Do's and Don'ts of a Black Tie Affair

With December quickly approaching, there might be a number of social gatherings encircled on your calendar. While you might have easily secured a vintage get up for your staff dinner of say...20 people, the other event is a black tie affair and you might be busting your brain as to what to wear to this black tie event and still incorporate this vintage themed style of dress.

Black tie affair

Well let us first understand the meaning of the term Black Tie. Put simply, it is a fancy affair of which men are required to wear a tuxedo. This social function usually starts at 6 pm,  but it is no hard and fast rule, because some black tie weddings kick off at 3 in the afternoon. Now while the expression black tie applies mainly to men, a woman should also know what attire is considered appropriate under this code.

Full length gown

Do I have to wear a gown? 

 Usually floor length gowns are worn for black tie gatherings, but in 2015 there are some exceptions to the rules. If you don't own a gown and cannot afford to purchase one then it is quite acceptable to wear a cocktail dress. Keep in mind though that if you are going to use a cocktail dress, the colour should be rich and classy, so as not to appear casual. You can never go wrong in black, but if that fails, you can opt for  metallics, jewel tones and browns.

 Satin cocktail dress

On the other hand, lighter shades can be worn with  a full length gown as it is naturally dressy. Another option for a black tie affairs are chic separates; such as a silk blouse with a full satin skirt.

Vintage chic separates

If you choose to wear a cocktail dress, just ensure that the hemline is not overly short or the style isn’t too revealing. Also keep in mind that your cocktail dress must stand up along a room full of tuxedo wearing men and women in their dressy full length gowns.
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Can I wear Red?

Traditionally, red was thought to be overly sexy and attention grabbing, which clearly shows that that rule was established during a more conservative  time period. However in this era there are thousands of high fashioned red dresses that are perfect for formal gatherings. Just be sure to stay away from the RED  unflattering, tight, spandex dresses with the low cleavage dress or any colour for that matter! Needless to say that it is highly inappropriate. According to Style Caster, " Choose red gowns that are made from rich silky fabrics like chiffon or organza, as opposed to shiny satin or anything too stretchy, and always keep embellishments to a minimum."

Red satin gown

Can I Wear White to a Wedding?

There are differing views on this but to be safe and to avoid upsetting the bride, save your pretty white dress for an other occasion. It might appear to many that you are trying to steal the bride's attention.


                         

If it's not your day, ditch the white dress

There you have it dolls, I hope this blog was useful. Feel free to leave a comment in the box below.

 

Vintage Inspired Wedding Dresses With a Purpose

The styles of wedding dresses are sweeping and varies from bride to bride, but what I have noticed as a common and recurring pattern is the bustier.  While I am not in any way opposed to this look as it is quite stunning; once well-fitting of course,  I think that the place in which it is worn can make it inappropriate. I cannot recall how many times I have seen beautiful brides ambling down the isles with plunging necklines; muffin top cleavage and daring scooped backs dresses.  You can almost hear the gasps and murmurs of the staunch Christian ladies in between the wedding march hymn ( Here Comes the Bride). This is also distracting to the pastor/priest/elder.

Admittedly some brides try to look modest by covering up with a bolero but it sometimes takes away from the aesthetics of the bridal dress.  It looks like an afterthought that clashes with the dress.
So how do you wear a wedding dress without exposing too much and at the same time not look frumpy? Well I came across some vintage inspired wedding dresses that are appropriate for the chapel. Check it out and feel free to comment in the box down below.

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 This fit and flare lace dress looks classy and sexy and at the same time quite moderate.

A  glamorous lace  dress that covers the shoulders. It looks timeless and stylish and it also replaces the need for a boring bolero.

 

 This is a bustier type dress, but the sheer fabric adds some classiness to it, which does not overly expose the flesh.

Front

Back

 Here is another bustier type dress, but this has more coverage from front to back with the line pattern of this sheer fabric.  

If you are not overly fond of sheer and lace this dress might be perfect for you. Capped sleeves and embellished neck and waist lines might be all you need to be a vintage bride.

Straight out of a vintage story-tale.  The minimal sheer, from front to back, provides a very classy finish. If you don't mind showing off  a little skin but love to sweep the floor with your cascading dress, then this wedding dress might be for you.

This dress does have a bustier finish but not only is it covered in lace; the vintage collar masks the cleavage which makes this wedding dress appropriate for the church.

This fishtail dress shows off a bride's curves but does not expose her assets. The lace finish to the top along with the floral embellishment makes this dress simply beautiful.


Hope you enjoyed dolls. In my next blog-post I will share with you some 50s hairstyles that goes along with these dresses. Stay tuned and thanks for viewing!






These images were taken from Classy Tatiana Kaplun Bridal Collection 2015 and  House of Mookshki.

How to Tie a Vintage Headscarf

Head scarfs are so convenient for those lazy hair days and lately I have been experiencing a lot of those. I have been rocking the 1950s vintage housewife head tie more than ever to: go to school, christian meetings, shopping and just plain old hanging out. This style is not just restricted to vintage fashion. It is quite versatile and can compliment almost any look including the bohemian style. I would also recommend this if you are wearing a vintage bathing suit. If you don't want to get your hair wet; instead of using a regular bandanna try these simple steps. It will not only scream vintage but you will turn some heads at the beach as well.


So are you ready dolls? Let's get started.

Prepping the Hair

If your hair is long or shoulder length you will need to pin it up, ideally into a neat French roll. Avoid rolling your hair into a bun or sweeping your hair into a pony tail, as it would create a bulge.

Head Scarf

You will need a square scarf.  The bigger scarf will allow you to create a bow at the top, a smaller scarf will afford you a knot. It all depends on the look that you desire.

 

 Step 1

Fold your scarf diagonally, creating a triangular shape. Ensure that it is neatly done to get the best results. 

 

 Step 2

Place the scarf on your head. Hold the two longer sides and allow the shorter side or tip of the triangle to fall downward. 

 Step 3

Pull the longer pieces up over the ears and tie them together on the top of your head. Make sure that the hanging piece remains in place.

 Step 4

If you have a larger scarf, tie the ends into a bow. If the scarf is shorter, tie it into a knot. Ensure that the hanging part of the scarf, in front of the forehead, is still in place. 
 

Step 5

Take the hanging end; and neatly tuck it under the ends of the bow.  If the tails of the bow are too long, tuck them in as well. if you desire, feel free to fluff your bow to create fullness.

Step 6

There might be some points sticking out; don't panic! Simply tuck it in as well so as to create a smoother and neater look.

 Et Voila! 1950s Head tie

There you have it dolls the 1950s vintage house wife head tie. Practice makes it perfect, so don't give up. Try this wrap and let me know the outcome. Hit me up in the comment box below.  

 Pics and info compliments Mandi Johnson of babble.com

 

 

 

 

A Lesson in Vintage Hats

Hello dolls! Today I have shared with you a list of the popular vintage hats worn throughout the 1920s to 1960s. Some vintage hats might be a combination of this basic list,  so to categorize every living,single, vintage hat might be a bit tricky, but don't stress. The point is that while these styles are classic, some of these hats can still be worn today.

Cloche Hat

The French word cloche means bell. This fitted bell, shaped hat became popular between the1920s-1930s.

Greta Garbo in her signature styled hat

Slouch Hat

This hat is usually made of felt. The brim is somewhat floppy and it resembles a fedora in some regard. The slouch is also called the Garbo hat because this was a signature wear by Greta Garbo.This was made popular in the 1930s, during the time of the great depression.

Mushroom hat worn by Christian Dior model

Mushroom Hat

It takes the shape of a mushroom where the brim of the hat tilts downward and the crown short and rounded. The mushroom hat was popularized by Christian Dior in the late 1940s and it became part of his New Look collection.

Audrey Hepburn donned in a lampshade hat

Lampshade Hat

A  circular crown which is typically flat, but sometimes rounded and ranges from medium to tall. The brim flares in an outward direction but not flared; at times partially covering the ears. This look was said to have been popularized by Christian Dior in the 1950s.

Jackie O in signature pillbox hat

Pillbox Hat

Small brimless hat with a flat crown and round, upright sides. The shape is evocative of the cylindrical or hexagonal boxes in which pills were sold. Jackie O popularized this look in the 1960s.



 I hope this was helpful. Coming up in my next blog I will share with you a list of popular vintage perfumes.