Oct 22, 2009

Men dig Vintage!




A month ago I styled a photo shoot that was themed "vintage." I had to find a location, pretty much the day of. The Greek came up with this amazing spot, part motel part small efficiency houses. It was sketchy at best, but the manager was very accommodating and super cool. (and had an endless supply of Kool mild's as well as PBR!!)
My main concern, besides the bright lights, stressed out spats and general commotion we caused was that the locals wouldn't find our fashion too interesting. Lets face it; in an age of low cut tops, tight jeans, spanks as pants...vintage dresses aren't what most would call sexy or hot, right?

WRONG!!!!!!!! These people went gaga over the models clothing. Same thing at my store, more men come in, because of my window displays, wishing their women would dress up in such finery, vintage lingerie, gloves, hats. Its truly quite amazing! Men have a very fine appreciation for lady like fashion.



Just look at Mad men. Those girdles and bra sets drive most men I know insane.



It translate to fragrance too. More often than not, I hear "Chanel No. 5" as the favorite scent of hot blooded men. I have it, wear it, love it, but frankly it's my "professional, take me serious scent" the go to scent for weddings, funerals, interviews..non invasive its the no brainer choice when I am not in a familiar element. I never think of it as a sexy, come hither scent, but I am obviously mistaken. Marilyn Monroe, famously answered that the only thing she wore to bed was "Chanel No. 5" A lesson to be learned!


Lets go back to vintage lingerie! Dita von Teese, clearly understands what men love. Yes her shows are more over the top, but look at her in her everyday wear. Don't you wonder what she is wearing underneath? I'm betting its not a thong!

wHICH BRINGS US TO THE FALL dIOR SHOW.
No bring surprise that i ADORE this whole collection. Leopard print has NEVER looked so good!

and anyone who knows me, knows that i definitely love wearing lingerie as clothing! Okay, perhaps NOT when I pick my children up from catholic school, but certainly when the Greek and I go out!

They point is not to take it so literally. Of course wearing a sheer slip and garters and a bra peeking out is way much. But donning a vintage slip as a skirt is quite beautiful!


We will be adding some DIVINE lingerie on Sunday, so do check back. In the meantime:

dig up some of your boudoir pieces!!!

Oct 20, 2009

Great Depression Fashion




It's no secret that I am in love with the fashion from the 1920's and 30's. Not only the glamorous imagery from the movies and socialites, but what the actual "person in the street" was wearing. Drop waisted dresses, jaunty cloches, over sized tweed coats with fur collars, knee socks and Mary Jane's; all these things are considered "regular attire" to me.



Even the men's clothes I covet!! Their rolled jeans, oxfords, workman boots, overalls,newspaper boy caps...I wear it all! Its not uncommon that people remark I was born in the wrong era!!!




The whole thought of the Great Depression is magical to me, it always has been. Growing up I heard frequent stories from my Grandfather Rudy and grandmother, Virgie, about their lives during that era. Perhaps it was more magical hearing about it rather than living it but they always sounded like they were having so much fun, everyone was in the same boat so it wasn't as if they were alone in their struggles.
Often I find myself comparing today's economy and times to the Great depression. Everyone is going through similar hardships, fears and tough times. I figure if my grandparents muscled through it with 8 children and one working adult than we can certainly breeze through these times with only 2 children!


I know I am not alone in my comparisons. Just recently i read about the New York store: "the 1929." The 1929 is an upscale boutique that cuts out the middle man to sell top fashion at market depreciated prices. the concept isn't new, but the reference to the great depression and where we are at now in our economy is brilliant. According to the NY Daily News, they have a "soup kitchen" in the basement too!

Ralph Lauren's spring 2010 collection has that same vibe. The Great Depression fashion! I love it, love it, love it!!!!!!!!!! Totally do-able!
Ripped overalls? oh hell yaeh! Just add a silk top, jeweled heels and a couple of rhinestone bracelets...or a velvet blazer and that old pashmina from a few years back.


I love this suspender with cinched, leather belt, waist look!

Vintage jean jacket coupled with floral 30's vintage jacket and wedges? J'adore!

Socks and oxfords with a sweet floral suit? The bee's knees!!!!!

I am sooo digging out all my "Katie Holmes" inspired ripped jeans!!!!!