I Love a Man in Gingham

Indochino - Urban Cowboy Red Gingham

The other day during my ride home on the subway, I took immediate notice of a strapping, handsome business man. While this generally happens often in any major thriving metropolis, certain special details make a man stand out even more...and in a good way. The guy in question was dressed to the nines. Dark business suit in a dashing charcoal grey shade, pressed and fitted to perfection. His grooming was right on par too. His shirt stood right out with something I had never seen before paired with a suit. Under that suit was the most sexy red gingham dress shirt I believe I've ever seen. Perhaps the shirt wouldn't make quite an impact all on it's lonesome, but when paired with the rest of the package, it completely made the look. Efforts to avert my eyes were useless; I stared like an animal caught in headlights.

Indochino - Office Explorer Blue and Red Gingham

Since then I have taken more time to pay attention to what men around me are wearing. I always feel like winking with a little smile at the ones who put an effort in. An effort doesn't have to mean going overboard to be labelled as "metro", but just enough to show that they care about their appearance.

Indochino - Grounded in Green Gingham

Also I find myself on the hunt for more men's dress gingham shirts. Who knew they could be such a turn on? It's like bow-ties on a dress shirt for me now...I just go crazy!

The Sweet and Salty

I don't think there is a better way to describe the fashion designs and style of Austria's own Lena Hoschek. The prints and patterns she uses have a distinct innocent 1950s feel to them. That is until you realize that they are presented with a bit of an edge. Rockabilly gals clad with tattoos sport the looks, dolled up to the nines.

Even if it is just for a stroll out on the beach. I'm quite certain my jaw hit the floor when I saw the pink Elvis retro 2 pieces (as shown above).

Just when you thought it was all sunshine, lollipops and rainbows, the catalogue throws a few bondage/risque images your way. With the sweet, you get the salty.

Unfortunately, I have yet to find a way to purchase any of the items online. The website has a list of cities where clothing and accessories are available, however. Fingers crossed this line soon makes it to the online market so they will then be more within reach.

Week Off

Going to be taking a mini vacation from blogging for the next week. I'm running out of steam with all the things I currently have on the go. Will be back next week though, refreshed and ready for some fabulous new posts.

Until then, let us all remember and wish the beautiful humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, a most joyous birthday wherever she is, on (what would have been) her 82nd birthday.

Sunday's Vintage Dresses

Lavender Eyelet 50s

Ready for a young, fresh, energetic and sassy take on vintage? Look no further than the oh so fun Miss Retro Rocket Girl (how can you not love that name?!?!). Every single item in her shop has a total dimension of personality and whimsy that is hard to ignore. I've chosen my favourites; stop by her shop and check out some more.

Turquoise Mint Taffeta

Navy Rosette 50s

60s Nautical

Today is THE Day

Princess Diana of Wales

That fateful, long awaited day has finally arrived. Dashing Prince William today will wed his love Miss Catherine Middleton. I am all kinds of excited to watch all the coverage from the wee hours of the morning. Days like this just don't come around too often. If only Di were here to see and be a part of the celebration :(

Since this is a style blog, and a vintage style blog at that, let's lust over the dresses of British monarchy of years gone by shall we...

Queen Victoria

All that lace and jewels and the flower wreath are timeless. The first bride to be married in all white (if I'm not mistaken?), which would be a tradition/trend that has carried on until today.

Queen Elizabeth II

And this is the tiara people are speculating will be worn by Kate.

Princess Margaret

This dress has to be my absolute favourite of the bunch (I've shown here). Its classic, elegant and the flowers are such a perfect touch. What a beauty she was!

Princess Anne

Now that is what you call sleeves! Wow. She has been known to be quite a stylish princess, but I'm just not into this dress at all. 

This all begs the question of who and what Kate will be wearing? How will her hair look? What shoes will she be wearing? I can barely contain my anticipation. And the wedding is merely an hour away!

Cheaters

Chic & sassy Bette Davis

How I remember that day; I was about 14 and been having increasing difficulty being able to see the chalkboard in class. I'd squint away and covet the seats at the front of the class, and not because I was a brown noser or anything, it's just that my vision was a blur. I put it off for a little while because I knew what that meant; time for glasses. At the time it was not a hip, hot, or "in" thing to wear specs. In fact, terms such as "four eyes" was still going around.

After my mom noticed my difficulty while I was watching TV one night, I finally gave in and we booked a trip to see the optometrist. They confirmed it and I got my first pair of glasses. Surprisingly, I enjoyed them more than I ever led on; I secretly dug the style and change in my look. I was no fashionista or style savvy chick back then like I am now; however, it opened some doors for me in terms of interest in style (surprisingly). There were basic, wire framed, nothing special glasses.

Years later, I've become a full-time glasses gal. Can't see properly without em. Truth is that I love them now and wouldn't even dream for a second of getting laser vision correction. Actually, the whole idea of it kinda scares the bejeezus out of me!

Since then, I've embraced the idea of wearing "cheaters" more and more. My collection keeps growing. So far I have 4 pairs. My latest want is to buy some authentic vintage frames (I'm thinking 1950s or early 1960s) and get them filled with my prescription. The hunt to find the perfect pair is going to be fun. Until then, I shall be consumed with cheaters inspiration.

Marilyn in her famous role in How to Marry a Millionaire as the gal who thought men weren't attracted to dames who wore glasses. Lucky for her she was adorable both with them on, and additionally with them off (bumping into walls, reading books upside down). On always wins in the end though!

James Dean

I find chaps who wear cheaters are most dashing.

Marcello Mastroianni

I've learned that there are shapes and sizes for every face, so that old excuse that "they won't look good on me" isn't a valid any longer.

Janet Leigh

Carole Lombard

Charlotte Rampling

I cannot wait to get out and hunt for a new pair. Different styles of frames seem to change my entire look, and I do believe its about time for an update.

Hmmm I wonder if Kate Middleton secretly wears specs? Off to research...

This Friday

I've got the royal wedding fever and it seems to be getting hotter as the day draws closer. Do you have it?

A friend of mine posted this as her profile pic on FB, and I couldn't resist borrowing it to share here. Gave me  a bit of a chuckle!

Hope you all had a fabulous Easter weekend! xo

Sunday's Vintage Dresses {Easter Edition}

50s Mint Green

You want the best vintage frocks on the west coast? Time to visit LA's own Vintage Frocks of Fancy.
Each colour dress is like it's picked out of a child's Easter basket. Also they happen to be dresses that anyone could wear to say, perhaps a royal wedding? ;)

50s Light Blue

Sleeveless Pink & Green 

Sweetheart Turquoise

Happy Easter! xoxo

VLV 14

The Viva Las Vegas Rocakabilly Weekender 14 is officially in full swing!

Every year (for the past 14 years), Las Vegas has held a rip roarin' rockin' time at the Orleans Hotel (just slightly away from the strip) to celebrate all things rockabilly. While there, you will find a TON of live performances; a vintage/retro car show; more clothing/accessories vendors of retro-inspired and rockabilly clothing than you've ever seen in one place, at one time; and people dressed up EVERYWHERE!

Now you'd think, if I know all this stuff about it that I have been before, right? Well, guess again; I sadly have yet to go. Since I will be missing this year (again), I will have to live vicariously through my friends who will be going. So to all y'all out there with tickets, a room at the Orleans and cash to spend at all the venders, please have the very best time! Cannot wait to see all the spoils you come home with; and be sure to take lots of pictures and videos.

I'm also excited to see how a friend of mine first pin-up shoot goes. She's going to be modeling dresses for Heartbreaker Fashion. Here's a few of my favourite dresses they sell:

Diner Dress

Aimee Dress

Heartbreaker Halter

Good luck Drea!! xo

Spectacular Spectacular

Today marks the opening of the long awaited film adaptation of the novel, Water for Elephants; starring Reese Witherspoon, Robert Pattinson, and Christoph Waltz. While I have some trepidation as to just how good it's going to be, I will say that I am terribly excited to see every single costume and accessory that will be worn my Reese.

By now, you've already seen her grace the cover of this month's Vogue. It provides a bit of a hint of what's to come in the film. So whether the movie stays true to the book or not, you can be certain that I will be waiting with baited breath during the coming attractions to see the (what I'm sure will be) spectacular 1930s carnival fashions shown in the film.

Classic Cinema {My Favourites} I

Recently, I had a request from a dear friend who wanted to know my top picks for classic films. You know, those must-watch ones. Now, most of you won't be at all surprised that my choices can somewhat be influenced by fashion and style. While there is no doubt that I am drawn to talents in acting, dialogue, and story; my eye tends to be the very first thing that needs to be satisfied. I'm a very visual person, and to me, cinematography, costuming, colour and quality of the visual, is what it is all about. Not too many people love 2006's Marie Antoinette for the storyline and dialogue; what immediately draws them in are all the delicious visuals. Each like a piece of heavenly candy there for your every enjoyment.

This list will feature a little of everything; black and white, technicolour, big time Hollywood stars, silent cinema, musicals, the avant-gard, etc. Also, I wish to feature this in no particular order; so please, get out a fresh piece of paper and copy them all down, making sure to put stars besides the ones that grab your attention the very most. Let's begin with the 1900s to the end of the 1930s...

You Can't Take it With You (1938)

The Women (1939)

Sunrise (1927)

City Lights (1931)

Gold Diggers of 1933

Top Hat (1935)

Le voyage dans la lune (1902)

You Can Leave Your Hat On

With the royal wedding in less than 9 days now (can you believe how fast it approaches?!), I thought it would be highly appropriate to dedicate a post to the lady's hat. It is no secret that women in the UK have a major thing for head wear; whether it be a hat, or hair fascinator. No matter where in the world you are, from wherever you will be watching the royal wedding, I think it's only appropriate to watch it wearing a hat. The question then remains, what is the style for you? And no, a ball cap just won't make the cut for an occasion such as this one ;)

I will be using Miss Audrey Hepburn (aka the queen of many hats) as my model. Some of the styles I can name, others I couldn't locate names for (and made up my own).

Pillbox 

Mexican Cowboy

Stylish Turban

Wide Brim Straw

Tall & Wide Panama

Elaborate Flower Fascinator

Abstract White Fascinator

Whatever size and shape head you have, ladies, be certain and confident that there IS a hat (of fascinator) out there for you! Anyone can be a hat girl. So I'm urging anyone reading this now who has always wanted to wear hats, but has made excuses not to wear one, to just go for it! Recently I took this step and was so pleased I did. Adds a whole new dimension and angle to a look.