore the tall white wigs and elaborately adorned clothing?

So now you get the idea in regards to what Baroque is all about right? O.k., so there's this designer, Moo Piyasombatkul, who's such a newbie that Wikipedia hasn't even categorized her yet.  Anywho, this 23 year old Thai designer who lives in both London & Bangkok has come up with her own take on vintage Baroque by creating the most architecturally inspired eye wear frames.  She intricately embellishes each pair with opulent porcelain motifs inspired by versions of 17th century furnishings.  She came up with the idea when she spontaneously repaired a pair of her fave broken glasses with clay.

She was quoted as saying that "Whatever the body relates to is jewelry & statement pieces can change a look entirely"...


Don't know about you, but I don't plan on running out and going for 'baroque' anytime soon?  I'll stick with my good old vintage aviator frames...    




flickr.com, trendelecreme.com

Kirstie Alley On The Catwalk for Spring Fashion Week 2012

The 'once again' newly svelte 60 year old Kirstie Alley donned the catwalk yesterday in New York city for Malaysian designer Zang Toi during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at The Studio at Lincoln Center.  Toi left Malaysia at the age of 18 to pursue his passion for creating couture, landing in Toronto first and then settling down in New York where he went to design school.  His modernistic styles seem to be infused with hints of the far east.  I totally appreciate diversity where haute couture is concerned but seriously don't know that I'm feeling a vibe on what Alley wore for his show maybe due to the fact that in my opinion, the piece does not scream "SPRING!!!" but rather seems to be saying, "Look at me, I'm a Disney Princess!".  Kirstie looks fab regardless and major kudos to the beyond middle aged mama for slimming down.  I think this is a much better approach on her part in comparison to the stint she pulled five years ago on Oprah when she set herself up for public scrutiny by wearing a bikini after dropping a few lbs!  

         
pics: dailymail.co.uk.com, thefashionpolice.net

Vintage Mod Bohemian Faux Fur Making A Comeback

When the cooler weather approaches, it's our nature to want to get into a cozy comfort zone.  This Fall & Winter 2011, the vintage fuzzy fashions of soft faux fur that were once popular with the 'Mod Bohemian' crowd, are making a comeback for a season of cuddly chic. Sonny & Cher were instrumental in bringing faux fur into the limelight in the 60's.

Also called fun fur, fake fur and most recently faux fur, this material usually made from synthetic fibers to mimic the look and feel of fur has been available since the 1950's.  Since then, it's popularity has soared with animal rights activists because it's an animal friendly alternative. The downside to faux fur is that they are made from synthetic fibers which when produced are not very environmentally friendly.  Meaning they aren't biodegradable and come from non-renewable resources.  You know there's always going to be the 'pros & cons'.

Just because it's going to be cold outside doesn't mean that we have to dress like lumberjacks!  Faux fur is the ticket for being trendy and warm.  Ranging in an assortment of complimentary accessories as well, from hats to bags and boots. It's such an easy look to throw together but make sure to keep it simple with solids as pairing too many prints with fur can make your outfit appear too busy.

Always keep in mind you want to complement, not overpower... Faux fur is such a simple way to add an element of texture to an otherwise drab outfit.
Also take heed to making sure you bypass looking like a cave woman (meaning make sure your faux fur isn't bulky over over sized).  For instance this what appears to be honey fox faux worn by Kelly Rowland is a fashion 'no-no' because there's just too much going on!

This pairing worn by socialite Kim Kardashian is the right way to faux...simple yet classic.

*You can totally get into your comfort zone this season and stay stylish as well by splurging on some very affordable faux fur. 


pics: listal.com, blog.loehmanns.com, osochic.com, refinery29.com, fashiongrail.com, dailymail.co.uk 

"Let Us NEVER Forget"

On Tuesday September 11th 2001, the world as we know it was forever changed when four suicide attacks were attempted against the United States in both New York and Washington D.C.  Nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that day in the most horrific atrocity imposed on the U.S. by the Al-Qaeda with Osama bin Laden as ring leader.  I have two children as well as a niece and several nephews and I am so angered by the fact that they will NEVER know what life was like before 911, before their basic freedoms were compromised!  Our generation didn't know what anthrax was or live in fear of bombing or planes being hijacked, nor did we have to ever fathom a member of our family or ourselves becoming a victim of terrorism...  The bravery & unity amongst the survivors and those who reached out to help them in spite of the impending danger was the 'hope' that we as a nation so desperately needed to recover from this tragedy and to move forward with aspirations for a better future for the generations to come!  

My heart goes out to all the precious lives lost & most of all to the people who loved them ♥


                 Tuesday September 11th, 2001..."Let Us Never Forget"

                   




pics: abqjournal.com, candleandribbon.org

Spotlight Saturday - Fashions Night Out

Just this past Thursday, on September 8th, the third annual 'Fashions Night Out'  took place globally.  Since 2009, Vogue and the CFDA has sponsored the event in an effort to encourage consumers to continue to support the fashion industry in spite of the poor economy we're currently dealing with.  From Manhattan to Milan, Atlanta to Australia, stores in over 250 cities participated in the 8 day, all night shopping event.  Fashions Night Out is host to the biggest fashion show ever to occur in New York, with over 200 models attending!

     
pics: trendfashions.net, refinestyle.com