When I recently came across an issue of Woman’s Day from May 17th 1954, I was struck by the cover article, “Look Chic the Leslie Caron Way!” And being that today is also May 17th, (I”m writing this on Sunday) it seemed a serendipitous to share it with you. This is a great example of vintage style that is not on the trend radar, and why I am so glad to be living in 2009 where I can pick and choose my vintage inspirations. So here you are, bet you didn’t know that “Woman’s Day sets the lead for this season’s carefree fashions with these new styles. Leslie Caron shows you how to Look chic in Casual Clothes”. And please, don’t shoot me for some of these less that feminist quotes, I’m bringing it to you straight from the pages of 1954.
“It’s the little-girl lost look that accentuates a woman’s femininity, gives her that helpless appeal that arouses the protective instinct in men. It’s for a girl with a puckish face, and the sort of irregular features that add up to piquant attractiveness….
It’s keeping a positive approach to yourself – no figure flattering illusions, no makeup tricks. It’s wearing casual clothes all the time. Loose fitting coats, informal suits, large, bulky sweaters that will make you seem smaller and more defenceless than you really are.
It’s keeping to flat shoes, plain accessories and no jewellery. It’s a calculated casualness achieved by careful grooming.“
As I am writing this I am struck by just how familiar this description is sounding. “ Her sweaters are often man-sized and far too big, yet they give her a provocative look“. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen anyone? Perhaps Stylist Rachel Zoe took a leaf from Leslie’s book when she first began her “the bigger the better” approach to fashion.
The clever lasses at Woman’s Day loved Leslie’s suit seen here so much, that they asked her if they could take a pattern from it, and subsequently published it in their pages for you to make at home. Can you even imagine that happening now?!
So tell me boys, should I be working this look into my repertoire if I’m looking for a bit of action?
Hilarious! Wow. Fascinating.
Oh, hurl.
“It’s a calculated casualness achieved by careful grooming.”.. That’s the thing, isn’t it? The whole passage sounds SO calculated, to a manipulative degree. At least bombshells don’t hide their provocative intent!
It does look comfy though I guess. :/
aww vintage magazines are so adorable! I love the red jacket. I have a boxy jacket like that but it makes me look pregnant…
“ Her sweaters are often man-sized and far too big, yet they give her a provocative look“
Sonia Rykiel anyone??
XXASAB
Leslie Caron was one of my first girl crushes yeeeeeeaaaars ago. In fact, ‘Gigi’ remains one of my all-time favourite musicals, most probably the combination of Louis Jordan, Maurice Chevalier and , not least or all, a gamine and fresh-faced, adorably accented Leslie Caron. Seeing her retain that cheeky glow a few years back in ‘Chocolat’ absolutely warmed my heart and made it all the more a reality that it is possible to retain not only the vigour, but also the coquettishness of youth.
Lovely post SKM, as always!
This is priceless! My bloke and I had a good chuckle over this one. Love. It.
I’m small, but rather than ‘little-girl-lost’ (not the look I’m going for), I tend to just get plain lost in big clothes. But then, I guess I just don’t have that Caron appeal…
I have to respectfully disagree with hasoon… I don’t think it looks comfortable in the least! I’m not one to flash the flesh, or wear very tight clothing – but that look, to me, just feels like you’ve forced into another, box-like shape.
Surely it’s no better than the scool girl uniform? *shudder*
Little girl lost look? Interesting. I guess the bangs of the “model” adds to the whole package.
Meream: There were so many aspects of this article that left me scratching my head.
Miz: I agree, To me it looks like the stiff bulk would just be uncomfortable.
Doc witch: Perhaps i should make this a regular feature and post all the hysterical articles I come across in my vintage mags. Great way to start the week with a giggle.
Nokomi: And how suss was the Gigi story when seen through adult eyes? I watched it again recently and although I love it, just went, “hmmm dodgy old man?” Still he was soooo suave.
ASAB: good call!
Hasson: Yes, so much of the advice from that era was very calculated toward landing the ‘right’ type of husband. I have some absolute crackers on file.
I can read old magazines for hours, in fact I do, love them !
Picturing I-Mike and I-Matt having a cosy night in their inner city condo with their Leslie Caron inspired patterns.
he hehhhehheheheheheh
xx
Hammie: Oh that picture is priceless!
Haha, this is amazing! I’d love to see the whole article. (From what I read it describes my style well, but the other gender seems fairly disinterested, sorry to say).