How things have changed

Nowadays everyone wants to be skinny, we can blame the press and the media for that. The celebrities are all size zero and little girls are bought up with super skinny role models, and to be honest it doesn't even look good! Can you believe that about 50-60 years ago, everyone was trying to put on the lbs! Just look at these advertisements, it's almost amazing how much time has changed. 

Curvy girls were seen as glamorous. And in my opinion, it still could be like that! 

photo:london media

I love this advert 'Come on and enjoy life,' I mean who wants to eat a lettuce for lunch anyway?! Besides, the jolly ones are always the curvy ones!

+ I do not own any of these photos

Dream lovers

Isn't love grand? The 50's and 40's seemed like such a romantic time, the boys picked you up from your house (after the dreaded meeting of the parents) and took you on a date. Drive in, dinner, movie theater, dancing... and so on. Yet maybe some would say too romantic, the popularity of engagement rings around that time must have been sky high! Anyway I have gathered up some lovely photographs I have found this week that truly do represent 'love and romance' back in the good ol' days. Enjoy!

New York City, 1957

photo taken by Brassai

Drive in theatre, Los Angeles, 1949.

photo by J. R. Eyerman—Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

On the beach in the 1950's

A couple dancing in their kitchen, 1950s

A couple lying in a small boat together, looking up at the sky, 1942. 

photo by David E. Scherman. United Kingdom

Couple on the subway, New York City, 1946. 

photo by Stanley Kubrick

Get the look: the flirty forties

Despite the 1940's being mainly focused on WWII, the decade didn't disappoint in the fashion industry.  The forties was an era of formality and style for both men and woman's fashion. Even with the decrease of materials (eg. nylon, wool, leather etc) it still remains an important decade of style in the 20th century. Below are the key looks I personally believe represent such inspiring years.

1. Bolero Jackets

2. Pussybow Blouse

3. Trench Coat

4. Pencil skirts

5. Halterneck top

6. The headscarf

7. Plaid & Gingham print

8. Floral tea dress

Allie: The Notebook - Style Inspiration

Possibly my most favourite film when it comes to the fashion worn! The character of Allie's wardrobe is so perfect I want to buy every single item of clothing that she owns. Set in the 1940's, the first half of the film is very young, colourful and bright when it comes to Allie's outfits. With cute mini dresses, bright whimsical playsuits and vibrant cosy cardigans!

(The above is my favourite outfit of hers, if anyone comes across something similar please do not hesitate to show me...)

The second half of the film, 7 years after Allie & Noah separate, Allie's outfits are more mature and sophisticated. Still coated in bright colours, the hemlines are now longer and the blazers and hats have surfaced!  

Pretty dresses

A popular dress style in the 1940's, paired with cute little heeled pumps and if the weathers not looking too great you could always add a colourful cardigan on top!

1945

Ava Gardner, an American actress who came to fame in the year 1941 when she signed a contract with MGM Studios. Considered one of the most beautiful woman of all time, she is best known for her roles in Mogambo (1953) and the film that gave her attention The Killers (1946.)

Gangster Squad

Gangster Squad is an action crime film starring Sean Penn, Ryan Gosling & Emma Stone. It is set in Los Angeles, 1949. Anyone who hasn't already seen this, you need to. Right now. The style, the fashion, the music, the romance are all so perfect. I tend to enjoy films more if they look pretty (silly, I know) but I did enjoy this film very much.

The men in Gangster Squad

With their trilby hats, suits and ties and their blazers or braces there is not a dull moment when it comes to how the males dress. The late 40's was a very smart time in the fashion world for the males. It was a world that concentrated on power and business. The more successful you are, the more well of you will become and this was reflected in their outfits. So want the look? Grab the smartest suit and tie you can find (preferably a neutral colour palette one), some very squeaky clean brown boots, brown coloured braces, and a trilby hat and you'll be walking the streets looking like a 'Don.'


Ryan Gosling looking dashingly handsome (I'm pretty sure he pulls of any outfit.)

The women in Gangster Squad
Pretty much just Emma Stone, but oh my, every outfit of hers is absolutely glorious that you wouldn't need another female! Her style in the film is full of glamour, sex appeal and class. With her fiery red hair and full red lips she is likely to catch the eye of every male watching. Her outfits (as shown below) represent the glitz of the 1940's perfectly. With vibrant colours like red, blue and white (now I think of it, probably meant to come across as patriotic) and the fabrics made of silk and nylon, the clothing of the decade was so elegant! To get her look, although it may be too dressy for every day wear, who says you can't treat yourself to a classy night out! A dress with a slight slit in the side of the dress is often worn to add that sex appeal that was progressing in the 1940's. Don't forget those red nails to add that extra slice of spice! And the jewellery were all about the diamonds, so bling it up! (not too much, you don't want to be looking like Mr T)

You could always casual-down your outfit, as show in the photo below. This dress is beautiful.

Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone one of the most stylish duos in cinema.