From dawn till dusk.

“I would just never appear

in public

without looking like Dovima,

who was to me an image of myself.”

~Dovima

Hy dear readers,

I know. I KNOW. I KNOW!!!

I've been silent on here for a few weeks. I promise, it is not without reason, though!

 

It doesn't matter how much time you have in the day, it never seems to be enough...So much to do, so little time.

Let the photos do the talking this time. A new collection of photos. Photos taken by the lovely and talented Bosnian photographer Nina! Check out her wonderful work at facebook page Nina Mašić -Through the Lens ♥

My inspiration, always - is Dovima, the famed model from the 1950s, I'm sure you know her from the famous picture of her with the elephants... She was one of the most beautiful women that I have ever seen. Not because she looked like a real woman, but because she was the very same incarnation, the epitome of how the most elegant and sophisticated woman would look if she could be real. The way she carried every single piece of clothes, make-up, hats and gloves. I remember seen her in the film "Funny Face" in the bookstore sequence with Audrey Hepburn, another elegant and beautiful woman, Miss Hepburn looked as if she were the mortal and Dovima the immortal Goddess of beauty, elegance and femininity. I think that I can’t say more than that.

Audrey and Dovima

Here are my photos:

Make-up and hair by me. Some of this clothes bought in vintage shop gewand-stuttgart.de in Germany, the black nightdress in the last few photos is a gift from my hubby also bought in a vintage shop and the perfume is Dita von Teese perfume.  
Accessories and jewelry vintage from Germany. 
The incredible 1950s Doctor's bag is a gift from my lovely auntie. The doctor’s bag is based on the look and structure of the bag often carried by doctors in the 1950s.
The black jacket is original C.Dior from the fifties.


I want to ask you something:

Why is porcelain skin considered ugly, and people are opting for tanned skin?

I have really pale skin, and I think it's beautiful. (FAKE) Tan skin is ugly and dirty looking in my opinion.. I have never gone tanning and never will. Since the middle ages, pale skin has been associated with the aristocracy.
I think people should just be natural. They'll get skin cancer and wrinkles and lots of the time, the tan doesn't go with the person's hair or facial structure.
My skin is going to look great when i'm older, not leathery...

...and in the end I want to add something else for those who follow me secretly:

I think I'll never understand why people can not just be happy for others that are successful or in love. Its called being a human! I'm sorry for people being full of hate and jealousy. Just mind your own business. Its not that I care what some dickheads think, its more that I don't get it and never will get why some feel good by talking bad about others constantly. If thats the only way you get pleasure in life then I'm very sorry for you!

Hope you enjoyed.

With love,

Idda van Munster

She's Got Cleopatra Eyes

Hello dear readers!

I'm posting a quick look I did while deciding what makeup to use for a Cleopatra themed silent movie costume. I took my inspiration from the Elizabeth Taylor Cleopatra look. I remember watching Cleopatra when I was a little and being so mesmerised by Elizabeth’s costumes, I tried to imitate what she wore with anything I could find around my house, sticking those nail jewels on my forehead and braiding my hair with those hair Barbie hair braid kits that we all had in the 90′s! – fun times!

  

I’ve been noticing a lot of Egyptian influences in fashion lately and it’s inspired me big time in makeup. From Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra, to McQueen’s 07/08 collection to Gwyneth Paltrow’s dress at the Oscars…

Cleopatra 1963.

In honor of the late Elizabeth Taylor, I would like to dedicate today's post to one of her most iconic looks.  Elizabeth Taylor was one of the last great movie stars, who enthralled audiences with her fierce passion, both on and off screen.

Elizabeth Taylor - February 27, 1932- March 23, 2011. Gone but not forgotten. She leaves a legacy as an extraordinaire acting talent, beauty icon, business woman, a champion for Aids awareness including research and plans for a vaccine/cure. She was known for so much more.

 

Also known for her striking violet eyes makeup and the camera was obliviously her friend.

 

Cleopatra has gone down in history as one of the most beautiful women that has ever lived. The queen of the Nile's ornate eye makeup made her a legend.

The Egyptians wore make-up before 4,000 B. C.

Eye makeup was the main form, and it was used daily. There were other types of makeup for the lips, cheeks and skin, but those were usually used only on occasion and not by everyone. The Ancient Egyptians, both men and women, wore distinct eye make-up, rouge and perfumed oils that softened the skin and prevented burning in the sun and damage from the sandy winds. The favourite eye make-up colours were black and green. The powders used to create the eye make-up were ground on a palette then mixed with water to form a paste.

Eye make-up provided psychic protection as well. The Egyptian word for eye-palette seems to derive from their word for “protect.”

For me, the epitome of the Cleopatra makeup look comes from Elizabeth Taylor and her portrayal of Cleopatra in film. A lot of people only have one idea of what her Cleopatra makeup looked like, but as a watch the film, you’ll note that there are many variations. Of course, the main highlight of the Cleopatra makeup is all about the eyes, and the photo above is probably the most popular look. However, if you want a different look, watch the film or look at photos from the film. As you will see, although thick black liner continues throughout the whole film, the shade of the color on the eyes varies (blue or green, as I said), as well as the shapes of the liner (including the outer corner of the eyes).

 You can create your own version. Be creative!

So, here is my version of this wonderful look.

My version of Cleopatra makeup

 

Skin: Believe it or not, whatever your skin tone, we all have yellow undertones, and Cleopatra’s makeup consisted of a bronzed complexion with a yellow base. Bronzer was used to highlight and contour, along with a pressed powder applied along the sides of the nose and the chin to warm up the features. 

Brows: As you can see, Liz’s eyebrows are black and squared off, outlined with an eyeliner pencil to create the angular lines. For the complete Cleopatra brow, a black kohl liner was used to fill in the brows with short brush strokes.

Eyeshadow: In ancient Egyptian times, eye makeup was typically terracotta or dark green kohl, as opposed to Elizabeth’s eye-catching aqua shadow.  Aqua shadow was applied all over the lid and blended, then along the lower lash line.

Lashes: For maximum impact, mascara can also be used to exaggerate the eye makeup, as well as false lashes, either individual or strips.

Lips: Traditionally it was said the Egyptians extracted red pigment from carmine beetles and ants eggs to achieve colour on the lips, but taupe was also used. To get the look, lips were outlined with pencil and then coloured in, with a touch of lipstick on top to finish.

Have you ever tried Cleopatra makeup – for a costume party or a night out? 

Do you think it is one of the most iconic beauty looks of our time?

Let me know.

Hope you enjoyed.

Wish you a lovely day!

All the best,

Idda van Munster

An interview with Doll In Sugar Coma

Hello dear readers!

Here’s a special interview for all the vintage lovers out there.

I am excited to introduce you to Monia O'Neill, the vintage lady behind the wonderful blog Doll In Sugar Coma. In the depths of her heart and soul, she is Bosnian. Yes, she is Bosnian!

She and I have similar interests: styling feminine outfits and collecting everything that's vintage.

Monia has the cutest styles and her posts make my day a little brighter.

Her outfits will steal your heart with their nostalgic silhouettes from eras past, and, after perusing her posts, you’ll be searching your makeup bag for that perfect shade of red lipstick and practicing your old-school updos so you can get her look.

I am so happy to share with you this interview. Enjoy!

Thank you so much for doing this interview! You seem to have quite a passion for vintage style; is this something that you’ve always been interested in? What made you fall in love with vintage clothing at first? What is your best vintage-related memory?

 I feel honored to be doing this interview as I am a big fan of yours! I think I was about 5 when I first discovered Vintage. Of course, I did not understand the concept of "Vintage" until much later in life, but the first dress that I ever fell in love with belonged to my aunt, who wore it in the mid 1960s. I found it while invading my grandmother's closet.(I had this "thing" for closets when I was little and loved hiding inside of them!) The dress is made of a very thick, cream-coloured fabric with silver highlights. It has a typical 60s Twiggy shape to it. I still have the dress, to this day, but I don't wear it as it is not very flattering for my figure. I am keeping it for sentimental reasons.

How does vintage make you feel when you wear it?

 Vintage makes me feel confident and creative.

Could you introduce yourself please? A little about your background: where are you from?

 My name is Monia. I am passionate, romantic and painfully (irrationally!) nostalgic. I am into Vintage, antiques, music, books and anything that has a hint of the macabre. I am often asked where I am from, but find it difficult to answer that question. I have moved around a lot in my life and don't have a specific place where I feel that I belong. I was born in Yugoslavia (when it was still a country!), but my family & I moved to Sweden when I was very young. I have also lived in Spain, England and, since 2 years back, I have been living in Canada. I recently decided to count all the times that I've moved in my life, and got to number 28!

What made you decide to begin blogging? Who was your (blogging) inspiration in the early days? And how did they inspire you?

 I am actually very new to blogging. I started just over a year ago - pretty much out of loneliness. Since I moved to Canada, I have been finding it difficult to meet people with similar interest to mine. I had a pretty busy social life throughout my whole life - until I moved here. I am still trying to figure out why. Moving here from noisy, busy London was a big shock to my system! So, due to being new to blogging, I only started following other bloggers a year ago. My biggest blogging inspirations are: The Bright Young Twins, Esme and the Laneway, Johanna Ost and, of course, your fabulous self! You all possess an ethereal beauty that one just cannot get enough of, and I love your wonderful and unique sense of style.

How would you describe your personal style? What is your favorite era and who are your fashion inspirations?

 My personal style is a little all over the decades. I tend to go through phases. My favourite eras are 1920s-1960s, however, I find that the clothing from the 30s, 40s & 50s tend to be the most flattering for my figure. I have many fashion inspirations: Ginger Rogers, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Rita Hayworth, Loretta Young, Dita Von Teese, Evan Rachel Wood, Scarlet Johansson...the list goes on, but I won't bore you with it.

 You are a hat/hair accessories lover. They play a big role in your personal style. What influenced you to start making hats yourself?

 Yes, I absolutely love hair accessories! An outfit is not complete without at least some form of hair accessory! I started making hats and fascinators when I moved to Canada. Living in London and working long hours at the office was very consuming and my lifestyle did not allow enough time for hobbies (unless you count going to the gym as hobby!). I had all these ideas and plans for making hair accessories, but I'd never gotten around to realising them. When I moved to Canada, my daily rhythm slowed down, which also meant more free time to be creative! That is how it all started... 

  You have a fantastic knack for mixing up vintage outfits that have a real flair and sense of personal aesthetic. What are your top five favorite pieces in your wardrobe right now?

 Thank you! I spent years looking for "my style". I experimented a lot in the past and have been everything from a goth to a hippie, but it never felt right. I think that the problem was in that I tried reflecting my taste in music onto my fashion style (I am a true alternative gal at heart!). That is how my biggest fashion mistakes were made. Now days I wear clothes that naturally suit my romantic and nostalgic personality - as well as my figure. Most of my wardrobe is Vintage and I get a lot of my clothes and accessories custom made, which I think helps me create a personal style. 

 As for my favourite pieces...hmmm that is a though one! I love all my clothes, but since I have to chose, the list looks like this:

1. My new, custom made dress with a peplum waist. It's sewn from a 1940s pattern. There will be pics on my blog soon!

2. Black steel-boned corset from http://fairygothmother.co.uk/ 

 I love to wear it with a high waisted pencil skirt and bullet bra (yes, I wear some of my bras as outerwear!).
3. A gorgeous necklace made by Louise Black. It is fashioned from an antique pearl collar, 1920's beaded flapper fringe and vintage glass pearls.
4. 1930s silk pajama with puff sleeves. The jacket part has the most beautiful detailing and cute puff sleeves! I wear it out sometimes, too!
5. All my high-waist pencil skirts. They are a wardrobe staple! Add a cute blouse and I am ready to go!

 What do you wear right now?

 I really like pretty blouses with puff sleeves, pencil skirts and hourglass shaped dresses and coats. All forms of accessories are an important part of my wardrobe. I am particularly fond of my Agent Provocateur leather gloves at the moment (it's still cold in Vancouver!). Oh! And Mary Jane shoes are an essential! 

 

 Anything else you’d like to add?

 I am so happy to have discovered the world of blogging - especially since I have "met" such wonderful and interesting people such as yourself. Thanks you so much for interviewing me. It's been a pleasure.

Hope you enjoyed.

With love,

Monia O'Neill & Idda van Munster

Enjoying the little things in life

„Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.“ ~  Antonio Smith

 

After a nice and relaxing weekend I am ready for a fabulous new week. Isn't it amazing what a little rest can do to lift one's spirit! When I think about it, one of the elements of my own happiness is that I take the time to enjoy the little things in life.

My relaxing weekend started on Friday night.

I make it a point to enjoy the little things, because it helps me appreciate the big things. It keeps me young and keeps my day bright. Being able to enjoy the little things makes harsh times bearable, because no matter how tough or hard life gets, you’ll always be able to find something to smile at.

While I was answering interview questions for Hedonist Factory, I enjoyed every second on my balcony. The sunshine, the fresh air, the bird songs, my coffee...

The interview is finished and it's written in Bosnian, here is the link: Interview: Dama iz prošlosti - Idda van Munster. 

Enjoying my time on balcony.

My week with Marilyn. I say: "My weekend with Marilyn!"

Also my secret of relaxing is reading. Never judge a book by its movie.

I saw the movie before a few months. I was disappointed with the movie because of Michell William's casting in the role. She was no Marilyn Monroe in either her looks - not pretty enough, or in her sensuality - not sexy enough. They spent months casting Scarlet O'Hara for Gone with the Wind before they got it right. They should have done the same with casting this crucial role. They got it wrong. This movie lets us see one week of Marylin Monroe's short life during filming 1957 movie The Prince and the Showgirl. I'm really, really - disappointed!!!

Let me know what you think if you have seen it too!?

The book was brilliant and I couldn't put it down.

After such a lovely weekend I am ready to face the week with a smile on my face!

Thanks for visiting today and for spending time with me in my little corner.

  

I love it when my beautiful blogging friends stop by - your visits make my day! I can't believe how lovely you all are!

Best wishes for a beautiful week start.

With love,

Idda van Munster

Soft Lightning Touch

Hooray for spring!

It's Friday and I'm so happy. Not sure what I'm doing this weekend, but I'm definitely looking forward to whatever goes on. Thank you all so much for your super nice comments and emails here on my blog and my facebook page.

I appreciate it very much dear followers!

Every change of season is a bit bittersweet for me and always nostalgic. Spring is no exception. I'm in love with the hilly mornings and evenings either side of sunny, flower-filled afternoons, romantic nights...

I like to wear soft nude colors in spring. Love the nude tones in clothing. I find it very classy and elegant when mixed with just a simple strand of pearls.

Lately I've been more attracted to softer pallettes and colors, maybe it's the warm weather that's got me dreaming of vintage lace, ivory/white dresses, flowers, soft lightning, picnics, me and my darling with the sunset behind us on a lake...

I'm wearing my 1950's spring dress (full skirt and knee lenght), pleats from waist with hidden stiff mesh for exaggeration; zip from bottom to back of neck and my waist is "highlighted" with the 1950's style white smocked, elasticized stretch cinch belt with three silver metal closures 2" wide.

The texture is flattering and distinct without being ostentatious. What more could you ask for in a spring season that’s all about showing your soft side?

Horray for spring.

The polka dot circle dress.

I've been hunting for the perfect pair of nude T-Strap shoes.

I finally found them!!! You like these shoes?

T-strap shoes in nude color

I love to make some of my own hair accessories. I am showing you my handmade nude flower. The earrings are a gift.

Handmade hair accessories

For this soft look - I'm wearing soft make-up with a blend of cool and neutral colors. My eyes are played up with heavy-dark eyeliner on the top lids and matt nude rose lips. It's a beautiful soft baby pink matt finish blush.

The make-up must also be soft.

Okay, now back to the point of the post.

Lately, I received a lot of comments "Where do you find all your unique clothes etc. etc.?".

 

I get stopped all the time by friends and other people who ask me where do I buy my vintage fashion. I guess there’s no single answer to this and I can’t say it’s easy. But it is a lot of fun and I feel tremendous accomplishment when I find something perfect. What makes it difficult? Well, you don’t just go to a single store and expect to find exactly what you’re looking for. It takes a lot of hard work and time.

And...now my secret. I spend many a day going back and forth between flea markets, vintage shops and garage sale. I spend hours pouring through clothes and driving from one place to another looking for gems that will make me happy. At the end of the day, sometimes I come home with absolutely nothing to show.

I buy everything that's vintage. It may not be just clothes. I like the romance of all old pieces.

Well, I hope this article has helped you understand my process. I would love to hear about your adventures in vintage hunting.

Let me know!

Now I'll show you what I found lately that's - soft, romantic, nostalgic...

Romantic describes my style perfectly.

Floral vintage scarves.

Vintage postcards

...and look, what a handwriting. So beautiful!

More postcards.

A sweet vintage handmade collar.

Your romantic lingerie story is not complete without the perfect corset, bustier, waist cincher, girdle, or shaper.

Bullet bra full body shaper with garter hooks.

This wonderful vintage soft rose dress was a gift.

While I was writing this post, I made pancakes and cleaned up my messy room.

It's finally Friday today and I have a lil bit time for me, because during the week I'm always so freaking busy.

Can't wait to enjoy the holidays!

What about you?

Lots of love,

Idda van Munster

Rosie the Riveter hairstyle: We Can Blog It!

 "Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels." ~ Faith Whittlesey

Hello ladies!

Today, you often see bandanas used as a symbol for certain gangs, but back in the 40's, bandanas were a popular accessory for women. They provided a stylish way for women to hold hairstyles in place while going about their business. While bandana trends have evolved over the years, the 40's style of folding and wearing a bandana is still a stylish option that can be used today to create a chic, vintage look.

Who’s Rosie the Riveter?

Rosie stands for those women who stayed home during World War II and worked in jobs that were used to be for men, leaving the kitchen and the mop aside for the massive production of munitions and other war supplies in many manufacturing plants.

The truth is that after the war ended and soldiers returned home, many “Rosies” returned to be who they were before the war: house keepers and family figures but with that defying and resolute gaze in her eyes, her working clothes and proudly showing her strong right arm, the image of Rosie and of all the women behind her nowadays are considered as symbols of women’s rights and of the changes in women social conditions.

Rosie is a cult image, a reference in American History, a feminist icon and one of my favourite images of all time.

A story about Geraldine Hoff Doyl

For just a simple square of cloth, the bandana enjoys a long and storied history. Far from being a mere fashion statement, its uses are as varied as the palette of colors and styles that are readily available. Today, we take a look back at this versatile cloth that has served the masses so well over the years. 

This is my inspiration picture: We Can Blog It!

The bandana first came into renown in the Old West, where the cloth was used as a neckerchief, pulled up to cover the mouth and nose as protection against the dust and dirt of the as-yet uncivilized frontier. Unfortunately, this led to outlaws using the bandana to cover their faces during robberies and crime, and the bandana quickly became associated with the wrong side of the law.

Later, the bandana became fashionable as a hobo bag, tied to a stick slung over your shoulder, and holding all your belongings as you rode the boxcars. This romantic notion gave kids the inspiration to use this method of packing when they planned to run away from home. The bandana was also just the basic necessity of sweat rag and nose tissue for the common working man, stuffed into back pocket of dungarees. But, it was also fashionable for ladies in the 40's to tie their hair back with this otherwise macho-style do-rag.


Depending on your haircut and length, the quintessential rockabilly Rosie the Riveter hairstyle can be done in a few different ways.




Supplies Needed: Bandana, hairspray, comb, optional curling iron or hot rollers, bobby pins, pomade.


The headband bandana look:
1. You'll want to fold the bandana first. Fold the bandana in half and then into thirds, leaving the bandana to be about 5" wide.
2. For easy wrapping, ensure that the longest side is at the bottom of your head while wrapping.
3. Bring the ends to the front of your head, just above the bang-line or where your bangs would start. Tie them into a double-knot.

Step 1 and 2

Step 3

Successful bandana wear is simple yet so effective. Bad hair day? Not a worry.

The bandana will fix it!

The pin-up bandana look is just one famous hairstyle worn in the pin-up era which is gaining popularity ever so rapidly right now.

You can wear it with anything!

Here are some of my looks:

And now back to the history - to the inspiration lady:

Geraldine Hoff Doyle (pictured) died in Lansing, Michigan on December 26th at the age of 86. Nearly 70 years ago she was working as a 17 year old in a metal pressing plant during World War Two.

How the Rosie the Riveter poster came to be was that in 1942, a photographer representing United Press International came to the metal factory where Geraldine Hoff Doyle worked (for only two weeks!) and loved her subtle beauty. She wore a red and white polka dot scarf as she worked. The photo ended up being the inspiration for the Rosie the Riveter poster, made by artist J. Howard Miller.

Geraldine Hoff Doyle

Interestingly, the history of the image isn't as straightforward as it seems. For a start, Doyle only worked in the factory for a couple of weeks. And the poster itself had a very limited local distribution during the war - seemingly hardly anyone saw it. It wasn't until the 1970's and 80's that the poster was rediscovered and became an icon of 'Rosie the Riveter'. In recent years for instance, Christina Aguilera („Candyman“), Pink („Raise your glass“) and Beyonce („Why don't you love me?“) have all recycled versions of this image in their music videos.

"Candyman"

„Raise your glass“

„Why don't you love me?“

Rosie the Riveter was originally named in a 1942 song, with various versions recorded including this one by the Four Vagabonds:

"Rosie The Riveter by The Four Vagabonds" 

If you are pro equality then you are pro true feminism.

Some indeed have taken feminism to the extreme, but true feminism is simply this "men and women are equal". Those that say that women are better than men are not feminists.

Makes me proud to be a woman

We can do it!

With love,

Idda van Munster