Visiting the Jazz Age in Fashion

Hiya Blogland!! Wednesday greetings from frigid and snow-covered Western Maryland!! We got about 7-8 inches of snow yesterday and today it's only 6 degrees F out. The skies are a gorgeous blue and with the snow it's absolutely beautiful outside.

Not that I'm going out in it--too icy and slippery for me. MrBill and Gracie have been taking advantage of their "indoor pee pads" as it's too brutal for them to go out.

How many of you are watching this season of Downton Abbey???? I LOVE this show!! The stories, the FASHION!!!  The dresses are just to die for. The story started in 1912 and is now taking place in 1922-23. It's the start of the Roaring Twenties and the Jazz Age.

 The end of World War One, the growing economy, the rise of the middle class, and the urbanization of America were signals that the world was changing. People wanted to change with the times. . .
Changing with the times is often first seen in what people wear.
Women wanted the ability to express themselves. The women's suffrage movement and prohibition marked the political power of united groups of people.
With these social changes coming so quickly, the 1920s is seen as "THE decade of change."
No longer were women willing to trade their mobility for the old stodgy customs of the Victorian era. Old-fashioned torture devices like the corset and the crinoline no longer served a purpose for young women who wanted to dance, go to work, hop into cars, and walk around town.

 

I would love to have some of these hats!!

Is there any other item of 1920s fashion that carries as much meaning as the cloche hat?
It's said that it was the invention of French milliner Caroline Reboux who introduced it in or around 1923 on the streets of Paris.
From there the cloche hat spread like wildfire.
Made of velvet, satin, horsehair, straw or felt, the cloche (means "bell" in French) hid a woman hair and allowed her to tuck it up into the hat.
Some variations of the standard cloche were the gigolo hat with it's wider brim and crease at the top. One side dipped lower than the other, giving women a "devil may care" nonchalance

These dresses would look fabulous today!

It is a myth that the dresses of the 1920s were short the entire decade, it wasn't until around 1925 that the hemlines of ladies dresses reached anywhere near the knee.
Even so, in 1920 dresses were a sharp contrast to those of the Victorian Era. The waistline began dropping in the late 1910s and kept going starting just below the bustline in 1920, between the breasts and natural waist in 1921, and at the hips in 1922.
The hemline was mid-calf at the end of the 1910s and stayed there all the way until 1922. And surprisingly, the hemline dropped in 1923 and 24. In 1925 it, famously, rose all the way to the knee.
Daytime dresses of the 1920s were shapeless affairs, they didn't hug a woman's curves, instead they hung loosely, often even the sleeves were worn loose as well.
Floral prints were the rage in womens 1920s clothing, soft pastel colors in "Nile Green" "Sunset Orange" "French Blue" and "Maze" were the most popular colors of 1920s fashion for women.
From: http://www.1920s-fashion-and-music.com/1920s-fashion.html 

The plaid suit with the wrap top would work for the office today.

I want the pink & grey outfit on the right!

I would love to have any of these

The details on these are just amazing.

So elegant for a night out in the jazz club

 

Last summer's movie remake of The Great Gatsby also peaked interest in 20's fashion. Personally I prefer the 1974 version with Robert Redford and Mia Farrow but I won't deny that this was costumed and staged beautifully.

The remake is a feast of gorgeous 20's style.

The absolutely AWESOME Australian series Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is full of 20's eye-candy. I adore Phryne's flowing pants and tops.  And her velvet duster coats are to die for!!

Love the duster jacket!

This is just freaking fabulous!!

Our birthday girl Desiree of Pullyoursoxup is a dead ringer for Phryne!!!

 

Looking like she stepped out of The Great Gatsby!!

Designer's are showing the influence of Jazz Age style on the runway.

I'm thinking about finding or making some soft, flowy 20's style day dresses for this Spring/Summer.  Anyone else inspired by the Jazz Age?? I hope y'all enjoyed this little visit back in time.

HOPEFULLY I will get out of the house this week and will have an outfit to post!! Everyone have a wonderful rest of the week!

TTFN

Tamera

Clap Clap Clapboarding along

Love the cottage on this vintage card

Hiya Blogland!! Not much going on here.I did get out to the doctor's late last week so I wore something minimally interesting.

I am sporting a new accessory these days. The doctor ordered a cane for stability walking. There were loads to choose from at the medical equipment place. I chose something subtle and classy.

Here's a close-up. Metallic Rainbow Butterflies for the win!!!

I figure if I have to have a cane why not get something AWESOME!!! Bonus Gracie cuteness!!

Here's my picking up my geezer cane outfit. The pants are Gloria Vanderbilt and are actually glen plaid jeans. There's a bit of a blue stripe in it . Everything is thrifted except the deer necklace which was DIY.  I'm wearing the marbled silk knit August Silk sweater I recently thrifted.

Miraculously I have only gained 5 lbs being so inactive. I consider this a WIN. Here's a picture of my outerwear last week. I thrifted this Lord & Taylor cashmere car coat last year for $4. They retail fro $400+. It's a bit big this year but I'm still going to wear it. It's warm yet not "heavy".

I've been slogging along with the dollhouse. Since I can only manage maybe 1 hour per day it's been slow-going. I've gotten the two sides clapboarded this week. It's a lot of measuring and making guidelines as preparation. Each piece is individually glued on. Next up is the front-it gets straight clapboard half way up and then fish tail shingles on the top.

I also have to start painting all of the trim pieces white. At least it gives me something to look forward to-snerk!!

I hope everyone is having a fantastic weekend!! I shall be back along next week if I don't die of boredom first!!

TTFN
Tamera

Some days just drag by....

How adorable is this old card?

Hiya Blogland!!! Greetings from Boredomland. This being laid up and housebound is really starting to harsh my mellow-LOL.  I've only been out to the doctors since mid December and I am going stir-crazy. Although I can't really do anything but veg in the recliner most of the day. I can sit in the office chair for maybe 2 hours and stand for like 15 minute intervals before I have to go back to the recliner or lay on the bed to relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve.

I was really low today after spending hours on the phone with different entities concerning my treatments and the never-ending merry-go-round the Dept. of Labor is putting me on. STILL no PT as of this date. Now I need an MRI (the muscle spasm knot isn't getting any better) and that's another hassle for authorization. I wound up in tears of frustration and despair for most of the day.

Shuffled out with the dogs and checked the mail. There was a package for me from the always sparkly Val of Late Blooming Sparkle. She had sent me the adorable Gypsy Caravan she had made!!!

It brought such a ray of sunshine into my grey crappy day!! It's absolutely ADORABLE in person. So much detail. I need to find out where she got the little teapot and mugs because something like that would be perfect for the dollhouse!!

Now that I'm feeling a bit more cheerful I'll share what I wore to the doctor's yesterday. I decided to "dress up" (heh) as who knows when I'll be out in public again. The skirt, scarf, & boots are thrifted, the top was brought with a gift card. The purse is a gift from my friend Andrea--I thought the colors went perfectly with the outfit. I would've rather worn my wedge booties but I needed the stability of the flat boots. I got a spiffy new cane that I'll share pix of on Sunday!!

Skirt & Sweater-Lane Bryant, Boots-Nine West, Purse-Donna Sharp, Tights-Target

My Great-Grandmother Annie Lewis Grimes December 1910

This weeks SpyGirl 52 Pick-me-up challenge is 10's:1910 or 2010.   I decided to share a photo of my great-grandmother Annie Lewis Grimes in her wedding dress. She was married December 28, 1910. she made her outfit and hat. The dress was chocolate brown wool trimmed in rust colored velvet ( on the skirt and waistband)with tortoise shell buttons. Her blouse was cream colored lawn with cream crochet lace. The jacket had a shawlet of cream crocheted lace. Her gloves were brown kid. The hat was dark chocolate brown wool  with a dark brown veil and cream silk flowers. The ribbon around her neck was rust colored velvet.  I was blessed to have her tell me all about it so i could note it on the back of the picture for future.

I'm also hooking up with our Tartan Rose Bella and Citizen Rosebud: Shoeshine.  I picked these shoes up last month for $5. They are Clarks and appear to have never been worn. I'm anxious for warmer weather (and a better back) to wear them. They were super comfy trying on and walking around my house when I got them.

Sorry if I vented a bit there. I'm just frustrated. The dogs are getting very spoiled having all of this mommy lap time!!!  It's time for me to get out of this chair and put my feet up. Everyone have a wonderful weekend and I'll be back on Sunday!!

TTFN
Tamera

8pm on a Saturday Night

My winter tree

Hiya Blogland!!! I survived the POLAR VORTEX OF DOOM!!!! I need to get a t-shirt now I guess!!! It got down to -4 degrees F here. not as bad as the poor folks in the Midwest but miserable enough.

Not that I was going anywhere out in it. I'm still housebound and such. Ugh. Anyway--I have found a benefit of being stuck indoors. I've discovered that MeTv channel is showing reruns of my absolute favorite TV show when I was a teen.

Every Saturday night in the early 70's I had a regular babysitting gig with the little boys next door.  The tv was tuned at 8pm to NBC for Emergency!('72-'79). Here's a little blurb about it:

The show focuses on paramedics John Gage and Roy DeSoto (played by Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe respectively) of the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Squad 51 based out of Station 51 in Carson (Actually LACoFD Station 127), and Rampart General Hospital emergency room headed by chief staff physician/surgeon Dr. Kelly Brackett and Head Nurse Dixie McCall, worked with physician/surgeon Dr. Joe Early and young intern Dr. Mike Morton (played by Robert Fuller, Julie London, Bobby Troup and Ron Pinkard) with whom the paramedics work to save lives. The Squad crew was stationed with LACoFD Engine Company 51 who often responded with them. The show, which portrayed dedicated civil servants who handled two or three varied and unrelated incidents during a typical shift, often showed real-life medical and firefighting procedures. It was also the first show to show paramedics who help rescue people injured or in peril.
Emergency! was created and produced by Jack Webb and Robert A. Cinader, both of whom were also responsible for the police dramas Adam-12 and Dragnet.
Emergency! was created and produced by Jack Webb and Robert A. Cinader, both of whom were also responsible for the police dramas Adam-12 and Dragnet.
 
While my  friends were all a-gaga over the likes of Donny Osmond or David Cassidy, my heart belonged to Randolph Mantooth, who played paramedic John Gage.  Sigh.... who needed a dippy teenybopper singer when there was this:

And he's STILL mighty fine looking.

I actually have an outfit to share. Nothing exciting but I did have to get out of the yoga pants and fleece tops to go to the doctors this past week.

LandsEnd Knit pullover/thrifted, DIY thrifted stirrup jeans, guess boots/thrifted and scarf from Curtise.

The dogs have been enjoying all of the mommy lap-time. They will be very unhappy when I finally can go back to work.

Found this in my files. The BEST wedding cake EVER!!  Nothing says "love" like dead rodents!!

I've managed ( in the hour increments I can be up and about) to get the shell of the dollhouse done and primed. Next up is putting on the clapboards.

 

I'm linking up with all of the fab ladies over at Visible Monday this week. Even though I'm not as visible as I'd like--I am enjoying seeing everyone else!

Well--time to trundle off to the recliner!! Have a fantastic week everyone!!!

TTFN
Tamera

It's getting like The Shining here.....

Hello Blogland!! Greetings from freezing and icy Western Maryland!!!! All of that lovely sub-zero crap in the middle of the country is heading our way this week.

I'm still stuck at home and I am s l o w l y losing my mind. I'm about ready to go all Jack Nicholson here from boredom.

I've been spending time pinning all sorts of random stuff on Pinterest. Some of this stuff NEEDS to be shared!!

Spring 2014 Fashion Trend-just pull your pants up over your boobs for a strapless onesie look.

How awesome is THIS??

I can add nothing to this.....

Magenta satin thong??

You know 60 year old hairy fat guys will be the only ones wearing this on the beach.

This must've been one AWESOME party!!

I had hoped to go to church today and be out amongst the human race again. Unfortunately we are having an ice storm so that nixed that.  This is what I would've worn(everything is thrifted):

DressBarn grey tweed cardigan

DressBarn charcoal trousers

August Silk tweed knit sweater

Lifestyles loafers

Sheila asked if cataloging my wardrobe helped with getting rid of stuff. I can say it definitely helped get rid of a few things that were duplicates like one of the two grey ponte pencil skirts I acquired.  The biggest benefit I've found is that I can open a category folder and see everything side by side. I can see what styles I seem to gravitate to and what just sticks out like a sore thumb.  Plus I can make up future outfits kind of like my own personal Polyvore.  Now on to cataloging my bling!!

On the dollhouse front it's all in pieces again after the dry fit being sanded. I changed a couple of window placements so I need to get the new holes cut out. I hope to get the shell glued together this week if I can have an hour or two without pain.

Well I'm reaching my limits of sitting in the chair. Everyone have a fabulous beginning of the week.

TTFN
Tamera

Being bored and OCD.....

Happy New Year Blogland!!!

It's the start of another year!! I don't make any resolutions or such stuff for New Year's because, truth be told, I just forget about them by February anyway.

Lauren and I stayed home for NYE. My back issues (UGH) just didn't allow any partying or such. I went to the doctor's yesterday and I'm STILL going to be off work until at least January 16th. This is so frustrating for me. The muscles are all in a knot about the size of a tennis ball and pressing on the sciatic nerve.  I can't get comfortable or relief for more than an hour or two at a time. We are just waiting for authorization for physical therapy. The holidays have slowed the process down. 

I get periods where the only way I can be a tad more comfortable is to stand. I've been taking advantage of just "standing around" to photograph my wardrobe to catalog it. Yes, I need a life-LOLOL. I've gotten all my clothing, shoes and scarves done. Next up is jewelry. 

Whilst I was photographing I cam upon some thrifted items I haven't worn or shared. I thought I share them in this post as my fashion choices are limited since I'm stuck at home.

DressBarn unworn charcoal pleated skirt-$3

Jones New York unworn  black suiting box pleated hem skirt-$4

Lane Bryant salt&pepper tweed  pleated hem skirt-tags said $59.99--I paid $3

August silk knit cobalt marbled sweater-$3

August silk knit plum marbledsweater-$3

Evan Picone color-blocked sweater-$3

Now I just need to be able to wear them SOMEWHERE-lolol. In dollhouse news- the pictures I posted on Sunday were examples of what it will look like. I am NO WHERE near that. I did a dry(no glue) assembly to get an idea of how it goes together. Now I have to sand like crazy all the parts.

The dollhouse trial assembly.

I've decided to paint the exterior pink with charcoal shutters and roof and white trim. I grew up in a pink circa 1961 rancher on Dogwood Drive. I've decided to call the house Dogwood Cottage.

My dear friend Andrea is coming over tomorrow to undecorate the Christmas trees for me. Lauren has been bringing up the storage bins since Saturday so I can fill them as I am able. Being OCD and having everything organized by room has made it reasonably easy to undecorate the hoard.  There is a method to my madness at times.

I'm linking up with Anne for Spygirl's 52 Pick-me-up: Closet Orphans. I guess the newly thrifted stuff I haven't been able to wear would count!!!!!

I'm off for some meds and a nap. I hope to get around to everyone's blogs and comment later today!!

TTFN

Tamera