Edwardian Fashionable Hats

These beautiful Edwardian pictures were taken in 1911, a year before the Titanic. By that time hats were at their largest, often with the brim extending beyond the breadth of the wearer’s shoulders. Because these elaborate hats were so big the ladies had to use large hatpins to properly secure them to the head. Some people complain that these hats were too big and obtrusive especially in the theater or picture shows. Still high society women loved them and wore them for daytime events.

Also as you can see these Edwardian hats were decorated with feathers, laces, ribbons, flowers, tulle, bows. Coco Chanel used to call these hats "birds nests". I won't be surprised that many birds thought so as well!

Step back and enjoy!

Photo Credits: Klimbin from Dresscode Diary. Photos Dated: 1911. Research: Vintagedancer.Com & Vintagefashionguild.Org.

Victorian & Edwardian Hairstyle Video Tutorials

Bonjour ladies! Are you having trouble styling your hair for an upcoming event? Well it's time to be schooled in the art of hair! These lovely Victorian & Edwardian hairstyle video tutorials by Natalie from Vintagious are super easy to follow. The beauty of these kind of hairstyles is that they didn't have to be precise. Letting some strands of hair down was actually part of the romantic look that the ladies back then wanted to achieve, and so could you!

Enjoy!

The Archives: Aviator Outfits

Do you need some new fall fashion inspiration? These lovely aviator inspired outfits are by HERMÈS! Aren't they out of this world? I am so loving the Amelia Earhart and Steampunk flare in these outfits.

These fall fashion outfits come in different styles and colors. These classic coats are a great investment for many fall and winter years to come. Classic clothes are always in style! Don't you love that?





Khaki color jacket. This coat has a slight shine to it, which gives it that rich glow.






Off-black color A line coat dress with hoodie. Perfect for that evening date in town!





Bronze color jacket and skirt. The fur adds that glamorous look!







Dark wine color jacket with pencil line skirt. This rich color is bold and yet feminine.



And to complete these looks you can add a pair of these vintage inspired goggles at: Gentleman's Emporium.



Have a great fall!

The Archives: My Dream Shoe

I have been crazy these days trying to look for some decent black 5 size shoes! In actuality, I am really size 4 and a half. I know, I have the smallest pair of feet in the world. The reason why I am looking for a 5 size shoe is that I kind of gave up looking for a size 4 and a half womanly shoes! Evertime I go inside a shoe store and came out empty handed, I end up throwing a Miss Piggy fit.

Awww!

Now that that's off of my chest. I could go ahead and talk about these lovely shoes that I found at Etsy.



Aren't these shoes cute? I love these shoes because they are so Parisian looking. I just love black and white shoes. These shoes come with the dotted lines, which is so vintage looking. The curvy details both in the cut and shape of the shoe adds that feminine touch. And even though these shoes come with a thick buckle they still look womanly.




I can just imagine myself walking on the streets of Paris on day wearing this pair of shoes. How elegant and poised I would look. I would just fit in perfectly with the ladies of Paris. I would spot a cafe down the street and walk toward it, then probably stumble and fall on my tush. People would be so friendly and run towards me to pick me up from the lovely cobblestone street.

Then people would be asking me, "Mademoiselle, are you alright?"

"Merci oui," I would bashfully say.

Then an older shoemaker would approach me and say, "Don't worry Madam, I will help you."

Then this older shoemaker would invite me to his shoe shop. As I would sit with a cup of coffee while I watch the shoemaker repairing my shoes. Then a few minutes later the shoemaker would hand over my shoes.

"Madam, here are your brand new shoes."

Then as I get my shoe back I realize that the sole hasn't been repaired. Then I ask the shoemaker why he didn't repair my sole.

"Madam, the problem with your shoes was not the sole. It was the size. You see, these lovely black shoes that you saw at Etsy is not your size. They are a size 7. Madam, I had to stuff your shoes so that you would not fall again."

I would have to contain myself so that I won't throw a Miss Piggy fit. After all its Paris.

Than I would thank the shoemaker. And as I would leave the shop I would say:

"Now, sir, I have a question. Why do you keep on calling me Madam and not Mademoiselle?

"I saw your wedding ring. So I knew that you were a married woman."

I would be mesmerized.


The lesson of this story is, I can't continue stuffing my shoes and I am not a Mademoiselle!

I just want a decent black pair of shoes with a perfect fit!


Am I asking for too much?




The Archives:  Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 08/10/09

The Archives: Liz Eyebrows & Prints

Lately I have been a bit under the weather. Just feel like staying on the couch and wrapping myself with a soft blanket, while enjoying some great movies on TCM. And that is what exactly I have been doing this whole week!

These past several days I have watched some great movies with Elizabeth Taylor. She is not only a great actress, but she is and was very stunning in her early years. Being that I am also brunette like Liz, expect of course I don't have her violet color eyes. I try to learn how she wore her hair and how she did her makeup. I thought I had all her beauty tricks down, until I watched her movies this week. I came to realize that their was one thing that I didn't paid attention. And that was her dark thick eyebrows!

Like any classic girl I do pencil my eyebrows. I would usually use a light to medium brown pencil. Though I haven't tried to darken them and to make them thicker. I was always afraid to end up looking like a smurf.

So I went ahead with the experiment and started to fill my brows with a black liner. Yikes! It turned out way too dark!

On my second attempt I went for a dark black pencil. It look well, so so.

My third attempt I used both the eyeliner and then a dark brown. And it was starting to look better.

Then one day as I was ready to go out I tried a dark brown pencil. And it turned not perfect, but pretty, which is decent enough for me.

So as I work on my eyebrows and trying to figure the best classic look for them, I came across these cute prints. At first I thought that it was Miss Liz Taylor, but then as I took a closer look I realized that it wasn't Liz.




I was a bit disappointed, but then realized that I am blind retrochic gal with a huge eyebrow problem!

Still though aren't these prints so retrochic? I totally loved them! And if you are feeling like me under the weather and want to keep cozy and warm why not get one of these stylish hot water bottles.

I believe that a girl should always look stylish no matter how crabby she feels. Don't you think?



Photo: Creative Commons



The Archives: Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 11/11/09

The Archives: Vintage Inspired Photography!

These vintage inspired photographs are from my latest favorite website store, Sadie Olive. This online vintage inspired store is so delightful, that it's like visiting a European boutique!

Sadie Olive is not only a vintage and vintage inspired boutique. But they also provide web and blog designs and professional photography services. It is certainly an all stop place for all you vintage lovers!

Aren't these photographs so lovely?

I am totally inspired!

































By the way most of the items in these pictures are ready for purchasing!


Come and visit Sadie Olive shop today!


Pictures provided with permission by Sadie Olive.


The Archives: Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 06/25/09

The Archives: Half The Bootsy

It seems like Florida didn't get the memo that we are already in Fall. In the meanwhile I am looking for Boots inspiration. These cute bootys by La Canadienne reminds me of times gone by, when Parisian women wore hats, gloves, and drove buggies.

These classic boots are definitely unique. These are that kind of boots that are stylish and yet dependable. When you choose boots you want to always make sure that they will stand against harsh elements. These boots are crafted by the using only Italian materials. It is true that these shoes are a bit costly, though they are a great investment for years to come.

I chose these bootsy, that had each a different style and color. As a boot lover you can never have enough boots to wear. Boots are like shoes, they each have their own personality.





Want to meet some friends at a café ? These brown boots are casual yet super chic!







Do you want to perk yourself up? I recommend that you wear these perky red pair!







Want to imagine that are going on a diner date in Paris? These lace-up black bootsy are the ones for you!




For more boosty inspiration you can go to Zappos!




Have a great weekend!

Archives: Victoria's White Wedding

Queen Victoria wearing her white wedding that she designed herself

Have you ever wondered who and when might have made the White Wedding popular? Well the tradition of the White Wedding is credited to Queen Victoria when she wore her white wedding dress the day she wed Prince Albert on 10 February 1840. Traditionally white was worn in royal mourning, so wearing white on a wedding was unsuitable. There were of course other royalties that did wear white for their wedding, though in the modern era it was Queen Victoria who made the White Wedding popular. Just imagine all the bride's asking their mothers for a white wedding dress "just like Vicky's". So before Vicky's white wedding became popular, brides wore their best or most expensive gowns that they could afford and that it could be used again for another occasion. Pretty smart, I should say.

My Wedding Day: "I had always wanted for our wedding to have three main ingredients: Elegant, Simple and Inexpensive. And when our wedding day arrived I was the most happiest and stress free bride and my groom was the happiest man on earth."

My main colors that I had used for my wedding were: Gold, Ivory and white. You can never go wrong with these colors. Everything that night sparkled beautifully like it was a million dollars wedding. We had golden candle holders and vases that were on crisp ivory table linens. We added little lights through out the reception walls and ceilings. And yes I wanted balloons on my wedding day, which perhaps could be considered to be tacky by many brides. But because my balloons were metallic gold and ivory, it looked pretty classy and sophisticated.

Queen Victoria with Prince Albert

Our wedding was no doubt the wedding of my dreams: I married the most loving, wonderful, and very patient man. I married my best friend, the man of my dreams. My husband proved to be my best and favorite wedding gift that I received on my wedding day. A wedding day last one day, but a marriage should last forever.

The main ingredient for our happiness has been the best one ever:


LOVE which never fails!



Photo:Family Picture
Excerpts from Wikipedia

The Archives: In Vogue, The Illustrated History

The other day hubby and I went to the book store for some relaxation and inspiration. Yes, we both are book worm, though he more than me. We have this routine where we both get our different reading materials and then we meet in one of those comfy chairs. So I went to my favorite girly fashion and beauty isle, while he went to the history section. Then that is when I saw the new beautifully illustrated book, "In Vogue: The Illustrated History of the World's Most Famous Fashion Magazine." I have been wanting to get my hands on this book since it's been out. And there it was right in front of my nose!

This book is a compilation of illustrations and fashion of Vogue magazine throughout history. My first impression: This book is dark, tall, and handsome!

The white and black photograph on the cover of the book caught my attention. I wanted to right away dive into it's pages. This book is as big as an encyclopedia! So when I tried to pick it up from the shelf, I realized that I needed man power. So I asked hubby to help me take it to my seat.

After I finally sat down and got cozy, and I opened the first few pages, I knew that this will be a book that many fashionistas would want to have. This book is filled with vintage pictures and illustrations that made Vogue famous. I especially loved the stories behind the scenes. You will get to learn the different takes and techniques that photographers had back many years ago. It's interesting to note how models and fashion have changed over the years. As a retrochic, I loved looking at the fashion photos of the 20's through the 60's.

For me this book is one of the most beautiful fashionpedia book that I have ever seen. If you like Vogue, fashion, and history of fashion this is the book for you!

I wish that I could have taken this book home. It is quite the price for my modest pocketbook. At the book store it cost $75. But don't worry, you can still buy it used for about half the price, which is worth every penny!


I just love fashion inspiration!

The Archives: Vanity Accesories

I went window shopping today at my favorite Victorian Trading Co, online shop and I came across these lovely accessories for my vanity. I know that you too will be inspired by these timeless items.



I have always thought to start a perfume atomizer collection. I think that using a perfume atomizer is so retrochic and elegant, don't you think? I think every girl should have a least a perfume atomizer on her vanity!

Details: Perfume Atomizer Bottle, Trinket Box, Cosmetic Brush. Glistening crystals are meticulously hand set upon an enameled ensemble intended for primping. Atomizer 4½". Box 3". Brush 6".



I know that these pocket watches are not your usual vanity accessories decor. Though if you observe closely these are actually pocket watch that contain solid perfume, spectacular I might say! And the great thing about these is that you can carry your pocket watch perfume whenever you go out, is like bringing a piece of your vanity with you.

Details: Solid Perfume in a Pocket Watch. Purse-friendly. Replica timepieces harbour soy and maple wax infused with pure plant and flower essence. The creamy emollient will endure when applied to the pulse points. 2". Gift boxed.




Now no girl can't live without her brush and mirror. These silver plated vanity brush, comb and mirror, are a classic! You probably own a vintage mirror or brush that have lost their charm, whether be that the silver has peeled off or because of rust. Well, these vanity items are brand new that you will be able to use, without worrying of getting it worn out!

Details: Brush, Comb & Mirror. Our cherished antique set was cast in wax thereby preserving every intricate petal on the plump chrysanthemums and ensuring that such a lovely dresser set could be enjoyed by others. Silver-plated brass. Mirror 9 in. Comb 7 in. Brush 8 in.



Enjoy your day!


The Archives: Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 09/7/09

Victorian Fashion In The Movies/Anna Karenina

This elegant white Victorian Dress that Vivien Leigh wore in the movie Anna Karenina is absolutely breathtaking! Now that Spring is here, and many young ladies are getting ready to marry, this dress will no doubt inspire many.

I love how white flowers were used throughout this Victorian ensemble. Here a generous amount of flowers along with a black lace ribbon was used in place of a hat. One of my favorite pieces of this ensemble is the white silky sleeveless vest worn over the dress. On the picture below you can appreciate a little bit more how the vest nicely accentuate Vivien's waist.  You know how important waist was for Victorian ladies!

This ruching chiffon white Victorian dress would make any girl feel romantic and sophisticated. Can't forget to bring your umbrella. The silky white umbrella is a lovely complement to the outfit. I love the finger less white gloves, very daring I might add.

Here the flowers are still cascading down her dress. In this photo we can all appreciate the silky tail that perhaps may be a continuation of the vest. I wish I knew. Still though it is absolutely stunning!

Now is anyone up for a cup of tea?

Au revoir!

Louis Vuitton Fall / Winter Victorian & Edwardian Fashion Show

The Louis Vuitton Fall / Winter 2012 was absolutely magnificent! This fashion show is definitively one of my favorites ever! I have always been fascinated with Victorian and Edwardian style.

This collection brings the Edwardian fashion to a different level. The designer kept into consideration the colors that were used back then, like for instance the blacks, browns, taupe's, blues, grays. But he added as well a beautiful selection of falls colors, reds, oranges, yellows, which made the collection very rich and vibrant!

Weren't those hats and bags amazing! Especially the long furs and animal prints ones. I might add that those accessories were very whimsical. Those large shiny brooches, and the glass on the fabrics also gave the collection that element of surprise.

A Louis Vuitton show can't be complete without their signature bags. I know that those fashion show guests were eyeing those bags way before the train arrived. On the other hand though I have a feeling that I won't be seeing those funky hats in downtown anytime soon, perhaps though if the girl was into Steampunk.

Enjoy the show!

The New Victoria Le Jones Le Paris Café Society!

Bonjour! Welcome to the brand new Victoria Lee Jones Le Paris Café Society! I am totally excited to have you all here today on the grand opening of my shop!

My Le Paris Café Society is part vintage shop and a café shop. Our shopping area is an exclusive antique, vintage and fashion designer shop. We feature items from the 19th century to the late 80's. We carry mostly women's and men's clothing, shoes, bags, hats and accessories. And occasionally we will carry items for children and for the home.

Do you enjoy meeting with friends at a café? I know I do! That is what our café section is about. A place where we chat about history, arts, food, fashion, architecture, culture, while of course enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee accompanied by a croissant and background entertainment.

Today I have my very first item in my vintage shop! 

This colorful vintage 1970's hippie dress has a diamond and star pattern that makes it truly unique. For more information about this beautiful dress and how it could be yours please visit my Etsy shop at: Victoria Lee Jones Le Vintage Shop.

This whole week I will be adding more items to my shop. I still have several more dresses from the 70's that I got from the Brady Bunch ;)  that I am sure you will love!


Thanks for stopping by!


 Au revoir!

The Archives: Pamper Your lips

Here are several lovely vintage reproduction beauty lip products that I found at Victorian Trading Co. I totally love these organic products, that I had to add it to my wish list! These beauty products come in vintage inspired containers. Aren't they so retrochic? I totally feel pretty already!


Brambleberry Rose Lip Balm

Essences of vanilla, honey and wild berry are infused within shea butter with Vitamin E. The emollient may be applied to pulse points or lips. 0.8 oz. tin.






Cornucupia Lip Satin

Black currant, pomegranate and plum are peppered with mint-spice, citrus and vanilla infused in a sumptuous smile emollient. Antique-inspired tin. 5 oz. Made in Australia.






Organic Lip Balm

"All the Better to Kiss You With..." Chai Mandarin, Lavender Vanilla and Pepperminty....no artificial anything in three varieties of delectable kisses.


Visit Victorian Trading Co. to purchase these and other goodies!




The Archives: Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 07/07/09

The Archives: Cinderella of Boston

Today in our  Retro Times Show I wanted to feature one of my newest favorites shoe store, and that is Cinderella of Boston! If you are a petite woman like me that have very small feet Cinderella of Boston is the shoe store for you!

Yes, ladies Cinderella Of Boston comes in classic design shoes that will fit you like a glove. Their shoes sizes range from 2 to 51/2. You don't have to any longer look for women shoes at the kids section hoping that they look grown up enough.

Also this shoe store have a variety of retro styles of shoes for any occasion. If you want to go to a casual picnic or perhaps to an afternoon brunch with some friends there is a shoe for you.. And what about that June wedding that you are planning to attend? Well there are several sophisticated styles that will be perfect for an elegant event.

And the best part of this is that these shoes come in different styles, and colors, which will mean that you will rarely find someone else wearing the exact same shoes. Now that is fantastic!

So to all of you petite ladies out there, those tissue stuffing shoe days are over!

Your Hostess,

Carmen Johnson

I introduce to you my very own Cinderella Shoes:

Retro Times Show Index Guide
Style, Shopping, and Entertainment Information

Carmen's Wardrobe and Accessories:


* Bronze Opera Shoe: Cinderella of Boston

* Nude Fishnet Pantyhose with Black Backseam: Lingerie Diva


Music Background:

Bing In Paris/ Bing Crosby Sing the French Hits. Song: Domino


Thanks for tuning in!



Copyright © 2008-2012. Time Warp Wives. A Retrotimes Productions Website. All Rights Reserved.



The Archives:  Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 02/04/12

The Archives: A Date In Celebration

The first time that I visited the Town of Celebration Florida, I absolutely fell in love with it. I have always been interested in the old fashion homes and architecture of the mid 1900's. So there it was, this quaint and stylish town had everything that I had dream of. Come join me as I show you the best things of Celebration!






Behind the Scenes:

We arrived at Celebration around noon. The temperature was a perfect 75 degrees! Mind you it was still winter season here in Florida. Then after several hours later it started getting warmer and warmer. The weather by 2:00 pm was around 83 degrees. And we still haven't finished half of our filming. Trust me it wasn't a good makeup and hair day after that. So that's when we decided to take a break at Starbucks.


Anecdote:

On the Starbucks scene you might have heard a girl that said: "Oh my goodness!", several times. Well she was excited when she saw this small dog. Not only was he so cute. But while his owner was inside the shop, he was outside patiently waiting for him. What a smart doggie!




Photo Fashion Shoot:

My outfit consisted of a silk purple retro style top, a velvet fitted black skirt, red sandals & silky black gloves. To complete my outfit, I added a lovely silk green and purple scarf and a purple flower to my hair. The only vintage item that I had was my black purse, which I purchased in one of my favorite thrift stores in town.



Crew favorite pick:

Bill's favorite car is a 1965 Mustang. So when he saw this fire red 1965 Mustang, which by the way was in mint condition, he got pretty excited. Rule number six: "Don't be staring at other people's cars."








Copyright © 2009-2012 RetroTimes Productions.


The Archives: Post's from my old blog The RetroChic Corner. Original Post Date: 02/14/09