Vintage Hairstyling--The Middy Cut

It has probably been about a decade since I entered the realm of 1920s-1940s vintage admiration.  As far as fashion goes, I think many know that the late '30s through 1940s are my favorite years, and one of my biggest ambitions is to achieve the hairstyles of that era.  Finally conquering hair rolls was such a triumph, but as for the curls and overall shape of the hair?  That has been an ongoing frustration!...That is, until recently.

For too long, I believed that, in order to do the vintage hairstyles, my hair had to be all one length.  Pin curls and using hot rollers worked great, but something was lacking.

My pin curl style in 2011.

I would view photos and movies of some of my style inspirations like Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Gene Tierney, et al, and wonder WHY I could not get my hair nice and curly in front with those soft waves in the back...

Rita Hayworth

Ava Gardner--look at how the curls frame her face and only the lower border of the back of her hair.  That's what I want!

The ethereal Gene Tierney

One day, I happened to be browsing vintage hair stylists on Instagram, and noticed one mentioned giving a client a "horseshoe trim."  What?  I looked this up and only found some...erm...interesting buzz cut styles!  So, I hit YouTube to see what I could find out about vintage hair cuts.

This video about vintage haircuts by Lisa FreemontStreet mentioned "the middy cut," which I had never heard of before!

I downloaded the image of the "middy plus" hairstyle and went to work a bit nervously on my hair.  I had vowed to never have layers again, as I thought it would hinder my ability to do rolls, but I've since styled very layered hair on other women, so I thought...Why not?  Time for a slight change anyway, isn't it?  I kept it longer than recommended in the diagram, as I knew that it would be shorter after curling.

My result the next day, after setting it in pin curls the night before...

First cut and curl result in December.

I was fairly happy with the result, yet felt something was still missing...



Turns out what was missing was a good brush-out!  My hair in the picture below looks longer in the above photo because the tight curls have been brushed into waves.

After a brush-out...And with a little roll in front. :)

Still, wanted to experiment some more, and shortened one side of my "bangs" some more, to get a more face-framing curl.  It turned out shorter than I wanted, but still, okay.

After trimming the front bangs and setting in pin curls.

I'm slowly getting to where I want my style to be, I think, though I have a lot to learn about curler placement, and especially about using hot rollers, which is a very different experience since getting the middy.

This is how it looks now, after styling with hot rollers.  Getting closer to that vintage style!

The last two photos are both from this month!  This hairstyle can look so different depending on how you style it.  Above, I brushed out the shortened bangs to make them a bit longer, and I like the almost pageboy curl in the back.  Now we're getting places!

Well, I'll keep trying to get the more authentic look that I've been wanting, and also I'm going to experiment with hair rolls and up-dos.  I'm happy so far with the versatility of the middy cut, and also that I have less hair, so it washes and dries faster, yet I can still style it.

So don't be afraid to try out a middy cut!  If you go to a salon, make sure they know how to do this style the old-fashioned way, and don't let them use razor shears or thinning scissors, as you'll get a totally different effect.  The hair looks a bit choppy when it isn't styled, so if you don't want to dedicate to styling it on a regular basis, this cut might not be for you.

Interested in more in-depth styling tutorials?  Let me know in a comment below!  Thanks for reading!

The Timeless Turban

A style that pops up again and again throughout fashion history is the turban--whether it be a tied scarf or hat.  Not only timeless, this look can also be practical; it allows the wearer to hide pin curls, a bad hair day, or can simply be used to jazz up a "look" for a time out on the town!

I'm not sure when turbans became fashionable for women's wear, but while they are mostly associated with 1920s or 1940s head wear, they can also be seen in some designs of the 1910s.

1911 Paul Poirot designs; "sultana" skirts, harem pants, and "turban" style hats!

 I think my favorite "look" for the turban hats began in the 1920s.  Hats that were close to the head, such as the cloche, were very popular among women who had cropped their hair, and the turban style was an alternative option for head covering.

Hungarian actress Lucy Doraine

  

Janet Gaynor

In the 1940s, the turban was popular again (or still?), both in elegant hat styles, and also in wrapped head scarf form to hide and protect the hair, as many women were working in factories for the war effort.

1944, California: Lockheed employee works on a P-38 Lightning.  See how her scarf is tied around her hair a little in the turban fashion?

In contrast to the 1920s, the 1940s turbans showed a bit more of hair and were often embellished with flowers, ribbons, and other frills.

Sometimes, a thin scarf was wrapped around the nape of the neck and tied at the crown, either in a bow or ruffles.

With the 1940s turban, hair was often worn down in back, as well.

Some '40s turban styles were quite flamboyant, as you can see in this Revlon ad!

Even after the war, the turban persisted for lounge wear.  Can we forget Lana Turner in the Postman Always Rings Twice, in her all-white wardrobe and matching turban?

I don't have many turban hats, but I often like to tie scarves around my head on days when I have to go out with wet or messy hair.

Me in a scarf tied "turban style".

And I happen to have one turban hat, which I do cherish!

What do you think of turban styles for women over the years?  Do you have a favorite look or style, and do you own any?

Would you like a tutorial to see how I tie long scarves in to "turbans"?  Let me know!  As always, thanks for reading!

It's Been a Long, Long Time...

I haven't blogged in the longest time.

To be honest, I didn't miss it for a while, but it was only recently that I remembered this blog and the mission: to help those who can't afford real or reproduction vintage to achieve a vintage "look".  I'm hosting a 1930s party for my birthday next week, and scouring thrift shops for clothing that would work for it, to help inspire my guests.  Might be a post for the near future!

So, it has been a couple of years...What has happened in my life?  Lots of changes, some good, some bad.  I had a mini break down, and writing has been difficult since then, but I am working at it!  I also put my business on hold and got two jobs, first at a movie theater, then as a florist.  When the florist closed down, I decided it was time to focus on Eliza Cosmetics once again!  I am still hard at work with new, vintage-inspired makeup and perfume, but I'll get to that later.

Life lately has been very hectic and a struggle.  I lost my father in July, very unexpectedly and traumatically, I won't go into detail on this post.  My dad was a very strong foundation to me my entire life.  He lost his battle to trigeminal neuralgia, one of the most painful medical conditions known. 

My father in the 1950s.

Surviving family was not the kindest to me about my loss, and I was reminded once again why sometimes, no matter your relation to someone, you have to leave behind those who are toxic to you. 

Anyway, I've been struggling with coping with the loss, dealing with the traumatic way in which it happened, handling legal issues that come with being an executor of an estate, and improvements on the home--especially now that winter is on the way!

Repainting the living room! 'Turquoise Powder.'

 

 

But, life goes on, and as someone who has been self-conscious and struggled with depression for a long time, I have to say that vintage style is one of the biggest things that lifts me up.  So, it's time for me to get back to it, and therefore maybe I'll give this blogging business another go.

Eliza Cosmetics has improved quite a bit, and I'm pretty happy with the direction I'm going in, especially since I found Perfumers Apprentice.  They supply high-quality perfuming ingredients, so now I feel like my perfumes are much more professional than ever before.  My latest project is the ongoing Classic Hollywood Perfume collection, inspired by signature scents of old Hollywood actresses!  My lipsticks are named after actresses of the Golden Era of film, so I found it was only fitting to name my perfumes after the characters they played in their films.

Clockwise from left: 'Scarlett,' inspired by 'Joy' by Jean Patou; 'Zouzou', after Guerlain's 'Sous Le Vent'; 'Kitty', styled after Acqua di Parma Colonia; and 'Lili,' inspired by 'Angelique Encens' by Creed.

Researching vintage perfumes is so fun, and it is intriguing to me to attempt the evocation of the scent of eras past, all while maintaining attributes that are appealing to the modern nose.

My latest venture is Glam-O-Luxe designs, vintage style jewelry inspired by lucite, bakelite, and celluloid styles.  It's still really in its infancy, but the Etsy shop is slowly stocking up with new items.  My earrings are available in clip-on or stud backs!

Well, I suppose that's enough for now.  Any requests for future posts?  Suggestions for topics or even tutorials are welcome!

Irresistible Me Hair Extensions

Hello, lovelies!

Recently, I had the privilege of trying out the luxurious royal remy hair extensions made by the company Irresistible Me.

The box got a bit mushed in shipping, but the contents were safe!

The extensions come in a two-part packet; one side is sealed and contains all ten wefts, wrapped in a hair-net; the other has a little sample piece for you to test against your natural hair.

DO NOT break the seal of the one side until you are sure you have the correct color and you want to keep these extensions.  Once you open that sealed side of the packet, you void your chance of return--the extensions are yours!

 

I watched the video sent to me (via Glamour Daze) from Maddy at Irresistible Me.  This informative short educates the viewer on the lengths, weights, and shades available in the royal remy clip-in extensions.

Irresistible Me Hair Extension Colors--Video

I thought #33 'Ginger' was closest to my natural color.

Preliminary cell phone shot with extensions in!

 Some fun and helpful facts about Irresistible Me hair extensions:

-They are 100% royal remy, which is pure human hair, which means that they can be cut, dyed, or curled, just like your own hair.

-Extensions do not receive your natural scalp oils, so some special treatment is required to keep them healthy-looking.  Use a wide tooth comb on them and always start with the bottom (ends) first.

-Remove the extensions before washing your own hair or showering, but do wash them on their own from time to time.  (Between 5-6 wears is recommended.)  Use shampoo and conditioner for chemically treated hair, and rinse each extension separately.  Avoid twisting, scrubbing, or rubbing the hair.  Be sure to rinse thoroughly, as damage can be done to the hair from residue.  As far as water goes, use gentle pressure and a mild temperature.  Gently blot with a towel to remove excess water.

-If you wish to dry your extensions with a hair dryer, use a heat-protection spray on them, first.  Otherwise, let them air-dry 80% before using a hair dryer on them.

-Treat your extensions as well as you would treat your own hair--and better!  Make sure to use a good moisturizer on them, and brush/comb them gently before washing.

-After clipping in each weft, your extensions will have to be blended.  Gently comb or brush through your hair after application, avoiding brushing too close to the clips.  You can then style the extensions to match your hair.


Interested in trying hair extensions?  You can use this link to get 10% off your order, using the code IrresistibleTia http://bit.ly/IM_Hair366

Stay tuned for future posts on my own personal experience with styling and caring for my Irresistible Me hair extensions!

(sneak peak of a vintage style I'll be showing you how to do with extensions!)

Thanks for reading!

A Return.

Goodness!

I'm not going to even look at the date on my last post--it really has been too long.  My life has been a bit--crazy--not in the best of ways, and not in the sense of "hectic".  Won't go into details with that, though.  I'm sorry to say that my love for vintage has suffered during this depressive episode, but I'm trying to return to it.  Trying to return to my soul, and to encourage my soul to return to me.

So, what all is new?  I've been doing a few new hobbies: jewelry making, Chinese brush painting, wire wrapping rings.  I haven't written in ages, just can't seem to get the inspiration or motivation to do that yet.  And what a cold winter it has been here!  That certainly doesn't add to the motivation issue, either.

The most exciting news I have is that I now have an ETSY SHOP for my makeup!  I've made a couple of sales and have found lots of great shops.  Please stop by and pay me a visit!

Eliza Girl!

My company has a new logo!  Ever since I read about the "Maybelline Girl" of the 1930s, I wanted my cosmetics brand to have an "Eliza Girl".  Even before that though, I was thinking about a logo that would be a simple portrait of a woman's face, preferably with a 1930s flavor.  I had the crazy idea that I could do this myself.  I bought some pastels in the summer and started practicing, and seemed to make very little progress.

Well, over the weekend, it seems I got lucky!  Here is the new logo for Eliza Fragrances & Cosmetics:

'Eliza Girl', copyright Tia Semer.

You can read more about the development of this logo here.

Out of the Ordinary...

The late 1930s and early 1940s are my typical comfort zones.  So here I am sporting a '50s look!  I tried to pencil in my eyebrows to give them that angular look that seemed so popular in the '50s.  :)

Different.  The pearls are genuine 1950s; they were my grandmother's.  Unfortunately, the pearl finish is coming off some of them and I'm unsure of how they can be restored.  :(

 

Eliza Blog!

Finally, I've gotten around to creating a blog for my company, Eliza Fragrances & Cosmetics.  See it here!  This is where I will feature fun facts, ideas, latest products, the vintage photos and advertisements that are my inspiration.  I'll also be hosting giveaways on that blog.

Got some memory boards for my good old computer and it's running so much better.  Blogger doesn't freeze up anymore, so I'm looking forward to blogging more on here, as well.  I have a few vintage style ideas I would like to share.


Hooray!  I hope I can keep up two blogs!  I leave you now with one of my favorite vintage cosmetic ads, which I just found today on myvintagevogue.com.  It's for Revlon's "Fashion Plate" powder, from 1948.  Look at that lacy bodice on the gown!  And those red lips!  Wow!

Stay glamorous!  ;)

Eliza Fragrances & Cosmetics Blog

Forget that Tumblr account I mentioned, I now have a blog here on Blogger that will be devoted to my company, Eliza Fragrances & Cosmetics.  ♥

http://elizafragrancesandcosmetics.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday!  A lady never admits her age, so you'll all just have to guess.  ;)  There is no snow here and today is quite a temperate day.  That's a lovely birthday gift to wake up to.

How busy I have been.  I'm planning out some lip palettes for the holidays!  The colors that I'm going to feature are:

1. A light coral-pink.
2. A brownish red (my 'Rita' shade, reformuated)
3. Pearly pink.
4. Cranberry red!
5. Plum.

The cranberry and plum shades are hard to pull off, as I'm using a new iron oxide that I'm still getting acquainted with.  It's amazing how just a little bit of this will make the formulation very dark.

This was the initial cranberry shade I came up with, but it was much darker on my lips and too close to another of my lip rouges, 'Paulette'.  So I'm going to try more of a cranberry juice color, rather than cranberry sauce.  That being said--have you ever noticed how many different shades of "cranberry" there are?  Cranberry sauce and dried cranberries are not the same color as cranberry juice, and fresh cranberries are a different story altogether.  Wow!  Well, it's a challenge that I'm up for.  When I finish, I plan to name this rouge after that lovely actress, Gene Tierney.

Gene Tierney

My aforementioned glosses turned out well.  I made some glittery ones for Halloween.

 

 

'Marilyn' lip gloss.  

'Empress', one of the glosses featured in the Halloween collection.  Claudette Colbert as Cleopatra is on the label. 

I also got out a book I wrote a couple of years ago, and I had wanted to try to copyright it last year--I'm so glad I didn't!  I have found tons of inconsistencies and silly things that need to be cut.  Grateful to no longer be so emotionally attached so I can finally make the necessary changes, I've been obsessing over that and working everyday on it.  It's actually helping my mood a little bit.  I mentioned in a previous post that I was feeling anxious, but it has made me feel happier, calmer, more optimistic.

What do you think of my 1950s hairstyle?  No, I did not cut my hair; this is all done with hair rolls!  I wanted to try something a little bit different from my usual '40s look.

Need to work on perfecting my "winged" eyes, I think.

Getting Glossy

Once obsessed with lip glosses in high school, I now tend to shy away from them, mainly because of the greasy-lipped look some of them give.  I don't care for clear or sheer gloss, but...opaque, highly pigmented gloss...Now, there's a thought.

Go to your local store and browse professional lip glosses.  Mineral oil...petroleum...Synthetic oils...Not to mention glitter that might come from who-knows-where!

Glitter was invented in 1930s by Max Factor, and was first available commercially in 1932.  I keep forgetting that!  Lip gloss just seems so...more like something from the 1970s.  But, take a look at the lips of some '30s actresses--glossy!

Jean Harlow with glossy lips.

I make lip glosses and lip rouges--why not lip glosses?  Well, now I've started!

'Ava' lip gloss!  Contains castor oil, shea butter, beeswax, carmine, iron oxides, titanium dioxide, kaolin clay, glycerin, essential oils of lemon and orange.  ♥

I'm also working on a Halloween collection of cosmetics; glittery lip glosses and eyeshadows.  The best spot to see these is on my Facebook page, Eliza Fragrances & Cosmetics.

As for the Tumblr I started...I think I like Blogger better than Tumblr!  :0

Keeping Busy...

...Or, trying to!  This summer wasn't exactly what I had hoped, but I'm determined to enjoy what is left of it. It was really hot, and then really cooled down, so I didn't do a lot of outdoor-sy things that I had planned.  So, I've been reading, reading...Trying to read two books per month.  I know that's not much, but it seems my attention span gets shorter with age!  :o  I would like to be able to read one book per week, but...

Anyway, what have I read?  As I mentioned in a post last autumn, I adore ghost stories.  I've been looking for more novels that are similar to Henry James' The Turn of the Screw.  Now, there are a lot of modern novels dealing with ghosts and the paranormal, but many, unfortunately, are erotica--and if there's one thing I can't stomach, it's erotica.  I just want to read about ghosts and get scared to sleep at night!  BUT!!!  I found one!  It was recommended by my library for me, as a personalized reading list I requested.  The Ghost Writer, by John Harwood.  Better than the main plot line were the Victorian ghost stories within.  John Harwood's writing really made me feel I was reading a glimpse of something from the Victorian era.  My favorite short story within the book was "Seraphina," about a man who is haunted by a painting of a beautiful lady.  Harwood can write such great Victorian-style ghost stories, I thought, that he could write a whole book of them.

And then, I found it.

The Seance, by John Harwood, is exactly what I have been looking for, for so, so long!  Wonderfully paced, expertly changing perspective, this is the ideal spooky, "gothic" ghost novel, in my eyes.  It was a book I couldn't wait to get back to when I had put it down, and one that I missed when I finished it, which only took six days (rare for me!).  And in the end of both of these novels, there is a logical explanation for everything.  They are like combination ghost/mystery/suspense novels.  Here is a great review of The Seance:  http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/2009/03/seance-john-harwood.html

***

I'm also keeping busy with my cosmetics!  I have a Halloween collection I'm working on, which I'm planning to release in late September or early October.  So please check out my Facebook page if you're interested! :)

Reviews?

I meant to write a post a few days ago, but my internet froze up to a point where I just had to shut everything down.  I'm not sure what's causing it; I reset my Firefox, and have deleted a lot off of my computer, so it must be my internet provider.  How tedious!

I was very anxious, and have been reading Dale Carnegie's How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.  It has been very helpful.  His other book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, is worth the fame it has received.  And they're both vintage, too!

Besides being really hot and drought-like here, I'm getting very antsy about my cosmetics business.  I have lots of new things--finally, that talc-free, perfumed powder I wanted to make!

It's nearly identical to the shade of Coty's Air-Spun that I use.  Triumph!

But...I'm dissatisfied.  I don't feel that business is picking up as it should.  So, I've been wondering...Would readers be interested in seeing reviews of my own vintage-inspired make up?  Are there any readers who might want to do a review of it on their own blogs?  I am very interested in as much feedback and product-exposure as possible.

Winner of the 'Bette' Lipstick!

Sound the trumpets!  

I have chosen the winner of the 'Bette' lipstick giveaway.

The winner is:

JessiB-L!

Congratulations!  Please contact me with your shipping information at: eliza.fragrances@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who participated!  Stay tuned for more giveaways in the future.  ♥