Shorts suits have been trending once again as we are seeing more and more women revamping their office style workday staple with blazer accompanied shorts suits. This offers a fresh and cool alternative to slacks in the Summer giving a feminine touch to an otherwise masculine power duo.
Of course the definition of work attire varies given the nature of your profession which in turn gives rise to the question..."Is there really a dress code anymore?" I would think as long as micro miniskirts and baring cleavage are a 'NO', you're all good to go! Keep in mind, that keeping it professional should be at the forefront of your clothing choices as a must.
When done tastefully, shorts in the workplace can be appropriate for a day at the office. Just make sure that you are cautious of the length because you want to maintain a modest appeal to your career fashion choices. Shorts as work attire is a fairly new concept because even up to around fifteen years ago, it was unheard of and considered unprofessional. I particularly love the Bermuda shorts suit...
Designers such as Doo Ri, Erin Fetherston & Jason Wu, have put together some amazing shorts suits which are becoming an instant classic!
There is also a more party'ish style short suit that can be worn as dressy attire...
On an end note...I'm not sure that this style works for dudes! What do you think?...
pis: refinery29com, runwaydaily.com, la-casa-couture.com, elle.com, fashionistagirl.blogspot.com, vstyleblog.com, denimology.com
The history of Memorial Day spans back to the Civil War era, dating back to 1865 in South Carolina as a day of remembrance for the fallen Union soldiers. Today, in the twenty first century, Memorial Day is celebrated in commemoration of 'all' of the U.S. military who have served and or lost their lives fighting for the freedom of their beloved country...
Here at Retro Threadz, we'd like to take a moment to give our heart felt thanks tor all the service men and women and pray 'God speed' for a safe and timely return home from active duty.
HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY 2011
"GOD BLESS AMERICA!"
Just got wind that soulful singer Amy Winehouse is back in rehab at the advice of her doctor, but the news said she was caught stopping off at a party store prior to re-admittance, to get herself a small bottle of Smirnoff! Her last run at rehab was in 2008 which makes me think of that old joke about how...'rehab is for quitters'! ah ha!
The English born songwriter, who's voice does not match her petite frame has been popular since we first heard her hit song ironically titled 'Rehab', back in 2006. This beehive toting mama was the first in a very long time to bring back the soulful sound of the old days.
Last year, she tried her hand at fashion designing, but I never heard of anything coming into fruition. There could have been many reasons, one being that the collection was designed after her own clothing style which isn't considered by many to be fashionable...or it could have been simply because people had fallen out of love with her because of the fact she's wasted pretty much all of her talents on her addiction that she so freely puts out there without regard for how her audience perceives her?
It's kind of like...she doesn't care, so why should we?
pics: img.listal.com
modamob.com
'Almost Famous' was the movie that made the bohemian style of the laid back 70's 'famous' again... It is a fictional tale based around a young teen who lands a job an intern reporter for Rolling Stone mag and his adventures following the band Stillwater, in an effort to get his first cover story published.
The 2000 film is in part autobiographical being that the movies director Cameron Crowe, was himself a teenage writer for Rolling Stone and the flick depicts certain aspects of that time in his life. It's Kate Hudson's character, the groupie Penny Lane that we remember most about this movie. Penny is the perfect blend of carefree, rocker/hippie chic who's fashion sense in nothing but fun and fearless! Gypsy, halter tops & peasant blouses. Paisley prints, stone washed denim cut offs and shearling jackets. This film reeked of the youthful rebellion that spawned from the 70's!
Designers have emulated the styling of Hudson's character Penny Lane as seen here by Alberta Ferretti with her 'boho couture collection'...
There's a little wild child in each of us, so here's some ideas if you plan on channeling your inner Penny Lane with this vintage retro rewind timeless fashion style!....You know you want to!
pics: cinematic-fashion.blogs.com, polyvore.com, oudailyfashion.wordpress.com, queensofvintage.com, jetflicks.info.com, amazon.com
When the dog days of Summer roll around, you're always sure to see scads of people out strolling around in the perfect seasonal foot wear known as the 'flip flop'. As of late, the versatility of the flop has become so diverse that we're even seeing young girls wearing them as an accompaniment to their Homecoming/Prom dresses. I did a little research on the history/origin of the flop and here's what I found...
The 'flip flop' concept (thin rubber soles with a Y-strap) has been around since the 1930's but were originally woven soled and dating waaaay back prior to that. They are the most primitive form of footwear going back to six thousand years around the stone age! It wasn't until the mid fifties, during post war that these cheap rubber (usually made from recycled tires) flops became a part of pop culture.
In the twentieth century, the vintage pop culture flip flop has become a part of dress wear just as much as jeans and a t-shirt have, and both teen girls and movie stars alike have popularized them by accessorizing their formal wear with them.
Over three decades, the most popular of all flip flops called Havaianas were originated & produced in Brazil, selling for around $3.00 per pair, mostly to peasants, housekeepers and other working class. As the times, economy and styles changed, Havaianas became more of a fashion staple as designers were taking on the concept of embellishing them and experimenting with materials, colors and patterns.
Juicy Couture
Havaianas
Coach
This simple form of footwear will always be a timeless piece of vintage pop culture...
pics: inspirememine.tumblr.com, the-designer-sunglasses.com, thisnext.com, cgi.ebay.com, pollsb.com.
For the past twenty five years, we have been graced with her presence for one hour each and every day. Some of us even went the lengths of making sure to DVR or TIVO her show in an effort not to miss an episode! Sadly for those of us avid followers, yesterday was the end of an era as talk show queen Opray Winfrey bid us a sweet farewell...
When I reflect on the years I've watched Oprah, I can't help but think of the ridicule she's endured for her ever fluctuating weight being under the constant scrutiny of the watchful public eye & at the same time, I look to her with complete admiration for the fact that she never lost her sense of style amidst the backlash of the hounding paparazzi.
It's true she has had her ups and downs in regards to weight, but she has never wavered in keeping up with fashion trends. Oprah showed us that how we perceive ourselves, is more than likely going to reflect on how people perceive us & in spite of her struggles, she continued to maintain an air of class and kept her 'swagga' on at high levels & at all times!
Random Fact: One of Oprah's most favorite fashion designers is Ralph Lauren.
pics: howmuchdotheyweigh.com , tvlistings.zapzit.com , cm1.theinsider.com , luxurlaunches.com
Kayla Staskiewicz of Waterford Michigan, was the 'belle of the ball' after winning a contest her father entered her in, hosted by Detroit's NBC tv station WDIV. The prize for one winner, was getting to borrow the crystal embellished, $25,000 Versace gown Christina Ricci wore to the Oscars in 1999. The cincher to the big win was being able to fit in the size 0 pale grey couture piece owned by the actress. Ten other girls were in the running, but Ms. Staskiewicz was the modern day Cinderella, fitting into it perfectly!
pics: luxurylaunches.com , bellasugar.com
There have been some very popular designers & fashion houses that have been around since forever and you'd be surprised to know just who has been creating styles since the days when 'MOD' was all the rage...
Pierre Cardin, the Italian born, French designer founded himself in 1950. He made the mini shift dresses in bright colors his trademark piece in the 60's. His patterns were all about geometric shapes and that moved the decade into a 'hipp'er' place.
Givnechy, founded by Hubert de Givenchy in 1952, went on to be the creator of the most famous little black 'mod' dress ever in 1961. It was worn by Audrey Hepburn in the vintage classic 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'.
Yves Saint Laurent, was a Paris born, French designer who began his career in 1962 making the Mod Mondrian shift dress that was totally reflective of his love for pop art.
Pucci, or by his sir name, Emilio Pucci was a Florentine Italian fashion designer who's received recognition for his work by the 1950's. His signature style was always associated with geometric prints in a kaliedoscope of colors.
These fashion moguls style houses continue on to this day creating new pieces with the flair of an era gone by still mingled in amongst their modern day designs...
pics: blog.nj.com , celebdelecream.com , retrokimmer.com , fashonshanty.com , doctormacro.com , onthisdayinfashion.com , tumblr.com , harpersbazaar.com
Academy award winning actress & pop songstress Cher turned 65 yesterday & just in case you didn't know, she was 'all of that' way before there was ever a Madonna or Lady Gaga. At almost 18, she paired up with then soon to be husband Sonny Bono to record the hit 'I've Got You Babe' & that hit set her career ablaze.
From the very beginning of her early stardom, Cher became a style icon and the fashion muse of designer Bob Mackie who created many of the outrageous gowns & costumes we've seen her in throughout the years.
From 2000 to 2005 she was on her 'Farewell Tour' but make no mistake, Cher's not going anywhere soon as then timeless talent has proved she has the ability to keep reinventing herself!
pics: spinner.com, blogue.us.com, inyourface.com, finalclothesout.blogspot.com, shoppingblog.com, mabjewelrycom
What do you get when you cross the 80's fitness craze with a movie about dancing? If you said 'FLASHDANCE' you were right on! The soundtrack was epic and so was the major motion picture, now a vintage piece of cinematography...
Flashdance filmed in 1983, starred the then up and coming actress Jennifer Beals & was a love story of sorts about a young woman 'Alex', who was a welder by day and a dancer (not stripper) at a popular watering hole called Moby's by night. Alex wanted to be a professional dancer and the context of the movie surrounded her passion for the craft & how in spite of coming from simple means, she wanted to make it in the big leagues.
The most memorable scene in the whole film that made it such a 'big deal' was when Beals did her 'running in place' moves wearing only tights, a torn t-shirt and the infamous 80's 'leg warmers'. Every girl wanted the 'I just came from the dance studio' look, even if they didn't! The poster image fleece off the shoulder top was considered the most famous look from the film and it's still enduring to this day.
This has got to be one of the most simplest vintage, casual styles ever!
*This is a definite 'Flashdance fash disaster' a'la train wreck Lindsey Lohan!
pics: thisnext.com, kafeinatedknits.com, clothesonfilm.com, mayanrocks.com impawards.com, connect.in.com
Arnold Schwarzenegger gave the ultimate diss to his soon to be 'ex wife' Maria Shriver by confessing to her that he had a child with the hired help & has been entertaining an affair with his mistress for over a decade! I'm sure you've heard about it by now in the news, in the tabloids, trash mags, etc... She has dealt with many hardships in her family and of course everyone knows about the so called 'Kennedy Curse' which was nicknamed as such, by all of the continued misfortune the clan has had fall upon them.
In spite of it all, Shriver has maintained an air of style, grace and elegance and being a part of America's most legendary family, who would expect anything less? In 2009, she was voted Glamour Magazines 'Woman Of The Year' and rightfully so, as she has been and remains a strong female role model for women everywhere being an activist, author & journalist.
On top of everything else, she loves fashion as she was seen in Paris during fashion week for the Fall/Winter 2011 Chanel Show.
She stated in an interview once that Tom Ford for Gucci was her favorite designer... Regardless of all the hoopla and media frenzy that's surrounding her at the moment, just like always, Maria Shriver is going to come out on top because after all she's a Kennedy!
pics: examiner.com , askmen.com , zimbio.com , fashwong.com , looks.com
This just in...'nude is the new black'! From creamy khaki to barely there beige, it's just as simply chic as it's counterpart the LBD.
It's a given that the 'little black dress' is a must have for any wardrobe conscious fashionista, but the neutral skin tone nude hue is all the rage at this very moment! A lot of women stick to the LBD for the simple fact that it's a forgiving color and has an extremely slimming effect but regardless, the LND cut in a pattern appropriate for your figure and paired with the right accessories can be just as flattering...
The paleness of the LND goes fab with a splash of color but avoid accessorizing it with black as that will look way too harsh.
Black shoes are also a fashion faux pas as beige on beige has a leg lengthening appeal.
The number one thing to consider when searching for the perfect 'little nude dress' is your personal skin tone. If you are pale, a darker shade of nude would not be the right fit for you and visa versa...if you're dark, a paler shade nude wouldn't be the right fit for you... It's all about finding the right hue to compliment you!
pics: anewmode.com , primamag.onsugar.com , reneetbouchard.blogspot.com , flypaper.bluefly.com , blog.thefind.com , hiheelz.onsugar.com
