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: Leopard Lounge

Sometimes, it's okay to blend in! 

Carmen Miranda does leopard right! 

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

On My Wish List: Prada Vernice Bowler

Oh Prada! You are always finding ways to tempt me.

 I love this ombre patent leather Vernice Bowler. 

And if that wasn't enough, here it is in leopard! 

Images via Pinterest. 

My View: After Christmas Sales!

Do you wait for after the holidays to take advantage of the sales? It is very tempting! 

Here are some current sales from Bobbins And Bombshell affiliate sponsors: 

 

 Lots of great shoes and boots on sale over at DNA Footwear! I'm eyeing these lace-ups from Seychelles. I used to wear boots like that in the 90's. Miss them!  Click the above DNA Footwear banner to get to the sale.

Ooooh! Shabby Apple is having a sitewide sale! Sitewide! Enter code NewYears at checkout to get 20% off everything, including already marked down items. Click the banner above to get to the sale. 

I'm eyeing (may be ordered after I write this post) this leopard skirt.

And if a leopard skirt is not enough, I'm also seriously considering the Josephine Corselette from What Katie Did! I could use a really good shaper after all of the holiday goodies I consumed this year! 

Again, click the banners to get to the sales. Happy shopping! 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Here's To You, Mrs. Robinson

I recently watched one of my favorite films, The Graduate (1967), again. Anne Bancroft who plays Mrs. Robinson has long been one of my style idols. Today, I'm focusing on the many animal print ensembles she wears through out the film. Clever choice, I might add,  for the predatory seductress she plays. 

Vanity Fair leopard bra and half slip, perhaps? 

Leopard collar and hat, at her Daughter's wedding. 

Amazing leopard coat! 

Giraffe skirt! 

The coat again, I can't get enough of it! 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Leopard Scarf

Kate Winslet. Gorgeous! 

Image via fashiongonerogue.com

My Vintage Vanity: Two New Vintage Hats!

*Take a peek into my vintage collection*

I recently purchased two vintage hats from Bombshell Bettie's on Etsy.
How adorable is this leopard beret?

This blue hat is darling!

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Pretty Baby

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 September issue of Australian Vogue features model Catherine McNeil in the 1950's rockabilly inspired feature "Pretty Baby". I love the creepers and the leopard print! Vogue liked it so much they put it on the cover (shown above).

Photography by Max Doyle.

Source: fashiongonerogue.com.

On My Wishlist: Spring-o-lators

Today I am introducing a new segment here at Bobbins and Bombshells called "On My Wishlist". It is replacing "Vintage Finds of the Week". I have enjoyed showcasing vintage Etsy sellers over the past year and half but now I'd like to showcase items of my shopping obsession, vintage and otherwise, from all over! To keep things lively, I will also be slipping in another new segment here on Tuesdays called "My Vintage Vanity". There I will be showcasing vintage items I have acquired in my personal collection. I may even have some surprise show 'n tells from my vintage loving friends....so stay tuned!

This week I'm really craving a pair of Spring-o-lators. These glamorous high heels are a true vintage treasure. With an elastic inset under the instep they help keep your mules on and add comfort for dancing. The styles are almost always very Old Hollywood movie star glamour. Have a look at some vintage ones I found on flickr.

Now unfortunately, all of the vintage ones I have ever found while vintage shopping have been in tiny sizes. Size 6 I am not, so I have almost given up on the dream of ever owning a pair.

Until I discovered that Bernardo has infact brought back the Spring-o-lator! Bernardo is no stranger to vintage glamour. They are famous for dressing the stylish feet of Jackie O and the 1960's Lily Pulitzer set in glamorous thong sandals. Still in business, I am thrilled for their continuing appreciation of the past.

I am now saving up for this leopard pair that are available in my large size 10!

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