Channeling Your Inner Bette Davis – Mr. Skeffington

The premiere post for my newest series, Channeling Your Inner Bette Davis! This will be interesting as I've never really looked into Bette’s ensembles until I started writing this blog.

The film, Mr. Skeffington, is about a young and beautiful socialite, (Bette Davis as) Fanny Trellis, who marries an old banker, by the name of Job Skeffington, in hope of saving her brother from an embezzlement charge.

Day Wear

It was so difficult to find an outfit of hers that was noticeably (more ‘casual’) day wear. Here she wars a very wide brim hat, with a fitted blazer and draped maxi skirt. Out of her blazer peeks some ruffled tulle – I’m going to turn my cheek here, because that’s not a good look.

GUESS by Marciano spread collar shirt, $270 / Strenesse Blue cotton jacket, $405 / Viktor & Rolf pencil skirt, $970 / Nude high heel shoes, $95 / Friis & Company leather crossbody handbag, $67 / Rare London wide brim hat, $22 / New York City Buildings Laser Die Cut

An office-friendly look, here I've teamed the fitted blazer with a sleeveless white blouse and a draped back skirt in a much shorter style to make the look fresher. Patent open-toe pumps and bag are both back, as they need to compliment the contrast colour of the blazer. The hat can be left in or out of the ensemble depending on how daring you are. Instead of straw, a black hat is used for a more subtle look.

Evening Wear

Bette is meeting suitors in a very extravagant ensemble. She wears an evening gown which features lace over the bodice and acting as a cape, giving the impression of a shawl.  Decorated with large plumes, this outfit (while admirable) is quite over-the-top. She has accessorized with pearls (favourite) so I’ll definitely include that.

Cream lace dress, $40 / Gabriele Frantzen pearl necklace, $395 / Chain jewelry, $375 / Maiden-Art pearl bracelet / Ziba vintage earrings, $32 / Jane Tran bohemian hair accessory /Small Stick Tree - Silver / John Lewis Silk Flowers, Pack of 12, White, $3.96

I've attempted to capture the extravagance, the essence of Fanny’s costume in a modern cocktail-like look. I think that the ivory colour gives it more of a casual tone as well. A lace dress substitutes for the shawl, and feather jewellery and a hair piece for all of her plumes. There's a a few accessories on offer here, which I think any or all could be used depending on what level of extravagance you want your outfit to be.

So I hope you liked my post today. This one was pretty difficult as my DVD broke, which left me to search for the outfits over the web. My next post will be a nail art tutorial, so you should come back to read that!

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

The Pencil Skirt

A true classic in women's fashion. Narrow, fitted skirts have a long established history in western fashion, and for good reason. The slim-fitting design highlights the natural curve of the hips with a hem falling to, or just below, the knee for a modest look.

I find my skirts mostly in tucked away charity stores or as gifts from my mother. Mostly in stores, I’ve been seeing a lot of cheap, slim-fitting skirts made of jersey cotton etc. I don’t like them. I like crepe, skirts that look clean and are lined. Skirts that tuck in at the waist, and don’t feature elastic, are best in my opinion. I like neutral tone and simply printed skirts. They are my favourite skirts.

1940’s Style

Christian Dior introduced the classic modern pencil skirt. He coined the term “H-line” after he used “A-line” to describe pieces in his Corolle collection. It gained popularity among both working and unemployed women. The pencil skirt hem line fell just below the knee and was worn with high heels and sheer stockings or tights.

Pencil Skirt – Temperly London / Jacket – Yves Saint Laurent / Blouse – Pheonix / Shoes - Vintage / Bag – Lulu Guinness /Hat - Vintage / Gloves – Aspinal of London / Brooch - Anthropologie

This look is very office wear inspired. The skirt and jacket look almost like a matching pair, teamed with a white blouse and black handbag. The 1940’s saucer hat and black suede heels make this outfit ‘1940’s themed’, and the gloves and brooch also lend a vintage feel. Together this ensemble is undeniably 40’s.

1950’s Style

During this time, women wore back-seamed hosiery under their pencil skirts, creating an iconic vintage look. Kitten heels, stilettos and peep-toe heels were shoes mostly worn then. Blouses and cardigan were tights, and the whole look gave off a ‘sexy’ vibe.

Pencil Skirt – Unknown brand / Cardigan – Scotch Soda / Blouse – Asda / Shoes – Rusty Zipper / Necklace – Astley Clarke / Pantyhose – Debenhams

Red is the colour of choice! The red pencil skirt and red cardigan make this feel very fifties. Teamed with a short sleeved white blouse and kitten heels, you’re playing the part of a stylish lady of the 1950’s. I've accessorized with a simple black clutch, my go-to pearl necklace and love back seamed hosiery.          

1960’s Style

Jackie Kennedy kept the pencil skirt going during the 1960’s. With the addition of bright colour and large buttons, the conservative classic was given a bright big face lift. It was common to see pencil skirts worn with flats and loafers during the 1960’s for a casual look.

Suit – Vintage / Hat – Vintage / Bag – Mimco / Shoes – Jildor / Necklace – Blue Nile

This would be a fun outfit to wear to a party. Unless you collect vintage items, you probably won’t have anything like it in your wardrobe. I've used a bright pink suit which is reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s suit, you can see in my previous post. The colour scheme is white and pink, as the pink is so bright I needed to give some air to it. 

I hope you enjoyed my post and can see why I love pencil skirts. They’re just so versatile across eras and occasions. I've been posting a little irregularly lately, however it should even out soon once I'm settled in to my new home. Have a nice day.

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

5 Sites I Visit Daily

This summer I've haven’t had a lot to do, until now. I started this blog at the start of summer, which has been a great summer hobby (which i'll continue further). Now that I've moved into student accommodation, I haven’t had the speedy internet that I used to at home. I miss visiting all of my favourite websites, so I thought I’d share some of the sites that I visit every day and my reasons why.

1. Blogger

What: Obviously you know what Blogger is, you’re on it!

Why: I post for Contemporary Classic. I also check analytics and look at other fashion blogs that I’m following. If you’re reading this, and you have a blog, comment so that I can check it out?

When: I usually go on when I get home from my morning walk, at about 7am.

Link: http://contemporary-classic.blogspot.com.au/

2. Tumblr

What: Tumblr is a very popular micro-blogging platform and social networking website. It allows users to post multimedia and other content to a short-form blog. Users can follow other users' blogs, as well as make their blogs private.

Why: I use Tumblr for fashion inspiration and news. Sometimes, I find inspiration for blog posts here, photographs or recipes. I've been a user since 2009. 

When: I log on later in the day. Usually lunch time or the afternoon to fill my queue (a bank of posts schedules to publish evenly throughout the day)

Link: http://contemporary-classic.tumblr.com/

3. IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers)

What: This is an online community for fashion bloggers to share their experiences and create a resource so everyone can build a better blog. Regular helpful articles are posted, as well as the site hosting a community linking group and forums.

Why: I visit this site often for advice on running a blog, the tech/business side of it as well as creatively. I also find interesting fashion news here.

When: Just after lunch usually, or in the afternoon. I go on once a day, as it’s usually updated every day or two. I open a ton of links, sometimes even reading old articles. It’s helped me build my blog.

Link: http://heartifb.com/members/contemporary-classic/

4. Style.com

What: This website/magazine posts information regularly on topics such as fashion shows, upcoming trends and beauty tips – and that’s just the start of it. “From catwalk to sidewalk, backstage to after-party, Style.com employs breakthrough technology to deliver instant gratification to fashion obsessives.”

Why: Next to Twitter, this is my most relied upon site for fashion news and trends. I learn new things every time a post is published, and it often inspires me to write posts for my blog.

When: I open it once a night to see whether it has been updated. Usually every few days it is.

Link: http://www.style.com

5. Lookbook.nu

What: The largest online community dedicated to showcasing member-uploaded "street style" photography. It’s somewhat a collective gallery from which "lookbookers" and non-members can draw daily fashion inspiration.

Why: I mostly just draw fashion inspiration from this site, but looking further, I can see trends evolve worldwide. It also gives me inspiration for self-portraits documenting my outfits and inspires my ‘Outfit Photo Friday’ posts.

When: As soon as I post a look, or if I haven’t that day, I’ll log on in the afternoon to check new looks.

Link: http://lookbook.nu/contemp_classic

As well as these, I check my Twitter, email, sometimes Facebook. I’m on the internet a lot as you can see; I’ll even be posting tomorrow about ‘The Pencil Skirt’. How often do you use the internet? Do you visit these sites too?

PS. I apologize for not uploading an Outfit Photo Friday yesterday, it was my first day living in my apartment and there was a lot of things to do. 

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

How to Dress for a Plane Flight

My moving plans have changed. My mother decided to take the car, while the rest of my family caught a plane (yay for being able to take more things with me!) Now, faced by a new dilemma – what to wear on a plane flight. Before outfit suggestions, let’s take a look at priorities of dressing for flight.

                                                                                                                 

1.       Safety and Practicality

No one wants to have to deal with annoyed security. Avoid items that will set the metal detectors off, such as big-buckled belts and other metal jewellery. If you can’t live without your statement jewellery, you can put it in your carry-on luggage.

We all have to take our shoes off, going through security, so stay away from strappy sandals (god forbid heels) and opt for a pair of ballet flats. If you‘re disgusted by airport floors, wear pantyhose or tights.

2.       Comfort

Wearing natural, breathable fabrics are your best bet for staying comfortable on a long flight. Unnatural textiles and tight clothing will restrict your blood flow (and could make you very sweaty is it’s a summer trip – gross). You also want to make use of easily removable layers if you are drastically changing climates.

3.       Style

I don’t have much to say here, pretty much because it’s what my whole blog is about. All I can say is that channelling the simple, classic look will leave you looking and feeling great as it’s versatile through the use of so many different pieces of clothing. Let’s take a look at some sample outfits.

Traveling to a Colder Climate

No one wants to go out and by a new wardrobe just for a holiday. You can make up with outfit with items that you should already have in your wardrobe, slacks and a cotton t-shirt, then a trench coat (which many in a warmer climate may not have, this is an item you should buy – even if it’s a cheap $40 from Best & Less). These items are versatile for occasion and can be worn practically anywhere.

You want to keep with neutrals for a winter look, however feel free to play up the colour with your carry-on or scarf. A scarf can be worn almost anywhere comfortably, and when layered has much warming potential.

Traveling to a Warmer Climate

Here I’ve paired a Chloe, pleated midi-skirt with a silk shell for light, versatile fabrics. Over the top, you can wear a nice cardigan (thickness depending on how cold you are at the start of your trip) and you can put it in your carry on luggage on arrival. Note the use of flats that I recommended before, that match with a large, quilted tote. Accessorize with a scarf to layer for warmth while on plane, and then use as a cover-up later when at the beach.

Travelling a Short Distance

Tips from my previous post ‘How to Move Away (With Your Clothes)' pretty clearly outlines what I mean by this trip and tips. However for a flight, as its air conditioned, you could wear something a little thicker (I’m writing from an area that’s so hot for skivvies, that many have never heard the word before). Clothes with a little stretch will be comfortable, and this dress would be perfect for it. Pantyhose are pictured here, as they were recommended before, along with the tote and flats.

Bonus Look: Make-up

When on the plane, you want to wear minimal make up. Focus on making sure that:

-          Your face is moisturized

-          Balm for you lips

Other than that, a little concealer never did anyone any harm. If going with a gloss instead of a balm, keep it light and minimal. Remember: when you arrive you can make up your face until your heart is content.

Well this has been a fun post for me. I hope it helps someone wondering what to wear on their holiday vacation, or even moving – like me! Anyway, my next post is an Outfit Photo Friday, so I hope you’ll come along and read that. See you then

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.
Love Claire, xo.

Louis Vuitton Pre-fall 2013

I know it could seem unorthodox of me to post one collection after another, but stay with me here. How could I pass this up? After seeing bright hues for their spring collection, I’m actually refreshed by

Let’s deconstruct the collection’s trends:

• Darker tones, besides black, such as red and navy blue are obviously very common.
• Shoulder pads and boxy upper silhouettes were often used in jackets
• Lace was a commonly used textile. Lace prints, jacquards and debossing techniques on silk twill were all used.
• We can take inspiration from Vuitton's inspiration. 'The Bride Wore Black', a 1968 film by François Truffaut about a widow's revenge, in which she hunts down the five men that made her a widow on her wedding day. She methodically kills each of the five men in different ways. Freaky.

Day

One of the shorter length dress/skirts, this look can be used for day (as well as night). The outfits are simple, with leather on one side and lace jacquard on the other. Look at the shoes! They’re delightful.

 

With a plain black t-shirt and skater skirt, you can get both of the girls looks by switching between a lace jacquard blazer and a feminine leather jacket. If it’s too hot, this statement peter pan bow collar fits the scene perfectly. If you’re too shy of a leather jacket, you can amplify your leather stats with patent leather pumps and a clutch.

Office

Here we have a look that could work for school or the office. Relatively modest and sleek, combining trousers and a lace blazer or coat will be in this Autumn without a doubt.

Here I’ve given you the options of a lace coat or a blazer (happens to have a lace back, but that’s unnecessary for you) with a blue black lace peplum top. Highlight the blue black in your bag or clutch and shoes – particularly if you can incorporate lace here, too. Accessorize with dark drop earrings.

Evening

An evening look, here is a midi-dress featuring a peter pan collar. Over it goes a large, large coat. Again, the shoes are just precious (NB. I might have to pick up a pair similar).

You’ve got a tonne of oxblood pieces from 2012, right? We all do. We can skip the lace, as the lace blend gives the illusion of this tone anyway. I’ve used a shearling bag here as it has both oxblood and black, and to add an interesting textile to the outfit. A chunky coat is featured on the bottom left as you can see. This is more of an adult look, you could wear it out of a night without a doubt.

So what do you think? Too dark and gloomy? Or a grown-up, Wednesday Addams sort of sophistication? Tell me what you think. My next post is ‘How To: Dress for a Plane Flight’. Come back soon.

Source: Style.com

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Barbara Bui Pre-fall 2013

This collection was not similar that I’m used to doting over, but I just adore it. Maybe it’s the minimalist look coming into trend, or my current love of monochrome, but I think it’s just fantastic.

In order to re-create these looks, we need to identify the collection’s elements

• Monochromatic colour scheme – The use of white, black and a bit of pinkish ivory. Each outfit is predominantly one colour, with the exception of a few outfits having two or three.
• Minimalist designs – The lines of the garments are very minimalist, with little design (except for one look featuring a gold design)
• Leather and other interesting textiles for contrast – Leather is the most commonly used contrast textiles, some outfits comprised totally of leather. There is also a silky jacket and patchwork jacket among pieces of other textiles.

Leather Top

Here a textured leather-like sweater is paired with trousers and elbow-length leather gloves.

De-intensify the look by wearing a simple leather top that flatters your shape with dark navy blue jeans. Short leather gloves are apt for a more every day look. Both the shoes and clutch are minimalist and black. Keep hair smooth and polished so that you look more fashion follower and less heavy metal fan.

Suit Look

The suit look, a fitted blazer with no lapel and contrast leather pockets has a pair of matching trousers and a minimalist black bag.

Every woman (working in a white collar occupation) should have a suit in her wardrobe. Under the blazer, a nude top gives you the best of both worlds between appropriate and sexy. Cinch the blazer at natural waist with a simple belt.

Nude Night Out

A creamy sleeveless mini dress is paired with socks of the same colour and red heels.

With a simple nude dress, add splashes of red with heels, a clutch and red pearl earrings (or something else that’s very simplistic). For those going the extra mile, you could take the extra inspiration and wear a matching pair of socks with the heels.

How do you feel about Barbara’s collection? What about the minimalist trend? I’d love to know what you think. My next post will show you ‘How To: Dress for a Plane Flight’.

Source: Style.com

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Katharine Hepburn

Sometimes, you don’t want to wear a skirt, just as a break or maybe you just generally dislike them. Does that mean that you can’t be fabulous? No!

“Any time I hear a man say he prefers a woman in a skirt, I say, ‘Try one. Try a skirt.’” 

Katharine Hepburn (on her dislike for wearing skirts). 

Last Style Profile, we saw Grace Kelly, the epitome of elegant retro feminine fashion. Today we’ll be looking at Katharine Hepburn, a style icon whose controversial fashion choices influenced the ready-to-wear fashion industry for women to accept comfort in the same hand as style.

Katharine was a pioneer for early masculine-inspired fashion, a style icon for those who wanted to wear the pants in 1930’s fashion. She often wore high waist pants, showing off here tiny 20” waist, and button down blouses.

Monochrome

I’ll begin with a simple monochrome colour scheme, too easy.

I’ve paired adorable white high waist trousers with a simple black long sleeved blouse with typical masculine features such as a loose fit and pockets. Over the top, a white and black blazer can be added, increasing the masculine feel of the outfit a bit. To combat it looking overly masculine, I’ve added a pair of heeled brogues (a little from column A, a little from column B). Lastly, a thin black belt to top it all off! This is a versatile ensemble you could wear to the office, the cinema or to dinner with some friends.

Warm Weather

I live in Queensland, Australia, and it gets really hot here! So I thought, “hm, how would I wear her fashion in summer weather…”

Shorts instead of trousers are a necessity for hot weather, but instead of choosing those high waist shorts that show the world your butt (you’ve seen them, you know what I’m talking about), these look a little more fitting to the Katherine's look. I’ve used a simple blouse from Acne (which is a little reminiscent of a school uniform, I’d say), with beige brogues, a silk brown scarf and some Raybans. This outfit is great for withstanding summer heat!

Pink Feminine

Love the trouser look, but still love pink and pearls? I’ve got it sorted!

Trousers and a skivvy are typical Katharine Hepburn – but with a white and pink colour scheme, things are a little different. If adding simple pearl earrings, a necklace and a plain white headband didn’t do the trick, I think the pink oxfords and wallet sold it! I’ve used a very plain wallet, with plain oxfords and headband so that it's not too girly, but the colour scheme really does it. I had to add pearls; I think they work so well here.

I hope you enjoyed my outfits! Who thought working with pants could be so much fun? I had a ball putting it together. I hope you come back for my next post ‘Barbara Bui Pre-fall 2013’. Have a good day!

                                                                                      

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.

Prepare for Australia Day

BBQs, sitting by the pool and seeing red/white/blue, wherever you go. We’re all looking forward to Australia Day. In this post, I’ll tell you about the day (for my foreign readers), as well as a (non-tacky-supre-novelty-bikini) outfit for the day, and preparation for the day, 2 weeks in advance!

"Celebrated annually on 26 January, the date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 ... With community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies the day is celebrated in large and small communities and cities around the nation ... as the biggest annual civic event in Australia."

(Thanks, Wikipedia)

So, how to prepare? I’ll give you a fortnight breakdown

1 Fortnight Before

-          Start today! Find out what you’ll be doing. Whether it’s a BBQ with your friends and/or family, or you’re going out that night – know what you’re doing.

-          Also, start watching your diet (especially if you’re going to a pool party). This doesn't mean “stop eating”, it means up your water intake and look for healthier meal options (such as soup or salads) until the day.

1 Week Before

-          Have you’re outfit prepared. Make sure pieces are in good condition (don't need repairs etc). Hang it up in your closet so that you don’t forget. Decide on shoes and make up after you figure out your outfit. I've prepared a sample outfit.

Blue Dress - Orla Kiely / Red Dress - People Tree / Red Swimsuit - Esther Williams Swimwear / Flats - Simply Soles / Bag - Marc Jacobs / Sunglasses - Romwe / Pearl Earrings - John Lewis

Step away from the novelty Australia day gear. You’ll never wear it again. It’s a waste of money that I could rant about for days. I’d say for non-swimwear your best bet is a short sleeved shirt dress. Protect your shoulders from the UVs, stay cool and look cute all at the same time. Celebrate the day by using blue, red and white. I would stay away from using white on main pieces, but if you want a little, opt for polka-dots. Incorporate white through a comfortable pair of flats and a slouchy bag that you can fit all of your things into. Simple earrings and sunglasses are all you need to accessorize with today.

-          If you didn't get a tan this summer (and you want one) spray tan today. I don’t condone sun tanning or solariums  but if you’re thinking about it – you’re too late. You’ll run the risk of looking red on the day.

-          Figure out your hairstyle. As it’s a hot summer, you probably want to wear your hair up. Pictured, Taylor Swift dons a chic neat up-do with natural makeup (minus eyes, I think).

A Few Days Before

-          Figure out what transportation you’ll be taking. If you’re drinking (as most adults do on this day), set aside money for a taxi or organize a designated driver.

-          Have a beauty day or night if you can. Take time out to exfoliate your skin, and maybe a facial. Use products that you have tried before so that you don’t have an unexpected bad reaction.

-          If you’re not wearing swimwear, iron your clothes today to make sure they’re lovely looking for tomorrow.

1 Day Before

-          Pack your bag for tomorrow. This could mean a few of the following:

- beauty essentials (lip balm, pressed powder, perfume/deodorant)

- sun cream, the most important thing to take if you’re attending a daytime event

- cash, keys, ID

- digital camera, preferably water-proof

-          Take a calming bath with candles and make sure to shave if you haven’t already waxed. Don’t wax tonight if you haven’t already.

-          Go to sleep before 11pm to ensure a good night’s sleep and no panda eyes.

Australia Day has arrived!

-          Have a light breakfast such as an egg-white omelette

-          Make sure all plans are secure if it rains (crossed fingers it doesn't)

-          Have fun! You’ll have a great day

Well, this was the first schedule I've ever written for Contemporary Classic. I hope you enjoyed it. My next post is a style profile of Katherine Hepburn, so hopefully you’ll come back for that. Do you have any plans for Australia?

Vintage Fashion, Modern Approach.

Love Claire, xo.