A Vintage Nerd || Exploring Old Hollywood Through Fashion, Film, & Books: A Vintage Nerd Recreates

Showing posts with label A Vintage Nerd Recreates. Show all posts

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: Scrooge (1970): Ghost of Christmas Present

December 23, 2021

•

I just love trying to recreate a character or scene from a film. I think the key to recreating is the genuinely love or be inspired by something. That way you approach the character from a point of admiration and created your vision authentically with your own personal touch.

After reading my Classic Film Spotlight: Scrooge (1970) post I hope you know how much a deeply adore and love this rendition of the classic A Christmas Carol story. The character of the Ghost of Christmas Present is this burly and jovial character who shows Scrooge the joy found in Bob Cracket's house and the fun being had at his nephew, Harry's house where they play The Minister's Cat game. The Ghost of Christmas Present then gives Scrooge a drink that is the milk of human kindness. He then proceeds to sing him a jolly song called, "I Like Life".

I like life
Life likes me
Life and I fairly fully agree
Life is fine
Life is good
'Specially mine, which is just as it should be
I like pouring the wine and why not?
Life's a pleasure that I deny not

It is one of my favorite songs from this film. It's positive and honest and reminds us of the joy to be had by being kind and being open to receiving kindness in return. In my recreates of this jolly giant I pulled out my green Boden coat, some garlands hanging in my home, some icicle ornaments, and a fancy glass of apple juice that my children happily drank after my shoot.

It made me so happy to channel the character of the Ghost of Christmas Present from Scrooge (1970). If you haven't seen my other recreates you can check them out HERE. What other characters or films would you like me to try and recreate?

A Vintage Nerd, Scrooge 1970, Vintage Recreates, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Inspired Fashion, Classic Film Blog, Ghost of Christmas Present

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967): Delphine & Solange Garnier

November 18, 2021

•

A Vintage Nerd Recreates

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Lifestyle Blog, The Young Girls of Rochefort, Vintage Recreates, Retro Fashion Blog, Catherine Deneuve, Classic Film Blog, Vintage Fashion Inspiration

Over the summer I had the pleasure of joining my good friend Dalin at one of my favorite places, The Museum of Moving Image. They were showing The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) on the big screen and neither of us could resist to see it and dress in theme. I even put on some faux bangs so that I can channel the Garnier sisters a bit more.

It was a rainy day that day so I dressed casual channeling Solange played by the late Françoise Dorléac while my friend channeled Delphine played by the great Catherine Deneuve. It’s a Jacques Demy film so like many of his films this one was filled with bright pastel colors and heaps of random singing and dancing.

Watching this film on the big screen reminded me that all films should be seen in this format, particularly classic films. Dalin and I are huge cinephiles so watching this together was pure joy for us both. You can find my friend Dalin on her blog Magic-Ala-Mode and her Instagram Magicalamode.

Have you ever felt compelled to dress in theme to an event or screening of a film?

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: The Birds (1963): Melanie Daniels

October 17, 2021

•

A Vintage Nerd Recreates

The other day I was looking through old posts of mine and discovered that I was doing recreations inspired by classic films/tv shows long before I realized I was doing recreations. Back in 2012 I did a photo shoot at the Flushing Meadow Park where the World's Fair took place in 1964. In keeping with the Halloween spirit I channeled my inner Melanie Daniels from The Birds (1963).

Tippi Hedren's portrayal of Melanie Daniels is an iconic staple in the horror genre. Draped in high fashion by the great Edith Head, Melanie soon finds herself on island where the birds have decided to attack humans.

It's been such fun to look back at ten years of posts and realize there are some really cool things I have done and experienced. This shoot was one of my favorite ones to put together. If you are interested in dressing up as Melanie Daniels from The Birds (1963), here is some Halloween costume inspiration.

A Vintage Nerd, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Film Blog, Old Hollywood Recreates, The Birds Photo Shoot, A Vintage Nerd Recreates, Melanie Daniels, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Vintage Halloween, Vintage Halloween Costumes, Retro Halloween Costume Ideas, Vintage Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: Funny Face (1957): Jo Stockton

May 07, 2021

•

A Vintage Nerd Recreates

Funny Face (1957) was Audrey Hepburn's 12th film but only her 5th film where she played the lead. She starred with the legendary Fred Astaire and the iconic Kay Thompson (author of the Eloise books). Funny Face is a smorgasbord of memorable film moments. You have high fashion, dances scenes with Audrey and Fred, a real high fashion model named Dovima, a cameo appearance by Suzy Parker, and an unforgettable singing/dancing scene with Kay Thompson.

There are so many unforgettable scenes in this film. It is the sort of film that you can watch over and over again and always discover something "new". And when it comes to fashion, it is simply a feast for the eyes. I think Funny Face is the sort of film that can't help but put a smile on your face.

For my latest edition of A Vintage Nerd Recreates, I wanted to try my hand at Audrey's famous photo shoot with Richard Avedon from 1957. Audrey was a trained dancer and far more limber but it was still so much fun to channel my inner Jo Stockton.

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Bonnie Parker

May 24, 2020

•

A Vintage Nerd Recreates

The story of Bonnie and Clyde is legendary. They have been portrayed in films, tv shows, and episodes within tv shows. They lived how they died, fast and violent. Bonnie and Clyde (1967) starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway was the first time their story was put up on the big screen. Faye Dunaway's performance as Bonnie Parker was mesmerizing. I remember that this was the very first film I saw her in. I was dazzled by her charm, her sense of style, and the chemistry she had with the always dashing, Warren Beatty. In the film we watch what we think happened to the iconic, historic couple and follow her from directionless waitress to wanted criminal.

Bonnie's look was created by costume designer, Theadora Van Runkle who also did costumes for Same Time, Next Year (1978), The Jerk (1979), and Troop Beverly Hills (1989). Van Runkle famously rejected Edith Head's advice to make all the costumes for Bonnie and Clyde (1967) in chiffon. Instead she followed her instincts and created a look that resinated with the audience so much that after the film was released women everywhere were looking for ways to recreate Bonnie's style in the film. This film was Van Runkle's very first film as a costume designer and she certainly made her mark.

I loved how she dressed Bonnie but every time I watch a "period" film made in the sixties it still somehow looks sixties to me. I do love how she paired the the knee length skirt and top with a beret. Its simple but with the right color combinations it can really make people turn their heads for a second look. For my recreates of Bonnie Parker I used a thrifted skirt I scored for a few bucks, a mustard top that I had in my closet already, a vintage scarf I purchased eons ago, and a beret. Simple yet affective. Accessories can really alter a look and I think the accessories I choose for this particular recreates of Bonnie Parker did the trick. And yes that is a real book written by Clyde Barrow's sister in law Blanche Caldwell Barrow called My Life with Bonnie and Clyde. It's a great read and I will definitely review it for you all soon.

What did you think of my latest recreates? What recreates would you like to see in the future?

Outfit: Skirt was thrifted, Yellow Turtleneck from J Crew, Scarf is 1960's Vintage,

Mustard Beret from Urban Outfitters, and Sunglasses are 1930's Vintage

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: Une Femme Est Une Femme (1961): Angela Récamier

April 30, 2020

•

A Vintage Nerd Recreates

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Inspired Fashion Blog, Fashion Recreates, One Femme Set One Femme, Anna Karina Fashion, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Modcloth Plaid Skirt

There something magical that happens when the late Anna Karina made a film with Jean-Luc Godard. Fashion and social issues collided in a beautiful way. That melding keeps you captivated with the film despite language barriers. In Une Femme Est Une Femme (1961) we watch Angela Récamier (Karina) living out her life as a exotic dancer. But there is more to Angela than pretty clothes and singing talent, she wants to settle down and start a family with her lover, Émile. To make things a little more complex, Émile's best friend Alfred professes his love for Angela. Angela who is torn between her love for Émile and her desire for a child gives into Alfred's pleas. She does not love him and eventually Émile and Angela repair their relationship long enough for Émile to say "Angéla, tu es infâme" ("Angela, you are horrid"), and she retorts, "Non, je suis une femme" ("No, I am a woman").

In the midst of all of this personal drama is an array of fabulous fashion designed by Jacqueline Moreau who also designed the fashion in two others films I absolutely adore, Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) and Young Girl of Rochefort (1967). I love the way colors of red and cobalt blue are blended together with shades of grey, black, white. Everything Karina wears in this film is a delight to the eyes. I love the use of color blocking that Moreau used throughout the film and it completely inspired my outfit for my Une Femme Est Une Femme Recreates. This is the type of outfit you can wear anywhere and feel as though you are channeling your inner Anna Karina.

Outfit: Plaid Skirt from Modcloth, Red Turtleneck from J Crew, Trench Coat from Gap, Beret and Stockings from Amazon, and Black Gloves are Vintage 1960's

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: 1960's Space Age Egg & Ball Chairs

March 30, 2020

•

A Vintage Nerd Recreates

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blogger, Sixties Girl, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Sixties Furniture, 1960s Egg Chair, 1960s Ball Chair, Space Age Furniture, Space Age Chairs, TWA Hotel, Disability and Fashion, Sixties Style, Sixities Fashion, Modern Retro Fashion

Imagine being able to take a seat in this iconic chair? I got the chance when I last visited the TWA Hotel where they have heaps of vintage style areas to play around in. I have to be honest, getting out of this style of chair was not easy for me but it was really comfortable. I can definitely see it as the type of chair where I would want to bring a book and get cozy.

This Scandinavian aesthetic of space age furniture reminds me of the style of furniture created in the Swedish company, IKEA. Clean lines, simple styles, but with a retro edge. The ball chair was created in 1963 by Finnish furniture designer Eero Aarnio and the egg shaped chair was created in 1968 by Danish industrial designer Henrik Thor-Larsen. These style of chairs were the most popular in the sixties and can still be found in some furniture stores like, Modholic.

These style of chairs are a conversation piece and also incredibly timeless. They can transport you back to 1966 with ease and endless comfort all the while still be chic. What do you think about these sixties space age egg and ball chairs?

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: White Christmas (1954): Judy Haynes

December 22, 2019

•

A Vintage Nerd Recreates

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Fashion Blog, Vintage Fashion Inspiration, Old Hollywood Blog, Classic Film Fashions, Classic Film Fashion Inspiration, Retro Lifestyle Blog, White Christmas Fashion, A Vintage Nerd Recreates, Old Hollywood Fashion, White Christmas Judy, Fifties Fashion, Vintage Christmas Corsage, CMT Fashion, Disabled Fashion

The holidays are now coming to a head. Homes are decorated, children are on vacation, and the fridges are stuffed with things to cook and bake. But one of the things I love about the holidays is watching or rewatching classic holiday films. Some I have watched more than a dozen times and some like "Meet Me In St. Louis" (1944) I recently saw for the first time. One of my all time favorites is White Christmas (1954). It's one of those films just brimming with fun and joy. And yet in the midst of all the laughter you'll find yourself moved and in tears. While in some scenes you'll find yourself in awe of the costumes and dance scenes.

This year happens to be the 65th Anniversary of White Christmas (1954). In honor of this anniversary I wanted to do something special. I loved the costumes made for Vera-Ellen in the film because everything she wore was so stylish and feminine. One of my favorite outfits is in the scene when she is trying to convince Phil that they should get engaged in order for her sister to stop being overprotective.

To create this look I pulled out pieces from my closet and put together vintage accessories I already had. All I had to add to the ensemble was a white turtleneck. I purchased one from J Crew that was originally $35 dollars and I snagged it for under $4 with sales and coupons. I think doing recreates based on classic films/tv shows or period films/tv shows is going to be a blast. I plan to do a whole lot more in the coming new year but I don't see the point of it if I have to spend a heap of money on the outfits.

A Vintage Nerd Recreates is going to marry my passions for Old Hollywood and Fashion. I also hope it will inspire others by exploring their personal style and also bring some attention to the film being spotlighted. Keep in mind I will always recreate with A Vintage Nerd flair because what I am doing is not costuming or cosplay but rather a celebration of a character or film.

What classic films/tv shows or period films/tv shows would you like to see recreated here on A Vintage Nerd?

Outfit: Plaid Skirt from Modcloth, Turtleneck from J Crew, Black Cardigan from Boden,

Red Belt from Vivien of Holloway, and all accessories are vintage 1950s/1960s

A Vintage Nerd Recreates: Hairspray (1988): Tracy Turnblad

October 31, 2019

•

A Vintage Nerd Recreates

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Retro Lifestyle Blog, Retro Fashion Inspiration, Hairspray the Movie, Link Larkin, Tracy Turnblad Costume, Welcome to the 60's, Hairspray 1988, Tracy Turnbland Halloween Costume, Sixties Inspired Fashion, Lady in Red, Sixties Retro Style, Bouffant Hairstyle, Hairspray Costume, Disabled Fashion, Living with CMT, Charcot Marie Tooth Disease Fashion

Welcome to the Sixties! When John Waters brought us the world of Hairspray back in 1988 it just blew my mind. The music, the comedy, the fashion, and the hair. We get introduced to Tracy Turnblad who would have been voted the least likely to be a heroine of any story let alone her own but Waters changed all of that. He took a non-popular, chubby girl and made her a star. She was feisty, brave, and told it like it was. That's my kinda girl. And that's why I decided to dress up as Tracy Turnblad for Halloween.

Its safe to say my look is an vintage nerd inspired rendition of Tracy Turnblad. I grabbed a few pieces from my everyday wardrobe, teased my hair a bit, and grabbed my 8x10 frame photo of the dreamy Link Larkin and channeled by inner Tracy.

Hairspray (1988) was loosely inspired by John Waters life in Baltimore in the sixties. He ironically related to Tracy most of all and I don't blame him. Who can't relate to looking different and wanting to live their life according to their own truth? That's Tracy in a nutshell.

A few years after the original film came out it inspired a broadway show that I was lucky to see once. After that success it spawned into a a movie musical in 2007 and then a live show in 2016. Hairspray is just a whole lot of fun combined with a message about staying true to who you are no matter what obstacles lie ahead.

And so on this Halloween I bring you Tracy Turnbland. I even found a vintage 1960's pumpkin to go trick or treating in. Now only if I can convince Link to come along?