The Blue Gardenia
Edith Head tells us what to wear to nab a sophisticated man September 8, 2011 10:07
Edith Head's ever-so-fun book, How to Dress for Success, originally printed in 1967, shares not only tips on climbing the business ladder, but also tips on bagging the man your heart desires. Ms. Head lists joes by category. Isn't that fun? And decidedly vintage fem?
Today, we'll take the Sophisticated Man About Town, Subtype A, the Super Sophisticate. He is all about elegance. He shuns the overdone. In fact, Mr. SMAT shuns anything that is too anything. So. Assuming you want this type, here's what you should pull out of your closet: Somthing ladylike. Something chic. Something quietly elegant. So says Ms. Head, at any rate.
I suggest Edith Head's very own design, Advance 8946. A tiny-sleeved dress. A back-buttoned empire bolero. And, yes, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia. It is. But you knew that, didn't you, dear ones? Of course you did.
The details: Bust 36. Still in factory folds. $38.
And wouldn't it look lovely with a classy Schreiner brooch? Absolutely. And, yes, this is available for your wearing pleasure, too. At The Blue Gardenia. Of course.
I strongly recommend the pattern, the brooch and the book, which is amusingly retro. Even if you have a hemale already who leaves you blessedly content — or if you want no man at all.
Hit the nail on the Head: Edith inspires clothes for work. June 1, 2011 16:57 1 Comment
Recently, the lovely Marticia gifted me with How to Dress for Success by Edith Head (written with Joe Hyams), published originally in 1967. Delightful! Truly. And so pretty. And nicely illustrated. And lilac. So very.
A few of Ms. Head's tips:
1. Know what kind of job you want.
2. Learn all you can about the business.
3. Dress for the job you want, so that you'll fit in. You don't want to dress as a bank vice president if you want to be a coordinator in a public relations firm.
4. Try on your interview ensemble, and look at yourself from every angle. Sit. Stand.
5. Don't make yourself too attractive. You don't want your interviewer to think you'll have a date every night, therefore be unwilling to work late.
So. Keeping Ms. Head's rules in mind, I offer this pattern for the potential PR coordinator: McCall's 7675, copyright 1965. It's businesslike, yet cool enough for summer. Chestnut linen for the fabric, I think. A pair of simple taupe flats. Perhaps these from Fratelli-Rossetti at Zappos.com.
And, yep, this pattern is available at The Blue Gardenia, where the patterns are counted, the jewelry is sparkling and domestic shipping is free. (We happily ship abroad, for less than the cost USPS charges us.) Don't let it get away. You want that job. Don't you? And you definitely don't want to disappoint Ms. Head.
Oh, yes. Let me not forget to share the pattern details, dear readers: McCall's 7675; bust 34; complete; $18. There you go.
And, Marticia, thank you!