Film Noir Favorites: The Long Haul (1957)

"The Long Haul" is probably one of the most underrated pictures in film noir history. From the undeniable chemistry between Victor Mature and Diana Dors, to the sizzling style choices (I mean, skintight platinum lame gowns and mouton trimmed bomber jackets? Come on!), to the stunning cinematography - this is a must watch for film noir aficionados! 

Comrade Von Pussycat

Sweater Girl: A Little Naughty And A Little Nice...

1950's baby blue lambswool sweater with sequin and pearl embroidery - I found this baby at Goodwill for $5!

Is there anything more delicious than a soft, cozy sweater? I love finding vintage sweaters because they hug you in all the right places and have the most amazing details. I love that this baby blue sweater is so Winter inspired and it shows you that comfortable can be glamorous!

Comrade Von Pussycat

Femme Fatale Basics: The Spy Coat

Marlene Dietrich

There are few thing I love more than a good coat, and the spy coat is my absolute favorite! From a French New Wave worthy creme brulee colored cotton to a matte soot colored leather version fit for a film noir femme, there is a spy coat for every moment of the day. The classic beige hue is perfect for those cool Spring days sitting at the sidewalk cafe with friends. A rich cognac color in sumptuously soft leather is perfect for crisp Autumn days out walking in the city park, sipping hot cocoa and arm in arm with your lover. A glossy patent leather in the deepest of blacks is perfect for a glamorous night out at the discoteque - especially with a slick of blood red lipstick and disco ball inspired eyeliner! A beautiful, high quality coat can be expensive, but it is well worth the investment. A great coat can make you look instantly polished, regardless of what is underneath - which is great if you need to quickly run to the store and have no time for primping!

(Left) Marlene Dietrich, (Center) Brigitte Bardot, (Right) Joan Crawford

Although there are many modern versions available, buying a vintage piece carries along with it a deep satisfaction knowing that no one else will have your exact same coat. Also, if you are a hopeless romantic (like I am!), the patina of age, even a few stains and scratches, means that the piece has a story - something particularly irresistible to most of us dreamers... 

Here are a few of my favorite vintage spy coats from Etsy:

Vintage 1970's spy coat in delicious cognac leather via Etsy

Vintage Pierre Cardin dark chestnut corduroy spy coat with patent leather accents via Etsy

Vintage Yves Saint Laurent classic spy coat via Etsy - tres French New Wave!

Now for a modern interpretation of the classic spy coat:

Doesn't Penelope make leather look so elegant and effortless?

Comrade Von Pussycat

Staying Classy With Ava Gardner

"No wonder, when I think of that marriage now, I think of nightclubs: the Palladium, Ciro’s, the Cocoanut Grove, where we danced to Tommy Dorsey’s band. Guys didn’t trouble me much—most of them knew I was Mickey’s wife—but that’s where I learned to drink, I mean to drink seriously. All the clubs were hot on under-age drinking, but Mick would slip me dry martinis in coffee cups. Sipping a dry martini out of a coffee cup seemed as glamorous as hell to me."

Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations 

Upon reading that particular excerpt, it got me thinking - a multitude of sins or less than virtuous characteristics can always be disguised by a little old fashioned glamour. I've never really been a spandex mini dress and stripper heels kind of girl - 1) these particular items, when worn together, make me feel cheap, 2) I prefer seduction through suggestion rather than revelation, and 3) I don't like my wardrobe to kiss and tell (I don't like my body making statements that may or may not be true...). Don't get me wrong, I have a quite a few pairs of fetish heels myself, but I like to pair them with fairly modest attire for contrast. I've noticed that Dita Von Teese utilizes the same strategy, and although she IS basically a stripper (her words!), she never looks anything less than elegant. I prefer to forge my own way, ignore mandates from modern pop culture completely, and create my own brand of sex appeal. As I have stated before, I quite like a healthy dose of vulgarity - but nothing overt or obvious (it bores me). I suppose I think its amusing to be a walking, talking contradiction and I secretly relish the confused looks and blank stares I get from time to time when I say something that doesn't match my appearance. I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoy confusing people, mostly because the idea of fitting into one particular or designated box is a ridiculous idea and to believe that it is so black and white shows your own naivete.Yes, just because you look like a stripper it doesn't mean you are one, but the element of surprise that the femme fatale has is infinitely more fun to play with and garners many more memorable stories than the former. Just take a page from Ava's book!

Comrade Von Pussycat