The Golden Age of Glamour: The Roaring 1950's

There must be some sort of inspiration for each season to produce a collection so bold that it strictly plays on a 1950's motif. Everything we see these days has some sort of element that plays with a significant trend that shook this era. Although not played on by all designers, a subtle touch of the 1950's can be spotted in almost everything we see.

In an attempt to investigate such a fascinating (potential) conspiracy, I have researched the corners of all book stores, the furthest reaches of the internet and skimmed through millions of pictures displaying nostalgic 50's era clothing, accessories, etc. Amidst my discovery, I have come to a stunning realization that the comeback will be huge, the date of arrival is still yet to be determined. Behold the mildly controversial haircut worn by Hollywood sensation Rosario Dawson. It would only be considered appropriate to parallel her not-so-average 'do' to the very memorable stylings of the Nototrious Betty Page. One could also easily strike this as coincidence due to the release of a movie/documentary covering the life of Betty Page. It isn't enough! We continue to witness high-waisted pants, waist belts, the roaring popularity of ballet flats , hair bands and the emerging fanaticism of knee-length boots becoming the center piece of any ensemble. These are blasts of fashion released into mainstream pop culture that have been released to send an upheaval of old- fashioned trends, reintroduced. But I swear, I am the only one who sees this.

A while back, I was torn by the dichotomy of fashion choices out there. I can shift over to a retro-styled, borderline classic or already recognized style or I can generate a newer, more controversial image by toying with more innovative fashion choices. I have to say, while I am enthralled by new styles and embrace the future to no end, I do find a sort of blinding beauty introduced by specific past time favorites. An example to better explain myself would be the ultimate of style choices introduced by Rayban: The Wayfarers. I saw these saucy specs in a fashion show, thrown together by the fantastic duo of Dean and Dan (aka DSquared). This model, although practically wearing nothing, dons a pair of Oxfords, 1950's-style squarecuts, and almost exactly identical frames that were inspired by the Wayfarer model back in 1953. I am repeatedly told by many people that the classic never dies. I could not agree more and, to display such truth, is the Wayfarer. Worn by many celebrities (including Tom Cruise and Bob Dylan), these sunglasses tend to make a cameo in almost every decade since their debut. No matter how many times they are brought back, however, it is only perhaps natural these days to accept that the Wayfarers speaks fondly of one era. Take a wild guess.

I am reminded of Betty Page once again when I flip through tabloid trash at my local grocery store and spot Dita Von Teese, a burlesque artist who best imitates the sultry and stylish forms of pin-up models of the 50's. Teese, 34, has recently released a line of sunglasses that display a style that so few people are familiar with when thinking of the 1950's. Although bulky in shape and reminiscent of the 1970's, these shades tend to play on a very accurate portrayal of sunglasses worn during the mid-20th Century. Fashion comes into play when a line of sunglasses with a (unfamiliar) brand have ties to legendary Dita Von Teese, there is much articulate detailing and well-designed, extremely good quality is present. The added bonus is just that they are, once again, reminding us that the 1950's have so much influence on fashion, even these days.

Of course, my findings may have just barely skimmed the surface of what could potentially be a very deep pool of rather nostalgic coincidences. What is important to remember is that we are all so delightfully touched by the times that this world has seen, even if we, ourselves, have not lived to experience them. What determines great style is the ability to recognize these trends and live in the times of when they were a smash hit. They bring about not only classic tales, but form new paths to excellent style and irreplaceable milestones of timeless fashion.

Raise eyebrows, then let them flourish...

After many years of perfecting the delicate nature of women, one has to wonder,"why are women trying to look fragile?" From peticoats to lace trim, soft shades of make-up to pearl necklaces, women are somewhat forced by society to appear to live a life of less strain, a façade of innocence and an image of ladylike perfection. Leave the brute and savage persona of untamed humans to the men. However, an alternative has made its presence into the runways. Very recently, perhaps cultured and released by French fashionistas, was the bold appearance of eyebrows. Always a signature look on men, these bushy eyebrows now have made its way into women crossing gender boundaries, all the while being accepted by major fashion designers worldwide.

Leave it to designers, such as Derek Lam to incorporate thick-browed women in his Fall line for 2006. He masterfully provides the sweet, intoxicating vigor of a woman's femininity and merges the elements of masculinity that will compliment a woman's face. This will give fashion a fresh image of the new woman. Delicate and tantalizing, yet a touch of virility and mystique. The rough edges offer a much needed freshness to the already tainted image of a helpless, fragile woman. How should one go about maintaining this look? Think plentiful but polished. It is important to sustain composure to any wild look. You can wow crowds with looks that break the barriers but not push the envelope. By tweezing your eyebrows to a thin pencil line, you are following the crowd. By leaving a natural line of your eyebrows, you are able to display a face you naturally have, not one that you created. With this look you can rise levels of femininity and balance out specific features that are at their best left in a state of androgeny. By keeping thick-brows, a roman nose or deep black eyelashes, we are able to be recognized by our distinct features; our signature appearance is marked by our subtle imperfections.

So, without hesitation, consider this option to bring out the best. We spend money, time and our patience dealing with what we think are our imperfections when, all along, we should focus on the benefits of our physical features. How we can bring out the natural you.