Stylin': 1970's Glam

It's been a while since I've done one of my Decades "Stylin'" posts.  I had previously gone through the 40's, 50's, and 60's, so now I'm on to the 70's.

Many an image comes to mind when I think of the styles of the 70's--including some really lame Halloween costumes!  However, I like to look at the glamor and elegance of Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger and Lauren Hutton, to name a few style icons of the decade.  Imagine going dancing (and being able to get in!) to Studio 54 and hanging out with Andy Warhol and Mick Jagger.  So here's my nod to the style splendor that made up the 1970's.

Diana Ross.  (Photo)  Arguably one of the most influential performers and artists of the decade.  Here she is in a Bob Mackie creation.

Lauren Hutton. (Photo)  She called herself the girl next door, but her humility added to her glamor.

Bianca Jagger. (Photo)  Brazilian Beauty.  Mick Jagger's wife.  At least for a moment in time.

Jerry Hall.  (Photo)  Texas Beauty.  Mick Jagger's wife.  At least for another moment in time.

 Beverly Johnson.  (Photo)  One of the first Super Models.

Yves Saint Laurant with his muse, Catherine Deneuve.  (Photo)  French Elegance.

And here's a little outfit I threw together.

Emerald dress, Sequin beret, Gold Trifari earrings, articulated Cat necklace, Givenchy clutch, Gold mesh slingbacks.  All vintage.

 

Liberty of London

I started this awhile ago--back when I was inspired by the beginnings of Spring--but got super busy with work and now it's almost summer!  Having a textile background, I've always been amazed by the colors and designs--not to mention the quality of the fabric--of Liberty prints.   There are so many beautiful patterns and colorways that I grouped them together in groups of 4 of what I felt enhanced each others designs.  Kind of like a digital patchwork quilt.

 The Liberty of London department store in London not only has fabrics but clothing, accessories and bags, among other things.  I styled an outfit from their website.

Liberty of London.

The Workout

I recently started on the P90X workout program.  In a quest for my body to even remotely resemble Jennifer Aniston's body...

or Halle Berry's...

both gorgeous women in their 40's I might add...

...I have started getting up at an ungodly hour (still dark out with the time change!!) to push, pull, and cardio it up.  I decided to put together some ideal outfits for the gym, yoga class, and going out for a run.  I styled these "sets" on Polyvore--a really cool website--they have links to all of the items I used.  The only problem is the resolution is lower than what I normally publish.  So it's slightly blurry--like  my vision when that alarm goes off to work out!

Workout: yoga by Jofoso featuring v neck tees

 

I'll let you know my progress--just don't expect any before and after pictures!

 

Stylin': 1960's Dashing Panache

If you haven't seen or heard of the gorgeous styling on Mad Men then you probably haven't been on this planet for very long.  The biggest star of the show is the fashion of the early 1960's.  This is the stage of that turbulent decade that brought you the beauty and elegance of Jackie O. and the class and style of Audrey Hepburn along with her exquisite fashions in Breakfast at Tiffany's and Roman Holiday.  It has inspired many a design collection since and made vintage fashion from that era so valuable and timeless.

I was so happy to see this still on AMC's website.  When I saw this scene I thought what perfection!  The color combinations, styling and even their staging led to such a divine composition.

As a fellow red head, I just love how they use fabric colors to compliment her hair.

Jackie O. personifies the fashion of these times.

This is from a story by the Smithsonian Magazine.

A fashion story from the early 60's wouldn't be complete without Audrey Hepburn.  I love the arm bracelet--not to mention her tiny waist!

And of course the ever iconic yet always inspiring image from Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Here is the 1960's outfit I put together: Dress with matching jacket at GumbyGirl, leaf brooch, pearl earrings, pearl handbag, kitten heals, gloves with flower details, and cigarette holder.  All items are early 1960's vintage.  Click on the highlight for links to their websites.

Stylin': 1950's New Look

Inspired by the full skirts and nipped--or "wasp--waists not to mentioned the beautiful polished looks from the Spring runway shows, I decided to look back to Christian Dior's iconic and revolutionary New Look of the 50's.

His line actually launched in 1947 but was popular throughout the 1950's.

The New Look represented the post war optimism and prosperity--Dior would use up to 20 yards of fabric for his designs. Photo from Flickr

Photo from In Fashion Life

Photo on Buctopia

I styled an outfit inspired by Dior and the complete, polished looks of the 50's.

 

 

All 50's vintage pieces: Dress from Gumby Girl, beaded gloves, lucite handbag, diamond brooch and earrings, kitten heals with bow detail and platter hat.
 

Stylin': 1940's Noir

I was inspired by this beautiful vintage dress to put together a little 1940's Film Noir-esque outfit.  Add in some fog, an old car, Humphrey and Ingrid, and some crows, naturally, to get the mood right.

Vintage dress available at Gumbygirl.  Vintage coach bag, green felt hat, brooch, and earrings.  Shoes not vintage but are still in character, available at Modcloth.

Re-cut Vintage Tee: M.C. Escher

To continue my Re-Cut Tee series, here is my M.C. Escher tee.  The vintage tee shirt guy I bought these from told me that this shirt cost more because it's "Escher--very famous artist".  Like I wouldn't know who this fabulous, genius is!  Not to mention, surrealist art is being recognized again--probably thanks in part to films like Avatar and Alice in Wonderland.  I think I kept this Escher tee in character--Escherizing it!
 

Very cool graphic.
 

The shirt was XL, so I had some fabric to work with.
 

I folded it off-center in the front and drew on a sewing line with marking chalk.  I then sewed a running stitch down the line, starting an inch below the neckline and ending at the bottom hem.
 

I cut open the folded section that I had just sewed.  Then I cut both sleeves off, narrowing the shirt.  I re-sewed the sides to make it more fitted.
 

To finish, I added 5 inches of elastic to the inside side seams, holding it taut as I used a zigzag stitch to create a ruching effect.  I then turned the neck and sleeve seams over to finish the edges--also with a zigzag stitch.
 

And of course, styled it into a cute little outfit.  Jacket (my own) from Forever 21.  Shoes and shorts from Modcloth.  Vintage purse from Gumby Girl.  G-shock watch.  Carerra Sunglasses.

Re-cut Vintage Tee: Led Zeppelin (Best Rock Band Ever)

Last week I posted pictures I took of the Rose Bowl Flea Market.  I had bought some vintage tees and said I would re-cut them and post what I've made.  I started with a tee from my favorite rock band, Led Zeppelin.  I'll show how I created the shirt and then put an outfit together.

These are the tees that I bought.
 

The before shot.   Don't worry, I'll take good care of you.
 

I folded the shirt in half and cut a V for the neckline.  Then I cut the side seams off at the sleeve seams.
 

Ok, so I had made a mistake when I cut the V for the front and had it folded so the back also cut a V.  So, I improvised--I cut a seam in the back to shorten the V and make the top more fitted.
 

I cut one shoulder more narrow than the other and angled the bottom hem for an asymmetrical affect.  Then I simply sewed the shoulder seams and side seams together.  To finish it off I hemmed the raw edges by turning them and using a Z stitch.  The imperfections keep the rocker-look (that's my story and I'm sticking to it).
 

I found this great lace at Mood Fabrics in LA to add to the edges.
 

I sewed the lace to the edges and here is my finished product.
 

Here is an outfit I styled for my shirt.  I just bought a pair of JBrand skinny cargos that I just love and I can't wait to wear my shirt with it.  I also included Modcloth shoes, Numero 10 bag, vintage  fedora by Gumby Girl and Judy Lee vintage bracelet by Archive Vintage.

Stylin': Funky School Girl with Cool Shoes

Here is a little outfit I threw together: mixin' it up with vintage and new, designer and chain retailer.

Vintage plaid skirt, Jason Wu tank, Forever 21 sweater, Constellation earrings by Hurricane Jane, Alexander Wang boots, and vintage Korbet bag.