01 April 2012

Vintage style Underwear = The perfect reason not to go to the gym

On Friday as I'm sure all the Katie Price's of the world know, it was National Cleavage Day.  I know this post should have been done on the day, but I was too busy using my cleavage to try and get a bigger piece of cake in Costa from the yummy waiter, well you can't blame a girl for trying. Wonderbra conducted a study and found that two thirds of British women have used their cleavage to get ahead in life. I hate to think what the other third of women were using to get ahead. Apparently 8% revealed that they had used low cut tops to escape a parking fine and 16% have used their, um assets to queue jump. So take note ladies, although I don't think it will work on the crusty old lady who smells of Yardley in front of you in the queue somehow.

Well ladies and I suppose gentlemen I have a treat for you. There is a huge hype about Mad Men at the moment. From the hair to the clothes we all like seeing Bettie and Joan, oh and Jon Draper isn't that bad either. The Mad Men girls look stunning in there early 60's style outfits with nipped in waists, tea dresses and pencil style hugging outfits and skirts that make you put down the biscuits and pick up the lettuce leaves, probably not for long though.

The actresses playing the gorgeous girls have to wear the right under garments to recreate the look. They didn't have thongs that gave you a wedgie or g-strings in the 60's, lucky them. Joan played by Christina Hendricks is classic with her outfits, she wears a girdle, stockings, a slip and long line bras, not all together though. Peggy played by Elisabeth Moss is more modern and wears a bra, tights and a slip. Actresses were actually turned away who had fake boobs as it wouldn't reflect the 60's properly, sorry Demi Moore.


Mad Men's Janie Bryant collaborated on Maidenform's new shape wear range is vintage inspired to create beautiful garments that also create a beautiful silhouetteBut now we can all get the Mad Men look with the help of Janie Bryant, the amazing woman in charge of costumes on Mad Men! Janie has joined forces with Maidenform, for a very special 90th anniversary vintage style capsule, shapewear collection. No more ugly Bridget Jones style pants for us ladies! This collection puts being a twig in a corner and celebrates curves and femininity at its best, its pretty cute too. The shapewear around is boring, but this collection is full of gorgeous bras, alluring half slips, full slips, lovely waist nippers and beautiful knickers. It has a black sheen with hints of lace which will not make you shy to show it to your boyfriend, badly flesh coloured granny pants aren't the yummiest thing in the world.

Mad Men's Janie Bryant collaborated on Maidenform's new shape wear range is vintage inspired to create beautiful garments that also create a beautiful silhouetteMaidenform's 90th anniversary shape wear collection which Mad Men's costume designer Janie Bryant collaborated on

Janie had a peek into the Maidenform archives and rejuvenated their retro designs and beautiful garments of years gone by. I know a few of you (including me) have shied away from shapewear and feel like it's only for people with lots of lumps and bumps but it's not, anyone any age can wear it. It doesn't just hide those little wobbly bits that you hate and your boyfriend loves (why is that?), it smooths out your body giving you the perfect womanly shape. Janie says that it is a vital part of a woman's wardrobe and finding pieces that fit properly is
essential.

Remember every body is different and whether you are skinny or curvy, shapewear will help you achieve those yummy curves that your body was made for. Remember a woman's figure is beautiful, it really is. Men don't have those amazing curves that we do, so embrace them don't hide them.

First look at Maidenform's new shape wear collection which Mad Men's Janie Bryant collaborated onThese pieces are a bit pricey ranging from $50 to $130, but if you think about it they will help rejuvenate your wardrobe and your happiness, well that's what you should tell your man anyway. The collection comes in Black, Silver Starlet and Gunmetal Grey. It is available in stores in April worldwide, so make sure you throw those granny pants out in preparation.


Image of Fonda Suspender Belt L2052 ProductIn the meantime I encourage you to go and look at the fabulous site What Katie Did. They have been manufacturing vintage style lingerie since 1999 and their peices are frequently used in retro movies, including 'My Week with Marilyn', television projects and magazines. They have two stores in London and Hollywood, plus a great online shop. It is full of gorgeous vintage style pieces, including the infamous cone bras a snip at £39.50. They have fabulous looks that you can easily achieve with their sets, shapewear, corsets and hosiery. This is a must for any vintage clothes lover, who wants to accurately recreate the look, even if it does mean you look like you have two traffic cones attached to you.

Image of L2063 Harlow Knickers SS12 Product
Image of L3017 Glamour Zip Underbust Girdle ProductImage of L3013 Josephine Corselette Product
















If you want to wear a 50's style fitted dress or even just an ordinary pencil skirt or bodycon dress, we all get the dreaded panty line and lumps and bumps, but with this underwear you get an effortless silky shape that will have you looking like Bettie Page in seconds, plus it may get you a few free drinks as well.

So you want to re-create the 1950's/ early 1960's look? Well ladies listen up and read on. There are two main types of silhouettes. There is the oh so tiny wasp waist with a full skirt and the slim fitting pencil skirt style. Don't think you have the curves to recreate this era? Well you couldn't be further from the truth! This era is great due, to the fact that whatever body shape you are you can look like a bombshell within seconds. The secret? Belts, netting, padding, shapewear and of course, heels.
In the 1950's/60's not wearing 'foundation garments' as they called them then, would be like not going out with your mobile and a Cadbury's Chocolate bar, they were essential. The knickers were high waisted and finished at the waist, so they didn't show any lines within the dress.

Women any age wore foundation garments and cone bras, which were used to push the breasts into a conical pointy shape, no self respecting women was seen without her girdle on! The thought that it is only women who have had nine children with sagging boobs and flabby legs wear them, was not true then. Look at any 1950's film star, Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Day, Rita Hayworth and Marilyn, who actually caused a controversy in the film 'Niagera' in 1953 by not wearing a girdle. So I'm asking all you gorgeous women out there to embrace your curves and be kind to your body. Stop asking your man if you have a big bum in your jeans. So what if your bum is a little more rounded then you want it to be? You don't want a panckae for a bum, do you?

Remember no one has a perfect body, no matter how hard they work in the gym or how much cake they avoid, we all have little imperfections. Put on a killer outfit that you feel a million dollars in, some killer heels and go out with your head held high with those gorgeous curves in tow, you never know you may get a few winks and an extra dollop of ice cream out of it.

Ideas on how to turn you into a 1950's/ early 60's siren:
1. The Pencil Skirt Dress Look



50's Style Pencil Dress Look

ASOS bateau neck dress
$43 - asos.com

ASOS polka dot heels
$50 - asos.com

ASOS zip bag
$64 - asos.com

Kenneth Jay Lane zebra print jewelry
€27 - pret-a-beaute.com

Van Peterson 925 carved jewelry
£16 - debenhams.com

Dorothy Perkins cream jewelry
$14 - dorothyperkins.com

Zara polka dot scarve
$30 - zara.com

ASOS metallic belt
$14 - asos.com

Yves Saint Laurent lip makeup
$32 - yslbeautyus.com






2. The Tea Dress Look:

50's Tea Dress Style

Dorothy Perkins ruffle dress
$49 - dorothyperkins.com

Forever 21 metallic heels
$30 - forever21.com

Debut silver clutch
£16 - debenhams.com

Jeffrey Campbell plastic earrings
$9.99 - modcloth.com

Long glove
$21 - amazon.com

Dorothy Perkins silver belt
$15 - dorothyperkins.com

Yves saint laurent lipstick
$32 - yslbeautyus.com




Gloves, stud earrings and gorgeous bags were a wardrobe staple. Cherry red lips were the look to be seen with, plus some seriously yummy heels.
So ladies the next time you feel like you can't wear your bodycon dress due to having too many chocolate biscuits, think again. With the help of this shapewear you can push it up, squeeze it all in and give Kelly Brook a run for her money.

Don't put yourself through boring diets and endless tiring gym workouts, just to get rid of that little squashy bit you don't like on your thigh. You're a gorgeous woman and don't feel bad or ashamed if you need a little help with shapewear, women have been doing it for years, even the likes of Angelina Jolie, have confessed to a little help in the shape wear department. So next time you go out show of those wonderful curves and shake that booty of yours, next thing you know you maybe winning rear of the year. Beat that JLo.

Second Hand Rose
XxxX

28 March 2012

Hollywood Legends Auction: Full of amazing Marilyn photos, gowns and one very funky chair

Intimate: Trusted make-up artists Allan 'Whitey' Snyder took these charming shots of a 27-year-old Marilyn Monroe relaxing between takesA few weeks ago I blogged about the oh so gorgeous Marilyn Monroe, that just makes you want to go and do a few squats and reverse crunches, whatever they are. You can read the post about the exhibition on her in London here and see some gorgeous dresses and beautiful photos.

Well, it seems to be Marilyn mania at the moment, because as part of the Hollywood Legends Auction that is being held in Beverly Hills on the 31st March and 1st April, there are beautiful unseen photos of the star, calenders, telegrams and letters that are expected to reach a tidy sum. By the way if your man suddenly decides to go to Beverley Hills for the weekend, its probably due to the fact that a rare calender is on sale featuring Marilyn's nude Playboy photograph, well who can blame him really.

The auction that contains over 100 never seen before photos have pictures of Marilyn at 27, just before she hit international stardom. The pictures are taken by her then make up artist Allan 'Whitey' Snyder, who use to take photographs of Marilyn before filming to calm her nerves, sadly Rescue Remedy and Fox biscuits weren't around then. The photos are taken on location of her first leading role for Niagra in 1953. Whitey who died in 1994 was Marilyn's makeup artist for 16 years and had unlimited access to her. Although, I doubt he saw her in Froggy PJ's with smudged morning makeup, Marilyn was far too glamorous for that. The pictures show Marilyn at incredible ease looking young, fresh and extremely beautiful. They show that happiness and being comfortable in your own skin makes a picture far more beautiful, then piling six layers of foundation on.

Trusted: Allan Snyder's photos are remarkable for the obvious warmth of his relationship with Monroe and show none of the stage fright which she struggled with throughout her careerPlayful: Snyder spent hours coaxing and comforting Monroe as she prepared to film her scenes and managed to snap the intimate picturesPlayful: Snyder spent hours coaxing and comforting Monroe as she prepared to film her scenes and managed to snap the intimate picturesStunning: The unseen photographs show a carefree Marilyn Monroe soaking up the sun on a beach between film takesTrusted: The collection of Allan Snyder's pictures of Monroe show the movie star looking at ease away from the film cameras Unseen: The never-before-seen photos of relaxed film star Marilyn Monroe are expected to sell for thousands of dollars when they go before an auction in Beverly Hills, California
Friendship: Make-up artist Allan Snyder built up a close relationship with Marilyn Monroe, enabling him to take the series of shots of the relaxed film star
There are other pictures from sets of some of her most famous films, including 'Gentleman Prefer Blondes', 'The Prince and the Showgirl' and 'Something's Got to Give.

On set of 'Let's Make Love'








On set of 'Something's Got to Give'










This undated image released by Julien's Auctions, shows a Tiffany Money Clip, stamped 14K gifted to Snyder from Monroe
Also up for auction is a 14K engraved Tiffany Money Clip. It's inscribed with 'Whitey Dear, While I'm still warm Marilyn.' Nope I don't understand it either.

This group of six original color transparency slides shows Monroe on the set of 'The Prince and the Showgirl'
Slides of Marilyn on set of 'The Prince and the Showgirl
A Western Union Telegram from Marilyn Monroe to Snyder upon her being fired from the film 'Something's Got to Give'
Remember the old days where we didn't have some strange thing called e-mail, text language didn't even exist and telegrams were sent? Well some lucky bidder can reminisce with this Western Union Telegram that Marilyn sent to Whitey, when she was fired from her film 'Something's Got To Give.' It said 'Dear Whitey, It was not my doing. I had so looked forward to working with you. Warmly Marilyn.' I swear the woman talks in riddles.



Charlie Chaplin's driver's license originating from family members and the Estate of Charlie Chaplin will go under the hammer in the Hollywood Legends sale
Also up for auction are some of Marilyn's pantaloons worn in 'River of No Return' ($20,000-$40,000). But the auction does not only contain Marilyn Monroe items, oh no film buddies and music lovers can be treated with items from a whole range of stars. It includes Charlie Chaplin's iconic cane (Est $20,000-$30,000) a Charlie Chaplin film worn suit (Est $20,000- $30,000) and a number of his own personal items including his own driver's license (Est $2,000- $4,000).

Clark Gable's riding jacket from Gone With The WindChristopher Reeve Superman CostumeOther movie highlights include  a Charlton Heston screen worn robe (Est $30,000- $50,000), screen used tablets from The Ten Commandments (Est $20,000- $30,000) and Clark Gable's riding jacket from 'Gone With The Wind' ( Est $20,000-$30,000).
There is also a Christopher Reeve 'Superman IV: The Quest for Peace' costume on sale (Est $20,000- $30,000), a Complete Batman costume on a custom display from 'Batman Returns' (Est $60,000- $80,000) and a Turbo Man costume from the Arnold Schwarzenegger holiday film 'The Golden Girls' (Est $400-$600).
These would be the perfect present for your man, but you might have to sacrifice buying shoes for about five years. That's just not possible for me, sorry Mr, Boyfriend I'm sure you would have loved walking around in a Superman costume all day.

Ivory GownPresident John F. Kennedy's Rocking ChairOriginal films posters are on sale ranging from Casablanca (Est $2,000- $3,000), 'Gone With the Wind' (Est $1,000- $2,000) and Some Like it Hot Est ($2,000-$3,000).
Political fans can indulge in President John F. Kennedy's Rocking Chair (Est $50,000- $70,000), now you won't find that in Ikea.

Also on sale is a vest worn by the late Whitney Houston in 'The Bodyguard' and memorabilia from Sammy Davis Jr, James Dean, Frank Sinatra and loads more items owned by hunky men and beautiful women.

One of the gems of the collection is a vintage Christian Dior gown worn by Princess Diana (Est $10,000- $20,000) and another dress worn by her designed by Catherine Walker (Est 60,000- $80,000).

You can view more of the 800 piece collection and take a sneek peek at the online catalogue here.  Doesn't times like this make you wish you filled out fifty lottery tickets or married a footballer?

Second Hand Rose
XxxX