Siboney, Connie Francis

Woe is me: White blouse blues.

This feminine winter white summer weight blouse is gorgeous, and available at Dear Golden Vintage on Etsy. I've had fabulous luck shopping there, but sometimes there are things that are just not my size, sending me into a spiraling depression that lasts at least 4 solid minutes.

Find the shirt here. And shop Dear Golden here.

Party etiquette: How to get more invitations!

We throw a lot of get-togethers at Chez Charles, and have noticed there's some bad behavior going around regarding invitations, feelings, and RSVP's. Here are some of our thoughts on being a thoughtful guest, and gaining more and more invitations for yourself.

Accept invitations

My rule of thumb is that if I extend more than three or four invitations to someone, and they don't show up, I stop extending them. Invariably, there's always a bit of sulking if word gets out to a neglected non-attendee. Generally, these sulkers are people who never RSVP, rarely inform anyone they aren't coming, and also, never show any genuine interest in anything anyway. These thoughtless people are more interested in stroking their egos (receiving invites) than actually socializing, and Mrs Charles has no sympathy.

Extend invitations

To get invitations, give them. People cannot be expected to remember you, if you don't make yourself memorable. One of the very best ways to make yourself memorable is to show others a good time. Invite them somewhere! Museums, lunch dates, your own parties or movie night--all are great reasons for someone to associate good times with you. If you like someone, ask them somewhere once in a while. There's a saying "one good turn deserves another", and this is certainly true with extending invitations. You'd be amazed how quickly the karma pays off. (Beware that invitations don't turn into a game of cat and mouse where you extend one just to be "courteous" with no intention of ever getting together. No one likes their time being  held hostage by plans that never seem to come to fruition.)

RSVP, for heaven's sakes

There's nothing worse than sending out an invite and having everyone wait until last minute to decide to come (which is very inconsiderate to hosts), or not responding at all. Hosts need to prepare food and drink, and a head count is a very helpful thing to have. It also shows interest from attendees, which gets the hosts pumped. Showing appreciation is as simple as clicking Yes, No, or Maybe, and thanking the host and letting them know you're sorry to miss, hopeful to rearrange your schedule, or very excited to get together soon.

And, finally, don't be insufferable.

Most importantly, be a good guest. Socialize and circulate; participate in activities. Don't complain if you hear of a party you weren't invited to--that just annoys the host and makes them deliberately avoid inviting you in the future.Considerate people are charming people, and those who show genuine happiness at being thought of and invited out, will most likely be invited out often.

Now, Mrs Charles must excuse herself and finish making her Summer Pink Sangria.

green vintage pumps: I wish they were my size--a tale of woe.

Insanely awesome emerald green 1940s heels, at Prance and Swagger on Etsy. I am passionately sad that these are not my size. I hope they find a great home and are worn within an inch of their lives!

I made my first pie...

I was looking for recipes for pies utilizing honey instead of sugar (I read "Sugar Blues" for the second time and was feelin' the fervor) and instead found the holy grail: Apple Gruyere Pie, ala "Pushing Daisies".

I set to work in the kitchen and made my first...yes, first...pie! Below are the pictures (pretty ugly). I have to say, baking pies is pretty fun, even for an utter spazz like me! I make yummy cupcakes (I got a good recipe) and good muffins, but I am not presumptuous in the kitchen in the slightest.

The verdict: I don't think a pie is supposed to look like this, but it doesn't taste bad. I put too much Gruyere on top (wasn't called for), and that made it saaaaaalty for my taste. Not bad for a first time pie, but could be better. I should have added more apples, possibly used leaf lard as recommended in recipe (couldn't find it). Otherwise, crust is nice and flaky and buttery, apples are yummy, too.

Edit: This pie is really good! Even other people said so! YAYAYAYAY

Movie costumes: Frida. Part One.

It is fitting that a movie about legendary painter and style icon Frida Kahlo would be visually stunning. Sets, costumes, casting, everything is just wonderful. Here are a few of my favorite costumes from the movie. Since there were so many, this is part one.

Frida tangos with Tina Modotti. Frida's dress is a sumptuous red velvet with drop waist and ruffled hemlime (and contrast coloring on edge?), Tina's it an open-backed beaded black with draped beading details.

Another shot of Tina's dress. It was stunning.

Diego and Frida are married. She looks heavenly in rich forest green and vivid red. Love her chunky necklace.

Her arracadas look awesome. This is a nice solution when your earrings don't match your gemstones: wear pure metal earrings.

Simple blue dress. Love the style and color.

This white dress was my favorite of the movie. Simple, crisp, white dotted swiss in a lovely feminine pattern. I would have gone absolutely nuts for this dress as a teenager--and still do. I believe this is a German-style dress--it struck me immediately when I saw the movie that this dress might represent Frida's German heritage, as it does resemble a dirndl. I will correct this info if I find it's false.

The pie maker: Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

The goddess profiles: Judith Martin, aka, Miss Manners

There are a few authors we hold dear to our hearts here in Emma Charles land, and one of them is "Miss Manners" Judith Martin. Few writers display her tact, flair, and ability to solve problems in a stylish way. This woman has a brain, and she uses it! She's also very beautiful and fashionable, just check her out in the picture and marvel over the fact that she was born in 1938. She's dishy.We absolutely adore her!

We've been reading "Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior" the past few nights before bedtime (we have the 1984 version) and feeling our crush on her all over again. If you've ever wondered how to deal with cheating spouses, obnoxious in-laws, eating in restaurants, how act at a party, etc, Miss Manners will show you in simple, illuminating, and inspiring language. She makes etiquette fun, and helps her readers learn how to handle any situation with class and style. We only wish we'd have been aware of Miss Manners sooner--say, senior year of high school. She would have made real world situations that much easier! She's tops on our list of to-reads for all devastatingly fabulous folks. We first "met" her books at the library, so check her out and see for yourself!

*Beware the 1984 book is mammoth--absolutely enormous, but chock full of good sense. It consists of a few pages of Miss Manners' commentary, interspersed with many many pages of questions from readers and Miss Manners' responses. The book is an easy read and deals with real life problems.*

Steal her style: Charlotte Charles at the Morgue

Vintage 60's classic, simple and cool nylon sheath dress in a vibrant rose print.Greedy Seagull Shop, Etsy.

Vera scarf in white and red dotted silk. The Lucky Fish, Etsy.












 



1950s vintage white cotton gloves with dotted swiss and scalloped edging, Custard Heart Vintage, Etsy.

Inspiration: Charlotte at the morgue.

Charlotte Charles in yellow...pt 2

 The wonderfully charming Anna Friel as Charlotte "Chuck" Charles in "Pushing Daisies". Yellow rosette sweater, yellow capri pants, slightly 60s pompadour ponytail finished with ribbon. Just lovely!

Vintage movie costumes and stills...Bebe Daniels

Bebe Daniels models the outrageous lingerie confection of beads, fur, and sheer filmy material. As seen in "Why change your wife?".

a girl like you!

Doris Day's "Everybody loves a lover"

Janet Klein sings Hello Bluebird...

ladylike lips in Coral

Loving the coral again this Spring and Summer, and a go-to favorite is Coral 080, Revlon Color Burst. This is what it looks like all by itself, but it blends incredibly well with other colors.

Inspiration...need you ask?

So very "Pushing Daisies"

Found on Etsy, this wallet features spring green leather, ladybugs, and daisies! It's just darling.

You can find it at Junkyard Glitter by Chante Warner.

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).