1930s Question

[scheherazade_79]

I've been invited to a 1930s murder mystery evening by a colleague. It's starts with a three-course dinner, based on recipes from an authentic 1930s cookbook (let's hope it was written before rationing started), then I presume that someone's going to drop dead over pudding, or a body will fall out of a cupboard with a knife stuck into them, or the like.

It sounds like good fun. 1930s dress is optional, but I've decided that I want to do the girlie thing and get completely dressed up for it. I know my hairdresser can probably help me out with the 1930s hair, but I'm completely stumped about 1930s make-up and women's evening wear.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Scheherazade

 

[oggbashan]

Make-up: lipstick red. foundation and powder bland and lightly applied. Too much was the sign of being too fast.

Evening dress: long, clinging, bias-cut with a low back. Arrive wearing gloves and hat with a wrap or long coat. Stockings should be silk.

Ginger Rogers is a good example of overstated 1930s. Jessie Matthews is another. Try googling for images of them.

Og

 

[scheherazade_79]

Thanks, Og!

I don't know... I'm tempted to go for the 'fast woman' look

That was a big help, though! Where would I be without you?

 

[matriarch]

Scheh............don't forget the cigarette holder !!

http://www.fashion.at/film/shakes3.jpg

 

[matriarch]

1930's fashions.......

Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/railton/enam312/1930fash.jpg


~ROFLMAO~

 

[matriarch]

This is better...........

http://www.movietonefrocks.com/assets/images/db_images/db_1930s_BRONZE_SATIN_EVENING_DRESS18.jpg

 

[scheherazade_79]

LOL! Nice one, Mat. I'll try and stay away from the Nora Batty look! I like the idea of the cigarette holder, though. I wouldn't mind one in RL. Do you think it would spoil the whole period-look if I used one outside to smoke a spliff while I'm figuring out who the murderer is?

 

[matriarch]

..or this..........

http://www.movietonefrocks.com/assets/images/db_images/db_1930s_PEACH_CREPE_EVENING_DRESS18.jpg

 

[matriarch]

LOL! Nice one, Mat. I'll try and stay away from the Nora Batty look! I like the idea of the cigarette holder, though. I wouldn't mind one in RL. Do you think it would spoil the whole period-look if I used one outside to smoke a spliff while I'm figuring out who the murderer is?

Nahhhhhhhh...........who's going to know its a spliff, anyway? Just looks like a rollie. Just make it fatter so it fits the holder.

 

[matriarch]

or this........

http://www.movietonefrocks.com/assets/images/db_images/db_1930s_EVENING_DRESS_METALLIC_THREAD18.jpg

 

[scheherazade_79]

Nahhhhhhhh...........who's going to know its a spliff, anyway? Just looks like a rollie. Just make it fatter so it fits the holder.

I'll have to aim for a Bob Marley style cone in that case

I like the first picture you posted. The pink one reminds me too much of my mum's dressing gown.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

While Oggs is absolutely corect on the hat * gloves, I would enquire discrety about what's appropriate. 1930's US, will be slightly "behind" 1930's UK, which will be pretty much on par with Paris. There is also a difference in early 30's and late. It sounds like the evening is something of a film Noir evening, so it might help a lot to check out a few movies from the era as well.

 

[matriarch]

http://www.moviecard.com/debuk/deb-57.jpg

 

[matriarch]

Now THIS............is very you..........

http://www.knowlesville.com/matt/vintage_fashion/images/1930-silkslip-2.jpg

Get the hair and makeup right, and the accessories (including cigarette holder), and no-one will be interested in the murder......

 

[scheherazade_79]

Thanks, Colly. that's another one I didn't think of. Sheesh, this is starting to get so complicated. I might go out for a bike ride while I think about this.

And Mat - are you suggesting that I have my nipples sticking out like the girl in the picture? I'm shocked!

 

[matriarch]

..........
And Mat - are you suggesting that I have my nipples sticking out like the girl in the picture? I'm shocked!

I have no idea if they do or could.............yet.

But it would certainly distract everyone from the murder......the perfect accomplice. I know where MY eyes would be.

 

[scheherazade_79]

I'll see if I can get hold of a similar dress and take photos for you, Mat

 

[oggbashan]

Jessie Matthews

I hope this gives some idea of hair and make-up:

Jessie

Jessie was later well known as Mrs Dale from Mrs Dale's Diary.

Og

 

[dr_mabeuse]

No bra either, you know.

And I hate to be a party pooper, but in the US at least, a woman smoking in public was considered rather vulgar and infra dig.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

No bra either, you know.

LOL,

On the upside, no corset either

 

[NoJo]

No bra either, you know.

And curve your back. Bad posture seemed to be de rigeur. Actually I find it one of the sexiest decades. I started a thread about it not long ago. I think it was Claudette Colbert and Ginger Rogers that got me into it.

 

[scheherazade_79]

Wow! Thanks, folks! I wish you all lived close by! You know what the next question is, don't you - where can I get clothes like this?

 

[oggbashan]

Wow! Thanks, folks! I wish you all lived close by! You know what the next question is, don't you - where can I get clothes like this?

Your local upmarket charity shop or a boot fair - 1970s and 80s evening dresses. I saw a couple at this morning's local boot fair. Too small (UK size 10) for any of my daughters otherwise I might have called them on my mobile.

Og

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Try the salvation army or goodwill store first. Purchaseing actual vintage clothing is a sport for the pretty well to do.

 

[matriarch]

A quick google found this...........

period fashion supplies

...........not sure if it helps, but worth a try.