Glorious 39

Settling into bed on Saturday night, I noticed that British Drama 'Glorious 39' was on TV. Knowing I was bound to fall asleep partway though, I decided to sit down and watch it properly...and am I glad I did!

 

I really don't want to reveal too much of the tale, but can guarantee that it is so worth a watch. The plot is gripping, cast full of British talent and an amazing wardrobe to boot. Set on the eve of WW2 in wartime Britain, Anne, the adopted daughter of a rich and formidable family, discovers secret recordings in her Father's shed and suddenly her life dramatically unravels.

 

I find myself incredibly inspired by the wardrobe and understated elegance of Anne. The wealth of her family is definitely reflected in the outfit choices, from lame to silk gowns, all outfits are incredibly opulent. Simple, classic late thirties/early forties styling was made incredibly realistic by attention to detail. Anne was given a 'capsule wardrobe', so we see the same pieces of clothing being used slightly differently throughout the film. How authentic! Even better, we even see her sleeping in pin curls. How frustrating is it when we watch reproduction films were they sleep with no set but awake to incredible curls!

 

 

 

 

 

For me, the hair is absolute perfection. Not too over the top, but understated and elegant styles accessorised with wonderful snoods, berets or slides. Even better, look how few pin curls she appears to have in! In the film, she has just pin curled the entire front part of the hairline.

 

The make up for Anne is incredibly simple as she really is a natural beauty. For the daytime scenes, I wonder if they have used a lip stain, such as Benetint. Her eye make up also appears very simple, with the slightest bit of black eyeshadow used instead of eyeliner. Of an evening, a rich red lipstick is used (possibly Russian Red) with some more definition to the eye by a tiny bit of eyeliner and eyeshadow in the socket.

 

I think it is fair to say that the DVD, a red beret and navy snood are most definitely on my wish list!

 

Glorious 39 should be on the Iplayer this week if you catch it quickly!

 

Hope you enjoy,

 

Hannah xxx

Bombshells in Berets

A recent charity shop suitcase purchase exceeded all expectations when upon opening it, we discovered a beret was inside the suitcase! It is in good condition and appears to be French made. A quick online search revealed the different ways in which berets have been styled over some of my favourite eras. I was inspired and vowed to encorporate it into my wardrobe. Despite the summer supposedly being around the corner, a beret will be a trusty tool to keep my set in place when battling against Brighton's sea breeze.



 

I love this androgynous thirties look by Marlene Dietrich. You can only imagine just how different and forward thinking this must have looked compared to the trends of the thirties. The beret adds a hint of allure and sophistication.

Some beret looks from my favourite eras, the forties and fifties can be seen below...

Nina Foch- I would love to emulate this style with a loose set or just pin curls

Lorelei (Marilyn Monroe) and Dorothy (Jane Russel) work two different beret styles in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. I love the jaunty, inoccence of Lorelei's beret but Dorothy's padded beret not only suits her hairline but gives a subtle clue towards the contrast in characters of Lorelei and Dorothy.

Some red lipstick, a pout and tilt of the beret gives a sultry stare just like that of Lauren Bacall. The beret really is that cherry of top to give a seductive stare from underneath.

Hannah xxx