Hi there, guys and dolls!  Looks like spring has sprung and looking pretty is in the forecast.  Dressing head to toe in a vintage era can be a lot of fun and will make you look timelessly beautiful to boot, but here’s a few ideas if you just want to add a little 50’s flare to your 21st century wardrobe.

Think Pink!  As the song in Funny Face goes, “You can get a little wink, if you put a little pink…” in your step.  There’s a shade or hue to suit any girl’s complexion, from a breathy baby pink to a corally orange, or even a nude skinny dip shade for the daring or a hot fuchsia for the shocking. 

Cat-eye Glasses  Don’t worry, the men will still make passes — least they always have in my experience!  In today’s modern life, who isn’t needing a pair after staring at computer screens?  Why not go for fun in a kicky horned rim with rhinestones?  They’ll make you look both glammy and clever!

 Retro Perfume   Want to go for a classic scent?  For daytime, try Youth Dew or Chanel No. 5 (has that one ever gone out of favor?) and at night, be your exotic best — Emeraude or Tabu.  They’ll let your suitor know exactly what your intentions are!  A little dab (behind the ears) will do ya.

Scarves  Well, okay — I discovered in my first Poppy Cove Mystery that one did not bode well for dear Constance Stearns-Montgomery (read STRANGLED BY SILK for the skinny on that tale), but it doesn’t mean that it would happen to you, dear reader!  Choose a silky scarf in a polka dot, delicate floral or atomic mod print and play!  A quick kerchief says you’re ready to cruise the strip with the top down, a ponytail up-do says your up for anything or choose to tie one on around your wrist, waist or neck to a add a little splash of joie de vivre  to your day.

Patent leather  When in doubt, shine it up!  Glossy black, bright white, flashy red or anything else goes.  Nothing says hello there, mister than the glint of shiny leather.  Go bold with a purse, shoes or wide belt — give yourself compelling command over your place in the crowd.  Matchy-matchy of multiple accessories may only be for the proudest of peacocks, but a little peppering of patent will give any girl her status in  even the most polite of societies.

Well, as usual, I could go on.  Let your own imagination guide you to your own nod to the vintage past.

Toodles,

Barbara Jean