Sunday, July 31, 2016

All The World's A Stage...Except for Real Life!

My young friend, Ashley, asked if I could blog about wearing vintage clothes and doing so without looking costumey.

I told her it would be fun, so here goes!

Vintage clothing is very "in" and fun to wear and Ashley's correct....you don't want to look like you're going to a costume party or auditioning for a period play.

My favorite period of clothing is the `40s and `50s.  Sadly, so many others do too, that finding those clothes without paying a ton of money is a challenge. Katherine Hepburn, Lauren Bacall, Lucille Ball....those girls wore great clothes!


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The trick to wear vintage is not to wear all the pieces together.  Don't try the hat, gloves, bag and shoes with a dress or pants.  Wear the outfit with contemporary accessories so it is obvious that you know what is current style and appreciate the older styles.

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Do not wear your hair or make up in vintage style when you dress in vintage clothing. It will look exceedingly contrived, if you do.



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Recognizing that whatever period of fashion you like, you can wear it appropriately by mixing it with modern accessories, contemporary hair styles and muted make up.

There is a young Dutch woman on Instagram (anneliesvanoverbeek) who does bear a striking resemblance to Audrey Hepburn and dresses in Audrey's style, as well as Edwardian styles. She buys vintage style hats, tops, coats and dresses.

   Image result for audrey hepburn  She's first, Audrey is the 2nd photo.

Check her out and see how vintage can get you a lot of followers if you use the looks appropriately.

It doesn't matter what age you are, vintage pieces can be fun, stylish and express the inner you.
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Fashion is fun and wearing clothes from another period is really great. But ladies, there is a fashion rule:  If you wore something when you were young, you should not wear it when you're older. That means big billowy bell bottom pants, tie dye shirts, mini skirts, go-go boots.  You know what I'm talking about. Unless you're going to a costume party or starring in your own Instagram feed!

Ashley, I hope this helps a bit.  I loved looking at the all photos to do this blog post!!

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So in two weeks, I'll be back. In the meantime, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz





Thursday, July 21, 2016

A Whole New World!

Well, I am now fully retired....not temping any more.  I have become a "lady who lunches"!

But that doesn't mean that the shopping, make up experimentation and fear of looking frumpy and dowdy ends.  Far from it.

So here goes, with updates:

1.  It Bag for the Year:
I still get a LOT of fashion magazines, blogs and emails and the number one "it" bag, started by Celine, is the saddle bag. This style is actually based on the bags that were attached to actual saddles by cowboys, pony express riders, etc.


Chloé - Drew Mini leather shoulder bag - Damen         

Other designers caught on to this trend quickly and these are their designs...

Marcie Small Leather Crossbody Bag, Tan    Image result for Celine saddle bag

So I found a really cute one on sale in ballerina pink at....wait for it......Old Navy!  $24.
Image result for old navy purses     Don't you love it?  I do and being a style trend, that's about all I would spend on a transitory bag. And the tassel is also on trend.

2.  Cover up for bathing suit, over sleeveless shirts, bathrobe:

Kimonos are very popular. You can wear them everywhere (depending on where you go, of course).
So I bought one early in the Spring but, even though it is lightweight, the polyester blend makes me sooooo hot and sweaty, I just can't wear it.  But....I found one that feels like a baby's nighty with the prettiest embroidery work on the front and back for $24 at Target.

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3.  New Mascara Concept

I have seen TV and magazine print ads for a new Maybelline brand mascara, Colossal Spider Effect mascara, so I went to the drugstore and bought a tube for $6.99.  It is supposed to give you big, full spikey lashes.


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Don't bother buying this....it gets clumpy on your lashes and they don't look any better than other mascaras make them look.  I even went to YouTube to see what the make up bloggers thought, and they agree with me (should have done this BEFORE I bought it).

4.  Boy Short Underwear

I thought I'd give this style of undies a try....
Image result for boyshorts underwear   Image result for boyshorts underwear

And I must say, I am NOT a fan.  They roll up at the legs (even though the package says they don't) and they roll down under my tummy, making me look and feel like a beer bellied yokel.  I have a friend who only wears them, so if you do buy them, buy one inexpensive pair to try before investing $14 on four pair that you don't like wearing.  And nobody wants your used underwear.


So, that's my latest.  I stepped away from the blog for blogging for a few months but plan to blog every two weeks.  Please let me know if you have any concerns, questions or ideas. I'd love to hear from you.

And thank you for following me. I appreciate your interest and loyalty.

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Until next time, I remain,

Stylistically yours,

Sooz