Spotlight: Winona Ryder

04 Saturday May 2013

Posted by in Noir, Starlets

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , ,

Most Famous Role: Beetlejuice, 1988heathers veronica sawyer

Most Fashionable Role: Heathers, 1988

Memorable Movie Quote: “It’s one thing to want someone out of your life, but it’s another thing to serve them a wake-up cup full of liquid drainer.”

The Look: 1980′s Ohio; Veronica Sawyer is a girl stuck between two worlds. One is hating her ultra-popular clique full of shallow Heathers, and the other is woolgathering about her gorgeously sadistic boyfriend J.D. While she tries to balance these two sides of her personality, she looks killer in black peplum suits (for school!), artfully baggy T-shirts, off-the-shoulder striped ensembles, and even the occasional monocle  It is the perfect blend of gothic and over-the-top that makes Veronica one of the most iconic heroines of the ’80s.

Shop It:

Fashion Favorite: Quentin Tarantino Films

29 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Noir

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , ,

vintage tarantino postersWith so many sequels, prequels and remakes in theaters it is getting harder and harder for a movie buff like me to get excited for anything. But the one director that always quenches my desire for something creative and different from everything else out there is Quentin Tarantino. Mr. Tarantino and myself share a love of ’70s B-movies, strong leading ladies and Leonardo DiCaprio, so suffice it to say I’m a major fan. Since every Tarantino film has such immense attention to detail, it’s hard to miss things upon first viewing, such as the incredibly on-key fashions in every movie. Here are some of my favorite Tarantino masterpieces and their best ensembles:

True Romance (Writer)

true romance alabamaThe Gist: A comic book nerd and a sincere call girl fall in love. Christopher Walken, Brad Pitt and Gary Oldman all try to break them apart in amazing supporting roles.

The Look: Alabama Whitman, the offbeat and charming hooker played by Patricia Arquette, has the most amazingly eclectic style during the entire movie. Leopard coats and leggings, metallic wayfarers and a bra as a shirt is exactly what a trendy ’90s woman of the world would wear.

Pulp Fiction (Director, Writer, Actor)

pulp fiction danceThe Gist: Three interwoven stories about outlandish yet relatable characters are told in a nonlinear way. There’s diner robberies, bathroom shootings and ’50s dancing. Classic Quentin.

The Look: In one of the film’s most iconic scenes, Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace (John Travolta and Uma Thurman) take a break from their ultra-serious lives to do the twist in total ’90s black and white ensembles. The scene is both kitschy and classic at the same time.

Sin City (Director)

sin city goldieThe Gist: Based on a comic book series about a cast of irregular characters in a city of sin, this is one of the most visually stunning movies with equal parts retro charm and futuristic bravado.

The Look: In one of the best stories of the movie, beautiful Goldie bestows a night of passion on rough-and-tumble Marv (Mickey Rourke) and awakens his desire for love and revenge. Not to mention, she looks awesome doing it with full red lips and ’40s-style blonde curls.

Inglourious Basterds (Director, Writer, Actor)

inglourious basterds diane krugerThe Gist: This revenge-fantasy looks at WWII from a different perspective, with the Jews and their allies going after the Germans in brutally creative ways. It. is. awesome.

The Look: The ever-fashionable Diane Kruger makes an appearance as German actress Bridget von Hammersmark and she wears an array of lovely ’40s dresses, furs and accessories.

Celebrity Looks of the Week: Festive Fashion

24 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Starlets

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

1960s festive fashionWell kids, I can finally stop complaining about the cold weather in Chicago because it seems to really and truly be warming up. For now. We’ll see. Either way, I’m so ready for summer that I’m bypassing spring altogether in terms of fashion. No more jackets for me! It seems that celebrities haven’t gotten my memo yet though, because there are still so many dark colors on the red carpet but Coachella gives me hope that the best warm weather fashion is still to come! Here were some of my favorite looks this week and their vintage counterparts (all images courtesy of Vogue)!

Vanessa Traina Snow at the Whitney Museum of American Art Awards

vanessa traina snowThe daughter of romantic novelist Danielle Steel often goes for classic silhouettes and dark colors, and this cool and edgy city outfit is no exception. I’m personally a big fan of mixing black with brown, so it’s good to know I’m not alone!

Vanessa Goes Vintage: 1940′s Fitted Jacket, 1980′s Sheer Sequin Top, Bronze Sling-Back Sandals

Kate Bosworth at Coachella

kate bosworthIf one thing is certain in this world it is that Kate Bosworth will always be at Coachella and that she will always look amazing. I adore her trendy eyelet ensemble paired with simple ankle boots and aviators – cue my Lollapalooza inspiration!

Kate Goes Vintage: 1980′s Aviator Sunglasses, 1960′s White Eyelet Dress, 1970′s Brown Ankle Boots

Sienna Miller at the Tribeca Film Festival Vanity Fair Party

sienna millerMy best-dressed celebrities list has gone through several iterations over the years, but Sienna Miller has always been on it and this is exactly why. Who else could pull off an adorable ’60s-inspired dress with such flair? I mean, besides me?

Sienna Goes Vintage: 1960′s Black Lace Dress, 1970′s Black and Red Handbag, 1980′s Black and Silver Heels

Playlist: Earth Day

22 Monday Apr 2013

Posted by in Vinyl

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

vintage earth day posterFor those of you not in the know, today is Earth Day. Even though the world is filled with some crazy things and sometimes it feels like it’s only getting worse, it’s nice to take a day off and celebrate this amazing planet we live on. Even though I am most decidedly an indoor girl, I do appreciate nature. Growing up in a house buried in the woods, it was hard not to fall in love with the beautiful trees, bright shining moon and variety of woodland creatures that often popped in to try to eat our pleach-covered house. Poetic immersions aside, let’s take today to listen to some earth-friendly tunes and just enjoy being here.

  1. “Heaven is a Place on Earth” by Belinda Carlisle (1990′s Floral Dress)
  2. “I Feel the Earth Move” by Carole King (Vintage Bohemian Sun Dress)
  3. “That’s the Way of the World” by Earth, Wind & Fire (Vintage Fur Maxi Vest)
  4. “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” by George Harrison (Dress)
  5. “Earth Song” by Michael Jackson (Suede Platform Sandals)
  6. “Earth Angel” by The Penguins (1970′s Chocolate Brown Swimsuit)
  7. “Get Ready” by Rare Earth (Starfish Button Dress)
  8. “Europa (Earth’s Cry Heaven’s Smile)” by Santana (Vintage Party Dress)
  9. “Mother Nature’s Son” by The Beatles (1990′s Red Horizon Knit Sweater)
  10. “Nature Boy” by Nat ‘King’ Cole (Floral Print Dress)

Old School Vegas Fashion

10 Wednesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Locales, Time Machine

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , ,

vintage las vegas postcardYou guys know that I have a favorite place in the world and that place is Las Vegas. It’s been my second home for more than 20 years and – I don’t like to brag (yes I do) – it’s turned me into one mean blackjack player. But if you look around the gambling table today, the gamblers look nothing like they used to. Long gone are the days of the Rat Pack where everyone had their own style and gamblers exhibited an air of class.

james garner las vegasThe 1950′s and 1960′s were a time when gambling (like the theater or travelling) was an event and something that you dressed up for. You didn’t see men in jeans and a t-shirt coming straight from pounding margaritas at the pool and usually the ones that did were quickly shown the door. Instead, men wore suits and blazers, usually with a matching tie and pocket square.

vintage las vegasAnd don’t even get me started on the women. I’m having a serious case of Mad Men envy right now and I wish it was appropriate to go to Whole Foods wearing elbow-length satin gloves. But, sadly, it’s not. Nowadays when a woman puts on a dress she is automatically “dressed up”, but in old school Vegas, women dressed to the nines whenever possible. They wore mink coats in the desert, simply because they could. Even the cigarette girls wore classy, yet more casual, ensembles. No cheesy satin and torn fishnets as far as the eye could see. Today, your style at the table can help you win the game as people will judge you based on your outfit. But back in old school Vegas, everyone had style from the candy girls to the dealers. To that I say, let’s bring it back!

Timeless Town: San Francisco

02 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by in Bags, Locales, Time Machine

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

vintage san francisco postcareI realize that aside from these weekly posts, you guys don’t know me all that well, so here’s a little nugget. I am the type of person who has grand realizations and makes grand statements just about every other day. Recently, I got it in my head that I wanted to move to California and run a stand at the beach while writing in my spare time. Why not, right? Well, aside from the practicalities that I so conveniently chose to forget, I think that this may be a case of the grass always being greener. I have no real evidence, other than what I’ve seen in movies and a few trips to Disneyland, that I would even like California, but nonetheless San Francisco is where my heart is, where hippies thrived and vintage stores are aplenty. Hopefully I’ll visit someday and find out if it loves me back! In the meantime, let’s take a stroll down SF’s memory lane; I’m sure it’s a very fashionable walk.

san francisco gold rushThe Gold Rush (1848-1855): Greedy treasure seekers rushed (get it?) to San Francisco, desperate for gold and riches. Those who were lucky enough to find it, like Levi Strauss and Domingo Ghirardelli, chose to settle down in Northern Cali and start entrepreneurial businesses.

golden gate bridge 1930sNo Great Depression Here (1930′s): While the rest of the country suffered from The Great Depression, San Francisco continued to boom by building the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, and hosting the 1939 World’s Fair. It’s always sunny in San Francisco (except for prisoners, I guess).

san francisco hippiesThe Counterculture Rises (1950′s-1970′s): Everyone from beats to hippies to gay movement supporters like Harvey Milk were attracted to the alternative San Francisco Renaissance and its headquarters, the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. 1967 was known as The Summer of Love, but after that summer everything started to go downhill thanks to violence and industry.

san francisco tech boomThe Tech Boom (1990′s-Now): After the development and industrialization of the ’80s, San Francisco soon became the mecca for techies, geeks and computer whizzes and Silicon Valley was born. Big names like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates lived and worked in this booming area, and I’m sure a few burgeoning satraps are there right now.

Best Vintage Stores:

Playlist: Easter Fun

31 Sunday Mar 2013

Posted by in Vinyl

≈ Leave a Comment

Tags

, , , ,

1940s easterIt may not be my holiday, but Easter seems like a lot of fun! Bunnies, chocolate eggs, pastels; what’s not to like?! While I may only know the commercial aspects of it, that doesn’t mean that I can’t celebrate the nostalgic happiness and sunshine that is Easter with a springtime-appropriate playlist featuring some of my favorite artists and vintage fashion picks! Whether or not you are celebrating today, take some time to listen and rock out to these Easter-themed tunes:

  1. “Time After Time” by Ella Fitzgerald (1970′s Bill Blass Logo Coat)
  2. “Hurricane” by Bob Dylan (Vintage Gray Jersey Dress)
  3. “My Heart Reminds Me” by Dean Martin (1980′s Silk Skirt)
  4. “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles (1960′s Boho Sundress)
  5. “Embraceable You” by Nat ‘King’ Cole (1960′s Sheer Robe)
  6. “Candy Says” by The Velvet Underground (Vintage Copper Bracelet)
  7. “Come Rain or Come Shine” by Ray Charles (1990′s JPG Sunglasses)
  8. “This Time Tomorrow” by The Kinks (1970′s Three-Piece Set)
  9. “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” by Led Zeppelin (1940′s Tapered Pants)
  10. “Crazy” by Willie Nelson (1970′s Boho Patchwork Dress)

Celebrity Looks of the Week: Winter to Spring!

21 Thursday Mar 2013

Posted by in Starlets

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

1930s celebrity picturesWell, if you’re like me, you frequently look to the stars for fashion inspiration. No, not the astronomical ones, the ones on every red carpet and magazine cover! While I don’t have one celebrity who I think is ‘best-dressed’, I love to see how certain actresses and socialites put together looks, especially during seasonal transitions. As I get ready to fully eschew my winter pieces in favor of looser, spring-ier garments, these celebs are the ones I’m following to get it right:

Chloë Sevigny at the Barney’s New York Chloé Anniversary

chloe sevignyI love all things Chloé, so seeing one of the most sartorially fascinating actresses around wearing one of my all-time favorite designers (and a vintage piece from them, no less), has me especially giddy. I love the mixture of gold and black as a way to brighten up dark winter hues without giving them up altogether.

Chloë Goes Vintage: 1920′s Leather Evening Bag, 1990′s Karl Lagerfeld Gold Chain Choker, 1980′s Black and Gold Dress

Eva Mendes in New York

eva mendesWhile I didn’t always find Ms. Mendes’ fashion choices that exciting, she has upped her game in recent months (maybe since becoming the Gosling’s GF), and I like that she marches to the beat of her own style drum. This cerise (vintage Halston) maxi dress is bright for spring and paired with decidedly cold-weather accessories, making it the perfect transition ensemble.

Eva Goes Vintage: 1970′s Hot Pink Party Dress, Vintage Ungaro Suede Belt, 1990‘s Motorcycle Boots

Marina Rust at the Bergdorf Goodman Dior Opening

marina rustAs a writer and fashion expert, Marina always looks amazing but I particularly love this ’60s-tinged ensemble like something out of an Audrey Hepburn movie. Spring is the perfect time to play the role of gamine nymphet, especially by layering your favorite floaty dresses over slacks!

Marina Goes Vintage: 1960′s Ivory Lace Party Dress, 1970′s Flower Cluster Earrings, Vintage Wide Leg Pants

Playlist: Spring Fling!

19 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by in Vinyl

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

1990s springAccording to the calendar, tomorrow is officially the first day of spring, but according to my window and my weather app we still have a few weeks of winter weather to go! There is perhaps no longer period of time than the stretch between winter and spring and this year it has been interminable. So, that’s why I decided to make a happy, sunny playlist (with my favorite vintage fashion picks for the season) to welcome spring! When it finally comes, I’ll be ready for it…

  1. The Beatles — “Wild Honey Pie” (1990′s Cropped Jacket)
  2. Nico — “These Days” (Vintage Fringe Cardigan)
  3. John Lennon — “Oh My Love” (1990′s Moschino Skirt)
  4. Andy Gibb — “Shadow Dancing” (1980′s Studded Jean Jacket)
  5. LaBelle — “Lady Marmalade” (1980′s Teal Dress)
  6. The Rolling Stones — “Tumbling Dice” (1970′s Bone Necklace)
  7. Ted Nugent — “Cat Scratch Fever” (1950′s Cat-Eye Sunglasses)
  8. Peter Frampton — “Show Me The Way” (Vintage Aztec Handbag)
  9. Santana — “Oye Como Va” (1980′s Ruffled Maxi Dress)
  10. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell — “Ain’t No Mountain” (1990′s High Heels)

Retro Recommendation: Mona Lisa Smile

13 Wednesday Mar 2013

Posted by in Noir, Starlets

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , ,

mona lisa smile posterThere are certain movies I will see only because I like the actors in them, and then there are other movies, like this retro recommendation, that I see in spite of the actors. I am not the biggest Julia Roberts fan in the world (blasphemous, I know), but I still saw and enjoyed this movie nonetheless, particularly because of the amazing 1950′s fashions and pro-Femininst message. Taking place at Wellesley, a conservative all-girls college, this film gave me a peek into a world that was as far away from my own as I could imagine.

mona lisa smile fashionThe aforementioned Ms. Roberts plays Katherine Ann Watson, a liberal-minded art history professor whose main goal is to moor her ideals into future generations. While her students, who are mainly focused on getting their MRS degrees, initially resent her attempts to get them to think outside the box, they eventually realize that there is more to life than a young and ultimately loveless marriage. Among the students are the recognizable faces of Julia Stiles, Kirsten Dunst, Ginnifer Goodwin and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

kirsten dunst mona lisa smileNow, onto the ’50s co-ed fashions! There is plaid, pearls and a matching hat for every occasion as these girls are never ones to leave the dorm un-coordinated. Katherine is a bit more casual in her collared shirts and cozy knit sweaters, prepped for the brisk Massachusetts winters and the even brisker attitudes of her pupils. Kirsten Dunst’s Betty Warren is the most interested in a life like her mother’s, complete with ironing board and perfectly pressed aprons, while Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Giselle is rebellious in her black turtlenecks and plaid shirts tied at the waist. How scandalous!

maggie gyllenhaal mona lisa smileFashion Lesson: Take inspiration from art (especially that of the sartorial sect).

Shop It:

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 148 other followers