Take Your Holiday Dressing Up a Notch, Part 5

When I post photos of gorgeous vintage evening gowns and party dresses here on my blog or on my Facebook or Pinterest pages, one of the most common reactions I get is, "Why don't we dress up like this any more?" It is a shame that our society has become so casual that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt will suffice for most social occasions. Instead of bemoaning that fact, however, why not become part of a change back toward more formal dressing? An easy way to start is to amp up what you wear to all the holiday parties and get togethers you'll be attending in the next month. This week, I'll be looking at ways to accomplish that.  Choose one or more of these ideas, but don't do them all at once please!

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When is the last time you booked an appointment with your hairdresser to have a special coiffure done for a party?  It used to be when a woman received an invitation, she would immediately schedule an appointment at the beauty salon for the day of the party so she could look her best with a fancy up-do.  If the last time you did that was for your prom or wedding, why not pamper yourself and make an impression on your fellow party-goers with a fancy hair style?  Trust me, it will be fun!

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Take Your Holiday Dressing Up a Notch, Part 4

When I post photos of gorgeous vintage evening gowns and party dresses here on my blog or on my Facebook or Pinterest pages, one of the most common reactions I get is, "Why don't we dress up like this any more?" It is a shame that our society has become so casual that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt will suffice for most social occasions. Instead of bemoaning that fact, however, why not become part of a change back toward more formal dressing? An easy way to start is to amp up what you wear to all the holiday parties and get togethers you'll be attending in the next month. This week, I'll be looking at ways to accomplish that.  Choose one or more of these ideas, but don't do them all at once please!

The jewels, les bijoux, the baubles, the bangles, the beads.  If ever there was a time of the year to wear your boldest, sparkliest, and best jewelry, this is IT!!!  Don't be shy.  Pile it on!

Wear a necklace that captures your sense of fun and flamboyance!

Break out the heirloom jewels.  Why leave them sitting in a safe?  Wear them!!!

Wear your biggest, boldest earrings.

Pile on an armful of bracelets.

Wear a huge statement brooch.  Or wear a group of smaller ones.

Get creative!  You can even wear jewelry in your hair.  

In fact, if you want to bring out your inner princess, 

there is absolutely no reason why you should not wear a tiara.  

Go for it!!!!!

Take Your Holiday Dressing Up a Notch, Part 3

When I post photos of gorgeous vintage evening gowns and party dresses here on my blog or on my Facebook or Pinterest pages, one of the most common reactions I get is, "Why don't we dress up like this any more?" It is a shame that our society has become so casual that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt will suffice for most social occasions. Instead of bemoaning that fact, however, why not become part of a change back toward more formal dressing? An easy way to start is to amp up what you wear to all the holiday parties and get togethers you'll be attending in the next month. This week, I'll be looking at ways to accomplish that.  Choose one or more of these ideas, but don't do them all at once please!

Gown by Marcel Rochas, 1950

Gloves.  If you think they are old lady, old fashioned, old style, I say, "Think again!"  Gloves can add a bit of formality or a bit of fun to any outfit.  If you're going full out with a ball gown, add gloves to make your look complete. 

Dress and gloves by Jeanne Lafaurie, 1951

If your cocktail dress needs a finishing touch, consider gloves as an interesting option.

Gloves don't have to be plain leather or cotton either.  Consider crochet or lace, add trim or jewelry.  The possibilities are endless!

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Want more ideas?  Check out my Les Gants Board on Pinterest.  What to do with your gloves while you're eating?  Here's how to wear gloves like a lady.

Take Your Holiday Dressing Up a Notch, Part 2

When I post photos of gorgeous vintage evening gowns and party dresses here on my blog or on my Facebook or Pinterest pages, one of the most common reactions I get is, "Why don't we dress up like this any more?" It is a shame that our society has become so casual that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt will suffice for most social occasions. Instead of bemoaning that fact, however, why not become part of a change back toward more formal dressing? An easy way to start is to amp up what you wear to all the holiday parties and get togethers you'll be attending in the next month. This week, I'll be looking at ways to accomplish that.

A great way to add drama to your holiday party wardrobe is to wear a hat.  I know, I know.  It takes guts to wear a hat these days.  But I can assure you that when wearing a hat you'll exude confidence and allure.  Every man in the room will think you are interesting and want to talk to you.  Every woman in the room will envy your sense of style and wish that she had done the same.  And you'll hear the phrase, "I love your hat!" over and over and over again.  Try it!

Take Your Holiday Dressing Up a Notch, Part 1

When I post photos of gorgeous vintage evening gowns and party dresses here on my blog or on my Facebook or Pinterest pages, one of the most common reactions I get is, "Why don't we dress up like this any more?"  It is a shame that our society has become so casual that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt will suffice for most social occasions.  Instead of bemoaning that fact, however, why not become part of a change back toward more formal dressing?  An easy way to start is to amp up what you wear to all the holiday parties and get  togethers you'll be attending in the next month.  This week, I'll be looking at ways to accomplish that.

Jacques Griffe velvet gown, 1949

One of the easiest ways to make your look more dressy is to choose a formal fabric.  Instead of wearing a simple knit top or sweater with your jeans, wear a top in velvet, satin, taffeta or lace.  Any of these fabrics will make a more luxurious statement.

Carven velvet evening gown, 1949

Velvet is one of those fabrics that instantly transmits a lush and sophisticated feel.  If you don't want to wear head-to-to velvet, use it in your accessories.  But if you do choose a velvet dress, keep the accessories simple because this fabric makes a fashion statement of it's own.

Velvet has been very popular at Couture Allure this season, and most dresses and coats in this wonderful fabric are already sold, but I do have a few pieces left if you want to experience what a more formal fabric can do for your look.

1950s Suzy Perette velvet dress

1960s velvet dress with gold braid trim

1970s velvet patchwork skirt

Weekend Eye Candy - Lanvin Castillo, 1956

Are you ready for your holiday parties?  Black silk taffeta dress by Lanvin-Castillo, 1956.

Enjoy Today the Old Fashioned Way

When did this become what Thanksgiving is all about?  Instead, I hope you'll enjoy today in other ways that have some meaning.

 Spend time with your family.

 Sit down and watch your kids at play.  Even better, get down on the floor and play with them.

 Warm your tootsies by a cozy fire.

 Play a game of cards with grandma.

Read a book or two.  

 Take a long walk in the woods.

Enjoy some leftovers.

Continue to give thanks.

I'm Thankful

Today is Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S. It's a day when we stop to think about all the things in our lives that we're thankful for. Today, I am thankful for you.

I'm thankful for all my dear readers who come here each day to share a bit of my world.

I'm thankful for the online friends I've made who also enjoy vintage fashion.

I'm thankful that I have a place to share things the that I am passionate about.

I'm thankful that you "get" me, that you understand, and that you love the same things I do.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for reading my blog. Thank you for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!