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