Hollywood Fashion Vault

Alicia Silverstone in Clueless (1995)

2011-05-13T12:05:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Alicia Silverstone had a baby boy yesterday and named him Bear Blu. She is a bit of symbol for my generation - kind of like a Molly Ringwald for the 1990s. I was obsessed with her in The Crush and the obsession grew with Clueless -- a film that I consider to be The Breakfast Club for the 1990s.

Everyone I went to high school with was in love with this movie. We would have slumber parties just to watch it together. This is also one of the first places that we see Brittany Murphy (as the geek madeover by Alicia's Cher character) and Donald Faison, who is most famous for playing Chris Turk on the TV show, Scrubs, which I am likewise obsessed with. This is a great example of a "modern" classic film. Even though this was made in 1995, the film has had a tremendous impact on culture and is still funny/relevant/watchable today.

This film started so many trends, but when you watch it, the fashion is really over-the-top and mostly un-imitable. but this movie brought back knee high schoolgirl socks LONG before Britney Spears hit the scene. And that is the look that I chose to re-create today.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:
Shirt: Land’s End Canvas, The Heritage Oxford Shirt in Bayshore Blue, $34.50
Vest: New York and Company, Argyle V-Neck Vest, on sale for $17.99
Skirt: Land’s End Canvas, Women’s Cord Mini Skirt in Maplewood, on sale for $19.99
Socks: Macy’s, Hue Soft Opaque Knee High Trouser Socks in Espresso, $6
Shoes: Sofft Florence Chocolate Suede Mary Janes, on sale for $76.97 via Zappos
Total: $155.45

This outfit seems pretty complicated with lots of pieces to coordinate but it came in really inexpensive because I was "virtual shopping" off-season. Almost everything was on sale. Great basics from Land's End Canvas and then picking up on the Argyle pattern in the sweater, also on sale. Then some brown Mary Janes that are from a really comfortable brand with some basic brown knee socks. Only a little over $150 total. If you were purchasing in-season you would have a lot more choices for the sweater and pattern but you would probably pay full price.

I think this look is academic and very classic. I don't think this will ever look dated. The short length of the skirt keeps it very Clueless and prevents the frump factor from creepy in. What do you think? Any other wearable looks from Clueless you can think of?

Lady Cherry Loves and Double Indemnity

2011-05-12T06:36:00.001-05:00

Lady Cherry Loves is the cutest little blog about vintage style and vintage living from across the pond. Lady Cherry has wonderful thoughts about the intersection of film, fashion and the royal family. Hollywood Fashion Vault recently had an exchange with her to discuss her favorite (or favourite) style movies for our blogger interview series! If you are enamoured with vintage fashion, you should add her to your reading list immediately! Thanks Lady Cherry for sharing your thoughts with us!

Hollywood Fashion Vault (HFV): What are your favorite style movies?

Lady Cherry: Definitely from the film noir genre. My favourite, which I blogged about recently, has to be Double Indemnity - Barbara Stanwyck takes my breath away in practically every scene. I also love Rita Hayworth in Gilda (no doubt will be subject to a post soon!) Then again, I squealed with delight when Grease was screened on tv a couple of weeks ago - so my fashion tastes stretch from the twenties to the sixties really, although I the forties are my favourite!

HFV: Can you remember any specific pieces or outfits you wore that were inspired by a film?

Lady Cherry: I bought a high waisted skirt after watching Double Indemnity. It falls just below the knee and it is one of my favourite pieces. I wear it with cap sleeved jersey tops that have a little detail (a bow or a ruffle or two), and with shirts. I always feel amazing in it when I wear it, and it is hugely flattering to me pear shaped figure....if you don't have one, you need to get yourself one!

HFV: How do you incorporate retro and vintage elements into your wardrobe?

Lady Cherry: I wear *something* with a vintage or retro element every day. I don't feel right if I don't. I usually go for a key piece that gives it a vintage feel, then compliment it with accessories - t-bar shoes are a staple! I also wear seamed tights or stockings on most days....of course, it depends on the outfit. I nearly always wear dresses and skirts, trousers are reserved for very cold days! I enjoy the celebration of femininity that wearing vintage clothing brings for me. Particularly when inspired by the forties. It was a time when women wanted to still feel feminine, and it was important to them to feel that, but they also demonstrated that they had just as much strength of character as any man, could work like a man, be just as resilient......amazing times. They did much more for woman's status than any bra burning activities, in my opinion.

HFV: Do you have a style icon? Who is it and why did you pick them?

Lady Cherry: I have several style icons. One of them is Princess Margaret (see below for more info); I love the way that her style changed with each decade but she remained at the cutting edge, a trend setter rather than a follower. I also love Grace Kelly in the fifties. I think Grace was the perfect name for her, it just seemed to exude from every pore and really shone through in her personal style. I also love the fact that even though she was a high profile Hollywood princess, then a real life one, she always insisted on doing her own hair and make up when she could; she wouldn't have anyone do for her what she could do herself. I am still searching for the perfect pair of gloves to finished any outfit!

HFV: What’s on the horizon for Lady Cherry Loves? What are you excited about?

Lady Cherry: What's next? I am really looking forward to the numerous vintage inspired events coming up over the summer, and to meeting more like minded bloggers. Later this year l will be moving my blog to a different host, and will be launching a small online vintage boutique - l am always coming across vintage clothing that doesn't suit, or fit me, or isn't quite my style, but is too lovely to leave behind. So l have been hoarding it to sell on. Eventually l hope to make vintage style pieces to sell, too - love to sew, but right now l am making things just for me! So there is lots to be excited about right now - and the sun is shining, too!

HFV: Also, being from Britain, what is your take on the royals and how they impact style? Have you ever copied a look from a member of the royal family?

Lady Cherry: What a question! I think that Britons have a love-hate relationship with the Royals. There certainly have been some style icons...going back to Queen Victoria, surprisingly. Queen Vic is the reason why white wedding dresses are 'traditional' - until she wore a white once in a lifetime dress in 1840 to marry Prince Albert, brides usually just wore their Sunday best. (In Britain, one would save their best outfit to wear to church on a Sunday, hence the term 'Sunday best'). Princess Margaret was a big style influence between the fifties and seventies. In fact, the Duchess of Cambridge's wedding dress was more like Princess Margarets' when she married in 1960, than Princess Grace's. For some people Diana was a style icon, but not for me - she was more like a clothes horse for me (sorry!) Now it looks as though the latest addition to the Royal family is the newest style icon - the dress that she wore when she and Prince William announced their engagement, and for the official engagement shoot, both sold out in days. I cannot say that I have ever copied a look from a Royal, but I will admit that I bough a dress in a similar blue to the one that the Duchess of Cambridge had on when they announced their engagement! to be honest, I am not one for copying outfits. Inspired by, yes; copy...I will leave that to others!

Norma Shearer in The Women (1939) Take 3

2011-05-11T06:30:00.002-05:00

The Women is one of the most fabulous films from 1939 -- that landmark year in the history of film! This is my fourth outfit from this film (one from Joan Crawford and three from Norma Shearer.) You can see all of my posts from this movie here.

In The Women, Norma Shearer's happy marriage disintegrate because of her husband's adultery with Joan Crawford. The outfit above appears when Norma is watching home movie reels of her happy honeymoon with her young daughter. She is melacholy over what she has lost. In the film reel, Norma's character has been fishing on a boat wearing sandals, sailor pants, and a nautical striped crop top. (To me, the crop top is a visual manifestation of her vulnerability at this stage in her life. Her happiness and openness becomes a liability later when things fall apart.)

While she is wearing a crop top, her tummy is still covered. I personally am too modest/self-conscious for a crop top. So, I wondered how I could re-create this great nautical look and still use a crop top?

Here is what I came up with: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:

Top: Michael Stars Riveria Stripe Cropped Pocket Tee in Black, $29 via Revolve Clothing

Bodysuit: American Apparel, Cotton Spandex Jersey Basic Bodysuit in Red, $26
Pants: Loft, Marisa Sailor Pants, $20.99
Shoes: Aldo, Sarhemilie Flip Flop in Red, on sale for $18.74
Total: $94.73

This look is anchored by the sailor pants. These are pretty popular these days and nice looking ones are easy to find at good prices. I like these khaki ones from Loft for only $20.99. I then utilized a bright red bodysuit from American Apparel to make the crop top modest/flattering enough for most women to wear. Then I selected these somewhat dressy flip-flops to match that color. From there, I searched for a slouchy striped crop top and this one from Michael Stars was perfect -- it looks casual and comfortable for only $29.

The entire thing has great lines, a delightful color scheme and is very wearable. The whole thing came out under $100. Wouldn't this be a perfect look for a barbeque at the beach or a 4th of July picnic?

Clara Bow in It (1927)

2011-05-10T12:30:00.001-05:00

It is an amazingly entertaining film for being silent. Clara Bow has undeniable charisma and proves that really you don't need to talk to be captivating, in fact she may prove that words are a hindrance to her kind of mesmerism. This film is where we get the term "It Girl" and Clara Bow was the original. She seems to be utterly natural and un-self-conscious in the film but I would venture to guess that this ease was actually contrived. She has an almost Lolita-ish appeal as the shop girl who lands the handsome rich boss.

The 1920s are a difficult era to re-create outfits from, because most of the looks focus on the dropped waistline popular with flappers. This silhouette produces a boyish look for most women, something we do not find flattering today. Therefore it is difficult to find pieces like this. I did however, find a couple of looks that seem applicable today.

Clara wears this look above when she goes out on a date with her romantic interest to Coney Island. She wears t-strap pumps, a pleated skirt, a diamond print sweater with a printed scarf and a beret.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:
Hat: American Apparel, Unisex Wool Beret in Raspberry, $24
Scarf: Chevron Print Scarf, Pink-Blue, $45 via Robin Dira Unsworth
Sweater: Bluefly.com, Hayden black cashmere Argyle boyfriend sweater, $118.99
Skirt: Urban Outfitters, Sparkle & Fade Knee Length Pleated Mesh Skirt, on sale for $19.99
Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Kimchi Blue, Wingtip Heel, on sale for $39
Total: $246.98

Starting with the basics, I found a gauzy pleated skirt and t-strap shoes from Urban Outfitters. Both pieces were perfect and on sale. Building from there, I found this argyle print cashmere sweater, which mimics the diamond pattern on Clara's top. It is a bit pricey since it is cashmere but two things really put this piece over the top for me: the fit is a boyfriend fit which will hit at the mid-hip area when worn over the skirt (echoing the flapper silhouette) and there is a thin line of fuchsia in the argyle pattern (which will coordinate with the other accessories).

Then I needed to finish off with the scarf and beret. Taking my cues from the fuchsia in the sweater, I decided to go with a very cheeky "Raspberry Beret" -- the kind you find at a second hand store. I think if Clara Bow lived today, I could totally see that Prince song being one of her favorites.

The last piece had to be a chevron striped scarf which played off of the raspberry/fuchsia colors and had the right scale of a print to work with the argyle in the sweater. This one is a bit pricey for a scarf but it meets all of the criteria I had to make this look work well. I think mixing the two seemingly clashing patterns (chevron and argyle/diamond) is a bold lesson from Clara Bow.

This look could work for a casual Friday at the office and easily transition into a date night "pizza-and-a-movie" kind of look. Although it is a bit pricey, the cashmere will make you feel so luxurious and that sweater will last forever. It's an investment piece that you will be able to remix for years.

Kate's Honeymoon Look

2011-05-05T19:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the silence this past week. My husband is trying to launch his photography business here in Mississippi and we have had several events and jobs this past week. If you are interested, check out his artwork and portait work with the links in this sentence.

One more Kate Middleton post and then I am done with royal, I promise! I guess I should start calling her the Duchess of Cambridge now, huh? This look is what Kate wore the morning after her wedding leaving Buckingham Palace. This look is so simple and chic and stylish, I just had to try my hand at re-creating it.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:
Dress: Mod Cloth, Frozen Lake Dress, $54.99
Sweater: Macy’s Charter Club Cardigan Long Sleeve, Black, on sale for $29.99
Belt: New York and Company, Skinny Braid Belt, on sale for $9.97
Shoes: Bandolino, Dyani Espadrille in Black, $69 via Piperlime
Total: $163.95

This is another lovely blue look from Kate. This dusty blue offset with black neutrals looks so simple but chic. This little dress from ModCloth is inexpensive and has the same color blue with pleats and a modest neckline, just like Kate's dress. Instead of a black jacket, this structure cardigan with a similar neckline suffices. The belt is simple and cheap too and makes the entire look hang together. Kate's wedge espadrille is matched by this modestly priced one from Bandolino. What an awesome casual outfit!

Kate seems to be becoming a new paragon of modest, elegant style. It's about time we had a style icon that shows us that modest doesn't have to equal dowdy!

Look for Less: Kate's Bridal Style

2011-04-29T10:09:00.003-05:00

The royal wedding this morning was incredibly satisfying and I am so glad that I got up to watch it live. It just would not have been the same to watch it on Youtube later today. Kate Middleton really pulled it off! She was poised, elegant, demure, regal -- just everything she needed to be. Her gown was even a bit sexy! These two really seem to be striking a balance between youthfulness and tradition, between having an intimate family affair and understanding their roles as representatives of the state.

Kate's wedding dress was rich with symbolism. The lace was stitiched by the Royal School of Needlework which is housed at Hampton Court Palace and contains the images of flowers representing all four of the areas of the United Kingdom. This includes English roses (England), thistles (Scotland), shamrocks (Ireland) and daffodils (Wales). The symbolism of flowers also played a big role in the decoration of the royal wedding cake.

This dress strongly echoes another "commoner": Hollywood actress, Grace Kelly. She became Princess of Monaco in 1956 and wore a lovely gown with a cinched waist and pleated full skirt with long lace sleeves and a veil. ABC interviewed Tim Gunn of Project Runway fame about the comparison and he noted that this is a huge compliment for Kate. He also said that Kate went more modern with a tasteful v-neck and not the high neck that Grace wore. This look shows deep respect for the occasion and recognition that is not merely "your wedding" but also an investiture into the role you are assuming. It hits all the right notes.

In a few hours, dozens of knock off reproductions of Kate's gown will flood the marketplace. However, I think that you need not go with a direct knockoff, you can take notes from Kate's (and Grace's) style but not have to purchase a "Kate-in-a-can" look. To that end, I found a few pieces that could easily re-create the "gown-of-the-century" look.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:

1. Bolero: Long Sleeve Lace Jacket, LSLACE, $129 via David's Bridal

2. Gown: Oleg Cassini, Satin Ball Gown with Dropped Waist Style and Sweetheart Neckline, $750 via David's Bridal

3. Veil: Two Tiered Pencil Edge Veil by Etsy seller arielj, $75

4. Tiara: Rhinstone Jewelry Corporation, Graduated Tiara, $42

5. Earrings: Rhinstone Jewelry Corporation, Victorian Heart Flip Earrings, $53.52

6. Shoes: Touch Ups Abby Pump in White, on sale for $51.54 via Endless.com

Total:$1,101.06

This dress from Oleg Cassini is sleeveless and strapless but has a couple of key elements: the full pleated skirt, the cinched waist and the sweetheart neckline, all of which match Kate closely. To add that modest and lovely lacy touch, add a bolero or lace jacket like the one pictured above.

Accesories are delicate and modest. The tiara is simple and feels antique with a simple two layered veil so you can actually wear it and be covered front and back to the fingertips. The earrings are simple and small drop earrings just like Kate's (which were a present from her parents). Shoes are elegant and dressy with a low heel.

I would be sure to pair this with a small round boquet of delicate flowers, like both Grace and Kate did. Nothing flashy to distract from you and your face. I would also take care to wear appropriate hosiery and undergarments as necessary to carry off this look (since we are not all blessed with a gorgeous princess figure like Kate's, right?)

You can do all of this for under $1,500, with the six main pieces totaling just a little over $1,100. Wow! Princess (or rather Duchess) style for less!!

Budget Chic and the film A Kiss Before Dying (1956)

2011-04-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

Hollywood Fashion Vault was thrilled to see Budget Chic (another fashion blogger) trying out a great look from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof as a work outfit. Doesn't she just look fabulous?
This outfit made me want to find out more about Budget Chic and her style inspiration. She graciously answered my questions and gave me a few more leads on great style films. Here is the interview and an outfit from one of her favorite style movies: A Kiss Before Dying (1956). Enjoy!

Hollywood Fashion Vault (HFV): What are your favorite style movies?

Budget Chic: Sex and the City: The Movie (SATC 1), A Kiss Before Dying (1956) and Confessions of a Shopaholic
HFV: Can you remember any specific pieces or outfits you wore that were inspired by a film?

Budget Chic: I dupe a look from Cat On A Hot Tin Roof and searched for a hot pink pencil skirt and colorful leather gloves to imitate a look from Confessions. I'm also looking from some 50s flare skirts and dresses from several classic movies that have inspired me, A Kiss Before Dying being one of them.

HFV: How do you incorporate retro and vintage elements into your wardrobe?

Budget Chic: I love anything structured from the 40s and 50s so I do a lot of peplum jackets, pencil skirts and plan to do more faux fur to get that luxe 50s vibe. I try to mix retro with more current pieces so it doesn't look like I'm always in costume or stuck in a time warp.

HFV: Do you have a style icon? Who is it and why did you pick them?

Budget Chic: Absolutely love Patrica Field the stylist for SATC, Devil Wears Prada and Confessions. Icons are Sarah Jessica Parker (SJP) and a new favorite Kerry Washington.

HFV: What’s on the horizon for Budget Chic? What are you excited about?

Budget Chic: I don't know what direction this blog will take me it, I'll just keep doing what feel right and hoping opportunities will grow from that.

Many thanks to Budget Chic for sharing her thoughts and insights. Particularly, I appreciate the recommendation of A Kiss Before Dying. It is available on Netflix to Watch Instantly. I caught this flick and re-created one of the outfits from it. Here is the companion post to this interview.

Virginia Leith in A Kiss Before Dying (1956)

2011-04-28T12:50:00.001-05:00

This film was recommended to me by Budget Chic as being a great source of vintage style inspiration. And it certainly was! Joanne Woodward and Virginia Leith play sisters and they both dress wonderfully. However, I was also pleased to find A Kiss Before Dying to be a very entertaining film too! (Read my entire interview on style movies with Budget Chic here.)

This movie was like a cross between Marilyn Monroe's Niagara and A Place in the Sun (Elizabeth Taylor). It has at the heart of it a murder mystery, complete with much duplicity and greed. Like Niagara, it has all of the satifying dramatic music and murderous intrigue. Like A Place in the Sun, it features a man desperate for upward mobility who might be held back by a pregnant girlfriend. Robert Wagner is utterly convincing as both seemingly devoted boyfriend and unrepentant murderer.

This recommendation also introduced me to Virginia Leith, who I had never heard of before. She is actually a very appealing and believable actress, who began her career as a model. Her resume, however, seems filled with campy cult classic titles such as Fear and Desire, Black Widow, Violent Saturday and The Brain that Wouldn't Die. It seems to me with a little luck her career could have taken a different track and she could have been a household name.

The outfit I chose to re-create first was a simple, casual look that Virginia Leith wears when preparing for her engagement party.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:

Shirt: J. Crew, Perfect Shirt in Linen, Lemon Twist, $79.50

Capris: Ann Taylor, Curvy Cotton Twill Capris in Black, $68
Belt: Forever 21, Wide Everyday Belt, $4.50
Flats: Rocket Dog Memories Ballet Flat in Black, $39.95 via Endless.com
Total: $191.95

Ah, simplicity! Basic black capris with a basic black belt and basic black flats. The surprise is a gorgeous bright yellow linen shirt worn cinched around the waist with the wide belt. This is a lovely look and so easy and casual. This could be worn just running errands, going to a party or barbecue, or to work on a casual Friday. I love the combination of the black and yellow, like a pretty honeybee. Black and yellow together are a very classic and retro color combination. The shirt and pants are both quality pieces that could be endlessly remixed to make lots of other great outfits. And the price came in under budget! How chic! (Thanks Budget Chic for the tip!)

Another Royal Look from Kate Middleton

2011-04-27T17:45:00.002-05:00

Well, I just couldn't help myself from putting together one more look inspired by Kate Middleton before the royal wedding on Friday. These two outfits seemed similar to me and taking bits and pieces from both of them resulted in a very demure but interesting garden party or wedding guest outfit. See my first Kate Middleton post here for more "soon-to-be-royal" fashion inspiration.

The three elements I wanted to pursue in this look were 1) using navy to accesorize a periwinkle or light blue look, 2) mixing in an unexpected floral pattern and 3) utilizing a clutch for a daytime look. Here is what I can up with: Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.

Run-Down:
Dress: Jessica Simpson, Jersey Shirred Dress Night Shadow Crepe Jersey, $128

Jacket: Anthropologie, Cropped Wisley Blazer, $118

Hat: (Optional) ModCloth, Ophelie Hats, “Up the Antique”, $107.99 (Currently sold out but restocking.)
Clutch: Jessica McClintock Large Rectangle Navy Clutch, $21 via Designer Imports.com

Shoes: Target, Mossimo Pearce Pump in Navy Patent, $29.99

Total: $296.99 (without hat) $404.98 (with hat)

This jersey dress from Jessica Simpson reminds me of Kate's general style. She likes comfortable but structured jersey dresses with some lovely drape to them. This one happens to be in a periwinkle color like inspiration outfit #1 above. Since it has no sleeves, I wanted to use a blazer and found this one that coordinates color-wise but has a unique floral pattern.

Then I added in a basic navy pump and clutch. Both of these are inexpensive items because the two main pieces were over $100. The clutch had to be kept simple and elegant and not be too shiny or over-the-top in order for it to work for daytime wear. With these four pieces, I was pretty pleased with the result. The navy really looks great with the pattern and the periwinkle, one of my favorite colors.

And then I found this hat! This straw hat has a tilted fascinator style to it and would fit right in with this look which has a garden party kind of feel to it. Again, it is very Kate and very British to wear large or tilted hats to semi-formal or formal events. This hat is very unique and elegant and would make a statement without drawing the wrong kind of attention to you. Adding the hat does drive the final total for this look up above $400 but I felt that I would show it to you anyway, since it does add to the final look.

Currently, this item is sold out at ModCloth but they are restocking presently. In fact, all but a few of their hats like this and their fascinators are sold out now! Do you think it is the Kate Middleton affect and royal wedding fever?

She's In Fashion: Kate Middleton

2011-04-27T16:46:00.000-05:00

Interesting commentary on Kate's style versus Diana's. Check this out.

A Royal Look from Kate Middleton

2011-04-26T17:48:00.000-05:00

Most Americans are caught up in full-tilt Royal Wedding fever this week and I am no exception. Although I truly am glad that I live in representative democracy without a monarch, it does feel good to indulge in a bit of the royal pomp from across the pond. I am just a nut for anything about the British monarchy. I took courses in Britain about King Arthur and studied the Tudors with a serious obsession. (I probably know as much about Henry the VIII as I do about movie musicals -- that's alot.) So, of course, I have read all the hype and the guest list and commentary and whatnot about the upcoming Windsor nuptials.

But I'll admit -- Kate Middleton use to bore me. She was so prim and pretty and one-dimensional. So dispassionate. (Frankly, she was just...so not Diana.) But, I have been caught up in the fervor and now I am a fan. She does have a very mature and classic style and seems to be showing more of her personality lately. And who doesn't love a good commoner to princess story right?

It does bother me that the official line has been changed to call her Catherine instead of Kate. That kind of annoys me a bit. Like they are trying to deliberately re-brand the poor girl. Speaking of names, few people know that when Wills becomes king he can choose to be addressed by any of his several names -- one of which is Arthur. The once and future king indeed!

Two things that I love about Kate's style. She looks amazing in blue and is reviving the sapphire engagement ring (I have one) and she loves hats and looks great in them. She wore this amazing cobalt dress (above) to a wedding and then of course her engagement annoucement dress was also blue from Issa. I have chosen to combine these two looks into one look that is re-creatable for American anglophiles.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view)

Run-Down:

Ring: 4 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring 14K White Gold, $476 via Ice.com

Dress: Trashy Diva, Doris Dress in Cobalt, $146
Headpiece: Louis Green Milliner, Headband, Black, $80
Jacket: Ruche, Beautifully Studded Tuxedo Jacket, on sale for $58
Stockings: Figleaves Italian Hosiery Sheer Tights in Black, $17
Shoes: Fergalicious Black Patent Women’s Utopia Pump, on sale for $29.99 via Famous Footwear
Total: $330 (without ring) $806 (with ring)

There are a ton of knockoffs out now of Kate's blue Issa dress. However, I made a non-traditional choice and chose this number in Cobalt blue from Trashy Diva as the basis of this look. Trashy Diva is a fantastic boutique line out of New Orleans. Their flagship store includes the dress shop, a lingerie store and an amazing shoe store in the French Quarter. Everything is vintage inspired and fabulous. This dress has the wrapping middle and the right color of blue to mimic Kate's dresses.

Since this dress is sleeveless, I wanted to add a black tuxedo jacket like the first picture of Kate in this post. This one from Ruche is very classy and has some sparkle to it. The price on it is great and helps to compensate for the higher price of the dress.

Following Kate's lead, I selected stockings in a sheer black and simple black patent pumps. Kate tends to wear sheer stockings and while these seem to have fallen out favor stateside, sheer stockings add immediate elegance to any outfit. The pumps are reasonably priced like the jacket.

These four basic elements could easily constitute a special occasion outfit for any American girl and it would look lovely for about $250. But, I decided to have a bit of fun and recommend two additional pieces to really push the British inspiration of this Kate Middleton look.

Like her dresses, there are lots of knockoffs of Diana's...I mean...Kate's sapphire and diamond engagement ring. This one was on sale right now from Ice.com and is very pretty. Of course this takes the price way over the top but for those with the inclination -- it is a lovely ring.

Lastly, Kate Middleton is credited with single-handedly bringing the fascinator hat back in style in America of late. In this spirit, I have selected a headband from a great retro-style milliner called Louis Green. The headbands provide a bit more support and reassurance for Americans not used to wearing the precariously perched fascinators and they are reasonably priced (versus a hat). This fancy headband is mimic the classic but offset lines and simple black color of Kate's hat above.

I am so excited to see what Kate's wedding dress looks like and how her style evolves as she grows into her role over the next few years. Hopefully she will be a source of fashion inspiration for a very long time.

Classic Movies Streaming Netflix Update 4/26

2011-04-26T17:45:00.002-05:00

Each week I check out FeedFliks to see which classic films will be on Netflix's Watch Instantly feature, which I love! FeedFliks (which is free) tells you what has just arrived on Watch It Now, what is coming soon (and when) and what will be expiring soon. This means you can be sure to see things before they go back to the DVD only option. What a great tool!

Once per week, I like to take the extensive list provided by FeedFliks and pull out the classic films and other notable films from those three categories. This makes it even easier for you classic movie buffs to find the good stuff on Netflix.

Coming Soon:
The Navigator, with Buster Keaton (1924) coming 5/15
Seven Chances, with Buster Keaton (1925) coming 5/15
The Thomas Crown Affair, with Steve McQueen (1968) coming 5/1
Shoot Out, with Gregory Peck (1971) coming 5/1
Mary, Queen of Scots, with Vanessa Redgrave (1971) coming 5/1
Family Plot, (Hitchcock's final film) (1976) coming 5/1
Raging Bull, with Robert DeNiro (1980) coming 5/1
The Secret of NIMH, animated (1982) coming 5/1
My Best Friend's Wedding, with Julie Roberts (some Kate Hepburn style outfits here) (1997), coming 5/6
Original Sin, with Angelina Jolie (2001) coming 5/1
Pinocchio, with Roberto Benigni (2002) coming 5/14

Expiring Soon:
Way Down East, with Henry Fonda (1935) expiring 4/30
Lynch 2 (about David Lynch's filmmaking) (2007) expiring 5/1
Short Films of David Lynch (2002) expiring 5/1
Broadway: The American Musical, hosted by Julie Andrews (2004) expiring 5/1

I also happen to be a big documentary buff and one of my favorite host is Michael Wood. Several of his films will be expiring soon, so check him out while you have a chance!

Michael Wood Documentaries - All expiring on 5/1/11
In Search of Shakespeare
In Search of Myths and Heroes
Conquistadors

Yet another passion of mine is learning about food and our food system here in the U.S. Several food documentaries are expiring soon, so again, if you have an interest check them out this weekend.

Food Documentaries
Fed Up! (2002) expiring 4/27
The Meaning of Food (2004) expiring 5/1
The Natural History of the Chicken (2001) expiring 5/1
To Market, To Market to Buy a Fat Pig (2007) expiring 5/1
Fat: What No One is Telling You (2006) expiring 5/1

If you don't already have a Netflix subscription you can start one with a free trial. It is only $7.99 per month to have full access to all of the Watch Instantly movies an television shows, including thousands of classic films. I have used Netflix since 2003 and the Watch Instantly feature since 2006. I wouldn't dream of cancelling my subscription, no matter how tight money gets. It gives back so much to me culturally that the fee is negligible.

Instantly watch unlimited TV episodes & movies over the Internet right on your TV, computer and various mobile devices. Watch as much as you want, as often as you want for only $7.99 a month. Start your free trial today!

Barbara Stanwyck in The Lady Eve (1941) (Take 2)

2011-04-23T13:40:00.000-05:00

This is my second look from Barbara Stanwyck's The Lady Eve. You can read my complete review of this fun little film here and see the semi-formal bronze lame look that was also inspired by this film. Suffice it to say that I just love Barbara Stanwyck from her femme fatale roles in film noir to her zanny comedies and earnest feel-good flicks all the way to the 1980s epic mini-series The Thorn Birds, I just love this broad.

This outfit seems to be a bit of a departure for Barbara, as it is a bit too tongue-in-cheek. Perhaps this is because she is wearing it while her character (a con artist) is trying to seduce and dupe Henry Fonda's character. Most of this action happens while they are on a boat, and this look fits in perfectly with our sailor/nautical inspired week this week! The look, while unconventional, is fresh and neat and preppy with a fun twist or two.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:

Hat: Asos Pieces Stripe Jersey Hat, $17.93

Shirt: Old Navy, Women’s Poplin-Stretch Dress Shirt Bright White, $16.50

Vest: Forever 21 Navy Open Knitted Sweater Vest, $19.90

Pants: Talbots, Signature Fit White Denim Trouser Jeans, $89

Brooch: Hooked on You Brooch, $11.99 ModCloth

Shoes: Annie’s Shoes Women’s Olivia Wedge in White Linen on sale for $19.99 via Endless.comTotal: $175.31

I would never think to wear white pants and a white shirt but Barbara shows that this look can be very refreshing. The vest breaks it up and makes it work. I went with a red, white and blue theme because of the nautical feel. The vest is a great price, as is the basic shirt. The trouser jeans in white from Talbot's look flattering and comfortable.

Once those basic elements are in place, the accessories add that fun edge on the preppiest of this outfit. The anchor brooch in bright red from ModCloth and the very cool "Where's Waldo?" style beanie cap that manages to take Barbara's silly nautical nightcap to interesting places. Lastly, I took the same shoes that I used in my women's Fred Astaire look from Follow the Fleet. Such a great price on a versatile summer shoe.

I can imagine wearing this to a seaside barbecue somewhere like Maine in the springtime. You could make it work for more seasons by wearing a short sleeve shirt or going with capris. Either way, I think you would have to have a sense of humor and confidence to really pull this off, but it is too irresistibly cute not to post it.

What do you think? Is this look Where's Waldo on a boat? Or something fun and fresh?

Twyla Tharp on Creativity

2011-04-23T11:37:00.000-05:00

If there's a lesson here it's: get busy copying. That's not a popular notion today, not when we are all instructed to find our own way, admonished to be original and find our own voice at all costs! But it's sound advice. Traveling the paths of greatness, even in someone else's footprints, is a vital means to acquiring skill.

Twyla Tharp,
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life

I'm a big fan of R&D. Not research and development but "Rip Off and Duplicate". I use it in my work life as a means of creativity all the time. Take a good idea and give a twist or take it a step further. Not only does it give you a starting point, inspiration, and direction all in one, but it also saves you a ton of time. You don't have to start from scratch. Templates are there and you just fill them out with your personality.

Twyla Tharp is distinguished dancer and choreographer. She has worked as a choreographer for her own company, Broadway, television and film. Her most famous film work is probably the glorious Amadeus, which is in many ways a meditation on what Harold Bloom calls the "anxiety of influence". Maestro Salieri is torn apart by his jealousy of Mozart. But the tension over whether we are duplicating or creating need not be such a struggle. The best artists know that it is healthy to reproduce before you produce.

This is also the approach and foundational behind Hollywood Fashion Vault. Use the genius of the classic actresses but also the costume designers and stylist of the glamour mill. You don't have to create style from scratch. These films can be like training wheels to give you the skill and confidence to begin to create your own looks or go farther afield from your sources of inspiration. Use Edith Head, Helen Rose and Travilla. Use Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn. Start copying and it can be the fountainhead of your own creative style.

Fred Astaire in Follow the Fleet (1936)

2011-04-21T18:46:00.000-05:00

The topic of this post is Fred Astaire's outfit from the musical number "Putting All Your Eggs in One Basket" from Follow the Fleet. Yesterday, I focused on creating a great wide-leg trouser look with red and gray based on Ginger. Today, I will re-create Fred's look for both men and women since it is such an interesting and breezy casual look for both genders.

Here is my interpretation for men: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:

Shirt: Old Navy, Men’s Chest Pocket Chambray Shirt, on sale for $14.99

Hat: Lloyd’s Military Hat on sale $14.40 via Buckle.com
Pants: Old Navy, Men’s Loose Fit Cargos in Black, on sale for $25
Belt: Old Navy, Men’s Basic Leather Belt, Black, $15
Shoes: Dillard’s Converse Men´s Chuck Taylor All Star Canvas Sneakers in Optic White, $39.99
Total: $109.38

The basic elements of Fred's outfit include a chambray button-down shirt with black pants and white shoes. To update the look, I used Chuck Taylors (both cool and budget-friendly). All the basic pieces came from Old Navy. Since an actual sailor hat today would scream costume, I went with a white military cap. If this look had not required a belt, it would have been under $100, but it is still a very economical casual look for a guy.

Here is my interpretation for men: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:

Shirt: Target, Merona Women’s Heritage Utility Shirt in Sunwashed Chambray, $19.99
Hat: Goorin Brothers Helen Cap in White on sale for $24 via Revolve Clothing
Pants: Old Navy, Women’s Tie-Belt Linen Blend Pants in Black Jack on sale for $25
Shoes: Annie’s Shoes Women’s Olivia Wedge in White Linen on sale for $19.99 via Endless.com
Total: $88.98

This look is so cute for the ladies. Again, the basics come from budget retailers -- Old Navy and Target. The hat is again a white military hat but this one is a little more feminine with a small bow on it. The shoes are a breezy, nautical inspired white linen wedge. The linen pants came with a tie belt, enabling this look to come it at under $100 ($88.98). I love this look because it demonstrates a unique take on mixing neutrals (black, white and denim chambray). This could swing for the office but generally I would wear this as a casual comfortable but pulled together outfit.

Period Movie Fashion Inspiration

2011-04-21T18:23:00.000-05:00

Period Film Street Style by Miss Moss

This is an amazing site that was recommended by Vintage Vixen. They take still shots from period movies and find people wearing similar outfits on the street. Kind of like the Sartorialist meets Hollywood Fashion Vault.

I found this very inspiring since I struggle to create wearable looks from period films earlier than about 1920. This has reinvigorated my motivation to attempt some of my favorite period fashion films, such as Marie Antoinette, Anne of the Thousand Days, The Duchess and the BBC's Pride and Prejudice.

Ginger Rogers in Follow the Fleet (1936) (Take 2)

2011-04-20T20:49:00.000-05:00

This is my second outfit from the Astaire-Rogers musical Follow the Fleet. This being a musical about a sailor who falls in love on his shore leave, this one was bound to provide lots of nautical and sailor themed outfits to inspire. In between the two world wars, there was a bit of an obsession with all things nautical and sailor. This dance number is to the song "Putting All My Eggs in One Basket" and both Astaire and Rogers are in nautical garb. (Tomorrow I will post both a women's and men's outfit based on Astaire's attire.)

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:
Scarf: Vintage Sailor Scarf Red Nautical Striped, $9.00 via Etsy seller SnapVintage
Shirt: Target, Merona Women’s Ultimate Crewneck Tee in Heather Grey, $8.00
Pants: Milk, Grace Sun Wide Leg Denim Pants, on sale for $30.30
Shoes: Target, Women’s Mossimo Isabella Peep Toe Pumps in Red, $22.99
Total: $70.29

The key elements of Ginger's look here is the exaggerated wide leg trousers with a subtle sailor cut and the nautical-inspired scarf. Once I found these awesome demin trouser's for only $30.30, I knew I could probably make this a complete look for under $100 and I was excited. These trousers were originally over $200! What a steal.

This $8 gray crewneck from Target stands in well for Ginger's fitted top. From there, I took liberties with color. I went with red shoes and a red scarf to keep with the nautical theme. It works well in my opinion against the gray. The shoes had to look strudy enough to dance in but add some feminity to an otherwise masculine look. These do the trick for only about $23. Lastly, I look at tons of red scarves but finally decided to go vintage from Etsy. This one has the right stripes and is almost the exact same shape as Ginger's. This just shows that in today's online marketplace, vintage need not be expensive.

This look is under $75 and would be a fun weekend look or casual Friday outfit. This is such a great way to jazz up simple gray pants and a tee shirt. It also has the perfect balance between masculine and feminine. What a fun way to kick off a week of nautical and sailor-inspired looks!

Classic Movies Netflix Watch Instantly Update 4/20/11

2011-04-20T18:58:00.000-05:00

Each week I check out FeedFliks to see which classic films will be on Netflix's Watch Instantly feature, which I love! FeedFliks (which is free) tells you what has just arrived on Watch It Now, what is coming soon (and when) and what will be expiring soon. This means you can be sure to see things before they go back to the DVD only option. What a great tool!

Once per week, I like to take the extensive list provided by FeedFliks and pull out the classic films and other notable films from those three categories. This makes it even easier for the classic movie buff to find the good stuff on Netflix.

Expiring Soon from Watch Instantly:
- My Lucky Star with Sonia Henie, 1938 (expires 4/30)
- Jane Eyre with Orson Welles, 1944 (expires 4/30)
- Calamity Jane with Doris Day and Howard Keel, 1953 (expires 5/1)
- Batman with Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson, 1989 (expires 5/1)
- Grumpier Old Men with Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon (but more importantly Anne-Margaret and Sophia Loren), 1995 (expires 5/1)

Just Arrived to Watch Instantly:
- Children of the Century with Juliette Binoche, 1999

Coming Soon to Watch Instantly:
- Double Indemnity with Barbara Stanwyck, 1944 (arriving 5/6) Highly recommended!
- Blue Velvet with Isabella Rossellini by David Lynch, 1986 (arriving 5/15)
- Working Girl with Melanie Griffith, 1988 (arriving 4/30)
- My Left Foot with Daniel Day-Lewis, 1989 (arriving 5/1)
- The Crow with Brandon Lee, 1994 (arriving 5/1)
- Pulp Ficton with John Travolta, 1994 (arriving 5/1)
- Swingers with Vince Vaughn, 1996 (arriving 5/1)
- Chocolat with Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, 2000 (arriving 5/1)
- Malena with Monica Belluci, 2000 (arriving 5/1)
- Iris with Judy Dench and Kate Winslet, 2001 (arriving 5/1)
- The Shipping News with Kevin Spacey, 2001 (arriving 5/1)
- Sin City with Clive Owen, 2005 (arriving 5/1)

My definition of classic movies is broad. Although this blog focused on movies from the beginning of film history to about 1960, I believe that any movie can be considered "classic". Classic films, in my opinion, have a quality about the story that transcends the decade in which it was made. It is my belief that classic is a term that defines the film canon and classic films rise above many other films produced in quality. Also, since this is a fashion blog as well as a movie blog, I include films that are particularly interesting from a visual or design perspective (such as Sin City) or that teach us something important about fashion or beauty (such as Grumpier Old Men).

If you don't already have a Netflix subscription you can start one with a free trial. It is only $7.99 per month to have full access to all of the Watch Instantly movies an television shows, including thousands of classic films. I have used Netflix since 2003 and the Watch Instantly feature since 2006. I wouldn't dream of cancelling my subscription, no matter how tight money gets. It gives back so much to me culturally that the fee is negligible.

Instantly watch unlimited TV episodes & movies over the Internet right on your TV, computer and various mobile devices. Watch as much as you want, as often as you want for only $7.99 a month. Start your free trial today!

Kate Winslet in Titanic (1997)

2011-04-19T18:49:00.000-05:00

Some things are cliche because they earn that status. Like Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night on a dorm-room wall or young girls obsessed with Breakfast at Tiffany's, Titantic is now trite and passe because it actually was such a good movie. It's sort of like that song that you really like but the radio station plays it way too much. That's Titanic.

The film actually re-watches well and visually it is very lovely and interesting to watch. Kate Winslet's character follows a predictable emotional trajectory for a seventeen year old spoiled but repressed little rich girl. But -- spoiler alert -- before the ship goes down, Rose DeWitt Bukater has great style!

This outfit was selected because I am wrapping up a week of posts on Mildred Pierce, which is a 1945 movie with Joan Crawford that has now been made into a new mini-series on HBO starring Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood. Also I am easing into a new week of nautical or sailor inspired outfits!!

So, this is what we see Rose in for the first time as she is boarding the Titanic. This is a gorgeous Edwardian number with a dynamite hat, delicate earrings and gloves. Modernizing such a strong period look would be tough but I came up with a really unique look for a special occasion.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:
Jacket: Spiegel, Signature Stretch Seersucker Collection, Fitted Jacket in Black Multi, $69
Skirt: Spiegel, Signature Stretch Seersucker Collection, Button Front Fit and Flare Skirt in Black Multi, $69
Earrings: Fossil, Boyfriend Rose Double Drop Earrings, $24
Hat: White House Black Market, Wide Brim Derby Hat, $68
Gloves: Gloves Online, Classic Crochet Lace Gloves in White, $12
Shoes: Anthropologie, Miniver Lace Ups, $39.99
Total: $281.99

Spiegel does it again with an interesting suiting collection. Reasonably priced, this skirt and jacket match-up looks like blue seersucker from a distance but it is actually black and white. The seersucker mimics the stripes in Kate's outfit and the black and white matches the hat I found.

Let's talk about this hat. Bold and glamorous, this hat has exactly the same bend and tilt that Kate's hat does in this scene. It also has a great big bow that adds drama. I love how the camera pans over Kate's head and the edge of her hat rises to reveal her face. Just lovely.

After the basic pieces were in place, it was important to add some antique details. These crochet gloves are so ladylike and aristocratic. (I used them soon after I began this blog in a Leslie Caron outfit.) The shoes from Anthropologie are so early twentieth century and distinctive and only $40. I also think mixing in some neutral tones with the black and white makes the outfit feel more period.

Lastly, these rose earrings have an antique patina and echo the character's name -- Rose. I love little "secret" details like that when putting together and outfit. This is the final touch that makes this outfit special.

Over $280 is uncharateriscally high for this blog, but I felt it was justified given the likely occasions that one might wear a look like this to. I could imagine this outfit at a fancy afternoon wedding or a regional horse race or a charity reception or tea. Given these special occasion scenarios, I felt the extra expense was warranted. This look also has many elements necessary to complete the look. But the prices on each individual item are not exorbitant.

Period pieces before about 1930 become increasingly difficult to re-create as valid outfits for today. It's hard to make Edwardian mainstream and do it justice. Do you think I succeeded? Do you have some examples from your own wardrobe experiments?

Eve Arden in Mildred Pierce (1945)

2011-04-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

To round out Mildred Pierce Week here on Hollywood Fashion Vault, I want to move away from Joan Crawford to her supporting player -- Eve Arden. Eve plays Ida Corwin, Mildred Pierce's mentor/assistant. Ida shoes Mildred the ropes in the restaurant business and then remains her right hand person when Mildred ascends and starts her own place.

(You probably already know that there is a new mini-series remake of Mildred Pierce running now on HBO. It stars Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood. I don't have cable but can't wait to see it on Netflix. If you have seen the new remake, please comment and let everyone know what you think of it.)

Eve Arden, much like Ida Corwin, was forever a great number two. I found when researching her that she was in a ton of films and TV shows that I knew and had a very long and prolific career including: Cover Girl, Night and Day, Grease and Grease 2 (as Principal McGee), The Love Boat, and Falcon Crest.

Since the character of Ida is supposed to take a visual backseat to Mildred and Vida, most of Eve Arden's outfits are rather unremarkable. But I found this lovely one above that seems to be interesting and adaptable to modern everyday attire. It includes a neutral colored skirt, peep toe shoes and a belted tropical print tunic.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:

Top: Macy's, Style & Co. Top, Kimono Sleeve Printed Drop Waist Peplum Tunic, on sale for $22.99

Belt: Urban Outfitters, Urban Renewal Leather Obi Wrap Belt in Black, $28

Skirt: Arden B, Full Cotton Skirt on sale for $17.50

Shoes: Mootsie's Tootsies Women's Brindi Slingback Sandal in Black on sale for $19.99

Total: $88.48

First off, this whole outfit is under $90!! That doesn't happen often, especially not for work appropriate look with more than three elements. The shoes are simple and classic and could be worn with any number of other outfits. The skirt has great movement and body to it and it is on sale for a fantastic price. The print on the top is not a graphic or tropical as I would have hoped for but it has an evocative print and the sleeves that look like a tunic (dolman sleeve). With the obi belt, it should fit much like Eve's top. The leather belt also elevates what might otherwise be a rootless (kind of wacky) top. What fun (and inexpensive) experimentation with fun office attire.

Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce (1945) (Take 3)

2011-04-15T09:54:00.000-05:00

Here's another great retro look from the classic Mildred Pierce with Joan Crawford. (You can read more about Mildred Pierce by clicking here.) In honor of the new mini-series re-make of the film on HBO, Hollywood Fashion Vault is celebrating Mildred this week.

This outfit is, in my opinion, typical of the old Hollywood glamour mill. Joan Crawford wears this look when her character Mildred is renovating her new restaurant. The studio system seems to think that women in the 1930s and 40s wore skirts and cream-colored wedge peep-toes when climbing ladders and hanging light bulbs! I guess they felt the suspenders added a workman feel to the look.

Anyway, Joan does look fabulous for someone doing manual labor. This look is adaptable for today for a casual day running errands and maybe shopping, although I would not recommend wearing it while doing home renovations.

Here is my interpretation: (Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.)

Run-Down:
Shirt: Forever 21, Plaid Boyfriend Shirt in Red/Navy, $19.90
Skirt: Land's End Canvas, Women's Patch Pocket Skirt, $49.50
Suspender's: American Apparel, Unisex Suspender in Brown, $18
Shoes: Softstyle Knot Enough in Cream Fresco, $42 via Zappos.com
Total: $129.40

Of course the film is in black and white, but I imagine the shirt as being a vibrant red and blue plaid and the rest of the outfit creams and khaki neutrals. There are lots of choices in the plaid shirt department. This one from Forever 21 is a great price.

The suspenders were harder to find. You could buy a men's pair if you can find them, but American Apparel had many choices of colors. I picked brown to play off of the other shades of brown in the skirt and shoes. You can also find some overall skirts and suspender skirts out there these days.

I really like the new brand from Land's End, called Land's End Canvas. I have a different skirt from them and I love it. It is well made and fits great. This skirt matches Joan's with the buttons down the front. It has some practical big pockets and a bit of pleating to make it very comfortable.

These shoes look a great deal more comfortable than Joan Crawford's from the movie. They look as if you could actually walk in them all day. (I doubt Joan could wear hers all day, much less climb a ladder in real life.) And these are a good price from Zappos.

The outfit as a whole is a great price and most people have one or more of these elements already in their closets. Putting this together has opened my eyes to using suspenders when you have a skirt that might not look right with a belt but you want to tuck in your shirt. What a practical way to utilize a retro element in a casual outfit!

Have you ever worn suspenders? Would you try them?

Parisian Chic - Great Video

2011-04-14T15:49:00.002-05:00

Just found this great video and book through Design Mom. Very inspired! Once I get a copy and read this book, I will post a review here. For now, here is a preview video of Parisian Chic.

The Smart Girl's Guide to Perfect Graduation Shoes

2011-04-14T12:45:00.002-05:00

It's the time of year for celebrating the passing from one life stage to another, a time to recognize and applaud academic achievement. Since I work on a university campus, I am keenly aware of the anticipation that comes as April ends and May approaches. Graduation is almost upon us.

Last year, I went to a high school graduation ceremony for the first time in nearly ten years and I have to say that the young women graduating did not know how to dress themselves for the occasion. At that time I wrote a Fashion Rant about it and made some recommendations.

Here is my take: Graduation is both a formal event and a chance to show the world that you are a mature and marketable human being. It is not a time for comfort or to show off your own wild fashion sensibilities. It is also not appropriate to wear whatever you plan on wearing to the beach party or dance club after the ceremony. This is a time for stylish modesty.

For boys, dressing for this occasion is not fraught with issues. Young men wear clean and pressed pants and a clean and pressed tie. This with reasonable shoes that are relatively clean and they should be fine. Preferably they would get the shoes shined and polished to display appropriate respect for the occasion but it is usually not noticeable if they don’t.

There is one thing that I did wish they would do (or their mothers would do). Please if your child (male or female) is wearing an honor society stole, please press it. It is so tacky for these cream-of-the-crop students to show up with weird creases in their stoles, looking like they opened them in the car five minutes beforehand.

For girls, the problem is mostly concerning footwear, as your shoes are the only things that show from under the gown. You would think that this would simplify things, but it doesn’t. Young girls have such a plethora of choices in footwear that it is almost too tempting to pick something inappropriate. Even though the school told the young ladies to pick black or white closed toed shoe, almost none of them listened. I was appalled to see that out of a class of nearly 250 students only 7 young ladies had on what could be considered appropriate footwear.

Here’s the rule: Whenever you are attending an event where your middle name will be announced in public, please do not wear any of the following things: sandals, toe floss, gladiators, heels over 3 inches high, red shoes (or any other wild color), prints, metallic or shiny shoes, or platforms. Under no circumstances are any of the above allowed at such an occasion. I saw examples of all of these at the graduation event! Here are some visual representations of what to avoid at all costs.

Don't get me wrong, I like alot of the shoes above. I love red shoes and sandals and high heels, but they are inappropriate for this event. The tenor of the occasion is such that it calls for a particular sort of shoe. The program at this graduation said that guest should "enhance the dignity of the occasion" by not shouting when the names were called. I think that the graduates should "enhance the dignity of the occasion" by dressing appropriately no matter how cute they think their hooker heels look with their cap and gown.

For those merely attending the event, you may wear these but for those participating in the ceremony (and faculty that includes you) observe the rule. (Almost none of the faculty had on appropriate footwear. How they expect the young ladies to observe the rules when they do not is beyond me!)

The following categories are allowable but not ideal: peep-toes, wedges, patent leather, or slingbacks. If you get a modest shoe in a subdued color and pair it with appropriate hosiery to tone it down, you can potentially pull off one of these in-between categories.

However, if what I saw at this graduation is any indication of the overall trend, young ladies today cannot pull off in-between. They need a re-evaluation in what is appropriate footwear for public occasions. If they do not heed this advice, they will be hard-pressed to find a job, particularly one in the public sphere.

Given this, what “not” to wear is not enough. So here are my recommendations for what to wear to graduation. Shoe type: Closed-toe pumps with heels 3 inches or less, or ballet flats. Colors: Black or White (Navy, Neutral, Brown or Grey are also acceptable but only if you absolutely must.)

That’s it! If you choose a black or white pump, keeping the heel height modest or a black and white ballet flat, you will have selected appropriate graduation footwear. Last year I provided some examples of appropriate footwear from mainstream sources for under $50. Here is an updated presentation of eight great choices that I found with minimal effort and all are under $50.

Pumps: Left side top to bottom then right side top to bottom:
- Payless, Ivonne Basket Weave Pump in Black on sale for $22.99
- Payless, Unforgettable Moments Nathalie Bow Pump in White, $29.99
- Miss Me Notch-1 Pump in White, on sale for $34.95 via Endless.com
- Kensie Girl Cassie Pump in Black, $49 via Zappos.com

Flats: Left side top to bottom then right side top to bottom:
- Rockport, Women’s Go Flat Flower Flat in White, on sale for $41 via Endless.com
- Kohl’s, Mudd Burma Flats in Black, $34.99
- Kohl’s Candie’s Ginnetti Flats in Black, $29.99
- Dreams Women’s Spring Flat in White, on sale for $19.95

James Agee on Mildred Pierce (1945)

2011-04-13T20:19:00.001-05:00

Mildred Pierce: Nasty, gratifying version of the James Cain novel about suburban grass-widowhood and the power of the native passion for money and all that money can buy. Excellent work by Joan Crawford . . . and a little girl whose name I can't find who is as good an embodiment of all that is most terrifying about native contemporary adolescence as I ever hope to see.

- James Agee in his review of the film (1945)

It's very funny how Agee describes the character Vida, because Evan Rachel Wood plays that character in the new series version on HBO. Wood had her breakthrough role in a movie called Thirteen (2003) and after I saw that movie I pretty much thought it was "all that [was] most terrifying about native contemporary adolescene as I ever hope to see."

The term "grass-widowhood" that he uses was one I was not familiar with. Cursory searches show that it is used in America to mean a woman is divorced or separated and is usually meant a bit maliciously. But "grass-widow" originates from the British-ism for the wives of British officers stationed in India who were sent away in the summer to the cooler (and greener) hills. This brought to my mind the wives in The Seven Year Itch (1955) that find the city far too hot and take their summers in New Hampshire or Vermont. I love an etymology that starts with movies, goes far, far afield and then comes right back around to classic movies!

This quote comes a book I am reading called Agee on Film: Criticism and Comment on the Movies. My husband, Daniel, recommended the book as Agee is one of his favorite authors. Agee also wrote several screenplays and hundreds of movie reviews that span the Golden Age of Hollywood. Keep checking back soon for a guest post from the dear husband on men's vintage style!

Joan Crawford in Mildred Pierce (1945) (Take 2)

2011-04-12T21:06:00.000-05:00

Not only is Mildred Pierce one of the best mother-daughter relationship movies ever made, but I believe that it is also one of the best examples of film noir. Because it has a heroine rather than a femme fatale, it doesn't exactly fit the noir mold, but there is a murder mystery at the heart of it and it is filled with pure sociopaths who mix with earnest people trying to better their place in the world.

Joan Crawford revived her career playing Mildred Pierce, a bootstraping mother whose one weakness is her spoiled, selfish daughter Vida. Crawford won the Oscar for the role and now it is a new mini-series by HBO starring Kate Winslet and Evan Rachel Wood. In honor of the revival, I will spend this week re-creating outfits from the original Mildred Pierce and from some Kate Winslet's movies. (I don't have cable but I can't wait for the mini-series to migrate to Netflix so I can catch it.)

I have done one look from this movie before. This pinafore skirt with billowly white shirt outfit appeared in Mildred Piere but also in Woman of the Year with Kate Hepburn.

The look I have chosen to re-create is what Mildred wears when she is trying to secure a loan to start her business -- a restaurant. And it is a perfect outfit for a job interview or big work presentation -- anytime one wants to impress.

Here is my interpretation: Click on the image for a larger and more detailed view.

Run-Down:
Jacket: Spiegel, Signature Pinstripe Suiting Collection, Peplum Blazer, on sale for $59
Skirt: Spiegel, Signature Pinstripe Suiting Collection, High-Waisted Pencil Skirt, on sale for $29
Top: Ann Taylor, Crossover Wrap in Wet Stucco, $44
Brooch: Lucky Brand, Feather Brooch, final sale for $11.99
Shoes: Steve Madden Ulltra Pumps in Black Patent, $69.95
Total: $213.94

It seems that Spiegel is phasing out this awesome line of pinstripe suiting because it is all on sale now. The fitted jacket and high waisted skirt are under $100 together which is a great price for suiting. The pinstripe matches Crawford's suit and the cut of these pieces look very retro without going too far afield.

The top mimics the same wrapping that Crawford's top does and you finish it with this great gold feather pin to give this suit a focal point. This little bit of shine is matched with the shine from the patent leather shoes. I love the simple shape of this one and the modest height of the heel. If I were wearing this look, I might copy Joan even more and pull my hair back in a low ponytail to make the feather brooch even more noticeable.

Altogether this is a complete job interview look for only a little over $200. It has some sophistication and personality but still rings professional. This look launched the character of Mildred Pierce on her way to fortune during the depression and this updated version would be a great choice for any lady trying to land a new job.