Showing posts with label Marlene Dietrich. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Marlene Dietrich. Show all posts

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Transitional Trench

Marlene Dietrich

We are at a seasonal crossroads as "Back to School" looms before us. The transition from Summer to Fall is here. Traditionally a trench coat is a staple for Spring but I get mine out during this season as the nights become cooler. 
Jackie Kennedy

The history of the trench is long, with origins from menswear. The first world wore saw British and French officers wearing this garment in the trenches, hence the name and it has evolved into the closets of fashionable women across the globe.  It's traditional color was Khaki but thankfully has also evolved into dozens of shades and colors. According to Wiki Invention of the trench coat is claimed by both Burberry and Aquascutum, with Aquascutum's claim dating back to the 1850s. Thomas Burberry, the inventor of gabardine fabric, submitted a design for an Army officer's raincoat to the United Kingdom War Office in 1901.

Jane Birkin - Burberry Trench

My personal go-to trench is a Black Michael Kors with a detachable hood and a liner that is also removable but I am intrigued with the trench trimmed in Grosgrain. Since the SJP Shoe Collection I have taken a second look at this fabrication, for those of you that don't know every shoe has a grosgrain detail or trim. The fabric 'gros grain' is characterized by its ribbed appearance and it is a firm, close-woven, fine-corded fabric with strength. You've seen it a lot as ribbon and headbands but trims for coats and shoes? I adore it.

The Greatest of the Grosgrain in the Trenches:

SJP Manhattan Trench Coat Trimmed in Grosgrain - Avail in: Khaki & Navy *SALE: Reg: $495 - ON SALE 60% off $198.90




Vince Camuto. Grosgrain Trimmed 'walking jacket' in Aqua  - SALE: Reg: $136 - $79.99



Ivanka Trump Grosgrain Trimmed Single Breasted Trench in RED  Was $190.00 / Sale: $104







Thursday, January 10, 2013

Kiss Curl: Contemporary Chic

1925
I'm currently in the middle of my New Year closet purge and organization. I am ready for new looks, a fresh way to re-style what is left and make new additions. The overhaul also goes for my hair. I'm contemplating a new look but making the best at creating diversity with the one I have now.
On New Years eve, along with my amazing Vintage velvet/feathered hat I went with a soft curled look with hot rollers off to one side and on the opposite side a "kiss curl". Like always I did a contemporary/vintage fusion look in both hair and dress. I mixed contemporary pieces like a black pencil skirt, Alternative Apparel Cobalt Burn out t-shirt, black blazer, Patricia Field fingerless gloves with the retro hat and vintage blue rhinestone necklace.
By definition a kiss curl is "A spiral curl plastered to the forehead or cheek"
The Kiss Curl for me combines Vintage glamour, retro-romance with a dash of contemporary chic-ness. There have been many variations of this look over time ...
1930's
Marlene Dietrich 1935
Louise Brooks
1960's
Kate Moss for John Galliano c. 1995

Will you rock a CHIC CURL in 2013?