Friday, November 21, 2014

Merci Mindy

This deep purple gown is absolutely stunning!

Words cannot express my love for Mindy Kaling and her wonderful sitcom The Mindy Project. I never watched the american version of The Office, so I feel like I am a bit of a newcomer to the Mindy-fan-bandwagon. Perhaps the thing I love most about her show is how her funny, quirky personality translates perfectly into the clothes she wears.

Perhaps one of my favorite pattern combinations ever!



Lemons!!! I need this!

Another great pattern combo!

So short, but so deco and amazing!


Salvador Perez is the fantastic designer for the show, and I think he does a lot of personal styling for Mindy in real life as well. They obviously work very well together as I love her style on and off of television. I find her clothing to be very inspiring. 



I would never think to put purple with more purple.  Genius!


Ravishing!


We all know she is not the skinniest star on the red carpet; there has been plenty of controversy and unnecessary commentary about that in the media. Yet she still wears whatever she wants, and looks fantastic doing it. She is not afraid to wear bright colors, super-short skirts, crazy patterns or peplums. Her confidence and sense of humor motivate me to be more confident in wearing my clothes and in choosing new clothing styles. No one should be limited in their fashion choices because of size.


 One of my favorite outfits on the show: sequin skirt, baseball shirt, fancy jewelry. How does this work so well?
Plaid and Chris Messina. Yes and yes!

So I am sending out a special "thank you" to Mindy Kaling. Thanks for making me laugh and thanks for giving me confidence to seek more adventure in my closet.

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Never Were There Such Devoted Sisters

Lillian and Dorothy Gish



When I was a young girl, I became very impressed with the films and starts of the silent era. A particular favourite of mine was Lillian Gish. I thought her delicate, almost fairy-like features were so lovely. 

Her sister Dorothy was also an actress, and was known for being more of a tomboy than her more famous sister Lillian. I think my own sister Morag liked Dorothy a little better. 

They might not have been huge, glamorous stars with names that everyone knows, such as Greta Garbo or Katherine Hepburn, but they were both there at nearly the very beginning of silent films. Certainly they were there to witness Hollywood transform into what it is today. 

And they both had a wonderful sense of style. 
Dorothy:

Boasting a lovely bob


A Maria Gallenga gown similar to the one worn by Dorothy in the above photo. I love the sort-of medieval feel to it.


That coat!

Dorothy sporting blonde curls for one of her roles.



A Robe de Style similar to Dorothy's.
Lillian:

Lovely coat.

This dress is so simple, yet stunning. 

A similar dress from the early 20s


From her film 'Way Down East'
A gauzy evening dress of the 1910s, similar to the one above.

Lillian wearing a Fortuny gown.

One of Fortuny's Deltos gowns.


Another lovely Robe de Style.
An elegant Lillian of the 1930s or 40s

The sisters were always charming and fashionable.


The sisters with friend and co-actor Richard Barthelmess.

I love Lillian's Asian inspired hat!

Beautiful still.


Wednesday, October 22, 2014

There's Nothing New About Orange

Late 60's Dark Orange Stunner!

Since it is Halloween time, I thought it might be fun to find some rousing examples of the color orange through history. For me, orange is a very unforgiving color and is often hard to wear. But, when done right, it is one of the best statement color's around. 


1708


1760's

Edward Malbone, 1804

I don't have an exact date on this one. I'm gonna say around 1810.

Court Dress, 1857

1865

1870

I love orange when it is done well, and my wish is that this post might inspire us all to go bold a little more often (yes, even orange). I had so much fun finding these examples, and I hope you enjoy this diverse selection!


Early 1900's

1910

1924

1932

Viviene Leigh, 1940's

1940's shoes and matching handbag. Drool!

1950's striped perfection

More 1950's

No period of time embraced orange as well as the 1960's and 70's.


1964



Late 1960's

The 70's in all it's glory!

Early 70's. I am in love with this floral pattern set on such a perfect pumpkin orange color. 
Some of the good styles to come out of the 70's.

I even found some decent orange clothing from the 1980's.


A surprisingly awesome dress from 1982.

1985 
Oscar de la Renta, 1990

And finally, modern day fashion is no stranger to the coral, creamsickle and orange hue. I was surprised at how much I loved most of what I found. I am definitely going to embrace more orange in my wardrobe from now on.


Donna Karan, 2015 
Euro Resort, 2015
Winter 2013
Victoria Beckham, 2013

Miranda Kerr in Valentino, 2014. I love this golden orange color!