Spotlight Saturday - Royal Ensemble On Display

The Royal hoopla is still all a buzz, as it was noted in the news today that the complete wedding ensemble worn by Kate Middleton, accessories included (shoes, earrings, bouquet & silk tulle veil), is being displayed at Buckingham Palace as of yesterday, Friday, July 22nd and through to October 3rd of this year, as part of the palace's annual Summer opening.  In the spotlight once again, the ivory and white satin gown designed by Sarah Burton for the Alexander McQueen fashion house.  Visitors will be able to view up close and personal, the hand made lace applique that was made for the bodice and skirt using techniques that dated back to almost two centuries ago.  Middleton's gown had intricate patterns of rose, thistle, shamrock and daffodil incorporated into the design to represent every nation in the United Kingdom.  The garment truly is a work of art...

  
pics: fashionologie.com

Fashion In Film Friday

Usually we do a film from past decades, but our 'Fashion In Film Friday' focus is going to be on the new movie that was just released this past April,  'Water For Elephants' with Reese Witherspoon and Twilight heart throb Rob Pattinson.  It's a love story set in the 1930's about a traveling circus.  

This flick is very 'old Hollywood' and not just on a cinematographic level.  The styles are right on and true to the era. The 30's were to some degree 'glam' and the movie 'Water For Elephants' features Reese in a bunch of silky, slinky dresses that are currently the inspiration for designs by Galliano & Dior.

Fashion trends tend to follow most major motion pictures and retailers are already anticipating the demand for this vintage 30's style! Zappos has even created a special edition scarf inspired by the one Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) wears in the movie. 

pics: shopping.aol.com , moviegoods.com , cinemovie.tv.com , fashionrules.com , zappos.com

Fashion In Film Friday

"T.G.I.F." & Welcome to the weekend!  Our Fashion In Film Friday topic is the 1988 movie 'Heathers' starring Winona Ryder.  The movie was basically an 80's prequel of sorts to the popular current flick 'Mean Girls' (i.e. bad girl cliques verses the goody goodies).  This popular 80's hit made school girl chic' a popular fashion trend that is now considered 'vintage'...

Plaid was popping up everywhere after the release of this film & 80's prep style was on the rise!  Pleated skirts that sat just above the knee, colored opaque tights & ballerina flats all topped off with a fitted padded shouldered jacket.  I remember this style all to well as I have to confess I actually dressed liked this!  

I haven't seen this style make a return since it was once popular, but you just never know..It will probably come back on racks in the not too distant future.  One lesson to be learned from following fashion trends is I always make sure to hang onto pieces that were once all the rage because "what's old always becomes new again....eventually."






pics: collegefashion.net, popeighties.com, movieposterhut.com 
   
   

Fashion In Film Friday

Every Friday here at Retro Threadz we discuss movies that have inspired fashion and this weeks feature film is the vintage 1967 movie Bonnie & Clyde starring Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty.

The movie was based on the actual events that transpired between Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker in the 1930's.  Bonnie & Clyde were two notorious outlaw bank robbers who also committed several civilian murders during their travels with their gang during the great depression.


Shortly after the 1967 film went mainstream, a fashion trend sparked to recreate the bad ass outlaw look of Bonnie Parker. Her look in the film was tailored yet functional with a touch of glamour.  Wearing scarves and topping off your bobbed hairstyle with a beret became extremely popular because of this rebel girl sex appeal of Faye Dunaway's character. 

Bonnie had the ability to look good at all times in spite of being on the run from the law.  In addition to the scarf and beret, her signature style included the streamline pencil skirt and knit sweater which is so easy to copy.

The film will remain a classic as will the timeless style...


I'm sure the 'real' Bonnie Parker would be happy to know that she was famous for more than being an outlaw.  She was also a style icon before her time...

pics: handbag.com, petergerman.net, catwalkqueen.tv.com, freemoviestheatre.eu.com