Musical Wardrobes

Cheesy or not, I love musicals.  They are amazing performance art pieces combining acting, song, dance, set design and costuming in a particularly powerful way.  The six highlighted here have AMAZING wardrobes and are scenes pulled from some of my favorite movies.  Please enjoy.  This post is very special to me...

Click the hyperlinks or view directly from this page where available.

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Cabaret (1972) 

"Mein Herr"

 Performed by Liza Minnelli (Sally Bowles).

Set in 1931 Berlin, Cabaret is a must see movie that documents the sexual undercurrent of Pre-WWII Germany.  Outfitted in a bowler hat, high-waist shorts, thigh highs with garters, granny boots, vest and choker, Liza masterfully executes classic Bob Fosse choreography and a classic look.

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There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)

 "Lazy" 

Performed by Marilyn Monroe (Vicky), Donald O'Connor (Tim Donahue) and Mitzi Gaynor (Katy Donahue).

 Marilyn's sash and shoes, Mitzi's midriff sweater and this scene as a whole make me swoon!  What a great number!  The colors are perfectly coordinated; Donald O'Connor's green hat, orange band, yellow sweater vest, gray pants, and black accessories work harmoniously with Mitzi Gaynor's cropped sweater and orange shoes...Sheer genius.  I love the sleeves of Marilyn's jumper and the earrings worn by she and Mitzi are adorable.

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My Fair Lady (1964)

 "Ascot Opening Race" 

Performed by the attendees of the Ascot Opening Day in a severely stylish manner.

   I would gladly give my entire wardrobe for ONE of the outfits worn in this scene.  Enough said.

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The Pajama Game (1957)

 "There Once Was a Man"

 Performed by Doris Day (Katherine 'Babe' Williams) and John Raitt (Sid Sorokin).

Doris Day is rocking a fabulous top, perfect cigarette pants and I adore Raitt's monochrome (and super tight) ensemble.  Not to mention this song is awesome; it's very catchy and I love hard like that...

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Sweet Charity (1969)

 "Rich Man's Frug" 

Performed by the Pompeii Club's swanky set.

This iconic clip is absolutely brimming with mod loveliness.  It is madness expertly choreographed by none other than Mr. Bob Fosse.

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Ladies and Gentlemen The Fabulous Stains (1982)

"Professionals"

Performed by Diane Lane (Corinne Burns), Marin Kanter (Tracy Burns), and Laura Dern (Jessica McNeil) aka The Stains

 

If you love 80s fashion, please watch this movie.  The wardrobe is an integral part of the plot and will leave you inspired.  The Stains were stylish from the start donning fishnets, sheer tops, vintage sweaters, briefs, ankle socks and heels to the mainstream outfits featured in the closing credits.  Cult classic...

7 Tips for Blending Vintage and Modern Clothing

1.  Think in layers from essential wear on up.

Great chefs know that a fantastic dish consists of complimentary and delicious layers.  As you dress, assess your silhouette at every stage.  With pre 60s vintage dresses in particular, a strong foundation is important.

2.  Research the styling from different eras.

Vintage is a broad term that encompasses all things 25 years or older.  Even though most decades of fashion have strong visual themes, there are many obscure looks and concepts to be uncovered.  Watch films, rifle through photos and advertisements from various periods for inspiration.

  

Christian Dior skirt from 2 piece suit, Vivienne Tam wrap sweater, vintage Dior hat, Eye Been Framed browline glasses, Ancestral Art jewelry, Chanel pumps and vintage corset.  

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3.  Consider the details of vintage and modern ensembles.

Outfits are art.  Use the same eye exercised when viewing a painting to ponder the individual elements of a look and how they relate to one another.

4.  Fit is everything. 

Don’t compromise fit for style; especially when wearing vintage clothing. 

5.  Think accessories.

Jewelry, gloves, hats, shoes, handbag, scarves, glasses, hand fan, parasol, legwarmers, belt, fascinator and countless other accessories are great tools when creating a look from various periods.  

DeWeese vintage terry cloth cardigan, "Jazz Fest" mini wrap skirt, Eye Been Framed cateye glasses, Ancestral Art jewelry, vintage corset and Chanel pumps.  

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6.  Have fun.
Do you remember paper dolls?  Constructing endless outfits using stiff icons?  Invoke that spirit of play when putting your wardrobe together.  Set a time for you and your imagination to go through your clothes and have a ball.  Music and wine are optional.

7.  Follow Confess Apparel’s blog.

Clearly, for information like this from a woman dedicated to helping everyone look their best.

Shoe Restyled

Restyled Aldo "Craver" espadrille

While numbingly strolling through a Newport News, VA mall (in which I was employed in a past life) days before my departure to Guinea, I found a pair of beige espadrilles I felt were a classic and safe retail purchase. In actuality, the shoe turned out to be too light for my complexion and the rich clay earth of West Africa. After an evening of minimal activity they were ruined.

Rather than throw away a rare retail buy defeated, I painted them, replaced the god-awful ribbon and gave my sandals a new life.


Tools? Acrylic paint and leather cord acquired at a craft store. My palette contained raw sienna, Quaker grey, metallic silver and black which I mixed to create varying shades and colors. I applied three layers of paint to the canvas body at the toe and heel and one to each braid of the wedge which dried quickly and has withstood rainy days.

Down With Shoes.

Hervé Léger

2009

I am OVER sandals as a whole this season. Most platforms compromise posture and grace for style which leaves the average woman looking (and walking) like an under-articulated, imbalanced baby doll. I am shocked that gladiators have lasted this long; they have a tendency to shorten and expand the size of the wearers’ leg. Though comfortable, they are exclusively attractive on the feet of slim statuesque women. I do not have a rant for flats other than I am 4’11” and need higher shoe options without the extra bulk, wedges and straps found in every retailer.

Yes, I am complaining. Some may even claim that I am “hating”. Yet someone needs to put their foot down and demand more out of our shoes and the bastards designing them. A shoe coup, if you will. All I want out of life is a timeless, enduring, comfortable, stylish shoe that is feminine and sexy. Is that too much to ask?

*Deep breath*

Rust and Red.

ADAM Spring/Summer 2011

Paired with the crisp white and pale gray, this is an amazing color combination. Never fear alternate neutrals outside of the traditional blacks and browns. When you work within the same hue, your options are limitless. Draw color inspiration from objects throughout your environment. Flora, architecture, stormy skies and so much more can hold clues to your next favorite outfit.

Quick challenge...find a scarf or a piece of jewelry with several colors in the design that you like but would not normally put together. Assemble an outfit using these colors but DO NOT wear the inspiration piece. Anchor with neutrals (white in the photo above) as needed to create a cohesive look. This exercise will guide you through expanding your color vocabulary until you develop an eye for mixing on your own.

Confess Wardrobe Styling Packages

photo by Saphira Contreras

Confess photo shoot October 2009

For your convenience, I've developed introductory packages that allow you to sample bundled services at a discounted rate. Schedule a la carte or purchase in a group for yourself or someone you love. You will thank me later...

“The Foundation” Package:

One (1) Hour Image Consulting

Three (3) Hours of Closet Edit

Seven (7) Ensemble Planning Looks w/ Photos

Two (2) Hours of Personal Shopping

One (1) Month of Style Guidance

$399

“Talk to Me” Package:

One (1) Hour Image Consulting

One (1) Month of Style Guidance

$149

“So many garments. So little to wear.” Package:

Three (3) Hours of Closet Edit

Seven (7) Ensemble Planning Looks w/ Photos

$199

"Edit and Enhance" Package:

Three (3) Hours of Closet Edit

Three (3) Hours of Personal Shopping

$249

For detailed service descriptions, click here.

Confess Wardrobe Styling Services

Client Wardrobe Edit and Organizing

January 2011

Here is a list of the wardrobe styling services offered by Confess along with pricing. To schedule an appointment, email me at confessapparel@gmail.com or call (757) 753.1114. Feel free to submit questions via post comments.

Personal Shopping:

Do you get frustrated or overwhelmed while shopping? Can’t seem to find the right items and the right fit for the right price? Allow me to assist you. I scour the internet and retailers in the surrounding area to find the perfect pieces that will enhance your wardrobe based on your specifications. Using the myriad resources I’ve identified to stock a retail store, I can locate high-quality modern designer and vintage apparel that cater to every whim and curve at incredibly low prices. Together, we will manifest the vision of your project or the figure-flattering wardrobe of your dreams for less than ever imagined.

$45/hour + Cost of items

Closet Edit/Organizing:

Is choosing what to don daily a daunting task? Do you own a plethora of clothing and often feel as if there’s “nothing to wear”? Is your closet in serious need of organizing? Eliminate the stress of getting dressed with my closet editing and organizing services. I will arrange your wardrobe by season, color and garment type, remove the items that do not serve your fashion needs and focus on key pieces to make your daily ensemble choices easier. By trying on your current clothes and assessing them for fit and styling, we will determine which pieces to keep, alter, donate, throw away, sell or trade. A shopping list will then be created to fill any gaps identified in your wardrobe in addition to suggested storage solutions. What more do you need!

$45/hour

Image consulting:

Have you lost or never established your sense of style? Has your life, figure or goals changed? Are you in search of a wardrobe that represents the many facets of your life? The process begins with an honest conversation and an open mind. During the consultation, we will discuss who you are, were and want to be to define pieces that embody your unique spirit. Without regarding trends or cookie-cutter industry standards, we will discuss your specific needs to create a timeless wardrobe from which you can draw inspiration everyday.

$45/hour

Ensemble Planning with Photographs:

With this service, I will fully assemble, accessorize and photograph outfits with your existing pieces. This is a great option for vacation planning, special events or simplifying a work week. With full body and detailed images to which you can refer in the future, you can rework the look on your own or wear again with ease.

$45/hour

Style Guidance:

Want your own fashion professional on retainer? Sign up to correspond daily with your personal stylist via email, text, phone or in-person. Submit images and inquiries to get an honest personalized response to your shopping and wardrobe questions. This service is convenient and effective with your busy lifestyle in mind.

$149/month

Jewelry Restyling:

Is your fashion jewelry dated or broken? Let me restyle your beaded creations in new and exciting ways.

Price per project varies.

Photo Shoot Styling:

On location or in the studio, create a polished and cohesive look for your shoot with a wardrobe stylist. As a creative partner, I will help translate the photographer’s, client’s and/or subject’s vision through fashion. Considering body type, lighting, backdrop, location, texture and color are but a few ways I ensure your wardrobe evokes the feel intended for the shoot.

$45/hour

Confess Wardrobe Styling FAQ's...

Actor Anri Mims

Here is a list of frequently asked questions in regards to Confess' wardrobe styling services. Comment with any additional inquiries not addressed here and the list will be updated.

1. Do you only buy second-hand and vintage goods?

No. My primary goal is to meet your individual styling needs. We will discuss each category on your personalized shopping list and determine the type of retailer that will meet your budget and style aesthetic from big-box to boutiques and even thrift stores.

Due to my retail merchandising background, I have identified a host of vintage and second-hand designer wholesalers that allow me to consider these unique and eco-friendly goods for your specific needs at unbelievable prices. By utilizing alternative resources on the web and in the local area to supplement your wardrobe, I will save you money and find the pieces that truly embody the look you are after.

2. I love my personal sense of style, why would I need your services?

If you have a strong sense of style, consider the closet organizing services. During this session, we will arrange your garments for convenience and discuss the storage and care of your beloved wardrobe to ensure it lasts as long as you want it to.

If you are looking for new ways to wear the pieces you adore or want to give a garment one more chance before purging, ensemble planning would be a wonderful option. I will share tips and tricks that can revitalize any item so you fall in love all over again.

3. I’m a photographer and want to recommend a stylist for some of my shoots. Would you come on location for touch-ups and wardrobe changes?

Yes. As a beauty/fashion industry professional, partnering with a wardrobe stylist adds value to your services. Ensure your shoots have a polished look and your clients are exceedingly happy with the finished product by recommending a stylist.

4. I have a complimentary business and would like to partner with Confess, how do I submit my company’s information?

Simply email me your contact information and I will add your company to the vendor list. This will expose your business to our ever expanding client base. If you are a designer, send a link to your portfolio and availability to have your line considered for customer acquisitions.

6. What if you don’t find anything I can use on a personal shopping project?

My personal shopping service is designed to yield a satisfactory outcome. For stores with a zero return policy, fittings are scheduled prior to final purchase to ensure the garments meet your needs. For online acquisitions, emails are sent for your approval prior to purchase. In the event there is an issue with fit upon receipt, modifications will be considered before returning. For local retail purchases, returns and exchanges will be done on your behalf. Time is not deducted for returns or exchanges.

Despite these measures, in the event a personal shopping assignment doesn’t yield pieces that meet your needs within the time allotted, you will receive a one hour credit toward your next service.

7. When is payment due?

For all consultative sessions and closet edits, payment is due when the services are complete. When a personal shopping list is created on your behalf, a budget and estimated time is calculated and prepayment is required. You will receive emails tracking my activity and time spent on your wardrobe project. If an overage in time occurs, the balance is due at the following meeting. In the event the wardrobe budget allotted is not met, you will receive the cash balance or credit upon project completion.

8. What do you mean when you say “project”?

A project is any detailed assignment for which Confess is hired that includes a timeline and/or specific duties that take place in or outside of your home. For example, personal shopping projects include a list of focus items based on your needs, a start and end date.

9. Are second-hand items cleaned before I buy them?

Some second-hand retailers launder their items prior to placing them on their racks. For added assurance, we offer our customers professional dry-cleaning as an added service. Wholesale and hourly rates apply.

10. When items are purchased on my behalf, do I receive a copy of the receipt?

Yes. All acquisition, laundering, and shipping receipts will be attached to the invoice.

11. May I schedule a session with you for less than an hour?

All appointments are set and invoiced in one hour blocks.

12. How can I follow your shopping activity and time spent on my project?

A time sheet is maintained for every client that is updated on a daily basis. It includes the location and the amount of time spent in each establishment.

13. When do you begin docking time on a shopping trip?

The clock begins when I enter a store on your behalf.

14. When editing my closet, who decides what I keep and what happens to the items I no longer need?

You do. I give suggestions based on the goals you share but you make the final decision.

Sénica Naturals Photo Shoot

Sénica Naturals Photo Shoot November 2010

Wardrobe Stylist

The above project was a fun challenge. I was hired by the owner of Sénica Naturals to dress twelve models representing myriad sizes and ages in a lifestyle photo shoot for her product line. The challenge? Create the looks in five days, working solely from the inventory of my petite store of vintage originals and the clients personal wardrobes.

These photos are great examples of how to don vintage in a way that doesn't evoke images of a specific era. I used garments from the 50s through the 80s to produce a cohesive, natural and timeless feel.

Visit the site via hyperlink to view the full shoot and browse through her amazing selection of natural skin and hair care products.