Forties in the Naughties
Sapphire likes to dress up just as much as I do, if not more, so when I heard she had a Forties-themed party to go to, I wanted to hear all about it.
Tell us about the party, Sapphire.
I was invited to a 40th birthday party, with a cute Forties theme. I absolutely adore Forties and Fifties style so I was pretty excited – I’ve always loved Katharine Hepburn too.
The Andrews SistersOriginally my two friends and I wanted to go as the Andrews Sisters, and we searched high and low for some place that would loan us an old army outfit for a reasonable price. But alas, the only thing that looked good was $140 a piece – it was authentic, which explains the price. Then the only thing that was at the right price turned out to be “dancers’” costumes in a previous life and, well… just a little to revealing!
So what did you do instead?
I decided to put my own costume together, especially hoping to find pieces that I would wear again. The shopping process took me quite a while, as it was really hard to find things that are actually Forties. It doesn’t seem to be a very popular decade with vintage shops!
Or there just isn’t much of it around unfortunately. And when you do find something, it doesn’t fit!
Yes, and it was August, so a pretty cold time of year. The fur shrug and thick wool cape helped keep me warm. Stockings were also essential, but not just because of the weather – no woman in the Forties would have been seen anywhere without wearing her nylons!
One of the few people at the party who actually lived through the 40s absolutely loved my costume – the ultimate compliment!
Do you have a favourite piece?
Definitely – the two piece suit! It's actually a Sixties number which I found in Retro Star, but I managed to twist it to look a little more Forties. I love the little cape with the pinky-red lining! It was just a matter of choosing the accessories after that.
Hmm, as for that lining, I think we could even call it puce! Tell me about your accessories.
The turquoise blouse is from Retro Star, as well as the faux pearl earrings. I absolutely adored the dainty navy straw hat, with its trim of little white flowers. It was from Shag and individually, the most expensive item. The fur collar was from Chapel St Bazaar.
And how did you go on the night?
One of the few people at the party who actually lived through the 40s absolutely loved my costume – the ultimate compliment! She was dressed in a heavenly ensemble of pink wool, pin-curled hair and a precious matching pink hat. Unfortunately people then thought we were the Andrews Sisters after all, and as the night wore on the calls for us to get up and sing grew and we had to make a quiet and quick exit!
Well, I hoped you rolled out the barrels on the night and drank lots of rum and Coca Cola. And on that note… I’ll say my last goodbye… shoo-shoo baby!
* The backdrop is of Pellegrini’s Espresso Bar on Bourke St in Melbourne.