Saturday 25 January 2014

A New Look For A New Year

Christmas time brought me a book that I had long lusted after, '1940's Fashion'. Inside there are many pictures that simply fill me with inspiration but I have to say that it has caused a slight change in style for me! I asked for the book as I hoped to fill my head with inspiration for wonderful, original 1940's styles, which it has done, however I have been inspired by different images to those than I expected to be. Just look at the front cover...




What really stands out throughout the book is the sense of fun that could be found through enjoying clothing. I perhaps always regarded 1940's style as a more restricted and prescribed effort due to the war efforts, however the book really shows how fun style could be.

I must admit that I have made the schoolboy error of just diving in and looking straight at the pictures- how could I resist?!


This above image has the following caption; "Stage actress Ethelind Terry in slacks, a cotton blouse with scalloped edges, a white casual turban and suede moccasins, photographed on a military airfield. The image was part of a propaganda drive to encourage women to take up war work and to suggest that everyone, regardless of fame, class and wealth, was in it together and they all had to do their bit''. I can certainly say that the turban alone would have persuaded me, what a look!



I think these looks are so perfect as spring approaches, I particularly love the above photo with the slacks and 'Sweater Girl' style jumper. I have made some amazing finds recently, with the ever faithful M&S Classic Collection and BHS both well stocked with reasonably priced pieces. Alongside this Forties look, I do long to adopt a little more of the Sweater Girl look into my wardrobe. My Instagram is full of serious inspiration and I simply cannot resist- I think another blog post will have to include some of my inspiration.

 The top below is a BHS purchase paired with a headscarf- I think it is time to find (or make) some turbans!


Alongside some new wardrobe additions this spring, I can hardly forget the accessories can I?! I dream of greatly increasing my brooch collection with an assortment of novelty and mid century pieces and have made some purchases recently. 


Do you intend to adopt a new look into your wardrobe for this new year? As 2013 drew to a close, I felt ready for a change and slightly fed up with my wardrobe. I am looking forward to feeling more of a sense of enjoyment and frivolity from my outfit choices, rather than trying to be 'spot on' all of the time.

With lots of love,

Hannah xxx

Wednesday 1 January 2014

The Glamour of Belville Sassoon- Fashion and Textile Museum

During my recent blogging absence, I was lucky enough to make my first visit to the Fashion and Textile Museum in London with my Mum. Both dress lovers, we were absolutely in our element viewing the collection of stunning gowns from the sixties onwards. Whilst I am more a 1940's/50's fan, you simply cannot deny how beautiful the creations are and the history they hold.
 
 
Each dress had been donated; some from the personal collections of the designers and others from prized collections of very lucky ladies. Some had even been donated by royalty, as they famously dressed Diana, Princess of Wales.
 
I will begin with a picture of my absolute favourite of them all! This slinky number is so elegant and the attention to detail up close was amazing. One can only imagine how amazing someone like Rita Hayworth would have looked in this.

 
I adore the effortless, Elizabeth Taylor esque, late sixties silhouettes of the dresses below.



 
The picture behind this stunning green dress is of the red dress below; what a silhouette!
 
 
And finally, the most incredible wedding dress- just look at that train! What a feeling it must have been to wear such a beautiful dress walking up the aisle.
 
 
 
It is safe to say that both my Mum and I had serious dress envy by the time we had seen them all!
 
I really recommend that you go and take a look if you have time. Incredibly reasonable entry of £8 really allows for an inspirational wander around some wonderful dresses that left me wishing for something just half as glamorous! You had best be quick though; the exhibition does end on 11th January!
 
 
If you have been, I would love to hear your opinions and which was your favourite!
 
Hannah xxx