So the big 30 was a resounding success. Everyone made a huge effort with impressive results. There were no fights, the toilet did not get flooded, nothing got broken and no one let off any pepper spray! So that was all very good. As per usual the party did not get into the full swing until midnight when the music really kicked off with Kylee and Benny rocking those decks. Angus and Oli made a huge effort with the decoration with flags, movie projector, disco ball and candles, even a badminton court. We even got outdoor lights which, meant the party could carry on outside as well, this time. Oh! and I didn't go to bed until 7.30am, so I would say that is a good night indeed!
So I thought I would help out some of you who are less informed in the area of 1940s and blitz fashion, as I have had a lot of questions on what one should wear for my party. Let me start by saying it doesn't have to cost the earth, as some people have been worried about. It doesn't have to be authentic either. It can just be the look of it. So here are my suggestions:
* Tea dresses for the ladies are great. These have been back in fashion recently so some of you might have one in your wardrobe. Primark and Topshop have been doing loads of them. Team it with some simple heels or court shoes, a cardigan and some red rogue. The film The Edge of Loveis a good reference for this look.
* Land girls are a really simple look and easy to put together. All you need are some wellingtons, Dungarees or trousers, put with a bad taste granny jumper or blouse. To finish off the look, knot a scarf round your head.
The most important thing to get right with the 1940s is the hair. This can make or break the look. They seem very complicated but with a little practice its not as hard to master as you think. The most popular style was the Victory Roll and putting a hair net on.
Here is a great little video from you tube that tells you how to do a victory roll in under 5 minutes. watch and learn ladies.
* Stockings were very important and sexy but during the war due to rations drawing a line in eye liner and browing your legs with gravy granules was the only way and now due to the credit crunch, its probably is still a good option.
* The fashion was all about the Shoulders. The bigger the better. Skirts and dresses were either pencil or trapeze. The tons of fabric used for the wide skirts of the New Look came later. A good place to hunt out 1940s dresses are Camden Market, especially the Stables, This shop Rocks on Brick Lane and Vivien's of Holloway who do great little 40's dresses starting from £49. 294 Holloway Road, London N7 6NJ
tel: 020 7609 8754
* Ok. Now to the men. Don't think I forgot about you! Suits were the main staple of the day. Most of them a lot looser fitting than todays. Team with a waist coat or bad knit tank top, with a slim fit tie. Finish off with a Trilby. God I love a man in a Trilby!
*Uniform was the most important outfit of the Blitz. I also love a man in uniform, but they were just as importnat for a woman as well. The best place to get them from is Soul Ja in the Stables at Camden market. They have 2 stores there and are good prices. There is also Silvermans in Bow, which are quite good.Silvermans Ltd,
2 Harford Street,
MIle End,
London E1 4PS
Tel 0207 790 0900
Or there is Squadron HQ
121 Kentish Town Road, London, NW1 8PB, UK Phone +44 207 485 2442
So now there is no excuse! Actually it would be wonderful if you just turn up. I'll leave with a few more ideas. x
This blog is about a northern English girl displace her roots, and travelling the world usually solo and all the adventures and stupidity that comes with it!
