Decades of Oscar Dresses in One Awesome [Updated] Infographic!

Quick follow-up to yesterday’s reblog of ModCloth’s post… I noticed on the MediaRun site that they have an updated version of the Oscar dresses infographic.

Paul North of Mediarun says:

The original plan was always to release a second version of this infographic, adding the newest dress from Sunday’s Awards. The scale of the response has instead enabled us to find many more dress designer names (thanks, Bob Mackie for contacting us about Sally Field’s dress), correct a few minor errors and go to print.

Oscar Dresses: Every Dress Worn by Best Actress Academy Award Winners. Copyright Mediarun Digital 2014.

I’ll be keeping my eye out for the poster version to hang on my wall!

Decades of Oscar Dresses in One Awesome Infographic!

Just had to reblog this ModCloth post featuring a great infographic of Oscar dresses (created by MediaRun).

It’s fascinating seeing how the red-carpet styles evolved since 1929! And I knew Greek/Roman-inspired dresses have been around for a several years, but look at how they just DOMINATE the 2000s!

EDIT 3/6/2014: Check out an updated version of the infographic here!

Professor Salt’s Coffee Truck

Check out this totally awesome truck I found!

Awesome classic Chevrolet truck. (Photo by Pat Zimmerman.)

My husband and I went out to Port Costa for dinner with his parents and happened across this classic Chevrolet truck. I hadn’t planned on taking outfit pics, but the photo op was just too good to pass up.

Photo by Pat Zimmerman.

In addition to the old-timey “Prof Salt’s Coffee Co” sign, there were chicken plushies in the passenger seat! Rather irresistable, don’t you think?

Do you see that chicken plushie in the window? (Photo by Pat Zimmerman.)

My dress fit in quite well, given that it’s a handsewn vintage dress from the late 1940s or early 1950s. It’s got a somewhat unusual floral pattern, with abstracted black and grey vines amongst the green leaves and purple flowers. I paired it with a green cardigan and purple handbag, plus black shoes and belt for contrast. The black lace on my cardigan helped pull it all together.

The whole ensemble, framed by Professor Salt’s coffee truck. (Photo by Pat Zimmerman.)

So cheers! to Professor Salt. I don’t know what your coffee is like, but I sure do love your truck!

Dress: handsewn vintage dress, likely from the late 1940s or early 1950s
Cardigan: Game of Chance Cardigan, Darling via ModCloth
Bracelet: vintage art deco silver bracelet (a gift)
Belt: borrowed from another dress
Purse: Coach (a gift)
Shoes: Me Too (thrifted)

[All photos by Pat Zimmerman.]

Swanky and Swingin’ at the Art Deco Preservation Ball

Once a year, the Art Deco Society of California puts on a fabulous deco-era ball. Pat and I went last year and had a fantastic time, so we just had to go again!

Everyone dresses up in deco-era-style formal attire from the 1920s through early 1940s. Getting dressed for it last year was super easy because I already had a vintage gown from the late 1930s/early 1940s (pictured here), but this year I had to figure out what to wear. I started thinking about it early and created a Pinterest board for deco-era formal wear several months ago. Then I stayed on the look-out for a formal gown that would fit the theme – and finally found a gorgeous Mikael Aghal chartreuse silk gown at The Outnet. The bias cut and waterfall pleats at the waist were reminiscent of 1930s gowns, while the beading and embellishments evoked the 1920s.

Arriving at the Art Deco Preservation Ball in a Mikael Aghal gown and vintage stole. Photo by Pat Zimmerman.

But before we headed to the ball, Pat and I had dinner at Albona Ristorante Istriano, an absolutely delicious Istrian restaurant in North Beach.

Pat looking dapper in a tux at Albona Ristorante Istriano.

In pin curls at Albona Ristorante Istriano. Photo by Pat Zimmerman.

And then we headed to the ball, held at Bimbo’s 365 Club – a North Beach nightclub founded in the 1930s. In addition to having a marvelous time dancing, enjoying the live entertainment, and sipping classic cocktails, we ran into Susan & Eric Koger from ModCloth. Events are always more fun when you get to share them with awesome people!

Clockwise from top left: with Susan (photo by Pat Zimmerman); Eric and Pat share a laugh; the Deco Belles; the crowd at Bimbo’s 365 Club.

With Pat in the lobby of Bimbo’s 365 Club. Photo by one of the lovely ball attendees.

Clockwise from top left: Susan with other glamorous ladies in orange gowns – a photo-op to commemorate the Golden Gate Bridge; Pat looking… debonair? mischievous?; Vienna La Rouge performing burlesque; a bouquet of orchids.

If you’re in the Bay Area and love the deco era, definitely check out the Art Deco Society! They put on a few events throughout the year, including a Gatsby-themed picnic in September (I went last year and plan to go again this year). And they also host walking tours of art deco buildings and publish information about related events put on by other organizations.

What I wore:
Dress: Mikael Aghal Embellished silk-satin gown via The Outnet
Stole: vintage 1950s silver mink stole via Eons Fashion Antique in Pittsburgh, PA
Bracelet: Victorian mourning bracelet
Ring: family heirloom
Wristlet: brass mesh bag from the late 1910s/early 1920s (my great grandmother’s; when she gave it to me she said it was just the perfect size for lipstick and telephone money – all one needed for going out!)

[Photos by me except where otherwise noted.]

Additional photos – and full-sized versions of the collage photos – available on Flickr, here. More will be uploaded in the next few days!

Spring Beauty at Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus hosted a blogger event at their Rotunda Restaurant to introduce a few of their newest beauty products. Of course, some of the loveliest bloggers in San Francisco attended!

SF Style Bloggers at Neiman Marcus

Everyone loves polka dots!

Eli of Thrift Eye and Jes of Ryzenberg On

Punam of Nothing Broken being photographed by Chandamheer of Pancake Stacker

Love the bold yellows and reds here:

Eli of Thrift Eye with Whitney and Brittany of Britt and Whit

And what I wore? Stripes (a fave) on a 1940s-inspired dress by Stop Staring!, an exclusive Be the Buyer pick at ModCloth. Plus some yellow and fuchsia accessories because I can’t stay away from color. :)

Sweet on Stripes by Stop Staring!, via ModCloth. Photo by Eli of Thrift Eye.

There were some delish drinks and tasty treats to enjoy while we heard about the newest offerings from Creed, Clinica Ivo Pitanguy, Fresh, and Tom Ford Beauty.

Had to take a photo of this tongue-in-cheek sign next to the buffalo chicken bites:

Buffalo Chicken Bites. Allergy Alert: Calories

After the event, we left with goodie bags filled with beauty products to try at home:

Neiman Marcus Beauty Goodie Bag

My personal fave? Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum. It’s a lighter, crisper scent than I usually go for (normally I’m one for spicy, woodsy scents), but I enjoy how it evokes a fresh spring day. The top note smells like fresh honeysuckle blossoms, right off the vine. As a kid (and, who am I kidding, even now), I picked honeysuckle blossoms to taste their nectar. They always struck me as magical flowers, and I guess I’ve fallen for Neroli Portofino because the scent carries some of that magic.

And who doesn’t love a little magic?

Dress: Sweet on Stripes Dress, Stop Staring! via ModCloth
Earrings: vintage
Purse: Longchamp Planètes Tote Bag
Shoes: The Chosen Fuchsia Heel, Chelsea Crew via ModCloth

Sheen Come True

Ever buy a dress online that takes you completely by surprise? That’s what happened with this Eva Franco “Sheen Come True” dress. I bought it on a whim because it was SUPER on sale at ModCloth, but I had my doubts. Turns out it was a dress I should have bought ages ago – I’m in love!

Introducing the Sheen Come True Dress by Eva Franco

From the pictures on ModCloth, I had thought the dress was made out of a heavy fabric. But it turns out it’s pretty lightweight – and actually stretchy – so it’s got a super nice flow. And it lives up to its name – it has a really lovely sheen, almost like a textured satin. Plus, I kinda love the dress’ 1960s vibe!

Oh, and it had been way too long since Rocky made an appearance, so he joined this shoot. But I think he felt a little affronted by having been left out of my other posts!

Or something.

This picture is just dying for a funny caption – any suggestions?

I paired the dress with the vintage-style “Heirloom-inous Earrings”, also from ModCloth.

Sheen Come True Dress & Heirloom-inous Earrings

Oh, and by the way, check out Rocky’s bow tie! I think he strikes a perfect balance between cute and dashing. :)

Rocky looking dapper in his bow tie

So that’s it – just a fantastic dress and a goofy dog that helped lighten up my day!

Rocky is a goof!

What are your favorite pick-me-ups?

Dress: Sheen Come True Dress, Eva Franco via ModCloth
Earrings: Heirloom-inous Earrings via ModCloth
Bracelet: Victorian mourning bracelet
Tights: Hue
Shoes: D’Orsay at the d’Orsay Heel, Re-Mix via ModCloth
Purse: Cole Haan Valise Archer leather satchel via Rue La La

Rocky’s Bowtie: Fairy-tail Engagement Dog Collar via ModCloth

Photos by Jenn Suit, except the solo portrait I took of Rocky.

Retro Revamp

I had a rather fun morning – got to be a hair model for a DIY to be posted on the ModCloth blog. The only downside was that I had to let my hair set all day. But ModCloth has a stash of vintage scarves (used for other DIY posts), so I was able to grab a silk scarf and wrap up my ‘do.

Showing off my super-fashionable head wrap ;)

Okay, totally not my usual style, but it was kinda fun. And went pretty well with my outfit.

It seems I’ve had a thing for patterns recently – this dress is another Trashy Diva fave.

Retro Revamp Dress by Trashy Diva, via ModCloth

I wasn’t actually planning on taking pics while my hair was still up, but went out with Santina to snap a few photos of her because her outfit was adorbs.

Santina strikes a pose

And as you can see, I somehow managed to convince her to ham it up a little. I think it suits her, even if it’s not really her MO. Check out this sweet kawaii pose:

Santina’s Kawaii Pose

After work, Santina and I headed to the San Francisco Center for a party hosted by Madewell and Fabsugar. This was, of course, after my ‘do was finished: a tightly curled 1920’s hairstyle.

Santina and Kate @ the Madewell & Fabsugar Party

The party was all about shopping, meeting other bloggers, and talking fashion. Not a bad way to unwind after work. :)

Shopping and socializing @ the Madewell & Fabsugar Party

Lovely bloggers at Madewell.

One of the coolest parts of the party was the Fabsugar style contest: anyone who wanted to participate had to style & model an outfit using Madewell clothes. And I’m happy to take advantage of any excuse to play dress up!

Participants in the Fabsugar Style Contest

It was a little tricky, because most Madewell pieces are cut for thinner, straighter figures. Their skinny jeans? Not gonna work on someone like me. But I found this awesome green dress and managed to whip something up that’s totally my style: retro & colorful.

Kate à la Madewell – or Madewell à la Kate?

Two outfits in one day? Not bad!

Have you had an opportunity to play dress up recently?

Outfit #1:
Dress: Retro Revamp Dress, Trashy Diva via ModCloth
Cardigan: Button-Up Basics Cardigan in Brown via ModCloth
Shoes: Tippytoes Heels, Seychelles via ModCloth
Scarf: vintage
Belt: thrifted
Bracelet: Victorian mourning bracelet
Tights: Hue
Purse: Un-Teal the End of Time bag, Magnes Sisters via ModCloth

Outfit #2:
Dress: Madewell
Tote bag: Madewell
Belt: Madewell
Necklace: Madewell
Shoes: Madewell
Bracelet: Victorian mourning bracelet
Tights: Hue

My outfit photos taken by Santina of Style by Santina.

1950s Shark Attack

Didn’t I tell you that I adore 1950s dresses? I love how flattering they are, particularly their cinched waists. This dress is actually an original vintage dress from the 1950s, which means I occasionally have to repair seams. In fact, I had to do a quick sewing job this morning – turns out that thread weakens after 60+ years. But it’s worth it – this dress has an awesome sharkskin fabric, and really, who could resist wide collars like these? So very I Love Lucy.

Teal and red is such a fantastic color combination, and I love how the red detail at the color makes it so easy to pair red accessories with this dress.

The shoes are Re-Mix d’Orsay heels from ModCloth. They’re beautifully made with fabulous retro styling. More 1940s than 1950s, but there’s nothing wrong with mixing fashion eras!

A year or two ago, I finally got up my nerve to try cat eyeliner. It’s not so difficult once you get the hang of it. I found a pin on Pinterest that shows an easy technique, here.

Fascinator: Fashion Fractal Hat by Ophelie Hats, via ModCloth
Dress: vintage 1950s sharkskin dress
Shoes: D’Orsay at the d’Orsay Heel by Re-Mix, via ModCloth

Curtains: Flora and Fauna and Fabulous Curtain, via ModCloth

Photos by me!