Super Fashions

Archive for October, 2011

Poodle skirts were very popular in the 1950s. Young girls and young women wore the skirts often. They were considered a “must-have” fashion for young females. Older women stayed away from poodle skirts, opting instead for a more mature look. But 1950 female fashions offered something for women of all ages.

1950s Female Fashions

Young females were fond of poodle skirts and saddle shoes. The two were often worn together. Sometimes a neck scarf and bobby socks completed the ensemble. Bobby socks were simply thin, white socks that had a roll down cuff. The cuff was usually thicker than the sock part that went on the foot. They looked nice with saddle shoes.

Tight-fitted Capri pants were also popular. In the movies, bad girls were generally depicted wearing these pants. During that time, women were still expected to wear skirts and dresses. So the pants were often seen as a rebellious fashion statement. Over time, the pants became more acceptable and a regular part of fashion. The Capri pants allowed women to ditch the skirts, but to maintain their feminine qualities.

Flat shoes were popular as well for young girls. The flats looked good with Capri pants and skirts. The shoes were worn with casual wear. But the shoes were neat enough to wear to church and other more formal occasions.

Cat eye classes were popular eyewear. They had thick rims, and the arms and lenses connected at the top corners. This resulted in a slanted look, similar to a cat’s eyes. Older women dressed more conservatively. Knee length dresses and skirts were popular. Low to mid-length heels were worn most often.

One thing is clear, the 1950s were a time before tennis shoes and jeans became the norm. Women back then dressed to impress. They would not wear anything that looked frumpy or messy. Even if nothing special was happening, the women looked presentable and ready to go.

Who wants a Cosmo? With “Sex and the City 2″ hitting theatres, it’s time to get “carrie’d away” with the girls for a “Sex and the City” bash. Our fashion school experts have some party ideas to make your celebration particularly stylish and fun. So dial up the glamour and find your inner Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte or Miranda with these oh so fashionable SATC party tips. Oh, and Mr. Big’s not invited.

Dress like your favorite character. A big part the fun of “Sex and the City” is the glorious fashion design. Each of the show’s women has her distinctive style, so channel your favorite character and work it! All you Carries out there might mix an avant-garde piece with a vintage find; try a men’s vest and tie; or wear a tank top and tutu like Sarah Jessica Parker wears during the opening credits. Samantha’s wardrobe is bold and sexy: vivid colors, animal prints and figure-hugging tops are at the top of her fashion list. She’s also all about the accessories, like big hoop earrings, designer bags and dramatic hats. If you’re more of the Charlotte type, think Park Avenue Princess: either a classic A-line dress, a matching sweater set, or a plaid or hounds tooth jacket. Then finish off the look with a headband and a string of pearls. And for you Mirandas, you can either go with a chic business suit or a sleek evening dress. (But don’t go for Miranda’s harried mom look with baby food stains on her sweatshirt.)

Do a fashion show/clothes swap. One of the highlights of the first “Sex and the City” movie was when Carrie put on a fashion show for her friends, trying on all her old outfits from her closet, and getting a “yay” or “nay” for each piece. Recreate the fun of that scene with your own fashion show. Ask each guest to bring two or three outfits they no longer want, and have clothes swap at the party. When someone finds a garment she might want, she tries it on, sashays down a “runway,” and everyone else plays fashion design critic, deciding whether she should take it or not. Any clothes not taken by the end of the party can be donated to a thrift shop.

Decorate with style. For that “Sex and the City” vibe, decorate your party with items that pay tribute to the show. Place shopping bags and shoe boxes on tables as an homage to Carrie. Do an all-white theme with white balloons and white fabric swagged everywhere like Carrie’s swanky book party. Celebrate everything New York with subway maps and “I Love NY” posters. Or even put Post-It notes with memorable “Sex and the City” quotes all around the party for a tongue-in-cheek reminder of the way Berger broke up with Carrie.

Food and drinks. Of course you must serve Cosmopolitans and Appletinis, but make sure you use real martini glasses, not plastic cups. Would Samantha ever drink out of a plastic cup? We think not. As for food, Chinese take-out is not only easy, it’s all Miranda ever ate. Or serve sushi, Samantha’s cuisine of choice (and the subject of a funny and memorable scene) from the first movie. As for dessert, even if you can’t have Carrie’s favorite cupcakes from Magnolia Bakery, mini cupcakes with pink frosting from your local bakeshop will have your guests in sugar heaven.

Goodie bags. Send your “Sex and the City” party guests off in style with goodie bags containing little bottles of bath and body products, chocolate, and even DVDs of the show. For the bags themselves, find inexpensive cosmetics bags or small purses and glue on an obviously fake designer label on them to pay homage to the episode in which Samantha dragged Carrie to go shopping for Fendi handbag knockoffs.

With a “Sex and the City” shindig this fun, your guests will be clamoring for another sequel – to the movie and your party.

This recipe, from my vintage collection I received from my mother’s estate, was in an old newspaper column at the first of a year. It was in a column about dieting and eating better in the new year. It makes a good soup for anytime of the year but especially on cool or cold days when you want to be warmed from the inside out. Serve with a crusty whole grain bread, if desired. The fruity stuffed cantaloupe recipe below is perfect for a light dessert or for a breakfast treat.

SUPER HAMBURGER SOUP

1 lb lean hamburger

2/3 cup diced celery

1 bay leaf, crushed

dash of cayenne pepper

1 cup diced onions

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/2 tsp thyme

1 1/2-quarts water

1/2 cup cubed raw potato

8-oz can tomato sauce

2 tsp salt

1/2 cup frozen peas

1 cup sliced carrots

1/4 cup raw rice

2 beef bouillon cubes

Brown hamburger and onion in Pam sprayed soup pot. Brain off all fat. Add potatoes, carrots, celery, cabbage, water and tomato sauce. Bring to a boil. Add remaining ingredients, except peas. Cover and simmer 50 minutes. Add peas and cook another 5 to 10 minutes. Put into soup bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings of about 200 calories each.

To continue on a light and healthy theme, here is a delightful fruit dessert.

FRUITY CANTALOUPE

1 large cantaloupe

1 cup fresh strawberry halves

1/4 cup blueberries

1/4 cup chunked kiwi (peeled)

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp sugar

Cut cantaloupe in half and remove seeds. Prick cavity with fork. Combine remaining ingredients, toss, and spoon into cantaloupe halves.

Enjoy!