Golden age of 3D

Today, we take 3D movies for granted. All the blockbusters are made in 3D and you have a choice whether you want to see it that way. When I started researching 3D films, I had no idea the technology was started in the 1890s. It progressed with a few released films in the 1920s and was shelved in the 1940s due to the war.

It was not until the 1950s, when movies started to compete with Television that it was given a chance. It was basically used with gimmicks to draw the audience in. It had to short booms in 1952 and 1953. By the end of 1954, the interest was over. The movie industry moved on to other processes like CinemaScope and Technicolor.

Even in its short golden age, it never fully went away and became an iconic part of the 1950s. Even Marilyn Monroe was in on the fun.

Back to the Future was an 80s movie where the hero accidentally travels back to the year 1955, unwittingly messes up his parents meeting so he has to run around correcting the dilemma before he disappears into oblivion. (Very short synopsis) As seen in the picture above, the character nicknamed 3D  wore the glasses throughout the film.

People nowadays even have the 3D red and blue effect tattooed on their skin. 3D will live forever!

That Darn Poodle Skirt!

I hate being a vintage snob. But for a long time every time there was a 1950s theme party or Halloween party, I would absolutely cringe when I would see a lady waltz in with a poodle skirt on. It bothered me that such a great period of fashion was reduced to a generic felt skirt with a poodle on it. That was until I actually sat down and did a little research.   

Juli Lynne Charlot was a singer, actress and fashion designer. Her story in a nut shell is, she meets the man of her dreams, quits her career to become the happy housewife. But her husband loses his job. She had over the years dabbled in fashion design and one Christmas for a party she decided to make her own clothes. She made a felt circle skirt from scrap materials supplied from her mother. Since, she had no sewing skills, a circle skirt was the easiest garment to be made. It could be completely cut from one piece of fabric without seams to sew. It was a hit. So, she sold it to a local boutique . The skirts supplied sold out immediately. She saved up some money to buy a factory. It was a very rocky beginning due to inexperience at running the books. Once, she hired the right person her designs took off.    

The yellow skirt pictured is an example of one of her most famous designs. It was the inspiration for the now ever so popular poodle skirt.

Below is a vintage picture of the real deal.

The possibilities are endless. I simply love the skirts pictured to the right. Novelty skirts were very popular back then.



Here is me pictured with a appliqued circle skirt. Who knew it descended from the poodle shirt.



Mars Attacks: Gulity Pleasure

The 1950s exploded with low budget horror and science fiction movies aka the B-movie. Named so because the movie was suppose to be the second half of a double feature.

In 1962, a science fiction trading card series was released called Mars Attacks. Pretty much Martians invading the earth. Very popular at the time due to the Cold War scare. I already loved the old B- movies with the silver plates hovering above a plastic globe. When I found out about the cards I flipped. 

I instantly fell in love with the bright colors and the dark humor portrayed. At around the same time I found the cards a movie based on the cards was released. Mars Attacks! by Tim Burton was an instance hit with me. A playful parody of all the 1950s Sci Fi B- movies. It was one of those movies that was soo bad that it was good. 

 In the 1962, the cards caused quite a stir. They were questioned for their strong gore, violence and sexual content. About 13 cards were banned and  repainted to depict more clothing and less blood and gory.   

The cards pictured above are an example of one of the changes. The one to the left was the original  and the one to the right was the reissue. Pretty much the only difference is the woman. Paints an interesting picture about the 50s and early 60s way of thinking. Why was it better for the woman to get abducted?

 Hmm.

By today's standards, I find them funny. It is truly interesting to see the ways sex and violence was slid into children's toys. Before you are outraged, these cards are far more tamer than anything found in video games today.  

So check out the movie with a cold beer or glass of wine. Sit back and remember to laugh. For the 50th anniversary the cards were published in a book. Check it out here. Enjoy!

Freaky Fads from the Past

Goldfish swallowing started as a fad in the spring of 1939 when Harvard freshman Lothrop Withington swallowed one when a classmate wagered that he wouldn’t. Withington had seen it done 10 years earlier while on vacation and bragged that he had done it once before. The event received vast coverage from the local media in Boston and soon college students throughout the country were trying to top his feat. Within weeks, students (mostly men) were sucking down five, ten, twenty and even thirty fish at a sitting. (Taken from www.badfads.com ) Please visit the link for the full story.

I love looking up the crazy stuff my grandparents did when they were young. Wow, even the girls got into the fun. Eek!    Goldfish Anyone?

Spicing up an Outfit: Forties Style

The fashion of the 1940s was highly affected by social events. As the war took hold and  fabric was rationed, ladies had to become creative to stay fashionable. Women would begin to mix and match outfits to create new bold and exciting combinations. Instead of buying a new outfit when a dress became torn or tattered, she would simply recycle the outfit and repair it with another worn out dress. The book pictured to the right is a good reference and demonstrates alot of the ways women made even the dullest outfit exciting. You can find a copy at Amazon.     

On this quest for the perfect outfit taking a plain black or any solid color dress and spicing it up with feed sack fabric or gingham (like pictured to the right) was just what the doctor ordered. Gingham was a very economical fabric, that was perfect for those hot summer days. Feed sack was highly available in the rural areas. Cotton became very affordable and replaced wooden barrels as a means to ship goods. As a result a very crafty lady could stitch together something wearable for pennies.

Other fashion forties trends was layering. You could easily slip a solid vest over a dress to achieve a new look. The dress to the left is one piece but you can envision it as a sleeveless top over a long sleeved black dress. Certainly an idea to play with. You could get a multitude of different looks from just the two pieces.

The outfit to the right is two pieces. The top portion can be unbuttoned and the dress can be worn plain. With this opportunities are limitless. You can craft a top portion in another color and reattach. You can change the buttons to get a whole other feel. Plus, these are ideas that you can take back to modern dresses. Torn or ugly dresses can be patched or color blocked. Can't sew? Don't let that stop you. There are plenty of resources on the internet. Too many to list. Check out mini sessions on You Tube or seek out a professional. You can also ask around, you never know who is crafty. There are plenty of talented people out there. Etsy is a wonderful place to hook up with crafty people.

My dream outfit maybe I need to reach out to a talented etsy craft person. 

Also,don't forget the power of the accessory. Jewelry, belts and flowers are very cheap ways to spice up an outfit. Again experiment experiment experiment!!!! 

The Lost Art of the Saddle Shoe

For inspiration I go to many outlets. I have to admit I have found my best outfits hunting down dance pictures. Right now I am following a Collegiate Shag trend (check out Collegiate Shag for more information) After wading through many photos I noticed saddle shoes aka Saddle Oxford were extremely popular. Pretty much the Saddle Shoe was invented in the early 1900s as an athletic shoe. It hit its high of fashion popularity during the fifties and sixities. Though they can really make a vintage outfit pop, I just do not see them worn that often. Unless you seek out  vintage festivals and events.  

Saddle shoes always follow a wave of reappearing and disappearing. I remember a time, when I saw them all over the place and then I could not find them at all. I believe they are back. Here is a short list of shops that carry them:  Remix Vintage Shoes - a bit pricey but they last a long time and they look real vintage   Bass - I found my first pair here and adored them. I wear the same pair to this day. Dance Store - They just came out with some new colors. (Pictured to the right)  Etsy - good place to look for the vintage kind and Payless Shoes (online) - here you can get them really cheap! 

Ok so I have my cool saddle shoes what do I wear with them??? Just my personal option but I love anything plaid. Plaid pants, plaid skirts.. What I really love is when you pair them with a plaid wiggle skirt and tight sweater. (The guys like that one as well ;). )  Though I caution you if you have the crazy patterned ones like pictured above. You don't want too many busy patterns competing for attention. So go solid. Also, you need stripey socks. Not always but they can a certain je na sais quoi. I find all of mine in the Target ladies sock department and etsy.  

 

Pictured is me wearing the same
Saddle Oxfords since 2001.



There are no set-in-stone rules. Go crazy. I know a woman who buys a pair of cheap ones and spray paints them crazy colors. I have also seen girls buy the duct tape with the crazy patterns and tape them to the white parts. Make your own fashion statement!

In the beginning

So it all started in the restroom of all places. Let me set the mood. Picture it... hanging out at your favorite Mini Tiki bar kicking back a couple of beers when you have to go to the little ladies room. You get to the door and a petite blond looks at you with shock and awe. She starts gushing over your clothing. Asking all these questions like : "Are you are some kind of fashion guru? Do I have a blog? A store? Do I consult?" Very overwhelming. To make a long story short this complete stranger got my wheels turning. I have seen, heard, and bought alot of vintage and retro goods and services over the years. Why not share? So here I am. Good or bad. This is my vintage life.