20s Murder Mystery Party - My Costume

Over the Memorial Day weekend, my friends hosted a 20's era Murder Mystery party. I have never attended a party like this before. I can't wait for the next one. It was a blast. I'm sure that most of that had to do with the amazing people who attended the party. The food was great, the champagne was flowing and the mystery game was fun. It didn't hurt that everyone got to dress up in costume. I mentioned in an earlier post that I would most likely be wearing items that I already owned. I decided not to buy a new dress and wore one that I had stashed in my closet. It was the dress I wore to my 40th birthday party.

I have to apologize in advance for all of the kissy face expressions.  I could tell you that I was going for a 20's vibe but I think it had to do with the flowing champagne.  I accessorized my dress with long gloves, an art deco style bracelet (c/o Kristin Biggs of Stella & Dot), two long necklaces, a vintage brooch attached to a sash and tied as a headband, one of my favorite pair of earrings (Kristin Biggs of Stella & Dot) that you can't see due to my hair, lots of eye makeup and dark lips.

My friends bought the mystery game from Night of Mystery Murder Mystery Parties. You tell them how many people will be attending and they send all of the game information, including character info, printables for the game and all sorts of ideas.  They made it easy to throw a great murder mystery party. Just add some cool people, food, and drinks and you're ready to play.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Great Gatsby Mystery Party

Over Memorial Day weekend, some friends and I are throwing a 1920's themed (Great Gatsby style) Murder Mystery Dinner Party. We are all dressing up and donning our best 20's fashion. Each of the guests will have a character to play in the mystery. My character is Dina Diva, the juice joint singer.  Of course I have to dress the part.  I could buy a pre-made costume but I would prefer a fun dress and jewelry that I can wear again.  I already have some items I can use and if I make any purchases it will be a great dress.

Click on the photo above for buying information.

 

Most flapper style dresses are shift style, long and straight. My curvy girl body and hips look terrible in that type of dress. If I get the dress large enough to fit my lower half, my waist and boobs are swimming and I look twenty pounds heavier. I definitely don't need that. A dress that has a 20's feel but has a waist will work much better. It will be much more flattering on me. If I decide not to spend money on a dress, I already have a cute black dress that might work. I could also hit my local thrift stores to find an inexpensive dress and add some crystals or fringe.

Luckily for me, I love art deco style jewelry.  I have some fantastic long necklaces including one with a tassel and I own this exact bracelet and similar earrings.  A few years ago, I purchased long, black, satin gloves for a Halloween costume. Sitting in my overflowing shoe collection,  I have several pairs of t-strap heels that will work with this dress or any dress that I select.

My plan is to have a great costume without spending lots of money.  I'll be creating a DIY headband using a scarf or ribbon and some brooches I already own.  My makeup will be red lips and a smokey eye and my hair will likely be in tight curls or finger waves.

I'm excited for the party and I'm sure we'll have a blast.  I'm also working on our drinks and appetizers.  Our hostess and my friend, Denise will be making the yummy dinner and our friend Carrie will be making a decadent dessert.

I've always been fascinated by the roaring 20's culture and style.  I can't wait for the party!

Inspiration - The Great Gatsby

One of my favorite classic novels is The Great Gatsby.  I can't wait for the stylized movie version coming out May 10.  Maybe it's the portrayal of the decadent 20's or the fantastic fashion or maybe it's both.

I'm betting there will be an Oscar coming for the costume designers.  Period pieces always get a nod and this one is fantastic.  Custom Brooks Brothers suits, Tiffany diamonds, and Prada dresses. WOW!

Here is the trailer for the movie.  Did I mention that I can't wait?



In case you need to brush up on the characters and their relationship, this character map is like the Cliffs Notes version. I highly recommend reading the book. 

 

The Great Gatsby character map

I'm definitely going to have to do a bit of research on 20's fashion.  I've seen some real life photos from that time period.  The grandmother of an ex was an honest to goodness flapper and a fantastic lady.  She was definitely ahead of her time.  The photo I saw was her standing next to her first car (bought with her own money) wearing a beaded shift dress and a cloche hat.  Fantastic! She resigned from her job at the newspaper (she was a journalist) when they refused to allow her to write anything but the society column. She wanted to write hard news stories. So cool to meet and know groundbreaking women like her.

Here is a link to the Vintage Fashion Guild's page on 1920's fashion.