Style Inspiration: Cover Girl
This is that time of year when, stylistically-speaking, things start to fall apart. Any resolve I might have had for fresh-from-the-ski-slopes pink cheeks and pretty, imaginative outfits has given way to reaching for a black sweater (Is that the same one I wore yesterday? No matter!), my black cropped jeans that, on a good day, make me feel like Audrey Hepburn and my black comfy nurse shoes (which only a handful of people seem to recognize are so ugly they are cool). Black, black, black, blah, blah, blah.
That’s why it’s so imperative that I turn to movies for fresh style inspiration in the dark of winter. It’s not just that Cover Girl stars the unthinkably gorgeous and gangly Rita Hayworth and a tap-dancing-never-looked-so-sexy Gene Kelly. These stars, both of whom make the screen sizzle, are reason enough to watch the movie (and it bears mentioning that Rita Hayworth is a really underrated actress — she does a drunk scene that will have you suspecting she was a fly on the wall in your college years).
But it’s the glimmering, shimmering, coordinating, Technicolor world of 1944 that’ll make your head spin. We just don’t turn ourselves out the way we used to. Imagine this: broad-shouldered jackets on women featuring peplums with sharp, colorful insets and seams. Hats — glorious, over-the-top, fantastical hats — sitting upon heads of big, rolling curls of hair. Gloves that show off a slender wrist. Men wearing handsome tweed trousers that sit at their actual waists, hair slick and shiny, shirtsleeves rolled up above their elbows. It’s a look that’s as dignified as it is hot.
Style Takeaways from Cover Girl:
- killer red lipstick = instant glamour
- sensible heels mean you can dance in the streets and keep up with the boys
- jackets with fitted waists show off (and create) a curvy waist
- luscious waves are just plain gorgeous
- neat little gloves make you look like a lady
- the lean years may be the most plummy and romantic of your life
Bonus: If you live in or love Brooklyn, you’ll recognize the “We have to cross a river to get there?!” incredulity from Manhattanites and the scenic charm of Dumbo — or at least a Hollywood sound stage version of Dumbo.
cz: If only life could be more like the movies. Then everything would perfect.2 years ago
Ruth Simons: i have been in a life-long search for the perfect red lipstick. my chinesey-olive skin causes lipsticks to change colors once on my skin…i get in a rut too–black, brown, grey, and nude lipstick (i could do it everyday…) oh, and are your black nurses shoes Danskos–because that’s what i wear, and they ARE cool!
2 years ago
Sarah: I wish, Ruth! They are Dr Scholls!
If you get a chance try Guerlain’s Fabulous Rouge — I bet it would look great with your skin tone.2 years ago
Miranda M.: So spooky! This morning, as I was getting dressed, I thought how drab my winter work staples have become; layers of solid colored fitted shirts, jeans or corduroys and a cozy scarf tied around my neck. Doesn’t sound too bad but definitely boring. I vowed to spice things up once the weather started to change. It’s hard to remain glamorous in this kind of cold. Any tips on cold weather cuteness?2 years ago
EB: No joke… I was watching the 7 Year Itch this morning and had the same ‘fashion epiphany’!! Fantastic post.2 years ago
Sarah: Miranda, Ah, the challenge of winter cuteness is not to be underestimated. Great colored or patterned tights can be a real boost, and cool boots always make me feel pretty sexy in tough way. And I too am a total scarf addict. Having a stable that you can rotate helps keep things feeling fresh. And what about a new or vintage coat or jacket that you adore? Does anyone else have tips? I need them too!
EB, Doesn’t Marilyn look the hottest in the 7 Year Itch?2 years ago
hobbit: I had no idea peplums existed until I read this post.
Cover girls is a fantastic movie. Of course, my favorite Gene Kelly movie has to be Brigadoon.
And as far as movie fashion tips, it’s my secret fantasy that those high waists and skinny ties for men make a comeback.2 years ago
Sarah: The best way to make that happen, Hobbit, is to lead the charge. Do it!
2 years ago
Sara Rose: Men were so much sexier way back when. They got up every morning, took hot showers with yummy scented soap, lathered their faces with those sexy shaving cream brushes, shaved, combed their hair, wore good cologne, ironed their clothes, made sure things went together instead of looking like train wrecks. Men looked and smelled and acted like men- they took care of themselves. My dad, god rest his soul, was an old fashioned sort and did this every day. In fact both of my parents taught me tons about taking care of myself. Neither were exactly vain sorts but they believed people should be well turned out every day because it just helped you be ready to face watever came your way- which really is true if you think about it.
How many times do we honestly go on to have a much better day on those days where we feel like dragging ourselves to work in our rattiest sweats when we take the effort to at least slap a bit of mascara on and throw our shoulder back? I can say that some of my best days ever have been days that started with my bemoaning the world but putting forth best effort anyways. Good things happen!
But anyways, thiings start to fall apart for me actually mid-fall and usually again in early February. Here in South Dakota- these are two times when our weather is the worst, people are the sickest, life is just generally most stressful. Not to mention that its really not de riguer to actually put yourself together around here- no one raises an eyebrow if you show up to work with gum wrappers in your hair and wearing your husband clothes.
But it is de rigueur for me. But when I get into my slacker phases- the are extreme- as in reality tv extreme. So the effort to get out of the slump is nearly on the level of needing to be submitted to What Not To Wear. Being a mom, a student, a wife, and a person with two other full time jobs that are demanding here are my Midwestern Staples that keep me feeling fabulous:
1. Indigo or as dark of a rinse as I can find trouser cut jeans. I have been wearing trouser jeans since waaaay before they were suddenly en vogue.
2. Quirky, fun, colorful flats and big colorful purses. I am insanyl busy and practically need to take a suitcase with me everywhere.
3. Perfume. Perfume is my staple. I grew up in love with old movies and Marylin and Elizabeth and Rita and Doris and Audrey. In nearly every movie these women spritz perfume. I think perfume is part of a womans mystique.
4. Simple, well cut, fine gauge sweaters.
5. Diamond or pearl studs. I pretty much wear one or the other every single day. Takes guess work out of life.
That’s almost too fancy to be in South Dakota. I mean, if we had muggings here, I would probably be a victim sadly. But my last comment is that I love it when people take care of themselves. I think one of the first things that drew me to my husband was his sense of personal style and grooming- it was that perfect balance of caring about what he presented to the world but not being pretty boy fey vain. Yum!2 years ago
Sara Rose: P.S. This comment is for Ruth. Nearly every woman I know looks good in Nars blushes and lip glosses and they have a lot of good colors for women with olive-yellow undertones to their skin. I’m Polish but I have really olive tones for a fair complexion and I wear their blush and lip gloss in Orgasm nearly everyday. As for red lips, I don’t know a single person who doesn’t look good in either Clinique Candy Apple Red, Chanel Vamp or Siren, or Loreal’s Earth Rose. Good luck!2 years ago
Cordelia: Call me crazy, but I couldn’t help noticing how Rita Hayworth slightly resembles you, Miss Sarah, in that photo !2 years ago
Sarah: Cordelia, you are crazy! But, that’s also a very, very, very nice compliment, so thank you.2 years ago
Kalicia R. Beasley: I love old movies and this is one I haven’t seen! You would not believe that my students don’t know that Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly were famous actresses. I have old black and whites pics of them in my room and they are constantly asking me who they are???????2 years ago
Sarah: That is just too sad, Kalicia. Maybe you can find a way to work Roman Holiday, National Velvet, and Rear Window into the curriculum somehow?
2 years ago
adelyn: i love this movie! i also love the style of the 1940s. except red lipstick doesn’t work for me. i always end up looking like a clown…or a hooker, hmmm, i wonder which is worse? little lady gloves are definitely making a comeback, much to my glee, but i also love longer gloves too. too bad no one wears them anymore…except for diane keaton, who btw is so fabulous that i no longer dread getting old.
2 years ago