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!

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).

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.