Sunday, June 27, 2010

What is a Maillot - Defining Vintage Fashion Terms

A Maillot is a one piece bathing suit and was first used in the 1920s to describe tight fitting swimwear. Remember, bathing suits in the earlier part of the 20th century looked more like sundresses with full skirts and sleeveless styles.


Usually when I see the word "Maillot" to describe a bathing suit I imagine a strapless or heart shaped bust bathing suit or one with vintage inspired details such as ruching at the waist. To me, a Maillot is synonymous with the bathing suit styles of the 1950s.


Now a days we just call it a one piece. But if you want to be a bit more fancy, you can say you're planning on sun bathing in your gorgeous maillot bathing suit instead of sunbathing in your one piece. *hehe*

Image credits: 1.] Vintage Maillot Advertisement by Catalina Swimwear, 2.] Yellow Maillot With Matching Swim Cap, 3.] Maillot Pin-up at the Beach, 4.] Modern Maillot, 5.] Vintage Inspired Maillot, 6.] Anthropologie.com

Saturday, June 26, 2010

What Audrey Hepburn Wore to the 1967 Oscars

Nominated for "Best Actress in Leading Role" at the 1967 Academy Awards for "Wait Until Dark", Audrey Hepburn always dazzled at the Oscars with her classic and feminine style.

Although she didn't bring home the coveted golden statue (the award went to the other Hepburn, Katherine), Audrey Hepburn looked impeccable in her Oscar ensemble.


At the 1967 Academy Awards, Audrey Hepburn wore a two piece ensemble designed by Gubert De Givenchy.

It consisted of a sparkling vest with white flower embellishments that allowed a peek at Audrey Hepburn's navel. A giant white bow tied at the vest that was decorative enough so Audrey could forego a necklace. The vest was accompanied by a long, floor grazing white skirt that was very slim in cut.

Image credit: Audrey at the Oscar's

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Mid Week Inspirations & Wisdom, A Garden of Dreams

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair." Susan Polis Shutz



"To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat." Beverly Nichols


Image credits: 1.} The Home that Love Built, 2.} Last Days of Summer, 3.} Tattered Wings, 4.} Fields of Recollections, 5.} Haze (lost link), 6.} Nature's Garland, 7.} Lost in the Blooms, 8.} A Familiar Beauty, 9.} The Scent of Flowers Lingers

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

British Actress, Vivien Leigh Accepts Her Oscar for "Gone With the Wind"


Her voice is so marvelous, isn't it? I do wish this footage was in color, I would so love to see the color of her beautiful vintage floral print gown!

Saturday, June 19, 2010

The Most Beautiful Things: Vintage 1940s Apparel from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection


Is it odd that my second thought after seeing these photos (my first being "Why can't I own all of these?!?) was "I wish these were all available in my shop!" The product photography is quite sumptuous too, I might need to take up the AV product photo quality to "museum worthy" *hehe* One can dream!

Friday, June 18, 2010

Vintage Pin-Up Heels & Ladylike Accessories from Aldens Catalog 1955

Vintage peep toe slingbacks, so darn cute! I love the chic little details on these, especially the tiny bow on the back of the ankle. I'm simply dying over the navy blue slingbacks with the white dashed threading, can't you just see those being remade today?

All of these shoes are quite classic and if you can't hunt down the vintage pair, a quick pop over to Endless.com will probably result in a vintage inspired pair. I'm not quite sure about gloves, I've never cared much for them, although I still think they are quite appropriate for the opera. I do however, ADORE the white "double nylon" pair for $1.09 (save .40!) those are just so cute!

Image Credits: All scanned catalog images from Cemetarian -Alden Catalog 1955

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Rumpled Preppy: Our Favorite Looks from Marni Resort 2010


An oldie but a goodie (isn't it odd that resort 2010 collections are sooo last year? HAHA) Preppy classics never go out of style though, that's why they're classics! I'm especially loving the color palette of this collection: Midnight Navy, Coco Brown, Cafe Au Lait, and just a hint of Peony Pink.

Pre 1920s Fashion & Beauty Advertisements



I cannot imagine having to wear a maternity corset! The thought of it seems so painful! I do love that in the advertisement the mother-to-be is sewing a little bonnet for her new baby, so sweet. I love the blouses from this era (early 20th century, 1900 to 1920) They were all so delicate and feminine and featured many details I look for in modern day blouses such as eyelet, broderie anglaise, petite pleats, scalloped lace... I've recently acquired an antique blouse but unfortunately it's much too small therefore will only look lovely as a display piece. *sigh* Oh well.

Image Credits:
1.} Maternity Corset, 2.} Corsets from the Sears Roebuck Catalog (c) 1908 , 3.} The Mother's Magazine (c) 1916, 4.} Pearline Ad (c) 1896, 5.} 1919 Dressmaking Lessons Advertisement, 6.} Good Housekeeping Vintage Ad for Talcum Powder (c) 1906, 7.} Coconut Shampoo Ad (c) 1919, 8.} Gordon Dye Hosiery (c) 1905

Thursday, June 10, 2010

10 Iconic Vintage Movie Dresses

In no particular order, and yes, we're slightly biased as we not only love the dresses featured in our "Top 10 Iconic Classic Movie Dresses", we're also fans of the movies they're in!



Well, the last one isn't quite a dress... however, who can't help but love Sandy's sexy all black ensemble?

Honorable Mentions:
Jessica Rabbit in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"
Disney's Snow White
Glinda the Good Witch of the North

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

What I'm Wearing Today: "I Love History Channel"


Well I've done it, I took the plunge (the cut)! So far I'm loving it, it's definitely shorter than I thought it would be, but luckily my hair grows lightning fast, so soon I'll have more to play around with.

Goodness, I feel like a different person all together! I feel taller too. I look quite tall in the photo next to Beatrice and Eloise, but that's just a trick of the camera *hehe*

I've also just started a LOOKBOOK.nu account. Although, I probably won't be updating it that often as work and being a wife and mom keeps me pretty busy, but I do save many inspirations of other girls who have amazing style, so feel free to take a look! { Rodellee's LookBook }

{WHAT I'M WEARING}
Bowtie: Vintage, Adorevintage.com
Lace Collar: Vintage, Antique shop in Orlando
Lace Dress: Marshall's
Cardigan: Vintage, Thrifted
Satchel: Vintage, SLOW L.A.
Socks: UO
Shoes: Thrifted, Aldo?

Landslagið er fallegt, Art inspired by Iceland's landscape by Tom Edwards



The cut & paste look of these works are simply charming to me. I love the colors, the shapes, and the concept. It's a bit whimsical & very clean.

Credits: All images are from Tom Edwards, "Landscapes" series.