#ReelInfatuation Blogathon: The Most Stylish Sisters of 1954

June 14, 2016 / maedez / 6 Comments

Move over, Jackie and Lee. The unofficial (and totally made-up) title of The Most Stylish Sisters of 1954 goes to Betty and Judy Haynes. These savvy and sensational showbiz siblings prove the veracity of the famous Coco Chanel quote: “Fashion changes, but style endures.”

Bombshells in Blue

Their styles are different, but, as befits a sister act, complementary. Betty (Rosemary Clooney) is chic but serious; this perfectly suits her role as the ~~mother hen~~ elder sister. Judy (Vera-Ellen), the irresponsible kid sis, is kicky and fun on-stage and off; her wardrobe definitely fits her attitude. They both know how to dress, with panache, elegance, and personal style, for any occasion that presents itself. Proof of this can be found in the following fashion show… Continue reading →

[The Great Villain Blogathon] Blanche Fury: How the Beautiful People Dress

April 17, 2015 / maedez / 4 Comments

Blanche Fury certainly knew how to dress. She was always on point, whatever the circumstance: from poor relation to lady of the manor, sexy adulteress to “grieving” widow, she had it going on. Her lover, Philip Thorn, was right there with her, looking fine. Fine. Here are some of the occasions when Blanche and/or Philip looked better than we ever could:

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♦Charlotte is our Fashion correspondent. Her dream closet consists of the collective wardrobes of 796 films.

The Great Villain Blogathon

[The Miriam Hopkins Blogathon] Design for Living: Part Two-Gilda’s Tips for Dressing Like a Successful Commercial Artist

January 24, 2015January 24, 2015 / maedez / 7 Comments

Gilda’s Tips for Dressing Like a Successful Commercial Artist

Charlotte

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.

♦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: A Brief History

January 16, 2015January 19, 2015 / maedez / 4 Comments

2010:

Font and Frock came into the world with passionate intentions. Several months later, it died the way it was born: as a double-sided, hard copy ‘zine. The hand-assembled publication had two covers, two themes, and one goal: to present arts-related topics in a variety of intelligent, witty, and distinct ways. The front half (Font) was brim-full with original poetry, short stories, and literary essays. The back-end (Frock) covered classic film, pop culture, and fashion.

Contributors came from across the United States and Canada. It was a true labor of love, and one I had every intention of fostering to success.

Then I got engaged.

Between working full-time, moving to a new flat, and planning a wedding, something had to give. That something was, of course, Font and Frock. By the time I settled into newly married bliss, my not-so-little publication was a thing of the past. In the meantime, other creative pursuits had muscled their way into my heart and head.

My fondness for the project remained.

I always knew that, one day, I’d return to Font and Frock. One day, when I had more time. One day, when things weren’t so hectic. One day, after I had accomplished other creative goals.

2015:

That day is almost here.

The new Font and Frock is a bit different from its predecessor. The vessel of expression has changed from a ‘zine to a blog (for now, at least). She’s also half the girl she used to be, content-wise. A Small Press Life took over where Font left off: it is home to my obsession with obscure books, dead writers, and all things old-timey literature related. This blog, then, will focus on what remains: (classic) films, fashion, flash fiction, and feminism.

I hope you’ll hang around to see her come back to life.

❤ Maedez

Font and Frock: What’s in a Name?

January 8, 2015 / maedez / 11 Comments

What are your favourite words?

I love serendipitous, melancholy, and fortuitous.

Adamantine, sliver, and succor.

And, oh, perhaps a hundred others. They inevitably change with the finesse or jolt of a passing mood.

Words are surprising things, the way that they latch hold of our imaginations.

Some visit but a moment; others stay for a lifetime.

At the top of my list?

FROCK.

Always.

Aside from its dictionary definition(s), and the fact that it is fun to say, the word conjures up, for me, a kaleidoscope of vivid images that have less to do with fact, and more to do with feeling.

Frock is bold, artistic, spirited, rebellious, chic, and imaginative. It is, in short, the heart of this endeavor.

What of the front half of the name?

Font is the foundation upon which everything is built.

It embraces my love of language, of writing, of communication.

Font is a wonderful word in its own right.

Together, they represent everything that I hope to accomplish with this blog.

❤ Maedez

Next Time: A Brief History of Font and Frock