Happy New Year! 1957-1958 style.

76° and Sunny for my Christmas Party. Seriously?

Okay, it was really nice out today and I don't want to be one of those creeps who brags about Southern CA weather when everyone else is freezing their yule logs off. I do, however, like a little chill in my Holidays. Enough of that.

I work at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising as a teacher and speaker and today we had our Christmas Party or Holiday Party or Seasonal Greetings Party whatever is most appropriate. I love working there. They are very good to us and I love the campus.

I also like when people show what they are wearing and when most of it is thrifted or vintage. Usually when I try to brag to people about how cheaply I bought my clothes they just look at me like I'm cheap. But not you, dear bloggers!!! You are kindred spirits. Here's what I wore to the party:

Tunic- FIDM Scholarship Store $2.50

Jacket-yard sale $1.00 (I'm serious)

Tights-gift

Boots-thrift store

Necklace-thrift store

Black rhinestone bracelet- thrift store $2.00

My 14 year old daughter took these pics. Didn't she do a good job? The one above was taken in the shade. Here's how sunny it was:

Hideous Dress To Glorious Apron

I have always repurposed clothes for play costumes but rarely do anything for myself. Well, those days are over!!! I now have a stack of refashioning projects. Yeah. more projects. Just what I needed. Anyway, it's fun, right? And eco-friendly. And I'm getting an Anthropologie-style apron for a few bucks and some elbow grease. I found this gross and too large dress at the thrift store for about $4. The fabric was great though so I got it.

Hi kitty! I didn't realize he was in the shot! Weird how many sewing bloggers are cat ladies. Anyway, I sat and unpicked all the stitches...NOT! I cut the dress apart at the seams. It's an APRON people. Sorry, I didn't mean to yell.

I got rid of the weird elastic shirred waistband.

Also cut the bottom ruffle into two pieces lengthwise, not quite equal widths. One piece became the waistband and ties and the other piece went back on the bottom because I thought it was a little short without.

I actually put the top band back on the way it was and angled and stitched down the ties to tie like a halter instead of going down the back like it was made to do. For the picture I clipped on a pair of vintage earrings for some sass.

It's possible I may add a little ruffle or pockets or something in the future but for now I like it the way it is. It just happens to be Christmas colors which is also cool. Okay, here it is:

Next!!!

Thank You, Roundheads!

I am stuffed from a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and tremendously grateful for time with my family. One of the things I'm most thankful for right now is that I wore  a dress with no waistband.

When I was a kid we would make Pilgrims for our parents out of cardboard toilet paper tubes. Classy, I know. They wore tall black hats with a buckle in front and black clothes.

In actuality, black clothes were only worn by wealthier Puritans. Black dye was expensive and not very colorfast meaning the color washed out fairly easily. Most of the Puritans wore drab colors.

This was not the popular look in England. The British Royalists, or supporters of the King, dressed lavishly and flamboyantly- think The Three Musketeers.

Clothes are always a reflection of the beliefs, politics and spirit of the times so it makes sense that the Puritans wore simple, modest clothes that matched their religious and political sentiments.

Another style choice of Puritan men was to closely crop the hair. The British Royalists derisively called them "Roundheads". The Royalists, or Cavaliers, wore their hair long and messy. Short hair looked ridiculous to them. With the threat of absolute rule by King Charles I and the disempowerment of Parlaiment, the Pilgrims set sail to America to start a new life that included freedom of religion, government by the people and barbers.

Just over 300 years later, in the 1960's and 1970's, many Americans again used clothing and hair to distance themselves from the establishment and to rebel against politics and social injustice. Men grew their hair long and wore brightly colored clothing. They were sometimes called "Longhairs".

You wouldn't think Pilgrims and Hippies had so much in common. But there it is.

Inspiration-1920's Flapper

One of my all time favorite periods for fashion and style is the 1920's. My sister is going as a flapper for Halloween so I thought I would post this video I found as inspiration.

All Hallow's Eve Eve Eve etc.

I'm getting excited for Halloween this year. Normally it sneaks up on me and I half heartedly celebrate what used to be my favorite style holiday. I have always loved The Munsters and kind of spooky glamour so this year as part of my focus on fabulous I'm going to enjoy Halloween more. Here's a little early inspiration if you'd like to join me.

Coco Before Chanel

I got to see the movie COCO BEFORE CHANEL tonight with my wonderful sister.
We decided to dress up. I went full-on Little Black Dress. We both wore pearls galore. This reminded me of our punk rock days when dressing up was sometimes the funnest part of the evening. This was a really good movie, however, and worth the effort. Here are some pics to celebrate going out on the town.

Thanks to my sister for making me look like an Amazon.


Whoa. How'd that little Longhorn get in the picture?

This is how much I love Chanel. She seems a little uncomfortable with my affection.

Inspiration-Audrey Hepburn Quotes

I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.

There is more to sex appeal than just measurements. I don't need a bedroom to prove my womanliness. I can convey just as much sex appeal, picking apples off a tree or standing in the rain.

I've been lucky. Opportunities don't often come along. So, when they do, you have to grab them.

For me, the only things of interest are those linked to the heart.

 

I was born with an enormous need for affection, and a terrible need to give it.

 

 

Vintage Style Right From The Source

Here are some other books I'm dying for. I saw a book about Dorothy Draper in the FIDM library. This book was written in 1941. It's back in print and has wonderful vintage pictures and style.




Entertaining is Fun: How to Be a Popular Hostess



This one was written in 1939 and was out of print for 60 years.

Decorating Is Fun!: How to be Your Own Decorator

A fabulous gift idea

I was truly inspired by a book written and illustrated by Jacqueline Bouvier (aka Jackie Kennedy aka Jackie O) and her sister Lee. It's called One Special Summer and it's a wonderful recounting of a trip they took in 1951 when they were but 22 and 18 respectively.



This is a great gift idea in two ways. First, the book itself is a treasure. I found a copy in the local library but if anyone I know is reading this, I desperately want one of my own. Hint hint!!!!!

Also, you can try this idea for yourself. Make your own illustrated journal of a special trip or for an anniversary or birthday. If you can't draw as well as Jackie, don't worry. A friend of mine made a similar keepsake when we were in high school. She used lined notebook paper and drew stick figures. She kept drawing  throughout our church ski trip and later made copies for everyone. It was hysterical and better than any photo journal because her hilarious comments and silly cartoons helped us remember all the inside jokes and craziness.

One Special Summer is a great way to look into the early mind of a woman who knew classy and fabulous as few have.


Bon Voyage.

My top 3 favorite classy and fabulous women of all time

Of course, Mademoiselle Chanel

Jackie

Audrey

Who are your top 3?