Emelie & Rebecka bring 50s to Gotland, Sweden

I have absolutely no idea what inspired my friends Emelie & Rebecka to do this fabulous photo shoot, but it popped up on Facebook and I just can’t help but post it up here. I’m sure many of you know these fabulous swing dancing ladies from Sweden, but maybe you haven’t seen them as Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn? They might kill me, but they look so glamorous in their fifties getup, in that crazy Swedish scenery! Hopefully they’ll forgive me for posting it up here!

Katja has gone black!

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The best bob hairdo in Lindy Hop without a doubt goes to the drop-dead gorgeous Katja Hrastar from Slovenia, and I just noticed on Facebook today that she’s gone from fiery redhead to femme fatale ebony black. Ooh la la! Either way, still the best bob since the 1920s. Luckily for us, one of her best buddies happens to be the brilliant photographer Luka Dolenc, so there’s plenty of documentation of Katja’s uber fabulous hair!

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Come to think of it, Katja is a pretty smashing photographer herself. Check out her website for more photos. Anyway, check out these 1920s illustrations and you’ll see just how spot-on that ‘do is:

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And of course, I can’t go without mentioning Louise Brooks, the 1920s and 30s actress who made this kind of bob iconic:

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Shoes on Amazon.com

So, you will have noticed the new Best of Swing & Vintage on Amazon banner in the sidebar, and this is what I’ve been procrastinating with the last week, what fun! I’ve set up my very own Amazon store, with all – well the name says it all really – the best of swing and vintage to be found on Amazon.com.  It’s so fun, like curating your own collection. Anyway, the best thing though is the shoes! I mean, we all think of Amazon for books, CDs, DVDs, but I had no idea there were so many shoes!! There’s loads of styles, but for example, here’s some of my favorite granny heels:

ALDO Miriello - Clearance Heels Women's Shoes  Miz Mooz Women's Rimini T-Strap Pump
Sofft "Gallery" Mary Jane Pump Sofft "Oriole" Pump
Sofft "Fiona" Mary Jane Pump Nine West Women's Ambelu Pump

Yeah, on Amazon! Who would of thought….

Frankie 95 Festival, New York City May 2009

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I’ve finally got around to posting up some photos of well-dressed folks at Frankie Manning’s 95th Birthday celebrations in New York in May this year. Sorry for the delay, and remember, if you have any photos from this or any swing event, of swing girls OR guys looking fine, then email them through!

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Urban Outfitters Shoes

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Check out Urban Outfitters’ new season of shoes, available on their website. Above, the “Contributor Oxford” by Rachel Comey for only $78 – thanks Jo for sharing that one! Plenty of flat lace-up Oxfords for women, saddle shoes, heels with retro mesh or cutouts, and of course, plenty of the Lindy Hopper’s essential canvas tennis shoes, in a bunch of bright colors (and two pairs for $30). Coolest thing, if you order online, shipping AND returns are free.  Here’s a few more:

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For more shoes, go to Jo’s post about ASOS!