Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Anachronistic Style is here to wish you a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a smashing New Year! We will be back in 2013 with a new attitude, new content, hopefully a new layout, and a new perspective on blogging. Until then I sincerely wish you and yours the safest and happiest holiday season ever!

Style Icon: Wanda Woodward

I've been dealing with RL recently and my blog has gone forlorn and unattended. To get myself back into the posting mood I've decided to share several of my style icons with you this week. This blog is all about different inspirations and incorporating them into your personal style. Identifying your style icons is a very important process. A style icon is a personal saint of your style world and serves many purposes--such as a starting point for a killer outfit or a persona to channel when things get tough at work. These women reveal a part of yourself and encourage you to foster other virtues. Their style is to be admired, dissected, and emulated but never copied--each should make you into a better version of yourself.

My first style icon of the week is Wanda Woodward from the movie Cry-Baby (1990). Wanda is part of the title-character's gang and is a true rebel without a cause, she comes from a very normal family and should be well-adjusted. She joins the drapes (slang for greaser in Baltimore at the time the movie takes place) because she is so privileged, things came too easy for her in life so she's bored. As a very sexual character (she is played by Traci Lords, famous for creating porn while underage) Wanda is the only one from the Cry Baby gang that is single, she puts up a wall between herself and men. Her style moments are plentiful (the whole movie is a style moment, really) and she draws attention in every scene with her blonde hair and baby bangs. She makes me want a leather motorcycle jacket. When she's not wearing a pencil dress like in the scene below she sports a longer gray pencil skirt, tight black off-the-shoulder tee, saddle shoes and her red Cry-Baby scarf around her neck. She says at one point "You'd never catch me dead in a full skirt." She knows how to stand up for herself and she exudes danger and un-attainability  Be sure to check out some of the musical numbers on Youtube to get a real taste of the movie.

Isn't she fabulous?

Style It: Cry-Baby is such an obscure movie I had a conniption when I found this T-shirt at Hot Topic($23) and I channel Wanda whenever I throw on this red scarf ($10) from Vivcore.

Style Diary: Memorial Day Weekend Festivities

I spent memorial day weekend in Port Clinton lake-ing in style. Summertime is all about stripping down a wardrobe to the bare minimum. I always struggle every Ohio summer to dress utilitarian yet stylish but I believe I'm getting better year after year.

No trip to a lakeside resort is complete without a "healthy" amount of golf-cart riding. This is our personal golf cart, butter-yellow with a striped awning. I've discovered the joy of city shorts from WHBM so I buy them in every color. I always wear flats with shorts because of that old addage--a lady knows the higher the hem the lower the heels. My tank is a cheapie from Old Navy, the print is very pin-up vacationing in Hawaii. Sunglasses and untamed lake hair complete the outfit.

The  perfect way to start the day is a morning boat ride in the Boston Whaler. I prepared for an afternoon on the water with a messy bun corralled with a vintage green scarf. My new green swim top is a refreshing change from last years red Marilyn number. My kate spade's sunnies are back again and my lipstick is MAC Morange. The perfect boating companion is Sadie, a corgi-westie mix!

After the boat ride I slipped on this navy and white striped number to attend the Walleye festival. I wore my favorite mid-heel mules and wrapped my boating-bun in another vintage scarf. My lipstick is Lime Crime Retrofuturist. The day was so easy and carefree we walked around and ate our way through the fair. Here I am sitting down to enjoy fried pickles and raspberry lemonade shaved ice on the lawn.

There was a petting zoo for only a dollar! There were piglets, a baby coyote, strange-looking birds, a hedgehog, tortoises, kangaroos, goats, llamas, antelope and holy cows from the Himalayas. I was trying to pet the animals without getting licked.

The final treat of the day was a fried snicker bar. Honestly, I didn't need to know such a thing existed!

Hopefully we'll be heading back to the lake for Independence Day for a few more days of relaxation and recreation.

Dita Von Teese: How She Became the Most Famous Stripper in America

LA Weekly did an amazing interview and photo-shoot of my favorite ambassador of glamour. Read the interview by Gendy Alimurung here! The fabulous technicolor photo set is by Star Foreman.

The interview gives us a peek into the very little-known parts of her career, when her persona was in it's infancy.

"There is a difference, Dita Von Teese has learned, between getting naked onstage and "in real life." Onstage she controls everything: From the lights illuminating her pale breasts, to the layers of body makeup smoothing over her thighs, to the Swarovski crystal and feathers, many "special tricks" go into creating the illusion of otherworldly perfection."

Do you know the one rule of burlesque? No pink. That's how you keep it classy.

"I'm probably overcoming my feelings of being very average-looking. Which made me want to create glamour and paint myself and do my makeup and hair well, and become something that I wasn't originally."

Retro Education: How to put on fully fashioned stockings

Thanks to the people at Secrets in Lace here's a great tutorial on how to wear a garter belt and stockings.

The perfect travel companion!

The perfect retro vacation is a road trip down Route 66 and what better companion than this old-school trailer? Travel in style like The Fancy Farmgirl and customize your own little piece of retro-refinery. Tie your hair up in a scarf, put on your Franca sunglasses, and grab your luggage for the ultimate glamorous road trip! With a trailer this cute I might be able to forgo indoor plumbing. Maybe.

Weekly Expense Report: Stretching Your Fashion Dollar

When I got the flyer for Old Navy's dress sale I decided to drop my fashion dollars on quantity over quality. Isn't that what summer is all about, cheap disposable fashion? Now I just have to cross my fingers that they will withstand a wash.


The lime striped tie-front jersey dress ($15) is a perfect throw it on and go staple. I will anchor the neon color with a pewter studded belt and shiny purple heels.


I saw this highlighter yellow crepe tie-belt dress ($25) featured in Lucky magazine last month. I was thrilled that it flattered and I received so many compliments at work. Fashion advice--- Always pair a real belt with dresses instead of those little self-tie belts. Use the self-tie belt for your hair or as a scarf with a different outfit, but a cheap dress always looks more expensive with a real belt. I chose red.


This drawstring raglan-sleeve jersey top ($25) is retro perfection. It will look great with red trousers at work or magenta shorts and wedges on my day off. Maybe even those yellow jeans I plan on buying. I'm resisting going back to buy it in red.


The florals at Old Navy right now remind me of pin-up Hawaiian prints and this floral-print racerback tank ($18) is no exception. I will be pairing it with my high-waisted pencil skirts, wide-legged trousers, and maybe even my beloved magenta shorts.


Pin-up perfect denim capris? Check! These dark denim patch-pocket capris ($30) are super flattering. I feel ready for summer now.

Style Diary: Just Another Day at the Office

One of the best things about working in the fashion industry is that you can take risks when dressing for work. This outfit received so many compliments during the day. When I went home Mr. Anachronistic Style ran for his camera the second I came through the door! I'm wilted after eight hours on my feet so please excuse the flat hair. I love pairing blue and red together for a retro nautical look!




Outfit breakdown:
Blue ponte skirt - NY&Co (similar here)
Blue leopard top - INC at Macy's years ago
Red scarf - Vivcore Pretty You scarf $10
Red slingbacks - Me Too
White sunglasses - kate spade (similar here)
Red lipstick - Avon Red 2000 $7 worn off throughout the day and patted with gloss after lunch

Prada Spring/Summer 2012

This video is like a Spring mood board come alive. I love how the advertisement clearly ties the inspirations to the final products so you can see the seeds that started the design process. This video strengthened my goal of getting into pastels this Spring and I will not be happy until someone makes a knock-off of those hot rod shoes (Steve Madden, I'm looking at you.) I love those barrettes the women are wearing, I'll have to look into those. I will be a lady that deserves to be at that gas station!

Weekly Expense Report: Holiday Glitter & Glam

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While I scramble to finish all my last-minute Christmas shopping I have scooped up a couple things for myself along the way. I'm focusing on injecting more glamour and opulence into my wardrobe with sequins, fur, and retro-inspired lingerie.


This Donna Karan New York sequin party dress ($128) is my back-up anniversary dress in case the teal one doesn't work. Otherwise I'll be rocking it for New Year's Eve. I love the champagne and smoke sparkle--very film-noir in a classic silhouette. A dress this dramatic begs for a fascinator! You can find XS-XL here at Macy's and 14-28 here at Lane Bryant!


My favorite intimate store Cacique has a fabulous new December collection for the curvy and fabulous crowd that features pin-up girl styling. The ribbon slotted bandeau bra ($42) stole my heart with her polka dots and teal ribbon and comes in 36C-36DDD and 38-44B-H. The matching ribbon slotted hipster panty ($18) comes in pant sizes 12-28.


Because artfully lounging is a priority and I am a sucker for polka dots this cami doll set ($40) came home with me. It even comes with matching tap pants.



Another bra and panty set in heart-throbbing pink and black French-inspired lace. The passion lace balconette ($38) and the luxury lace trim hipster ($18) are perfect for everyday wear and come in a wide range of sizes!


There is no way I could leave this striped set behind featuring little cherry charms! The striped plunge bra ($42) and striped tanga panty ($18) will nestle their way into my lingerie drawer.


I never knew how much I would appreciate the starry night 2 piece pajama set ($55) until I put it on. I love Cacique sleepwear because the smallest size is perfectly oversized on me--like I borrowed my husband's sleep pants but they are more comfortable and come in the cutest prints. I was attracted to this set because of the D&G inspired print and little ruffle details. I never anticipated just how glamorous I would feel lounging around in these vintage-y menswear-inspired pajamas. I'll go back for more after Christmas when they are on sale so I can pick up a few more prints!



If I'm not buying tights from welovecolors.com then Spanx are definitely my legwear of choice. I love the patterned tights and hosiery with the high-waisted control top--they fit perfectly and flatter my curves better than any hosiery I've ever tried! I purchased the Diamond and Swiss Dot sheer fashion hose ($28) to round out my Holiday wardrobe.

1950's Glasses Fashions Video

Someday my eyes will go bad and I will be rocking glasses like these. Until then I will content myself with dreams of stylish sunglasses like the ones from Lumete.

Easy Retro Hairstyles 101

Work has been brutal so I haven't had much time for blogging; that's where the beauty of video-sharing comes in. Aubrey London has a great series of videos for easy retro hairstyles perfect for beginners. I love this one because all you need is hairspray and bobby pins.

Style Diary: Retro Red Weekend!

Decided it is time to share my own outfits on my blog, put a little more of myself out there. This is my first style diary post. I spent this weekend swimming, boating, drinking, catching up on my glossy reading and finishing season three of True Blood. All in retro style, of course!


Red Marilyn Swimsuit: Lane Bryant
Polka Dot Sunglasses: Claire's, last year
Red skull scarf: Traded for on MUA
Face: BRTC BB Cream SPF 28
Lips: Avon Ultra Color Rich lipstick in Red 2000 ($7), my favorite everyday red lipstick!
Nails: China Glaze Secret Peri-wink-le
Pearly white goth girl complexion: naturally blessed!




As you can probably tell red is my power color. I don't let my red hair keep me from piling on the red, I treat red as a neutral the same way other women treat black or tan. Red goes with everything, brightens my complexion and elevates any outfit. I'll belt a purple dress with red and add red shoes, I'll wear red pants with any top, and when I'm not working you'll always find me in one of my dozen red lipsticks.

Oh yeah, and meet the girls. I measure at a 36G so I was super excited about this Lane Bryant swimsuit that ACTUALLY FITS THE GIRLS. Never before have my girls been so supported, I also like that the suit can switch from halter to a traditional swimsuit to alleviate the neck pain caused by toting around such large tracts of land. I hope LB brings this swimsuit back year after year in different colors and patterns!

There is no Weekly Expense Report this week, gearing up for Otakon means squirreling money away!

Vintage on Etsy: Collars

The Etsy shop rococonouveau sells these adorable little peter pan collars for instant vintage flair. Imagine these over a basic crew-neck tee or dress for instant vintage gratification, or wear them with a strapless number for an unexpected necklace. The shop is also a study in the power of great marketing...the models and props take a hum-drum accessory and make it to-die-for (if the collars were photographed on a plain white background they would be less drool-worthy!). The photos excite the imagination as well as the pocketbook! Prices range from $15-35.

Sunny Days Ahead! aka How to Kill an Hour

I can get lost at Giantvintage.com's huge selection of vintage eyewear. We all know summer is in full swing so everyone needs a sunglasses wardrobe to combat the days ahead. Those who know me know I am obsessed with not aging so you will find me wearing sunglasses on even a cloudy day! I spent two hours browsing the site and filling up my shopping cart before I realized I had $300 in sunglasses. Considering that all styles are under twenty-four bucks a pop that is quite the accomplishment. Like the ones in the pic? Crawford can be found here ($20). Men's styles available too!

Weekly Expense Report - Daily Maintenance

This week's expenses have been all about maintenance. My daily beauty routine is very important to me since my job puts so much emphasis on appearance. I usually go for flashy products that gets me lots of compliments so I need to focus more on maintenance.

I turned twenty-six last month so I decided that I need to start taking better care of my skin. My best friend introduced me to BB cream, a Korean wonder-product to conceal, moisturize, and repair skin. Many Asian brands carry a BB cream but BRTC is supposed to be the best. After trying her kit over a long weekend I fell in love and started a BRTC BB cream skin care regime ($79) of my own.


My one non-beauty purchase this week wasn't my doing. My boyfriend happened to be at Banana Republic when they were having a power lunch sale and all clearance was an additional 40% off. He saw these and picked them up for me since he knows I'm trying to break out of my fashion rut. I will be rocking these skinny cargo pants ($40) with flirty diaphanous tops in pastel colors.


Urban Decay's Primer Potion ($19) was the whole purpose behind my Sephora order this week. My local Sephora was still carrying the wand-type applicators (such a waste of product!) so I had to order the new squeeze tube. I use eyeshadow primer every day since my skin is oily and it keeps my shadow from creasing and gives stronger color pay off.


Of course I had to spend $50 to get free shipping so I picked up this Kat Von D Truth palette ($17) for half price! I love her cosmetic line and rockabilly packaging. I have two lipsticks of hers and I've been dying to try her palettes!


I rounded out my green-infused Truth palette with Kat Von D Autograph liquid liner in Proud Peacock ($10). I have been stuck without a liquid liner for a while so I'm excited about creating the perfect cat eye again!


I've been dying to try Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF25 ($7.50) since Christine of Temptalia loves it so much! The packaging looks like something from an old-fashioned apothecary, which I love.