When I lived in Los Angeles, the industry was a part of my everyday life. On my way to art history class, I once nearly walked into a Gilmore Girls TV scene. My school, The University of Southern California (USC), often stood in for other universities like Yale (Gilmore Girls), Harvard (Legally Blonde) and Columbia University (How I Met Your Mother) in TV shows and movies. There were also the random star sightings (Harrison Ford at the Santa Monica Promenade, Michael Vartan at Peet's Coffee) and free film screenings. For a girl who grew up seeing movies in the theater only once or twice a year it was a thrilling experience. Unfortunately many of the landmarks of Old Hollywood are long gone, one of the reasons I love Chicago is that we retained most of our historical architecture-- I'm currently writing this entry from the comfort of my 1920s-era apartment.As an homage to this lost era and as a nod to tonight's Oscar Award Show I pulled out my most glamorous dress, a 1940s number in dusty rose. Unfortunately it's been a display piece until now as it's not in the best shape, it has small holes here and there and there is quite a bit of discolouring on the bodice. I bought it from an Indiana antiques dealer who used to wear it back in her 20s, it's good to know it's had a long, eventful life!
The dress and the mink stole makes me feel like a classic starlet. I know I'm not historically accurate in my choice of hair, makeup, shoes and stockings... this is my updated version inspired by the time period. If you're interested in more period accurate outfits (including great advice vintage hairdos and makeup) be sure to visit Vixen Vintage and a Diary of a Vintage Girl.OUTFIT DETAILS:1940s Dress-- Indiana Antique DealerMink Stole--Salvation Army, ChicagoWhiting & Davis Silver Purse--Indiana Thrift Store1960s Patent Leather Peetoes--Estate Sale
The dress buttons up the side and has very flattering lines. I'm sure it would look better with vintage-style undergarments to provide more structure but unfortunately I only own modern lingerie.
I adore this purse, it's my first Whiting & Davis bag. It was a lucky find in an Indiana thrift store.
The sleeves feature an intricate leaf detail done in silver thread. While putting this outfit together I realized I don't have any 'bling' bracelets, something to keep an eye out for while thrifting! I'd also like to find a lariat style necklace or large sparkly pendant to fit the v-neck line of the dress.Okay, I'm off to eat Thai food and watch the Oscars. Hope you're having a good Sunday!
EDIT: After posting this Albert informed me that he had just created an Etsy Treasury also titled "Hollywood Glamour." What are the odds? Click on the collage above to see his picks.