Mr. Mainbocher on Memorial Day 2023

On this Memorial Day I would like to honor Mr. Mainbocher. He's famous for designing the uniforms for the Navy WAVES and the Coast Guard SPARS during World War II. Mr. Mainbocher is credited with the invention of timeless designs still worn today, such as the short evening gown, the strapless dress, and the sheath. 

"Though the moniker “Mainbocher” is more famously associated with the fashion capitals of Paris and New York, he was originally born Main Rousseau Bocher on October 24, 1890 on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. It was during the early years of World War II that his keen eye for functional, feminine designs caught the attention of a surprising client: the United States Navy. One of his faithful customers and former colleague at Vogue was Josephine Forrestal, wife of the then Undersecretary of the Navy, James Forrestal. In 1942, she was tasked as the “civilian advisor of uniforms” for the newly established Navy WAVES, and approached Mainbocher about designing the official uniform for the Navy’s women unit, which would also double as the uniform for the Coast Guard women’s unit, the SPARS. Securing a stylish uniform design for the WAVES and SPARS was critical, as it was not meant to be merely ornamental; the uniform was to be a vital tool in legitimizing the idea of women in the military. Many Americans were anxious that service in the military would upend traditional gender norms and diminish the femininity of the servicewoman, including prospective WAVES who had reservations about serving in a male’s uniform. The uniform had to be standardized to befit a military unit, but also highly practical and able to be worn well by women working both desk duties and manual labor jobs. The Navy was also interested in recruiting women who were educated and poised, and needed a flattering uniform that would attract such candidates. And overall, the uniform was needed to create a sense of pride and patriotism in the women who wore them, avoiding the negative feelings the Navy women reservists of World War I, more popularly known as the Yeomanettes, felt about theirs."

You can read the entire article here:

https://text-message.blogs.archives.gov/2022/07/26/mainbocher-designer-of-the-best-dressed-women-in-the-world/

#memorialday2023

Kentucky Oaks 2023 Style Challenge

This is how I styled our Suzannah London pink floral, Tea length dress. I chose the pink hat with the white flowers and green leaves by Dee's Derby Hats because I liked the color combination. I chose the green leaf Casa Castro earrings to mimic the green leaves in the hat and dress. I chose the light pink, J. Renee, "Devika," low heels because they're close to the background color of the dress. I chose the light pink, Dolce & Gabbana handbag for its color as well. The Kentucky Oaks is a race for 3 year old Fillies (female horses.) It's held the day before the Kentucky Derby that is held on the first Saturday in May. The Oaks is on the Friday before. The winning horse in the Oaks race receives a garland of pink Lilies. Many women AND men wear pink to the Oaks to show their support for women's health issues like breast cancer.🌸

Thank you for playing this Kentucky Oaks Style Challenge.🏇

#stylechallenge 

#kentuckyfashionbypamelaowen 

#kentuckyoaks2023 

#churchilldowns 

#suzannahlondon 

#deesderbyhats

#casacastro

#jreneeshoes

#DolceGabbana

Kentucky Oaks Style Challenge

Here are the results of my Kentucky Oaks Style Challenge. My Lovely Readers have styled our Suzannah London, pink floral Tea length dress beautifully! The hot pink hat from our local Louisville Dee's Derby Hats is very exciting when seen with the dress and accessories. The earrings are made of genuine faceted Peridot and pink quartz in 24 k gold vermeil by Judy Bliss Jewelry. The low heel, pink patent leather shoes and handbag are both available from FARFETCH but are different brands. Since they wouldn't be worn right next to each other I think they would still look nice together. The heels are by Age of Innocence called "Jacqueline" and the handbag is a "Mini Moonbag" by Eera. The matching accessories give the outfit a #Vintage look.🌸

Thank you so much for playing this Style Challenge. I have included the individual pictures of the dress, hat and accessories so you can see the beautiful details. I hope you had fun and I hope your Kentucky Oaks horse wins on Friday!🏇

#stylechallengereveal

#kentuckyfashionbypamelaowen 

#kentuckyoaks2023

#churchilldowns 

#deesderbyhats

#suzannahlondon

#judyblissjewelry

#farfetch

Happy May!