Fashion Flashback: Marilyn Monroe’s Black & White Outfit Style!

So it’s time for another look at the forever fabulous Marilyn Monroe in a black & white look, perfect for a cool spring day. During one of the actresses most stylish photo shoots, famed photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt was able to capture several gorgeous images of the Hollywood siren in 1953, fact courtesy of Immortal Marilyn. What people don’t know about the Gentleman Prefer Blondes star is that her off-camera style was very minimalist, wearing lots of neutral colors, especially white to show off her creamy skin & platinum blonde locks.  With a little mascara, a swipe of black eyeliner, & an even skintone, the actress, is simply dressed in a 3/4 sleeve turtleneck & cropped white pants.

This look can be enhanced if accessories are your thing by adding an animal print belt, strappy sandals, layers of beads, or a blinged out watch.  The pieces can be separated for some everyday looks like the top with a pencil skirt & cut-out shooties.  The bottoms are perfect for the spring & summer with a floral peasant top & espadrilles.

We see this look emulated by Gwen Stefani in her music video for “Cool,” where she pays homage to Monroe with bouncy blond curls & many other looks. Check back soon for more updates to Fashion Flashback.  Who would you like to see featured next?  Happy Styling!

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn Monroe in Floral!

I recently scored a 2011 Marilyn Monroe calendar photographed by Sam Shaw for only about $4.  I do already own another one, which I’ve yet to put up since I have a Barbie calendar currently hanging on my wall.  As a big fan of Marilyn’s, I love finding modern-day pieces that really emulate her sexy elegance, while also staying true to my style-on-a-budget philosophy. Her casual private style was very Americana in white button down shirts & eyelet summer dresses.  Here however, I’ve found an image that’s probably from one of her films, but I don’t know which.  When I find out, I will certainly revise this blog b/c I love to be precise.

Take a look at this really gorgeous floral print pencil dress (yes it’s hardly visible, but it must chic since she’s wearing it!) with a white knee-length coat & classic round toe pumps.  Now that spring fashion has arrived & that little groundhog told us that spring is just around the corner, let’s hope that we can break out the lighter fashions sooner rather than later. Also, I’m reminded of this demure Oscar de la Renta dress worn by Eva Mendes from back in August.  Also we see Eva channels this very sophisticated silhouette back in September 2008 in Bill Blass for the premiere of The Women.

This is a luxurious combination of items that could work in a really fabulous way right now! Check out the earrings, which are only $1.50 (also available in mint & pink) @Forever21!

If you’re a fan of these vintage looks & of Marilyn’s, check out my previous Fashion Flashback posts too! Happy Styling!

Fashion Flashback: Marilyn Monroe & A Casual Look!

Since I’ve recently finished reading Blonde: A Novel by Joyce Carol Oates, Marilyn Monroe has been on my mind. Not only am I intrigued by her iconic status as a movie star, but also how influential her style still is today. Young starlets today continue to channel Marilyn’s curly blonde locks & sexy pin-up silhouettes on the red carpet. As Marilyn’s life was riddled with personal demons & rocky relationships, her life was tragically cut short & Hollywood lost one of its shining stars. We have preserved images of the forever-young beauty to inspire us for evening looks, weekends in the country, & daytime. Marilyn’s richly porcelain skin glistened against sexy whites & rich creams. Her voluptuous curves screamed sex appeal & lush femininity in sweetheart necklines & pencil dresses. Her blend of All-American & sultry radiated in dark denim & belted outfits with heels.  Here’s an effortless three-piece look that the misunderstood comedienne pulls off in true Hollywood style:

While this is a black & white image, here’s something understated that I found to represent Marilyn’s minimal off-camera style:

   

Top (American Apparel), Pants (Forever 21), & Shoes (DSW)

Keep an eye out for more blogs on Marilyn’s timeless style, as well as flashbacks of Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Vivien Leigh, Jean Harlow, & many more!  Happy Styling!