All Abroad!
Click for a closer look at the paper-doll princessLast week I had a hankering for some old Hollywood glamour. I chose to watch Alfred Hitchcock’s classic The Birds. I just love all that melodrama, the little supernatural chills I get as the story unfolds. But never mind Hitchcock’s magnificent skills as a storyteller … let’s talk about Tippi Hedren’s character Melanie. Doesn’t she look so prim and proper – a look, mind you, entirely belied by her mischievous behaviour?
However, I don’t want to talk so much about her clothes (she doesn’t have much of a wardrobe here), but rather something Melanie says to Mitch: “When I was abroad last year …”
Going abroad is a much more enchanting notion: it makes me think of cruise ships and trans-Atlantic crossings …
Abroad! I thought, on hearing that line. What a wonderful expression – so much more evocative than saying, “When I went overseas last year …” How dull, how prosaic. Going abroad is a much more enchanting notion: it makes me think of cruise ships and trans-Atlantic crossings; old suitcases plastered with old fashioned luggage labels; long glamorous gowns fluttering in the wind; parties, cocktails, all manner of frivolities (such as being pushed into a fountain in Rome, like Melanie was), and of course, a holiday romance.
Inspired, I off and purchased my imaginary capsule wardrobe on Etsy and packed my bags (in paper-doll style): a discreet little navy suit to sail away in; a polka-dot dress for lazy afternoons strolling along foreign boulevards in the sun; a candy-pink evening gown for those ship-board evening parties, and the cutest little ruched and shirred swimsuit you ever did see. Of course I didn’t forget a lovely selection of accessories.
You can check them out here:
Navy Suit from Catie Nienaber
Polka-dot dress (now reserved, sorry) from Zacharie Boyle
Evening gown from C. R. McCarthy
Swimsuit (sold, alas) from My Vintage Valentine
White sunhat from Cindy
Pink bandeau from Terri
Navy hat from Margaret Kennedy
Black suede oxford heels from Sticky Lipgloss
Satin sandals from Julie Bergmans
Wicker bag from Curious Fawn Vintage
Beaded purse from Dandylioness