1940s Inspired Style How-To!

Call me crazy, call me zany or simply call me blessed. I've always had a sneaking suspicion that in my past lives (I envision two of them, darling), I've been a regal sweetheart with a fabulous sense of style.

Oh, and it shouldn't surprise you that each of my previous cycles on Earth were in equally wonderful eras: Lifetime 1: the European 1750s. It suspect I was a fling of Herr Mozart's. As for my second lifetime: the legendary American 1940s..

As the title of this article implies, we're going to focus on the latter, today. Because I'm an ordained 40s guru (hey, I lived the life - wink!), I'm going to share with you little ways to incorporate that style into our fresh and fabulous 21st century.

*NOTE: Buy Vintage
Kind of a no-brainer. But really, unless you have an air of authenticity about you then you won't be taken very seriously! Hit up your local flea market, antique store, E-Bay or even Goodwill and you're bound to find some goodies for even better prices.

Style Tip #1: Hats and HairAfter you've styled your hair appropriately (check out YouTube for some great hair tutorials, like this easy one), literally top everything off with a 40s inspired hat. All sorts of hats were worn then, so find a type that suits your fancy! I prefer small hats with a flock of feathers or a tiny, off-to-the-side veil! You'll be in heaven with all the colors, shapes and sizes there are to choose from!

Style Tip #2: Hot Bod, Hot Dress!
The classic 40s dress is characterized by a cinched waist and flow-y bottom half. Polka-dots are a guaranteed hit! Try shopping for some great dresses at vivalavintage.com, dorotheasclosetvintage.com, or damngoodvintage.com.

Style Tip #3: Clutch, please!
It's definitely important to have a purse to carry around, even when you're prancing in your 40s gear. I mean, really, where else would we keep our lipgoss, cell- phone and identification? A pocket just won't do! The perfect accessory to your outfit is a sweet little clutch and lucky for you, those are easy to find! Choose a shade that sets the tone you're after! Roarin' red? Fabulous! Sparkly sequins? Oh yeah!

Style Tip #4: Such a pretty face!
When it comes to dolling up your face, keep these in mind: luscious, fake lashes will take you far; outline your lips with a pretty shade of red and color them in (be sure to accentuate the "V" on your top lip); wear a rosey-posey blush that's only subtle enough.

Style Tip #5: Gloves keep your hands clean!
You know they do! They also keep you looking refined, stylish and oh-so 40-licious! I like to keep things pristine with a stark, crisp white. You may be more inclined to roll up a pair of bright yellow duds. Whatever makes you happy.

Style Tip #6: Cat-eye glasses
Whether you're sporting sunglasses or a pair of faux reading glasses, make them snazzy! Try a rhinestone-enhanced, golden cat-eye. Or maybe a subtle black is more your type. Either way, you'll make a (smart) statement!

Style Tip #7: For the bold: Cigarette holder
I don't condone smoking (keep your lungs happy, ladies), but a stationary cigarette in a pretty cigarette holder is really kind of drool-worthy. Purchase one for under $5 here and pretend you're Audrey at the ball.

Bonus: 40s slang to slip into your vocabulary. To be used only when employing 40s-inspired style.

• Flat Tire - A dull witted, insipid, disappointing date.
• Cat's Meow - Something splendid or stylish
• Heebie-Jeebies - The jitters.
• Ossified - a drunk person.
• Scram - Ask someone to leave immediately.
• Whoopee - To have a good time.

As in: Scram, ossified flat tire! You give me the heebie-jeebies when all I want is a cat's meow whoopee!