Let's Look at Vintage, Ladies

 

When I'm sat sighing over old black and white photographs of dresses and hairstyles that I long for, or when I approach my makeup in the morning and the first thing I want to achieve is killer winged eyeliner and a red lip, I often wonder why it is that I am attracted to vintage style so much.

 

For me, I can narrow 'Old Hollywood' into three categories that I find myself inspired and influenced by: the notorious femme fatale, the irresistable pin-up and the forever classy, by this I mean the styles of Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn.

 

So what is it about vintage style that appeals to women these days? Many of us in Western society are lucky enough to be at liberty to make whatever lifestyle choices we want. So with this is mind why is it that we still look back for the influences of icons such as Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe and Lana Turner, to name but a few. If we go back to those catergories I think it is fairly simple to find a link between the qualities that these ladies shared, to the type of woman females want to represent in today's society.

 

If at first we look at the femme fatale. What is she? Mysterious, charming, sensual. Many femme fatale characters are also manipulative, but not in a petty way as you find in many of the leading ladies of reality T.V shows. A femme fatale would use her intelligence to gain the upperhand over, in many cases, an infatuated male. It is also worth a mention that their acts of manipulation are not for cruel purposes, but to reach a higher level of independence. In short these women demanded respect. Through this the femme fatale is beautiful, memorable and badass.

 

Now the pin-up. Who do we instantly think of? Come on, you know.. It's the Queen. Miss Monroe. The 'Pin-Up Look' is still a makeup look we want to achieve today, and why? Because when we wear it we feel pretty AND sexy, but at the same time it makes us look neat and happy and healthy. For me 'Bedroom Eyes' and flawless skin are a must before I leave the house. But there's something more: The origins of the pin-up. A pin-up was a poster of an alluringly positioned lady for a lonely soldier to 'look' at *cough-cough* while he was away at war, which suggests something else about a woman's character and it shouldn't be whispered. Women  are allowed to feel sexy and they love sex. Marilyn Monroe definitely wasn't afraid to admit it. I recently watched an excellent documentary, which described that sex to Marilyn was like icecream - Something to be enjoyed, easily and often. Again, this is another aspect of the female character that women these days are striving to establish as a social norm.

 

And last, but definitely not least, the classy ladies. I passionately believe that women such as Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn should be the primary role models for young girls these days. When I think of either of these ladies I think of eternal class, flawless careers (and outfits), infinite charm, and above all, talent beyond a doubt. Women with dulcet tones and delightful manners, but women who could also defend themselves with intelligence and fiery determination if necessary. 

 

For all these reasons, I support the massive following of Old HollyWood that I find on websites like Tumblr and Youtube. I want it to continue and that's the reason I want to create this blog. I will be posting as many vintage and vintage-influenced photographs, articles, products and product recommendations that I can find.

 

Lots of love,

Jessicat x