Fashionable History: Rainwear

April showers are here! How did one stay stylish on a rainy day in the past? 

Let's have a look:

I really enjoy this shot of a 1920's puddle jumper! There's not much keeping these ladies dry and the men, well, they aren't so helpful!

In the 1940's tailored trenches and capes are a wardrobe staple. In some old movies, they are worn even when it's not raining. Natural fabrics like crepe de chine, oiled silk, cotton gabardine and tweed are the mainstays. Rubber is introduced for rainwear in the 30's so that pops up too. I will take the "Scott" cape-coat, please!

Stylish ladies in the 1950's. I love the green with the hood!

 And let's not forget accessories! I am not stylish with the umbrella. Honestly, I will use what ever I can get my hands on. Living in New York City, we lose them and gain them so fast. I never know where my umbrellas even come from. But these are nice...and safe in traffic!

I succumbed to the modern rain boot trend last year. It has been worth it, as my shoes I adore are preserved. However, these galoshes are the real way to go!

What do you wear in the rain?

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Caprices

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 70's does '40's is well represented in this fashion spread from Grazia France-September 2013. I love that mixture and this spread keeps it girly and spirited. 

Model: Ola Rudnicka

Photographer:Richard Bernardin

I now want my wallpaper to match my bedding!

via: visualoptimism.com

Mid-Week Inspiration: Stanley Kubrick- Photojournalist

Stanley Kubrick is most well known for directing such movies as The Shining, 2001 Space Odyssey, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove, A Clockwork Orange, to name a few. He was and still is an influential and inspiring American movie director. I recently discovered his photojournalism work from the late 1940's. Straight out of high school he was hired by Look Magazine and caught cinematic shots of everyday life and the more colorful life in New York City and else where. I am always a fan of cinematic quality in photographs and am inspired by his work plus they offer a great glimpse into life of the '40's.

Here's just a small sampling: 

Self Portrait with showgirl Rosemary Williams

Actress Betsy Von Furstenburg

Shop News: Bullet Bras and More!

As you all may be aware, I have real soft spot for vintage lingerie. I have recently added some amazing pieces to my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail, that I think you are really going to enjoy! You may also remember my love of the bullet bra. I found two truly historic pieces that if they fit me, I wouldn't part with. 

One of those bullet bras is this side wire plunge 1950's "Cheers" by Harriette Ross bra. That's right, the wire is in the center alongside the plunge. No underwire. What I love about this is the strategic darting to create a true conical shape. While trying to find more information on Harriette Ross, I came across this vintage advertisement showcasing the same bra. Now, to find one in all of those colors! You can view the complete listing for this Pin-up Queen here. 

You know I love vintage slips, and this one is a gem! Mint condition and with the most darling rosebud lace. And that bow! When they say "They don't make things like this anymore" this slip was on their minds! You can see the full listing for this 1950's Barbizon slip here. 

Bullet bra- No.2. This is a Life-Bra by Formfit. An amazing find due to the fact that it is a longline cinch bra as well. Formfit was a premier lingerie manufacturer in the 40's through the 60's. They released the Life-Bra line as a more affordable model. This vintage ad is pretty close to the one I found- just not as long. Expert stitching give these wireless cones their shape! You can see the full listing for this 1940's Life-Bra here. 

Lastly, I have this beauty! This 1940's rayon peignoir is not to be missed. Feel like a true hollywood starlet as you float around your dressing room! In a gorgeous antique white it's also a great wedding piece. You can see the full listing of this 1940's Femicraft dressing gown here. 

Retro Looks In The Modern World: 125th Street

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.

This shoot is stunning and deeply layered. Inspired by the menswear influence in the 70's does 40's Harlem and it is spot on and chic! Originally featured in the Fall/Winter 2013/2014 edition of French Revue de Modes.

Models: Nykhor Paul & Flaviana Matata

Photographer: Thierry Le Goues

via fashiongonerogue.com

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Brief Encounter

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.

Steamy train travel with luxurious luggage and stylish clothes is hard to find these days. It will always be a combination perfect for romancing the past. It certainly is here in this spread for the November issue of Harrods Magazine.

Model: Semka Samenchenko
Photographer: Tibi Clenci

via fashiongonerogue.com

Style Icon: Lauren Bacall

When I think of Lauren Bacall's style, classic American sportswear comes to mind. Lauren epitomized cool casual glamour, and still does to this day. She was never an over the top sex kitten and that is what makes her style still wearable, even today. 

Let's have a look at some of her early shots from when she modeled for Harpers Bazaar, mostly under Louise Dahl-Wolfe's lens in the 1940's. She was a teenager trying to get a break on Broadway and was absolutely stunning. 

Classic Bacall.

That gaze!

This look is will never go out of style. 

Her confident look led her to Hollywood where she stunned audiences and Humphrey Bogart alike. This still is from the 1945 film To Have and Have Not where she met Bogart the love of her life at the age of 19. This dress is one of the most iconic dresses in Hollywood history by costume designer Milo Anderson. 

My Vintage Vanity: Telephone Plastic Coil Bag

Purses made out of telephone plastic coils or telephone cord became popular in the 1940's. During the war, there were tight rations on fabrics and leather. Plastic started becoming popular and coil bags became a resourceful alternative for the hip fashionable crowd.

Several variations were made from solid colors to two-tone to multi-color.  Different shapes were also available. 

I've been lucky to come across one, as they are hard to find and rare nowadays. I have also put it for sale in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail! 

This one is multicolor and includes a coin purse and a mirror. It's in excellent condition! I can't believe I am selling it! You can find the listing here. 

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.

My Vintage Vanity: Stash My Destash

I've been reorganizing my limited storage space lately. I have some great vintage crochet trims and fabrics that I am now starting to list in my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail. Hopefully you all can make beautiful things out of it and I can clear some space! The new section of the shop is called Stash My Destash, so please do!

Here are some wonderful 1940's crochet items currently up for grabs:

Vintage crochet trim with pink edges! 

Lovely trim! 6 strips around 30" each! 

1940's fine thread medallions.  Set of 4. 

Off white granny squares! Set of 13!

What would you or have you made out of vintage trim?