Blue Jean Baby: Denim Never Dies

There are some designs in the fashion world that are so useful, so versatile, so awesomely universal that they stand the test of time. Without a doubt, one design in particular stands out above the rest: Jeans.

No matter who you are or where you live, you most likely know what jeans are and probably own at least a few pairs.  That is because jeans have a long history and a pervasive presence all over the world.

Some good ol' miner boys
hangin' out in their Levi's

Denim trousers had humble beginnings 500 years ago in Europe, invented as a sturdy material for Italian sailors.  The term "jean" is said to be derived from the french term "bleu de Genes" or "blue of Genoa".  Over the centuries, these denim trousers (not yet called jeans) became more and more popular, but strictly for the likes of hard-working, dirty job doing men.  You may have heard of a little fashion pioneer by the name of Levi Strauss? Well, in 1872 he and his partner, Jacob Davis, brilliantly invented the concept for riveting 

 jeans for further stability. Their design was a hit on the West Coast of North America, but still only served a purpose for miners and marines. 

Then came the beloved decade: the 50s. With all of it's on-screen media and burgeoning teen rebellion, it's easy to understand how jeans began to become more popular in everyday fashion. Stars like James Dean popularized the wearing of jeans (then known as "waist overalls") and teens wishing to rebel against the straight-laced style of their parents ate up the blue collar style.

Woodstock. Need I say more?

This trend exploded in the 1960s as jeans became a uniform for the hippie movement.  Companies like Levi's recognized the potential in the teen market and came out with all sorts of free loving designs, including huge bell bottoms and peace sign button flies.  

A young Brooke Shields  poses in one
of the first Calvin Klein jean ads.

Despite their vast popularity in the 60s, jeans didn't become truly "fashionable" until the 1980s when they were introduced as "designer".  Brands like Jordache and Calvin Klein hopped on the denim bandwagon and all of a sudden jeans were oh-so-stylish and stupidly expensive.  

Stonewash! Fringe! Bedazzling!
And SO MUCH DENIM.

Since then, jeans have gone through a seemingly ever-changing slew of different shapes, sizes, colours, and cuts.  In the  80s, it seemed that anything and everything could (and should!) be made of denim. Stonewashing became increasingly popular as did the lost art of bedazzling.  The 90s saw jeans become baggier and brighter, with colours like yellow, purple and red stealing the spotlight from traditional blue.

And here we are in the year 2011 and jeans are as popular (if not more so) as ever.  No matter your shape, size, colour or creed there is a pair of jeans out there to make your ass look great. There's probably even a jacket and shoes to match. There are jeans for dogs and jeans for babies. Heck, there's even something out there called "Pajama Jeans" (because real jeans are just "too hard to put on"!).  

Jeans are truly the fantastic faded blue proof that a classic never dies.

Some vintage denim for a modern world:

Cat Stevens Bell Bottoms by honey pie vintage

These maybe the most comfortable jeans on the face of the earth! And they don't look too shabby either!

Squeeze Denim Dress by honey pie vintage

Vintage denim dresses tend to be big and shapeless. I love that this one has great curve-hugging structure.

Light Denim Skimmers  by Old Baltimore Vintage

A great example of the versatility of denim. These are sweet, simple and make me want to go sailing. Anything that does that is just plain awesome.

Purple Vintage Jeans by Kimberly Danielle

Classic 90s colour. These amazing purple jeans have all the great character I love about 90s denim.

Overalls Onesy by Vintagetwists

Not just overalls, super belled culotte overalls! I love this variation on a traditional style.

Easy Breezy Mini by Storied

It's not easy to find a unique and stylish vintage denim skirt. This one certainly fits those needs and has great contemporary style with that high waist, brass buttons and lovely light colour.

Hey McFly!: Time-travelling 80s Fashion

Ok, a serious question: How rad is Back to the Future? Personally, my opinion is that it is extremely rad.  It is certainly one of the best trilogies to come out of the eighties and one of my childhood favourites.  I happened to catch the first of the series on the old squawk box the other day and I was pleasantly surprised by something I had previously over-looked - Back to the Future has some seriously sweet fashion.

Lea Thompson is wearing a sweet
peter pan collared dress and sporting
classic 50s curls

Last week I talked about the magic that is 50s fashion.  It was still on my mind when, bam, here comes BTTF with all its "simpler time" cinematic style. Not only that, but this movie is an amazing melange of both 50s and 80s style.  Oh, the peter pan collars and circle skirts! Oh, the denim on denim and feathered hair!

As I reveled in this classic and all its cheesy glory, it dawned on me that although the 1950s era of Back to the Future is represented as a "very different time" than the "modern day" 1980s, they do have quite a few fashion overlaps.  

Amazing 80s: denim jacket with the cuffs turned up
Amazing 50s: suspenders and plaid!
Plus, notice the 50's -esque hairdo on Claudia Wells

As a crazed vintage clotheshorse, I sometimes find that the 50s styles I adore are hard to find from their original decade of invention, but can often find styles from the 1980s that are a little more than reminiscent of those 50s designs.

Look at those jackets!
Doing double duty in two eras
for certain!

Afterall, the 80s was a sort of time travelling adventure back to the 50s in a lot of ways. Socially, economically and fashionably these two eras shared some historical DNA.  As the 50s were a time of economic growth with bustling new industry, so too were the 80s a decade of gregarious greed.  If the 50s were the start of keeping up with the Jones', the 80s saw the Jones' being blown out of the water by a guy in a fluorescent speedo and a speed boat.  Fashion-wise, whereas the 60s and 70s were a time of mini skirts and skin-tight disco duds, the 80s began to revisit and re-imagine the more conservative looks of the 50s - long skirts, tailored jackets, sweater vests and plaid.

A time machine? That red vest?
Marty Mcfly was so bad ass.

So, whether you like Back to the Future as much as I do, or you just think it's a lame 80s cheese-fest, if you are interested in vintage fashion, I recommend you give it another watch. If Marty McFly were around today, I'd bet all the girls would wanting to get into his  DeLorean and his Calvin Kleins.

Here are some of my favourite Back to the Future inspired looks:

Vintage Plaid Shirt by Grannys Threads

A great plaid shirt looks fabulous on men or women. It's not surprising this style has stood the test of time.

Rockin' Cat Rockabilly Shirt by Fabgabs

It seems I just keep coming back to Fabgabs. I can't help it! They have such great stuff! This shirt is very similar to many of the ones worn by Marty in "the 50s", but would totally fly as an 80s style.

Puff Plaid Western Vest by Nest Egg Vintage

I love this variation on Marty's red vest. This one has much more character and it's even lined with plaid! What more could you ask for in a puffy vest?

Teal Blazer by Violet Forest Vintage

At first glance, this jacket screams 80s, but the two-toned colours are totally a 50s throw back. Remember the band's jackets from the movie? Amazing.

Sweet Cream Cardigan by Retro Regalia

I just love this creamy cardigan with the adorable peter pan collar. 

An essential 50s style updated for vintage bliss.

Holly Go Lately: The 50s are Back

Oh, the 1950s. A time of repression, growing commercialism and the spread of a disease called urban sprawl.  But, I must say, while suburban housewives cried into their Crisco, they sure looked lovely.  So let us just blur out all that business about the H bomb and civil rights squashers and reveal the truly wonderful fashionable side of the 50s.

Lucille Ball was wacky,
but a style icon nonetheless

Some really key transitions took place in this mid-century decade. With the invasion of television into more and more homes, popular fashion became influenced by the most-watched TV stars and musicians. Not to mention the expanded influence advertisers had over their consumers, making the introduction of the new and latest styles an instantaneous and wide-reaching venture.

This picture says it all about the early 50s: Commercialism,
Italian immigrants and lots of tiny tots
dressed just like mom and dad.

And then there was the advent of that most powerful of human forces, the teenager.  It's hard to imagine now, but there was a time when society as a whole just refused to recognize an emotional, hormonal or stylistic difference between dear old dad and rebellious young danny boy.  Previous to the 1950s, young men and women had no choice but to dress like their parents, but advertisers quickly cashed in on the idea of targeting teens and tailoring fashion just for them.

And so, the sweet style of the 50s came to be. Pompadours and poodle skirts. Leather jackets and tight tees. Horned rims and rockabilly. It was like an explosion of awesome after the static style of the 1940s.

The Man in Black knew how
to rock a sweet pompadour

Lucky for us, the tremors from this era have been rumbling just under the surface ever since. But recently, I sense a fuse has been re-lit. I feel another explosion coming on.

Yes, that's right people. You (possibly) heard it here first. The fashion of the 50s is back.

Glamorous in a gorgeous circle skirt dress

I'd love to give each amazing style an individual little blog hug and go on about their virtues, but for now, it's just general tip of the hat. This one's about comebacks, and all the aspects of the era are resurfacing. The recent lean towards more tailored and feminine styles is like a flashback to what 50s fashion was all about.
Easy to wear shirt dresses and circle skirts that emphasize the waist are paired with leather jackets and brow-line glasses. It's like the greasers got it on with the squares and had beautiful trendy babies.

Buddy Holly had style

As for men's fashion, I've been seeing more and more young men donning the Buddy Holly horn rimmed glasses, showing off biceps in a tight white tee and sporting a well-groomed pompadour. I have to say, this look is a little more than dreamy.

So, my fashion advice for 2011 is: hop on the sock-hoppin' 1950s bandwagon before it's full and the fuse fizzles out.

Buddy Holly Glasses by Thrush

These glasses are an especially interesting mix of the horn rimmed and the brow-line styles.
Love the two tones.  Thrush has a great collection of 50s pieces.

Mary Norton Sky Blue Dress by Pretty in Prague

There is so much to adore about this dress I don't even know where to start. The buttons, the shape and that irresistible circle skirt that looks light as air. Sigh.

50s Via 80s Motorcycle Jacket by Vintage Verite

It can be hard to find true 50s vintage, so why not go for an inspired substitute? Elements of 50s fashion have been popping up all over the place over the years, especially during the leather-jacket-loving 80s.

Debate Team Sweater Vest by Fab Gabs

The sweater vest: Dapper, yet practical. I especially like the look of a simple sweater vest like this paired with a plain white greaser tee.  Two 50s styles together at last.

Poodle Skirt by Butch Wax Vintage

Break out the Little Richard record, 'cause it's time for the sock hop!  This is a sweet classic of a poodle skirt.

Robin's Egg Day Dress by Creature Songs

Oh, to have the perfect shirt dress. This so one is so lovely and dainty with the delicate colour and the lacy collar. Makes me want to run through a field of grass at sundown, or something.

Here's Your Hat and What's Your Hurry?

Hear that? That's the sound of me hopping on the holiday bandwagon.  Yes, Christmas day is fast approaching and despite the fact that Vancouver is depressingly rainy, yet unseasonably warm, I can't fight off that fuzzy festive feeling.

Happiness is love, friendship and
a basket full of money, eh Georgey boy?

I know there are you cynics out there who would rather drown your memories of Decembers passed in unholy cocktail creations (eggnog and cranberry vodka anyone?). But, I challenge you people to sit down and watch It's a Wonderful Life then tell me your heart isn't as warm as a cup of freakin' cocoa.

I have to say, much of my Christmas spirit is imbued by this eternal classic. I am among the ranks who rate Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life as my favourite holiday film.  The Griswolds, The Grinch and Ebeneezer are all well and good, but it's the story of George Bailey that really gets me.

The story of this utterly-American underdog - triumphing over adversity and capitalist cronies - is filled with heart-string tugging wholesomeness, sweet sacrifice, heroic hardships and hats. Yes, hats. Sleigh-loads of them.

Top: Donna Reed sports a casquette,
Marian Carr wears a fancy beret
Bottom: Gloria Grahame in a furry
 fascinator and wide-brimmed hat

Set in 1946, It's a Wonderful Life provides a nice showcase for the many hat styles that were emerging in post-war fashion.  Whereas the cloche hat of the 1920s had a deep crown and was worn low on head, women's hats of 1940s became more shallow to accommodate long, curly hairstyles. Hats also became more ornate, as hat-making material was one of the few things not rationed during the war.

And then there was the fedora. Who doesn't love the classic style of this easy-to-wear wonder?  The term fedora comes from a Victorien Sardou play of the same name in which the title character, Princess Fedora, played by "the divine" Sarah Bernhardt, dons a hat of similar style.  Indeed, the fedora-type hat was considered a women's fashion trend until the 1930s and early 1940s when it exploded into popularity for men.

Jimmy Stewart, you style-hound you.
Look at all those fedoras!

In the 1940s, the fedora was the very model of middle-class fashion. But, through the years, it has played the field with competing teams, being the uniform for the relentless law-man and the gun-toting gangster alike.  Just goes to show that anyone and everyone can look good in a fedora.

So, as you head out into the blustery winter twilight en route to a festive family affair, Hanukkah happy-hour or just the nearest gas station to stock up on half-priced eggnog, remember George and his triumph over adversity; remember that friendship and kindness always prevail in the end; remember that every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings; and your hat. Don't forget your hat.

Chocolate Brown Velvet Hat by Vintage Repeats

This is the epitome of 1940s hat style. Little, lush with a subtle hint of glamour.

The Eden Fascinator Hat by Bohemian Bisoux

The fascinator is such a neat style.  It certainly ensures those perfect curls wont be ruined by the dreaded hat-head.  I love the colour of this particular piece.

Wide Brimmed Ribbons and Feathers Hat by Plastic Tags

For the alabaster lady on a summer afternoon, sitting in the sunshine,

humming a lover's tune.

The Only Living Boy in New York by Oil and Blue

A great example of the classic fedora. I especially love the fiery feathers adorning the side.

Woodland Folk Suede Hat by Paiva Crafts

This more of a tilby hat than a fedora, but it's still awesome. Rustic, yet fashionable.

Hats off to you, 1940s fashion.

Take a Bow

dapper dogs courtesy of
kimhayesphotography.com

This week I am inspired by the bow tie. Ah, the bow tie. Small, yet mighty. Sneekily stylish.  In league with the elitists, but making back-door deals with the free thinkers.

Seemingly a simple fashion accessory, the bow tie actually has an interesting history.  It is believed that the necktie has its origins in the fashion of Croatian mercenaries of the 17th century, who, during the Prussian war, tied long strips of fabric around their necks to keep their collars closed. I suppose buttons were scarce in Croatia back then.  From here, the bow tie evolved and exploded into popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Well, good for you Croatia.  Bravo.

Thomas Edison.
Just invented the light-bulb.
No biggie.

The most interesting aspect of the bow tie, though, is not its humble beginnings on the collars of Croats.  It is the eclectic list of historical and pop-cultural figures who have been seduced by the power of this little accessory over the centuries.

Think, if you will, about the stereotypical bow tie wearer.  I'm guessing you've conjured the image of an intellectual type fellow, possibly also donning a pocket protector, probably wearing glasses that would be considered hip if only they were paired with plaid.  Yes, the bow tie's role in academia is certainly not understated. It has long been a symbol for smarts for a few reasons, not the least of which is the practically impenetrable web of folds, tucks and ties one must traverse before reaching the point of proud display.  If you can tie the damn thing, you must be a genius.  Thomas Edison wore a bow tie. Enough said.

Humphrey Bogart

However,  once upon a time, the bow tie was associated with the urbane gentleman - constantly attending soirees where nothing less than a tux would do.  Humphrey Bogart very commonly swept his heroines off their feet while sporting the famous tie.  It was also Bogart's devil-may-care attitude that demanded the donning of the bow tie.  Yes, this seemingly silly bit of style was, and still is in many ways, the symbol of rebelliousness and rabble-rousing.  Karl Marx dug the bow tie, as did Winston Churchill and Malcolm X.  When it comes to the bow tie, non-conformists really stick their necks out.

Pee Wee Herman

And then of course there are the clowns. Come the 1970s, comedians like Jerry Lewis turned the bow tie into the badge of geekery and foolishness. Thus we've got a polka-dotted bow tie on every Bozo and Peewee Hermans proudly announcing their nerdiness with the infamous neckwear.

But, the fact remains, despite the evolution of its role in fashion, the bow tie has been and will be a symbol for the outlier, the free thinker, the alternative politician, the debonair debaucher, the unabashed intellectual and  the sensitive slapstician.

And for this, Bow Tie, I salute you. Go ahead, take a bow.

Dapper Dan Clip-On Bow Tie

recently featured in my etsy shop

Why bother with the endless process of tying a the real thing, when you can go for a clip-on and look just as suave?

Metal Mesh Bow Tie Necklace by Plush and Rep

The bow tie can be lady-like too.  You can still make a statement with a subtle and delicate piece like this one.

Kitschy Spice Holders by The Old White House

Everyone loves bow ties! Even strange little spicy chef men. Admit it, without the bow ties, these wouldn't be nearly as cute.

Bow Tie and Cummerbund Set by  Merci

Formal and floral. Get the most out of the bow tie by matching it with a cummerbund! Hello fancy pants.

Yellow Bow Tie, Piercing Eyes Button by Cozy Studio

Even the King of Pop was sweet on the bow tie. Like I said, it's a fashion for free thinkers.