Crushed Velvet with Afro

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Lessons in Loveliness

They call this outfit the Barber's Pole...


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From Helen Hugh's Glamour School - Lessons in Loveliness. Undated.

Attention Stylists!

Given the overwhelming number of complaints we've been getting about your appalling and steadily deteriorating choices in salon-wear, an executive decision has been made:  as soon as we can identify a girdle that's up to whipping Peenee into something approaching the presentable, all staff will be required to purchase ($4.95 each; we suggest buying two) and at all times they are on the floor wear the "Buttons and Braids" model shown above.  What could be more practical, yet flattering, than White Rain Dacron?

And yes, Norma, we do expect you to button it all the way up, and don't even think about shortening that skirt.  Finally, let's make this very clear:  only the designated manager on duty will be allowed a Giant Coachman Collar.

Chest Hair Coat

Wondering what to do with all that hair after you've manscaped your chest?

Turn it into a coat!...

Nails done while you wait.

Our model wears a Schiaperelli "Bow" in her hair, and a dress by the same designer. 

Cookie has been reading the Memoir SHOCKED by Patricia Volk (2013, Alfred Knopf, 26.95), and I have to tell you that it's one of the best written books I have come across in a long time.

Volk's book juxtaposes a look at her own mother, Audrey Volk, against that of fashion designer (and trail blazer) Elsa Schiaperelli.  The common thread is that Audrey Volk is obsessed at looking her best and when a copy of Schaperelli's own autobiography "Shocking Life" falls into the hands of a ten year old Patricia, it launches Patricia on a life altering path that questions what is "beauty" and at what cost, as well her own study of her mother's life and how it is built around her own beauty.

FLOCKING

Our fashion sources indicate that Hair Flocking is going to be a big trend this season.

Also anything Raggedy Ann or Andy related.

dandy

lion

Sonia Rykiel

I got a Sonia Rykiel trompe l'oeil sweater at a vintage sale a month or so ago.  This evening, I was browsing online to find out if I might have gotten a good deal on my sweater and I found this photograph of this insane portrait dress. I thought you should see it, too.  

In a mid '90s edition of Who's Who In Fashion Sonia's Paris apartment is described as "mostly black accented with neon lights and a menagerie of stuffed animals." I thought that seemed entirely believable. 

Here's something else that Sonia Rykiel designed. 

Here she is. 

She brings over-processed, very dry, ratted hair to a new level of chic. Awesome, non? 

[images: 1, 2, 3.]

Wilhelmina Working It

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photo by by Kenneth Heilbron

new looks for fall

If You Wear Smocking, Your Hairstyle Should Be Rocking

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Source: 1966 John Plain Spring and Summer Supplement

au bouffant masqué

Which side's her face? You'll never know.

The Charm of Brown

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Spring Styles

The flowers that bloom in the spring,
Tra la,
Breathe promise of merry sunshine.

Friday’s Fashion Plates

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Do you look this glam today?

This is Spinal Tap

Between the earrings and the 'do, this dame is going to have serious osteoporosis.

What It Is

Hair.

Frosted flair

T'ain't What You Do, it's the Way That You Do It

Monique Van Vooren's coiffure here may seem nice, but unspectacular; and, you may query, why is this photo appearing in The Hair Hall of Fame amidst all these other towering bouffant glories? Look closer...yup, Monique is rocking a dress made of human hair. Brilliant.