Mid-Week Inspiration: Jean Harlow Colorized

I stumbled upon this colorized image of Jean Harlow on Pinterest. It is stunning! I simply adore everything about it!

For more inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest. 

Fashionable History: Tennis, Anyone?

I don't play, but I've always loved vintage tennis wear.  Tis the season for the US Open, so let's have a look at some highlights of the women's tennis costume from the last century. 

Not sure how these ladies maneuvered the court but they look lovely! Turn of the century. 

A tennis date in 1910. Takes courting to a new level. (haha?)

These flappers have all the right accessories. 1920's. 

I love this knit! I would wear it to work. Really. 1930's. 

Jean Harlow glowing. 1930's. 

Ginger Rogers. Adorable. You may notice that skirts lengths are getting shorter. 1940's.

Rita Hayworth in what we would now call a sundress. 1940's. 

Mid-Century model. Prints! A variation from the typical white. 

Short and mod! Very Courréges or Pierre Cardin. 1960's. 

Too cute to sweat in. Fred Perry. 1960's. 

What look is your favorite? Can you imagine playing in any of these looks?

Images via pinterest. 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Gingham

Summer is well on it's way!! I never tire of gingham in the summer and I can't wait to start wearing it again. Here's some inspiration as we wait for hotter days:

Jean Harlow sitting pretty in her gingham day dress. 

1950's bold gingham.

Stunning 1950's gingham dress! 

1950's again. Love the ruffles and red buttons! 

For more inspiration,any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest.

Mid-Week Inspiration: The Beret

I love berets! They are classic, French, and have been stylish through the years! I need to wear them more often.

 Clara Bow looking adorable! 

Classic 1940's. So French and pretty. 

Marilyn Monroe ready for work. 

Jean Harlow makes the beret glamorous!

The stunning Faye Dunaway as Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde

Madonna looking Frenchie tough.

One of my favorite pics of Christy Turlington. So pretty! 

Do you wear berets? Which look is your favorite? 

For inspiration any day of the week follow me on Pinterest. 

On My Wishlist: Silver Screen Chairs

Oh you all probably know I would love to have platinum blonde hair and the grogeous gowns that Jean Harlow and Carole Lombard are wearing. But what I'm really focusing on right now are the chairs! I'm really not sure which one I'd chose so I'm putting them all on my wishlist!

Which one would you chose?

Images via The Paris Apartment.

My Projects: Garters

It's time to put the "Bobbins" back in Bobbins and Bombshells! The road to recovery since my hand injury and surgery last November has been a long one, and I'm still on it. But I can sew again for a short time before my hand gets really tired. So I have started by sewing up some accessories for my shop The Sparkling Cocktail and I am excited to be once again sharing my projects with you. I am also excited to be putting into reality ideas that I've had since before my injury...what a relief! The direction I'm going into is boudoir bridal. To start I made up some garters the other night. Inspired by Jean Harlow in the pre-code film Red Headed Woman (shown above), I've been making sets with lockets attached. Of course devilish Jean had a picture of the man she was out to get in her locket but they are also a great for holding a picture of your Groom on your wedding night. **Hint Hint** These make great bridal shower gifts!

This picture is also great inspiration!

Ribbons, lace, and lockets!

Garters ready to be decorated.

A finished product!

Some are already listed in my shop, The Sparkling Cocktail, so have a look! More will be made and listed soon.

Fashionable History: Swimwear By Decade- 1930's

In the 1930's sun bathing became more popular as an inexpensive recreation. Athletic swimming and synchronized swimming was also popular. The suits reflect the need to show more skin to the sun and be more streamlined for water sports. Belted maillots were popular with boy cut legs or slim skirts. The exposed v-back was invented and a few daring ladies even exposed their midriffs with the first bikinis. The suits above are from a 1930's catalog. I love the red and white striped one on the right!
Jean Harlow striking a pose. Her suit is very glamourous for the time and shows a lot of skin.

Beach athletics. Notice her V-back and belted waist.

Claudette Colbert looking gorgeous in a simple white classic belted maillot.

This summer my "Fashionable History" segments are on swimwear by decade. To read about the 1920's click here.

Vintage Finds of the Week: Repro Cocktail Rings

I absolutely love this photo of Marlene Dietrich. It makes me want to grow out my fingernails and wear super large cocktail rings. So for this week's Vintage Finds I have searched for Hollywood inspired cocktail rings and am amazed at what I have found. At bombshells.com they have a gorgeous collection of reproduction costume cocktail rings based on actual rings worn by Hollywood starlets in their classic films! I am having 50 heart attacks over the selection. You can choose by the actress including, Bette Davis, Jean Harlow, Marilyn Monroe, and many more. Here are some from the Marlene Dietrich collection.


From left to right:
Cognac Bauble: $70. A whopping 23ct. cz!
Seascape Emerald: $70 Inspired from the film, Pittsburgh.
Champagne Ice: $72 Inspired from the film, The Devil is a Woman.

Mid-Week Inspiration: Roksanda Ilincic

London's avant garde dressmaker, Roksanda Ilincic, captured my heart with these layered pieces from her Spring '09 collection. I love the black chiffon over the soft pale charmeuses.

The meant to be un-precise draping is right on. It's very modern day Jean Harlow and it's this week's inspiration.