Dress Week: Mixing Decades

Happy Saturday, everyone!

We have been having a lot of 90+ degree days lately.  This season, I am forcing myself to dress for the season and rid myself of the constant need for cardigans and blazers, at least when I'm not at work in my chilly office.

Tunic:  Forever 21+ (Available here)

In the past, I would have thrown a cardigan over this look, even in the height of a balmy Midwestern summer.

Today's look has a modern appeal but references the 1920s and 1940s.  

I am completely inspired by the 1920s.  The decade was such an amazing period of progress and change for women's political and social rights in this country.  With the social changes came a change in fashion.  I really can't get enough of 1920s fashion - so beautiful and interesting.  The dropped waist of this dress and bead necklace is a subtle nod to the flapper era.

With World War II in full swing, the 1940s also brought about a lot of change for women as women were told it was their patriotic duties to join the paid labor force and support the war efforts.  This decade led to war-time rationing, and the fashion of that decade also reflected those changes.  These color blocked bow heels give reference to 1940s fashion.

Necklace:  The Limited (old)
Clutch:  Target

Shoes:  eBay (Available here)
Bow earrings:  The Limited (Similar here)

Mixing fashion from two decades that brought such major change for women feels modern, fun, and just a little bit quirky!

Ring:  LOFT

Do you like wearing vintage or vintage-inspired fashion?  What fashion periods do you find inspiring?

For this tunic/dress in another look, see here

Pretty Peplum

Peplums are everywhere this year.  This trend was all over Spring 2012 runways and is continuing into Fall 2012. 

Peplums have a long history.  They started during the 1800s, were re-invented in the 1940s, and came back with a vengeance in the 1980s.  Today's version of the peplum feels fun and fresh.

Peplum top:  New York & Company (Available:  http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/prod/New-Arrivals/Tops/Mixed-Print-Peplum-Sleeveless-Blouse)
Purse:  Vintage

While it may seem counter-intuitive to add fabric to the hips, the peplum is surprisingly flattering.  The flared bottom helps whittle waists and balance curves.  

Skirt:  The Limited (Similar:  http://www.thelimited.com/Black-Collection-Inset-Yoke-Skirt/7263244,default,pd.html?dwvar_7263244_colorCode=144&start=6&ppid=c6&cgid=skirts&prefn1=colorFamily&prefv1=Black)

Shoes:  Payless (Available: http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp?catId=cat10088&subCatId=cat10289&skuId=092545075&productId=69844&lotId=092545&category=&catdisplayName=Womens) 

Today's look combines the 1920s Deco print and pleats of the top with a 1940s silhouette.  I paired the look with a vintage clutch from the '80s and added in a modern sculptural cuff.

Cuff:  New York & Company

Earrings:  New York and Company (Available:  http://www.nyandcompany.com/nyco/prod/Accessories/Jewelry/Earrings/Deco-Disc-Post-Earrings)

I love how this look is inspired by several decades but manages to look very 2012.