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
Thank you for the uniform tips! Very helpful addresses...
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
http://www.alexandracarter.com
Very helpful - was looking for ideas and now knows the outfit to wear. The hair video was extremely helpful too!!
ReplyDeletePlease remove the above black & white photograph of the RAF pilot wearing the Mae West lifejacket. I am the owner of the copyright to this photograph. You are using this photograph without my permission which means you have STOLEN this image from another website. Scholastic Books also stole this picture from me and used it on the cover of their book "My story...The battle of Britain" published in 2008. Don't believe me then do a Google search. I've already sued them and I will do the same with you for infringement of my copyright and have your little website shut down. You have been warned. John Gomez.
ReplyDeleteDear John
ReplyDeleteAs requested I have removed your image. I am very sorry but feel there was no need for such an angry and threatening response for something that was none very innocently. This is a "little website" as you said yourself and I do it because I love it and love writing. I do not do it for profit, for advertising or for COPYRIGHT! I have never said that imagine was mine, I used it to help people recreate a look for something that I am very passionate about and I would presume that you are. In the world of the web a lot of copyright goes on, but I would say that the majority of people, do it innocently with out knowing that I have done any wrong. I am sorry that you could not see it that way. I hope now this matter is resolved.
Thank you for removing my photograph. I been trying to stop this image from being used on the internet. From your blog others can lift it and then I have to go around again and chase it up. Scholastic books used it on one of their covers without my knowledge,without my permission and without payment,their book sold worldwide and made them a lot of money! You still took a photograph that belonged to someone else from one website and added it to yours.That picture belonged to my account and there was nothing stopping you from sending a site mail in the first instance asking for permission or enquiring about it's copyright owner.Those pictures from Foyle's War would need permission too. Like yourself I work in the film and tv industry (11 years at the BBC)and have also worked on several series of Foyle's War. You should always ask permission first and credit the photographs.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
Good Lord ... I hope Christina Aguilera doesn't come after you xxx Thanks for the helpful tips .. xxx
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