Gowns By Adrian

 

Marvin and I enjoy watching TCM movies, especially the older ones, usually in black and white. I always look at the credits to see who does the costumes/wardrobe. Many of the classics list “Gowns by Adrian” and I decided to check him out.

 

Born in 1903, died in 1959. He did a lot of work for C.B. DeMille and MGM. He dressed a lot of big stars for big movies. After a big fallout with MGM, he started his own studio.

 

He designed the Eugenie hat, which became a popular style. He’s the one who put shoulder pads on Joan Crawford. He put the ruby slippers on Judy Garland’s feet. His evening gowns were legendary. He died of a heart attack while working on the costumes for the Broadway musical Camelot.

 

A very short selection of the MANY movies he designed for. Check ‘em out. I’m sure you’ll recognize a lot of them:

 

Chicago (1927) This was a silent film, based on a play, which was based on a true story. I loved the 2002 musical and had no idea of its origins. I’m not a big fan of silent movies, but I would love to see this one.

 

Grand Hotel (1932) Based on a play, based on a novel. HUGE list of stars. One was Joan Crawford (before shoulder pads!). I had actually recorded this on TCM and had started to watch it, but just wasn’t in the mood then and deleted it. If I ever see it listed again I will def give it another chance.

 

Dinner at Eight (1933) LOVED THIS MOVIE!!! Great cast! Great story! Sadly, it bored the heck out of Marv, but he enjoyed watching me enjoy it. Wouldn’t mind having this in my permanent collection.

 

Born to Dance (1936) Musical that featured the dancing prowess of Eleanor Powell and Virginia Bruce. AND also starred Jimmy Stewart! Love of my life!

 

The Wizard of Oz (1939) Need I say more? Didn’t think so…

 

The Philadelphia Story (1940) Cary Grant! Katherine Hepburn! JIMMY STEWART!! He even sings a love song to Hepburn! She could’ve had Jimmy…but no…she goes back to Cary! I guess I can’t really blame her…(but I do)

 

Rope (1948) Classic Hitchcock! Great story and innovative use of editing to make it seem the movie takes place in “real time.” Also stars Jimmy Stewart…♥

 

So there ya go. Great movies with a great wardrobe by the awesome Adrian!

Toe Socks!!

 

 

I read a blog post that talked about toe socks. The writer was very witty about why toe socks are the best things to have on your feet. Letting your toes have autonomy and not feeling like they’re in toe jail. That kind of thing. And it got me to thinking…

 

At various times I’ve had toe socks. I got them because I liked the idea and they were rainbow colored. They were knee highs too. Keep my legs warmer in the winter. What I discovered, though, is that bit of extra material between the toes made the shoes too tight. My tootsies felt cramped and uncomfortable. So I stopped wearing them.

 

After reading this article I decided to try them again, strictly wearing them inside the house. Bypassing the shoes entirely. After my shower at night I like to rub skin cream on my feet. If I get right into bed afterward, fine. But if I’m still up for a while I put socks on to keep my feet clean. So I thought, why not put toe socks on? Walking around the house with them on makes me happy. They’re cute. They smile at me. They have little ears…

 

So I got a pack of the ones in the picture. They weren’t knee high, so I could wear them any time of year. Different colors. I can even wear two different colors if I’m feeling capricious.

 

Now excuse me while I do a little happy dance with my tootsies…

 

Random Thought:

Reasons to bring a bee on a tiny leash to a party:

1) It's a great conversation starter.

2) If you are too shy, you can just talk to the bee.

 

Medieval Parent Magazine – Maternity Clothes

 

Article – GET CRAFTY – How to make your own maternity robes (because it is your only option)

 

What women wore during pregnancy was what they wore all the time. They MIGHT have a second set of clothing to wear while the first set was being washed, but then again, they might not. Everything was made by hand. No stores. Sometimes a traveling weaver or spinner would make the rounds of the villages to turn raw materials into cloth.

 

It usually started with a pair of hose that were like loose leggings held up by garters or straps. Some had feet in them, some did not. Over that was a long shirt-like garment that was at least mid-calf long or longer. Over that was a heavier tunic that was usually floor length. Some had sleeves, others were sleeveless. Some kind of belt then usually finished the outfit. It was handy to hang essential tools from the belt, such as a knife, trowel or pair of scissors.

 

And that was it. If there was a worn place or a tear, it was mended. You wore that outfit until it was literally a rag. So no special maternity clothes. Just the same old, same old.

Just as a side note – they didn’t have pajamas, either. If it was hot, they slept in the nude. If it was cold, they wore their everyday clothes. If they got too warm, they might take a couple of layers off.

 

This picture is the closest I could come to what the outfit might look like, except that only the wealthy would have clothes with any color in them. Everything was pretty much the same color – drab.