Fashion In Film Friday - Pleasantville

In 1998, Reese Witherspoon and Tobey McGuire starred in what could be considered a period piece film titled 'Pleasantville'.  The movie was set in the modern day and follows the two main characters as they are sucked into their television into a 'Leave It To Beaver' type black & white sitcom.  The costume designs for Pleasantville were immaculate in replicating the styles that both men and women incorporated into their daily wardrobes in the more 'simpler' time that embodied the era of the 1950's.  

The name of the film is connected to the idealism that everything was pleasant in the 50's and representative of a more puritanical time.  In all reality, less the obvious changes in censorship and morals, individuals in that time frame faced the same challenges that we do in this day and age in regards to making our way in the world and dealing with relationships.  The movie was instrumental in giving insight to the fact that we all have the same wants and desires in life and that as a whole, our ideas really haven't changed that much throughout the decades. 

The fashions of the 50's were absolutely recreated to give this flick a realistic quality.  Tight sweaters, circle skirts and cardigans.  If you love all things 50's check out Pleasantville now on DVD...

Currently 'in shop' we have tons of 50's vintage apparel, jewelry and accessories so if that's what you dig, make sure to stop on by!...


pics: katreeena.wordpress.com, sethvan.blogspot.com, listal.com, whowhatwear.com, tumblr.com 

Funky Feather Weaves Trending HOT!

Have you heard about the new feather weave trend that's happening right now?   It's been going on since early Summer and hasn't let up yet!  Both women and girls alike are opting for adding feathers to their coif be it professionally done at their local salons, or by doing it themselves at home.

Back in the 70's feathers were BIG! You'd see them as jewelry & clothing accents as well as hair accessories.  This vintage style has been around and used in hair doos for years however weaving, which is actually the process of integrating the artificial piece into the hair (i.e. feathers or both fake & human hair), is pretty much a new twist on an old idea. In regards to choosing the right plumes, it seems as though the younger crowd goes for more colorful option whereas the more mature ladies vibe the neutrals.

There is a less invasive way to wear the feathers that only involves clipping them into your hair.  It's pretty easy as opposed to the more semi permanent weaving method and you can take them in and out and change them up according to your daily wardrobe.  Feather weaves are quite different in comparison to hair weaves because of the fragility of the feather they have to be placed more delicately.  Hair weaves are sewn into the hair on the scalp whereas feathers are kept in place with tight crimp beads at the base of the scalp.

Both past and present, celebrities have been on board with the hype of wearing feathers in their hair as seen here with the legend Janis Joplin and Aerosmith's front man Steven Tyler...

If we really want to go back to the origin of ornamental feathers, I mean waaaay back, we have to give a shout out to Sitting Bull born in 1831 who was chief of his Lakota Indian tribe during a time of resistance to U.S. governmental policies. Indians wore feathers in their hair as a symbol of trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power, freedom and so much more and to be given the feather of the mighty bald eagle was the biggest form of flattery...

"Wouldn't it be awesome if we could incorporate into our own lives, the true meaning behind the symbolism of wearing feathers?"...

pics: vitaljuice.com, forums.meez.com, sambrocatosalon.com, venusvixen.com, onsugar.com    

Elizabeth's Jewels

The late Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor was known for more than her acting capabilities.  She had many love interests and aside from the husbands she entertained throughout her life, her number one passion was her jewelry. It has been said that Liz acquired the majority of the gems from the men in her life.  She had an amazing diverse collection of rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds.  A variety of the most precious stones.  Now up for auction, her pieces total out at an estimated $30,000,000.00! 

The jewelry worn by Taylor was just a little sneak peak into her extravagant lifestyle that entailed money as being an expendable commodity.  Over 269 diamonds, pearls, rings, necklaces and even a Van Cleef & Arpels diamond crown tiara are up for grabs to the highest bidder.  These vintage treasures come from all over the world...  The most acclaimed item she had was the diamond and ruby Cartier necklace and earring set given to her by husband Richard Burton.

Her entire collection is going to be exhibited at Christie's New York Galleries from December 3rd through December 10th 2011 and a portion of the proceeds from admission to the exhibit and sales will be going to the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.


pics: funkyjewelry.com, yahoo.com

The Re-Birth Of 'Period Collars'

Vintage trends this Fall are going waaaay back, and I mean way!  All the way back to the days of innocence as there has been a dramatic rebirth of the Victorian style for this upcoming Fall 2011.  During the Edwardian period (1901-1910), high neck collars were popular among women and often adorned with elaborate lace applique and beading & often considered a form of jewelry.  Mind you this style is not to be confused with the gi-normous Elizabethan collars of the Medieval times...

In spite of the fact that the Edwardian collar couldn't be any more modest, covering up 'everything', women of that time actually considered the style to bring an ambiance of allure because of the allure of leaving much to the imagination in that they were giving the viewer 'nothing to see', but 'everything to wonder about'.  That really wasn't such a bad concept eh?  This past year during Paris fashion week 2011, the fashion house of the late designer Alexander McQueen brought new life to the vintage style of Edwardian collars with their Fall line up of suits that entail hints of Goth peppered with industrial chic.  

In regards to Goth, the new generation has definitely been instrumental in bringing back the popularity of the Edwardian collar while at the same time, maintaining true to the original design ...

  pics: photobucket.com, flickr.com, deliaohdelia.blogspot.com, capitolcharlotte.com

Cheeky Jewelry - Wilfredo Rosado

After being in the business of jewelry making for over twenty five years, twenty of which were spent working with the Giorgio Armani brand, designer Wilfredo Rosado launched his own line of baubles just a week before the Grammy's and his pieces became an instant hit with 'A-listers'.  Rosado is said to be for the world of jewelry, what Andy Warhol was to the world of art, creating designs that make you think outside of the box.  Definite conversation pieces.  His recent vintage inspired cheeky ... 'for cool girls' rings and cameo pendants are being showcased for sale at Bergdorf Goodman. 

Hand carved from his workshop in Torre del Greco, Italy, his Cameo collection gives the old signature standard, a fresh & racy new vibe as these pieces definitely have got tongues wagging & his personal mission falling in sync with his work as he was stated as saying... "With everything I do, I wanted there to be some sexual tension"


PICS: WEHEARTIT.COM, WILFREDORASADO.COM

  
  

Fashion In Film Friday - Slumdog Millionaire

The movie Slumdog Millionaire was nominated for '10' academy awards in 2009 and featured a cast of unknown newcomers, some of who's real lives actually followed suit to the characters they were portraying. The plot centers around a Mumbai teen growing up in the slums who later on becomes a contestant on the Indian version of 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?"  Upon winning, he's arrested for suspicion that he cheated, and during his interrogation the film goes on to play out events from his life that explains just exactly how he knew all of the answers.

Indian actress & model, Frieda Pinto's career has been on the rise since the release of this film.  She got the part of lead female as the character Latika who was the love interest of the lead male role played by Dev Patel.  Pinto's character Latika's costumes in the film truly give the true ambiance that is India, with the exotic, vivid, evocative & visually stunning Indian inspired clothing styles.  The saris, jewelry and tunics of this country by comparison is somewhat equivalent to the Bohemian styles popular here in the states.

Eastern fashions incorporate a vivid variety of mixing colors and fabric textures that allows for a lot of freedom in regards to choosing the right pairings when it comes to trying to incorporate this fashion style into your own wardrobe.  For instance to easily achieve the Slumdog Millionaire look, an Eastern inspired printed scarf, a hammered coin bracelet or earrings and an embellished chiffon dress will do the trick!  All these items shown here from various shops right here on Etsy.

Whether you're looking at a high end department store, or your local thrift shops, I'm sure you're bound to find something to fit your own Eastern influenced personal style taste.  In my opinion, this is a perfect example of a lack of, 'taste that is' as The Pussycat Dolls were seen shortly after the premiere in these atrocious sari epic fail get ups!

        
pics: movieposters.com, popscribblings.com, zeenastyle.wordpress.com, tonguechic.com, www.etsy.com/shop/pennyraevintage?ref=seller_info,
www.etsy.com/shop/Textilemonster?reref=seller_info,
www.etsy.com/shop/danglingdiva?ref=seller_info

Vivacious Vuitton!

Who doesn't love Vuitton bags?  This years new collection is absolutely vivacious as designer Louis Vuitton has lavished the avid followers with fresh new styles & bold palettes for their 2011 collection!

Louis Vuitton, is 'vintage' in it's own right being that the French fashion house has been around since 1854 & has been the world's leading designer ever since, currently topping a net worth of over 19 billion!  Although they originated with clothing, jewelry & accessories, they became uber famous for their signature monogrammed bags.

In spite of the controversy surrounding the creation of 'LV's' pieces being machined, the company still stands firm stating that there are over 100 stages additionally involved in the making of each bag to bring it to completion.  So in case you hand any questions regarding the validity of your bags construction, make no mistake...There are hands involved!

Vuitton is always surprising us with bold new concepts and I am especially excited about the new monogrammed, mono hued colorful clutches that are out now as well as the Avante-Garde chain strap Pochette...

   
I'm sure these gorgeous bags are worth every single one of the over 3,300 dollars they cost & so with that being said...maybe when gas prices come down a bit I'll got out and get me one!






pics: bagjournal.com  i-fashionblog.com , handbagfirst.com  bagbliss.com , albertoberasconi.photoshelter.com , 4.bp.blogspot.com , ilvoelv.com

Fashion In Film Friday!

It's that time of the week again here at Retro Threadz where we discuss a film that inspired the world of fashion and this weeks movie is..."Valley Girl" circa 1983 starring Deborah Foreman and Nicolas Cage who at the time the movie was made had not yet made his mark in Hollywood as a reputable actor. 

The term Valley Girl was a stereotype given to a group of ditzy, materialistic, self-centered and often promiscuous California girls in the 80's.  They even were characterized as having created their own language called 'valspeak' which coined phrases such as "Ohhh my gawd"..."totally awesome"..."that's so gnarly" and the unforgettable.."whatever!!!"  More than the language became a trendy fad, the fashions choices of the Vals which originated in California spread out to the United States. This style included colorful headbands, leg warmers worn with heels, ra-ra skirts which have been seen making there way back to the racks, mini skirts worn with leggings, sweatshirts with cut collars worn off one shoulder, dresses with thick shoulder pads & polo shirts with the collar poppin'!

Of course the style has made it's way back to current day, as does pretty much every vintage fashion trend once passed as we are seeing more bold, colorful statement pieces both in jewelry and clothing.

The 80's ROCKED and not just because it was the decade I grew up in of course!  The music, the fashion, the vibe..."Yeah..It was all pretty 'bitchin'!" 

 movieposter.com , thisnext.com , 1.bp.blogspot.com , polyvore.com          

Elizabeth Taylor...Timeless Beauty

The beautiful Elizabeth Taylor just recently turned 79 this past February and has been in the news over the past several weeks for being hospitalized for congestive heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She remains stable and there are no new developments in her condition.

Award winning two time Oscar recipient Taylor defined herself as one of the most influential style icons of the 20th century with her stunning face, violet-blue eyes and the trademark beauty mark on her chin.  She was never afraid of playing up her bold eyebrows and that became a trend among women everywhere.


She has influenced film fashion for over five decades and became famous not only for her acting talents but for her style choices in clothes and jewelry.  Since she was a teen she has been intriguing us with her sass and sex appeal.


Elizabeth Taylor will always remain a timeless beauty...     

pic: cowkitty.net

The Skinny On Colors & Textures For Spring 2011

I’ve been doing a little research as to what’s in for fashion this Spring 2011 and here’s what I’ve found….

BOLD…BRIGHT…NEUTRALS…WHITES & GLAM?…

I know that’s quite the mix isn’t it? But according to reliable sources here’s the skinny on what’s popular for Spring colors/textures 2011.

Chunky pieces of bold statement jewelry, colors that are bright yet sophisticated, neutrals with exotic texture accents, mix match patterns, white from head to toe with earthy jewelry accents and even Glam is doing the time warp again…  You might as well consider ‘anything goes’!.





For those who love color play in their wardrobe you can feel free to bold it up by accessorizing with graphic gutsy hues.  Cobalt, neon and everything in between…& FYI orange is all the rage this Spring!








And for you less daring lasses, neutrals are still the mainstay.  Khaki is always ‘in’ and probably always will be!  Don’t forget there are so many variations of neutrals you might incorporate into your muted palette choices such as taupe, tan, beige, cream, ivory, gray & black





Not being able to wear white past Labor Day is a thing of the past as this hue 'or rather the non-hue' has been sticking around a lot longer.  White is timeless, crisp and fresh and is a good base for accessorizing.





I was surprised to find out that Glam is making a comeback this Spring.  Too bad I didn’t hang onto any of my wardrobe from back in the 80’s I’d be all set for this year as pop deco prints, metallic hues, rhinestones, leather and lace are on the scene!





The choices this year are endless so whatever works for you go out and work it girl and remember this is your year to shine!


source :   stylelist.com , fashion-era.com , uk.ykone.com