Gilda’s Tips for Dressing Like a Successful Commercial Artist
Charlotte
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Have you always wanted to dress like a successful 1930s commercial artist? Yes? You’re in luck! No? Fortunately, these ensembles transcend time and career. Gilda Farrell, successful American commercial artist and delightfully grown-up woman, knew how to keep it chic at all times. Let’s see if we can follow her lead down the road to professional acclaim and (if it suits us) radical romance.
#1-Takin’ the Train to Glamourville
Opening sequence: This is how you meet chic cute
Gilda proves that, no matter what your destination, dressing well is all in the details. Beret? Matching bow? Check, double-check. A simple skirt and artful blouse complete her comfortable and stylish traveling outfit. It’s best to be prepared, because you never know who you’ll meet when you least expect it…
#2-Go Big or Go Home
Decision Time Dress
Those shoulders! That bow! Those…criss-cross ribbon things! When an important decision looms ahead, what better way to arm yourself with confidence than by dressing with sartorial bravado? Napoleon would agree.
#3-Mothers Can Be Avant-garde, too
Avant-garde Mother of the Arts
When you are a Mother of the Arts, it’s okay to stand out from the crowd. Having a strong style makes it easier to focus on the artists you are helping with your keen wisdom and cutting insights. Or something. A dress with an enormous Pilgrim collar and cuffs isn’t for everyone, but Gilda pulls it off. We can all learn from her nonchalance.
#4-Dressing for the Morning After
Morning After Confection
No matter what went down the night before, always dress with exceptional elegance for breakfast. Sometimes the most unexpected people show up at your door whilst you are canoodling over coffee. A decadent frock hides your surprise better than a tattered robe.
#5-Going to the Chapel…of Security
Wedding Dress
No matter how your marriage turns out, you’ll always have your wedding dress. Wear what makes you happy, and make sure that it fits like a dream. That way, you’ll have at least one good memory from you big day!
#6-Shimmery Shimmery Shake
Shimmery Dress with Tuxedo Bookends
Own one dress that makes you feel like a movie star. Bonus points if it sparkles! Everyone looks good with a little shine, and even better when they radiate happiness. Having a wardrobe designed by the great Travis Banton doesn’t hurt, either.
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♦Charlotte is our Fashion correspondent. Her dream closet consists of the collective wardrobes of 796 films.
Up next: In Part Three of our review, Frances ponders the pros and cons of going bohemian.
The Miriam Hopkins Blogathon
Font and Frock 
I believe Miriam would look fabulous in anything, but having Travis Banton design your wardrobe certainly wouldn’t hurt!
I love the phrase “sartorial bravado”. That’s part of my personal philosophy. If I need to do something brave, I dress with more confidence than I feel. The criss-cross is something to look into.
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She looked divine in everything, from the most absurd to the most elegant of clothes.
This is also my personal philosopy; it has served me well!
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What about the successful 1930’s commercial artist who is clumsy??? I’d have coffee splattered all over my white pilgrim collar and cuffs the first time I wore it to Starbucks. And those stunning ribbon criss cross things?–I know I’d get them caught in the paper shredder at work and do myself an injury. Sigh–I guess I’ll have to let the 1930’s fashion bandwagon pass me by.
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Haha! Well, now, that is another matter entirely. Perhaps you should stick to plaids and tweeds, then?
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Banton’s costumes for Hopkins are just wonderful. I love the contrast between the borderline-comical ‘day’ outfits and the uber glam gowns, but my favourite look BY FAR is the bow and beret combo. So chic!
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His costumes in this film are perfection!
My favourite look is also the bow and beret one from the opening. So chic, indeed!
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