The Golden Age of Hollywood

Hollywood starlets have been inspiring style for decades now.  Women the world over wanted to copy Clara Bow's "Cupid's Bow" lips and short bob hairstyle.  Jean Harlow's platinum locks had women flocking to salons asking for the same.  It didn't take long for couture designers to get on board and before long stores like Macy's had their own "Cinema Shop."  My favorite Hollywood era of all is arguably the 1950s.  Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Joan Crawford.  That's an impressive list as it is and yet I could go on and on.  If you're a lover of all things vintage and want to relive a little of that Hollywood glitz from days gone by, there are a few key style elements that can help you recapture the era.

The Bardot Neckline

A Bardot Neckline was named after French actress Brigitte Bardot and refers to a wide open neck that exposes both shoulders and occasionally a hint of cleavage.  In my opinion the Bardot neckline looks more feminine and visually interesting when it also has something of a slight V at the center or a criss-cross in the front.  Going straight across the shoulders can be a bit bland at best and can give the appearance of a flattened bust at worst.  The criss-cross with a V breaks up that straight line and creates a flattering and tastefully suggestive curve.

A Striped Top

Even now we think of that basic white top with navy blue or black stripes as being a timeless suggestion of casual elegance.  This look, also known as a Breton stripe was first introduced in the mid 1800s as part of the uniform for the French Navy to help spot a sailor who had fallen overboard.  We've come a long way since then and now those stripes are used to help spot a modern day fashionista.  Coco Chanel made it into a casual look for women and a quick google search for Classic Actresses + Stripe Top turned up photos of every 50s starlet I adore: Donna Reed, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Day and yes, Brigitte Bardot.  So, I found something that combined these two style elements of the Bardot Neckline and the Stripe top into one to create my Golden Age look.

A Midi Pencil Skirt

With a top like that you need the right skirt to compliment it.  We've had a rough patch in our recent style history where it was all about super skinny and straight lines instead of feminine curves.  Starlets of the 50s weren't afraid to show off those curves.  I'm glad FemmeLuxe feels the same way.  FemmeLuxe has some stunning skirts, and for this post I went to their Midi Skirts to make my selection.  The reason I love midi skirts is because they sit at the narrowest part of the waist which can really accentuate your form in a positive way and a pencil skirt like the Black PU High Split Piper skirt I'm wearing shows off those curves in a way those iconic starlets would approve of.  By now you've heard me talk about  ways to tone down leather with lace, but what if we'd like to keep that edge and add a little Hollywood glam?  Simple darling.I like the faux leather look with this top.  It says, "I could be the villainness if I wanted, but I've got too much class to bother with you."

Classic Accessories

Not so long ago, if one wanted to find 50s style accessories the antique stores and vintage thrift shops were the only options.  There are so many shops out there that cater to that vintage flare nowadays.  Cat Eye Sunglasses, pearl necklaces, scarves, Gloves and peep toe pumps--these are all great choices for that classic Hollywood Glam look.  But if you're ever in doubt, ask yourself this simple questions W.W.A.W.--What Would Audrey Wear?  If she wore it in Breakfast at Tiffany's you really can't go wrong emulating her.  Come to think of it, you really can't go wrong emulating her in any film or photo shoot...ever.

Shopping Info: Skirt from FemmeLuxe (gifted),Top from: SHEIN,   

Research taken from Encyclopedia.com, and Stylecaster.com