Classy and Fabulous II

A girl and her pearls: Grace on a Thoughtful Thursday

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Classy and Fabulous

Jackie with pearls, of course.

Jacqueline Kennedy & President John F. Kennedy, Life Magazine, 1961.

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Why I love so much vintage jewelry?

Vintage jewelry pieces are generally made of heavier materials that last. I love the quality, because, in general, they are extremely well-made, especially designer pieces, like Trifari, Coro (my favorites!). However, there are great vintage jewelry pieces unmarked or unsigned with a fabulous design.

Vintage jewelry pieces are rare, unique or exist in small quantities. And I like to be unique, to stand up from the crowd. That´s how I am and who I am. I hate to bump with a girl using the same necklace! It happened once and I felt very uncomfortable, although I thought: "Nice taste!" 

Authenticity is also important. I rarely use reproductions. I like items that carry a small piece of History and a part of someone else's history. I feel so special when I wear something from my mum or my grandmother!

And, of course, I choose items that fit my character. I love the late Fifhties, and the Sixties! In 3 words: Mad Men Style! 

I love the idea that anything old can be new. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! The 3 R´s in fashion means to have an EcoChic attitude!

So, wearing vintage jewelry is definitely to make daily a  fashion statement and a pleasure!

The small pictures were are part of 1964´s Trifari Ads

Vintage Summer

Source: oldsweetsong.com via Erica on Pinterest

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Catherine Deneuve 1962

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Brigitte Bardot

Source: flickr.com via Phine on Pinterest

Marilyn Monroe fashion tips

Marilyn Monroe

(1926-1962)

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Even 50 years after her death, Marilyn Monroe continues to inspire women all over the world and celebrities like Madonna and Scarlett Johansson. 

Here are a some tips:

1 - Embrace Your Curves

Marilyn Monroe had wide hips, big breasts and many, many curves. But she did not try to hide them. We should all be so kind to ourselves, wearing clothes that fit and flatter rather than hiding our bodies under oversized T-shirts or baggy sweatpants. As Marilyn said: “To all the girls that think you’re fat because you’re not a size zero, you’re the beautiful one, its society who’s ugly.”

2 - Seduce

In a positive way, seduction is the ability to charm the others. 

3 - Invest in accessories

Accessories valorize the look and Marilyn loved pearl necklaces and shiny jewels. Even with affordable jewelry you can feel like like Marilyn, as she said: "We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle".

4 - Be Bold

No one can deny that this was the main characteristic of Marilyn Monroe. The dress of the classic episode where she sang "Happy Birthday" to President Kennedy was sewn into her  body. I believe this was part of her provocative personality because, is her own words: "I love to do the things the censors won't pass"; "If I'd observed all the rules, I'd never have got anywhere"; "Well behaved women rarely make history".

5 - Identify your signature style

Pencil skirts, marked waist, daring necklines and blond hair. It is difficult not to recognize the style Marilyn. Become known for your style.  It's all about knowing what you like and what you feel and look best in -- and then sticking to it. You also could consider planning your wardrobe around three key colors, such as pink, gray and black. Like Monroe, who gravitated toward muted tones, you'll be well on your way to having your own signature style.

6 - Striking make-up

Red lipstick was a classic in the lips of Marilyn. The color does not need to be red, but a striking eye shadow or lipstick can make your look more interesting.  

Be aware that red lip color is always in fashion, and contrary to popular belief, it can look good on any woman -- whether she's a blonde, brunette, redhead or somewhere in between. The vibrant color draws attention while sending a clear message that you're confident in the statement you're making. The key is being careful not to overdo it. 

7 - Make a difference become a quality

Many women do not like a different detail of her body. A mole, for example, may not be the object of desire of women, but can became a distinguishing feature of a diva.

8 -  High heels

Orthopaedic surgeons can not be moved by the argument, but the high heels empowers women and makes them sexy. Marilyn knew this and invested in stilettos. After finding the shoemaker Salvatore Ferragamo,  she only wore the pieces created by him.

If the continued use of high heels is dangerous, ballerinas are also not a good option. The superfine soles do not absorb the impact of the foot on the ground, and can lead to excessive stretching of the ligaments and tendons of the leg to the knee. Try, at least, to use a height of not more than 4 cm. However, when there are no complaints about the column or discomfort associated with the use of heels, there is no reason to contraindicate its use.

9 - Do not hide your arms

Find a photo of Marilyn wearing long sleeves. Few, very few. Marilyn Monroe often bared her arms - and shoulders and cleavage 

10 - The hair is fundamental (and may be short)

To say that the hair is the face frame is an old cliche. But, it is true. In addition to finding the ideal color, you need to find the right cut for you, whether long or short.

11. Structure Your Look

A structured look on the outside starts with structure underneath. The structure and shape provided by a well-fitting foundation is nothing short of miraculous. Invest in a good bra and stay-up stockings.

12.  Cleavage

Vampy, not trampy. As Marilyn herself once said, "The trouble with censors is that they worry if a girl has cleavage. They ought to worry if she hasn't any."

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Let the Games begin!

Vintage Olympic Poster

1948 Olympic Games - London

Chanel Jewelry

I absolutely love Coco Chanel. I admire her personality and work, her style, her elegance.

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel revolutionized the '20s, releasing women from the uncomfortable and rigid clothes of the 19th century. She reproduced her own image, the woman of the 20th century, independent, successful, with personality and style.

History of many sources credit Coco Chanel  as being the first to introduce costume jewelry as an acceptable accessory. She brought the world Chanel No. 5 in 1922 (still the world's best selling perfume), the Chanel style suit in 1924, the cardigan jacket in 1925 and the "little black dress" in 1926, and introduced a line of costume jewelry in 1932.

Originally inspired by the opulent, costly jewels and pearls gifted to her by her aristocratic lovers, Chanel raided her own jewel vault and partnered with Duke Fulco di Verdura to launch a House of Chanel jewelry line.

Coco made “chic” to wear fake jewelry. Also she wore jewelry that was meant for the evening, with her daytime outfits, like her long string of pearls.  In her own words:

“A woman should mix fake and real.

To ask a woman to wear real jewelry only

is like asking her to cover herself with real

flowers instead of flowery silk prints.

She’d look faded in a few hours.

I love fakes because I find such jewelry provocative,

and I find it disgraceful to walk around with millions

around your neck just because you’re rich.

The point of jewelry isn’t to make a woman look rich

but to adorn her; not the same thing. “

 "Because you know a Chanel outfit cannot go without its jewellery"

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        Coco Chanel, 1938

 

Pearls always look great!

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Girls in the Window by Ormond Gigli, 1960

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Girls in the Window by Ormond Gigli, 1960.

The day before this brownstone on East 58th was razed, Gigli posed 43 women in formal dress in the windows, some daring to step out onto the crumbling sills while Gigli directed with a bullhorn. Read more here

From http://www.ormondgigli.com: 

ORMOND GIGLI was born in New York City in 1925. He became famous early on during the 1950s for his photographs of theatre, celebrities, dance, exotic persons & places. His work appeared prominently on covers & editorial pages of LIFE, TIME, PARIS MATCH, SATURDAY EVENING POST, COLLIERS, and other major international publications. Gigli's groundbreaking portraits include Sophia Loren (at age 21), Anita Ekberg, Marcel Duchamp, John F. Kennedy, Halston, Gina Lollobrigida, Diana Vreeland, Giancarlo Giannini, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, Sir Laurence Olivier, Alan Bates, Richard Burton, & many more. Most of these images have not been widely seen since they first appeared over four decades ago. 

Gigli worked more like a film director than a photojournalist. His ability to earn his subjects' trust in his vision - - often during complicated, uncomfortable, even dangerous setups - - was as important to the photos as his technical finesse with the camera. His disarming way with his subjects is evident in the revealing anecdotes of the people and times he so vividly recalls. He was welcomed backstage on Broadway as readily as he was in the private lives of celebrities. Some of Gigli's favorite photographs were self-assigned, international award-winners, such as "Girls in the Windows" photographed in 1960.

During the 70s and 80s Gigli turned to advertising photography, while continuing his editorial work. His assignments took him around the world many times.  Today, his photographs appear in prominent Galleries throughout the world.

Daphne Guinness, a fashion icon

"Fashion is not just about trends. It’s about political history. You can trace it from the ancient Romans to probably until the ’80s, and you can see defining moments that were due either to revolutions or changes in politics. At the end of the Roman era, there was this whole move against togas, because that was the signifier of the Roman Empire. In the same way, the ’60s were a reaction against the ’50s and so on. But now we’ve been feeding on a sort of cadaver. At the moment, we’re just endlessly recycling the past."

From Daphne Guinness interview by Peter Brant II

Maybe Daphne Guinness  has an eccentric style, maybe she seems Lady Gaga most of the times.  But I think she´s fabulous! Bold, crazy, amazing, funny...  And she is always wearing something vintage!

Fantastic video where Daphne talks about herself and the reason she wears what she wears.

50 Must have!

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Of course: pearl studs and pearl necklace!

Coffee!

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Logic and Imagination?

Both?

Summer!

So cool!

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I love this idea!
So classy, so elegant!

Lazy today...

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Congratulations to Queen Elizabeth on her Diamond Jubilee

Coco Chanel truths

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A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.
As quoted in The Gospel According to Coco Chanel : Life Lessons from the World's Most Elegant Woman (2009) by Karen Karbo


The best colour in the whole world is the one that looks good on you.
As quoted in Beauty in Bloom : A Collection of Beautiful Inspirations‎ (2009) by Natalie Bloom, p. 23

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

As quoted in Chanel : A Woman of Her Own (1991) by Axel Madsen, p. 124

Pearls, pearls, pearls!

I love it!

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How to style bouffant?

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Chignon diva 60s

How to create a beehive hairstyle : Beehive hair tutorial

Vodka!

:)

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The Passenger

I'm too pretty to work...

Yeah, yeah, yeah...
We all have thoughts and days like this!

Spring Fever at Dawanda.com

The DaWanda 'Spring Fever' discount special will take place from Monday, 26.03.2012 (10am CEST) until Thursday, 05.04.2012 (Midnight CEST).

The sale takes place in a maximum of 2 DaWanda main categories per day (Fashion, Accessories, Bags, Jewellery, Men, Baby, Children, Home + Living, Paper + Stationery, Art, Supplies, Vintage, Occasions + Celebrations). During the sale period you will receive a 12% discount off all participating products in the categories of the day (marked out with a little butterfly icon, excluding the SALE category). The reduced price will be displayed during the order process, and in your shopping basket.

Dawanda Spring: Today 12% discount on ALL products!

A Primavera acordou! Hoje 12% de desconto em TODOS os produtos!

Der Frühling ist erwacht! Heute 12% Rabatt auf ALLE Artikel!

Spring has awakened! Today 12% discount on ALL products!

Le printemps est réveillé! Aujourd'hui 12% rabais sur TOUS les produits!  

Simplicity Is The Key To Successful Living

Source: chrisabraham.com via Raluca on Pinterest

 Try not to complicate things

Peggy Lee - Black Coffee

I can´t live without it!

Madonna - Into The Groove - Official Music Video HD

Still is an inspiration.
Even considering myself as a free-spirit, sometimes I wish to be bold and wild like Susan!

10 reasons to visit Portugal

Suddenly, Last Summer (1959) trailer Elizabeth Taylor

One of my favorite moovies, a great play!

Love it, love it, love it!

Elizabeth is fantastic, Katherine and Montgomery Clift too.

Fundamental to watch and to read!

"I love to find a great vintage secondhand shop" - Bridget Hall

Specially, if it is MY SHOP!

Discovered on DaWanda

By: tpafonso

Vintage 1960s Gold Tone Set with faux pearls

Our customers are our shareholders!

Print Out Vulture’s Downton Abbey Paper Dolls

Print Out Vulture’s Downton Abbey Paper Dolls

So cool!

Downton Abbey wraps up its second season this weekend, when the stellar Christmas special airs on PBS on Sunday night. (Seriously, this Christmas Special. It may even make you forget the stranger-from-the-past double-reverse-amnesia plotline.) To help get you through these next many months without Downton(season three! With Shirley MacLaine! Can't come soon enough!), here are four sets ofDownton Abbey paper dolls created by Kyle Hilton. You may not be able to watch new episodes for a while, but you sure can cut these dolls out and make up your own story lines. (Imagine all the things you can make Matthew and Mary do...) Below, please find printable paper doll sets — click on them to see a bigger version—of the Dowager Countess (complete with multiple facial expression), Matthew and Mary, Thomas and O'Brien and their villainous accessories, and Sybil in a contemporary T-shirt.

Illustrations by Kyle Hilton

 Print out the Dowager Countess here.

 Print out Thomas and O'Brien here.

 Print out Matthew and Mary here.

Print out Sybil here.

Personally I miss Bates and Anna...

Dame Vivienne Westwood: People Look Ugly Wearing “Disposable Crap”

by Jasmin Malik Chua, 02/20/12

“People have never looked so ugly as they do today. We just consume far too much.. I’m talking about all this disposable crap. What I’m saying is buy less, choose well. Don’t just suck up stuff so everybody looks like clones. Don’t just eat McDonald’s, get something a bit better. Eat a salad. That’s what fashion is. It’s something that is a bit better.”

—Designer Dame Vivienne Westwood, speaking to reporters after her Autumn/Winter show atLondon Fashion Week on Sunday.

1950's Womens Beauty Salon

Blue jeans are a must-have

"I have often said that I wish I had invented blue jeans: the most spectacular, the most practical, the most relaxed and nonchalant. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity - all I hope for in my clothes". - Yves Saint Laurent

Marilyn in jeans for the movie "Clash by Night"

Bonnie Tyler - The Best

GLORIA JONES- "TAINTED LOVE" (1964)

A first-rate version of yourself

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” Judy Garland

http://fightforthefuture.org/

http://sopastrike.com/#how-to-strike

What people want from technology is usually pretty clear...

People love huge open libraries of music, books and video. They don't like censorship and legal landmines that get you sued for making amazing things. They love privacy and open platforms to create and invent. They're happy to pay for good stuff, but hate being coerced to pay for mediocrity and middlemen.

And people are right to want all these things, even when governments and corporations, with their own narrow interests, try to paint this new, expansive cultural freedom as dangerous or destructive. Our goal is to make the public's interest vividly clear, so clear that not even the most powerful lobbyists and smartest monopolies can destroy it.

We're living during a global shift as big as the industrial revolution. Because of the internet, our future will work very differently than the world our parents and grandparents created. We, as a society, are literally building a new world. Fight for the Future is here to bring the most essential human values back into the debate about how society uses technology. We believe there's hardly anything as important as ensuring that our shared future has freedom of expression and creativity at its core.

To do it, we need your help. If you have ideas, tell us. If you care about this stuff too, follow us in whatever way’s best for you (email's best for us). We'll be gentle on your inboxes, and we'll try our best to only send things that are awesome. When we do, share it. Hard. Popularity and passion make good ideas dangerous to special interests.

We're friends with EFF, Public Knowledge, FSF, Creative Commons, Demand Progress, Mozilla, Question Copyright and many more. We care passionately about making real concrete change, and we are here to be successful. Plus we're hiring.

To be a bit more concrete, we're asking:

• After spending thousands of years building libraries of donated books, why do governments try to tear them down when they happen spontaneously online?
• Why can't I give money directly to every musician I like, instead of paying Apple or Spotify and leaving virtually nothing in the pockets of the artists?
• Why does the US pay so much for cellphone service? And for slow internet?
• How is it possible that singing "Happy Birthday" in public is still illegal, and why does anyone stand by these laws?
• Will every kid growing up in every developing country have access to every book ever made, as soon as they get a smartphone? Or will the books cost $12, an impossible expense for a poor kid?
• Why have we all been sitting idly while the movie and music lobbyists have been systematically advancing legislation that strips freedoms, blocks innovation, and exclusively advances Hollywood's financial agenda?

Vintage Condition Grading System - II

Condition Ratings

*** Source: Price Guide to Costume Jewelry, Third Edition by Harrice Simons Miller

Mint: New, never worn.

Near Mint: No apparent wear.

Excellent: No chipping or fading of finish or enamel; no missing, yellowed, or darkened rhinestones; no worn prongs or edges. If stones have been replaced, it should not be obvious.

Very Good: No missing or dead stones, no peeling pearls, minor chips in the enamel or slight wear on the prongs or edges.

Good: Any flaws do not affect wearability. Under a loupe there may be spotting in the foil, minor darkening or graying rhinestones, minor yellowing and signs of wear. Professional repairs.

Fair: Visible damage, missing or darkened stones, broken closures, severe wear. Old repairs with solder evident on reverse.

Poor: Stones chipped, scratched or missing; dents and holes in metal; some missing prongs.