Fashionable History: Winter Fashion By Decade- 1930's

How did Ladies stay fashionable and warm in the Winter in the 1930's? Let's have a look at part 2 of my series; Winter Fashion By Decade. See the 1920's here.

These gals look chilly! Long coats were popular baring nude legs. No thick socks or boots! 

Fur is still popular, but not as lush as in the '20's. I love those hats!

Just like in the decade before, skiing is popular. Fashionable sweaters are now really becoming a fashion outside of sports. 

I love these boots and over shoes. I actually remember my Grandmother wearing these in the 70's. I always thought I would get to when I was older. Where can I find these? 

Of course, if you were as glamorous as Marlene Dietrich, this is how you would stay warm.

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Art de Vivre

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.

I love the kind of Indian Summer off season feel to this spread with an homage to the 1920's and 1930's. I also love the combo of sweaters and polka-dot tights!  To celebrate L'Officiel Netherlands 5th anniversary they shot this feature in the celebrated French resort town of Deauville. Appropriate for the era that influences them.  Clothes are from Louis Vuitton. 

Model: Daphne Velghe

Photographer: Sol Sanchez

Images via: fashiongonerogue.com

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.

Fashionable History: John Rawlings

John Rawlings was one of the most prolific fashion photographers of the Mid-Century. In a career spanning from the 1930's through the 1960's he shot over 200 covers for Vogue and Glamour. He experimented with light, color, and shadow much like his contemporaries at the time (Horst P. Horst, Irving Penn, and Hoyningen-Heune) but unlike them, he brought a truly American sensibility to his photos. This became one of the smartest moves Conde-Nast would make helping define the American look in fashion over several decades. 

These are some of my favorites. It was really hard to choose! 

 

Style Icon: Flapper Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford was destined and determined to be a star. To get herself noticed she became a Flapper along the likes of Clara Bow. She was signed to MGM in 1925 and started her career in silent movies. I love the Joan Crawford of the 1920's and 1930's. When we think of Joan Crawford, we think of a severe glamour of the 1940's, we think of Mommie Dearest. In her early career she was spirited, relaxed and very stylish!

A young Crawford with a blonde bob! 

Pencil thin brows. So glamorous! 

A quintessential Flapper! 

Those eyes! 

Even glamorous in relaxed American sportswear. 

My View: Jazz Age Lawn Party- 2012

Every year, Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra take over Governor's Island, here in New York City, and host a Jazz Age Lawn Party! I went this past weekend and had a great time pic-nicking, listening to great music and most of all people watching. Here I am in my 1930's red and green print dress, that I absolutely adore. 

St. Germain was the delicious sponsor. 

Scenes from the lawn.

Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra.

Good times! 

My View: The Artist

I went to see The Artist over the weekend. It is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. Filmed in black and white, The Artist is a romantic comedy about a silent film star whose career goes down the drain when talkies become popular. Brilliantly, the movie itself is a silent movie complete with raised eyebrows, title cards, and amazing music. 

Of course the dashing late 1920's / early 1930's costumes are worth seeing this film alone. I now want to wear flapper dresses and take tap dance lessons! 

Have you seen it yet? What did you think? 

My View: On Top of the Empire State

My Grandparents spent their honeymoon in the 1930's in NYC. I have always adored this elegant photo of them on top of the Empire State Building. The day after my husband and I got married we withstood the long lines and went up to the top of the Empire State to "recreate" this photo.

Once there, we found it impossible to get a full body shot as my Grandparents did. The deck is too narrow and way too crowded. It looks like my Grandparents had the deck to themselves. Also, note the gate that wasn't there in the 30's. Fascinating.

A view of the Chrysler Building. My favorite.

This view is very close to wear my Grandparents were standing. The view hasn't changed that much. I love it!

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.

Shop News...This Just In!

This past week I listed a couple of special vintage items in my shop, Femme Fatale Vintage, that are sure to please your inner femme fatale!

Stunning Sequin Floral Vintage 1930s 40s Black Rayon Crepe Dress with Belt S/M-$165

Film Noir Vintage 1940s 50s Black Velvet Cocktail Hat-$42

For instant shop updates be sure to follow me on Twitter

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Love in Vain

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. This editorial from Fault Magazine has a romantic 30's feel to it. I love the mixture of old floral prints and lace in the interior. Photographed by Waldermar and Max.