let's do the hippie hippie shake

I'm doing a guest post over on Sarah K's blog, Ocean in my bedroom today. Head on over to check out this outfit, hippie hippie shake dress ! 

Below are some photos from my mom's surprise 57th birthday party (it's okay that I told you how old she was...she smiles about it instead) 

The theme was a 'Mad Men' party. Old type writers, crank phones, olives, maraschino cherries, pretzels, and ritz crackers were to be found at this soiree. The criteria: Dress from the 50's or 60's era, bring your dancing shoes, and always have a glass of wine in hand (accompanied by a Pop eye look alike cigarette). 

Thank you to everyone who came and made the whole event so grand.

 My mom has had some really crummy birthday's the last few years. In 2010, I was hospitalized and 6 days later I had my double lung transplant. In 2011, I was hospitalized AGAIN on her birthday and 2 days later was told I had a tumour in my head..lymphoma cancer styles). 

It had been a ROUGH two years, but we got through it, and my mom is the rock of this family. We thought we'd show her how much she means to us, and throw rocks at her...kidding, we showered her with love with 35+ people and rocked out to some 50's tunes, while jumping out of her living room yelling SURPRISE dressed in a time capsule warp. 

Happy Birthday mom! May all your birthdays be forever like 2012! 

1950's....Men Came Back, Time to Dress to Impress!

With the war over, fashion was able to step up to a more luxurious feminine feeling. Out went the sexless garments worn during the war years. Women were able to have a feeling of euphoria as they flounced and sashayed their silhouettes in two contrasting styles, the full skirt, and the pencil tubular skirt.

My favourite part about the 50's the emphasis on the narrowness of the waist. Check out this bona-fide fashion photo to the left, from the 50's designer Tom Brigance, who stood for making clothes "appropriate for the American woman's mode of living".

I love, love, love the two part pattern to the dress. Strips on bottom full skirt, with a GREAT belt to emphasize her waist, with a floral print halter top above. I love it.

Wouldn't you just love to go out dancing in the outfit to the right? This photo is from a model wearing Christian Dior black tulip-pleat skirt, with a pill box hat, and wrap jacket in 1952. How exquisite does she

look? Again her waist is shown off with a great belt. Why don't we all walk around in pill box hats? Look how fabulous they are.

Another famous fashion designer from this era was Hattie Carnegie...I don't just love her for her name! ha She specialized in creating an entire look. This is such a great colour combo. The photo to the left is a suit by Hattie Carnegie. I love the aquamarine blue suit paired with the mustard yellow green beret!

The photo to the right is just a great photo from the 50's. The 50's had fabulous prints and fabrics, especially after the dull years of the war.

My favourite fashion item from the 1950's era, a belt to emphasize one's waist, which was definitely a must have for this decade!

What's your favourite?

Bring back feminine luxury with my Princess Rose one-of-a-kind necklace from my "Isn't She Lovely" collection. Check it out by clicking here.