Old Hollywood Glamour

1938 Dating Tips

2012-02-02T11:23:00.004-05:00

The last picture is my favorite.

images from Click Photo Parade Magazine via Daily Mail online

Old Begets New

2012-02-01T09:36:00.003-05:00

A beautiful editorial influenced by 20's icon Nancy Cunard.

Photography: Alexander Dahl
Styling: Josef Forselius
Hair/Make: Tony Lundström@Mikaslooks
Model: Isabelle N @ Stockholmsgruppen
Fashion Assistant: Nadja Eklöv
Shot exclusive for fashiongonerogue.com

Vanity Fair's Hollywood

2012-01-31T16:01:00.007-05:00

Vanity Fair's 2012 Hollywood Issue is a throwback to 30's glamour! Behind the scenes video below. Living for Rooney Mara's look!!

click photo to enlarge

Photo Mario Testino
Video vanityfair.com

NYC Nostalgia Train

2011-12-25T21:20:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T20:04:00.003-05:00

A 1950's Christmas with my dad, left, and two aunts.

Merry Christmas!

Dogway Melody, 1930

2011-12-16T09:32:00.002-05:00

Greatest thing ever!

PART 2

Book Giveaway Winner

2011-11-26T20:04:00.003-05:00

The winner for the book My Week With Marilyn & promo poster is:

Madrina from Savannah GA!!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Sidenote: I just discovered random.org which I will use next time... so I don't have to bother a friend to 'pick a number between 1 and...'

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

2011-11-24T11:59:00.004-05:00

Today is the 85th Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! Here are some photos of balloons past. Click to enlarge :)

Photos courtesy NY Daily News

Book Giveaway: My Week With Marilyn

2011-11-19T21:50:00.008-05:00

I have a very exciting giveaway!! I have partnered up with the wonderful people at the Weinstein Company, producers of the upcoming film, My Week With Marilyn. The film is based on the book of the same title written by Colin Clark who spent one unforgettable week as Marilyn's escort and close confidant during the 1957 filming of The Prince and the Showgirl.

Weinstein Books is giving away a copy of Clark's My Week With Marilyn and promotional movie poster to coincide with the release of the film, this Wednesday November 23rd! To enter, please email me your name and address and one winner will be drawn at random (by a trust worthy assistant) and I will forward the winner's info to the publishers who will ship directly. The giveaway ends Friday November 25th. Unfortunately, this is open to US residents only.

So far, the film has been receiving positive reviews and lots of Oscar talk for Michelle Williams. The spectacular cast also includes Eddie Redmayne (as Colin), Kenneth Branagh, Emma Watson and Julia Ormond. There was an interesting article in this week's Entertainment Weekly wherein Williams submerged herself in research in hopes of capturing her soul, which she found the true foundation for transformation. Just the body language alone was a daunting task as well as mastering the iconic wiggle-walk. Marilyn Monroe the Star, Williams discovered, was actually a character Marilyn played in hopes of casting a wide net to bring in as much love as possible.

I am looking forward to this film as I would love to discover something new that hasn't been uncovered in the seemingly endless parade of books, photos and letters. She was obviously a complex and fascinating person and spending this week with her will hopefully bring us closer to a star without tumult; a star that never fades.

Hopefully you will enter the contest and see the film! Check out the websites at the end of the post for more information on the film. Thank you to Karen, Andy and Yosub!

Synopsis (via The Weinstein Company):
In the early summer of 1956, 23 year-old Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), just down from Oxford and determined to make his way in the film business, worked as a lowly assistant on the set of ‘The Prince and the Showgirl’. The film that famously united Sir Laurence Olivier (Kenneth Branagh) and Marilyn Monroe (Michelle Williams), who was also on honeymoon with her new husband, the playwright Aurthur Miller (Dougray Scott).

Nearly 40 years on, his diary account The Prince, the Showgirl and Me was published, but one week was missing and this was published some years later as MY WEEK WITH MARILYN – this is the story of that week. When Arthur Miller leaves England, the coast is clear for Colin to introduce Marilyn to some of the pleasures of British life; an idyllic week in which he escorted a Monroe desperate to get away from her retinue of Hollywood hangers-on and the pressures of work.

Photos courtesy of The Weinstein Company

http://myweekwithmarilynmovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/myweekwithmarilyn

Lulu on SNL

2011-10-02T17:30:00.006-04:00

Melissa McCarthy on SNL

The Gangster Squad

2011-09-29T22:13:00.009-04:00

About two months ago, I fell in love with Ryan Gosling. I've never seen any of his movies; just came out of the blue. I'm going with it.

The Hollywood Reporter
9/28/2011 by Pamela McClintock

"Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow Pictures will open Ruben Fleischer's Gangster Squad -- starring Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling, Josh Brolin and Emma Stone -- on Oct. 19, 2012.

The period crime drama is based on a seven-part Los Angeles Times article written by Paul Lieberman centered on how in the 1940s, amid corruption and chaos, the LAPD created a unit called the Gangster Squad to keep the East Coast mafia out of the city."

photos- x17online.com
text- hollywoodreporter.com

39 Candles

2011-09-28T09:15:00.004-04:00

Happy Birthday Dita!

photo credit unknown

Michelle as Marilyn

2011-09-13T21:07:00.006-04:00

Michelle Williams is Vogue US' new October 2011 cover girl. What is interesting is that she is in character as Marilyn Monroe for her upcoming film, My Week With Marilyn, in US theatres November 4th, 2011. The film chronicles one week with Marilyn in 1957 while she stars in The Prince and the Showgirl.

Photos Annie Leibovitz

Cameo

2011-09-06T15:36:00.003-04:00

Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe make appearances in Dior's new J'adore short film. Good use of CGI, although Marilyn looks questionable. What are your thoughts?

Slide

2011-09-05T08:49:00.005-04:00

Jill Scott's music video 'Slide' was the first music video I worked on and was tentatively titled 'Mr. Trombone'. I cannot recall the date, but I believe it was before I moved to Los Angeles so maybe...2002?

The theme was 1940's Cotton Club, so there was a lot of MAC Ruby Woo lipstick and lashes! I was assisting makeup artist Nick Roques; the director was Jeff Kennedy. This filmed in Philadelphia at the jazz club Zanzibar Blue and since I was the assistant I did not tend to Jill, but worked on the three main girls and most every female extra.

Doppelganger: Lauren

2011-08-30T21:14:00.004-04:00

Karlie Kloss for Dior S/S 10 and Lauren Bacall

Dior photo by Steven Meisel

Scarlett

2011-08-26T23:29:00.009-04:00

Scarlett Johansson bringing to life screen icons of the past in W magazine, June 2011.

Buster Keaton

Giulietta Masina

Marlene Dietrich

Sarah Bernhardt

Photos- Tim Walker
Stylist- Jacob K.
Hair- Orlando Pita
Makeup- Val Garland
Manicure- Yuna Park
Set Design- Rhea Thierstein

Life in Hollywood 1927

2011-08-24T09:44:00.002-04:00

1920's Los Angeles

2011-08-22T15:59:00.002-04:00

Fall TV

2011-08-21T15:01:00.007-04:00

NBC's upcoming Playboy Club (Sept. 19th) and ABC's Pan Am (Sept. 25th) look pretty good! They join HBO's Boardwalk Empire and AMC's Mad Men in a growing trend of vintage and period television. More please!

Waiting

2011-08-09T22:06:00.007-04:00

I'll be back very soon~ Please wait patiently, like Louise. Thank you!! xo

Just Because: Liz

2011-06-10T10:52:00.003-04:00

Even though this is the mid-seventies, it's Elizabeth Taylor putting on eyeshadow, so how could I not post this?!

Thanks Jamie! x

Book Giveaway Winner

2011-06-06T15:35:00.003-04:00

The winner of the Marlene biography is

Elizabeth from Sussex, England!

THANK YOU to all who entered!! xo

Book Giveaway: Marlene

2011-05-31T12:38:00.009-04:00

I must be honest, I was never drawn to Marlene Dietrich mostly because I didn't know much about her. She always seemed so mysterious! Apparently, that was her unintentional modus operandi. So, I was very excited to have been contacted by publishers Simon and Schuster who have donated a new copy of Marlene's latest biography for a giveaway!!

Marlene by Charlotte Chandler is not your average biography. It is a heavily compacted conversation, if you will. Intense and expansive personal interviews and correspondences bring you into a circle of friendship and secrets all lead and surrounded by the charming and intelligent Marlene Dietrich. The overtone being her struggles between the love and protection of her family, career and German heritage and her detest against Nazi Germany. She was not afraid to do or say anything; conspiracies and intrigue regarding love and death simmer at the surface.

How could someone be so traditional yet be so advanced and ahead of the times? Incredibly smart, glamorous, and fiercely nurturing, she embarked on a film career and role of wife in her own way, often at the shock of others. The cast of players is extensive and impressive as well as the synopsis of her films and the mentors that shaped her life. Svengali-like Josef von Sternberg, Kennedy's Sr. and Jr., Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Billy Wilder, Mae West, John Gilbert, The Royal family, Mercedes de Acosta... It goes on and on. Of course, I immediately bought one to add to my growing library. This is a must read!!

This giveaway is open to all world wide, so if you would like to enter, please email me your name and shipping address. One winner will be drawn at random. Ends Monday June 6 at 12noon EST.

Thank you Amanda!! x

Doo Wop

2011-05-23T15:56:00.004-04:00

Kate Nash 'Do-Wah-Doo' is a wonderful 60's Doo Wop inspired song; I can't get it out of my head!

Behind the Burly Q

2011-04-24T22:13:00.006-04:00

A new documentary Behind the Burly Q, has just been released on DVD and is still playing in some independent theatres. Starring some famous names as well as family members of Burlesque's greatest performers, Behind the Burly Q shares an in depth look to the goings on back stage, on stage, on the road and the comradery between all. Check out the film trailer!

IMDb

The Great Gatsby House Inspiration

2011-04-17T20:46:00.001-04:00

Flapper Dictionary

2011-04-15T21:23:00.012-04:00

*I just got new laptop which I am still trying to figure out. Lots of crazy technical/blogger things going on, so I apologize for down post link and the giant paragraph. Will try to fix later... x Jim at Book Flaps acquired a 1922 Flapper Magazine detailing a Flapper Dictionary. Some are ridiculous and quite charming, but I did notice many that are in use today or at least a variation of that slang. Visit the post for more information! Absent Treatment—Dancing with a bashful partner. Airedale—A homely man. Alarm Clock—Chaperone. Anchor—Box of flowers. Apple Knocker—A hick; a hay-shaker. Apple Sauce-Flattery; bunk. Barlow—A girl, a flapper, a chicken. Bank’s Closed—No petting allowed; no kisses. Barneymugging—Lovemaking. Bee’s Knees—See “Cat’s Pajamas” Bell Polisher—A young man addicted to lingering in vestibules at 1 a.m. Bean Picker—One who patches up trouble and picks up spilled beans. Berry Patch—A man’s particular interest in a girl. Berries—Great. Biscuit—A pettable flapper. Big Timer—(n. masc.)—A charmer able to convince his sweetie that a jollier thing would be to get a snack in an armchair lunchroom; a romantic. Billboard—Flashy man or woman. Blushing Violet—A publicity hound. Blouse—To go. Blow—Wild party. Blaah—No good. Boob Tickler—Girl who entertains father’s out-of-town customers. Brush Ape—Anyone from the sticks; a country Jake. Brooksy—Classy dresser Bust—A man who makes his living in the prize ring, a pugilist. Bun Duster—See “Cake Eater”. Bush Hounds—Rustics and others outside of the Flapper pale. Cancelled Stamp—A wallflower. Cake Basket—A limousine. Cake Eater—See “Crumb Gobbler” Cat’s Particulars—The acme of perfection; anything that’s good Cat’s Pajamas—Anything that’s good Cellar Smeller—A young man who always turns up where liquor is to be had without cost. Clothesline—One who tells neighborhood secrets. Corn Shredder—Young man who dances on a girl’s feet. Crepe Hanger—Reformer. Crumb Gobbler—Slightly sissy tea hound. Crasher—Anyone who comes to parties uninvited. Crashing Party—Party where several young men in a group go uninvited. Cuddle Cootie—Young man who takes a girl for a ride on a bus, gas wagon or automobile. Cuddler—One who likes petting. Dapper—A flapper’s father. Dewdropper—Young man who does not work, and sleeps all day. Dincher—A half-smoked cigarette. Dingle Dangler—One who insists on telephoning. Dipe Ducat—A subway ticket. Dimbox—A taxicab. Di Mi—Goodness. Dogs—Feet. Dog Kennels—Pair of shoes. Dropping the Pilot—Getting a divorce. Dumbdora—Stupid girl. Duck’s Quack—The best thing ever. Ducky—General term of approbation. Dud—Wallflower. Dudding Up—Dressing. Dumbbell-Wall flower with little brains. Dumkuff—General term for being “nutty” or “batty”. Edisoned—Being asked a lot of questions. Egg Harbor—Free dance. Embalmer—A bootlegger. Eye Opener—A marriage. Father Time—Any man over 30 years of age. Face Stretcher—Old maid who tries to look younger. Feathers—Light conversation. Fire Extinguisher—A chaperone. Finale Hopper—Young man who arrives after everything is paid for. Fire Alarm—Divorced woman. Fire Bell—Married woman. Flap—Girl Flat Shoes—Fight between a Flapper and her Goof Fluky—Funny, odd, peculiar; different. Flatwheeler—Slat shy of money; takes girls to free affairs. Floorflusher—Inveterate dance hound. Flour Lover—Girl who powders too freely. Forty-Niner—Man who is prospecting for a rich wife. Frog’s Eyebrows—Nice, fine. Gander—Process of duding up. Green Glorious—Money and checks. Gimlet—A chronic bore. Given the Air—When a girl or fellow is thrown down on a date. Give Your Knee—Cheek-to-cheek or toe-to-toe dancing. Goofy—To be in love with, or attracted to. Example: “I’m goofy about Jack.” Goat’s Whiskers—See “Cat’s Particulars” Goof—Sweetie. Grummy—In the dumps, shades or blue. Grubber—One who always borrows cigarettes. Handcuff—Engagement ring. Hen Coop—A beauty parlor. His Blue Serge—His sweetheart. Highjohn—Young man friend; sweetie, cutey, highboy. Hopper—Dancer. Houdini—To be on time for a date. Horse Prancer—See “Corn Shredder”. Hush Money—Allowance from father. Jane—A girl who meets you on the stoop. Johnnie Walker—Guy who never hires a cab. Kitten’s Ankles—See “Cat’s Particulars”. Kluck—Dumb, but happy. Lap—Drink. Lallygagger—A young man addicted to attempts at hallway spooning. Lens Louise—A person given to monopolizing conversation. Lemon Squeezer—An elevator. Low Lid—The opposite of highbrow. Mad Money—Carfare home if she has a fight with her escort. Meringue—Personality. Monkey’s Eyebrows—See “Cat’s Particulars”. Monog—A young person of either sex who is goofy about only one person at a time. Monologist—Young man who hates to talk about himself. Mustard Plaster—Unwelcome guy who sticks around. Munitions—Face powder and rouge. Mug—To osculate or kiss. Necker—A petter who puts her arms around a boy’s neck. Noodle Juice—Tea. Nosebaggery—Restaurant. Nut Cracker—Policeman’s nightstick. Obituary Notice—Dunning letter. Oilcan—An imposter. Orchid—Anything that is expensive. Out on Parole—A person who has been divorced. Petting Pantry—Movie. Petting Party—A party devoted to hugging. Petter—A loveable person; one who enjoys to caress. Pillow Case—Young man who is full of feathers. Police Dog—Young man to whom one is engaged. Potato—A young man shy of brains. Ritzy Burg—Not classy. Ritz—Stuck-up. Rock of Ages—Any woman over 30 years of age. Rug Hopper—Young man who never takes a girl out. A parlor hound. Sap—A Flapper term for floorflusher. Scandal—A short term for Scandal Walk. Scandaler—A dance floor fullback. The interior of a dreadnaught hat, Piccadilly shoes with open plumbing, size 13. Seetie—Anybody a flapper hates. Sharpshooter—One who spends much and dances well. Shifter—Another species of flapper. Show Case—Rich man’s wife with jewels. Sip—Flapper term for female Hopper. Slat—See “Highjohn”; “Goof”. Slimp—Cheapskate or “one way guy”. Smith Brothers—Guys who never cough up. Smoke Eater—A girl cigarette user. Smooth—Guy who does not keep his word. Snake—To call a victim with vampire arms. Snuggleup—A man fond of petting and petting parties. Sod Buster—An undertaker. Stilts—Legs. Stander—Victim of a female grafter. Static—Conversations that mean nothing. Strike Breaker—A young woman who goes with her friend’s “Steady” while there is a coolness. Swan—Glide gracefully. Tomato—A young woman shy of brains. Trotzky (sic)—Old lady with a moustache and chin whiskers. Umbrella—young man any girl can borrow for the evening. Urban Set—Her new gown. Walk In—Young man who goes to a party without being invited. Weasel—Girl stealer. Weed—Flapper who takes risks. Weeping Willow—See “Crepe Hanger” Whangdoodle—Jazz-band music. Whiskbroom—Any man who wears whiskers. Wind Sucker—Any person given to boasting. Wurp—Killjoy or drawback.

Elizabeth Taylor MakeUp Tutorial

2011-04-14T22:26:00.003-04:00

Pixiwoo shows us how to create an Elizabeth Taylor inspired look.

Street Art

2011-02-18T09:21:00.001-05:00

Street art pin-up on W. 15th St. NYC

Dior Spring 2011 Couture: VIDEO

2011-02-03T11:07:00.001-05:00

Here is the Dior video from Vogue.com!

Dior Spring 2011 Couture

2011-02-02T15:11:00.007-05:00

We can always count on John Galliano for a little vintage glamour!! Here at Dior Spring 2011 Couture shown in Paris last week, Galliano pays tribute to René Gruau, Dior's fashion illustrator of the 40's and 50's.

Galliano~ who started as an illustrator himself before moving to design~ took references from Gruau's work and incorporated into his fabrics in the form of watercolors and illusions of pencil strokes and graduated three dimension with light.

The hair designed by Orlando Pita and the makeup by Pat McGrath fit the times and the Gruau's iconic beauties. If you have ever seen the first Barbie dolls, you will notice striking similarities.

Here are some highlights!

photos style.com

Inspiration: Marilyn

2011-01-31T12:06:00.007-05:00

photo Eve Arnold 1955

I am currently in the midst of finding new inspiration and motivation for many things, and always like to hear how others find theirs. The other day I was pleasantly surprised to hear from talented UK based photographer Carly Rodgers sharing with me a recent shoot she did that was inspired by the Marilyn Monroe photo above.

She was moved to recreate a timeless, sensual and vintage feel, similar to Marilyn's languid pose. I think these photos are brilliant and definitely capture strength and vulnerability, just like Marilyn. It is important to note that true inspiration is an artist's interpretation of another art form. To be inspired and not copy is hard to do! Carly took elements from Marilyn's photo and made it her own. To see more of her vintage inspired photos look here!

photos Carly Rodgers 2011

photo Janine Walker 2011

Thank you Carly! xo

Book Giveaway Winner

2011-01-17T21:20:00.002-05:00

The winner of the Sal Mineo biography giveaway is

John from Memphis, TN

Thank you to all who entered!! x

Book Giveaway: Sal Mineo

2011-01-11T20:51:00.003-05:00

I have another wonderful book giveaway! I was sent a copy of Michael Gregg Michaud's biography Sal Mineo from the lovely people at Broadway Books/Random House. They have also donated a copy to one lucky winner!

Sal Mineo was the biggest thing in Hollywood during the late 1950's and had a huge teen following after the success of Rebel Without A Cause. I found his life to be quite a roller coaster ride and often troublesome. Dealing with an overbearing mother who doubled as his manager as well as struggling to assert himself as an artist~ a real actor and not a teeny bopper idol. Threaded through all of this was his dynamic personal and sexual life. Most arrows point to bisexual, yet I think that he leaned one way but as a people pleaser keep all doors open. So much controlled chaos that led to a senseless tragedy. I enjoyed the detailed film discussions as well as his upbeat look on life. I hope everyone gets a chance to check out this biography!

If you would like to enter, please EMAIL me your name and address. One winner will be drawn at random by my trusty assistant (who ever is standing near me at the time) The deadline is Mon. Jan. 17th 12noon EST.

*PLEASE NOTE* This drawing is open to US residents only! The publisher will be sending the book directly to the winner. I am sorry to everyone outside the USA :( xo

Much thanks to Jennifer!!

Gay Carrington

2010-12-30T21:45:00.004-05:00

She was one of the Old Hollywood Studio System's greatest stars, now clawing her way back to the top!

Archival footage found of Gay Carrington's screen test with Leslie Howard for Of Human Bondage

... And her thrilling performance in Bates Motel

For more of Gay Carrington, please visit her YouTube channel!!

Coal Miner's Daughter

2010-12-26T21:27:00.005-05:00

I have never seen Coal Miner's Daughter and it was on the telly the other night. I watched it because there was nothing else on. I loved it!! (Has this ever happened to you?) I'm not into country music, and knew Loretta Lynn was a star, but it was so interesting to peek into that world. The apex at the Grand Ole Opry, the friendship and heartache with mentor Patsy Cline, the costumes! The hair! At first I thought how proud she was to never lose her "true self" but I realized she didn't know any other way. The 50's and 60's were such a burgeoning time for female performers in any genre of music. A lot of determination and sacrifice. I believe Dolly Parton's ascent was similar? I would like to read the book next.

Person to Person: Marilyn

2010-12-24T07:42:00.003-05:00

April 8, 1955 interview for Edward R Murrow's program Person to Person.

Thanks Tamela!

Book Giveaway Winner

2010-12-15T20:05:00.002-05:00

The winner of Possessed is

Elizabeth from Richboro, PA!

Elizabeth was drawn at random out of many wonderful readers. Thank you to all who entered! Please run out and get this book! xo

Book Giveaway: Possessed

2010-12-10T21:43:00.007-05:00

I am so very excited about this giveaway!! The wonderful people at William Morrow/Harper Collins have generously donated a copy of Donald Spoto's Possessed; a new biography on Joan Crawford for a giveaway drawing!

I will be honest, I read the first few pages then ran out to buy my own copy. :) It is, in my opinion, one of the best biographies I have read as it is almost set up like a documentary. Unbiased and factual, and honest about facts unknown. Meticulous footnotes and vivid descriptive qualities. A ton of never seen before photos and correspondences. Of course, she is a fascinating subject and I actually learned new things about her life and careers. I loved it, and am thrilled for one of you to own it!

If interested, please email me your name and mailing address and one winner will be drawn at random. Ends Wed. Dec. 15th 12noon EST.

Special thanks to Kimberly! xo

Navy

2010-12-02T21:36:00.003-05:00

Paul Newman's Naval service portraits. First photo dated 1943, second photo unknown. If anyone knows, please let me know! TSG didn't have much info on them.

photos thesmokinggun.com

Squirrely

2010-11-21T19:05:00.004-05:00

Life.com showcases 1944's most fashionable squirrel! See more of this charming critter in the full Life gallery here!

Photos: Nina Leen/Time & Life Pictures/Getty Images

Wonderment

2010-11-15T20:03:00.004-05:00

Original Illustration of Wonder Woman, 1941

A fascinating find on Heritage Auction Galleries is the original concept sketch of then soon to be Wonder Woman. Illustrator Harry G. Peter submits these drawings to creator William Moulton Marston in 1941. The illustration was sold in Oct. 2002 for approximately $33,350. Click image for better view!

DESCRIPTION:
H. G. Peter - Original Illustration of Wonder Woman (ca. 1941). This is, quite frankly, an incredible piece of comics history. Recently acquired from the estate of H. G. Peter, Wonder Woman's original artist, these are his first sketches of the Amazon Princess. The figures are done in what appear to be pencil, ink, and crayon and show Wonder Woman from the side and from the front. To the right of the figures, in pencil, Peter has written to Dr. William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman's creator,

"Dear Dr. Marston, I slapped these two out in a hurry. The eagle is tough to handle - when in perspective or in profile, he doesn't show up clearly -- the shoes look like a stenographer's. I think the idea might be incorporated as a sort of Roman contraption. Peter".

In red pencil, below the figures, Marston responds,

"Dear Pete - I think the gal with hand up is very cute. I like her skirt, legs, hair. Bracelets okay + boots. These probably will work out. See other suggestions enclosed. No on these + stripes - red + white. With eagle's wings above or below breasts as per enclosed? Leave it to you. Don't we have to put a red stripe around her waist as belt? I thought Gaines wanted it - don't remember. Circlet will have to go higher - more like crown - see suggestions enclosed. See you Wednesday morning - WMM."

Measuring approximately 13" x 18.75" overall, the piece is in excellent condition. It was obviously folded to fit in an envelope, with a horizontal fold approximately 4.5" from the top and five vertical fold lines. The profile figure stands approximately 8" tall, while the front-facing figure is slightly larger at 9". The historical importance of this piece cannot be overstated. This is a rare insight into the creation of an iconic character, showing clearly the creative process undertaken by two important comics pioneers. A piece of this caliber is rarely offered for public sale, especially one with such important historical qualities. Obtained from the estate of H. G. Peter, included with this lot are two other interesting items: a hand-drawn, hand-colored postcard addressed to "Miss A. Fulton" and signed "H. G. Roth" (Peter's real name), measuring approximately 6" x 4", and a sepia-toned portrait of Peter holding a pipe, which measures approximately 5.5" x 5.5". All in all, a fascinating collection of material from one of comic's most important artists.

image and description courtesy Heritage Auction Galleries/ha.com

Fire & Ice

2010-11-14T10:04:00.004-05:00

Richard Avedon photographed model and muse Dorian Leigh for Revlon's 1952 Fire & Ice campaign. Fast forward to 2010 where Mario Testino photographs actress Jessica Biel for the re-launch of the iconic collection.

photo revlon.com

Dear John

2010-11-08T07:29:00.004-05:00

Last week, my friend loaned me a DVD biography of Greta Garbo. There were numerous mentions of her favorite leading man, John Gilbert. I only knew the basics about him, such as he was known as the screen's Greatest Lover and that supposedly his career fizzled out when talkies made the scene. He actually had a beautiful speaking voice, but the long standing rumor of Louis B. Mayer's involvement in John's withdrawal from films is still around. I must do more research.

I was riding the T (subway) the other day, a young man boarded and he looked exactly like John Gilbert!! He seemed to be around 25, and had on a lovely navy blue three piece suit and had the perfect sculpted fudge brown hair and mustache. The same strong jaw, slightly peaked ears, strong patrician nose. I stared. A lot. He had that standout panache that many men, especially young men, fail to achieve. If it wasn't so crowded, I would have made my way over to him and asked for a picture for the blog. (I have no shame.)

Here are a few swoon worthy photos of Dear John...

Investigation

2010-11-02T10:49:00.004-04:00

A new series on Investigation Discovery called "The Will: Family Secrets Revealed" premiers tomorrow night, Wednesday Nov. 3 at 9pm ET/PT. The first episode will uncover mysteries about Old Hollywood Glamour favorite, Joan Crawford and her family controversies. Here is a preview!

Thanks Maia!

Advert Winner

2010-10-20T22:06:00.001-04:00

The winner of the Rita Avdert drawing is

Celeste from Brooklyn, NY

Congrats and thanks to all who entered! x

Advert Giveaway

2010-10-15T15:45:00.003-04:00

I just recently moved to Boston. (YEA!!) Anyway, while rummaging through my things I found an old advertisement of Max Factor cosmetics, starring Rita Hayworth. It came from a 1943 Good Housekeeping magazine. I found it on eBay and apparently forgot I had it. It is 11x8 and in a plastic sleeve.

If you would like this delightful advert for your collection of vintage goodies, please email me your name and mailing address. One winner will be drawn at random and deadline is Wed Oct 20, 12noon est. Thank you!!

Bureau

2010-10-10T20:05:00.006-04:00

I spent a leisurely afternoon at Boston's SoWa Vintage Market. I came across this lovely bureau, which caught my eye as 1) I recently moved and need some pretty pieces and 2) my apartment is very small so this was the perfect size and 3) they delivered!

Here is the bureau at home, and in better light. I purchased it from Hummingbird Antiques (781) 389-8911 and was told it was pre-1930. I haven't yet looked for markings, it is quite heavy. I like that it has small casters and wooden wheels. It's a soft buttercream color with chipping in all the right places revealing it was once painted mint green. I like it very much!

Kathy Griffin

2010-10-09T16:11:00.004-04:00

From June 2010~ Kathy Griffin posed as a pinup for her 2010 Creative Emmy "For Your Consideration" ad that ran in the Hollywood Reporter. The tag reads "They don't give out an Emmy for 'Best Airbrushing' but if they did, I'd totally win." She looks super cute!!

Big Red

2010-10-07T21:25:00.001-04:00

Book Giveaway Winner

2010-10-05T12:43:00.002-04:00

The winner of the Jack and the Jungle Lion book drawing is

Kasandra from Hemet, CA

Congratulations! And thanks to all that entered! x

Tony Curtis 1925-2010

2010-09-30T08:39:00.004-04:00

Book Giveaway: Jack and the Jungle Lion

2010-09-29T19:59:00.009-04:00

I am very excited about this giveaway!! Author, actor and film buff Stephen Jared has generously donated a copy of his thrilling novel Jack and the Jungle Lion for one lucky winner! Stephen, like most of us, adores the glamour and adventure of the 30's and 40's films and has captured these elements in the book. Our hero, Jack Hunter, imbues the swashbuckling allure and romantic charm of the leading men of our precious Old Hollywood. For more information visit Jack and the Jungle Lion.

I am compelled to post a review I found on Amazon:

JACK HUNTER IS CARY GRANT PLAYING INDIANA JONES, September 10, 2010
By
J. P. Byrne (Lincoln, England)
This review is from: Jack and the Jungle Lion (Paperback)

"Jack and the Jungle Lion" is much more than a fast-paced, thrill-a-minute, romantic adventure story ... it's also a movie literally begging to be filmed.

I am an aficionado of old Hollywood adventure flicks and this novel really captures what was fun about those great movies of my youth. Author Stephen Jared obviously loves those movies also, and any fan of "Only Angels Have Wings", "Secret of the Incas" and Indiana Jones will really get a kick out of this book. In the spirit of those 1940's serials, Mr Jared also left this reader wanting more.

Special mention must be acknowledged to the impressive cover art by Paul Shipper, which evokes the colourful posters of that period in Hollywood history.

Reading this book in one sitting ("couldn't put it down"), it was easy to imagine Cary Grant as the suave handsome movie hero Jack Hunter, with his slick line of patter, and of course, his bitchy ex-silent movie queen wife would have been played by Gloria Swanson. The real star of the book is the spunky , fiery heroine Maxine Daniels, who battles giant snakes, poison pits and hostile headhunters with absolute cool. She's a strong character, but also very feminine, and I imagined Frances Gifford in this role. That's the wonderful thing about this book - a movie is playing in your head at the same time - and its a helluva wild ride.

Stephen Jared has a nice, easy, flowing style of prose, and a great knowledge of that era in Hollywood history. Even staccato voiced Walter Winchell (the man who started the legend that Yma Sumac was Amy Camus) is part of the plot. I you want a story that combines terrific action with some really smart one-liners, that has romance and exotic adventures set in the Amazonian jungle - then this is the book for you. It's a pure delight .. and I for one demand a sequel, Mr Jared.

One lucky winner will be drawn at random and is open to all world wide. Please email me your name and mailing address. Deadline is Monday Oct 4th at 12 noon EST. Thank you Stephen!

Scandalous

2010-07-29T20:20:00.006-04:00

From the Daily Express UK:

WHEN HOLLYWOOD WAS REALLY BAD
By Simon Edge

Lindsay Lohan's childishness has landed her in jail but her behaviour is nothing compared to the lawless sinners of cinema's true golden age.

CRUSHED AT AN ORGY

Roscoe Arbuckle, known to the world by his nickname Fatty, was a massive – in all senses – star of the silent cinema in the 1910s and one of the highest paid.

But his career was destroyed when a would-be starlet called Virginia Rappe died of a ruptured bladder after a weekend orgy he threw in San Francisco in 1921. The 19-stone Arbuckle was accused of raping and accidentally killing her and he was tried three times for manslaughter.

Although he was eventually acquitted his films were banned and he was dogged for the rest of his short life (he died in 1933) by lurid rumours about what precisely had happened to Rappe. One of the most gruesome was that he had raped her and then crushed her with his great weight.

HOT TODDY OUT COLD

Thelma Todd was a blonde bombshell ex-beauty queen who forged a successful career playing comedy roles opposite Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy and the Marx Brothers, including in the latter’s classic film Monkey Business.

Known as Hot Toddy to her friends she also ran a racy restaurant-cum-nightclub called Thelma Todd’s Sidewalk Café which was popular with celebrities and tourists.

When she was found lifeless in her car outside her beach-front house on a December morning in 1935 there were immediate suspicions she had been murdered by gangsters with designs on her club.

Her death was eventually ruled to be an accident caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. But the cursory nature of the investigation by the Los Angeles district attorney’s office – a notoriously corrupt institution – allowed the rumours of foul play to persist to this day.

FATAL FISTS
Paul Kelly was a child actor from the silent era who was busy developing an adult career as a leading man when he was arrested in 1927 for the manslaughter of stage song-and-dance man Ray Raymond.

Raymond was the violent husband of Kelly’s lover Dorothy Mackaye. He had found out about the affair and come to blows with Kelly but ended up the loser: two days after the fight he died of a brain hemorrhage.

Although his alcoholism was found to be a factor in Raymond’s death Kelly was convicted and served two years in the notorious San Quentin prison. Amazingly his career survived and he became a successful Hollywood character actor in the Thirties and Forties as well as winning a coveted Tony award on Broadway.

His relationship with Dorothy also survived his imprisonment. They married after his release but their happiness was short-lived. She died in a car crash in 1940.

A BEVY OF SUSPECTS

When police arrived at a Hollywood murder scene in 1922 they found that several Paramount studio executives had got there first. The film bosses were busy burning documents in a fireplace while the film star Mabel Normand – instantly recognisable as the leading lady in many of Mack Sennett’s slapstick comedies – was rummaging through the victim’s desk.

The dead man was her lover, bachelor director William Desmond Taylor, who was helping her battle cocaine addiction. Normand’s career teetered after she was briefly suspected of the murder and then completely crashed the following year when her chauffeur shot and wounded a millionaire oil broker with her pistol. She died of TB seven years later, aged 37. Taylor had also been sleeping with another young actress, Mary Miles Minter. Her reputation was badly tarnished by the revelations about her private life and her career did not survive. Her pushy stage mother Charlotte Shelby was also suspected of the crime and bribed three different district attorneys to keep her name out of the case.

In 1964, however, yet another of Taylor’s actresses from the silent era, Margaret Gibson, made a death bed confession to the murder. No motive is recorded. The only witness to the confession had never heard of Taylor and was too distracted by the immediate crisis of her heart attack to pay proper attention.

SKULDUGGERY AT SEA

In 1924 the media magnate William Randolph Hearst – one of the richest and most powerful men in America – hosted a glittering cruise on his luxury yacht off the coast of southern California.

Guests included Charlie Chaplin, future gossip columnist Louella Parsons and Hearst’s mistress, the silent film star Marion Davies. But another guest, the movie producer and western pioneer Thomas Ince, was taken ill on board and died shortly afterwards. He was cremated without an inquest before his wife even knew he was dead.

This crude attempt at a cover-up was bound to fuel rumours of foul play. A theory duly emerged that Hearst himself had shot the dead man. According to this version of events – dramatised in the film The Cat’s Meow starring Kirsten Dunst and Eddie Izzard – the jealous tycoon had mistaken Ince for Chaplin, who had been sleeping with Davies.

Hearst’s biographer believes the real reason for the cover-up was the vast amount of drinking taking place.

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

The silent-film heart-throb John Gilbert, a famous lover of Greta Garbo, rivalled Rudolph Valentino as a box-office draw.

One night he burst drunkenly into a Beverly Hills police station waving a revolver and shouting that someone had tried to kill him. He was disarmed, locked up and the next morning a judge jailed him for a week.

But studio mogul Louis B Mayer needed Gilbert on the set of his latest film. He got on the phone to the judge and the sentence was instantly quashed.

NAKED WITH A GUN

Paul Bern, the film producer husband of platinum blonde superstar Jean Harlow, was found dead at their home in Beverly Hills in 1932. He was naked with a bullet hole in his head. Security staff from MGM studios were on the scene before the police, leading to widespread suspicion of the “suicide note” left near the body.

The story put out by the studio, that Bern had shot himself because he was impotent, was indeed fabricated by Louis B Mayer to protect Harlow’s career. Writers investigating the case later concluded that Bern had been murdered by a deranged former girlfriend.

Harlow’s career continued unharmed but she died of kidney failure in 1937 aged only 26.

A TANGLED TALE

In 1958 police were called to the Beverly Hills home of Lana Turner, who had recently revived her glittering career with an Oscar nomination for the blockbuster Peyton Place.

They found her hoodlum lover Johnny Stompanato stabbed to death in an upstairs room. Turner, once nicknamed The Sweater Girl, begged the chief of police to let her claim responsibility but her 14-year-old daughter Cheryl had already confessed.

At a sensational trial Cheryl said that she had heard the violent Stompanato threaten to kill her mother and she grabbed a knife from the kitchen to try to protect Lana. She was released after the jury returned a verdict of justifiable homicide.

Cheryl had already been repeatedly raped by her mother’s fourth husband, Tarzan star Lex Barker. She went off the rails after the trial and ended up in a delinquents’ home before prospering as a Palm Springs estate agent.

DON'T WALK

Did a drunken Clark Gable run over and kill a pedestrian on Hollywood Boulevard? The story has persisted for years. The incident was supposedly covered up when MGM paid a minor executive to go to prison in his place.

This is almost certainly an urban myth and the most that Gable hit was a tree. On the other hand, the future Hollywood director John Huston did kill a pedestrian on Sunset Boulevard in 1933 and no charges were pressed. One biographer claims that Huston’s actor father Walter persuaded Louis B Mayer to pay to have the matter suppressed.

**I've read so many books and articles that really highlighted how powerful the studio heads and PR men were. They took care of everything. Nothing got out. I think that's the appeal at the time; the stars were untouchable and iconic which equaled dollars. Now after a few years when stories come out, we see some were heavily flawed and distraught, caught up in the Hollywood Machine that was the Golden Era. Stardom came at a price. Sad, really.

I've read somewhere that the Arbuckle scandal was his downfall and that he was framed and never recovered emotionally. Also interestingly absent from this article was the death of Ted Healy, vaudeville veteran and Three Stooges founder. There are strong rumors that Wallace Beery was responsible for his death during a barroom brawl. Knowing Beery's temper this could be a possibility.

Any scandals you can think of?

Reincarnate

2010-07-16T20:05:00.002-04:00

Harper's Bazaar August 2010 editorial starring Laetitia Casta as Mae West. Diorific!!

Photo: Jean-Paul Goude
Makeup: Lloyd Simmonds

photos courtesy models.com

Inspiration

2010-07-08T18:07:00.005-04:00

Thanks to Tamela D'Amico for directing me to this delightful post of Gil Elvgren's models, found at Muamba Escaneada.

Vogue Italia July '10

2010-07-02T23:03:00.004-04:00

Vogue Italia July 2010 issue
Christy Turlington channeling Jean Shrimpton and the glamorous side of The Sixties.

Photo: Steven Meisel

Hair: Guido

Makeup: Pat McGrath

John Galliano Men's Spring 2011

2010-06-30T09:36:00.004-04:00

John Galliano's Menswear Spring 2011 shown in Paris was inspired by iconic silent screen legends Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. The opening Charlie model even tumbled out of a giant clock as a nod to Chaplin's Modern Times.

photos style.com

Collectors Weekly

2010-06-28T17:03:00.004-04:00

Image courtesy of the 1905 Hamilton Manufacturing Catalog (#14; 190 pp.) via collectorsweekly.com

Joanna of The Collectors Weekly was kind enough to notify me of their site! This is a fun and informative online resource for those who love to collect and showcase their treasures. One can learn the basics of collecting vintage and antiques, participate in local events and read up on interviews about those in the know. Here are two more recent articles that Joanna thought we might be interested in. Go to The Collectors Weekly to see more! Thanks Joanna!!

Vintage Handbag Collector Abigail Rutherford

Shoe Curator Elizabeth Semmelhack

Joy Ride

2010-06-27T17:47:00.006-04:00

1908 Ford outside of the Kimberly Hotel, NYC

An Evening With Jane Russell

2010-06-18T20:19:00.006-04:00

If you live in the Los Angeles area... GO!

Official Press Release:

Jane Russell To Appear June 23 at Hollywood Heritage Museum

Iconic Hollywood sex symbol Jane Russell, who starred in “The Outlaw,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “The Revolt of Mamie Stover,” will make a rare personal appearance June 23 at the Hollywood Heritage Museum in the Lasky-DeMille Barn.

The “Evening with Jane Russell” program will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a 45-minute motion picture summary of Ms. Russell’s life and career and close with a conversation with the multi- talented performer/activist.

The deeply-religious entertainer, an adoptive mother of three, founded the World Adoption International Fund (WAIF) in 1952, which placed an estimated 51,000 orphaned children. The next year she championed passage of the Federal Orphan Adoption Amendment, which allowed children of American servicemen born overseas to be placed for adoption in the U.S. And in 1980 she was at the forefront of the lobbying effort for the Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act, which provides reimbursement for eligible foster and adoptive parents, and financial assistance for the additional cost incurred with adopting handicapped children.

The Lasky-DeMille Barn (birthplace of Paramount Pictures) is located at 2100 N. Highland Avenue, across from the Hollywood Bowl. Parking is free (in Lot D). General admission is $10 ($5 for Hollywood Heritage members) and refreshments are available.

The museum auditorium has seating for only 110 guests, and ticket-seekers are advised to arrive early. For additional information visit: Hollywood Heritage Museum

My past experience with "Evening With Jane Russell" here
My visit to the Hollywood Heritage Museum here

The Josephine Effect

2010-06-08T10:59:00.003-04:00

(I'm having problems with my links, so here is the article in it's entirety)

From the Huffington Post:

How Josephine Baker Helped Save Post-War French Fashion
by Lesley M. M. Blume

"Some style icons never go out of fashion, and Josephine Baker is one of them. Thanks to her chocolate-colored skin, Baker was a second-class citizen in her native America -- but on the stages of 1920s Paris, she became the toast of the continent, even receiving some 1,500 marriage proposals.

Today most people remember this performer for her dances at the Folies-Bergère, in which she wore nothing but a string of bananas draped around her famous hips. Yet much of her ongoing allure centers on how she transcended her role as a sex symbol in many ways.

For example, Baker served as a dedicated member of the French resistance during World War II: her undercover work apparently included smuggling secret messages written on her music sheets. The French government eventually awarded her the prestigious Chevalier of the Legion of Honor award for her hard work and dedication.

On another front, in the 1950s, she began to adopt children of different races, predating Angelina Jolie's international adoptive clan by decades. The result was a "rainbow tribe" to prove that "children of different ethnicities and religions could still be brothers"; she would adopt twelve children in all, to whom she was known as the "Universal Mother."

Yet there seems to be ever more to learn about this extraordinary woman. Last week, one of Baker's adopted sons, Jean-Claude Baker, hosted a lavish dinner honoring his mother's birthday (she would have been 104 years old) at his landmark New York City restaurant, Chez Josephine. During a spirited toast, Monsieur Baker alluded to the fact that Josephine had been a seminal ambassador for some of France's most important - and struggling - design houses after the second World War: a now largely-forgotten fact.

After the dinner, I sat with Monsieur Baker under an enormous oil painting of the nude Josephine (those divine legs! those gorgeous breasts!), and he told me more about the important role Baker played in the world of post-war fashion.

Below, Jean-Claude Baker talks about how Josephine became a savior of the House of Dior, who really invented that deliciously scandalous string of bananas, and how she became a "guest editor" at Vogue (without the editors ever knowing it)."

*****
Lesley Blume: You mentioned that Josephine Baker was one of the earliest ambassadors for French haute couture. Tell me more.

Jean-Claude Baker: Yes, she was, especially after the second World War. France was very poor; there was no money to promote French haute couture. Josephine was a very good friend of Christian Dior and Pierre Balmain, and they loved to dress her. And when Josephine came back to American in 1949 - 50, she was wearing -- in a show, onstage -- those fabulous dresses. Americans were absolutely fascinated.

There came a very big book about Dior a few years ago, and that big Dior event at the Metropolitan - Madame Pompadou was there, Princess Diana was there -- and I went to Dior and I said, 'You don't even have a dress of Josephine's, you don't even have a picture. You should be ashamed.' They told me that there had been a flood in the basement of the building and they had lost all of the materials.

So no one remembers now that Josephine was the one to revive French haute couture after the war.

LMMB: What happened to the clothing from the other designers?

JCB: Everything is gone because Josephine gave all the costumes to a transvestite. Those fabulous costumes are in some Fort Lauderdale drag queen place, or Paris or Hong Kong.

LMMB: Tell me a little bit about her most famous costume: the bananas.

JCB: Well, you cannot talk about Josephine without mentioning them. Jean Cocteau claimed that his lover made the costume, but it was actually made by [iconic designer] Paul Poiret's lover. Monsieur Christian was his name.

LMMB: You hinted that Josephine herself was a bit of a fashion designer.

JCB: When Josephine arrived in Paris, Paul Poiret invited her to a private [show]. The first model came out; not a word [from her]. The second model came; not a word. People were very shocked, saying 'Who does she think she is?' She said, 'Could I have a piece of paper and a pen?' Then she designed the dress and she added some fringes. Everybody was humiliated and Paul Poiret said, 'Thank you, Josephine. You are hired. This dress should have had two more row[s] of fringes. I will call this dress La Robe Josephine Baker.'

When she was traveling in America, from show to show by train, while the other girls were talking silly about boys or whatever, Josephine would look at Vogue magazine -- and all of the white fashion magazines -- and with a pencil, she would correct all of the drawings.

LMMB: What can women today learn from Josephine Baker?

JCB: If you believe in yourself, you can make whatever you want, dress however you want. Do not follow the trend. Follow your own inner voice. That's what Josephine did all her life. She showed up in Paris and cut her hair, almost like the French men who show their part on the side. The other chorus girls said, 'She has no self-proudness,' but Josephine said, 'Look, the people love it.' She was a trendsetter - and to be a trendsetter, you cannot be a little lamb. You have a break the rules.

*****
On November 1, 2010, Chronicle Books will release a book by Lesley M. M. Blume based on her popular Huffington Post column about nostalgia. 'Let's Bring Back' will be a sophisticated, stylish cultural encyclopedia, celebrating forgotten objects, pastimes, and personae from bygone eras. Josephine Baker, Paul Poiret, Christian Dior, and many other luminaries of style make appearances throughout the book.

Firsts

2010-06-03T09:32:00.009-04:00

I love to see historical elements in modern advertising.

Giveaway Winner

2010-05-09T09:38:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Karina in Germany!

Her name was drawn at random to receive the MAC giveaway in honor of Old Hollywood Glamour's 3 Year Anniversary. Thank you to all who entered, and for reading my blog. xo

Homage

2010-05-04T23:13:00.003-04:00

"Why Don't You Love Me" by Beyoncé

I'm not a big Beyoncé fan, (I like a song or two) but love the fact that she is paying homage to the pin-up, vintage housewife and burlesque scene! Blonde Bettie? :) Great video! Your thoughts?

3 Year Anniversary Giveaway

2010-05-03T10:42:00.003-04:00

I have been so preoccupied with other things that I didn't realize February was Old Hollywood Glamour's 3 year Anniversary!! In honor, I have a lovely MAC collection to give away. I have been doing giveaways for 2 years now, and it never dawned on me to actually post pictures of the goodies! So here is a picture of what the winner will receive...

Hot Gossip lipstick~ an opaque creamy mauve/pink
Full Body lipstick~ a sheer glossy deep plum
Beautiful Iris eyeshadow~ a veluxe pearl lavender
Nocturnelle eyeshadow~ a frost bright plum
Rapidblack~ penultimate liquid eyeliner

As usual, the drawing is open to everyone worldwide. Please email me your name and shipping address and one winner will be drawn at random. The giveaway ends Friday May 7th at 12noon EST. Thank you so much!! xo

Quack

2010-04-13T22:14:00.003-04:00

The Shot

2010-04-06T12:02:00.009-04:00

The Sartorialist posts contests in which readers could submit old family photos showing remarkable vintage style. The photo is entitled, "The Shot". I love the grandpa jeans and the head scarf. Of course, the look on her face is priceless!

"May I introduce you to my Texas Grandma, Charlene Beck, I liken her in my mind to a cross between Rosie the Riveter and Bonnie Parker. This image of her was taken in the 1950's on a road trip from Texas to Tennessee by my Papa, Henry Beck, whom you can see in the reflection of the mirror. What is so inspirational about this image goes beyond the fabulous sense of style my grandmother had (and has still very much to this day). I mean, how cute does she look in her cuffed pants and rolled up sleeves with the scarf sweeping her shoulder?! If you look deeper you'll realize she is a woman in the 50's wearing men's jeans, something women did not do in small town USA back then. She was a style trailblazer, not letting the fact she is a woman stop her from wearing what she wants, when she wants. The outfit in present day is not shocking but I think we can still appreciate her sense of style and take inspiration in that freedom she so boldly stood for back then with what we choose to wear today. Just a side note on this photograph — if you ask my Grandma about it she likes to point out the fact that she's at least drinking milk so no one gets the impression she's as bad as she looks... I think anyone can see why she is my hero.

I found this image packed away in my grandfather's army trunk along with old valentines, pictures of Europe, his family on the farm and mementos from his life after he passed away in the 90's."

Photo and text courtesy of The Sartorialist

Motoring

2010-03-30T11:17:00.005-04:00

When it comes to automobiles (of any era) the extent of my knowledge goes no further than "That's pretty!". Antique cars are truly works of art in motion. They must be cultivated and doted on to ensure their finest operation and aesthetics. This is a hobby that encompasses time, money and passion.

The other day, I came across a kind gentleman named Ed who owns this beauty! A 1931 Ford Town Sedan, Model A. He has been the proud owner for almost 4 years and has put a lot of work into it. It won 1st place in the New Hope (PA) Auto Show in 2008, but didn't enter it in 2009 due to a fender paint job that was not up to his standards. Ed is hoping to enter his gem this year.

The first thing he pointed out to me was a rare feature called a 'slant' windshield. As you can see in the 4th photo, it is able to crank open at the bottom. I asked him what was the reasoning and he said "Air conditioning!" He said that Henry Ford added this option the last 6 months of '31 to compete with the foreign cars.

Ed showed me the engine and waxed poetically about all the features and gizmos. He informed me that the heater was an aftermarket addition as his "wife gets cold". Good thinking! There were a few other aftermarket parts that he changed out to make his motoring more comfortable, but tried to stay as close to the era with parts. He has all of the original parts and tools! I was pleased to hear him say that this was not a "trailer car" meaning he drives it as it should be driven and not collecting dust in his garage. He says these cars are more sturdy than you think.

I love the olive green color and the glossy ebony fenders with the pop of yellow. Other charming features include the bud vase and a roll down shade with silk tassel for the back window. This is one sharp automobile! Thank you Ed!!

My favorite part!

The List

2010-03-24T17:00:00.006-04:00

Schindler's List for Sale. It will be sold on a first come, first served basis through Moments In Time.

Carol Burnett

2010-03-14T22:47:00.003-04:00

...as Nora Desmond

...as Scarlett O'Hara

...as Margo Channing

...as Mildred Pierce

Oscar

2010-03-07T12:48:00.012-05:00

Mary Pickford and her 1928 Oscar for Best Actress in Coquette

Conrad Nagel presents Norma Shearer with her 1930 Oscar for Best Actress in The Divorcee

Side note: MINK CUFFS!

Louis B. Mayer presents Helen Hayes with her 1932 Oscar for Best Actress in The Sin of Madelon Claudet

1932 Best Actor Oscar tie go to Wallace Beery for The Champ and Fredric March for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, seen here with 1931 Oscar winner Lionel Barrymore and 1932 Academy President Conrad Nagel

Bette Davis admires her 1935 Oscar for Best Actress in Dangerous

David O. Selznick presents Vivien Leigh her 1939 Oscar for Best Actress in Gone With The Wind

First African American Oscar nominee Hattie McDaniel and her 1939 Best Supporting Actress Oscar in Gone With The Wind. Does anyone know who this is with her?

*Update~ The woman with Hattie is actress Fay Bainter. Thank you John!

Joan Fontaine holds her 1941 Oscar for Best Actress in Suspicion alongside Gary Cooper with his statuette for Best Actor in Sergeant York

Joan Crawford in bed "sick" accepting her 1945 Oscar for Best Actress in Mildred Pierce

Jose Ferrer hears the news of his 1950 Oscar win for Best Actor in Cyrano de Bergerac while dining in a New York City cafe with Judy Holiday and Gloria Swanson

Audrey Hepburn holds her 1953 Oscar for Best Actress in Roman Holiday

1954 Oscar winners Best Actor Marlon Brando for On The Waterfront and Best Actress Grace Kelly for The Country Girl

In 1957, Olivia de Havilland poses with her two Oscars; 1946 Best Actress Oscar for To Each His Own and 1949 Best Actress Oscar for The Heiress

Yul Brynner presents the 1960 Best Actress Oscar to Liz Taylor for her role in Butterfield 8

Hodgepodge

2010-02-17T07:15:00.006-05:00

*The above photo is Dietrich and her husband Rudi, not Chaplin.

Ziegfeld Theatre

2010-02-09T16:24:00.001-05:00

The original Ziegfeld Theatre opened in 1927 in the heart of the theatre district in New York City. This illustrious building was home to the best Broadway had to offer. The Glitterati flocked there as this was the place to see and be seen! Sadly, it was torn down in 1966.

The current Ziegfeld Theatre at West 54th between 6th and 7th stands only a few hundred feet away from the former on the same block, and is a movie house that often sees grand premiers. I was able to snap a few photos as the lobby is adorned with wonderful artifacts and ephemera from the theatre's grand past. Please click on the image to get a better view! You will recognize some famous~ and infamous names!

Marilyn Candids

2010-02-06T08:56:00.002-05:00

These candids of Marilyn Monroe were taken shortly before her death in December 1961 by photographer Len Steckler. The negatives of this charming collection had been found recently by Steckler's son who had decided to release them to the public. Marilyn had stopped by Steckler's apartment to visit a mutual friend, poet Carl Sandburg, and graciously allowed the impromptu shoot.

photos Len Steckler/REUTERS

Clutch

2010-02-01T11:15:00.002-05:00

I have a small collection of vintage clutches; two of my favorites are pictured here. I say my favorites because they are quite amusing to me! I am not sure of the era, but I would guess 50's-60's.

This one is brown mock patent leather and is only an inch wide at the bottom, yet it has four ball feet!

I love a good envelope clutch! This black mock patent leather one is paper thin, only 1/2 inch. What drew me to it is that it is super long~ 17 inches!

I was thinking of putting the brown one up on eBay, as I never carry it. If anyone is interested, email me and maybe we can work something out!

John Galliano Mens F/W 2010

2010-01-25T22:22:00.005-05:00

Finger waves, corsets and all around distinguished glamour at Galliano's Mens F/W 2010, Paris.

photos style.com

Postcard

2010-01-10T22:39:00.004-05:00

Some delightful postcards published by the Rotograph Co., NYC, 1904-1909!

New Year Giveaway Winner

2010-01-02T22:42:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Zivile from Lithuania!

Her name was drawn at random and won the MAC goodies.

Thank you to all who entered and all who have stuck with me.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! xoxo

New Year Giveaway

2009-12-27T20:41:00.005-05:00

2010 is almost here and to celebrate, I have a fantastic giveaway!! One winner drawn at random will receive:

MAC eyeshadow quad in Tone Grey (light grey/white, medium grey, denim blue & deep blue)

MAC eyeshadow quad in In The Gallery (light beigey pink, lavender, dusty rose & deep plum)

MAC #239 brush

MAC Dazzleglass in Sugarrimmed (an icey baby pink)

Drawing open to anyone world wide~ Please email me (found in profile) your name and address. Giveaway ends Sat. Jan 2nd 12pm EST.

THANK YOU!!! xo

Élégance

2009-12-20T09:19:00.001-05:00

Veronica Varlow

2009-11-30T08:20:00.013-05:00

She simmers just below our surface. Unaware to some, yet her energy radiates around us all. Veronica Varlow could be called an anomaly of sorts. Burlesque temptress, pinup model, actress, producer, performance artist, motivational icon. A true Black Swan!

Striking patrician features and robust in spirit, Veronica imbues more than elegance and charm. She also holsters a restless Femme Fatale side that can be unleashed when she sees fit; usually on the unsuspected. With a moniker like Danger Dame, what did you expect?

A vintage girl at heart, but views the world with novel eyes. She shares with us the defining moments and guilty pleasures that add to her passion filled lifestyle. She was kind enough to find time in her busy schedule to chat with me. Miss Veronica Varlow is worth getting to know!

I first became aware of you while you were gracing the screen on MTV's Made documentary as a life coach. What was that experience like?

The MADE experience was unforgettable and life-altering experience for me. I love working with women to bring out their inner bombshell - I loved working on MTV's MADE with Andrea. It was so good to be able to help her discover what was so amazing and unique about her and help bring that out. Seeing her stand straighter, walk taller and radiate confidence after six weeks of us working together was one of the most fascinating and beautiful things I've ever seen. She absolutely transformed. I was once afraid to live my dreams and felt like such an outsider.....I know what it's like. I told Andrea that I felt like I could teach her in five weeks what it took me five years of trial and error to learn. It was an amazing experience and I love continuing that work with other women looking to be more self- confident and discover who they really are. It took me getting attacked in the face by a rottweiler to really re-evaluate my life and my dreams and my situation - that's how scared I was to truly be me and stop being afraid of what other people would think of me. So when I can help another person step out of their shell and shine - it means the world to me.

I remember being impressed by your poise, compassion and seductive style. There also is a Femme Fatale side of you! Have you always pursued a life of glamour and mischief?

I was born with a desperate heart mixed with glamour and mischief.... I remember one of my earliest memories being in a bank with my Mom and thinking about how I when I was older - I would like to rob banks for a living. To this day, it's one of my main fantasies..... I'm not really sure where it started to be honest, but I know the thought has been there as far back as I can recall. In the trailer of Revolver - at the 1:39 minute mark - http://bit.ly/3x8dqm - the look on my face is priceless - I am finally living my bank robbing dreams - even if it was just a scene in our script....it was real to me. I think my entire body was covered in goosebumps at that moment. When I was a teenager - I was a film projectionist for American Movie Classic festivals in one of the original silent movie theaters in the US. I would sit in the projection booth watching films from the 30s and 40s over and over and over. Watching Katherine Hepburn in "To Have and Have Not" and Marlene Dietrich in "A Foreign Affair" absolutely changed my life. Now those are some femme fatales!

There was a incident many years ago that turned your life around. Will you elaborate?

Yes. This story is the hardest for me to share, but it was the catalyst for a major transformation for me - so I think it's important to tell. The truth of the matter is that I really wanted to do burlesque and to get my film, Revolver, out there for a very long time before I actually tried. My dreams were just that - dreams - and I was working at an office with no light in a cubicle under florescent lights sixty hours a week. Every day I was there, I felt drained. In December of 2000, I saw my first burlesque show and I was enraptured. I dreamed of getting on the stage and doing classic burlesque - being graceful and glamorous. But, I felt like I had no time for my dreams and my job took up every moment of my life. Three years passed and nothing had changed.

On December 28, 2003, while volunteering at an animal shelter, I was attacked in the face by a rottweiler who ripped off my nose. His teeth came millimeters away from my eyeball. The skin underneath my eye was also ripped. In the eight hours of surgery, reconstructing my face, the most prominent question running through my mind over and over was - why had I not done the things in my life that I had wanted to do?

Being faced with a traumatic situation like that definitely made me reevaluate what I was doing with my life. It hit me how short life really is and how important my dreams are. As embarrassing as it is - the only reason I wasn't doing my dreams is simply that I was afraid of what other people would think of me. I am grateful every day that it wasn't the last five minutes of my life on that operating table and that I had a second chance to live my life fearlessly and walk forward into my dreams. Since then, my life has been unbelievably amazing and I've never looked back. I am a different person than I was.

Is there a formula for putting together a burlesque show? What aspects do you consider?

The most important thing for me is to do acts that reflect who I am and things I gravitate to. I find those always turn out the best! I take my performances very seriously - it's the time I can appear before an audience and just open my heart completely - unabashedly - to share a bit of myself with them. Every person is made up of many influences - and my influences of archetypes throughout the ages appear in my performances.

I have long been fascinated with bellydance and the mystery of Egypt - so doing an act completely covered in gold and blue Lapis stones as the goddess Isis appealed to me. In all the times I have done my Isis act, I still get goosebumps every single time I perform it. Then I have my Pulp Fiction Vixen acts that reflect my love of those silver screen femme fatales (complete with a .38 pistol) ....and my new military act shows my fighting and tough side. I grew up with boys, so I can fist fight with the best of them - and that is still a part of me. So when I get on stage and perform my acts - I connect with my audience because they believe me - I am showing them pieces of the real me.

So Rule Number One in putting a burlesque show together - find your idea - find what moves you - find what's special about you and begin with that idea - everything will come together easily after that!

Tell us about your recent performance for Diane Von Furstenberg!

It was special for me because I'm a big fan of her designs and I opened with my white feather fan dance before her fashion show on the rooftop of the Soho House on a beautiful Summer night. It was the very first time that I've ever performed burlesque outside - and it's an experience that I'll never forget. The moment I stepped onto the runway platform - the scene was something out of a movie.... the lights of New York City spanned below me from this rooftop and the full moon hung low in the sky. As I danced my white feather fan dance along the runway, the breeze was ruffling the fans and I kept catching my mirrored reflection in the pool, dancing beside me.

Besides teasing, what are your other passions?

The biggest passion of my life is the mission of making the film that Burke Heffner and I wrote together called Revolver, and getting it out there to the world. I think that everyone has a story to share that is unique to their life experience and reveals their soul - and Revolver is our story. Whenever I talk about the screenplay, I get goosebumps and tears in my eyes. I'm that passionate about it. Revolver is what I have to offer the world. I also love singing - slow and sultry - old torch songs like Marlene Dietrich would sing. I love to weave a spell on an audience with my voice.

How did your film Revolver come to be?

Revolver came to be when Burke and I had no money and I would write about a fantasy life of ours in a journal. I made the journal entries as if they were really happening. I had originally planned to just leave it behind in a bar or a coffee shop so that someone else would read it driven by curiosity. Then - in some way - maybe it really would be true in someone's mind out there. But then I shared it with Burke and he thought it would make a great screenplay. We spent many a night fantasizing about this other life of ours - expanding this story of adventure - weaving tales on our rooftop during the Summertime looking at the stars. That was how the story of Revolver came about - the story of Pocket and Blue - the two main characters who mirrored our lives. They were born from our minds when we were hungry for adventure and had no money to adventure on.

Your husband is a professional photographer with whom you have worked with many times. What is the process on set? What kind of input goes on?

Burke is a storyteller at heart. He sees pictures as ways to tell scenes and stories. That's why he has such a good eye for capturing the perfect shot and why he's an award-winning director. He's my true partner-in-crime and we collaborate together in almost everything. He will generally come up with an idea and scene he wants to shoot and he will put the set together or find the perfect location for it. He directs me as I'm posing to get the perfect look for the photo. What I love about him and his work is that he goes in with a strong vision of what he wants - and yet at the same time, he also always leaves time to have unexpected inspiration come up in the moment. That's what makes him a true artist.

Do you have any style icons?

In my eyes, Marlene Dietrich could do no wrong. When I go on tour, my vintage train case has a mirror on the inside lid, to which I have pasted pictures of Marlene Dietrich and Bettie Page for inspiration. I love Marlene's hypnotizing sex appeal and strong kick ass character and I love the playfulness of Bettie. I try to balance the two out in my own style.

You have fans all around the world! What is it like for you to connect with them? Any crazy stories?

I love connecting with the fans and hearing their stories. I recently just toured in Mexico with Emilie Autumn and when we got out of the car, the fans were going crazy - screaming, crying, holding up signs....it made me suddenly get tears in my eyes just being hit with all that outpouring of love at once. I thought...."How did I get here? How is this happening?" I'm so grateful for it all.

A bunch of my fans started Veronica's Kissing Army. There is also a very active forum. They are very dedicated! One of the best presents I have ever received is a book that they made and sent all over the world - each one of them made a page for me and then sent it along to the next place. They were so creative - there were poems, pictures, letters hidden behind tiny laced up paper corsets, exquisite art work - and the book had traveled from Spain to France, from England to Norway, from Lithuania to the US, from Germany to the Netherlands. That book hit places all over the world.... to think that everyone put so much time into it and kept it going is amazing. It is one of my treasures.

And another crazy random story - as I type this - I'm on the back on the tour bus - we just pulled into Canada. Because we go through the border on a huge tour bus, we always get stopped and searched as it's kind of a rock and roll stereotype that there's got to be all sorts of illegal things going on in the tour bus. So - when I perform - sometimes I get female fans who throw their bras at me and I've amassed quite the collection on this tour. I put a bunch of them on the rear view mirror of our tour bus and as our bus was pulling through the border patrol this morning, the inspector laughed about it and waved us through! It's the first time in over a year our driver hasn't been pulled over at the border. So I have the girl fans to thank for throwing their bras at me!

What advice can you give those who are interested in performing burlesque and pinup work?

The quote that I live by is: "It is not who you were born....but who you were born to be." You do not need to be defined by who you were yesterday or who you have been in the past. You can use every day to grow and to be more yourself than ever. Let your imagination run wild....unleash your inner bombshell. Do what makes you happy and comfortable and don't let other people's opinions of you or criticisms get you down. Fight for what you believe in. Let the real you come out in your performances and pictures - if you are having fun and being creative - people are going to take notice.

What does Miss Varlow want out of life?

Besides world domination? xoxoxo

Thank you Veronica! xo

http://www.dangerdame.com/
http://www.myspace.com/veronicavarlow
http://www.facebook.com/veronica.varlow
http://twitter.com/veronicavarlow
http://www.revolverthemovie.com/
http://vevaskissingarmy.com/

Photo Credits
1. Burke Heffner 2. David Perry 3. Burke Heffner 4. Burke Heffner 5. John Bentham 6. Jan Blok 7. Amy Sussman 8. Burke Heffner 9. Burke Heffner 10. Vlad Volovhin 11. Burke Heffner 12. Danielle Bedics 13. Burke Heffner

Beauty

2009-11-29T10:28:00.008-05:00

We look at these images and awe over their beauty and their glamour. Maybe you crush on them or respect them as an entertainer. Least we not forget that iconic beauty is also within ourselves. You can be a vintage purist or just like a certain aspect of times past~ this degree of composure and loveliness is inherent in all of us, you just need to believe in yourself. No one is perfect, and these images represent that hard work behind the scenes in grooming and training to become the "ideal standard" of the time. We should take from this a dedication to be the best person we can be in all aspects! It's not the end result, it's the journey getting there. Everyone can be beautiful; everyone is a star in there own right!

True Corset

2009-11-07T10:16:00.012-05:00

I have recently discovered a truly charming online shop that caters to every glamour gals' love of pretty things~ True Corset!

Based in the UK , True Corset is an online pin up and burlesque inspired boutique that aims to recreate the 1950's retro pin up look with playful yet sexy corsets, stockings, shapewear, knickers and more! Jade and her team are super sweet and helpful.

Their muse, Paulina De La Passionfruit, not only designs some of the most luxurious and delightful corsets, she also is the go to gal for pinup style guidance! She will take you on a coquette like journey through satin, lace, silks and brocades. The site is easy to navigate and contains helpful information such as detailed product descriptions, proper sizing, history of pinups and even a blog.

Although they carry a wide range of delectables and accessories, the show pieces are the corsets themselves. Fastidiously crafted and sumptuous to the touch, it's no wonder many pinups, burlesque performers and all around glamour gals choose them. There is a style and size for all. They are constructed using the finest materials and fitting standards such as proper vintage patterns and classic boning techniques. My favorite are the Dita corsets!

I also adore the frilly knickers! Comfortable and beyond cute, they are a must have. I love mine ;) Here, Bernie Dexter models the pink!

Stop by True Corset and treat yourself!

Thank you Jade! xo

all photos courtesy truecorset.com

Lost Charlie Chaplin

2009-11-06T11:34:00.003-05:00

photo credit Everett Collection/Rex features

From the Daily Mail UK

£3.20 battered tin bought on eBay reveals lost Charlie Chaplin movie worth £40,000
By Wil Longbottom 06th November 2009

A chance purchase of a film tin for £3.20 on eBay has unearthed a previously unseen Charlie Chaplin movie which could be worth up to £40,000.

Collector Morace Park decided to buy the battered container because he liked the look of it and did not even open the parcel for a while after it arrived.

When he did, he noticed the title of the movie, Charlie Chaplin in Zepped, after unrolling part of the film.

The find has caused a storm among experts and features unseen footage of Zeppelins flying over England during World War I, as well as very early stop-motion animation and outtakes from Chaplin films.

The main animated sequence starts with Chaplin wishing he could return to England from America and fight with British soldiers.

It shows him being taken on a flight through clouds before landing on a spire in England.

During the First World War he was criticised for not joining the war effort. Chaplin did present himself for military service, but was rejected as being too small and underweight.

All the footage has been cut together into a six-minute movie that Mr Park, who lives in Henham, Essex, describes as 'in support of the British First World War effort'.

Mr Park bought the film container 'from someone else who deals in bits and bobs' and did not even open the parcel after it arrived.

When he did, he spotted the film's title after unrolling part of it and decided to search for it online.

He said: 'I Googled it and then my interest was pricked. I couldn't find any sign of it on the internet.'

He then sought the help of neighbour John Dyer, the former head of education at the British Board of Film Classification, and the pair began a search to find out what Zepped was and why it was unknown to film historians and Chaplin experts.

Mr Park said: 'It starts with live shots of Chaplin. It then turns into a dreamscape.

'We see a Zeppelin bomb attack. And then we see Chaplin taking the mickey out of the Zeppelin, at the time a powerful instrument of terror,' he told The Guardian.

The movie, shot on 35mm nitrate film, is believed to have been a First World War propaganda piece aimed at lessening the fear of airship bombing raids which Germany had been launching on Britain from the beginning of 1915.

Charlie Chaplin was contracted to the Essanay film company in December 1914, where he made some of his early masterpieces including The Tramp.

A year later, contract and salary disputes saw the then 25-year-old star sever relations with his employers.

Mr Park and Mr Dyer have travelled to Los Angeles this week carrying out research on the find, along side film maker Hammad Khan, who is making a documentary about their search.

On Monday they showed the film to Michael Pogorzelski, a film history expert and director of the archive at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences - the body behind the Oscars.

'It is an extremely interesting find. An unknown and uncatalogued Charlie Chaplin film,' he told The Guardian.

Mr Pogorzelski believes the film is made from outtakes and footage from previous films reedited by Essanay and cut together with shots of Zeppelins and animated material.

He described it as 'either piracy or entrepreneurship - depending on which side of the fence you're on'.

Simon Louvish, author of Chaplin: The Tramp's Odyssey, told the Independent: 'There are a number of these compilation films around, and in Senegal there were a number of films that had been cut together by other people using Chaplin footage.

'Keystone Pictures was going bust at the time and footage from these Chaplin films was freely available. This is less so of the Essanay films.

'Chaplin by 1916 was signing multimillion-dollar contracts and was very aware of the copyright on his films.

'It would be no surprise though if someone in Egypt, which was under British occupation at the time, decided to use one of the world's most famous figures to support the war.'

David Robinson, author of Chaplin: His Life and Art, said that after Chaplin left Essanay the company tried to exploit footage of its former star.

He says legal controversy created by Essanay adding footage to previous Chaplin films including Burlesque on Carmen, could account for the fact that Zepped never saw wide circulation.

The copy unearthed by Mr Park appears to have been classified for exhibition in Egypt, then a British protectorate. Mr Robinson believes the real value of the film could be anything between £3,000 and £40,000.

Chaplin was one of the first Hollywood 'mega-stars' for his hit silent films. He won an honorary Oscar in 1929 for The Circus, as well as the award for Best Music in 1972.

Other classics he wrote and starred in included Gold Rush, Modern Times and The Great Dictator.

Chaplin had 11 children and was married four times - to Mildred Harris, Lita Grey, Paulette Goddard and Oona O'Neill.

He was knighted at the age of 85 in 1975, although the honour was first put forward in 1931 and deferred because of the controversy of him not serving in World War One.

He died on Christmas Day in 1977 in Vevey, Switzerland.

***According to the book Paulette: The Adventurous Life of Paulette Goddard (This gal was Liz Taylor before Liz Taylor!) there was speculation that she and Charlie Chaplin were not legally married. Neither one had publicly admitted it.

Vintage Paris Vogue

2009-10-26T14:41:00.005-04:00

Paris Vogue is celebrating it's 90th year! A special outdoor exhibition featuring larger than life magazine covers are displayed along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées next to the Grand Palais in Paris. Editrix Carine Roitfeld picked 80 covers spanning 1920-2009 to highlight this fashionable milestone. This exhibit runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1, 2009.

I would like to thank Richard at I Prefer Paris! for granting permission to share his elegantly captured photos of this amazing display. Merci!

May 1963, Audrey Hepburn and husband Mel Ferrer

Elizabeth Taylor

May/June 1947 by Italian painter Coltellacci

May 1967, 16 year old Twiggy

Catherine Deneuve

Alfred Hitchcock

Amelia Earhart

2009-10-23T21:37:00.002-04:00

Amelia came out today and by the looks of the trailer, it is an epic period film focusing on American pilot Amelia Earhart at the height of her fame around 1928 to her disappearance in 1937. The costumes and cinematography look fantastic. The soundtrack is supposed to feature a lot of a "clarinet bandleader" and I can only think of Artie Shaw or Benny Goodman, regardless, I am sure it will be good. Hilary Swank, Richard Gere and Ewan McGregor star.

For more information on the life and times of Amelia Earhart, visit the official website here.

Enoch Bolles

2009-10-14T14:12:00.009-04:00

I've been really into illustrators as of late, and along side John Willie and Alberto Varga, another artist I have always been drawn to~ but never knew who he was~ is Enoch Bolles. Bolles was an American illustrator who was best known for his collaborations with Film Fun magazine. There is something so fluffy and feminine about his pinups. Although not as sharp looking as a Varga Girl image, there is a delicate haze, a water color feeling that imbues his work with a timeless glamour.

Imagine my excitement and surprise to find a whole site dedicated to his art! This is a detailed and well researched blog that showcases his history, illustrations, inspirations and much more. Please visit Enoch Bolles for information on the artist and his work!

Does anyone else love a monkey in a top hat as much as I do?

1930's King Kong at Auction

2009-10-09T23:45:00.007-04:00

AP photo/Christie's Images Ltd. 2009, HO

From AP News:

King Kong figurine used in 1930s movie up for sale
By RAPHAEL G. SATTER

LONDON — A tiny King Kong figurine that helped launch the career of one of cinema's biggest monsters is going up for sale, Christie's auction house said Friday.

The London auctioneer said the 22-inch (56-centimeter) skeleton was the one used in the climactic scene of the 1933 movie in which the humongous ape climbs New York's Empire State Building, clutching a blonde starlet and swatting away fighter planes.

"King Kong" wowed 1930s audiences with groundbreaking special effects that appeared to show the titular beast brawling with dinosaurs and cutting a swathe of destruction through New York City.

Much of the credit goes to Willis O'Brien, then chief technician at RKO studios, who created the monster by adding layers of cotton, rubber, liquid latex and rabbit's fur to a metal armature.

The figurines were then filmed one frame at a time, moving them ever-so-slightly between shots to give the illusion of movement.

Although several such models were used in the film, Christie's spokeswoman Jo Swetenham said this one was thought to be the largest. She added that the monster's fleshy covering has since rotted away.

The movie spawned a series of sequels and remakes, including a 1976 version starring Jeff Bridges and Peter Jackson's computer-wizardry packed "King Kong" with Jack Black, Naomi Watts and Adrien Brody.

The skeletal miniature may lack Kong's heft, but it still comes with a kingly price tag.

Christie's said it hopes to get up to 150,000 pounds (about $240,000) from the figure's sale. Fans can bid for the artifact at the auctioneer's popular culture sale on Nov. 24.

**I've always loved the original King Kong film, the story is so emotional and dramatic. Plus, I love old movie props so I am curious to see how much this goes for! I hope some collector will cherish it, or maybe display it for others to see! In this age of electronics and CGI effects, studying primitive animatronics is a lot of fun. Really, it was ahead of it's time during filming.

UPDATE 11-27-09

Kong sold for 121,000 pounds ($200,000) at a London auction Tuesday Nov. 24

Audrey Hepburn

2009-09-29T15:48:00.004-04:00

Photo: KM Archive/Getty Images

There are some new photo galleries at Life.com featuring Audrey Hepburn. Please visit the gallery for information on Audrey and the rare and delightful photos themselves!

Audrey Hepburn's Hunky Leading Men here.

Audrey Hepburn: Making Sabrina here.

Audrey Hepburn at Her Most Stunning here.
Audrey Hepburn's Romantic Life here.
Audrey Hepburn: Making Funny Face here.

How to Look Like Audrey Hepburn here.

Very special thanks to Colleen at Time Inc.! xo

DCBC #4

2009-09-24T22:49:00.005-04:00

After finding this picture of Clark Gable, I have decided to induct him into my illustrious Dead Celebrity Boyfriend Club. He joins fellow members Nat Pendelton, Wallace Beery and Bob Hope. Who is on your list?

Giveaway Winner

2009-09-23T22:28:00.001-04:00

The winner for the MAC prize is:

Emily from Cambridge, MA!

Thank you to all who entered! xo

Giveaway

2009-09-17T10:15:00.004-04:00

I had taken a hiatus from doing giveaways, but am starting them up again! I have a wonderful rich fall collection that includes:

MAC Notable Blush (brownish rose)

MAC Cocomotion Pigment (metallic bronze)

MAC Full Body Lipstick (sheer brown plum)

MAC #41 Lashes

If you are interested, please email me (found in profile) your name and address. One winner will be drawn at random and as usual, this giveaway is open to anyone world wide and ends Wed. Sept 23rd 12noon EST. Thanks! xo

The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary

2009-09-04T23:37:00.007-04:00

In honor of the 70th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz, Turner Classic Movies is featuring a high definition version in theatres on Wed. Sept. 23rd! Unfortunately, it looks like it is the US only. Included in this special presentation will be exclusive behind the scenes clips, interviews and rare musical outtakes, Tickets are on sale now, and limited availability. Click here for more information!

My favorite part of the movie is the shot of Dorothy's ruby slippers as she steps on the yellow brick road for the first time!

John Willie

2009-08-20T12:57:00.012-04:00

John Willie was a groundbreaking fetish illustrator and photographer who is most known for his artwork in Bizarre magazine during the late 1940's through the late 1950's. This one is my favorite!

Here are some of his covers.

Some more illustrations.

Boston

2009-07-14T09:55:00.010-04:00

For those who don't know, Boston is one of my favorite cities! Here is a charming video tour of my town, "The Athens of America".

Boston 1920's

Here is a fun blog to check out~ Shopping Days in Retro Boston is a nostalgic look at the glory days of elegant department stores and fine shopping in downtown Boston!

Ginger

2009-07-11T11:22:00.004-04:00

For those who love Ginger Rogers, (and who doesn't?) check out Finding Ginger! Beth is a UK blogger with a passion for all things Ginger. She just started her blog and and if you can, help contribute to her data base of Ginger Rogers' films. There are movie clips galore which will keep you entertained whilst you spin about your room pretending you are starring in Top Hat!

Jane Russell turns 88

2009-06-21T10:23:00.009-04:00

The eternally beautiful Jane Russell turns 88 today! I had the pleasure of seeing the living legend in person a few years back in Los Angeles at the Aero Theatre's Jane Russell Double Feature of Gentleman Prefer Blondes and Son of Paleface. Jane showed up unexpectedly for a Q & A and was very candid and pleasant. At the time she was living in New Mexico and involved with adoption charities. Still statuesque and elegant, she was visibly flattered at the overwhelmingly amorous response the audience gave her. If you can, pick up Jane Russell: My Path and My Detours : An Autobiography, fantastic read!

Happy Birthday Jane!

last photo by Getty images

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2009

2009-06-18T08:37:00.007-04:00

Italian designers Dolce & Gabbana relied heavily on 30's, 40's and 50's references for their Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear and D&G collections. For the Dolce & Gabbana collection, signature elements were seen such as ballooning shape and shocking pink often used by Elsa Schiaparelli, one of the Golden Era's prominent eccentric designers. Some of the stand out pieces were silk dresses with Marilyn Monroe prints.

The D&G show was held at Cinema Metropol in Milan, the theatre where Maria Callas recorded Bellini's Norma in 1954. Her spirit never left it seems, as the severely romantic Opera Star was their muse and inspiration. So much so, her face is seen on some of the pieces, as are playbills for classic Italian Operas including Verdi's La Traviata and Bellini's I Puritani. Bellissimo!

Dolce & Gabbana

D&G

photos Style.com