A Hollywood Celebration

I love classic Hollywood! That is no secret.

But as I haven't started really watching those movies until a few years ago, I have only now started to dive into the extravaganza of titles the classic Hollywood era contains. Which again means there are so many treasures yet to be discovered!

But I thought,  why not discover some of them together?

Thus I'm dedicating the first days of November to celebrating Classic Hollywood.

Now, the obvious way to do so, is to review a lot of movies of the time, and that is where I need your help, lovely readers:)
Would you like to share some of your favourite classic movies with the blogosphere? Then this is the chance to do so!

According to Wikipedia the Classic Hollywood era is described as movies made in the years 1917-1960, but I'm a little more liberal, so I will say any movie from before 1970 is eligible to be reviewed in this celebration.

If you want to participate and already now know which movie(s) you will be reviewing, do tell me in a comment and I'll add it to the list I'm starting below. It is completely all right to have several reviews of the same movie, but it's also nice to get as big a variety as possible;)

Movie Reviews To Look Forward To:

The Thin Man (1934) by Rose
State Fair (1945) by Rose
To Catch A Thief (1955) by Rose
National Velvet (1944) by MovieCritic
An American In Paris (1951) by MovieCritic
Destry Rides Again (1939) by Hamlette
It's A Wonderful Life (1946) by Meredith
The Wizard Of Oz (1939) by Meredith
Cape Fear (1962) by Quiggy
The Night Of The Hunter by (1955) Quiggy
Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (1954) by Livia Rachelle
A Friendly Persuasion (1956) by Livia Rachelle
Billy Rose's Jumbo (1962) by Cordy
The Reluctant Debutante (1958) by Rilla Blythe
An Affair To Remember (1957) by The Elf


Last, but certainly not least, I have made a couple of buttons!! Feel free to take one of them to display on your blog, and let's get the word out to as many film enthusiasts as possible:)

Why I Love The 40's Style

If someone had asked me a year ago to describe the 40's, I would probable have launched into a lecture on WW2 and its repercussions. For I never really thought of the 40's as anything more than "the decade with the war" back then.

But how quickly that all changed!!

                            

It started out innocently enough with me starting to like 40's music. Then I watched Anchors Aweigh and fell in love with 40's hairstyles. That was followed by watching a lot of Youtube tutorials on how to do that style yourself, and watching Agent Carter twice (once for the plot, once for the costumes).
And before I really knew what had happened, I had cut my hair to a more fitting length for 50's styles, and decided to switch my entire wardrobe out with one in the 40' and 50's style.

What can I say? When I like something I REALLY like it (and tend to make it take over my life).

But what is it about the 40's style in particular that makes me want to imitate it in my own life? Here are a couple of reasons:

• You dressed up every day. 

As opposed to today where dressing casual is deemed fitting for almost any occasion, I find it really refreshing that people actually cared for their appearance back then. If you left the house you would wear a pretty dress, styled curls and lipstick at the least. And doing so today, really works wonders for my self worth and makes me feel more confident. And isn't it nice to catch a glimpse of yourself in a reflective surface and inwardly think: I'm looking good?

                                  

                               

• The style was very feminine and flattering, yet simple and modest.

Again I think it's the contrast between how fashion for women is today compared to back then. In the 40's women were expected to be feminine and elegant and to be honest - I like dressing and acting like a lady. Today society is so focused on gender equality that I think they sometimes forget that men and women fundamentally are different. And I don't think it lessens my worth in any way to underline those differences.
Furthermore, I just love that the dress fashion of the time looked good on anyone, no matter what size you were.

                                    

• When you spent time styling your hair, it made a visible change

I have seen my fair share of hairstyle tutorials on Youtube (it's a weakness, I know), and a lot of them involves filling your hair with products and styling it for half an hour in order to look like you just rolled out of bed. No one would even notice the difference between that and a regular bedhead.

On the other hand, if I use 15 minutes in the evening to set my hair in pin curls and 15 minutes in the morning to brush it out and style it, everybody can see that I made an effort. And I like that!

                                      

Those are 3 of the main reasons that I make the effort to dress in 40's/50's style almost every day. 

When I decided to do so last year I never imagined that I would actually persist. My grand projects normally only lasts about a month, but this one I'm still following and I have no intention of stopping.

What are some of the things you like about the 40's style?

                    

As this week is drawing to an end, I just wanted to remind you that if you have written any 40's related posts this week to be sure to leave me a comment with the link. 

I'll do a grand link up tomorrow and I wouldn't want to miss any posts!  

1940's Dress Styles

When talking about dress fashion you often divide it into 2 categories: the early 40's and the late 40's.

The early 40's fashion was defined by the strict rationing of fabric the war caused. The dress patterns were therefore very simple: the top often had a military inspired look and the skirt was an a-line that went to the knee.
Later on when fabric shortage ended, bigger flared skirts and colourful fabrics became the norm - the so called "New Look".

But rather than reflecting on pre-war versus post-war fashion, I'll show you some of the dress styles that were popular throughout the 40's.

                                 

The Shirtwaist Dress
This was by far the most common and most practical cut in the 40's. A shirtwaist dress was easy to put on because you buttoned it up in the front, and the design was so versatile you could wear it for almost any occasion.

                              

Different varieties placed the buttons off centre or sometimes buttons all the way down, but practicality and comfort was the most important.

                               


The Dirndl Dress
The peasant look was very popular during the summer. The Dirndl was originally a traditional Austrian design, but it was embraced very much in USA with big puffy peasant tops and colourful skirts with ruffles. It could be worn as a two part outfit but was also often sewn together to form a dress.

                   

                                 


The Pinafore Dress
This was also called The Apron Dress, and that is basically what is was. It had the look of an apron in the front, often complete with ruffles, but it had a full skirt and straps crossing at the back. With a blouse worn underneath a fresh and youthful look was easily achieved.

                            

                                   


The Swing Dress
This was a dress made to go out dancing (the name kind of gives it away). Therefore the arms were looser, often with puff sleeves, and the skirts were fuller. When the fabric rationing ended you could really go amok with the big twirling skirts with lots of pleats and gathers. It was a favourite especially with the young.


                     

                                       


The "Kitty Foyle" Dress
Inspired by the movie of the same name this dress style was fitted in the bodice, and with a white pointed collar, buttons and a belt it had a defined uniform look. Navy inspired designs were popular in particular.

The original Kitty Foyle dress

A navy-inspired version of the dress

The Peplum Dress
Especially popular in the late 40's, the peplum dress was a great semi formal style. The design was popular in ladies suits and in dresses with pencil skirts.

                               

                                 


Those were a few of the 40's dress designs that I like and think describe the time period very well. For more information on 40's fashion (or just vintage fashion in general) be sure to visit http://vintagedancer.com where I got most of the information for this post.

Which dress type is your favourite?
Could you see yourself wearing any of these?

1940's Hollywood - The Leading Ladies

Nothing says glamour like classic Hollywood. The glitter, the poise, the extravaganza, and most importantly the glamorous actors and actresses who seemed to be living the dream.

Let's take a closer look on some of the actresses who defined 40's Hollywood.


Katherine Hepburn
                          

Katherine Hepburn was one of Hollywood's leading ladies for more than 60 years, and the 1940's was no exception! Some of the films she appeared in, in that decade include: The Philadelphia Story, Woman Of The Year and Adam's Rib.
She was characterised as being a very independent and private person. She refused to conform to the glamorous celebrity lifestyle of her time, and valued comfort over glamour which really made her stand out from everyone else.


Judy Garland
                        

At only 17 Judy Garland was thrown into instant stardom after her success in The Wizard Of Oz. In the 40's she was at the top of her career and went to star in a number of musicals, some of the most known being Meet Me In St Louis, For Me And My Gal and Easter Parade.


Rita Hayworth
                         

Today Rita Hayworth is considered one of the most iconic actresses of the 40's. Back then she was considered the ultimate glamorous screen idol and was described as a "love goddess".
In the early 40's she appeared opposite both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly in You Were Never Lovelier and Cover Girl - the very first woman to do so. But the movies she is most famous for today are the dramas, for instance Gilda and The Lady From Shanghai.


Ginger Rogers
                               

I think most people today remember Ginger Rogers from the "Fred & Ginger" movies in the 30's. But she actually rose to another level of stardom in the 40's, when she went to win an Oscar for her role in Kitty Foyle. In the mid-40's she was the highest paid actress in Hollywood after making successful films like Lady In The Dark and Weekend At The Waldorf.


Lauren Bacall
                         

Lauren Bacall started her acting career in 1942, and during the 40's she was an icon of film noir. Some of her successes include To Have And Have Not, The Big Sleep and Key Largo. Her sultry looks and voice were considered her trademarks and made her hugely popular in the role of femme fatale.


Ingrid Bergman
                           

Ingrid Bergman was a Swedish actress who achieved Hollywood fame in the 40's. Her best known movie is no doubt Casablanca, but she also appeared in the movies For Whom The Bells Tolls and Gaslight which both got her an Oscar nomination (and a win for the latter). Later on she also appeared in several Hitchcock movies. At the top of her career she was considered an absolutely outstanding and conscientious actress besides being described as the ideal of American womanhood.


Veronica Lake
                           

Veronica Lake was another film noir icon of the time. She was, among others, in the movies The Glass Key and The Blue Dahlia. However, her breakthrough role was in the 1941 movie I Wanted Wings. Her physical trademark was her distinct peek-a-boo hairstyle, where her hair fell over one eye - a hairstyle that was widely copied by women of the time.


Gene Tierney
                           

Gene Tierney was acclaimed as a great beauty of the time. She was in the movies Heaven Can Wait and Leave Her To Heaven, but her best known role was in the movie Laura.


I'm sure there were many other great actresses of that time that I have forgotten, but these are my collection of the defining actresses of the 40's.

Do you see any of your favourites on this list?

The Hairstyles of the 40's

The first thing I fell in love with about the 40's and 50's were the hairstyles.
When I later learnt about how much work went into getting those meticulously styled and arranged hairdos I was a little apprehensive, but the end result is definitely worth the work!

Now, the hair of the 40's and 50's is very similar but these are some of the hairstyles that were widely used in the 40's.


Curls                   
                                  

Curls, curls and more curls was the way to do it back then. Whether you had big wavy curls cascading down your shoulders or little fluffy curls framing your face it gave instant elegance, and the variations were endless. All the hairstyles in this post involves curling the hair in some way.

                            

In order to get those glamorous curls that lasted for days it was quite normal to go to a hairdresser several times a week for a set. For many it was a perfect occasion to catch up with friends, for what's a better place for a chat than under a hair drying helmet?
Those who tried to achieve the look in a more economic manner could do the sets themselves at home. By putting your hair in pin curls or rag rollers for the night you woke up with beautifully curled hair, all ready to style however you liked.

                               


Victory Rolls
                          

Victory rolls is no doubt the most iconic hairstyle of the 40's! I think it was so popular because it was a practical way to keep hair away from the face but at the same time look really glamorous.
The technique in making them can be quite tricky, but on the other hand, when secured it is a truly lasting style.

                     

As you can see, there are many different ways to wear victory rolls: 2 big symmetrical rolls at the front or one large and one small, letting the rest of the hair hang loosely or roll it up into another roll. The possibilities are endless, once you've mastered the technique. (Which I still haven't)


Updos
                     

Practicality was something that really characterised updos of this time period.
This rather popular style was usually made by tying a ribbon around the head and then folding all the hair inside it. By using a bigger ribbon it could easily become more festive.

                             

And here's a modern twist on rolls. As you see, many different expressions and looks can be achieved.


The Rosie
                              

Rosie the Riveter was quite a cultural icon during the war, representing the working women of America, and used to boost the morale. The hairstyle depicted on the poster was used a lot, partly for security reasons and partly because covering most of your hair with a scarf was a great way to hide greasy hair, in a time where water conservation was prioritised higher than frequent hair washes.

                                   

There are many modern takes on the hairstyle around today. I like this variety where the scarf is more a decorative bandana and the curls are shown off. (Tutorial for this particular style here)

                               

A completely different way to use ribbons was simply using it to tie the hair back. It quickly created a sweet and youthful look.


Snoods
                            

I can't talk of 40's hair without mentioning snoods. Apparently snoods were used way back in the Renaissance, but in the 40's they made a big comeback. Just like scarves they were a quick way to cover the hair and keeping it out of the way, but gave many opportunities to arrange intricate curls or rolls at the front.

                               

The snood in itself was by no means boring. It was normal to decorate it further with ribbons or hair flowers. And the best part was that you could get snoods in all the colours of the rainbow!

                   


Hair Flowers
                                 

Another popular hair accessory was flowers. At the time it became more normal for women to go without hats, and so a big flower or a whole cluster of them was a great substitute. And, as with all hair accessories of that time, the variations were endless.

                            


Have you tried any of these hairstyles yourself?
Which one do you think you would wear if you lived back then?

Vintage Spring

It is that wonderful time of year again where life returns. Flowers are sprouting everywhere, the birds sing at night and the sun is starting to grow strong again.

These are just a few of the reasons why spring is my favourite season.

Every spring I get a lot of new energy which usually results in some new fancy project that I love planning out meticulously.

Last year I challenged myself to have different hairstyles each day for 30 days (and I succeeded), and besides being tremendous fun, it gave me a lot of go-to hairstyles for later use.

This year the project is vintage hair, more precisely hairstyles from the 40's and 50's. So yes - that means pin curls, victory rolls and up dos with ribbons and scarves.

Being quite a low-maintenance girl when it comes to my hair, pin curls seemed a very daunting task to me - and watching all those tutorials didn't ease my fears at all.
But I went through with it, and once you get the hang of the technique, it is actually surprisingly easy. Especially because no matter how sloppy you do it the result is still gorgeous (at least this far).

And no, my curls don't look nearly as tidy as the ones in the photo. They look more like a strange mismatch of hair and clips with tendrils sticking out everywhere. That is one of the reasons I am really happy that I live alone - I don't think I would have gone through with it if I knew people would actually see me looking like this.

But despite the time taken to fix it, the ridiculous look, the struggle of finding a good sleeping position with your head full of clips - the final look is worth it.
I can literally feel the 50's confidence coming at me when I walk around with my new curly style.
So the basics are mastered (kind of), next step is to try the up dos (if the courage/motivation doesn't leave me).

As the reason I first fell in love with the 40's was watching "Anchors Aweigh", I decided the second part of my project will be watching lots of old Hollywood musicals from the 30's, 40's and 50's. I love the colours, dancing and happiness of these old movies, but sadly I haven't seen that many. So that should keep me busy for a while.

I could use some help with some suggestions though. So if you can think of any iconic must-see movies from that time period or just some movies that are great, please let me know in a comment.

I couldn't possibly have a post about classic musicals without a Fred & Ginger picture