What I wore to the Lumber Baron's Ball: 1920's style and Event Recap

What I wore to the Lumber Baron's Ball: 

1920's style and Event Recap!

We had a great time at the Lumber Baron's Ball! The staff of Watermark 920 did an excellent job as usual, elegantly decorating and creating a perfect 1920's atmosphere! The food from Ryke's was delicious, of course, and the band was great, too. 

The outfit I wore was totally secondhand and pulled from my own closet--I couldn't really find a fab sequin-y number and so I opted to create a softer look with a 1920's waistline utilizing a brown skirt and shirt combo. The pearl string was thrifted for 99 cents from Hope's Outlet--and the beaded purse was as well, some time ago, for two dollars.  The brown rounded toe heels (though a little tall for that decade) were purchased secondhand at Love Inc. last year for around 5 dollars. If you've followed my blog, you may have already seen that the flapper style headband was a DIY from completely secondhand items I had laying around the house!

If you consider that none of these items were truly new, that brings my outfit cost down to absolutely nothing!

Check out the pics below for more of my recap and also see the entire album on my photography page!

^^^ This gal had the right idea about snagging something glitzy for the event--a budget friendly and eco-friendly RENTAL at Rent The Runway! Have you checked out this website? Wear a pricey dress for a night or two, at a fraction of the cost. =)

My 1920's Hair Inspiration for the Lumber Baron's Ball!

Image courtesy of Arabia Weddings

My 1920's Hair Inspiration for the Lumber Baron's Ball!

So...what was trending for 1920's hair? Well, definitely shorter 'dos: bobs, finger waves and closely coiffed hairstyles were all the rage.

  

Images courtesy of  Best of Hairstyles, Hair Archive and Wikipedia

But, what to do if you have longer hair like me? 

You have a few options:

1) Rock a cloche or similiar period hat! Tuck hair underneath and allow some curls to pop out.

2) Fake a bob. It's easier than you think; check out this article on Elle for directions on how to do it in six easy steps.

3) No matter your length, curl and adorn. Add waves and beautiful accessories to your hair to transform any length 'do into a respectable 1920's statement!

Check back with me soon as I have an accessory DIY, as well as "trial run", planned for my Lumber Baron's Ball hairstyle!

2014 Lumber Baron's Ball: Let's Get "Hotsy Totsy"!

2014 Lumber Baron's Ball: Let's Get "Hotsy Totsy"!

In case you're wondering, "Hotsy Totsy" is 20s slang for "pleasing to the eye." ;)

I'm so excited to announce that I will be helping to style the 2014 Lumber Baron's Ball for Lakeshore Museum Center again and this year's awesome theme is the 1920's!

Make sure to follow my 
Pinterest Board "1920's Life: Lumber Baron's Ball"

I have a few fun DIY's up my sleeve and I'm so excited to attend this year! I'll be covering the event and posting a re-cap as well, so don't miss it and follow along for ideas on how to dress appropriately for this awesome event!

Let your tail hang out...

...AND BY THAT I MEAN YOUR SHIRT TAILS. 

Im kind of obsessed right now with stealing my boyfriend's oversized (and thrifted!) plaids and flannels and wearing them under sweaters with jeans and boots. 

Maybe it's because comfy shirts and pullovers just scream fall. Here in Michigan, there can't POSSIBLY be a more beautiful season; it's sunny, crisp, and wonderfully autumnal right now.

These pictures were taken this afternoon at Duncan Woods in Grand Haven, where it was a lovely, sunny seventy degrees. It was honestly SO beautiful that enjoying it is somewhat bittersweet because I know this glorious, interim harvest weather is only the precursor to...well, I'm not even going to speak it right now. 

LONG LIVE FALL!

Outfit details: All thrifted with the exception of the boots, which were clearance items 
from last winter! :)









This outfit post came at the right time...I needed a little respite from my recent (albeit enjoyable) "vintage bonanza!" However I'll see you tomorrow for one final prep post leading into Saturday's "Lumber Baron's Ball: 1950's Style!"

What will you wear to the (1950's) ball? Get ideas here!

WHAT WILL YOU WEAR

to the 1950's ball?

GET IDEAS HERE!

Click any picture to be taken to my "1950's Fashion Board" on Pinterest!

DRESSES: Several different styles were popular in the 50's, but the "Fit and Flare" was considered quite "nifty". ;) A fitted top with a collar and a belted, full skirt will also work for you! The good news is that you can easily recreate that look with items that are not necessarily vintage but can be found in your closet, or thrifted inexpensively! (Think high wasted pleated skirt with a crisp, white dress shirt...belted). Many shirt dresses from the 1980's are similar and can be dressed up to resemble the 1950's with a little tweaking! The green fitted dress with long gloves you see above is an example of some of the lovely and fitted tailored dresses of the later part of the 1950's made popular by designers such as Dior.

SUITS: Suits relaxed and got a little "looser" in the 1950's, but were still made of heavy material. The grey flannel suit was very popular, as were vests, white and ivory suit jackets, and double breasted styles. Of course, the smart hat was still essential. Thinking about a rock 'n' roll look? Try the "Buddy Holly" with a thrifted sweater or bowtie and some Wayfarers.  See more men's looks on my Pinterest board by clicking on the photos!

SHOES: The chunky high heels with squarish and oval toes from the 1940's were still popular, but a higher arch and more slender Stiletto style became popular in the late 50's as well. Saddle-shoes were definitely "in" (check out my Saddleshoe DIY here!! and also the entire board I have dedicated to Saddle-shoe style!) and Oxfords were still classic footwear! Check out the Pinterest page by clicking on any of the shoe images above; there are more shoe resources there!

COATS: Seal the deal with the right coat! A classy trench or dress coat will finish your outfit nicely, and they are SOOOO easy to thrift! I recommend Hope's Outlet at all three locations in Grand Haven and Muskegon to find one very easily. Men's coats were fitting a little looser (just like the suits) for the 1950's, and so were women's coats, though a fitted trench or dress coat with a small waist that matches the line of your dress would be oh-so-hip.

BAGS: Smaller handbags, satchels and totes dominated the purse styles of the 1950's. Wicker styles, leather, crocodile and ornate beaded purses with delicate straps were all very popular. Click the images to see handbags I have pinned on my Pinterest board!

Stay with me this week for more makeup, hair and nail tips to prepare for the 2013 Lumber Baron's Ball OR just be FAB like the FIFTIES!

DIY Saddle Shoes!

DIY SADDLE SHOES!

Last week, I blogged about styling the annual Lumber Baron's Ball!  I love these yearly events hosted by the Lakeshore Museum (see last year's WWII era announcement here, and what I wore) and the theme for this year is one decade later...the 1950's! (Search my blog for more coverage of last year's event).

After giving some thought to what would be a fun DIY project for anyone attending, my mind was drawn to the idea of saddle shoes! I found a few pairs shopping online ranging from $25 to well over $100 (see the most affordable I found here at www.Payless.com).

I decided to go out on the hunt for a pair of black Oxfords or similar dress shoes to transform...and had immediate success at Hope's Outlet in Grand Haven, where I scored a pair that fit me for only $3.99! Naturally, I'm not the first person to consider making my own saddle shoes. I found a few other DIYs (linked below)for canvas shoes and other versions, but I decided to try my hand at spray painting instead! You can easily do this DIY yourself and feel good about saving money AND resources while creating an awesome saddle shoe.

You don't have to feel limited to donning them at the 1950's themed Lumber Baron's Ball either--because saddle shoes are INCREDIBLY fashionable and work so well with lots of different stylings. In fact, check out this fashion board I've created on Pinterest just so you can see how versatile they are!

Saddle Shoes Style Board by Thrift Trick

   

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HERE'S HOW I DID IT!

What you'll need: 

·         ---- A Pair of Oxfords (dress shoes or canvas shoes will work, but I preferred the look of a structured dress shoe for this DIY).

·        ----  Spray paint (I chose Rustoleum 2X Cover paint and primer in one…in “almond” rather than white, with a glossy finish. Retrospectively, I wish I would have chosen a flat finish, because I feel it would have added more dimension. But you could be fun and try any color or finish).

·         ---- Variety of tape—whatever works for you. I used duct tape and painters (masking ) tape.

·        ---- Paper to lay down/area to spray paint.

·         ---- About two hours to properly spray and allow them to dry to at least the first level (it will be a few days before they are really ready to wear, in my opinion. After spray painting shoes in the past, I discovered the paint was tacky for a  few days after, depending on your environment and humidity, etc.)

I taped the shoe off with duct tape ONLY because it was the only thing that would stick to the shoe! (Painters tape and others, included). I was a little worried at first that it would leave residue, but nope--it peeled off nicely. Following the natural lines of the shoe, I opted to paint the front and back white (though you could reverse this and do just the middle section for an easier time--I just preferred the look of predominantly white saddle shoes). 

My only advice? Make sure you tape very securely. I DID have a little bit of bleeding occur on my lines, and I cleaned it up as best I could with a cotton ball and some acetone.

Thank you, little kitty, for keeping the paper down while I spray painted. (It was windy out there!)

VOILA! SADDLE SHOE GOODNESS! Check the Pinterest board above for outfit inspiration!!

Fun with the faux leopard print laces, right? Picked these little gems up for one dollar at Dollar Tree this weekend--get 'em while they're there!

OTHER DIY SADDLE SHOE RESOURCES:
http://rookiemag.com/2012/03/diy-saddle-shoes/
http://themessinmessenger.blogspot.com/2013/03/diy-make-your-own-saddle-shoes.html

Styling the 2013 Lumber Baron's Ball!

Marilyn Monroe photo courtesy of www.People.com

STYLING THE 2013 LUMBER BARON'S BALL!

I'm so excited to be returning as the supporting stylist this year for the Lakeshore Museum's annual Lumber Baron's Ball on October 12th, 2013 at the Watermark 920 in Muskegon (see their calendar event page here)! Some of you may remember last year, which was a total blast! The theme was wartime 1940's, and I enjoyed providing ideas and inspiration for attendees who wore attire from the WWII era. Check out the video montage I created from my coverage of last year's ball on my youtube channel!

This year, the focus is on the 1950's, and I can't wait to offer some fun fashion pins, DIY's and makeup/hair tips for those who are attending! To commemorate this fabulous decade, I've posted a picture above of my absolute favorite starlet from this era, the glamorous and wonderful Marilyn Monroe.

Are you attending the lumber baron's ball this year? Then stay with me over the next month as I tackle this amazing fashion age from start to finish. I'm beginning as I usually do, with a Pinterest board for inspiration! 

Check it out here:

Thrift Trick 1950's Pinspiration

See you soon for more 1950's fashion, hair and makeup!