Debutante Clothing :: The Deblog :: A vintage clothing and fashion blog for unconventional style where vintage, street and runway meet.

I'll be out of the country for two weeks and can't guarantee I can post until I get back. Please, please, feel free to read some past posts until I get back.

Cheers!

Sandra

DC: Tell us about your background in beauty and styling. LR: Growing up, I was always interested in fashion and beauty. I use to pose my Barbie dolls and take pictures of them. I thought I wanted to be a photographer, but realized after I got out of college that it was the styling part I enjoyed so much. Nothing is more fun than playing dress up. DC: How did the book come about? LR: I have always loved classic styles. And I wanted to copy those styles just as they did back then. But when I tried to find detailed descriptions of the hairstyles, there was very little available. Most of it was very vague and I am a visual person that needs detailed images for direction. I figured there had to be one book out there with detailed info and found out in a frustrating search that there wasn't. There were many old books that bits and pieces could be drawn from. So I said to my friend sitting next to me one time during a web search, "When I figure this stuff out, I am going to write a book, so no one else has to go through this." And so I did.

DC: It's been a while since vintage fashionistas have had access to a vintage hairstyling guide. What do you feel makes your book unique?

LR: The most unique thing about it is that it is all brand new. Because all the images were taken for the book, I was able to show every step in great detail so that even the girl who has no experience can get it. It truly is the book I wish I had available to me when I first started.

DC: In Vintage Hairstyling, you show vintage techniques with modern products and tools. Is it easier now to obtain a vintage hairstyle?

LR: Modern tools help get the feel of the style faster. But the style does not last for days like the wet sets of the past. The true vintage style made with pin-curls is not any easier with modern tools, but lasts for days if done right. The book is designed to show how to get the look with faster modern means and also shows how it was done back then. I tried to be as thorough as possible, so that no girl would be disappointed.

DC: In the book, you explain how to make a "rat". Do you feel a natural rat is better than some of the synthetic ones sold at beauty supply stores? How about a foam roll?

LR: The biggest draw back to a foam rat for me is that it very hard to get a bobby pin to stick in it. With a natural rat, it is more like working with the natural hair and blends in better.

DC: Which is your favorite decade for hairstyles? Why?

LR: Overall, the 1940's were the most fun for hairstyles in my opinion. Women grew out of the shorter styles that were so popular in the 20's and early 30's. Their longer hair provided for a lot more options. For the war effort and its restrictions on hair length women really got creative with ways to wear it up. But then at the same time, girls loved having the long curls for bouncing around on the dance floor. The 40's provided so many options.

DC: Which actress from the past had the best hair?

LR: I don't think I could ever pick one actress who had the best hair. They all had such amazing styles. But I can say that the actress who gets my vote for the greatest effort for beauty was Rita Hayworth. She was obviously stunning, but few people know that she was actually of Spanish heritage. Her hair was naturally black and her hairline was very low on her forehead. She appeared in a few films in very small parts as her true self Margarita Cansino, but the studio decided to change her image. Her hair was lightened and she had to go through very painful electrolysis to raise her hairline, so that she could play the part of the All-American girl.

DC: Which vintage hairstyles do you recommend for work?

LR: The biggest concern for work is easy. When you are getting ready, you do not want to spend forever on your hair. If you want to have this look on a daily basis, I would suggest wet setting your hair in pin-curls and not washing for a few days if you can handle it. Otherwise, any style that uses hot rollers is going to be easiest. The Pompadour Twirl or The Homemaker style from the book are fast. And with a little practice, you can get fun results that are different every day.

Reader Questions...

I have the ratting part down, but I never know how to get the tangles out when I am done. Should I just brush thru it, regardless of pain, or is there a better way.

If you are looking to smooth the top of the ratted part of the hair, then just use small, short strokes. And don't stick the teeth of the comb down too far in the rat or you will comb the whole thing out. If you are trying to get rid of the rat at the end of the day, start comb it out at the ends of the hair detangling there first and working your way up the hair shafts towards the scalp.

I've been trying to reproduce a pincurl look with HotStix. Even with wrapping the ends and using a setting lotion--I can still never get the curls to lay into nice waves. It always seems to get into a bushy mess of tight curls that takes forever to start to relax. Do I need more setting lotion? Am I just not patient enough brushing it out? (I guess that is 2 questions!)

If you are getting the curl then you are using plenty of styling product. If you are trying to get a nice tight wave, then you need to be patient. And there is definitely a technique to brushing the hair using your fingers and the comb to form the hair into the wave. Just brushing without purpose will create a fluffy curl. You need to move the comb down the hair shaft in a wave pattern following the curl and use your fingers, hairspray, and pomades to hold the wave in place while you form it. A lot of girls have found the chapter of the book on the comb out very helpful. If you are trying to get a big wave like Dita, then the HotStix may just be too small. For a bigger sultry wave, try medium-large hot rollers.

What direction would you go if you were a woman that modeled vintage clothing of all eras. Is there a great basic vintage cut, or could there be such a thing? I figure the median year of what I sell is about 1962, and I sell items from Victorian to 80s. What is an adaptable cut in your estimation?

I would probably suggest a shoulder length cut or a little longer that is still long enough to do an up-do on. When you give yourself the freedom to pin your hair up, then there a lot more options. Then you can fake a lot of hair lengths. For me, the key to getting the look is copying the silhouette of the time period properly. If you want a flexible style, then you need to be able to do both long styles and pin it up to fake short styles.

What is the best way to keep your hair healthy when regularly wearing vintage dos? (My hair is especially prone to heat damage and breakage.)

A good conditioner is the most important thing you can do for your hair. It is the one thing that I suggest all girls splurge on. Go ahead and wear cheap make-up and use cheap hairspray, but spend money on conditioner and use a leave in conditioner and thermal styling product to protect your hair during styling. Joico K-Pac is my personal favorite line of conditioners right now and it is available in salons. Matrix Biolage makes a very nice thermal styler that is more hydrating then others. If your hair is breaking a lot, it is time to take good care of it.

I like 1950's updos, though I can't say I've ever really done one well. My problem is that my hair is very straight, so it's hard for me to create the waves and volume I'd like to have. Is there anything I could do other than ratting it? I have enough length to try something interesting.

Try getting your hair towel wrapped damp and setting your hair with setting lotion and 1/2" curlers. Let your hair dry completely on the rollers, either overnight or with a hood dryer. After you brush your hair out, the roller will give you better volume and a nice strong curl. There are many choices for curlers and my personal favorite are velcro rollers. Your local beauty supply will have many choices, but a word of caution ladies. There is a new type of curler out right now that is similar in that it grips the hair with teeth, but it also collapses for more comfortable sleep. Avoid these at all costs if you want to avoid cutting them out of your hair later. They grip way too much!

What do u think of widows peaks..I know plenty of people have them, but mine has always made me self conscious.

Widows peaks are amazing! It's like having a heart at your hairline! Some of the most beautiful women in Hollywood had them. Ava Gardner, Barbara Stanwyck, and Marilyn Monroe all had them. But the best and most well defined belonged to Laurette Luez, an exotic beauty from Hawaii. Incorporate the peak into your style by styling it up in curly waves to soften.

I'm getting ready to go on a two-week international trip. I always have romantic notions of what a worldly traveler should look like. A good travel outfit should by stylish and comfortable with obvious personality.

I have been going crazy trying to find a perfect travel bag -- one that is airport safe (zips up), is adorable and can fit all of the on board necessities, but still has a ton of personality and style. Meet Ms. Pretty Travelsalot. She's an adorable jetsetter who is always ready for her next adventure.

available on ebay.com

Tuesday, I posted a review of the new hairstyling book that all the vintage fashionistas are buzzing about - Vintage Hairstyling by Lauren Rennells. It is a gorgeous book that will help even the teasing comb challenged get an authentic vintage do.

And I have two special announcements:

If you would like to ask hair and makeup artist and author of Vintage Hairstyling a question, leave a comment and she'll be happy to answer it. Think of it - a free hair consultation!

And, one lucky winner will receive a brand-spankin new copy of the book (a $29.95) value. Here are the rules. Leave a comment and tell us your favorite hairstyle decade. The winner will be picked at random.

All comments need to be in by Sunday 5pm PST.

Good luck!

Renee asks:

Hi Sandra!

I just stumbled across your blog on Google. Anyway, I was very intrigued when I read the 5 things about you because I am going to start teaching this fall and am concerned about my love of vintage and rockabilly fashions in such a conservative place. I have tattoos, but I have figured out ways to cover them, but it's the clothes themselves that are stumping me. I can find plenty of after work clothes, but clothes that are "teacher-looking" enough yet still retain some sense of my love of vintage/rockabilly are soooo hard to find. What kinds of stores did you shop at as a teacher or did you dress one way at work and another after work? I'm really for advice from someone who has been there/done that! How far did you let your fashion take you or did the job dictate for you a more conservative look? I hope to hear any advice or stories you would like to share. Renee

Hi Renee.
Oh this is such a good question! Thanks for contacting me. When I first started out teaching about 7 years ago, I looked a lot more Rockabilly. The rockabilly boys and girls at a high school I taught at were perplexed that a teacher could relate to their style. I don't necessarily wear vintage everyday, but definitely vintage inspired and I always try to wear some kind of vintage accessory. I love vintage above all else.

My suggestion would be to wear vintage inspired clothing: cute cardigans, A line skirts, 3/4 length sleeve tops, capri pants. I always wear comfy heels or adorable flats and mary janes. I've even worn the comfort/orthopedic kind because they are perfect for teachers who have to stand most of the day (and some don't look as matronly as they once did).

I wouldn't suggest patriotic rolls in my hair, but maybe wear some hair combs or a cute headband. Think cute 40s and 50s versus pin up. And yes! Keep those tattoos covered! But don't worry, there are many of us living the double life.

Good places to shop: Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft, Old Navy, thrifts, Marshalls. I love shopping online too. Shopstyle.com and Reddressshoppe.com are a good ones also.

The trick is not to give up too much of your personal style, but still fit in with "normal" society. But the reality is that as long as you are not a distraction or showing skin inappropriately, principals won't care what you wear. Most of them anyway.

As a personal preference, I don't think it's appropriate to look costumey at work, no matter what your field. But that's just my personal taste.

Good luck Renee! Teachers are a blessing to this world. Even though the public education system can be a pain in the rear, the kids are what makes me come back.

Flipping through a collector's magazine, I came across a book that I wish had been around in my 20s when I painted the town in vintage - head to toe.

Vintage Hairstyling: Retro Styles with Modern Techniques by Lauren Rennells is filling a void left by Daniela Turudich's now out of print series of vintage hairstyle books. Lauren is a hair and make-up artist who works in the photography and film industry. She freelances providing unique designs for advertisements, films and television. Her passion for vintage hairstyles led her to write her incredibly useful book.

From cover to cover, the book is full of beautiful photography of vintage hair styling tools such as pink dryers and jars of Lustre-Creme. But this book is not a fluffy, pretty art book full of hair related pictures. The book is more instructional without being boring.

The beginning of the book walks you step by step through the necessary tools you will need and basic curl techniques in order to create a true vintage hairstyle. Then, Rennells leads you into the techniques for combing out the curls. Finally, you get into the actual styling.

I'm a very visual person. I have to see someone do something in order to determine if I am doing it correctly. The step by step directions with accompanying images are the next best thing to having Lauren right next to you. The steps are clear and concise.

Of course looking at all of the gorgeous models in their gorgeous hair dos made me pine for long hair again. But Lauren does not let us shorties down. She includes many hairstyles that are specifically for shorter hair, such as the Page Boy and Tiki Lounge, and many of the other styles are made to give long hair a fake short look. Her book is so good, she can even show you how to get fake bangs.

In order to get a better education on how to recreate vintage hairstyles, you'd have to enroll in beauty school. Lauren Rennells has really brought hair from the past into the reach of the modern girl.

Stay tuned for a very exciting contest involving hair, reading, learning and winning. Enough hints for you?

I was inspired by the sea of pink Rose Apodaca was able to capture at the Trina Tarantino Barbie launch party. Pink of every shade was present in the sickeningly sweet candy jar that is the Tarina Tarantino boutique. But all the pinks in the world pale in comparison to the shocking pink color of Tarina's mane which she has passed down to her newest gal pal - Barbie.

In honor of Tarina's new venture, this week's vintage find is this gorgeous Victor Costa strapless dress with a lettuce like shelf bust. Wouldn't this have been a perfect dress of this event?

available at ebay.com
starts at $19.99, but you can buy it now for $85

55 Secret Street discovers that Al Gore has joined NARS in the beauty business. Sort of...

A Few Goody GumDrops asked Jelly Belly or Yummie Tummie?

Snag a designer swimwear look for way less with Malia Mills for Martin + Osa - Stiletto Jungle.

All About the Pretty loves a legend like L'Oreal

Allie is Wired asks, "Did Kirsten Dunst steal Drew Barrymore's boyfriend?"

Bag Bliss reviews the Yves Saint Laurent Y-Mail Continental Wallet

Check out the punk rock elegance of YSL Muse clutch - Bag Snob.

Catch the sneak peek at organic beauty care from Bamford at Beauty Snob!

A little naughty and a little bit nice, Coquette discovers the subversively embroidered vintage gloves by Doublespeak.

Fashion, evolved is excited about the smart style of Nadia Nour!

Fashiontribes has 5 fab dresses for any occasion this summer.

I'm Not Obsessed shows you how to replicate Marc Jacobs' Ruffle Pump for less.

Kristopher eats the "Unforbidden Fruit" of Miami's South Beach.

Ladybrille interviews Stephanie Okereke Nollywood's it Girl!

Papierblog praises then rails against Project Runway Seaons 5

Quinta Trends discovers feminine and classical touch ofBoga Diseño .

Second City Style has again begun it's memorable quotes series from this season's episodes of Project Runway!

StyleBakery.com has the scoop on this summer's surprise must-have accessory: lightweight scarves.

Stylehive finds Canadian designers that hike up hemlines with must have mini dresses.

Stylenotes' latest fashion-related tech feature explores the world of chic, colorful, electronic items from earphones to cameras that would make any fashionista swoon!

SugarShock Beauty is feeding her skin from the outside in with Keri Glassman's Skin Appetit Balm Stick.

A few days from 63, Helen Mirren still has a bikini body - The Beauty Stop.

The Fashionable Housewife gives us all the juicy details of her shopping spree at The Garden State Plaza Mall in NJ!!

The Shoe Goddess finds fabulous shoes at great prices!

I am so giddy to see that many lovely people are digging Debutante Clothing. But I just wanted to let you know that some of you that prefer vintage in your mail box are not verifying your subscription. Check your spam. I'd hate for you not to get vintage deliveries!

The little black dress is a wardrobe staple that will never go out of style. You can credit Audrey Hepburn with this must have basic. She was always chic and demure and millions of fashionable women since have run out and added a little bit of Audrey to their wardrobes.

The problem with that is that everyone has a little black dress. How do you create a unique look that will help you stand out from the sea of ebony frocks? Here are 4 vintage accessories that will take you from ordinary to extraordinary in an instant.

Target.com

1. Wear multiple necklaces
A stunning necklace or five can make you look like Coco Chanel herself. Layer metals and styles to create a high end, couture look.

available at Annie Sherman

2. Wear one bold piece
When you are going for a chic look, your little black dress should be clean and streamlined. A stunning brooch can add a perfect dose of intrigue to a day or evening dress.

available at Michelle's Vintage Jewelry

3. A clutch
Straw, exotic skins, beads-the clutch comes in all shapes, sizes and textures. A touristy straw clutch can add a touch of whimsy to a modern cotton day dress. But if you want to go for a red carpet look, go for glitz with a sparkly beaded or rhinestone clutch.

available at Vintage Bag

4. Shoes
While Marilyn sang about her best friend, the diamond, today's woman is buddied up with the new luxury item-shoes. But beautiful shoes don't have to cost half your rent.

Geoffrey Beene pumps available at Damn Good Vintage

I just wanted to let you all know that my latest piece on vintage sunglasses is now live at Venuszine.com. I curated a collection of some of the cutest specs on the web. Hope you like it! Leave a comment too.

I have been having so much fun blogging that I have completely neglected my vintage clothing shop. In case you didn't know, Debutante Clothing started off as an online vintage clothing store and the blog was just a way to share new stuff with you. But it kind of took on a life of its own.

But I have way to much beautiful inventory and I really need to find my pretties a new home. I've only uploaded three new items, but this week is all about getting things listed in the shop.

Take a peek!

Resurrection Vintage, co-founded in the mid-'90s by Katy Rodriguez, has begun its month long summer sale. Select pieces from its designer collection will be marked at 70 percent off including pieces by Alaia, Vivian Westwood and Gucci, along with Katy Rodriquez's Spring/Summer '08 collection. At Resurrection, 8006 Melrose Ave., L.A.

via la.com

The fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent amassed an art collection that is renowned as one of the most fabulous in private hands. It includes works by Old Masters and contemporary greats, among them Picasso, Mondrian, Warhol, Matisse and Goya, to name just a few.

Now, following his death last month aged 71, Saint Laurent's business partner, former companion and heir, Pierre Bergé - with whom he built the collection - is reported to be considering a massive international sale.

Read the rest...

source: http://www.artbistro.com/

After finally prying away from the images of the Dior couture show, I am torn between my obsession with anything 1920s and peplums of the 50s. Although this dress is not at all New Look as was seen at Dior, it does have the perfect length, crisp peplum that hugged hips on the runway. Granted, the peplums that Galliano created were more like body armor, and I actually loved the contrast of the ultra-feminine silhouette, but for real women, I think this green little gem is spot on.

available at Daisy Fairbanks Vintage
$159

They say Marilyn Monroe was a size 12. Well, the 12 of the '50s is not the 12 of today. In fact, there is no standardized sizing system in place. I love going to the Gap or Old Navy and kidding myself that I am a size 6 when really I'm an 8.

When shopping online, especially for vintage clothing, it is very important to know your measurements before falling in love with a dress that won't fit. Here's a little video tutorial I created to help you figure out the dimensions of your curves!

Enjoy!

My favorite little Parisian tarts are having a sale!

You get 20 percent off everything in our online shop, both tops and jewelry. All you have to do is use the coupon code word "LOVERBOY" when checking out. Get it while you still can, this sale ends July 22nd. Vas vite mon cherie!

Bag Snob gets ultra luxe with Tod's Dokt Bags!

Beauty Snob gets moisturized with Clinique Superbalm!

The Brows Have It at 55 Secret Street.

Stiletto Jungle- Public Library "Obama Rama" Tee.

Friends: The Movie? Allie is Wired has the scoop!

Coquette - Summer's bohemian embroidery details.

Debutante Clothing checks out Vintage LA style.

Fashion Indie- Fall beauty trends to watch for.

Fashionable fun in the sun- Fashiontribes.

KRiSTOPHER is wanting, wearing, and hating sexy masks.

My Fashion Life goes crazy for the Samsung F-480!

Second City Style-helpful tips to stretch your fashion dollar.

How to rock Duffy's retro-glam style from Stylehive!

The Shoe Goddess has the Jimmy Choos for you!

nitro:licious-alternatives for the "famous" Balenciaga gladiator wedge sandal!

A Few Goody GumDrops Celebrates July 4th with ared patent leather Roger Vivier Handbag!

Calculatus Eliminatusreminds the world that ugly, tacky key chains are slowly killing him. Please stop the violence.

Fashion, Evolved explores the amazing natural beauty resource known as The Organic Beauty Blog!

Ladybrille names actress/model Tomiko Fraser its Woman of the Month!

Quinta Trendstalks to Srta Peel about her sexy underwear collection

Stylenotes shows you how to get the flirty, fun look from the Betsey Johnson spring '08 collection.

SugarShock Beauty loves the versatile rainbow of shades in Pop Beauty's Liner Cake eyeliner palette.

The Beauty Stop shows how to get Selma Blair's fresh-faced look.

The Coveted ...Naughty Bows, Nice Bows

The Fashionable Housewife shows us how to copy Lindsay Lohan's classy, sophisticated look.

V-Style had found the source of the Two-Tone Color Craze.