Timeless Classics - Vintage Wedding Gowns

Some of the most beautiful wedding gown designs were born of the 1950's and early 60's. Often characterized by cap sleeves or three-quarter length sleeves, tight bodices, flared ballerina-length skirts, and fingertip veils, the gowns of this era stand alone in their uniqueness of style and design.

Several famous brides also graced this time period, whose wedding styles were widely copied. Jacqueline Kennedy's 1953 wedding gown was ivory silk taffeta with cap sleeves and a huge, bouffant skirt which had interwoven tucking bands and tiny wax flowers.  Her rose point lace veil was attached to her hair with orange blossoms amid a delicate lace cap. 

When Debbie Reynolds wed Eddie Fisher in 1955, her gown's lace cap sleeves mimicked Jackie Kennedy's of two years earlier. Debbie's gown was made of chantilly lace, cinched at the waist and ballerina length; a style that was soon to become the trademark of the decade.

Perhaps the ultimate definition of the 1950's wedding gown was worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1957 film "Funny Face."  The gown, designed by Givenchy, was a stunning ballet length in white with a full skirt, fitted bodice, drop waist, portrait neckline, and again, tiny cap sleeves. It was accessorized by a short, fluffy veil and ballet-inspired shoes.

Another Hollywood icon of the 50's was Grace Kelly. Her last starring role was as a bride in the 1956 film "High Society." Engaged to Prince Rainier of Monaco at the time, she actually wore her own engagement ring during filming. As a "second-time" bride in the movie, she did not wear white, but rather a soft yellow with a floral spring design. Three-quarter length sleeves reflected the era, and added to the overall softness of the dress.

Today, an increasing number of bridal salons are carrying vintage-inspired wedding gowns, such as the one below. Brides are requesting the classic styles of the 1950's and early 60's because of their timeless, simple elegance.

Throw a Happy Little Retro Party

Wanna party like it's 1959?

Throwing a retro party calls for the right vintage clothing, delectable hors d'oeuvres, perfect cocktails and killer heels. Creat a swank atmosphere with mood lighting and a sexy playlist. Here are ideas for throwing a retro party so boss it will be the talk of the office water cooler for months to come.

5:55 pm ~ The first guests are about to arrive. Give yourself the 'Manhattan once-over'.  Flirty chiffon dress with ankle-rocking slingbacks? Velvet jewel-toned pencil skirt with black patent leather stilettos?  Perfection! Lips are painted perfectly pouty to leave a lipstick print on the rim of your cocktail glass. Finish with red or coral nails and a fabulous pair of chandelier earrings. A spritz of your favorite French cologne and you're ready to be the perfect hostess and bartender fatale.

6:15 pm ~ You're serving up perfect champagne cocktails. "A Walk in the Black Forest" by Horst Jankowski is playing in the background, setting the perfect mood.

The Perfect Champagne Cocktail
- 1 sugar cube
- 4 to 5 drops of bitters
- 4 to 5 ounces of well-chilled Champagne
- Garnish with a lemon twist
Drop the sugar cube into the bottom of a Champagne flute. Pour the bitters on top. Let the cube absorb the bitters until amber-colored; about 30 seconds. Carefully crush the cube, breaking it into a soft mound. Slowly add the Champagne, letting the bubbles rise and subside, until the glass is full. Twist the lemon peel over the top and drop it into the cocktail. Voila!

6:30 pm ~ Frank is crooning "Fly Me to the Moon." What's not to love?

7:00 pm ~ Guests are nibbling your crab meat canapés, stuffed mushroom caps and bacon-wrapped water chestnuts. Add "Beyond the Sea" by Bobby Darrin and soon people are tripping the light fantastic.

7:30 pm ~ Andy Williams is singing "Music to Watch Girls By." You're feeling especially flirty.

8:15 pm ~ Take it up a notch with Elvis' "Bossa Nova Baby" - now you're really swingin'.



Retro Cocktail Shaker from the 1950's

 8:45 pm ~ Classic Martinis?  Mix some up while the Stones belt out "Satisfaction." 

The Sacred Truth Martini
- 2 pitted green olives
- 1-1/2 teaspoons dry vermouth
- 1-1/2 cups cracked ice
- 3 ounces top-quality gin
Spear the olives with a cocktail toothpick. Pour the vermouth into a small saucer. Add the olives and turn them several times to coat. Fill a shaker with the ice and add the gin. Stir very gently with a long-handled bar spoon to chill, about 20 revolutions. Set the speared olives in a martini glass. Strain the chilled gin over the olives and serve.

9:00 pm ~ The Nashville Teens are grinding out "Tobacco Road."  You realize you identify with their plight.

9:25 pm ~ Sexy-dance to Gene Vincent's "Be Bop A Lula"... do the twist

Vintage Purses - Treasures from Every Era

One of my favorite vintage fashion photos is a stunning 1950's white evening gown accented only by a brilliant red clutch. I was lucky enough to find a similar red clutch while recently visiting a local antique shop.

Vintage purses are amazing accents for any outfit. Every era offers its own unique and distinctive trademark. Below are some examples from my personal collection, dating from the 1920's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's.

My red leather clutch carries the label "Stylemark" and is from the 50's; its multi-striped interior is representative of the era. The beaded evening bag is from the 20's, manufactured by La Regale. The champagne-colored faux fur bag dates from the 40's and was made by Ingber. The black fabric evening clutch with gold clasp is a classic from the 60's. The black and white bubble motif purse with removable shoulder-strap has an equally mod interior that just screams "disco" and the 70's.

Mixing and matching these handbags with your outfits - both new and vintage clothing - will give you a distinctive finishing touch that can't be found in many of today's mass-produced handbags.

Just remember: a woman can never own too many purses or shoes... repeat often and act accordingly!

  

Stylemark Clutch, 1950's

La Regale Beaded Bag - 1920's



Ingber Faux Fur Bag - 1940's

1960's Black Fabric Clutch

Mod Bag from the 1970's with Removable Shoulder Strap