Retro Therapy

20s, 30s and 40s in Fall 2014: Carven and Naeem Khan

2014-03-11T00:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I talked about Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent's Fall 2014 collections which are inspired by the 60s and 70s. Today, I would like to highlight two other designers who are inspired by the vintage era. Carven by the 30s and 40s and Naeem Khan by 20s and 30s. These eras are my favorites and I was very delighted to see these designers revived such glamorous periods in their collections.

CARVEN

Carven's retro silhouette is very 1930s and 1940s as illustrated by mid-calf fur-collared dresses and coats. Berets and muffs are the main accessories. I can see these outfits being elegantly worn by women in the glamorous days of air/sea/land travels. No doubt, a Carven lady is ladylike in her own right.

NAEEM KHAN

Naeem Khan has been quite enamored with the Art Deco era and is still righteously so for Fall 2014. He is a an expert in creating elegant evening gowns. I can see his gowns being easily worn by the likes of Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford or Jean Harlow. The women who wear his collections command attention and are not afraid of it. His collection embodies not only the spirit of old Hollywood glamorous parties but also casual luxury pajama lounging. Also, this time, Naeem Khan reinterprets the flapper dress. The flapper trend was huge a couple of seasons ago but I am still not ready to part with it yet. After all, who does not like some drop waist, fringe, sequin and maribou?

60s and 70s in Fall 2014: Lanvin and Saint Laurent

2014-03-09T22:13:00.003-07:00

The Fashion Week 2014 concluded last week in Paris. I followed the runway and was pleased to see some designers use vintage in their collections. This time, there were four designers who are favorites of mine. Among them are Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent who are mainly inspired by the 60s and 70s. Keep an eye out for my next post about the other two designers.

LOUIS VUITTON

Louis Vuitton's Fall collections are closer to late 70s. The earthy color palettes are reminiscent of that era, for example dark moss green, clementine and wine burgundy. We see fitted silhouettes with turtlenecks, button up shirt and high waist details. There are hints of psychedelic too. To me, this collection brings "That 70's Show" to life.

SAINT LAURENT

Saint Laurent takes inspiration from its glorious days in the mid to late 60s where Yves Saint Laurent democratized fashion and launched Pret-A-Porter in Paris' Rive Gauche. This was the era where the designer was associated with Parisian Jet Set and enjoyed its peak success. The collection is all about the beatnik fashion as illustrated by Saint Laurent's classic bow tie, plaid details, tailored shift dress and Go-Go boots. Seeing this collection immediately reminds me of French actresses: Catherine Deneuve and Francoise Hardy. It's simply French-chic and nostalgic.

All photos are from style.com

Vintage Red Carpet

2014-03-04T15:50:00.004-08:00

In the spirit of the Oscars, I thought I'd share with you a collage of stars who flaunt their vintage dresses and gowns for the red carpet. These vintage dresses and gowns are timeless, which is one of the many reasons why I love vintage. Although it's unfortunate that noone donned a vintage this year, I hope someone will next year. Here's to vintage.

Natalie Portman in Vintage Dior, Oscar 2012

Renne Zelweger in Jean Deeses, Oscar 2001

Jennifer Lopez, Jean Deeses, Oscar 2006

Reese Witherspoon, Vintage Dior, Oscar 2006

Anne Hathaway, Vintage Valentino, Oscar 2011

Marissa Tomei, 1950s Charles James, Oscar 2011

Penelope Cruz, Vintage Balmain, Oscar 2009

Melanie Laurent, Vintage Christian Dior, Cannes 2011

Gillian Anderson, Vintage 1949 Pierre Balmain Couture, BAFTA 2014

Alexa Chung, 60s Balenciaga, Cannes 2012

Alexa Chung, Vintage Balenciaga, InStyle and Warner Brother Golden Globes After Party 2014

Sarah Jessica Parker, Vintage Alexandra New York, The Art of Jewel, 2013

Kristin Davis, Vintage 1969 Balmain, Annual White House Correspondents' Dinner 2010

Amber Valleta, Vintage Galanos, Met Gala 2009

Diane Agron, Vintage Chanel, SAG 2009

Ashley Olsen, vintage, CFDA 2009

Ashley Olsen, Vintage Dior, Met Gala 2011

Kristin Davis, Jean Desses, Sex and The City Premiere 2 2010

Kristin Davis, Vintage Pierre Balmain Couture, Sex and The City Premiere 2 2010

Angeline Jolie, 1950s Balmain Haute Couture

VINTAGE-INSPIRED

Charlize Theron, Gucci, Oscar 2004

Nicole Richie, Lanvin, Met Gala 2011

Madonna, Stella McCartney, Met Gala 2011

Noir City San Francisco - Rififi

2014-02-07T01:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we went to see the Noir City Festival at the Castro Theater in San Francisco. We love watching movies at the beautiful Castro Theater. So, it was nice to be back there. We went to see Rififi, a French noir movie made in 1955. I decided to wear a midcentury style outfit. I donned my leopard cape which I wore before here. I paired it with a dress and pearl costume jewelries. I realized I forgot my gloves but fortunately it was a fairly warm night. [Pardon the blur, the theater was packed and the picture was shot quite in a haste]

Leopard Cape: Macys // Dress, Pearl Necklace, Stole: H&M // Earrings: Vintage // Bag: Goodwill // Pointed Kitten Heels: DSW

Here are some interior pictures of the beautiful Castro Theater. The theater was built in 1922 and comes equipped with a Wurlitzer organ. The theater cost $300,000 to build and was designed by the renowned architect Mr. Timothy Pflueger.

The movie was directed by Jules Dassin, an American movie director who made the movie in France after he was blacklisted from Hollywood during the McCarthy era. Rififi has quite a plot and storytelling. There were definitely quite a bit of themes: crime, relationship, betrayal, family, domestic violence, greed.

Here are some of my favorite scenes in the movie. I am not a professional movie critic but I thought I'd share with you bits and scenes from the movie without adding too many 'spoilers'. In the movie, we were taken into the noir world of Paris in the 50s. Shifting from the Parisian bistros, coffeehouses and apartment buildings, we moved on to gambling parlors, brothels and crime scenes. It was surreal.

I might say that I was quite intrigued by the relationship between Mado (played by Marie Sabouret) and Le Stephanois (played by Jean Servais). Theirs is quite complex and displays how a relationship evolves over time. I promised no 'spoilers'; therefore, I will leave it at that :-)

One thing I want to add though is I think Marie Sabouret brilliantly played the complex character of Mado. I actually did research on her because I wanted to see more of her movies. She was obviously a very talented French actress and was admitted to the Comedie Francaise. However, she sadly passed away from Leukemia at the age of 36 in 1960, five years after Rififi :-(

Entertainers and performers were such intertwined with the mafias and gangsters back then, which was a part of the story line int the movie. I was really captivated when I watched Magali Noel (who played Viviane, the entertainer) sang and performed Rififi. Watch it on video here.

And here is the infamous L'Age d'Or -- the night club where the entertainment was performed and other 'services' might be rendered. If you are interested in the history of Parisian vintage 'entertainment' scene (i.e. brothels of the past), check out Messy Nessy's page here and here, where she takes you on virtual tour to the former brothels of Paris.

As a fan of Paris, I was thrilled to see that Rififi showed many beautiful nooks and crannies of the city. I was curious about the locations of the movie scenes. I asked myself if L'Age d'Or was or still is a real night club. However, I found out that they actually constructed the elaborate entrance to the club for the movie. If you are interested in Rififi's movie locations, check out this excellent site here. This site has quite a bit of information on movie locations, which I love especially for classic films. I myself did a walking tour in San Francisco to revisit the movie scene of Hitchock's Vertigo, it was really interesting to see how the city has changed from the time the movie was shot.

Jemima Kirke

2014-02-06T14:20:00.001-08:00

Lately, Jemima Kirke, one of the characters in Girls, the HBO TV series, has quite caught my attention. Although I have not really watched her much-talked-about TV show, I was thrilled to learn that she loves vintage fashion. Her mother owns, Geminola, a vintage fashion boutique in New York's West Village and she often is dressed in vintage for her red carpet appearances. She brings classic hollywood glam. I absolutely love her 30s and 40s style; although she is sometimes dressed 70s boho too. Jemima Kirke is a new favorite of mine and I look forward to seeing her bring more vintage to the red carpet. Here are some of my favorites...

1920s!

2013-07-27T23:15:00.000-07:00

Amidst all the Great Gatsby fever that is going on right now, I righteously felt 1920s last night. I hauled my flapper dress to Retropop's 1920s retro fashion show and dancing. Marcel donned his new bow tie. We had a blast!! I hope you got to enjoy some Gatsby time too!

Beaded Dress, Stole: H&M, Clutch, Pin, Pearls: Vintage, T-Strap: Kelly & Katie

Going to Max Raabe Concert

2013-04-14T00:04:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that I spoke about Max Raabe a while ago here. I was ecstatic when I learned that Max Raabe was coming to San Francisco. Marcel and I were quite pleased to be able to see them live (the tickets were almost sold out!) The music was beautiful. Max Raabe played authentic tunes from the 20s and 30s both in German and English... and of course the infamous classic San Francisco song from MGM's 1936 musical. Max Raabe and his team were quite performers. Max Raabe really ensured we had an authentic experience. Throughout the concert, he spoke to us like a 1920s radio host and engaged us with old timey humor. I really appreciated how the orchestra members also had a chance to highlight their performances individually. I would highly recommend seeing Max Raabe live in case you haven't. To me, it was quite an unforgettable experience. Thanks Max Raabe for transporting us back in time.

Hat, Jacket, Skirt, Leather Glove, Clutch, Bracelet: Vintage, Stole: H&M, T-Strap Pump: Sofft

Slackin' Today

2013-02-09T13:45:00.000-08:00

Slacking today with my high-waisted slacks and polka dots blouse. Marcel's got his three piece suit today. Off to some swing and lindy hop! Cheers!

Pants, Flower Pin: H&M | Blouse: Odille | Coat: Macy's | Brogues: DBShoes | Belt, Cardigan: Vintage

Max Raabe und Palast Orchester

2013-01-02T13:03:00.002-08:00

I recently discovered Max Raabe und Palast Orchester. Max Raabe is a German singer with a sweet and dreamy voice that will transport you back to the 20s and 30s. The sounds and music of the Germany of the time... And, he's quite one dapper gentleman too...

Here are some of my favorites:

"Küssen kann man nicht alleine"

"Klonen kann sich lohnen"

Max Raabe singing "J'attendrai" - my favorite tune - very sweet and melancholic.... followed by the upbeat "Schöne Isabella von Kastilien".

Here's another one: "Dream a little Dream"....

And another one: "Hallo, was machst du heut Daisy" - this one comes with a cabaret performance

YouTube plays his top music here. Max Raabe does a worldwide tour too. Check out his schedule here. I can't wait until he comes here in April 2013 to San Fran!!

Happy New Year!

2013-01-01T22:58:00.003-08:00

Happy New Year! I hope you celebrated well and wisely last night :) We went to the USS Hornet's NYE celebration. Lots of swing dancing (and other ballroom dancings) - Wonderful!

Our outfits came out color-coordinated! My blue dress matches Marcel's blue shirt - and my brown coat matches Marcel's jacket.

We dressed up warm -- and in layers -- as we had been warned that it would be quite chilly in the hangar. Hence, I chose an ankle length dress with sleeves and long coat. And for Marcel, a jacket with vest underneath.

Obviously this was us after a bit of dancing - warmed up quite a bit.

Me behind a vintage chopper.

Another pose --- this was in between break -- in some red light corner :)

Here's the crowd taking a cha cha cha dance lesson...

And the real dancing...

WE HAD FUN! (Us - flustered after all the dancing)

2012 was a great year and we're looking forward to even a greater year in 2013! All of our best wishes to you!

Coat, dress and shoes: Vintage | Stole: H&M | Dance Shoes: Capezio

Hairdo: StrawberryKoiVintage (check out her awesome hair tutorials on YouTube. This hairdo (which I was very excited about) was her "Notebook-inspired marcel wave".

1930s Photoshoot

2012-12-24T00:47:00.001-08:00

These past few months have been quite hectic ones -- I've been quite consumed with the fashion classes that I started this past Fall semester. I am glad I finally took them- something that I've always wanted to do and have been quite busy focusing on..! However, I am glad the holidays are here and I can finally be back blogging. I wanted to share this photoshoot that I did for my class. I have a very soft spot for deco style photographs -- and I decided to do one for this project. So, Marcel took these shots - one in black and white, and another in color.

Yes, it's Marlene Dietrich - inspired (whom I absolutely adore!). Here's my favorite picture of Marlene Dietrich. I just love love love how the lighting frames and highlights her facial features...

Tried to look as languid and lanky as possible. I was also thinking of Lauren Bacall at that moment.....and her pants...

And here's the other photo is in full color. As you can see, I chose black and white outfits to maximize the color contrasts. For the photoshoot, I was wearing mostly vintage-inspired modern outfits, except the gloves which are vintage. It was a fun project and I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Blouse, Pants: H&M | Beret: Nordstrom | Gloves: vintage

Sears Kit Homes

2012-08-03T14:24:00.001-07:00

A few months ago, I came across a documentary about Sears Kit Modern Homes on TV. I was fascinated to learn that, between 1908 - 1940, Sears sold 70,000 - 75,000 ready-to-assemble modern houses via mail order! Theese are lovely homes! I did some more research and found beautiful images from AntiqueHomeStyle.com. Not only did I fall in love with the exterior, but also I was fascinated with the interior. Sears offered everything you needed in an entire house!

Here are some of my favorites:

My #1 favorite -- I have to say is "The Alhambra" -- a Mission Revival architecture style. This style, along with Spanish mediterranean, is an all-time favorite of mine. I love the arched facade, the clean white color, and look at the porch - how very inviting. It makes me feel like I am in a vacation resort. This house screams my name!!

And here are the Colonial Revival houses.... This reminds me of the kinds of houses that fascinate me in my childhood. I grew up in a country which is a former Dutch colony with historic Dutch Colonial buildings in my city. Here's "The Amsterdam".

Now, you can see the interior details here.... how very efficient!

And then The Americus -- Love the red rooftop !

And what about "The Preston"... So pristine! And look at the amazing furniture + interior in green + salmon + dark brown, the colors of the era. This would make a great space for entertaining and hosting guests!

And then, "The Verona" -- It's shown in black and white in all its glory ... and that fireplace -- so cozy

Here are a couple other things I learned about Sears homes:

1) Sears offered 370 designs and sent customers a 75-page instruction book. People actually received all the parts necessary to construct a home - an average Sears Modern Home kit had 25 tons of materials with over 30,000 parts (such as nails, windows, doors, wood, lumber, paint) including electric and gaslight fixtures.

2) These homes can also accommodate the modern conveniences of central heating, electricity and indoor plumbing (they did emphasize this information back in 1920s)

3) During its peak sales in 1929 before the Great Depression, the price range of the houses was $1,000 and $4,400 (approximately $12,590 and $55,390 in today's dollars).

4) And Sears also offered mortgage loans, which were typically for 5–15 years at 6%–7% interest. How do you like that compared to today's mortgage?

A historic house Sears kit home is definitely in my to-hunt list. After all, this is what Sears told me:

Following the documentary, I got myself this book on Amazon which I highly recommend. A collection of vintage catalogs on Sears Kit Homes.

Also, if (like me) you have become a Sears Home Enthusiast, visit AntiqueHomeStyle.com where I got the Sears Homes images from. Here are two other wonderful resources on Sears Homes: searshomes.org and SearsArchives.com/Homes.

Going Swing Dancin' in Red and Blue

2012-07-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

Marcel and I went swing dancin benefit organized by the Treasure Island Museum. It was quite timely, just a couple of days after the fourth. And it was held at the Winery - a former WWII hangar. So I donned my white, blue and red outfit. Marcel in his blue shirt and red bow tie. We danced the night away - USO style. Music was great, people were lovely -- had a wonderful time!

Gotta love the red roses in my back porch!

1950s Navy Dress (Empire Vintage Clothing), Hat (eBay), Belt/Gloves/Shoes/Scarves/Bangles (my thrift scores!)

Catalina Island!

2012-06-12T21:27:00.001-07:00

This past week, Marcel and I went on a short trip to Catalina Island - a beautiful island located about 22 miles south of LA. We stayed at Avalon - a tiny city which was incorporated in Catalina Island. The weather was warm and sunny. The beach had beautiful white sands. The people were friendly. Good food, good time. Wish we could've stayed longer!
Mr Wrigley (the chewing gum mogul!) traveled to the island in 1919, fell in love and bought the entire island in 1919. He built the beautiful Art Deco-inspired Avalon Casino and dedicated the island to the federal government as a military zone and training during the World War II. In the 1930s, Catalina Island was a favorite vacation spot for Hollywood movie stars and was also a filming location for dozens of movies! Today, a majority part of the island is a natural conservancy.
We'd love to return to the island soon! (perhaps for a swing dance fete at the Casino!)!

Welcome to Catalina Island!!

Marcel and I on the warmest day of our visit.... nice day on the beach!

What a breathtaking view ....

A view of the Pacific Ocean.... So Surreal...

We love the 1950s coach bus that took us inland and up to the island's airstrip!

Me inside the bus

Catalina Airport - Back in the day, Mr Wrigley used this as a hangar for his private plane

Just arrived - fashionably in Catalina style!

Ahem... Hello there Captains...

Traveling in style...

The tall columns and ceilings a the Avalon Casino - which houses a theater on the lower level and a ballroom on the upper level (the term Casino was meant for an entertainment venue for large gatherings - there was no gambling. This predates Las Vegas!)

One of the beautiful murals in the casino - designed by John Beckman, who also designed the Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and also created a set design for Bogart's Casablanca.

Getting all dressed up for the casino --- me with my 1960s beaded cardigan and floral dress

Fancy some cocktails?? What a swanky art deco bar! Okay, back then, it was the prohibition era, they only had soda fountains!

Look at this beautiful lighting ornaments in the ballroom. This also serves well as an air ventilation for the cavernous ballroom - no need for air conditioners!

Also, the casino is so well-insulated, When you're watching a movie in the bottom-level theater with 1,153 other audiences, you won't hear any noise from the top-level 6,000+ dancers in the ballroom - and vice versa. Quite an advanced architecture!

Here's a shot of the ballroom

I wish today's bars look as cute as this -- Art Deco Fish Murals!

Inside the circular theater - John Beckman's beautiful murals with spectacular lighting. You see the dots in the dome -- those are supposed to light up and when it's completely dark, you will feel like stars are above you!

The theater was designed to accommodate talking movies in 1929 - when the casino's construction was completed. The circular dome had a perfect acoustic effect -- you don't need any microphone and people can still hear you when you talk normal voice from the other end of this 1,154 seat theatre!

NYC's Radio City Music Hall was created using inspiration from the theatre's design!

That's what we're talking about - Dancing in the Casino Ballroom!!

Havin Fun

Catalina also made beautiful tiles!

And look at these....The most beautiful public restroom I have ever seen!

Catalina o Catalina

In All the World -No Trip Like This!!

Going to the Art Deco Preservation Ball

2012-05-07T15:17:00.002-07:00

This Saturday, Marcel and I attended the Art Deco Preservation Ball which was beautifully organized by the Art Deco Society. It was held at the magnificent Art Deco - style Bimbo's 365 Club which was established in 1931. Gorgeous ballroom and lounges! Everyone was beautifully dressed in their best 1920s-1940s dresses and suits. I definitely felt like traveling back to a time capsule! For me, I chose a sky blue long gown with a fur cape and white gloves. And I got my hair professionally done by a stylist (for the first time and loved it! If you're in SF and need a vintage hairstylist, go to KAI!). And look at Marcel, doesn't he look swanky in his tuxedo?? Oh, and we took beginner swing dancing lessons and had a great time swinging to the Don Neely orchestra. A couple of mis-steps but it was a lot of fun! I am so looking forward to the next year's gala!

Thrifted: gown, gloves, cape, necklace, bracelet | Shoes: Satin Low Pump Heels with Rhinestones: Caparros | Beaded cluctch: Bagteria (gift from mom) | Hairstyle: KAI | Makeup: Self

Magenta Birthday

2012-04-09T20:43:00.001-07:00

Last week was my birthday week. The morning of my birthday, I got two surprises from Marcel: a really delicious strawberry cake and a soft cashmere purple/cabernet scarf. That was really sweet! Since he said he picked the colors because they might go with my vintage outfits, there we go, when he took me to dinner, I put on my 1960s red cashmere coat and magenta dress. Thanks honey for a sweet magenta birthday! I am looking forward to another great year!

The Infamous Cake!

Pre-dinner pose

Another One.. Smile...

Hem, Ok....Starting to feel my stomach..dreaming of food now

Yummm

Us - Well Fed and Happy :D

Scarf: Cashmere Saks Fifth Avenue (Gift from Marcel) | Coat: Cashmere (Vintage Fashion Expo) | Thrifted: Gloves, Dress, Clutch | Shoes: Bandolino

Happy Friday!

2012-03-30T21:30:00.004-07:00

It's Fridayyy!!! What's your plan for the weekend?? Tonight, we decided to go eat sushi for an early dinner. I just got back from a trip to the thriftshop and suddenly felt like wearing vintage. I started with a simple blue dress, and then I slapped on a scarf. And then I felt like something was missing, so I had to add a beret and a a vintage trench coat. I thought I was just going to wear something easy but I ended up putting together a whole outfit! I was kinda excited about the blue with light tan overlay colors. And my chirashi was delicious! I am glad for the adventure - not a bad way to start off the weekend! I hope you'll enjoy your weekend too :)

Thrift Treasures: Jonathan Logan

2012-03-23T16:48:00.000-07:00

I bought this 1960s-mod green houndstooth shift dress last Christmas. When I saw the clothing label says "Jonathan Logan", I was really curious to learn about this brand (I have actually since become obsessed with reading vintage clothing labels....)

I have to thank Couture Allure and Vintage Fashion Guild Label Resources (via Past Perfect Vintage) for posting really insightful information on Jonathan Logan. Here's what I learned: Jonathan Logan was founded as an apparel manufacturer by David Schwartz and his ten employees in 1944 in the New York garment district. The brand was designed for junior-size women. In the 1960s, when David Schwartz's son, Richard, was made head of the company, Jonathan Logan became one of the largest ready-to-wear companies in the U.S. with $80mm in sales. The company had 28 manufacturing plants around the U.S. and employed 60 salesmen. Jonathan Logan was the first to use the computer to sort orders. They also owned an aircraft to transport and distribute garments. Jonathan Logan really catered to their customers. Salesmen reported on what sold well on the floor. The company quickly removed slow-moving inventory with trendy styles that were in demand. Jonathan Logan owned 14 different brands, each catered to different customers, including Carnaby Street Boutique, Butte Knit, Youth Guild, Junior Accent and Bleeker Street (geared to the mod generation). The Schwartz family sold their interest in the company in 1985.

I have to say, although the dress is missing a belt, it is in a super excellent condition. Jonathan Logan may be one of the early adopters of fast fashion and ready-to-wear clothing, but they maintain a quality standard! My dress is very well-tailored. It fits really well - I could snuggle very comfortably into it and I really love its flattering shape! All of the seams and stitches are intact. No fading in the colors at all! A I felt like a 1960s lady:D

Next time you see a Jonathan Logan label, make sure you get it, it'll be worth it!

Here's me wearing the dress to a Great Gatsby Ensemble Paralelle.

Dress: Jonathan Logan | Coat: Gift from My Mom (Unknown Label - I think it is custom made) | Shoes: Bandolino | Stocking: Leggs | Brooch, Clutch, Belt, Gloves: Thrifted

(Also...Like the 1920s, the 1960s and the 1970s also made a comeback this Spring. Check out my other post on 1960/1970 inspired outfit)

1920s for Spring 2012 v2!

2012-03-06T09:15:00.014-08:00

More 1920s in 2012! It's everywhere now. I am sure you will spot them like I do. Here is a few that I saw recently... They come in different shapes and colors - glittery, summer colors, elegant shiny metallic long gowns, beaded dresses, black and white, sheer chiffon. So jazz age!

Source: Style.com

Source: Fashionising

Source: Cop Copine Spring Summer 2012 Catalogue

Source: Bazaar's Deco Drama March 2012 Magazine Issue

The 60s (and the 70s) for Spring 2012

2012-03-01T12:30:00.002-08:00

In my previous post, I mentioned that the 1960s/1970s is also going to be a trend for Spring 2012. I apologize for the delay in this post (obviously I got distracted by so many things these past few weeks...!!) But, here we go. I love to see how the 60s/70s have been beautifully adapted to today's fashion! Some of my faves are below. Which one is yours? Be sure to check 'em out in store!

H&M 1960s neon!

Alice and Olivia wide leg pants - check out the stripes and floral prints!

Alice and Olivia retro 1960s mod - look

Zara -- look at these dresses - I love the print!

1920s in 2012 : Milla Jovavich in the Academy Awards Red Carpet

2012-02-29T06:53:00.007-08:00

Milla Jovavich went to the Oscars in an Elie Saab 1920s jazz deco gown! She's so glam!

Source: FashionRules

1930s Outfit!

2012-02-28T17:55:00.020-08:00

This past Sunday, I attended "A Wild Flight of the Imagination", an opening party for the Golden Gate Bridge exhibition at the California Historical Society. The Art Deco Society kindly shared this event to their subscribers (of which I am one of them :)). I was ecstatic when I learned that they encouraged 1930s attire! I have actually been meaning to go to their events and I was never able to make any of them. And I am glad that I got my first opportunity to do a serious period dress-up. So, here's me in my first 1930s outfit. And I would like to thank my boyfriend who helped me take pictures and also agreed to go to the event with me (thx hun!)

This is me posing before leaving for the event. (I just got the vintage inspired leopard print cape two days before -- literally! I am glad I got to wear it!). (And what do you think of my wavy hair? It was my first time waving my super straight short bob hair. I tried to do vintage rolls but I just couldn't cut it with foam rollers - anyone with super straight bob hair has successfully created rolls? Please, I'd love your advice!)

And this is me without the cape -- in a 1930-inspired suit. This suit is inspired from Marsha Hunt's book called The Way We Wore: Styles of the 1930s and the 40s and our World Since Then. I absolutely recommend and I love love this book. A must-read for anyone who loves vintage fashion -- there are pictures of 1930s suits, dresses, coats, shoes, hats, hairstyles -- anything you want to know. A very rich source of styling inspirations!

And I chose Oxford platform heels paired with white stocking. The clutch is more from the 1960s but I wore it anyhow because I couldn't find any other period-correct handbag in my closet (should be in my next shopping list?)

And, here's me at the event. I candidly placed my hand on the hand rail. Now that I look at this picture, I should have done vintage poses -- you know -- in those days, people seemed to always be looking away from cameras. They would have their hands on some furniture while looking sideways. And also, I learned other poses from three photographers who took my picture at the event (yes, three! Can you imagine - I was also surprised - and flattered - that they wanted my picture :D). The two poses are: 1) I face sideways with my eyes looking up to the lights in the ceiling, 2) I stand upright with my back facing the camera to show the details of my cape. I will definitely try these poses next time.

Oh, and this is me again :)

And here are some pictures of the attendees whose attire I love.

I had a great time at the event. And I already cannot wait to dress up for the Art Deco Preservation Ball in May!!

Movies on Watch List

2012-02-03T11:51:00.008-08:00

Happy Monday! I hope you had a fabulous weekend! For me, this weekend was a success - hunted the flea market, thrifted, saw Ingrid Bergman's and Humphrey Bogart's Casabalanca. And followed with the Superbowl (mainly watched the funky commercials while boyfriend was very focused on the game :D) -- and of course, Downton Abbey on Sunday night.

Looking at Madonna's Superbowl performance inspired me to watch her movie - W.E. The movie is about the most controversial love story of the 20th century between the American Wallis Simpson and the English King Edward VIII who abdicated to marry her. Madonna also wrote a song "Masterpiece" for this movie, which I really like and won the Golden Globe awards for best original song. And talking about 1920/1930-inspired movies, there's also The Artist that won three Golden Globes awards and is nominated for Oscar. These movies are in my watch list next weekend. How about you? Any vintage-inspired movies that you like?

W.E.

The Artist

Vanity Fair The 2012 Hollywood Cover

2012-02-02T15:34:00.004-08:00

Gasp.... breath-taking Golden Hollywood Glamor. "11 cover starlets in pastel satin dresses and frothy feathers to lend a 20s and 30s boudoir feel. Across the panels are actresses Rooney Mara, Mia Wasikowska, Jennifer Lawrence, Jessica Chastain, Elizabeth Olsen, Adepero Oduye, Shailene Woodley, Paula Patton, Felicity Jones, Lily Collins, and Brit Marling." Click here to see the original blown-up image at Vanity Fair's site!

1920s for Spring 2012

2012-01-30T09:46:00.002-08:00

1920s is one of "THE ERA"s for Spring 2012. In my last post, I saluted Ralph Lauren for its 1920-inspired collection. With the roaring 1920s and deco echoes being a Spring 2012 trend, there are also other designers who are paying respect to this era. Below are select samples. Don't forget to check out Fashionologie's and Style.com. They have pictures of beautiful Spring 2012 deco designs! (Next vintage trend report: 1960s for Spring 2012! I will post pictures in my next post - stay tuned)

Alberta Ferretti, Etro, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci

Source: Fashionologie

Benetton - look at the cloche hats, and the vibrant colors!

Source: Benetton Spring/Summer 2012 Catalogue

Ralph Lauren -- ooh-ahh the dress and the head wear. More on Ralph Lauren, click here.