Anna

Wacky Wednesdays: Daphne Guinness

Ordinarily, I'm obsessed with classic fashion: early to mid-century, classy, elegant, and even casual and preppy glamour. Well, it's Wacky Wednesday, and I'm going to share my love for fashion that can only be described as Aristocratic Dominatrix. This wacky Wednesday features the epically glam Daphne Guinness, whose forbidding, icy, jewel encrusted fashion sense makes me melt into a puddle of fashion ecstasy.

 Her hair looks absolutely smashing here. Love the color and high-shine, though I imagine maintenance is a bit obnoxious. Where does one wear such a dress? Why does it work so well on her?

 Aristocratic jewels, haughty Mommy Malfoy expression, and gauntlet gloves that suggest a spanking might not be out of the question.

Cravat, brooch, pearls...normally this would be Batman-like over-accessorizing, especially when her hair ornament and ear cuffs are accounted for. The black palette really allows those baubles to shine, yet her fabulous fine-boned face is never lost in the mix. (That concealer is a bit chalky, though.)














Sigh. She's beautiful.

The Darling Mermaid Darlings

Just a quick look at the early sisters Charles costumes.

Vivian, right, favors a retro-Chinese look, with her sleek dark bob and cheongsam influenced top. Lily's look, left, is slightly predatory/quirky. Her eye patches are often adorned with jewels that mimic her missing eye.

Far from frumpy, the sisters Charles are always a bit sexy/kooky, even when lounging in pajamas.Vivian loves bold satins and Lily likes her floral leopard print with scads of feathers.

When out to conquer the world, the sisters Charles aren't afraid to channel their inner Bratz doll. Though not elegant or classy, these ladies are always interesting.You'd likely want to befriend any woman with such confident and crazy style, regardless of age, because you know she'd be fun.

Vivian Charles rocks crocheted gloves and wacky animal print. I'd love to see more women wearing crocheted gloves--they're so sexy.  Find a similar style here.






Haven't seen Pushing Daisies? Watch it now! (buy) Instant (netflix).

Quote: Poetry

"Poetry is something in-between the dream and its interpretation."  Lou Andreas-Salome.

Shirt dresses are smashing!

I love the versatility, comfort and ease of shirtdresses. The look is often timeless, with a classy retro-twist.


Some fabulous movie and tv shirtdresses I love are:

Leighton Meester, Gossip Girl; Grace Kelly, High Society; Anna Friel, Pushing Daisies.

Kate Spade makes some fantastic shirtdresses with a clean, retro, preppy twist. 

l to r: Kate Spade Candy Shop Jeanette dress, Get Ready Calista dress, and Harriett shirtdress. Notice the differences in cut, and fabric print and color. Shirtdress shapes carry unconventional patterns well; a less pleated or puffy skirt is more utilitarian in feel; ruffles add romance and nostalgia. Heeled shoes add glamour and a dressier appearance, flats create a feminine casual look.

 

l to r:  1950s shirt dress, Crafty Crow Vintage; Custom Dress, Modela2z;  Adrian Tabin dress,Raleigh Vintage.

 When buying a vintage shirtdress, the most important thing next to cut (I prefer details such as "shirt" portion not extending below belt and a flared skirt) is material. Subtle, muted colors are good for daywear, but something bold in color or pattern will be much more fun to wear. Sleeves can always be altered--shortened or removed--to modernize the look, and tailoring can be done to make a dress appear made for you. Buy a too-large-for-you dress and have it altered to your body.

Ladylike in green

50s to 1960s floral Triacetate dress.Vested Bee Vintage.

1960s kelly green polyester/nylon dress coat. Twirl Vintage Co.

1980s high heel pumps in green leather with snakeskin ornaments on vamps. My Sweetie Pie Pie.

Vintage green sunglasses. Modern Maude.

1950s green silk cocktail party dress. Daisy and Stella.
















Inspiration: Charlotte Charles.

Pushing Daisies costumes, Chuck in yellow. Pt 1

Rosette trimmed sleeveless sweater with matching capri pants. This look reminded me of something from a J Crew catalog, and could be replicated with modern pieces fairly easily. The ladylike top and capri pants should match in color, and a flat shoe would look nice.

Vintage party dress in yellow floral (brocade? silk?),  yellow princess coat, vintage scarf and clip on pearl bauble earrings. To achieve this look, shoes, and coat must match, patterns in scarf and dress should also boast a majority of the main color. In this case, yellow, though the outfit would look equally attractive in any color combination, such as bright red, kelly green, aqua, royal blue, etc.

Lipstick most likely Lady Bug by MAC, similar look can be achieved with Revlon's Really Red Matte and Coral 080 (colorburst for shine) or Kiss Me Coral mixed.

Haven't seen Pushing Daisies? Watch it now! (buy) Instant (netflix).