Renee Perle: Boudoir Doll and Vintage Beauty

The Retro Modern Housewife's post today about The Boudoir Queen Boutique has reminded me that I have not yet introduced you to the newest addition to our little family: meet Renee Perle, my late 20s/early 30s Boudoir Doll (actually she's a half doll. Naughty, saucy flapper, she doesn't like wearing clothes).


The real Renee Perle is another of my vintage fashion icons. I covet her perfectly waved and spit curled hair. As well, returning to the earlier subject of trousers, Perle's palazzo pants (or beach pajamas) are so impressively wide (note to self: must adopt a similar Riviera look next summer)! She just embodies everything I love about late 20s/early 30s fashion!

Easy Virtue = Easy on the Eyes and Ears

Speaking of trousers, I can't stop drooling over Jessica Biel's fabulous pants in Easy Virtue, which is a really adorable and humorous flick (based on a Noel Coward play). In fact, her whole look (minus the fur jacket, as gorgeous as it is), *really* speaks to me on a number of levels and really is a reflection of what I consider my ideal vintage style.







Music I'm Listening To: Easy Virtue Orchestra featuring Ben Barnes (the soundtrack version of "Sexbomb" played during the fox hunt scene made me laugh out loud)

Not to digress, but it's funny how much I've learned about myself and my tastes through blogging....and ironically, it's funny how much of what I've learned has actually been a re-learning of what I have already known for quite some time: in a sea of fabulously frocked vintage-loving ladies with flowing curls, the looks that most reflect my personality, taste, etc, and that best suit my body type/features and my active lifestyle almost always must involve tailoring, especially when it comes to jackets, blouses that have darts/structure, skirts that do not go too far above the knee, and trousers that are flared or wide-legged. Of course, what makes these looks for me is the fact that the more "masculine" or streamlined elements of the jacket and trousers and any possible severity of shorter hair are softened with soft curls, gorgeous make-up, earrings. Ooh, I mustn't forget that hat (as you shall soon see in future posts, I'm obsessed with cloches again, just as I was when I first had a haircut similar to the one I have now about 10 years ago). I'm not surprised I'm in love with these clothes. I see a lot of Coco Chanel's influence on the costuming here and I have been in love with Coco Chanel's fashion philosophies/aesthetics for a long time.

The "Real" Amelia

Amelia!

The Amelia Earhart biopic, Amelia, starring Hilary Swank, just opened in theatres near me. Since it's playing much closer to home than the Coco flick I've been aching to see, we may opt for this tonight instead. Here are some stills from the movie.

Edward Steichen: In High Fashion, the Conde Nast Years, 1923-37

Oh me, oh my!!!!! If I can just get feeling a tiny bit better, this weekend promises to be all about visual delights from the vintage fashion world: fingers crossed, we're re-attempting to see Coco Avant Chanel AND catching the Edward Steichen: In High Fashion at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Steichen not only took photos of some famous people (see below...guess who?), while working for Conde Nast, but he also captured some amazing fashion by some of my favourite designers of the 20s and 30s, including Schiparelli and Madeleine Vionnet. SWOON! Here's a glimpse at some of my favourite images...If you're in the Toronto area, it may just be a great exhibit to catch? If you're elsewhere, the website for the exhibition (which I linked to above) seems like it also could be a great way to experience some of Steichen's work virtually. DOUBLE SWOON!

Why I Love Wallis

Okay, I really should be packing, but I thought I'd post one more time before we hit the road in the morning. I may have mentioned this before, but one of my vintage fashion idols is Wallis Warfield Simpson (once the Duchess of York). While certainly a controversial figure, Wallis Warfield Simpson was one of the most elegant and sophisticated dressers, in my humble opinion. Below are two of my favourite pictures of her. Of course, with people like Elsa Schiaparelli making her dresses, no wonder she looked so divine! Oh, speaking of Schiaparelli, I came across the most amazing Schiaparelli website today. Have a look? Toodles til Monday, darlings.

Music I'm Listening To: Edith Piaf

Bernice Bobs Her Hair, or The Story of How Land Girl Went Loco for Coco (Chanel, that is)

Well, darlings, the weekend is again upon us. For the Canadians, it is a long weekend, due to Thanksgiving. However, we won't be hosting anyone at the home-front or having a huge family dinner, so I think Mr. HF and I are going to head to the city to go see Coco Avant Chanel. Since I had promised pics of the new hairdo, which I'm still figuring out how to style, I thought I'd post these pics of an outfit that I might wear to the show. The pieces are not technically vintage; I was trying to go for something loosely inspired by photos of Coco Chanel in the 20s and 30s. Regarding the hair-cut, the style didn't turn out exactly as I had hoped, but I like how much lighter and fresher it feels. My hair is so thick and frizzy that I am glad to have some of that bulk and weight cut away. I feel so energized I could just Charleston right now!!!! Okay, I'm rambling. I'm away from the blog this weekend, so "see" you Tuesday. Remember to check out the blog give-away if you haven't already!!! xoxo. Oh, P.S., just in case you're wondering, "what's with the weird post title and who the heck is Bernice?" click here: