Embracing Lace

Apparently, if you're Emily Blunt, you can wear lace from head to toe and get away with it.

As I like to make comparison-posts, I decided that snow is very lace-like in it's delicate intricacy. Enough so that I feel I am completely justified in dedicating this post to lace (despite the fact that we have zero snow here where I live).

I am crazy about these retro Valentino looks!

Coo-coo and awesome at the same time!

This lacy gown on Dianna Agron is beyond stunning!

I'm loving the hard and soft combination here!

I love lace, though I think in many circumstances lace can be tacky, frumpy, gaudy, shabby or just too froofy. I also think that the memory of the Madonna-era-lace makes some people shy away from it before ever giving it a second chance.

Apparently, Dianne Kruger loves lace, because I found a ton of great examples of both of them together!

Whoa! Swoon!!!

Lace and golds and tans. Very interesting!

I remember clearly how desperately I wanted to own a pair of lace, cut-off gloves!

So, lets all take a second look and try to learn to embrace it's beauty and delicate elegance. Lace first came into popular existence in the late 1500's  (though objects resembling lace bobbins have been found in Roman remains, but there are no records of Roman lace-making). Of course, it was first used by clergy, but it quickly spread to royalty and other gentry. There is even a Patron Saint of Lace-Making (St John Francis Regis). 

A very dreamy 70's example.

Lace perfection!

Nothing like a little well-placed lace on a smoldering Rita Heyworth!

She is simply dripping with lace. Amazing!

The industrial revolution had a huge hand in the downfall of hand-made lace (though despite it's intricate and complicated process, there are still people today who carry on the tradition - including a dear friend of mine). But lace is still alive and well in fashion. I am a huge fan of lace when it is used well, so I hope you enjoy my post and it's accompanying pictures!

A typical example of traditional lace making. It looks virtually impossible to me, but I would really love to see a live demonstration! What kind of crazy lunatic came up with this in the first place?!

Here are some wonderful, older examples of lace and it's uses through the years.

How intricate and amazing! I sometimes wish collars and cuffs like this would come back around. (Maybe just a little bit smaller and more subtle?)

All I want fur Christmas

From a 1940s catalogue.

Perhaps as a companion piece to the last post about feathers in fashion, I thought, this being the winter season, that a post about fur would be appropriate. I don't wish to vex or upset anyone by this, but it is an undeniable fact that fur has been a part of fashion for a long, long time. In fact, it may have been the first fashion statement made by a woman, if our ideas of 'cave men' are anything to go by!

Of course, I wanted to start with a glimpse in the past and see how fur has adorned clothing throughout the past couple hundred years.

A beautiful pink gown from the 18th century, trimmed with fur. 

A pelisse from the 1810s.

Ermine muff and shawl from the 1890s.

A lovely dress from the 1910s bedecked with fur. 

Fur AND feathers! A hat and muff, 1890s.

Greta Garbo in the early days of her career, sporting a bold fur wrap.

Mink coat from the 1940s. SUCH a 1940s cut. 

Fur sleeves? And while you're at it, get cozy with that giraffe statue.  1930s.

If anyone could pull off wearing fur, it was Marlene Dietrich 

1970s fur coat from Selfridges.

Modern imagining of 1920s fashion - soft lilac fur from "The Great Gatsby".

Modern vests and jackets with fur.

Fur trains are all the rage! 

No, really!

Fine Feathered Fashion

OK, I know there is only one feather in this picture and not a lot of clothes, but I couldn't help myself!

In honor of Thanksgiving and it's conspicuous turkey mascot, I thought it might be fun to explore feathers in fashion. Feathers as a fashion accessory go back probably till the beginning of time. They are beautiful and intricate on their own. Once added to an ensemble, they transform the overall look instantaneously. I believe that they either make a serious outfit more dramatic, or they can make a fun outfit more playful. They enhance, soften and elevate. 

An early (1600's?) example of feathers.

I am in love with the feathers in this Edwardian ensemble!

Two Flappers floating in feathers. Sublime!

An amazing use of feathers from the 40's.

I have always loved this dress on Leslie Caron from Gigi!

I think, because of passing fads or trends, sometimes feathers get a bad rap. But I feel it's important not to overlook them or brush them aside. They can be a powerful fashion ally!

This colorful feather collar kills me!

Another great use of feathers in this super-mini black dress on Emma Watson.

Just breathtaking!

Carey Mulligan in a heavenly feathered dress.

I need this outfit!!!

I love the variety here! I think the green is my favorite!

I have never been one for fake eyelashes, but I am kind of desperate to try these one's out!