Swing Fashionista » retro

Revenge: by photographer Ellen von Unwerth

Sharon — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:07:41 +0000

Revenge is the title of a photographic book by photographer Ellen von Unwerth. I thought a little vintage styled sauciness might liven up your Monday

Hairstyles: Ancient to Present

Sharon — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 07:01:49 +0000

Just released today, a new book claiming to be the most comprehensive survey of hairstyles ever published. I trust this will be an amazing sourcebook, with tonnes of inspirational images, since it’s coming from Charlotte Fiell, the editor behind those fantastic Taschen design icon books – you know the ones? She also has two fashion sourcebooks being released soon: one on the 1920s being released in a few days, and one on the 1930s due out in March 2012. I’ll post about those shortly.

Here’s the blurb for Hairstyles Ancient to Present:

No part of the human body is as culturally determined, and as diverse in its possible expressions, as hair. The afro, beehive, bob, bouffant, bowl cut, dreadlocks, mullet, mohawk, perm, pompadour – from year to year, and from era to era, old and new hairstyles come and go, telling a new tale about their wearers each time around. Hairstyles: Ancient to Present is not only the most comprehensive survery of hairstyles ever published, it is also a visual celebration of this endlessly inventive cultural phenomenon that looks at the entire cultural sprectrum of hairstyle, from ancient Greek tresses and eighteenth century powdered wigs to Art Deco bobs and Punk spikes, to the latest directions in the world of hairdressing today. Throughly researched, with 800 illustrations, this book showcases an amazing array of wonderfully imaginative styles, while also demonstrating the remarkable skill of their creators. It includes over 1,000 hairstyles, from resplendent Victorian chignons to 1950′s ponytails to the creations of today’s top stylists. With page after page of visual inspiration, Hairstyles contextualises through its accompanying texts the historical and and cultural relevance of hairdressing in society, as well as analyzing its role as a signifier of social status.

Modcloth: So many shoes, so little time…

Sharon — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 23:50:31 +0000

Well, I’m in Argentina right now, so Modcloth shopping is out of the question. Boooo. But you should all go buy some delicious shoes over at Modcloth.com, so that I can live vicariously through you Send me photos! Here’s a danceable selection….

Seychelles Shoes at Endless.com

Sharon — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:32:34 +0000

I wore a pair of Seychelles “In With The New” pumps last weekend at Goodnight Sweetheart in the UK, that I bought at ModCloth.com and I adore them! I’ve only danced a little in them (I was just strutting around in them while I was judging the contest), but Lady of Balboa, Kate Hedin told me she has the same pair, and does dance in them. I’ve since found out you can get them cheaper on Endless.com (which you might have heard me rant about before – I love Endless because it’s free shipping in the US, and free return shipping if they don’t fit). I own a few pairs of Seychelles heels now (I bought the gold and black “Lauren” pumps a few months ago). They do glamorous pumps and Mary Janes with a vintage edge, but modern appeal. Here’s a selection on Endless.com:

Top Picks: Plasticland Shoes

Sharon — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 18:35:01 +0000

A Quebecois buddy of mine, Alisha Ruiss, just tortured me with two emails in quick succession, with links to online stores where I want to buy EVERYTHING!! Oh no, Alisha, how could you do this to me? The first was Plasticland, an old favourite of mine, but I haven’t visited for a while, and was rather unaware of the current shoe collection. Swoon! Here are my top picks, and they’re all available right now, in the range of US$54 – $72. These shoes are a steal. They stock a few Stop Staring dresses as well, and they have some cute pencil skirts…

Fan Bing Bing: Chinesse Actress & Singer

Sharon — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:15:57 +0000

Isn’t she beautiful?

Spotlight on: Revival Retro Clothing (UK)

Sharon — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 15:57:04 +0000

Last time I was in London, I picked up a couple of Stop Staring dresses, a skirt and some dance shoes from Revival. Here’s a selection:

Check them out: www.revival-retro.com

The Mad Men Book!

Sharon — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 16:04:53 +0000

Mad Men: The Illustrated World is the first official Mad Men book, and it’s filled with gorgeous retro illustrations by Dyna Moe. You can get it for only $10.20 at Amazon.com! I desperately want this on my bookshelf, but first I need to get a bookshelf…

Excited about London

Sharon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:04:15 +0000

I’m in Belgium right now, relaxing a little after Swingin’ in the Rain, and tomorrow I fly to Ye Old London Towne for three whole weeks! Those familiar with my travel schedule will know that this is an astonishingly long time for me to be in one city. Hoorah! My to-do list involves things like going swing dancing, seeing burlesque shows, eating Indian food, maybe see a show on the West End, visit V&A, and of course, SHOPPING! Friends have been sending suggestions (if you have any more, please post a comment!) and here are four reasons why I’m excited about London:

1. The Blitz Party

This is a monthly event, and there is indeed one on while I’m in London, but sadly it’s all sold out. Oh well maybe next time – unless anyone knows how to weedle me a ticket? *wink wink nudge nudge*

2. The Wam Bam Club

With the Wam Bam Belles! The lady in blue in the first photo is my drop-dead gorgeous friend Hayley, can’t wait to see her!

(Above: photo by Ruth Roxanne and Patricia Board)

3. The Bees Knees

These two ladies have been giving 1920s Charleston a good name around London for years now, and I’ve been admiring their costumes from afar. Maybe I’ll get a chance to meet them or see them perform.

(Above: photo by Ruth Roxanne and Patricia Board)

4. Top Shop!

Really, need I say more?

Taking Fashion Inspiration from Dolls

Sharon — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:17:29 +0000

I wasted a whole lot of time on this doll blog, so that you don’t have to! Check out these retro doll fashions, can you believe it? The downside is, you can’t buy any of these outfits… you know, unless you’re 6″ tall. I’d wear all of these outfits! If anyone out there is a wizz with a sewing machine and wants to recreate one of these for me, just let me know!!

Yes, there’s more!