Becky's Flickr Slideshow

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

CWS: ♥ LUXE Paris Fashion Show at Bikini Jungle ♥ "No Monkeying Around!"

by Becky Kénaan 





“Once upon a time, there lived some wild animals on a happy little place called “Bikini Bay Jungle.” 

One day, these wonderful creatures became bewildered, confused, and restless from much construction activity on the sim by the humans. The sounds of hammering and saws during all hours of the day and night were very stressful, annoying, and disruptive to these creatures easy going lifestyles.” 

“Hey, what the heck is this thing these humans built next to our favorite scratching palm tree! “ yelled Sid, the resident gorilla.

GRAGH!  
(beats chest, ape fashion)

Sid - Loud and Boisterous
(but really quite Harmless)
Sid: “Hey, Jaffy! What is this I hear about some sort of Fashion Show at Bikini Jungle.  For the love of God! Haven’t we got enough to do here already as props on this freakin’ island to make both Mama Mika and Puma Paris happy and content? 

For the love of God!  What are these humans thinking, anyway? I think that we should take back this island by force and let the humans run around naked here instead of us.  See how they would like THAT for a change!  Pfft!”

GRAGH!  
(beats chest, ape fashion)

Jaffy the Giraffe
Claims that Sid drives her to drink





Jaffy: “Well,I just don’t know Sid...but I can tell you this, I think that the lemurs and leopards are going to start peeing all over the island marking their territory! And, I do not think that it is  wise to think about some intricate plot to interrupt this human event either, Sid.  I have no interest in getting shipped back to the zoo and rooming with you on that stinky boat again. Pfft!" 

"Besides, your idea about having the humans run around here butt naked is so very passé... that is already being done at another island close by.”

Sid: GRAGH!
(hands over head, ape fashion)

Sid: Pfft!  And would you look at Sally..that little snake!  I have never seen her wear lipstick before.  I have heard about putting lipstick on a pig BUT this is ridiculous! This whole thing is really getting out of hand.  And what annoys me the most is the fact that we weren’t invited to model either. Pfft!”

Sid: GRAGH!
(arms over head, ape fashion)
“Hh Hh Hh Hh”

Jaffy: “Oh, Sid... now please calm down.  If you want, I can put a word in for you to see if Mika or Paris might have a Tutu laying around somewhere for you to model. If I were you, I would just go with the flow of things. FYI, I hear that Mika is shipping in a ton of bananas just for you.”

Sid: GRAGH! 
(flailing arms over head, ape fashion)
“Hh Hh Hh Hh”

Sid: “Bananas, my ass!  Screw that!! Banana dung doesn’t go well with any of my outfits! She has to do better than that if she thinks we are going to remain calm here and not revolt!!  I am sure that the last thing she wants is me tearing the limbs off of any of these models and the audience!”

Sid: GRAGH! 
(flailing arms over head, ape fashion)
“Hh Hh Hh Hh”

Ellie the Elephant
Butt Shot Courtesy of Oscar the Orangoutang
Jaffy: "Well, I would talk to Ellie first before doing anything drastic like that, Sid.  You know, as an elephant, she is very smart so maybe she will have some solution.  Just remember that she is a bit overly conscious about her weight and figure.  So please don't say anything about her diet or she might just squish you flat like a bug!" 

"Let me call her over here for you.... Oh, Ellie!! Oh, Ellie!!  Can I trouble you for a minute, honey bun?

"Boom!, Boom!, Boom!, Boom! ...(sound of Ellie strutting over)." 

Jaffy: “Ellie, did you know that the girls here are having a little fashion show?”

Ellie: Why, yes, Jaffy...In fact they asked me to paint pictures of the event and send out announcements as well... I am so pleased about this whole thing.  We could always use more tourists here to entertain and pose with.  

Just think, why they might even bring in a  bull elephant to keep me company.  Getting leg-humped by that little horny Orangoutang is getting so old, you know...”

Now a Closer Look into Sid's World at Bikini Island: 




A NOTE FROM SUNRAE:

Sunrae: "Hello... My name is Sunrae Suntzu and I am the owner of Classic w/Style Modeling.  CWS and LUXE Paris have joined together to bring you an amazing fashion show of the classic designs by Parisian Skytower and Mika Palmyra."

Inspector Clue-so: "Excuse me Ma'am for this interruption.  I know that you must be extremely busy, but it appears that there has been a complaint filed against you concerning alleged cruelty to the wild animals here at Bikini Jungle."

Sunrae: "Well, I don't know who you are and such, but contrary to what you may have erroneously heard, all of the animals at LUXE are safe and well taken care of." 


Sunrae: "Additionally, I will have you know and can assure you that we have taken all necessary and extra precautions... and have had all of these animal tranquilized by the island veterinarian  under the direct observation by the Society for the Prevention to Animal (SPCA)."

Inspector Clue-so: "I am sorry Ma'am, but I am just following through on this incident.  As an Animal Rights Inspector from PETA, it is my job to visit and observe in the case of any complaints filed."

Sunrae: "And, just whom may I ask filed this complaint, Inspector?"


This woman doesn't monkey around
when it comes to style. She is uncompromising
in attention to detail & quality
Inspector Clue-so: "I am sorry, Ma'am, but I am not allowed to disclose my source.  Shall I just say he knows Paris' partner intimately well...So, let's leave it at that, shall we? We certainly don't need the press getting involved on this, now do we?""

Sunrae: "OMG! Please also note that any time you see these animals having sex, it is solely by coincidence and a part of nature."  

"Please believe me, Inspector, we have taken extra measures to minimize the noise levels generated by these creatures in accordance with the wild animal safety act.  We also don't give any scores for their performances."

Inspector Clue-so: "Whatever you say, Ma'am..."

(walks away mumbling to himself "what a freakin' sicko")

FORWARD:

Well, I'll be a Monkey's Aunt...I  was absolutely amazed to see the LUXE Cruise 2013 and the Celebration collections, along with the newest additions to LUXE Paris designs - the Pink Spring Collection.


"Oh, has anybody heard from Sid lately?  I wonder where he ran off to?  These primates get so unpredictable at times!  Sid was going to join me in the commentary booth here to talk about some of these incredible new designs and get his opinion on the fashion show."

Sid: " Hello, Becky.  I really don't want to be here but my wife told me that if I didn't help you, she would cut me off."

Sid: "GRAGH!" 

(flailing his arms over head, ape fashion)
“Hh Hh Hh Hh”


Becky:  "Oh Sid, this will be fun! Besides, in this wonderful world of swim fashion, it doesn't get any sexier than this.  I recommend that you go into the store afterwards and buy a few of these wonderful designs for your wife.  Just watch!  I just bet that you will be doing the "monkey" all night long with her for that!"

Sid: GRAGH! 

(doing tumbles, ape fashion)
“Hh Hh Hh Hh”

Becky:  "Would you look at this, Sid... Wow! This black and white LUXE Damier Tankini that Janet is wearing says "You Tarzan, her Jane!" Just look how the halter style top is edged with such classy lacing and see in the back how it is trimmed with that very fashionable black bow? Yumms!"

"Oh, Sid?, Sid?  You Who!! Are you alright? OMG!"

"I need a veterinarian from the audience, PLEASE!"  I think Sid has just fainted!!"  

"Oh My! Why, yes Doctor... I can certainly help you! I don't feel any pulse, Doc!!" 

Dr. Watson:  "Ok, Becky..Just put these electrode device clamps on each of Sid's nipples then stand back!

Becky:  "Yes Doctor!"

Dr. Watson:  "Ok, CLEAR!"

Zzzzz-APPPP !!!

Sid: "GRAGH!" 

“Hh Hh Hh Hh” 

(running around in a circle, holding his breasts, ape fashion)

Becky:  "Thank You, Doctor!!"

Becky: "Now Sid, maybe you should go sit down and take it easy for a bit, okay?"

Sid: (Mutters Obscenities) 



Bold and Beautiful this LUXE Pique Nique Bikini in rouge  will dazzle your summer.  Wear this gorgeous two piece swimsuit and add spice to your warm vacation. Summer time is to have fun and this fashionable masterpiece knows everything about you; your most intimate secrets and your delightful curves.



Here is Liberty Lighthouse wearing the Jolis Papillons Bikini. This print strapless bikini is a feast for your eyes with a collage of summer-inspired mint and lilac colors. 

 

This is the LUXE Cruise Jolis Papillons print tankini set presented by Summitt Beaumont.  This tankini is of the same soft print mint and lilac as the bikini and offers a little more coverage. 



For the man of the house, Swim with the essence of the tropics in this LUXE CRUISE Men's Black Boardies worn by Philippe Byron, complete with superior style to tackle any wave in the sea. Boys, just remember to complete your "Honey-Do" list before running out to play! 




Look fabulous in floral with this LUXE CRUISE Nuage One Piece Swimsuit presented by our next model, Ascensions . T his swimsuit Features a pink pastel floral print with pink ribbon trim and a sweetheart neckline.  Intricate details like these make this designer bathing suit stand out among the rest. With slimming side detailing and a pretty in pink bow trim.  This is a must have for the feminine gal.



Becky Kenaan models the matching LUXE Nuage Gown.  This matching set comes complete with the Nuage one piece swimsuit.  With the chic floral design and swaying skirt, this outfit has a sweet, come hither look. The sexy yet girlish scrunched-hole in the center of this sweetheart shaped bodice creates a feminine and flirty vibe by giving you a uniquely appealing look.



Get fierce this swim season with this wild LUXE Orient bikini presented by Bell Frayar. This strapless bikini is engineered with a striking bold color print to daze and amaze the beach crowd. This striking two piece bikini will help you see a whole new world; a world of beauty and color that you were missing.  Dare to wear it! 




The LUXE CRUISE Red Hawaii Five Ho Bikini presented by Becky Kenaan, is a two piece halter bikini that displays majestic perfection.  With a striking Hawaiian floral print this bikini is true tropical paradise.  Ho'omake'aka....no, it doesn't mean ho in Hawaiian it means funny!!!  Very clever name for the outfit Paris.




Channel the goddess within in this LUXE Xen Mermaid one piece.  Making its debut as one of the most heavenly one piece swimsuits on the market, this one piece Swimsuit with matching skirt presented by Janet Brink certainly doesn’t disappoint.  Ocean blended colors meet modern sophistication, this one piece wonder features a modest cut detailed with a contemporary color-block design with Slim-powering definition to create the ideal silhouette and can be worn with or without the matching sheer skirt. Discover your inner goddess in this swimsuit by LUXE Paris.


Be the ultimate poolside sophisticate with the LUXE de Mailles Dress & Swimsuit Set.  Designed in draping grey fabric, this swim top features a functional neck back clasp, and push-up that enhances your best asset. Transform your look throughout the swim season in chic and luxurious fashion.



One piece designer bathing suits come in many shapes and forms, but no suit compares to this incredible LUXE Cotte de Mailles one Piece modeled by Liberty Lighthouse. This detailed and sophisticated suit has all the right style features with its detailed wide band lace-up back, and side shirring. 



Next we take a look at Men's God on the Beach Short outfit presented by our very own God on the beach Philippe Byron.  These straight leg, washed jean shorts and soft blue Tee are a great way to play on the beach or just relax in comfort.  (Again, once you have done all of your "chores." Ha!)



This LUXE Chic Sport Pant & Top presented by our next model Ascensions creates an informal but coordinated look for the workplace or a night out.  Sophistication blends with comfort in this casual pant suit. 

"Somebody PLEASE help Ascensions off the stage... She is as blind as a bat with that hair-do!"



Taking a classic and effortless approach to urban-cool dressing, Parisian Skytower creates these LUXE Weekend Black Jeans presented by Becky Kenaan.  These jeans are instantly figure-flattering. This pair is a perfect foundation piece for your weekend uniform, promising to keep every off-duty look streamlined and low-key. Wear it with everything from tank tops, tailored blazers to slouchy sweaters.




Add style to your image and modernize your wardrobe with this hot LUXE CRUISE Men's Crimson crewneck shirt and dark blue denim short outfit modeled by Philippe Byron.  This outfit will make any man look sexy. 


Our stunning model Janet Brink wears the LUXE CRUISE Night Kisses Flexi Dress from the LUXE Celebration collection.  This designer dress has a high-neck halter style bodice that flows eloquently into a drop waist soft pleated skirt.  The high-low skirt style is bordered with an impressionistic floral pattern of vivid pink color



I am so jealous that Liberty got to model this LUXE CRUISE Rhomance Flexi Dress! Pfft!!  It has such a sexy and delicate look about it! I love how the ultra-feminine sheer chiffon  fitted top and short layered skirt all comes together in one absolutely  beautiful piece. 



This sexy black ruched ruffle LUXE SOIR DE TANGO Flexi Dress presented by Summitt Beaumont will enhance any cocktail Party or Tango Swing Dance.  Bordered in pink floral trim with a side drape style.



Ascensions hits the beach wearing this LUXE Celebration Disco Dress.  This trendy outfit has a bikini style top with an airy sheer cover-up and a leg-loving length skirt that easily transitions from sun to after-dark fun.  I just LOVE the shoes with this fun, fun Disco Dress, Ascensions!



Becky Kenaan presents the gorgeous LUXE Evening Emerald Nuage gown.  The sparkling embellishments catch the light and the imagination of those around you as you step out onto the dance floor.  This dress has spaghetti straps and sweetheart neckline.  



Janet Brink looks stunning in this LUXE Holiday Gold Nuage Evening Gown.  From its impeccable sweetheart neckline to the hem of its ethereally flowing skirt, this dress couldn`t be lovelier. Dazzling accents add glitzy panache to the form-fitting bodice and trail down the skirt.  The beautiful fur stole adds a formal touch and is also sold separately in the LUXE Paris store.



Liberty models this absolutely gorgeous LUXE Silver Bell Nuage Evening Gown.  Wearing this elegant ensemble, you’ll be the one to watch at your next special event or holiday party in this beautiful glittery evening gown.  This stunning evening gown from the Nuage collection is adorned with a fur stole and ornate detail streams throughout the bodice down to the layered sparkling high-low skirt. 

Newest Additions by LUXE Paris

And now we introduce the newest additions by LUXE Paris.  Parisian Skytower's Pink Spring Collection.   These stunning adorable outfits are making their first debut here today at our fashion show so don't just be the first to see them, be the first to be seen in SL wearing these new arrivals.  



First we have Summitt Beaumont modeling the LUXE Pink Spring First Date Dress.  What a lovely way to impress him on your first date.  From a casual meeting at a coffee shop to your first dinner out this precise pleats and flattering sundress tucks a charming fit-and-flare dress colored in a lush, abstract print trimmed in lace. A bow that ties in back furthers the flirty look.






Ascensions models this lovely LUXE Pink Spring Casual Gown.  The bodice is colors of black, white and pink that flows marvelously to the brocade short swingy skirt.  What a beautiful addition to your spring and summer wardrobe.









Grab these shorts and a board and prepare to look like a pro. These LUXE Men's Multi-Wave boardies worn by Philippe Byron are a must have.  They feature a super-fresh contrast stripe pattern and tie.  Be the classiest gentleman on the beach or at the pool this summer. 




Becky sparkles in this LUXE Pink Spring Giggly Sundress.  This chic sundress features vibrant pink colors and an open ruffled crop-top. This sundress is a flattering fit and an essential for a summer vacation stroll down the boardwalk or a day out shopping with friends or cocktail parties . 

Stay cool and comfortable in this LUXE Pink Spring Casual Charm Pant Set presented by Bell Frayar.  This outfit is easy, modern elegance with a halter style top and white slacks accessorized with a pretty pink belt. 




Sex appeal tied up in nice little bows.  Becky wears this LUXE Pink Spring Jewel Tankini Lingerie set.  A sun-siren staple. The halter style tankini channels silver-screen glamour with halter straps trimmed with pink ribbon and adorned with a pretty bow.  




Tuesday, April 23, 2013

CWS: "It's All About Sex, Stupid!"

by Becky Kenaan


The Male vs. Female Brain
Let’s talk about about sex differences in communication, shall we? Boys, please pay attention to this if you care to listen.  Hmmm...Listening? 
But first, I definitely want to give the Men out there the ten top things NOT to say to a Woman when being intimate and smooching up. 


They are:
“Baby, I could do this part better myself.”
“Have you ever considered liposuction?”
“I really hate women who think sex means something.”
“Do I have to pay for this?” 
“You know, my ex was so much better in bed.”
“What is your name again?”
“This is your first time, right?”
“Hey!  My friends were right...You ARE good!”
“Wow, and to think that I was first trying to pick up on your girlfriend!” 
“Hurry up!  The game is like in 10 minutes!”



A Note About the Male Anatomy


From a vascular standpoint,  a very basic biological condition/fact exists in the Male specimen.  Understanding this phenomena  is essential to a good, healthy sexual relationship. 

It is well documented that blood supply has much to do about Man’s ability to think and reason. This is why they put flight suits on jet pilots so that the pilot can maintain blood supply to the brain under G-force maneuvers to avoid blacking out

Fundamentally this is also true about sex, for when God gave Man a Brain and a Penis, unfortunately SHE only gave Man just enough blood supply to run one at a time. HA!!

Yes, Our Brains are Miles Apart


Okay, we all know that our brains are wired quite differently, and that the biggest differences between Men and Women comes basically down to Men not listening and Women not being able to read maps, right?  Ha! 

Seriously, while women communicate through dialogue, discussing their emotions, choices in relationships, and domestic problems; guys remain more result-oriented as their primary goal of communication being to achieve results quickly - and then move on. Pfft!

While most women’s friendships focus on making contacts, talking about relationships, problems, sharing secrets, relating to mutual experiences, and exhausting options. - Men’s companionships with each other is not less profound, it's just different. 

It is important to understand each other and know when it is appropriate to discuss things as the following clip aptly illustrates:



It also seems that women are more talkative in their gender groups and have more variation on a particular topic than men.  It has been said that woman use about 20,000 words per day while a man uses only about 7,000.  Certainly, we have no shortage of words when it comes to talking. HA!  And blah, blah, blah ... you Men certainly have some catching up to do! Ha!
But after saying that, I know that there certainly are those men who want to chat about their feelings and women who quickly tire of discussion as well. But what are the facts about sex and talkativeness? Shall we go there? 

There's an enormous amount of individual variations or levels of intimate communication because that is what makes us unique as people, and each of us talk more or less depending on mood and situation. 

Looking into My Crystal Ball I see, I see .... Oh Shit!

One of the biggest mistakes people make in a relationship is to expect their partner to read minds. Open communication and understanding run hand-in-hand in a relation. We do change as people over time, and having said that communication is key in a good progressive relationship. 
Effective communication in a relationship can make the difference between a happy relationship and none at all. And, it isn’t just about talking with each other or sharing a laugh. Communication is also about expressing a negative opinion at times as well. 


Holding back your frustration over something that really annoys you in a relationship is not healthy because it means that saying nothing repeats the same thing again. So, if something’s bugging you about the relation, it is more healthy to speak out about it openly and frankly rather that letting it simmer into a stew and go unresolved. 
Frank communication (when the time is right) can achieve something much better and help the both of you grow together and sustain your relationship. 

Finding love in SL 
The SL world is full of places to go and experience. But when it comes to love, while it’s surprisingly easy to hook up here romantically for the short term, it totally uncertain as to the realm of the relationship to follow.
Personally speaking, I know a few couples who have been together here in SL seemingly forever.  But I find their love to be more of the exception than the rule here.  Maybe it is just me and I am just too picky.  You know, I have a decent Avi body, charm, personality, and wit.  So, maybe Mr. Right is still out there for me?  Nah!! 

So, if you’re single here in SL and feeling hopelessly lost, don’t fret. You really are not alone. Join the club! Ha!


Unlike my B’wuana Becky travels, love isn’t a road map to go from one place to another. As far as love is concerned, it is like a magical recipe that changes with each person. I am sure that there are many here who have actually given up on finding love, and carry on their SL experiences with fairytale romances and erotic experiences here. 

True, SL probably isn’t really the best environment to find long term commitments because of its mostly fantasy, although I do know of a few people that have actually transcended from SL into RL and are now couples in RL. This is more the exception than the rule, but it can happen if the recipe is right.

But, if you’re one of those hopeless romantics trying to find love here in SL, let’s delve a bit deeper.  To start off, what exactly are you looking for here in SL? Is this an escape from your married relationship in SL?  Or, do you just come into SL because you get bored with your RL boyfriend and are looking for some guy to swoon your mind over? What ever the reasons are, it can be at once intriguing and exciting for the heart.  Perhaps it is because YOU simply want to find love again? If the latter is the case, then understanding this will be the key to opening up better avenues and paths in your search for love here in SL. 

Love & the SL Marketplace
So let’s look at identifying the type of love you are feeling when you first meet a guy that you are interested in here. Basically, there are four different degree categories of love:
Crazy-in-love 
Head-over-heels-in-love
Sort-of-in-love
Am-I-in-love? 
Okay, now that we have identified which category of love matches your degree or level, let’s look into the type of partner that you’re seeking, shall we? 
Pfft! Obviously, looks are easy here - so we can pass on that aspect (unless you want a big gorilla or someone to literally whisk you right off of your feet, ha!) No...Okay then, let’s begin to look deeper insofar as selection is concerned. 

B’wuana Beck’s Guide to Hunting Checklist 

So, let’s start off and  make a “B’wuana Beck’s Guide to Hunting Checklist.”  Ha!  Sounds like some sort of big game expedition, doesn’t it? Seriously, sometimes it’s not easy to make a checklist about love, but it’s always better to create a list if you want to know how to find love. So please bare with me.
I would start off by asking yourself what are the most important aspects that you want in your partner here in SL? Knowing how to find your guy (or girl) here in SL is about knowing what you want in a partner. 
Aside from being attractive (which is easy to find here), what is most important to you?  Do you seek the charming type, the fun seekers, those ambitious here, or all of the above? Don’t sweat over the small stuff. It’s alright for the list to be vague.
Of course, love at first sight here in SL is commonplace. Certainly, during those times of the passion, you won’t care about this list, but still, these checklists are always important in looking at the long term relationship. 
So, when you know that you like someone but yet at the same time, you can’t describe it as love, it is important to step back and assess what you are looking for before getting in any deeper.  Infatuation can be dangerous and lead you into the wrong places. Often, being infatuated you might experience mood swings and feelings of intense joy and frustrations. 

Looking For a Partner that Interests You


Instead of dropping expectations of love here in SL, first ask yourself what your ideal SL partner might want from you. Look into the mirror - What would your dream partner be looking for? 
Speak with a few friends of the opposite sex and ask them about what their definition is of a great partner. Use this as a learning experience to improve upon yourself. 
More so than in RL, in SL attractiveness is all about charisma, persona and attitude than anything else. Do you understand where I am going? 


The Law of Attraction in SL - Like Love Bugs Drawn to a Warm Light
Truth be told, leave love to the secret law of attraction. It works, and it’s very natural. Simply put, you can ask for the moon in a relationship, but if you want the best partner, you have to be the best partner too. 
Now that you have made your checklist of the things you want in a partner. And just like you, your prospective partner’s made a mental checklist of the things they want in their partner too.
If both of your checklists align, it’s instant attraction - You know, like bugs to a warm light! Just be careful that it isn’t a bug zapper! LOL

Friday, April 19, 2013

CWS: OMG! Let's Boogie to the "Charleston" Again!



by Becky Kenaan

The 1920's brought many things to western civilization.  It was a decade in which fashion entered the modern era, a time of prohibition and violence, and a time of spirit and creativity.  

The "Roaring Twenties," as it was aptly named, was also the first decade to emphasize the youth culture over the older generations. The flapper sub-culture that evolved had a tremendous influence on main stream America with many new jargons coined by the liberated women of this decade.





The slang of the decade was conceived in part from the counter-culture of the Victorian period. 

In this time of Prohibition, this cultural slang evolved - not so much used as a code to confuse the police, but more of a special code amongst those who wanted to appear as insiders to the many Speak Easy Clubs that flourished during this time.




Moll Doll Becks Being Tossed-Out of a Speak Easy
Big Frank Zig: "Tell me somethin' Babe, was it you or that other Moll Doll that called the Coppers that put Charlie-Boy in Bracelets?  Peaching on him like that got'em in the Slammer.  Are you the Stool-pidgeon? 
Lula Sunrae:"Why no, Big Frank!  Please, believe me! It was those Gum-shoe Bulls that got to Charlie-Boy.  I never fingered him, I swear! 
Big Frank Zig: "You Dumb Dora!  I bet you think that I am pretty stupid, don't you?  Why, I ought to teach you and that other Bim a lesson! No Sheba is gonna mess with my operation! You come clean now or you just might find yourself in a Chicago Overcoat in Big Sleep or hangin by your dogs! You hear me, Bearcat?"

The Roaring Twenties:


From the creation of beautiful fashions and the influence of the new film industry with its elegantly dressed celebrities & wild flappers - to the gangsters & the evolution of jazz music, it is not surprising why the time period became best known as "The Roaring Twenties."

Come explore with me the beautiful fashions of this remarkable decade of nightclubs and jazz music.  Come see why, out of this decade, came both a love and a hatred of the American gangster, and see just how the insatiable spirit of flapper dress culture shaped today's modern woman.



The Roaring '20s had a huge influence on some of today's most elegant fashions, and hair stylings for both men and women alike. For it was during this time period that women abandoned the past restrictive fashions to wear more comfortable clothing (such as short skirts or trousers). 


Men also abandoned daily formal attire and began wearing athletic clothing for the first time. The single-breasted lapel suits that men wear today are still based fundamentally on those worn in the late 1920s. 

There were two distinct periods of fashion during the 1920s.  In the early part of the decade, the change to flapper style was relatively slow, since many people were reluctant out of tradition to adopt new styles. However, from 1925 on, the public mindset changed and thus embraced the new styles of clothing we now associate with the Roaring Twenties. 

Womenswear:


The 1920s saw the emergence of three major women's fashion magazines: Vogue, The Queen, and Harper's Bazaar. Vogue was first published in 1892, but its up-to-date fashion information did not have a marked impact on women's desires for fashionable garments until the 20's. These magazines provided mass exposure for popular styles and fashions.




With the Woman's Suffrage movement came a time of change to woman's roles in society.  As a result, clothing fashions changed particularly with the idea of women's new found freedom.



Although there were certain society matrons that continued to wear conservative dresses, the sportswear worn by forward-looking and younger women became the greatest change to fashion during this time period.  

The tubular dresses just prior to 1920 had evolved into into sported shorter skirts with pleats, gathers, or slits to allow motion. The most iconic fashion trend of the “Roaring '20s” was undoubtedly “the flapper” look. 


The flapper dress was functional and it flattened the bust line rather than accentuating it. Many of these fastened with buttons. The closer style fitting flapper dresses fastened with a continuous lap. The lap was usually applied to the left side seam of the garment. Additionally, hooks, buttons, and snaps were all used to fasten the lap. 

Interestingly, the zipper (first patented in 1893) was not utilized in clothing until the latter part of the 1920's.  It was originally called the “locker,” and did not receive its  "zipper" name until 1926. It actually became more widely used in the late 1930's.


The straight-line chemise topped by the close-fitting cloche hat became the rage of the day. Women "bobbed" their hair short to fit under these popular cloche hats.  It was at first a scandalous look in the beginning, (just like putting on lipstick in public), but it grew into more of the custom and standard by the end of this decade.



A Shift in the Waistline:

During the early 1920s, dress waistlines remained at the waist, but were more loose and not fitted in appearance. Women wore suits with long hemlines and near full-length skirts often wearing belts at the waist of the jackets.  By 1923, waistlines began to drop to a point between the natural waist and hips, while styles continued to be loose and baggy. In 1924 the waistline dropped to the hip.


The new low-waisted dress look, with fullness at the hemline allowed women to  dance to the "Charleston."  And in 1925, "shift" type dresses emerged with no waistline at all. By the end of the decade, dresses were being worn with straight bodices and collars. Tucks at the bottom of the bodices were popular, as well as knife-pleated skirts. Dresses were rising quickly, one year mid-calf, the next year just below the knee.

In 1928, with the Great Depression, styles changed once more with hemlines now rising to the knee and dresses becoming more form-fitted. These changes laid the foundation for the elegantly styled art deco fashions of the 1930s.

Insofar as fabrics - Both cotton and wool were used in abundance during this period. Real silk stockings were highly sought after for its luxurious and sexy qualities, but its limited availability made it very expensive.  After "artificial silk" or more commonly called "rayon" was invented, stockings made of this fabric became a popular substitute for real silk in the 1920s. Rayon was also used in undergarments.

Society Speeds Up:



After the first World War, technology and manufacturing rocketed into the 20th century.  Fashion was now also being shaped and influenced by the ability to travel for it reflected society's rapid movement and change with the advent of plane travel and the emergence of the middle class (thanks to Henry Ford) to own cars. Airplanes were taking people across the country in a matter of hours instead of weeks, and automobiles could travel between several states in an evening instead of several days.



As a result, women were no longer willing to trade their new-found mobility in for the past old customs of the Victorian era. Old-fashioned corsets and the crinoline no longer served a useful purpose for the young woman who wanted to dance, go to work, travel by car, or simply walk around town. 

Additionally, the advent of the film industry with its female celebrities bolstered the popularity of the flapper culture.


However, in the early part of the decade, affluent women were still expected to change from their morning dress into an afternoon dress. The afternoon “tea gowns” were less form-fitting than evening gowns, and they featured long, flowing sleeves.  These gowns were adorned with sashes, bows, or artificial flowers at the waist. The evening dresses by contrast  were slightly longer than the tea gowns, and were typically made in satin or velvet, and accentuated with fringe, beads, and rhinestones.

Celebrities, Masculinity & The Short Hair Trend:


Girls all over the country, inspired by Coco Chanel and other fashionable celebrities like Clara Bow, began cutting their hair short. Just as with the streamlined clothes of the era.  Womens hairstyles reflected more of an androgynous look, with women wearing their hair in a more masculine style. 


The "Bobbed" cuts were as nearly as prominent as the flappers that wore them. Girls began bobbing their hair for many reasons -  one of which was so they could fit the fashionable cloche hats over their heads. Generally, the bob fell to the bottom of the ears, and it was cut square around the base of the head. Often the hair was parted on one side. Bangs were occasionally worn, but most of the time the hair was swept over to one side of the face.




The "Dutch Boy" hairstyle, though not popular as the Bob, remains probably the most iconic style of the 1920s hairstyles. The very square look with the bangs and sides to frame the face  showed the influence of the Art Deco movement with sharper angles and square lines.


The Shingled hairstyle had several variations that appeared throughout the 1920s. Antoine, the most famous French hairdresser of the period, perfected it in 1925. Shingled hair was notedly recognized with its very short length at the back of a woman's neck. Shingled hair laid flat to the forehead head, and it covered her ears. Spit curls were formed into the hair at the woman's forehead or cheeks.






Although fashion is as old as time itself, few will deny that the 1920s was the decade that ushered in today's contemporary fashions.  It also gave modern women the enormous freedom to choose.