Ever Present Past: Ode To The Flappers

Bonjour Mon Ami! A few months ago, I had the privilege to watch the new Woody Allen movie, Midnight in Paris. I fell in love once again with his brilliant story telling. This movie takes place in Paris during the 20s and this week is going to be a post about my love for one of the most romantic times in history.

In the 1920s, the stock market was soaring, prohibition made liquor a full time thriving business and women could ride a bike, smoke, drink, chew gum and drive a car for the first time.  Also, young women weren’t afraid to spend money to look good and show off their legs. In 1921, Coco Chanel released her No 5 perfume and later, in 1926, she published a sketch of a women in Vogue wearing a simple little black dress that was the bees knees all over the US. This lead to knock offs that were spotted all over the globe. The Bob haircut was seen on all the Hollywood movie stars like Louise Brooks and Clara Bow- who stared in the 1927 Academy Award best picture  “IT.” Launching Clara in to a super stardom and the original It Girl.

Dark Eyes and Lips- I love a dark eye as it is modern and never goes out of style. Guerlain makes a kohl stick that is to die for, super creamy and easy to use! You can just smudge it out with a brush or your fingers. Lipsticks happen to be my guilty pleasure. Let me tell you all of my favorite dark ones.  Try Revlon’s wine not and black cherry. Or Nars’ Viridiana and Scarlet Empress.

Fringe and Beadwork- I have a black tunic top that has super long fringe all the way around the top from American Apparel. I love to keep it simple while wearing this, try it with a simple pencil skirt or high wasted shorts or pants.

Fur Trimmed Coats- These are a simple way to show in the 20s how rich they were, but now you don’t need to care about that. Faux fur is cheaper and just as lovely and no sweet animals needed to die because of it. Topshop and Urban Outfitters always has them when fall rolls around and I am left swooning over their loveliness.

Jazz- The music style that never dies! I love it and you should too! Some of the best have to be The Original Memphis Five, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and of course Nat King Cole. One of my favorite songs would have to be I Can’t Give You Any Thing But Love. It’s been covered by many singers over the years.

Girls were smart, loud, head strong and could even do the Charleston with a drink in their hand. The best quote to sum up the feeling from this era would have to be from Zelda Fitzgerald, “Why should all life be work, when we all can borrow? Let’s think only of today, and not tomorrow.”