Fashionable History: Leopard Print as a Neutral

Leopard print can often be thought of as a racy and tacky print. And there is a place for that! But it definitely has it's high fashion moments. It seems to be worn best when it is thought of as a neutral, or as just an accent. The Mid-Century wore leopard so very well! Here is some leopard print eye candy from the past!

1960's. Jackie. Full on print here and nothing classier.

1940's. Barbara Stanwyck. Sophistication.

1950's Christian Dior. Timeless.

1951. Sunny Harnett. Leopard with tweed. 

1950's. Ladies Home Journal. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Tweed

When ever thoughts of  an ideal Autumn or Winter wardrobe come to mind, as they do this time of year, I gravitate toward tweeds. I love the texture, flecks of color, and sturdy warmth it provides. I also love the classic styling that always looks chic.

Dita Von Teese in vintage Dior. 

Classic Chanel. 1950's. 

Menswear inspired. Biba. 1960's/70's. 

Sears. 1950's. Yes! To each of those pencil skirts!

What fabric are you drawn to time and time again? What is your go to Autumn wardrobe staple?

All images found on pinterest. Follow me for inspiration, any day of the week. 

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Christian Dior Couture Spring 2011

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

The Spring 2011 Christian Dior Couture collection is incredible and filled with retro references.

Here are a few of my favorite looks:

Images via style.com

Mid-Week Inspiration: Dior Lace & Tulle

Mid-Week Inspiration: Dior Fall 2010

The Christian Dior Fall 2010 collection was amazing! I especially loved the leather ruffles.

The whole collection is worth seeing! Visit style.com for the complete show.

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Slips

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Slips are not an everyday item as they once were but they are still relevant and sexy.

Steven Klein. Vogue February 2010.

Steven Meisel.

Marion Cotillard wearing Dior at the Golden Globes.
Her slip is part of the dress that cleverly peeps out.

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Dior S/S 2010

I nearly died when I saw the Christian Dior Spring 2010 RTW collection shown in Paris earlier this month. Inspired by my favorite loves... film noir, lingerie, and femme fatales... you can see why! Galliano was specifically inspired by Lauren Bacall (image above) and it showed on the runway where the models wore Bacall hair and a serious face. Here are some of my favorite looks from the collection.

Mid-Week Inspiration: Christian Dior Resort 2010

I'm in love with the resort collection from Christian Dior. Elegant retro refinement is the inspiration. This collection makes me want to polish up my look. I love everything about it, the leopard print, the hats, the fit of the suits, the sunglasses....oh my! Inspired from Christian Dior's muse in the 1950's, Mitzah Bricard, John Galliano based the collection on her favorite shade of lilac, and her delight in wearing pearls and leopard print. In Christian Dior's autobiography, Christian Dior and I, he wrote, "[Mitzah] Bricard is one of those people, increasingly rare, who make elegance their sole reason for being." That in itself is inspiring!


photos via style.com

Mid-Week Inspiration: The Lady Noire

Last week I presented the Chanel mini-film Train de Nuit. This week's inspiration is Dior's The Lady Noire, (chapter 1; The Lady Noire Affaire). Just under 7 minutes, this film/advert takes us back to the film noir days of the 40's with intriguing music, dark shadows, and a confusing plot. The stunning actress Marion Cotillard is reunited with director Olivier Dahan, both from La Vie en Rose fame. Cleverly this film shows us the wonderful Christian Dior accessories in her Lady Dior bag and my favorite, her shoes. Want more? Go to the Lady Dior site for behind the scenes footage and the making of the bag!

Vintage Finds of the Week: Stockings

I love vintage stockings, the boxes, the seams, etc. As you know I am selling my collection as I have sadly realized that I am too tall for many vintage styles. While I have to rely on repro stockings to wear, I can't help but search every now and then for the real deal. Oh how I wish they'd fit! Here are my finds for the week.

Vintage Brown Fishnet Seamless Stockings- $8.00- Jonscreations

Vintage Pair of Vassarette Brown Nylons in a Beautiful Pink Satin Box.-$6.00 -Yummy Sailor

Le Bas Christian Dior Vintage 60's in box un worn with labels 2 pair- $25.00 -Basement Safari

Vintage Hosiery Stocking in Original Box STUNNING STEMS Two Pairs-$4.00- joanne44

Sneak Peek! Femme Fatale Vintage

1960's Christian Dior Black Satin Pumps

1940's Black Perforated Suede Shoes

I am slowly but surely getting back into the swing of things here. Whew! The last couple of weeks have been crazy with the closing of my brick and mortar store, Ouvrez La Porte, and with relocating everything to my very small studio apartment. I hope to be back on a regular posting schedule soon. To give you something new to look at here is a sneak peek at some fabulous shoes that will go up in my eBay store, Femme Fatale Vintage, tonight. Every Thursday night I list new items for auction and will be giving you a sneak peek here first. You deserve it!

More High End Inspiration!

I'm still gasping for air after seeing the new Chanel ad campaign ( see my earlier post) and now I've come accross the Fall 2008/09 Christian Dior Couture collection. Somebody help me breathe! To see the complete collection click here.