Vintage Style Files

Archive for the ‘Celebrities’ Category

Vintage Fashion at the 2010 Golden Globes

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Have finally gotten around  to writing about which actresses wore authentic vintage dresses for this year’s Golden Globe awards.  I’m always interested in seeing which celebrity opts for the alternative to current designer fashions.

My favorite vintage dress was worn by Rose McGowan to the InStyle/Warner Bros. Golden Globes after party.  According to Hollywood Life this elegant 1950s sapphire blue strapless beauty was originally owned by Ava Gardner.  And apparently Rose  took her pooch out to potty while wearing it. I wonder if she had a matching pooper scooper to go with it!

Rose McGowan wears Ava Gardner's dress

Rose McGowan wears Ava Gardner's dress

My next favorite is the black vintage armani gown worn by Penelope Cruz.  A few of the blogs I’ve read claimed they thought she looked matronly. Personally I thought she looked very chic, sophisticated and feminine.

Penelope Cruz in vintage Armani gown

Penelope Cruz in vintage Armani gown

Julia Roberts wore a basic  black vintage Yves St Laurent cocktail dress, which many have criticized for  not being dressy enough for such an important event.   And I say, perhaps she just wanted a simple blank canvas against which to showcase that amazing citrine and diamond necklace from Van Cleef and Arpels!

julia roberts golden globes

Julia Roberts in vintage YSL little black dress

Julia Roberts in basic black with Van Cleef and Arpel neckace

Julia Roberts in basic black with Van Cleef and Arpel neckace

Sabina Kelley Looks Amazing in one of our Gowns!

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

I was so flattered when Sabina Kelley, the famous international pinup model and burlesque dancer, contacted me about wearing one of our vintage style evening gowns to wear for her 2010 pin up calender.

The purple satin mermaid dress she chose had that perfect 40s old hollywood  look for the shot.  Of course, the gorgeous Sabina looked positively amazing in it and her photographer, Brian Brown, did a smashing job of  capturing the classic glamour of a bygone era.

Sabina Kelley wears a gown from Blue Velvet Vintage.

Sabina Kelley wearing a gown from Blue Velvet Vintage.

You can purchase her calendar here.  Would make a great gift for anyone who appreciates tattoo art,  classic vintage pinup and burlesque.

And if you covet the gown,  you can purchase one at Blue Velvet Vintage. It also comes in midnight blue, ivory and black.

1957 Fashion Spread-Celebrity daughters

Sunday, August 2nd, 2009

Take a look at these lovely images  from a 1957 Ladies Home Journal magazine. The fashion spread is titled “Pretty Daughters of Famous Fathers” and features celebrity daughters modelling  summer party dresses.

Of course, I got curious as to who the mothers were of these gorgeous girls, so I did a little digging.

The amazingly talented Fred Astaire, without a doubt one of the most famous dancer/actor/singer/choregraphers of all time,  married Phyllis Potter, a Boston socialite, in 1933. They had two children, Fred Jr. and Ava (pictured below).

Fred Astaire's daughter, Ava, wearing a white embroidered organdy party dress

Fred Astaire's daughter, Ava, wearing a white embroidered organdy party dress

Norman Foster was a movie director in the 40s and 50s.  After his first marriage to Claudette Colbert, he married actress Sally Blaine, an elder sister of Loretta Young. They had two children.  Gretchen (pictured below) and Robert.

Noman Foster's daughter, Gretchen, in a three tiered white organdy gown

Noman Foster's daughter, Gretchen, in a three tiered white organdy gown

Henry Fonda, the Hollywood legend, married Frances Ford Seymour, a New York socialite in 1936.  They had two children who turned out to be famous actors in their own right, Jane(pictured below) and Peter.

Though her dad’s acting career continued right into his seventies, I was horrified to discover her mother, after many bouts with mental illness,  commited suicide when she was only 42, by cutting her throat with a razor.

Jane Fonda was born in 1937, making her only 20 years old when this photo was taken.

Jane Fonda, daughter of Henry Fonda, in a printed dimity shirtwaist gown.

Jane Fonda, daughter of Henry Fonda, in a printed dimity shirtwaist gown.

Walt Disney married Lillian Bounds in 1925 after meeting her where she worked in the “ink and paint” department at Disney Studios. They had two daughters, Diane and Sharon(pictured below).

Lillian Bounds Disney is credited with giving the world famous cartoon character, Mickey Mouse, his name. She died exactly 31 years to the day after the death of her husband.

Sahron Disney, daughter of Walt Disney, wearing a blue polka dot tiered sundress.

Sharon Disney, daughter of Walt Disney, wearing a blue polka dot tiered sundress.

Julien’s Auction-Marilyn and Elvis Memorabilia

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

Want a chance to own Elvis Presley’s prescription bottles or an Emilio Pucci sweater worn by Marilyn Monroe?  Julien’s is holding a summer entertainment auction on  June 26th and 27th  at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.  Featuring over 700 items from various celebrities and productions,  it will be broadcast in live streaming video so online viewers will be able to watch and bid in real time.

Below is just a tiny sampling of the amazing entertainment memorabilia offered.  So this is bound to be one exciting auction to watch!

“Dr. Nick”, Elvis’s personal physician,  has consigned over 45 items. In case you don’t remember, Dr. Nick had originally been accused of over prescribing for “the King” leading to his untimely death.  Bidding is bound to be fast and furious for these items.

Elvis Presely prescription bottles

Autographed and framed picture of Elvis Presley

Autographed and framed picture of Elvis Presley-pre auction estimate $2000-4000

Elvis's tourmaline and diamond ring gifted to Dr. Nick after a concert. Estimate $20,000-$40,000

Elvis's tourmaline and diamond ring gifted to Dr. Nick after a concert. Estimate $20,000-$40,000

The Marilyn Monroe collection includes items from her personal and professional wardrobe and furniture from her Brentwood California home.

Just one of several of Marilyn's Pucci pieces up for bid

Just one of several of Marilyn's Pucci pieces up for bid

Black sequinned Ceil Chapman gown-Estimate $4000-6000

Black sequinned Ceil Chapman gown-Estimate $4000-6000

Ivory silk jersey Ceil Chapman dress-Estimate $10000-20000

Ivory silk jersey Ceil Chapman dress-Estimate $10000-20000

Penelope Cruz dazzles in vintage Balmain for Oscar night

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

As I watched the Oscars last night, I couldn’t help but notice, to my utter delight,  that Old Hollywood glamour reigned at this year’s Academy Awards.  Many actresses walked the red carpet in strapless and one shouldered dresses reminiscent of Grace Kelly, Jean Harlow and Rita Hayworth.  I’m so happy to see this classic look revived because I think some of the most beautiful evening wear in history came out of the 30s, 40s and 50s.

But my favorite overall was the gown  Penelope Cruz wore to accept her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in Vicky Christina Barcelona. A dreamy   ivory  embroidered Balmain gown from the 1950s that was fit for a princess.   She fell in love with it eight years ago when she saw it at Lily et Cie,   THE premier destination for couture vintage clothing, and vowed to wear it one day.  Fortunately, for her,  it was still available.

Penelope Cruz in 1950's vintage Balmain

Penelope Cruz in 1950's vintage Balmain

Here are some of my other favorite dresses that I think capture the retro glamour look nicely.

Vintege Inspired Oscar Fashions 2009

Vinage Inspired Oscar Fashions 2009

1. Kate Winslet, who always looks classy, is wearing a one shoulder Yves St Laurent dress.

2. Frida Pinto in royal blue beaded John Galliano gown.

3. Marion Cotillard wearing a strapless, belted Dior in black and blue.

4. Evan Rachel Wood’s Harlowesque Elie Saab gown in a champagne satin.

5. Another Elie Saab dress worn by Angelia Jolie. This designer excels at looks that epitomize the glamour of the golden era of Hollywood.

6. Sarah Jessica Parker’s pale green Dior gown is beautiful. But it would have looked much classier if she’s wasnt about to spill out of it!

Sarah Jessica Parker about to erupt out of gown

Sarah Jessica Parker about to erupt out of gown

Donna Reed and I share the same birthday

Tuesday, January 27th, 2009

That’s right, vintage stylistas. Today is my birthday and I did a little googling and found out Donna Reed, the queen of mid-century marital domestication,  and I were born on the same day.  Perhaps that explains my obsession with those 50s and 60s shirtwaist dresses with the full skirts.  Not so crazy about the stepford wife lifestyle, but dressing like one is another story!

Here is a photo of Donna Reed in all her 50’s housewifely glory.

donna-reed-10

Checking her son’s temperature wearing one of her little shirtwaisters with an adorable apron.donna-reed-11

Of course, her look on the Donna Reed Show is the one most people remember.  But I’ve found a bunch of great pictures on FanPix.Net that show off her glamorous side.

donna-reed-12

She also starred in many films before her television career, including It’s a Wonderful Life with James Stewart,  The Benny Goodman Story, Last Time I Saw Paris and  even won an Oscar for supporting actress in From Here to Eternity with Montgomery Clift and Frank Sinatra.

And here are a couple fabulous Donna Reed worthy dresses I found at Vintage Viruosa, just in case anyone wants to buy me a birthday present!

60’s green chiffon shirtwaister

green-chiffon-shirtwaist-dress

Pretty pink floral shirwaist dressfloral-shirtwaist

Vintage Style at the Golden Globes

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Well, it’s taken me two days, but I’ve finally come up with some of my favorite vintage and vintage inspired dresses worn at this year’s Golden Globe awards.

From what I’ve been reading on many fashion blogs, neutrals were very big this year, especially white, as were strapless and one shoulder styles, belted gowns, and mermaid hems. The overall sense was there was a more understated glamour to many of the fashions, with less flashy jewelry and  worn with casual hairdos, bordering on messy, and minimal makeup.

Below I’ve compiled some of my favorite dresses because of their vintage vibe.

golden-globes-fashion

1. The always classy Kate Winslet in a very elegant and sophisticated black strapless gown with a velvet belt by Yves St. Laurent. Very Audrey-esque.

2. Drew Barrymore in a cool blue/gray mermaid gown by John Galliano for Dior. The red  evening bag adds a nice touch of color. Not too crazy about that big hair, though.

3. Heidi Klum opted for short, in a fabulously flirty 80s vintage Galanos polka dot party dress with a big red rose accent.

4. Angelina wore a sleek, silvery 70s inspired Versace  gown with blouson bodice.  There are varied opinions on this dress, a lot of which are unflattering. I personally like the dress. It has a sensuous, goddess look to it.  Though that blouson style can be tough to pull off, I think Angelina looks lovely in it. Though many would disagree.

5. Love the midnight blue color of this strapless Armani gown worn by Anne Hathaway.  Very classic 40’s Hollywood glamour. It is overlaid with black netting and decorated with blue beading. The full flowing skirt below the fitted hip area is very flattering.

6. Another gorgeous 40s inspired creation. A Reem Acra design worn by Olivia Wilde. This dress is all pretty and feminine, with its full ruffled skirt. The lavender color is beautiful.

7. Laura Linney’s Grecian inspired Elie Saab gown in a stunning yellow shade.  Not an easy color to wear for a lot of people, but  I think it looks fabulous on her.

8. Eva Longoria wore a red strapless tight fitting mermaid gown by Reem Acra. One of my favorite colors in a classic 50’s Hollywood starlet style.

Of course I couldn’t leave out my favorite Mad Maidens of the Mad Men series.

mad-men-fashion

1. January Jones in a vintage inspired ice blue satin gown by Versace. She’s got that classy Grace Kelly thing going on in a big way.

2. Elizabeth Moss in an adorable red vintage Givenchy dress.  I’m a big fan of full chiffon 50’s skirts.  Then there’s that red color that I love and those interesting straps.

3. Always the bombshell, Christina Hendricks is simply smouldering in this curvy strapless black number by Tadashi Shoji.

So what do you think of my favorite choices?  Love them or hate them? Let me know. Don’t worry, I can take it!

Leighton Meester in Bettie Page Dress

Monday, May 19th, 2008

Bettypagedress
I was wondering why lately I kept selling out of my Bettie Page "Captain" dresses so quickly. There’s no doubt the dress is cute as hell, but the demand has been far exceeding the supply when compared to any of other vintage reproduction dresses available on my site. It was a mystery until someone brought me a copy of the May 12th issue of Us Magazine .

So that explains it.  In this issue, Leighton Meester , star of the new series Gossip Girl, is shown sashaying down the street in none other than the adorable nautical number from the Bettie Page Clothing Line, accompanied by a pair of fabulous navy and white YSL pumps. Like how she tied the little scarf around the neck. Very 50’s.

The actual dress is designed to fall below the knee.  So it appears she had it hemmed to mini length, which I think takes away from that 50’s wiggle dress style I’m very fond of. But too each their own.  Whether short or long it’s still chic and sophisticated and looks great on her!

So because of Ms. Leighton the dress is now on the endangered vintage reproduction list.  The company is completely out of these dresses and can’t resupply me until some time in June.  Fortunately I’ve got a few mediums, larges and X larges left. But I don’t expect them to be available much longer!

Bettie Page, Pinup Photos and Discarded Bikinis

Monday, May 12th, 2008

Bunny6
Just discovered an interesting article  on Bettie Page and photographer, Bunny Yeager,  written by the owner of Glamoursurf ,  who has a fabulous website specializing in vintage swimwear.

Bunny, a well known glamour photographer in the 50's, was instrumental in making  Bettie one of the most notorious pinup models of all time. She took Bettie's famous "jungle girl" pictures in Miami, where Bunny still resides today.

According to the article, Bettie used to sew her own bikinis for her shoots.  Well, she decided after giving up her modelling career, to chuck them all, thinking she would never have any use for them again.  Can you imagine?  I nearly hyperventilated when I read that.  She was always a humble woman, so never could conceive the impact she would have on pop culture in the years to come.

She's become such a cult icon, there's even a Bettie Page Halloween Theme Cruise leaving October 31st, 2008, from San Diego, with Bettie lookalike contests,  burlesque performances, fashion shows by the Bettie Page Clothing Company, appearances by Bernie Dexter and pinup artist, Olivia, plus lots of great rockabilly bands.  This ultimate celebration of Bettie Page is sure to be a rockin' good time!

How to Smell Like a Star

Thursday, April 24th, 2008

Came across this interesting site called Perfume Shrine that has an extensive compilation of the favorite perfumes worn by famous film stars.  Included is a  list of "Old Hollywood" actors and actresses and the vintage scents they preferred, many of which are still available today.

For instance,  some of Audrey Hepburn’s faves were Joy, Femme Rochas, Le De Givenchy and L’Interdit, which was originally made for her.  They’re all feminine florals with either fruity or spicy undertones, what you could definitely envision her wearing.

Of course I think pretty much everyone knows Marilyn Monroe was famous for wearing Chanel #5 to bed.

Bette Davis also liked Le De Givenchy. It was her signature scent.

Gina Lollabrigida liked Shalimar, an exotic spicy scent that’s a perfect choice for her.

The Latin sex siren, Dolores Del Rio,  wore Estee Lauder’s Youth Dew. She brushed the dark, earthy, inviting fragrance into her hair.

Jean Harlow wore Mitsouko and according to this site her husband was found doused with it when he committed suicide.

Jayne Mansfield-My Sin, Arpege and Shocking Schiaperelli

Both Elizabeth Taylor and, believe it or not, Frank Sinatra wore Jungle Gardenia!

James Dean- Knize Ten, a scent considered powerful, complex and intriguing. Sounds appropriate!

There’s much more, accompanied by many interesting facts. It’s also fun to Google the different fragrances to see if the ingredients seem to match the  personalities.  This site is also a great way to make a choice if you’re looking for a vintage fragrance and would like to smell like one of your favorite classic film stars!

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