The more Manspirations I work on, the more I realize that finding retro clothes for men is a whole lot harder than I thought it would be. That's why this week I'm taking a break from apparel and focusing instead on the quintessential men's haircut of the 1950's-the Totally Boss Pompadour. I have sort of an inside track on this because I watched my boyfriend go to about a dozen or so different stylists and barbers before somebody finally told him how he would have to grow out, cut, and style his way to the perfect pomp. 
Johnny Depp's bad boy pomp in Cry Baby
Step 1) Grow the front of your hair long... real long... almost or at chin length. This can take quite a while if your hair is really really short. You'll probably start to get impatient, but the end result will be totally worth it. The longer the bangs the higher and more structurally sound the pompadour.
My favorite online resource about pompadours and other greaser hairstyles is Slickville.com
Morrissey's patriotic pomp
Next week, we are going to leap far into the future and give you the step-by-step guide to styling your pompadour.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Manspiration Monday:
Pompadours-Part 1
Friday, March 28, 2008
Look Inspiration:
Shirley Temple
The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer (1940)
Our final Cary Grant co-star/Look Inspiration is Shirley Temple in one of my very favorite comedies of all time-The Bachelor and the Bobby Soxer. Bobby Soxers were the fashion forward, ankle high sock wearing, Lindy Hoppin' teenage girls of the 40s, and Miss Temple is no exception in this hilarious film (which won the Oscar for best screenplay). Its available on DVD and I highly recommend it if you haven't had the chance to see it yet.
Mode Merr White Peasant Blouse
Store: Mode Merr
Price:$48.00
Stop Staring School Girl Skirt
Store: Daddy Os
Price:$54.95
Classic High Quality Saddle Shoes
Store: Daddy Os
Price:$59.95
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Jerry Lee Lewis!!!
The show was nothing short of pure magic! Jerry Lee Lewis is a hell of a performer and put on the best show I've ever seen (and I've been to more than I can count). His fingers are still lightning fast and my jaw involuntarily dropped several times during the performance. He teased and charmed the audience the way he has for 40 some odd years and on top of everything else-TOOK SUGGESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE!!! He played the hits that made me the person I am today, but also covered Hank Williams and several blues standards in a way that touched me more deeply than the originals ever did. I can't say how fortunate I feel to have seen Jerry Lee Lewis finally and in the greatest city in the world. Surely, I am the happiest girl in the world tonight.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Ebay! Ebay! Ebay!
Hello...my name is the Boss and I'm an addict. An Ebay addict. (I'm also a Paul Newman, Etsy, Billiards, Springboard Diving, Saul Bass addict-but everyone who knows me knows that). By far, my very favorite Ebay store is Bombshell Vintage. They carry the cutest 50's style apparel for the most unbelievable prices! I've bought two dresses and both were totally adorable. Here are some of my picks from their ever changing inventory...
Price at Posting:$55.00
Price at Posting:$29.99
Price at Posting:$34.99
Price at Posting:$24.99
Price at Posting:$29.99
Monday, March 24, 2008
Manspiration Monday:
Jerry Lee Lewis
Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On (1957)
On Thursday I am going to accomplish one of my life's goals... to see JERRY LEE LEWIS IN PERSON!!! To actually, finally, see the Killa' in person is almost more than I can take. In honor of this momentous occassion Jerry Lee Lewis is this week's Manspiration. 
Daddy-O's Hipster
Store: Daddy-Os
Price: $34.95
Boca Belt
Store: Amazon.com
Price: $19.99
Industrial Flat Front Pants
Store: Dickies
Price: $23.99
Joe's Garb Greaser White & Black
Store: Daddy-Os
Price: $59.95
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Look Inspiration:
Audrey Hepburn
Charade (1963)
This week's Look Inspiration is Audrey Hepburn, who stared with Cary Grant in the 1963 film "Charade". The film features a brilliant score by Henry Mancini, snappy dialogue, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Co Co Mini Dress Rustic
Store: EC Star
Price: $96.00
Quipid Serina Flats
Store: CutesyGirl
Price: $9.99
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Totally Boss Gals Know a Good Deal When they See One!
I have a couple of totally boss deals to share with y'all and more news about neat spring designs for kids from Ready Steady Kids!
BabyGirlBoutique is having a sale on their new spring products which includes some fabulous purses, dresses, and much much more!
***Coupon Code: viva-la-spring
Coupon discount is limited to BabygirlBoutique.Com purchases only.
eBay purchases do not qualify. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer.
Offer expires on Midnight of March 23, 2008.
Plasticland is giving a 15% off discount just for completing a quick survey!
I just checked out the latest spring designs from Ready Steady Go Kids and found this new gem for girls...
Price: $39.00
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Bangles! Bangles! Bangles!
Bangles are the Totally Boss, Totally Awesome accent to almost any retro outfit. I especially love Bakelite bracelets. Did you know that phony Bakelite is commonly known as Fakelite? I didn't and thought it was hysterical. In my search to learn more about Bakelite I came across this delightful site (BakeliteMan.com) with tons of fabulous information. The site had some really fun facts including the following...
*"In the film Top Hat featuring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the floor was constructed out of Bakelite for the dance scenes. Evidently the most suitable material available at the time !!!"
*"One of the biggest collections of Bakelite jewellery ever
amassed belonged to Andy Warhol, and was stored in several bonded warehouses across the USA. You name it ...Andy probably had it !!!"
*Bakelite, was discovered by accident in 1907 by a Belgian born chemist, Dr Leo Baekeland(1863-1944). Having moved to New York he inadvertently created the first completely man made liquid resin, which he named Bakelite "
If you are even remotely interested in collecting Bakelite anything I suggest you check out the site-its got a wealth of information and super fun content.
Here are my favorite bangles on etsy.com...
Kolos Studio Green Lucite Bracelet
Store: Kolos Studio
Price: $28.00
Sprinkles Hand Cast Resin Bangle
Store: Resinated
Price: $15.00
Brass Fern Leaf Bangle
Store: EmilyEJewelry
Price: $44.00
14kt Gold Butterfly Wide Bracelet
Store: Karkkia
Price:$25.00
Monday, March 17, 2008
Manspiration Monday:
James Dean
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
I always shudder when people compare modern actors to James Dean. He is unquestionably one of the most compelling men to ever grace the silver screen. Certainly he had charisma, but more than that, he had tangibility. Even now, when I watch Rebel Without a Cause, I see so much that is relevant and painfully honest about growing up. Clothes and cars may have changed... but allot of the problems and trials have stayed the same. If you've never seen Rebel Without a Cause I highly recommend it. Its a great film. On a side note Dennis Hopper plays "Goon". You may not even recognize him on first glance.
Nylon Tafetta Windbreaker
Store: American Apperal
Price:$42.00
Editor's Note: I know... I know... its way brighter than the real thing-but I thought it was cool and I'm probably going to get one for myself. So there! (sticking tongue out).
Red Rebel Jacket
Store: Official James Dean Site
Price:$77.95
Editor's Note: One for the purists...
Fine Jersey Short Sleeved Tee
Store: American Apperal
Price:$15.00
501 Original Shrink to Fit Jeans
Store: Levis
Price:$46.00
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Swimsuit Season is Almost Here!!!
Just a quick post today... I have to go over to Brooklyn to buy yarn.
Subscribe to VICAT on YOUTUBE. Whoever posts these videos is TOTALLY BOSS!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Look Inspiration:
Marilyn Monroe
Monkey Business (1952)
Sorry this post is 2 days late. I really don't know what has happened to my internet connection. Anyways, without further ado... this Friday's (hardy-har-har) Look Inspiration, in keeping with our totally boss co-stars of Cary Grant theme- is Marilyn Monroe in Monkey Business. 
Stop Staring Couture Dress
Store: Red Dress Shop
Price: $119.00
Editor's Note: While this dress doesn't have the fabulous cha cha embellishments, it does have the ultra flattering gathering at the hip. In figure slimming black this is definitely a must-have for your retro wardrobe.
Black Agate Earring and Bracelet Set
Store: MyDaughterandMe
Price: $14.00
Black Suede Patent Peep Toe Heel Platform Shoe
Store: AmiClubWear
Price: $21.99
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Glamour, Fashion, Today
Do you ever open an issue of Vogue or Harpers Bazaar and think to yourself (as you flip through the pages with enough speed to create a steady draft) "there's nothing here for me..."? I know I do. I found this wonderful photo essay about the transition in fashion photography from glamor to garbage since the 50s. I really encourage you to check it out and let me know what you think. I also am providing two YouTube videos so that you can compare a fashion show from the 1950s to one from the present day. I'm sure I'm not saying anything you don't already know (or you wouldn't be here right?)... but like I said... I'm interested to hear how y'all feel about it. Thanks for stopping in and checking out my blog!
The Decline of Fashion Photography
1956...
DKNY 2008...
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Audrey!!! Audrey!!! Audrey!!!
The most popular Look Inspiration so far has been Audrey Hepburn. This inspired me to pick some of my favorite Totally Boss Audrey items off of etsy.com...
Audrey Hepburn Portrait
Store: Artywedeom
Price: $25.00
Editor's Note: This fabulous designer has many more totally boss Audrey paintings available.
Funny Face Light Switch Cover
Store: Tatty7
Price: $8.00
Audrey Hepburn Painting
Store: brilliant
Price: $20.00
Audrey Pendant
Store: Inspired Reflections
Price: $8.00
Monday, March 10, 2008
Macho Monday
Manspiration: Cary Grant
North By Northwest
Monday is hensforth all for the boys! And the girls who dress their boys! And the girls who dress like boys! I'm sure I've forgotten somebody... but you get the drift. Monday is going to be all about menswear, menshair, and other totally boss boy stuff. I may even be able to talk my boyfriend into doing a guest spot about creating the perfect pompadour (he's practically got a phd in pomade). Our first Manspiration is Cary Grant. 
Chino two-button suit
Store: Banana Republic
Price: Blazer: $250.00, Pants: $128.00
Editor's Note: This is an exclusive online color called "new navy". It was the closest match I could find to this totally boss suit worn by Grant in North by Northwest.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
White shoes after Labor Day???
The recent purchase of this totally boss blue wrap dress from Bombshell Vintage
got me wondering about the ol' white shoe rule. You know the one... no white shoes after Labor Day and before Easter. As a bona fide G*R*I*T*S (Girl Raised in the South), its a rule I find myself resenting more and more each year. I know...I know... white heels pick up scuffs before you even put them on, blah... blah... blah... but I can't fight it. Sometimes the perfect dress requires the perfect pair of retro white pumps. However, years of sun belt conditioning and John Waters have beat it into my head that pre-Easter, white shoes are the ultimate faux pas and a symptom of bad breeding.
In their Best Question Archive of 2004, the Emily Post Institute weighs in...
"For the week of May 17, 2004
Q. When can you start wearing white shoes—Easter or Memorial Day?
A. White can be worn 365 days a year. The old rule about wearing white only between Memorial Day and Labor Day is a thing of the past."
What's a girl to do? Since Easter is in March this year I'm just going to err on the side of caution and wait...
Friday, March 7, 2008
Look Inspiration:
Grace Kelly
To Catch a Thief
Under the suggestion of Totally Boss Blogger and retro seamstress extraordinaire, Moxietonic, this week's look inspiration is Cary Grant's co-star in "To Catch a Thief", Grace Kelly. 
Source: Grace Kelly Online(the most Totally Boss Grace Kelly site anywhere!)
Carlie Dress
Store: Delias
Price:$44.50
Glamor Headband
Store: LadyBugWings
Price:$5.00
Risky Business Sunglasses
Store: Fred Flare
Price:$10.00
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Tim Gunn's 10 Essentials...RETRO STYLE!!!
Okay... so this is something I've wanted to do for a really long time now. To celebrate/mourn the season finale of Project Runway4, I wanted to take Tim Gunn's list of 10 wardrobe essentials (Tim Gunn's Guide to Style) and put a retro twist on each article of clothing. I hope you enjoy!
Tim Gunn's 10 Wardrobe Essentials
1)Basic Black Dress
Black Cotton Wrap Dress
Store: The Trend Boutique
Current Price: $39.99
2)Trench Coat
Khaki Trench
Store: The Trend Boutique
Current Price: $49.99
3)Classic Dress Pants
High Waisted Sailor Pants
Store: Urban Outfitters
Price:$58.00
Editor's Note: Also available in classic black... and we all know the main benefit of black pants. Totally boss! I think Katherine Hepburn would totally sport these.
4)Skirt
Classic High Waisted Pencil Skirt
Store: PinupGirl Clothing
Price: $36.00
5)Blazer
Pretty Jacket Pink
Store: EC Star
Price: $20.00
6)Classic White Shirt
Store: Forever21
Price:$17.80
7)Day Dress
Gingham Dress
Store: Bombshell Vintage
Price: $34.99
8)Cashmere Sweater
Heart on Your Sleeve Cashmere Sweater
Store: Red Envelope
Price:$75.00
9)Jeans
Stop Staring Allie Jeans
Store: DaddyOs
Price:$84.00
10)Sweatsuit Alternative
Anchor Print Capris
Store: Plasticland
Price:$35.70
11)Bonus: One Indulgent Trendy Item Under $20
Cut Out Swallow Necklace
Store: Heatherly Designs
Price:$19.00
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Totally Boss Retro Rug Rats!!!
So I'm doing a little on-line shopping for my niece and was seeing some totally boss kids stuff that I just had to share with you guys out there in the wild blue yonder...
From Ready Steady Go...
Sale Price: $19.99
Sale Price: $19.99
Price:$38.00
Editor's Notes: I looooooooovvvvvvveeeee these clothes! They never had stuff like this when I was growing up. Get the sundresses now because they are on mmmaaayyyjaaa sale!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Man O' the Month: Cary Grant & Men's Fashion
The results of our Sexiest Man of the Silver Screen Poll are in and the winner is CARY GRANT!!! Hooray! So for the month of march, I'll be sneaking Mr Grant in here and there and all look inspirations this month will come from Cary Grant movies! If you have a favorite Grant co-star let me know by leaving a comment below.
Also, I am going to be doing more posts about men's retro fashion. My boyfriend has been searching for a pair of retro jeans that do not have the fashion distressing (rust staining, tattered seams, and worst of all... whiskers***insert cringe here). This quest has shown me that men just may have it way worse than women when it comes to finding vintage inspired threads. They have very little to choose from, and to be honest, what I've seen out there definitely dwells in the land of cheese. Seriously... a man can only have so many bowling shirts with flaming skulls. What happened to the dapper gentleman with a perfectly cocked fedora? What happened to that guy driving a 1957 chevy with the perfectly groomed pomp? Well they're out there... they just can't find any clothes! If you know someone who also can't get enough of totally boss macho retro looks then point them in my direction because I am going to be paying them some much needed attention in the future.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
BabyGirlBoutique is having a 20% sale!!!
Ends Midnight March 5th!!!
Babygirl Boutique is having a TOTALLY BOSS 20% off sale. Just enter this code...
march-madness
at checkout to receive your savings! (does not apply to Ebay items, and you can't combine with other offers) Get while the gettin's good!
Here our some of my favorite things from Babygirl Boutique...
Price: $92.00
Price: $21.95
Price: $6.95
Price: $48.00
