A few years ago I bought a netted, crotchet, mesh, fishing, whatever-you-want-to-call-it bag. I saw it out of the corner of my eye in a boutique in Warsaw and although it was a bright fuchsia colour, and I usually go for versatile blacks or browns, I bought it! And I remember why too. There were a couple of reasons. Firstly, I knew it was an accessory worn in the past that would fit my vintage-style outfits, and secondly, it was an item I distinctly remember my grandmother talk about using. I never, however, imagined it would become such a trendy accessory within the next few years. And boy do I love it when items used daily in the past become desirable and fashionable again - which seems to be the case here!
Above: A newspaper advert for the crotchet bag, c. late 1930s - early 1940s.
http://ic.pics.livejournal.com/lunteg/16589014/133959/133959_original.jpg
The bag itself was already in use in the 1930s, especially for everyday food shops or visits to fruit and vegetable markets. It was also a typical summer accessory, used to carry towels and a few bits to the beach. One of the bags advantages is its ability to significantly expand and shrink in size. The way it is designed allows it to widen, a bit like stretching out a fishing net, to accommodate bulky items or awkwardly shaped fruits. It actually has a particularly nostalgic connotation in Poland, which is where I live, because it was a type of bag often carried by people throughout the communist regime (i.e. the 1950s to 1980s) - which is why I remember my grandma talking about it. She fondly recalled the peculiar little bag that that accompanied her on grocery trips to stores with not enough stock (not such a fond memory). I love to reminisce about stories my grandma told me and the fact that this style of bag reminds me of them is heartwarming. That's what I like about old items - they carry a story. So if you want to bring back a bit of the past, all the while keeping up with the latest trends, then I think this practical purchase is one to make.
I saw versions of the bag appear in stores such as H&M and recently noticed it on Instagram too. This really is proof that a great invention never ceases to amaze, even if it's as simple as a cotton (or 100% recycled polyester - it's nice you are trying to care for the environment H&M) crotchet bag.
H&M mesh shopper bag made from 100% recycled polyester (Summer 2017 collection).
http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0488493002.html#Light%20blue
Accessed on 9/06/2017
As some may know, one of my favourite things to do is to recreate style from the past. Since summer vacation is (fairly) fast approaching I wanted to share this video I found, from a competition I took part in two years ago. Hopefully I can do something similar again this year!
The event was part of a wider commemorative celebration of the June 6th 1944 landing of Allied forces in Normandy, France. Included in the week-long happening was a 1940s fashion show, 1940s open-to-the-public fashion competition (which I took part in), jazz music concerts, dioramas, reenactments of battles and much more.
So take a look at the short video below and catch a glimpse of my outfit at 1:50 minutes - events like these might convince you to visit the beautiful Polish peninsula!
I haven't done a post like this in a while and they happen to be some of my favorite to read. This is my selection of items I used during summer vacation, hence the natural and pink theme.
Nobody likes a ton of stuff on their face in the hot summer months... well, I don't anyway. The pink makeup bag from Victoria's Secret I bought on sale for 50% off which I consider not bad. And since it fit the color scheme I decided to bring it with me.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in 52 Vanilla
A great natural foundation with light to medium coverage. Perfect for the summer!
Maybelline Affinitone Concealer in 02 Natural
Check our my "Monthly Favorites #1" post coming soon!
Maybelline Master Glaze Blush in Just-Pinched Pink no. 10
A very natural light pink blush in an easy-to-blend formula, great to throw in a beach bag.
Maybelline 24HR Color Tatoo in On And On Bronze no. 35
Perfect for the evening to create a more intense eye. I love it because the staying power is fantastic and it's at a drugstore price. I usually use my finger to blend it out but a brush also works (here I have the Sephora All Over Shadow brush in no. 22).
Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara
Not for those who like thick spidery lashes because the finish is very natural and each lash is precisely defined without any clumping! I love it for the natural look it creates.
Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in no. 04 Vanilla Rose
One of my favorite drugstore powders, I think this one can easily rival more expensive brands.
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yogurt no. 611
I brought this in case I wanted a natural eye shadow. These are very simple and easy to use and although there are better versions out there these are really not bad for the price. This color is a very wearable champagne tone with a slight sheen.
Sephora Unique Pink Lip Balm
I love this stuff! It goes with everything and creates the perfect pink pout. It's supposed to match up to the pH of ones skin and although I'm not sure that is true, the color it gives is very flattering and lasts a good amount of time. The only downside is that there seems to be a tendency to dry out the lips so keep a good lip treatment on hand.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Lip Gloss in Heiress
I'm not a fan of lipgloss in general so don't quote me on this :) The color here is what attracted my attention but the formula is quite thick so unless you can deal with hair in your gloss this is not for you. The applicator though is quite unique since it's just a flat piece of silicone so if you want to test something new out maybe give this a go?!
Victoria's Secret Makeup Bag
A good sized makeup bag to fit all your essentials.
One of my favourite 1950s styled outfits is this ensemble. It just screams summer! I wish I could step out of this cold October evening and place myself in the middle of June... Thank goodness my sister convinced me to photograph it and waited for me to set myself up with all the props. Have you noticed the J. D. Salinger book, archival polish "Film" magazine and 1950s Kigu powder compact? Well it all makes for a pretty authentic set up if I do say so myself:) Below and above are the results!
Top - Vintage Gap
Shorts - Zara
Shoes - H&M
Straw bag - L'Occitane
Sunglasses - Zara
Head scarf - Salvatore Ferragamo
Vintage Compact by Kigu of London
Authentic 1950s polish "Film" magazine
Book - "Franny and Zooey" by J. D. Salinger
Watch - Vintage
Nail polish - MaxFactor Red Passion 549
Today I wanted to touch on a topic that is one of my greatest passions: 1950s fashion. I love fashion history and my favorite decade of all is the fifties. I would just like to stress that I'm talking about fashion and style here as opposed to the political and social situation during this time. I also have to draw attention to the fact that although I am half Polish the majority of my knowledge of the style at this time is drawn from American photographical archives and movies. This is due to the political situation which allowed the US to thrive and develop after the war. People often say that the reason for all the glamor and femininity in the 1950s was the end of WWII. That is true, war-time restriction hindered the development of fashion, so an end of the War in the west signified a re-birth in couture as well as an open mass-market need and interest in fashion. However in Poland, although it had its share of local fashion labels and a vague history of fashion does exist, it simply was not in the position to be interested in fashion since the country was trying to regain something as basic as its freedom. That's why, unfortunately; because I'd love to know more about fashion in Poland, I draw most of my inspiration from the western part of the globe.
That's not to say I find it less interesting. On the contrary, I love it so much I could do it 24/7. Seriously! Apart from fashion I just love the atmosphere, the manners, the subtle ambiguity of conversation... the cafe with Hoagy Carmichael playing the piano and Lauren Bacall singing in "To Have and Have Not" (Howard Hawks, 1944), ok, that's the 1940s but you understand what I mean?
I sometimes wish people acted and dressed like that now (it's a bit less practical I know, but nowadays people also do lots of impractical things... super short skirts, high heels?), in my opinion it was the epitome of class. After the fifties it all goes down hill :D
I just want to warn you guys that this blog may turn into a solely vintage-centered site. I am seriously considering dressing like this every day of the week! What do you think, below are some more photos? And I apologize for the lack of posts, I'm a bit (or rather very) pressed for time since I just began university and am getting used to the change, so I hope this special post made it up to you?! If I happen to not post for a while you can always follow me on instagram and remind me to not miss my essay deadlines...
Thank you to my sister for your beautiful photos... as usual!
My Easter holiday plans have been the same for most of my life. Namely: I go to Zakopane. If you're not Polish the word probably sounds funny to you. It actually translates into english as "covered in/over". I like
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons