Monday, March 30, 2009

Calling All Gentlemen

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."
Mark Twain.


"A gentleman is defined by intrinsic qualities such as manners, decorum and graceful wit. Although some may presume such preoccupations belong to a bygone era, the manners of a true gentleman never go out of style."

This lovely online catalogue has everything a modern gentleman needs to know. From grooming to fashion to maintaining integrity with wit and education, we can all learn a thing or two. This is written with humor and style! Just as a gent (or anyone) should be.

In the fashion section, there is a wonderful paragraph on suits. "A gentleman should own more than one suit, but avoid anything polyester. The elderly may be fond of it, but that's because the static keeps their hearts going."

This is so much fun to read! Pass it along to your fellow gents and ladies.


Saturday, March 28, 2009

Wild Man?

How would you pronounce this label?



It took me a minute to realize, but I was pronouncing it as "Wild Man" rather than "Wildman" with a short 'i'. Oops!

Vintage 'lingo' can provide some chuckles, even on dress labels!






Friday, March 27, 2009

Swingin' Time

Swing dance developed about the same time as jazz blossomed in the 1920s and '30s. Syncopated rhythms and fast dance movements characterize swing. Dance names such as the Lindy Hop and the Jitterbug attest to the energy needed to enjoy much of swing. Reportedly, bandleader Cab Calloway had commented that the dancers looked "like a bunch of jitterbugs out there on the floor."

Other forms of swing include the Balboa and St. Louis Shag. Later dance forms associated with swing include the Eastern Coast Swing, the West Coast Swing and the Jive. But some swing does have a slower tempo, and today we include certain forms of ballroom dancing.

Need a swing dress for swingin'? These are so beautiful I suggest wearing them anywhere!

My ebay picks this week.




Thursday, March 26, 2009

Montezuma Red

During WWII, the American women who served in the marines were encouraged to wear lipstick and nailpolish. But the rules of the marines insisted the color had to absolutely harmonize with the red cord of their hats and the red chevrons on their uniforms - no matter what the season. In came Elizabeth Arden and Montezuma Red - a red lipstick which was designed in their honor. Even Rosie the Riveter wore lipstick!




Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Tweed Run

I think I was British in a former life. I love everything about the Brits. Dickens & the Bard, their tea, their humor, and their love of all things tweed!

In January, the first Tweed Run was a great success. What fun it must have been! Read the invite:


"Ladies. Gentlemen. Announcing the first LFGSS Winter Dress Club Run: a social ride with a bit of style. We will be gathering for 2pm in Hanover Square. Please be prompt; at 2, we'll head down to H Huntsman & Sons, 11 Saville Row to begin the ride.

The route will be a fairly leisurely ride through London. No need to pack Kendal Mint Cakes, the ride will include a stop at a tea shop at Tour de Ville for mid-ride fortitude, and will finish at the Bethnal Green Working Men's Club for refreshments and cheer.

Proper attire will of course be expected, so dapper gents and elegant ladies, polish off your lugged steel beasts and prepare your best outfits. Suggested attire: woolen plus fours, harris tweed jackets, flat caps, fair isle jumpers, alpaca coats, merino wool team jerseys, cycling skirts and perhaps a jaunty cape for the ladies, cravats or ties for gentlemen, and of course a hip flask of brandy."




Couldn't you just picture yourself there in one of these outfits?

Brown Wool Tweed Skirt Suit, c. 1970s



Vintage Gary Worth Tie Belted Tweed Jacket, c. 1970s



Harris Tweed Sport Jacket, c. 1970s


It's Here!!!

I'm just going to yell it! SPRING IS HERE!! The snowblower is at the back of the garage and I don't want to look at it for a lonnnnng time.

New items now available at Some Like it Vintage.com




Monday, March 23, 2009

Vintage Brides

No, it doesn't mean you are old. But it means you have a conscience.

If you happen to be in Portland, Oregon, the Vintage Bridal Show is happening this weekend and it's a free event. Focusing on affordability and sustainability, it will have everything you need for an eco-friendly wedding.

Not getting married? Me neither....but I'll bet it has some great overall ideas for everyday life!

Where: Overlook House in North Portland

When: March 28/29




1970s Cream Satin Wedding Gown



Friday, March 20, 2009

Machine Washable?!?!?

I'm on the fence about synthetic fabrics. On one hand, synthetics can really make life easier with laundry being easier and quicker to do. On the other - there is great environmental impact with any manmade fibre.

But when I came across these machine washable tuxedo tails I was definately surprised! Machine washable tuxedo tails?! I swear it. Even the label says so.


So what did I do? I put it in the washing machine of course. It came out cleaned like a dream. A simple steaming to remove wrinkles and voila!


Yay for manmade fabrics...sometimes :-)



Lord West Machine Washable Coat Tails, c. 1960s

Peplums Anyone?

Have you ever seen a description of a dress with the word peplum in it? Glossed over the term because you just liked the picture of the dress?

A peplum is a short fitted circular skirt attached to a waist seam of a bodice or jacket. Peplums are cut in a circle and then draped for desired effect. The peplum has been in and out of fashion for a long time being very popular in the 40s and again in the 80s.
Variations

1940s Satin Bedjacket

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Lingo of Silhouettes

This is the last post for the lingo of fashion. Today's post is about dress silhouettes. Enjoy and thanks for reading. I hope it helped!