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December 27, 2010

PRINCESS ANN: ROMAN HOLIDAY


About the film:

 Roman Holiday is an all-time classic film from 1953 starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. It won 3 academy awards including best actress to Hepburn and best costume design. The film was costumed by top designer Edith Head who worked with top stars of the golden age and received countless praises and awards through her lifetime.

The movie is set in 1950s Rome, Italy. The young and elegant Princess Ann (Hepburn) is on a European tour and is frankly fed up with the constant scheduling. She runs away from her quarters and ends up spending a day in disguise as "Anya Smith" with American reporter Joe Bradley (Peck). 

Full of carefree adventure, romance and Italian sightseeing the movie is chuck full of fashion inspiration.


Look 1: Elegant Casual

-The entire look is in subdued, feminine hues much like all of Ann's wardrobe.

 -A light and airy top with bishop sleeves is reminiscent of Ann's top she wore out. 

-A full, high waisted skirt hitting slightly below the knee is a current version of the '50s staple.

-A thick belt helps show off the waist, (something Audrey was known for).

-Suede, nude heels are classic, adding casual sophistication.

-Subtle sparkling hairpins call back to Ann's royalty.


Look 2: Classy Traveler

-A crisp white button-up top is classic and similar to Anya's she wears on her adventure.

-A high-waisted skirt in classic A-line shape is flattering and in a comfortable fabric is easy to move in.

-Cinch the waist with a brown leather skinny belt.

- A patterned silk scarf is fun and adds character to a simple top.

- This bag is a cute reference to the film's famous vespa scene while keeping all your belongings together.

-Gladiator wedge sandals keep with the Italian theme and are comfortable for walking.

- Keep your hair back with style with a thick barrette in a complimentary shade.


Look 3: Blushing Princess

- Channel Princess Ann by wearing an ensemble of entirely blush and champagne hues.

-This dress has elegant movement and delicate lace and beading, pretty details that take a look up to the next level.

-Make a statement with white gloves, a vintage standard that is a classic addition to a finished look today.

-A beaded headband add princess-worthy polish without a tiara. 

- Patent leather heels in a peachy-nude shade add subtle dimension.

- A silky beaded clutch accessorizes and holds your necessary items at a formal event.

.xoxo.

What did you think of this post? Have a suggestion for a show or movie you'd like me to cover? Is there anything else you'd like to see in the posts? Let me know by leaving a comment!

October 26, 2010

JENNY MELLOR: AN EDUCATION

Jenny's style transformation from English school girl to upscale socialite provide a variety of wonderful fashion all rooted in the early 1960s styles in which the plot is set.

Here are some examples of looks typical for Jenny:


Color Palette:
Jenny's original style: Earthy neutrals like gray, brown and taupe. Also diluted dark reds, greens and yellows.
Jenny transformed: Nude tones like cream, blush and light gold. Also some bright pastels in prints.

Style Influences:
Taking place in early 1960s London styles are mimicked of that period.
Also, classic school girl styles.

Key Features:
Wool high waisted skirts, oxford shirts, crew neck sweaters over collared tops.
Classic shift dress, often in a floral pattern. Straight skirt, high neckline, sleeveless.
Jackets/Coats. First loose blazers and fisherman coats but later fitted swing coats.

Accessories:
Ties. Layer over a collared top for a look that's school-girl chic.
Knit scarves.
Stacked up-do hairstyles with accents like pretty combs or hair clips


Now lets look at some examples of Jenny-Inspired outfits that you could put together!

OUTFIT #1

This look, inspired by Jenny's school uniform, would make a great look for class or daytime.
  • A button-up collared shirt has a polished look that is uniform inspired but in a fun color and relaxed material makes it more appropriate for an everyday/casual outfit.
  • A wool A-line is retro and versatile, and this piece, hitting a little above the knee, is a more modern interpretation of Jenny's long, full skirts.
  • A cinched leather school bag is stylish and functional
  • Oxford flats in a saddle-shoe style is very vintage and classic for a vintage uniform look.
  • For a finishing touch add a current trend with scrunched ankle socks.

OUTFIT #2



Inspired by Jenny's transformation into a wealthy socialite this look would be appropriate for a formal function.
  • A high-waisted dress with a full skirt is reminiscent of early 60s styles and this pastel purple floral pattern is similar to Jenny's statement making dress she wears when she goes to Paris.
  • A cream swing coat is classic and polished, perfect to wear over a formal dress.
  • Matching colors with lavender flats is typical of 50s and 60s styles, not to mention a fun way to bring a lot of color to the outfit.
  • A single pearl drop necklace is simple and elegant
  • Pearl studded hair-combs are a great way to finish a twisted or toppled up-do.
Here are a few stores to get Jenny-like looks:

October 11, 2010

ALLIE HAMILTON: THE NOTEBOOK

The Notebook is one of the most romantic and heartbreaking love stories of this generation, it's heroine, one Allie Hamilton, has a stunningly classic wardrobe, quickly establishing her as an entirely lovely and feminine woman.

Here are some examples of looks typical for Allie!

Color Pallete:
A lot of color, typically in rich or diluted tones (like plum, crimson red or navy blue)

Style Influences:
The story takes place in the 1940s, so her style is dominated by styles of the times. Her look is typical of a woman of wealth of the time. Think elegant, think vintage.
Also, Allie is very lady-like. Her style is polished, rather modest and accentuates the woman's figure.

Key Features:
Floral dresses. Look for skirts to the knee, particularly in flowing fabrics for immediate femininity.
Layering. Cardigans and jackets over a skirt or dress extends the wearability of the base item and adds the polish Allie has perfected.

Accessories:
Hair accessories. Allie adds the finishing touch to her looks with a coordinated hair accessory. Options include cloche caps, netted hair pieces or scarves but a flower is one of her signature pieces seen many times throughout the film.
Classic necklaces, like pearls or delicate gold chain.
Skinny belts. Add a classic 40s accent while cinching in the waist to define your figure.



Now lets look at some examples of Allie-Inspired outfits that you could put together!

OUTFIT #1


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This is a versatile look that would be appropriate for everyday, work or date-night.

  • Channel Allie with a high waisted floral skirt. The rich colors in this one are flattering on a variety of skin tones and are easy to pair other pieces with. Look for one with colors that are easy to coordinate, like the black backdrop seen in this piece.
  • A simple black tank top is a great base to a variety of ensembles, especially when it has pretty details like this one's silky piping along the neckline.
  • A fitted cardigan in a saturated color makes a statement while the classic shape keeps the look put-together in Allie's fashion.
  • Vintage inspired accessories like a hair flower and netted pearls accelerate a simple outfit and increase the retro appeal.
  • Ankle booties are a modern accessory that take a look with 40s inspiration and keeps it rooted in today's fashions.


OUTFIT #2

This luxurious look would be appropriate for going out to an event that has more than casual attire expectations; like to the theater or a holiday party.
  • This dress is classic and would be suitable for many occasions. The high waist, straight skirt and skinny belt are all key features in a 1940s inspired ensemble, making it flattering while the subtle pattern on the neutral grey fabric is simple and appropriate.
  • Wear transparent black hose under the dress to keep the look put together and sophisticated.
  • A cloche cap is lady-like and undeniably vintage, though being on-trend recently.
  • Elbow-length black gloves give a unique addition to a classic outfit, an accessory favored by Allie. 
  • Pointy-toed patent leather heels in a low height with an ankle strap add texture and interest without overpowering the other accessories or overstimulating the entire look.
Here are a few stores to get Allie-like looks: