The Fitted and Fabulous Forties

The 1940’s are of keen interest to me.  The war had an interesting effect on fashion.  During the war, women were thrust into jobs previously filled by men, and access to fabrics was limited.  Due to the nature of the new class of working women, sportswear became more popular and the image of the woman was inching into the man's fashion world with suits, pants, and jackets.  Elsa Schiaparelli popularized attention to the shoulders, adding pleats, padding and enhancing the silhouette of the 1930’s.  This trend remained popular throughout the decade.  I enjoy the fitted frocks and how women maintained a feminine look with a red lip and curls.
This vintage navy and green frock is from the 1940's.  It belonged to my dear friend Betsey Brooks, who was a long time vintage “brick and mortar” owner in Brookline, MA.  Betsey was known for her keen sense of fashion and dresses to die for!

Elsa Schiaparelli suit ca. 1939 via The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art  (Source: omgthatdress)

Schiaparelli jacket 1940's (Source: metmuseum)

Elsa Schiaparelli suit ca. 1938 via The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Source: omgthatdress)

Looking to own a beautiful 1940's frock:
Lilli Ann 40s Vintage Suit Jacket - Size S at Vintage Dress UpGal
LILLI ANN Suit Jacket. Nipped Waist, Peplum Black Copper Boucle Fabric. Size S, XS at EndlessAlley Vintage
Vintage 1940s suit lilli ann collectible black white stitching and rhinestone details at SHES A BETTIE Boutique

Cream of the Frock

White is ultimately my favorite shade.  It may be simple but always elegant.  I love how Zara added a touch of studs to the collar of a simple white sheer blouse.  I paired it with a pair of vintage YSL cream high waited cropped pants.  I'm an advocate for 50 shades of white year round!! Cream is surely a way to be the cream of the frocks in any season.


Shirt- Zara (similar here), Pants-Vintage YSL, Belt-Vintage, Earrings-Vintage Carlisle, Sunglasses-SEE Eyewear
Shades of White in all 4 Seasons:
Fall- Cream Flowing Pants

Winter-Cream Cable Knit Cashmere 

Spring: White Dresses & Skirts

Summer-The Perfect White T-Shirt

Laced in Fun

Brides aren't the only ones who can get laced! 60's and 70's boho chic style dresses are resurfacing in high end fashion; such as designer Phillip Lim and most recently in Valentino S/S Haute Couture 2012.  I love how lace is incorporated in modern eloquent ways; where bridal lace no longer applies and fun frilled lace can hit the town!  I love attention to detail.  This vintage lace frock was a true original beauty.  This dress made me feel so empowered and carefree.

Dress-Vintage, Sunglasses- Vintage Tossa, Shoes Alexandra Neel

Phillip Lim Lace Shift

Valentino S/S Haute Couture 2012 Collection