1920s Fashion: Dresses.

Hello Fashionistas,
How is everyone doing this lovely Monday? Well, actually almost Tuesday!
Today, we’re going to dive into some of the1920s fashion and I wanted to focus on one type of clothing. I thought dresses of this decade would be fun to look back at.

The 1920s was a memorable decade for fashion since there was more freedom in women’s fashion (especially after the war) and the clothes definitely reflected that.   A notable designer of this era was the fabulous Coco Chanel.  I know if you’re like me, you think of her perfume.

Sensual Elixir.

During this time, Coco Chanel also designed a two-piece dress out of stretchy jersey fabric that flowed against the body.  Below is the actress Gloria Swanson, a silent movie star rocking Coco’s design.

By Bain New Service, via Wikimedia Commons.

Another popular dress in the 1920s was the signature flapper style dress.  Shown below.

A traditional flapper outfit.

Below is another popular dress style, a dress with a dropped waist.  This style of dress was more of an everyday dress.

In the early in the 1920s, formal wear dresses were extremely elaborate and some even had intricate beading.

Silent movie actress Norma Talmadge.

In 1926, there was the classic straight dress, one of my favorite type of dresses of this decade!

Actress Alice Joyce in a sheer beaded straight dress.

There you have it, a quick look at the history of the 1920s dresses worn during this fun decade!  I hope you enjoyed it.  Next Monday, there will be more fashion history.  Let me know which decade you would like to see next or a particular piece of clothing you would like me to feature.

Cheers,

~Ruth

P.S. Stay fabulous. 🙂

P.P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Featured small business: Megan’s Beaded Design. :-)

Hello retro modernistas,

I’m feeling like I needed to make up for lost time since I made a promise to myself that I would post on Sundays and a few times during the week…So I decided to post another special feature. Hopefully, you read my previous post: my fashion friendly interview with Megan from Megan’s Beaded Designs.  I love supporting small businesses that have a passion for creating one of a kind items whether that be jewelry, handmade cards, paintings, and clothing that are one of a kind.  Please let me know if you would like to be featured on my blog!  I do prefer to feature businesses that have at least some throwback or vintage feel to their products. 

Me: Why did you get into making jewelry?

Megan: My grandfather introduced me to Native American style bead weaving at a young age, when I was about 5, and it’s stuck with me since.   As I have developed my technique and design skills, I gradually began to form a style and brand that was all my own.  I find that jewelry can be a powerful source of self-expression.  We can’t always wear clothes or makeup that show off the person we feel we are inside, but our jewelry and accessories can almost always provide such an outlet.  I strive to create pieces whose wearers can confidently don as a symbol of who they truly are.

Me: How does it make you feel when somebody is interested in buying your stuff?

Megan: It doesn’t matter how many jewelry pieces I sell, it is always such an honor and remarkable feeling that someone would choose my work to adorn themselves with.  I feel that jewelry is very personal – and that my creations can resonate with others is extraordinarily touching to me. I strive to honor their choice by creating the best experience and highest quality I can in return.  It is very special that something I craft becomes the thing that someone uses to express themselves to the world with.

Me: Where do you draw your inspiration?

Megan: Ideas are never-ending, and I draw my inspiration from everywhere. Fashion, fine art, pop culture, music, suggestions and requests from my customers, and more.  There will never be enough time in the 24/7 cycle for me to create everything that pops into my brain, but I embrace the overall abundance of the ideas that come to me.  My favorite thing is when I get a custom order request from a customer, and I am able to create exactly what she wanted from me (or even better!) I love the give and take of ideas and creativity that happens during the custom order process.

Below are her stunning one of a kind vintage creations.

Hand beaded Black & White Vintage drop necklace.

Gorgeous vintage gold and white crystal necklace.

Goregous beaded pearl earrings.

Vintage hand beaded cameo hair pins.

I also found some of my personal favorites as well.  I can’t help adore owls and unique rings!

Unique Brass Owl Earrings.                    I am obsessed with owls!  You can buy them here.                        

Black twinkle earrings and choker set  I’m in love this black tie earring and choker set.

This “evil eye” ring is so cool.  You can find ithere!

Well, there you have it!  Don’t forget to tag me with your #retromodern ensembles on Instagram or Twitter.

Keep smiling, 🙂

~Ruth

P.S. Stay in the fashion “know” on my BlogLovin’ page. 

Fashion Interview with Megan from Megan’s Beaded Designs.

Hello retro modernistas,

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, I have come up with an original hashtag #retromodern that I will be using on all of my fashion posts!   Please tag me on either of my accounts so I can see your outfits!

I got the chance to chat with another fun, fashionable, creative, and friendly business owner Megan! Below is my interview with Megan from Megan’s Beaded Designs.  She runs her jewelry business out of Spokane, Washington.  She sets herself apart from the crowd by making one of a kind jewelry that you can order online including, hair accessories, necklaces, earrings (she even offers clip-on earring options), and bracelets.  You can read more about her business here: Megan’s small business feature.

Why is fashion important to you?

I believe that what makes us different is what makes us beautiful, and fashion is the ultimate way to express our individuality. By choosing pieces that speak to us, we get to feel more like ourselves, while at the same time telling on-lookers, “Hey, this is me. Take it or leave it.”

How does it make you feel?

I’m drawn to fashion that makes me feel empowered, sexy, and glamorous… all with a sense of humor mixed in. I think that when we get to choose and wear pieces that are distinctly “us” we feel more complete. I know that’s a profound thing to say about–as an example–wearing a new blouse or necklace, but it’s true.

Where do you go to buy your clothes or which websites do you buy from?

When I can I like to support smaller businesses or artisans. It not only feels good to know your money is going straight to an individual who needs it to pay the bills and not some bloated corporation who manufactured everything overseas, but these sources usually produce much more unique items that you would find in the big box stores. That being said, I am definitely not above fast-fashion and indulge in the occasional splurge from Nasty Gal or ModCloth when I get an inkling for something fresh and trendy.

What is the most important thing you consider when you are shopping?

Really, I’m all about buying pieces that speak to me. I’m kind of known for always having the “coolest shoes” and the “prettiest dresses.”  It’s because I don’t settle for what the big box stores are hawking to the masses. I want something different and more suitable for me personally.

If you could only wear clothing from one particular decade which one would it be and why?

Marilyn Monroe is my fashion icon. I love, love, LOVE everything about mid-century style.  It’s so classic and pretty while being professional at the same time.  It’s my go-to style for office-wear and networking events. That being said, a lot of my jewelry draws inspiration from the 60s and 70s inspired boho/gypsy style, partially because I work in beads, but also because I’m drawn to the whole overall idea of free-spirited expression.

What are your favorite accessories to wear, i.e brands, homemade, local, Etsy etc?

I’ve never been a big fan of brand logos plastered on my stuff (I don’t want to be a walking advertisement, thank you), but that being said, I’ll opt for anything that suits my personal style. I shop local boutiques, craft fairs, Etsy, small business websites, and more popular fast-fashion websites, and even the occasional department or outlet store–but it’s all about finding the right individual pieces. For example, if I find a pair of black spike-covered stilettos with glittery, hot-pink soles: it doesn’t matter who’s selling them, those darlings are going in my closet. Side note: I did find some that matched Megan’s description.  They are stunning: Christian Louboutin sparkly shoes.  

How does makeup play into how you dress?  What is your favorite makeup looks and where do you buy your makeup products?

I buy some homemade brands, but I will confess to an uncontrollable Sephora addiction (I can relate except for me it’s ColourPop!). That place is like my candy store. I never feel like an outfit is complete without jewelry and makeup. The two just go hand-in-hand together. Usually, this means colored eyeliner or shadow to match the color of my shoes, or a bright red lip to contrast against an all-black ensemble. With a necklace, bracelet, or some earrings, it’s the finishing touch that completes an outfit and makes it totally “me.”

Please describe one of your favorite outfits and if possible the links to where you got the items and or descriptions.

I am always adding new sets to my Polyvore collection: http://megansbeadeddesigns.polyvore.com/, and posting outfit ideas and tips on my blog: http://www.megansbeadeddesigns.com/blog

Thank you,

Megan Petersen

Owner/Designs

www.MegansBeadedDesigns.com

contact@megansbeadeddesigns.com

You can also follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook!

Hope you liked this interview.  Please take care of yourselves and remember to keep smiling. 🙂

~Ruth

Keep updated with what I’m doing on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.  Also, you can follow me on BlogLovin‘ where you can keep updated on my current fashion feed.

My Retro Style with a twist of modern part 1: Mixing the decades.

Hello retro fashionistas,

It’s almost the end of summer, where did July go? Anyway, today we are going to explore my retro style with a twist of modern! I love to mix patterns and I even like mixing the different decades of fashion. Below I’m rocking a 1920s makeup with my clothes having a 1980s vibe with a pinch of modern thrown in. I was told when I wore this outfit it reminded them of the actress Molly Ringwald from the iconic 80s movie the Breakfast club! 🙂

One of my favorite 80’s movies. The Breakfast Club.

Molly Ringwald (R) in the classic 80s movie Pretty in Pink! Photo credit: Maegan Tintari on Flicker.com

First off, let’s start with the makeup, I was told to check out the awesome YouTuber and fierce body painter-Madeyewlook who creates amazing characters using body paint. I immediately loved her videos especially her makeup tutorial about ketones, which are substances that are made when the body breaks down fat for energy when carbohydrates are low. She is a diabetic and I love how she is getting out awareness through her makeup.

Body Painter: Madeyewlook’s ketone tutorial.

My 1920s Makeup:

Moving onto my 1920s makeup, I recreated Madeyewlook’s flapper-inspired makeup.

My 1920s makeup with a 1980s Molly Ringwald inspired look!

This makeup took a lot of blending, it took me multiple tries to get the eyes just right.  The pics with my hair down are my 1st attempt with this look.  I modernized this makeup by adding some sparkly pink eyeliner on the bottom of my lower lashes to give it a modern twist, plus I love glitter!

Makeup Details:  For the eyes, I used Hard Candy’s sparkly pink eyeliner on my lower lash line (I think this color is discontinued).  My black eyeshadow is from the Balm’s face palette: Balmbini Volume 2, but you can use any black eyeshadow. My eyeliner is Mary Kay’s black gel liner.  For my eyebrows, I used the black shadow from Balmbini with an angled brush. For my lipstick, I used Rimmel’s Red Diva lip liner all over. You can also use NYX‘s lip pencil as well.  I made sure to blot my lips and then reapply to get more payoff. Next, I used Revlon’s bold red lipstick.  To add a hint of shine I dusted NYC’s sparkly pink eye dust on my lower lip. For my base, I used e.l.f.’s Concealer to touch up any imperfections after filling in my eyebrows with black eyeshadow. I don’t use foundation so I skipped that part and went straight to powder, again I used e.l.f.’s  pressed powder with a fluffy brush!  For blush, I used Mary Kay’s duo mineral cheek blush in Juicy Guava to finish the look.

1920s makeup inspired by Madeyewlook.

1920s Makeup Take 1!

1920s Flapper Makeup. Take 1! Gold Bracelets, Forever 21.

Below is my 1920s makeup version 2!

L: are my purple DIY Duct Tape Feather earrings from Brit+Co!

Check out my fun nails. 🙂 My floral nail art is Revlon’s 3D Jewel Appliques-Wildflowers, Vintage Vibe.  I love this product because you get 18 nail stickers including a nail file, buffer, and cuticle stick. My red nails are from Sally’s Red Fire! Fire! nail polish.

My scent:  I like mixing scents, so I sprayed on my signature scent: Davidoff’s Cool Water in the air and walked into the mist.  I then dabbed on MaryKay’s scent Belara on my pulse points.  In the morning, I used Bath & Body Works Wild Honeysuckle body lotion.

My Molly Ringwald Inspired Outfit.

My grey lace top is from Kohls that I scored last fall.  I found a similar one from H&M and a higher end version from Dillards on Shopstyle.

Head to toe eclectic retro fashion! My style. 🙂

H&M’s white jersey lace top.

Dillard’s heather gray lace top.

My skirt is from Forever 21.  I love their clothing and accessories.  The quality isn’t the best but I love that you can rock current or flashback looks inexpensively!  I couldn’t find my exact skirt but I found a similar one on H&M. This skirt comes in purple or black. I personally like the purple version. 🙂 After digging, I found a cute black lace skirt from Forever 21.  If you truly want to go vintage I found an awesome blue lace skirt on Etsy.

H&M’s Purple lace skirt: This skirt also comes in black!

Blue Lace Vintage Skirt sold by jeansdavenport on Etsy.

My Tights:

I scored mine at Target, which is one of my favorite stores.  I found some similar ones on Amazon from Hue.

My Earrings:

My duct tape purple earrings are my DIY from the inspirational Brit from Brit+Co.  Brit is an original DoitGurl contributor.  She now runs the DIY site that shows you how to decorate your house, teaches you fashion and beauty hacks, as well as style inspiration. You can buy kits on Brit+Co if you don’t have the time to spend shopping for DIY supplies.  I highly recommend them! Below is the how-to video on how to make your own duct tape feather earrings.

My brown feather earrings I found at Fuego ages ago.  This is one of my favorite stores. 🙂 I couldn’t find them online but I found MySoulAfire‘s Etsy shop. She handcrafts them and I love supporting artists this way.

Handmade brown feather earrings. Made by MySoulAfire on Etsy.

Rocking my DIY earrings, brown feather earrings, & H&M’s braided bracelet.

My Bracelets:

I found my braided bracelet on clearance from H&M.  Again, I couldn’t find the exact one but I found some other cool bracelets that would work to recreate my outfit! First, I wanted to shout out Forever Tied Together on Etsy.  This shop is run by a young lady named Ana, she is currently on a mission to Honduras.  Ana makes one of a kind friendship bracelets. Please visit her shop. 🙂  I also found another cool place for handmade bracelets on Facebook.

Shot by Gillian Stephanie: Braids and Bonds Bracelets.

Forever Tied Together handmade bracelets.

I hope you enjoyed this retro fashion post with a twist of modern as much as I did.  I will be posting more of my eclectic style…stay tuned!

Before I leave you, I found an awesome female artist called AmbivalentlyYours, who you can find on Instagram. She also sells her art on Society 6!

Please remember to be yourself and not to “look at yourself through their eyes”!

~Ruth

Find me on Twitter, Instagram,  and Facebook!  Keep updated with the latest fashion updates on my Bloglovin’ page.

Photo credit: ambivalentlyyours.

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Collaboration with the Drag Queen: Burlesque Elephant!

Hello Lovelies,

 

Happy Friday! I got a chance to collaborate with the lovely Burlesque Elephant aka Aimee Coffland. She is a lady drag queen from Cali. She loves retro fashion like I do and drag. Two of my favorite things. 😉 She hails from Sacramento, CA but her family hails from the Midwest as I do! Anyway, during her free time, she gets to release her creative energy as a drag queen. You can find her on Instagram.  Below is her fashion shoot as Aimee and as her alter ego Burlesque Elephant.  Without further ado, here’s our collaboration. 

Fashion warm up!

Me: Which decade is your favorite for fashion inspiration?

Burlesque Elephant:  My favorite decade is the ’60s because they had the best peace, love, and Rock n’ Roll!  But for fashion, I think it is the 1920s because there was a lot of regal gem encrusted couture and dark black dramatic eye makeup.  Especially in France.

Me: Where did the name Burlesque Elephant come from?

Burlesque Elephant:  I’ve always been obsessed with burlesque because their fashion seems so delicate, thin, and glamorous.  Plus, I love elephants.  I mean who’s ever seen a burlesque elephant? Also, I’m representing the not so thin woman (which is awesome), by displaying myself as if I was a wispy woman! My drag name is a body beautiful name.  🙂

via Instagram http://ift.tt/1HvserO

 I noticed when I read Burlesque Elephant’s description of her outfits she screamed fashion dreamer!  I love this about her. 🙂

“I am going to start with one of my favorite pieces, it’s called the Wicked Black Burlesque Pony.  I made this piece from a red witch hat I found at a Halloween store.  The exterior is made mostly from a pair of old leather gloves that I repurposed. It took a lot of hot glue, spare jewelry, and a wild and loving imagination to put this hat together.  This piece is near and dear to my heart because it is what I imagine a spooky old Hollywood witch would wear if she were to perform in a Halloween burlesque show (very cool). It’s sexy and magical.  This hat would make anyone feel romantic and dominating.”

“My show pony is my Ziegfeld follies hat, it’s my pride and joy.” For those who don’t know, Ziegfeld Follies was an elaborate series of Broadway productions in the 1900s.  Aimee continues, “I purchased the faux fur hat in an antique shop in Old Auburn. The moment I saw it I knew I could make something amazing out of it. I had pink champagne pearls, light pink cellophane fabric, a gem-encrusted feather broach, and some big pink sequins, that I just needed to use to awaken my couture. It was a lot of fun making it because everything I did to this hat inspired me to be more regal and fantasy inspired.   When I wear my hat I feel like a Russian ice princess wandering through a frozen pink castle in the winter night. I have worn this hat to a finale party for Ru Paul’s Drag Race for a show pony look that was inspired by Fruit Stripe gum and My Little Pony.  Fantasy and fun are alive and well within my fashion!”

Aimee continues, talking about her favorite animal, elephants!“I have been in love and adoration with elephants all my life. I made my Elephant Empress headdress in tribute to the danger that they are subjected to every day.  They have to be strong and brave to survive the conditions poachers and big industries/corporations subject them to.  I believe that elephants still rule their land despite the extinction they face every day.  When I wear my headdress, I am overcome with honor and pride.  Sometimes elephants need horns or tusks to fight for themselves, so I’ve included a pair of purple ones that illuminate this look.   This look is an Asian elephant inspired piece that gives me pride when I wear it.”

Burlesque Elephant’s handmade drag couture.

Ready to take on the night!

Lovely hat handmade by Burlesque Elephant.

The eyes say it all!

Aimee’s #Retromodern 1920s Inspired Look

“My 20s inspired red dress and earrings are one of my favorite vintage-inspired looks. I got this red dress from the SPCA thrift store years ago in Roseville. When I saw it I couldn’t believe anyone would want to let this dress go because it was such a perfect dress for its era.  I had a flashback to the Roaring Twenties and felt that I could transform myself into a starlet by dawning this dress.  It is vintage and makes me feel beautiful. I paired it with glitzy red ruby earrings that sparkle and shine like red hearts of the ocean.  I also pinned up my hair to make the whole look complete and cute.” I absolutely love this outfit and the ’20s is such an inspiring decade for fashion!

Aimee’s vintage find: A 1920s lovely red polka dotted dress

Who doesn’t like a Paris inspired look? This outfit was worn to see a Peaches Christ production of The Witches of Eastbay.”

I hope you enjoyed this collaboration as much as I did, it was a lot of fun working with Aimee. I loved that she was so willing to share her creative outlet.  I  also love, love working with unique and creative women like Aimee who have something to say!  

All my best,

~Ruth 🙂

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You can also follow me on BlogLovin’!

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