The book every swing girl should own

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A lot of SwingFashionista.com readers have written in mentioning this book, so I thought I’d post it up, just in case any of you lovely ladies hadn’t heard about it. It’s called Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques, and it’s by Lauren Rennells. I wish I’d had this when I first started out!   Here’s the blurb:

There was something very special and beautiful about women in the early- to mid-20th century. The way they dressed was elegant and the way they wore their hair was feminine. This book shows how to create so many of those hairstyles by taking hairstyles from the 1930s, 40s, 50s, and 60s and breaking them down into simple, easy-to-follow instructions. It uses brand new photographs and detailed directions. Not only a manual, it is also fun to read. The Finished Styles chapter of the book contains coffee table book quality images of models with their finished hairstyles. Sprinkled in introductions and throughout the book are interesting facts about the history of hairstyling, origins of styles, and information about starlets and performers who made the styles popular. This 200-page full-color book has 6 main chapters. The book begins with the basics of styling and works its way back to advanced techniques. It also provides information on makeup, nails, and accessories for a finished look.

You can pick it up for $36.95 on Amazon.com:

Click here to buy ‘Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Step-by-Step Techniques’ on Amazon.com

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Betsey Johnson Shoes on Overstock

The other day I was looking all over the web for a winter coat (read about it here) and while on Overstock I stumbled upon some gorgeous Betsey Johnson shoes. I’ve been having a secret love affair with Betsey for the past two year and I can’t seem to get her out of my head. Luckily, she’s pricey enough that I can only splurge on some of her goodies every once and a while.

Some shoes that tickle my fancy:

Betsey Johnson Lefty Brown ($116.47)Betsey Johnson Lefty Brown

Betsey Johnson Kipp Black/Fusian Satin ($97.05)Betsey Johnson Kipp Black/Fuchsia Satin
Betsey Johnson Adair Black Snake ($142.45)
Betsey Johnson Adair Black Snake

For some more of my favorites that are a bit more 50s, check out my blog post.

King of Faux: Kenneth Jay Lane

I recently stumbled upon Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry line and was wonderfully surprised to find that some of his pieces are vintage looking. Although his pieces are a bit pricey for costume jewlery, his pieces are beautifully made. Isn’t that feather pin gorgeous?! Click links below to view more and to buy!

Kenneth Jay Lane Large Fancy Bib Necklace here $1040
Kenneth Jay Lane Feather Cuff here
$440
Kenneth Jay Lane Feather Earrings here
$365
Kenneth Jay Lane Antique Feather Pin here
$265