Tag: 1950s

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Fashion Icons: Vertigo, Edith Head, Alfred Hitchcock, and Kim Novak

Vertigo Costume Sketch
Madeleine’s icy white coat, worn by Kim Novak in Vertigo. Scan from an Ebay poster auction.

Anyone who knows me knows I love me some Vertigo. It’s my favorite Hitchcock film. The mystery involved makes it an obvious choice for Halloween, but there’s more to in than that. There’s the local aspect (I’m from Northern California), the Edith Head costumes (which aren’t exclusive to this Hitchcock piece, though they are particularly wonderful in it), and Kim Novak, whom I admire greatly.

She’s not just beautiful, she’s a tremendously sensitive actress. Novak’s very raw, vulnerable portrayal of Judy resonated with me. I could relate. Plus, she looked darn hot as both a rough-edged shop girl and a sanitized stand-in for the very patrician Madeleine Elster.

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A vintage and repro autumn!

Since the weather’s finally turned, it’s time to share some autumnable vintage and vintage-inspired dresses and separates!

Collectif Simone Doll
Collectif Simone Doll Dress in grey houndstooth.

First up is Collectif’s Simone Doll dress in grey houndstooth, a late 1940s/early 1950s-style day dress with a princess-style skirt. First introduced last fall, it’s available in four fall-appropriate colors.

Since Collectif’s measurements are all over the map and their website provides virtually no guidance in this regard, it’s best to ask around to see how a particular style or fabricway fits! On the advice of friends, I chose the UK size 16 and wasn’t disappointed. At 42-32-48″, I had no major fit issues. There is a bit of extra room in the shoulders and the drape of the fabric makes it a good idea to wear Spanx underneath to avoid lines, but nothing to make me run screaming.

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ESO: End of Summer Outfits

Jenny Dress
My Aunt Cynthia, my mom, and me at my cousin’s graduation party. I’m wearing my Pinup Couture Jenny Dress in Harlequin print. Photo by Shelly Donald.

Northern California will probably be warm until Halloween, but Autumn officially starts in just ten days! In honor of the climactic end of Summer, some outfits I’ve worn along the way…

First, a beautiful vintage dress from the 1950s that I bought from a friend. The striking color, mid-century halter-twist neckline, atomic-era buttons down the back, and metal sequin details made me fall in love with this one.

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Vintage Home: 1960s shadowboxes, 1950s atomic lamps, and side tables…oh my!

Lamps
Lamps!

So I’ve been in my house for over a year, and I’m only just now getting to the end of my long list of intended improvements and additions. Most of the work has been in the back yard, but I’ve also collected some home decor items I’ve been craving!

First, my preciouses; new vintage furniture!

My new (old) mirrored shadow box is stamped 4-30-62, a year before builders completed my home! I’ve filled it with my great-aunt Alice’s knickknacks, as she’s the first person I knew who had a mid century shadow box in her home.

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More pinup by Angela Morales!

Kali by Angela
Kali by Angela.

Being back at work is a drag, but photo shoots aren’t. Earlier this year, I shot some fresh pinup pics in Los Angeles with photographer Angela Morales – one of my favorites! – and makeup and hair guru Angel Jagger.

This set’s got a sixties vibe going, with the jet-setting, uber-modern hotel surroundings and all. And even though I’m fully covered from armpit-to-thigh with a longline bra and high-waisted girdle, this is technically a lingerie shoot. Hah.

Anyway, it was fun and I think the pictures turned out great!

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Summer Preview: Trashy Diva’s Pontchartrain Beach Set!

Trashy Diva Beach Set
Trashy Diva Ponchartrain Beach Set.

Trashy Diva does vintage style like no other. This New Orleans-based shop cluster and fashion line offers authentic looking designs in beautiful retro-print fabrics. The two-piece Pontchartrain Beach Set (named for the lake, I assume) is a playful, summery take on the usual Trashy Diva aesthetic, featuring a cropped top with pretty square neckline and a high-waisted skirt.  The fabric is a cool cotton voile, woven with a purple-and-turquoise plaid pattern. Large, white rose buttons close the bodice and decorate the large pockets on the skirt.
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Spring Vintage!

Cat bookends by Lefton Japan
Cat bookends by Lefton Japan.

How’s this for an oxymoron? I’m always on the lookout for new vintage! This spring, I’ve found a perfectly pastel beaded cardigan in Easter yellow, a gorgeous late 1940s A-line dress with an illusion bodice and keyhole detail, and a cute pair of white porcelain kitten bookends by Lefton Japan. Who needs bunnies when you can have cute little white kitties on your bookshelf? Continue reading “Spring Vintage!”

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Outfits of the Season: A very vintage autumn!

1920s Dress
Embroidery detail: 1920s cotton dress

When the 100+ degree weather finally subsides, I suddenly remember why fall is awesome:

  1. I don’t have to run the AC at night
  2. Halloween is coming
  3. Christmas isn’t far behind it
  4. I can wear nifty dark colors and heavier, fluffier, more luxurious fabrics

I just so happen to have a crap-ton of spiffy fall fashions from some of my favorite vintage purveyors. Continue reading “Outfits of the Season: A very vintage autumn!”