Twenties Twenties Vision

I know I shouldn't get wound up, but whenever I look at Ralph Lauren's magazine ads they make me cringe. They are soooo dated looking. There is always some kind of seventies flavour in there, even when that isn't the trend he is running with.

Plus they are always so American looking. Not that being American is a bad thing, but that fresh faced, preppy innocence is just so boring. And, again, dated. In terms of advertising anyway. The adverts look as though they are for an American market (which, admittedly, they probably are) and that the rest of the world will just have to lump it even if they don't appreciate the aesthetic.

But I hear you: "What's she getting upset about? The whole Ralph Lauren aesthetic is Americana. If you don't like that why would you be interested in Ralph Lauren anyway?"

And I would have agreed with you up to a point.

Specifically up to this point.

Where he sent fresh faced, rosy-cheeked girls down the runway in these fabulous twenties styles.

These dresses are so beautiful. And really sum up many of the things that I love about the trends for the coming season. Pastel shades, and easy elegance and a bit of Gatsy flavour.

This ice blue dress is enough to bring tears to my eyes with its beauty.

So, what do we reckon? Is it just a blip? Or am I going to have to overlook the hideous advertising and admit that I (gasp!) like Ralph Lauren?

Fortunately I don't have to decide just yet. I can enjoy this collection as a stand alone, and I don't have to worry myself about what's to come.

Phew!

(Images via Style.com)

Yes Siree Bob

So, my 20s obsession continues. Just looking at Louise Brooks here makes me swoon. It is such an iconic look. I am thinking about growing my hair out and that can be a painful experience at the best of times.

So the natural progression has to be the bob. I think it would be cute, don't you?

I couldn't carry off the blunt fringe, but either a sweeping fringe or something like Miss Knightley's and I'll be very pleased.

New year's resolution number 1:

Get a bitchin' hair cut.

A Drop in the Ocean

So of course everyone is talking about Baz Lurhaman's remake of The Great Gatsby. I'm pretty excited about it. And these pictures of Carey Mulligan are just lovely. I think she will make a great Daisy.

And the dresses...

The Twenties style is always a winner. It is finding its way on to the catwalks and high street already. But that is where my problems start.

Not that these dresses aren't lovely. They are. Beautiful shapes. Beading and adornments.

And (dur, dur, durrrr!) the drop waist! Aaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!

If there were ever a dress shape that was designed to make a curvy girl blanch it is the drop waist.

In the Twenties the aim was to look boyish. You wanted a straight up and down figure and women would bind their breasts to achieve it. Now, I'll do a lot for my love of fashion, but in the words of the Meatloaf, I won't do that. So, sadly, this will have to be a trend that I merely appreciate from afar.

(Images via Daily Telegraph)