Vintage Inspired Academy Award Red Carpet Oscar Fashion 2008

I don't know how you felt about the fashion choices during last night's red carpet walk at the 80th Academy Awards-frankly I was disappointed with the showing of uninspired gowns.
I feel that last year the actresses looked much more glamorous.
Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman are usually sure bets at arriving in glamorous style, and Renee Zellweger looked pretty as well this year...

Anne Hathaway in a red single shoulder Marchesa gown decorated with red flowers.

Nicole Kidman wore a black Balenciaga gown with an amazing L'Wrenn Scott diamond necklace.

Renee Zellweger in a strapless Carolina Herrera silver beaded gown.

Atonement & Keira Knightley's Green Evening Gown

    Atonement, the book, was loaned to me by my friend Annie, who, like me, doesn't usually read fiction.    
    I started reading the book and was immediately sucked into it by all the vivid descriptions of the events that unfold. I was impressed with how well Ian McEwan described the clothing, especially the green evening gown that was worn by Cecilia during the most pivotal points in the story.
    I quickly finished up the book and was invited to go see the movie with Annie (she had already seen it once before). This was the first time I had ever read a book and then immediately seen the movie. I was unsure how I was going to feel about the film after having vividly imagined it in my mind as I had read it.
    The film turned out to be gorgeously filmed and very well produced.
    It was great to see the gorgeous green gown that Keira Knightley wore up on the big screen while portraying the role of Cecilia Tallis.
    This green gown, that is such a show stopper, was designed by the movie's costume designer Jacqueline Durran.

    Wouldn't we all like to own such a glamorously gorgeous gown?!?
    Well, today I gathered together three stunning vintage evening gowns from the 1930's to share with you...So, that we might all have a chance at owning such a luscious piece of fashion heaven...

Incredibly Gorgeous 1930's Evening Gowns

1930's purple silk crepe gown with rhinestone detailing at the front of the straps.
Measurements are 36" Chest and 28" Waist
You can purchase this gown for $495- over at Contentment Farm

Black velvet gown with diamante straps.
Size: 10/12
You can purchase this gown for 300 GBP over at Vintagedress.co.uk

1930's blue rayon crepe gown with beaded straps and an Art Deco rhinestone buckle on the back.
Measurements are up to 37" Chest, 31" Waist and 38" Hips
You can purchase this gown for $145- over at Robin Clayton Vintage

Diana Rigg as Emma Peel in the Original Avengers

Diana Rigg's character Emma Peel in The Avengers was a true 1960's style icon.
Her character would always wear incredibly mod black and white outfits.
In the opening and closing credits of the show she is shown clad in black patent leather.
What more could you ask for than a beautiful, stylish, intelligent, kung fu weilding intelligence agent!?!

Check out the Emma Peel worthy black patent leather ensemble posted below...

Vintage Patent Leather Suit

What a sexy and unusual ensemble!
Perfect for adding a heaping dose of 1960's spy girl allure to one's vintage clothing collection!
This two piece suit ensemble is from 1960 and was designed by Azalea.
You can purchase this unique suit for $950- over at Vintage High Fashion.com

*Black patent leather is a big trend for Fall/Winter 2007/2008*

Chic & Cool 1950's Pant Set

The vintage ensemble pictured below reminds me of the outfit Fran Jeffries wore in the original 1963 Pink Panther movie (pictured above).
This sort of after ski attire was popular in the 1950's and 1960's.
The original Pink Panther movie is a must see for vintage lovers!
There is very chic attire featured throughout the movie.
To watch a video clip of Fran Jeffries singing Meglio Stasera (It Had Better Be Tonight) by the fireplace in Pink Panther head over to You Tube

Black wool pant set with rhinestone detail near pant waist and cuff of sleeve.
A chic and cool ensemble to wear while sitting by a roaring fire after a day of skiing!
Measurements are 34" Chest, 26" Waist and 38" Hips.
You can buy this ensemble for the reasonable price of $125- over at Woodland Farms Antiques & Vintage

Top 10 Oscar 2007 Red Carpet Vintage Inspired Looks

Rachel Weisz in a Vera Wang gown.

Naomi Watts in an Escada gown.

Nicole Kidman in a Balenciaga gown.

Jennifer Lopez in a Marchesa gown.

Anne Hathaway wearing Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry.

Gwyneth Paltrow in a Zac Posen gown.

Kate Winslet in a Valentino gown.

Cate Blanchett in an Armani Prive gown.

Kirsten Dunst in a Chanel Couture gown.

Maggie Gyllenhaal in a Proenza Schouler gown.

*All of these photos were taken from In Style where they have many more pics from last night's festivities*

Manly Mondays! William Powell

This is a postcard from the 1980's featuring a picture of Myrna Loy and William Powell from 1936.
You can "Buy It Now" for $20- over at Pack Rabbit Posters on eBay.

An original photograph of William Powell.
You can "Buy It Now" for $44.99 over on eBay

An original autographed photograph of William Powell that he signed "Immortally yours, William Powell"
You can "Buy It Now" for $799- over at History For Sale on eBay.

    William Powell is one of my favorite leading men from the Golden Era of Hollywood.
    In his movies My Man Godfrey and The Thin Man series his characters were witty, debonair and funny.
    A major part of what gave Powell his debonair look was his mustache.
    If you look at the photograph pictured above of Powell without his mustache he doesn't appear so debonair as he does with his mustache.
    It always such an odd thing to see a man that you are used to seeing with a mustache without one.
    Their faces all of the sudden look so naked and alien compared to what you are used to.

    Today I have gathered together some vintage grooming kits and razor blades to share with you.
    Whether you opt for the clean shaven look or the debonair-the choice is yours!

Vintage Inspired Gowns at The 2007 Golden Globes

Rene Zellwegger in vintage Christian Dior.

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen

Cameron Diaz in Valentino.

Penelope Cruz in Chanel Couture.

Kyra Sedgwick in J. Mendel.

Audrey Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's Dress

    Today the gown that Audrey Hepburn wore in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's was auctioned off at Christie's auction house in London for $807,000 (that's almost six times the highest sales estimate the dress had before the auction of $98,000 and $138,00).
    The Givenchy black satin evening gown is floor length, has a slit on one side and a unique cut out decollete at the back.
    Besides designing the clothing for Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's Hubert de Givenchy  also designed her clothes for Funny Face, Charade and continued to dress her for the rest of her life. Givenchy also dressed the likes of Grace Kelly, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and the Duchess of Windsor.
    Today I have found some elegant black dresses that are reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn's dress...

Vintage Black Evening Dress

    A chic black evening dress.
    This dress features a silk chiffon ruched chest and a long silk skirt with satin flower design.
    Measurements are: 36" Chest, 26" Waist and 46" Hips
    You can buy this dress over at Vintage-Hollywood for $325-

Lilli Diamond Fringed Dress

    Imagine sashaying around in this beautiful fringed dress!
    This 1960's black crepe evening dress has small tiers of fringe at the chest, a satin bow at the empire waist and a long cascade of fringe over the skirt.
    Measurements are: 36" Chest, 29" Waist and 38" Hips
    You can purchase this Lilli Diamond dress over at Vintageous for $185- (once at the website scroll about a third of the way down the page, the dress is located in the far right column).

The Black Dahlia & 1940's Suits

    The Black Dahlia is another, based on a true Hollywood story, period film that is going to be released this Friday the 15th.
    And, it is yet another movie that I am interested in seeing (but, I probably won't be able to until my hectic life returns to normal in about a month).
    The suit that Scarlett Johansson is wearing in the picture above is a classicly styled suit from the 1940's.
    The suit's jacket has a wonderful peplum to it.
    And Scarlett's look is pulled together by the jaunty little hat that she is wearing.
    Below I have posted some wonderful vintage suits from the 40's
    Check them out...

Chic & Stylish Lilli Ann Suit

    This is an incredibly chic and stylish suit!
    The suit is by Lilli Ann and has a great angular lapel and buttons in a diagonal fashion.
    This suit measures a 36" chest, 26" waist and 38" hips.
    You can buy this suit for $575- over at Dorothea's Closet

1940's Rayon Crepe Suit

    Doesn't this suit have fantastic sleeves ?!?
    This suit is made out of navy blue rayon crepe and features wide cuffed sleeves that are lined with red acetate.
    The measurements for this suit are: 36"chest, 28" waist and 36" hips
    You can purchase this suit over at Vintage Martini for $125-

Hollywoodland & 50's Fashions

    The movie Hollywoodland opened in theaters last Friday.
    It looks like a very intriguing movie and with a great actor like Adrien Brody it is definitely a must see for me.
    Another reason I am interested in the movie is the fashion...
    Glamourous 1950's fashion to be precise.
    Such as the classic black dress pictured above.
    This dress is made out of black satin and features a beautiful draped neckline.
    The dress has a 33" chest, 24" waist and full hips.
    You can buy this dress for $145- over at Vintageous (once at the website scroll about two thirds the way down the page and the dress is located in the second column from the left).

Vintage One Shouldered Dresses

    One shouldered dresses are great alternatives to strapless.
    The one shoulder adds an extra dash of style and panache that strapless dresses sometimes are lacking.
    The lovely one shouldered violet dress pictured above is made out of velvet.
    This dress measures 32" chest, 23" waist and has full hips.
    You can purchase this dress over at Vintageous for $135- (once at the website scroll about three quarters the way down the page and the dress is located in the third column from the left).

Vintage Lacoste Dresses

   

    The Lacoste dresses that I am writing about today were manufactured in the 60's and 70's.
    In 2001 this style of Lacoste dress made a resurgence on the indie fashion scene when Gwyneth Paltrow wore them while portraying the character Margot Tenenbaum in the movie The Royal Tenenbaums.
    To purchase your very own Lacoste dress head over to Plaid Pony Vintage.com

Isn't She Pretty In Pink?

    Prom is just around the corner. And girls across America are searching for the perfect dress to wear.
     I have tried to make their search a little easier by finding some fabulous vintage dresses for them.
    One of my favorite memories of prom isn't even mine. It's from the movie Pretty In Pink when Molly Ringwald is sitting in her bedroom constructing her dress for prom from a couple of old pink dresses.
    The pretty pale pink tulle dress with matching attached shawl pictured above can be purchased over at Vintage Martini.

I Could Have Danced All Night...

     This is an enchanting ivory organdy gown with a beaded bust and an elegant pink sash and bow detail.
    The ribbon and bow detail of this dress is similar to dresses that Audrey Hepburn wore as Eliza in My Fair Lady and as the princess in Roman Holiday.
    You can purchase this lovely gown over at Vintageous (once you go to Vintageous scroll down to nearly the bottom of the page and this dress is located on the left hand side.)
    Vintageous has lots of other beautiful gowns and dresses for sale. But, be forewarned that you need to check whether the dress that you are interested in has been sold or not before you get your heart set on it.

Down With Love Ensemble

   In the movie Down with Love the design of the sets and outfits were perfectly pulled from the 1960's. And the movie overall was strongly influenced by old Doris Day movies from the 60's.
    In Down with Love, when Barbara and Vikki walk into the restaurant to meet Catcher and Peter, the ladies pause at the top of the stairs and show off their matching outfits, their coats coordinating perfectly  with their dresses!
    Pictured above is an original shift dress and matching coat from the 60's. I found this grand ensemble over at barton & barton, which is based out of England.

Fab Op Art Mod Dress

    What a fun flirty little dress!
    This dress is made out of silk twill and is lined in cotton. It has a kicky little ruffle at the hem!
    You can purchase this fab dress over at Ballyhoo Vintage.

LeRoy Sweaters

    During my late teens through my mid-twenties I collected embroidered sweaters by LeRoy. These sweaters were originally popular in the 70's. They came with fun images and witty sayings embroidered on them.
    The character Kitty on That '70s Show is very fond of wearing them. In fact the sweater she is wearing in this picture is one that I own a version of. On the sweater there are yellow flowers with petals scattered around and it says "He loves me, He Loves Me Not" on it.
    I found a few examples of these sweaters which I posted below.

The Glamourous 30's

    Lately, my fiance and I have been on an old movie kick. About every three days we go to Movie Madness, a store whose selection never ceases to amaze us, and rent a couple of movies.
    We have really been enjoying watching Busby Berkeley movies. The other night we went in and were looking at the covers of some of his movies. We found the cover of Fashions of 1934. We thought that it looked like an entertaining movie. So, we checked it out. Only later to realize that we had watched the movie about a month before! We didn't mind though because it was a fun movie starring William Powell and Bette Davis.
    One of our favorite Busby Berkeley movies is Footlight Parade with James Cagney. The banter between Joan Blondell and Cagney is slick, fast paced and funny. The sets are lavish. And the costumes are amazing, full of classic 30's glamour.
    I don't think that movie sets as elaborate and on such a large scale as these would be produced today. They truly are awe inspiring!

No Wire Hangers!

   

    At TheFROCK.com they offer a wide selection of clothing worn by such classic actresses as Claudette Colbert, Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida and Marlene Dietrich.
    One of my personal favorites is this gold lame gown worn by Joan Crawford. The low cut back and the draped, yet fitted style of the gown is the epitome of 1930's Hollywood glamour.

 

Did seeing the movie 2046 leave you In The Mood for a Cheongsam?

    The cheongsam dresses featured in Kar Wai Wong’s film’s 2046 and In The Mood for Love accentuate and flatter the feminine form.
    The cheongsam, as we know it today, originally appeared in Shanghai around the turn of the last century. The modern cheongsam has a high neck and a figure fitting form. The cheongsam is based upon the qipao. The qipao, in contrast to its modern cousin, was loose fitting and was meant to conceal, rather than accentuate the figure.
    The cheongsam was popularized in Western society during the 1950's and 1960's as evening and cocktail wear. Below I provide some links to find out more about 2046 and the cheongsam:

This site has a review of 2046 and also features pictures from the movie.

Powell's has a review of a book by Vivienne Tam in which she tells of her personal love of cheongsams.

The Cats Pajamas has a beautiful red satin cheongsam.