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!