"Dressing Up In Down Times"

The Wall Street Journal had the title of their article just right, so I used it in quotations. Couldn't have said it better. As our nation is captivated by the newly elected president and all the inauguration festivities, we wish to celebrate but do so in keeping with the times.

Michelle Obama has set a clear tone that her fashion sense will be moderated by these tough economic times. While she may be our new fashion barometer, so too will be her fondness for affordable style.

Dressing for the inaugural balls has long been complicated terrain for first ladies arriving during an economic downturn. Too much glamour and the incoming administration will be accused of excess, not enough glitz and the first lady may be branded dowdy.

Michelle Obama, who became a focus on the campaign trail for her style mix from J. Crew to Narciso Rodriguez, hasn't yet disclosed what she will wear to the 10 balls she and her husband plan to attend. Just days after Barack Obama delivered his acceptance speech, designers began submitting sketches to Mrs. Obama's team for potential inaugural gowns.

During the 1930's Depression, our nation welcomed another President who chose to skip the inaugural ball as a symbol of the era's new austerity:

In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt skipped his inaugural ball due to the Great Depression. Eleanor Roosevelt attended alone wearing a simple lavender velvet dress with detachable sleeves. (The president didn't attend any inaugural balls during his four terms in office.)

Not all presidential parties were so in-synch with their economic times, while some were in keeping with the mood of the nation:

Calvin Coolidge insisted his wife not repeat outfits, says Ms. Caroli. And while he had a reputation for being stingy, he spent lavishly on his wife's clothing. In 1923 Grace Coolidge signaled a return to glitz in the White House with her bright red flapper-style inaugural gown, the height of roaring 20s style.

Too much glamour during tough economic times can spark criticism. In the midst of recession in 1981, Nancy Reagan wore a range of outfits worth more than $45,000 for inauguration festivities, by most estimates. The former Hollywood hostess chose a one-shouldered cream gown with a sheer beaded overdress designed by James Galanos and borrowed diamond drop earrings and a matching necklace valued at more than $100,000 from jeweler Harry Winston.

Depressionaire Divas, though, don't need to shape their fashion sense to such strict standards. A bit of moderation, toned-down glamour, and practical style are always in fashion. Taking our clues from Michelle Obama will make our fashion decisions so appropriate that we won't have to worry about too much glitz!

Inauguration Style for Depressionaire Divas

Celebrate! It's time to get dressed up and party for all those inauguration balls. Looking glamorous doesn't mean you have to spend a lot.

Blogger Kate Michael was put to the task and came up with an inaugural-ball-worthy outfit that she herself would consider sporting to an upcoming event, all for less than $200.

Here’s what she found:

Black-and-gold strapless Jessica McClintock dress: $99.

Black splatter hoop earrings from Forever 21: $3.80.

Textured gold bangle set from Forever 21: $5.80.

Retro black-and-gold necklace from Pilgrim: $46.50.

Evita black satin clutch from Forever 21: $15.80.

Total: $170.90. ** Our first frugal fashionista to come in under budget! has done all the shopping for you if you're in Washington, DC.

Red Carpet Hairstyles and Makeup Reflect Economy

Style and beauty for this year's Academy Awards red carpet will likely reflect the somber economy, so says the New York Times:

As the economy has taken a turn, so too has the public’s tolerance for extravagant display. And this year stylists expect celebrities to take their cues from stars popular during the golden age of Hollywood, edging toward classic looks and away from any trend that smacks of ostentatious consumerism.

What might red carpet hairstyles look like?

Stylists agreed that curls will frame necklines, replacing jewel-crusted chandelier earrings, as the newest fashion accessory. Kohl-ringed eyes, like those peering beneath the Bond girl Eva Green’s bouffant at the 2007 Academy Awards, will be replaced by softer, smoky colors.

Here's Depressionaire Diva's favorite look for the times, Jean Harlow's glowing curls:

For divas who love hats, you're in luck. These hairstyles lend themselves to fabulous hats:

Of course, women wore hats in the 1930s and ’40s, which is why hair was shaped to their heads. Actresses, too, sought to evoke a sultry innocence, something that is absent in this era when cover photos of pouty-lipped, nearly naked actresses populate magazine racks.

Even make-up is going to be more subdued in this economic period:

For the face, understated but tasteful is key. “You don’t have to wear sackcloth and ashes,” Ms. Tollman added. “You don’t have to stop enjoying yourself.” What that means is matte lips, perhaps red — shiny glosses will be tucked away in the makeup drawer this year — and skin that is nude, softened with pink blush on the cheeks. For those actresses, though, who are looking for a more dramatic look, stylists are recommending smoky eye shadows and liners — gray, purple and brown, but no black. The mink eyelashes won’t fly, either.

All in all, despite the economic turbulence, it's a great time to be a fashionable, sultry, diva.

Diva Hair Styles for New Year's Eve Parties

Depression got you gloomy for New Year's Eve? Cheer up! You can still go out and celebrate, depressionaire diva style, with all the glamour and sultriness of the 1930s goddesses with these retro hair accessories.

All these were found at Elegant Hair for less than $10 each.

Curl, crimp, gel -- see you at the party ... Ta ta!

Glamorous Nails for New Year's Eve Parties

If you are pondering what to wear for your New Year's Eve bash, don't forget that you can get a lot of bang for your buck with some daring nail polish. The colors available for the season are scrumptuous and enticing. The best part of spluring on nail polish is that it fits into the tiniest of budgets.

OPI is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the stage they set is full of imagery of bold, feminine statements:

A fresh, effortless glamour rules the runways. In addition to fitted, feminine suits and new takes on the 'little black dress", we'll see romantic full skits, ruffles and dresses that accentuate a woman's curves. Little jackets with slim skirts or skinny trousers are big, as are sweater coats and blouson jackets. Cardigans combine with ball gowns to offer a perfect example of this new look at glamour.

Plaid is everywhere, including worn with houndstooth-print jackets. Luxe embroidery, beading and fur make an appearance, as well as utterly feminine layers of lace. Cocktail dresses are fabulous now, especially with coordinating coats. Menswear influence is seen in neckties and military details.

In counterpoint, look for dark colors and sleek, spare lines -- a primal urban look that is glamorous in its lack of embellishment and elegant in its toughness.

For fashion as for make-up, deep, dark, sophisticated colors are the choice of the season, including rich browns, cinnamons, cognacs and brown-reds, black, shades of wine and deep greens.

Here's my favorite color from their new collection, and it's perfect for upcoming New Year's Eve parties, a satiny silver for $8.50.

The color below is going to be one of my new favorites. It's a shimmery gold piled on with deep burgundy reds. It's bound to add drama to any of your outfits, even after the parties are over, and with a name like Divine Sin, who can resist this $5.50 indulgence?

Finally, Sequin Sash, a soft, muted champagne color to match the bubbly. This from Essie for $8.00.

Depression Era Fashion Statements

It's all about the flair and the glamour. Consider what worked for Greta Garbo, film star from the 1930s in movies as classic as Mata Hari (1931), Anna Karenina (1935), and Conquest (1937):

The first and most important of MGM's remarkable pool of female stars during the classical era, Greta Garbo personified the studio's notion of glamour and style. A beautiful but large and ungainly woman, she was most often photographed either from a distance or in closeup—the better to display the elegance of her surroundings (she often appeared in costume dramas or in exotic locales) or, more importantly, to capture her exquisite face and ethereal personality.

The Garbo flair can be yours too. Here's how Epoch Times describes the key:

Perhaps the most commanding style advice we can glean from the exhibit is that whatever the garments, if they suit a woman’s personality, boost her confidence, and help her shine, then she will be surrounded by luxury. Look beautiful, be natural, and don’t be shy to gaze straight from the heart.

We all have something in our closet that makes us feel extra feminine, even sultry, don't we? For me, it's an angora, black scarf that I carelessly toss around my neck. To make the look more alluring I pair it with a low cut top. Works every time.

Here's some glamorous accessories that can fit in nicely, at a great price.





Mimsi-Bags has these plush, boa scarves starting at $20. They can even customize them in your favorite color.

The daring cap tilted to the side look? Not only is it affordable, but it can be done in cashmere. Bluefly has this chocolate brown cashmere knit cap on sale for only $18.95.

This beautiful, grey silk and cashmere scarf is going to feel soft and luxurious no matter what you wear with it. The Pashmina Store has it on sale for $29.99, too!

Depression Era Divas

From Style.com comes a reminder that depression economics is not pretty, but the divas of the 1930s depression were beautiful nonetheless.

Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, Josephine Baker, Myrna Loy -- stylish depressionaire divas. Read more here.

More photos here.

Little Black Dresses for the Holidays

Oh, yes ladies ... it's that time of year again. What are we going to wear to our holiday parties? This year may be particularly challenging if we're being frugal (and isn't that the new rage?).

Whatever is black, sexy, alluring and sensual will more than make up for what is new. If it feels good to wear it, then you're going to look great while you do.

Here's some ideas on how we can come up with a new festive and feminine look -- right from our own closets.


Hello Little Black Dress

Hollywood style sequined lace evening dress, 1930. Fashioned from black Chantilly lace, the dress is embellished with clusters of sparkling black sequins. The neckline, shoulder straps, and peplum hem are bordered with bands of black sequins. While this dress fetched $1,150 at Vintage Textile, you can have it free from your closet.

Here's the look: Start with a black camisole (we all have at least one), pair it with your best fitting, form hugging long black skirt. The creativity comes with accessorizing with black high heels (or black boots), a bolero for the sholders, or long black gloves. Divine!

Sweet Black Sleek

It's very sexy to wear a tight knit sweater top. Take one of your smallish cardigan sweaters and glam it up with something shiny, furry, or colorfully contrasting to whatever color your sweater is. Match the top with a black knit skirt and voila! A sultry diva on the prowl.

Here's two looks to get your imagination going.

Dress To Kill

The dress to kill? It comes in many versions. Pick the one most likely to already be in your closet -- it's the black, shoulder less dress:

These two are available at one of our new favorite stores, White House Black Market. The chemise on the top is going for $168, while the more demure one at bottom is retailing for $148 .

Don't forget to accessorize!

Sweet Dreams, Sweet Diva

How can you not have sweet dreams in this lovely, 1930's Hollywood style nightie? I found a great site for Hollywood glamour negligees. Nice! The pricing of these gowns range from $85 to $175. Check out the Vintage Vixen sight for a shopping spree of similar luxurious, authentic sleepwear. Not so sleepy? Lounge to your heart's delight in front of a warm fire, reading your favorite book -- remember, it's not about spending money, it's about feeling feminine.