Inspiration - Vivien Leigh

Last night {msL} and I caught a late showing of Gone with the Wind on TMC.  There was a Vivien Leigh film festival yesterday, since she would have been 100.  Vivien's full name was Vivien Mary Hartley. She is most recognized for her roles as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind and Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire. She was born in Darjeeling India on November 5, 1913. She lived most of her life in England and passed away on July 7, 1967 from Tuberculosis. She was married twice, most notably to Laurence Olivier (for 20 years). Her style and beauty are timelss.

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.

Inspirartion - Vintage VOGUE

Maybe it's my decision to use a vintage pattern for my wedding dress or maybe it's my eternal love of Grace Kelly but I've been really inspired by vintage fashion lately.  Specifically, vintage Vogue magazine photos. At the end of the movie, The September Issue, Anna Wintour says, "Fashion's not about looking back. It's always about looking forward."  I don't agree with her at all.  I think that learning from fashion's past is a great way to make updates for the future. Fashion is always influenced by the past. Great vintage style inspires me constantly.

Sweeping black liner and a red lip are always in fashion.

Classic Audrey Hepburn

Grace Kelly's Elegance

photo credit:  All photos are copyright Conde Nast via VOGUE