1930s Fashion Inspiration: Irene Dunne

"No triumph of either my stage or screen career has ever rivaled the excitement of trips down the Mississippi on the river boats with my father."

That's what Irene Dunne said once upon a time. Irene is perhaps best known for her starring role in the tear-jerker Penny Serenade. I watched the film a few weeks back as I cooked a batch of pasta (the movie fared much better). What a tearjerker, and a perennial favorite for a reason! As of this writing, you can watch it streaming on Amazon Prime for free. 

Tomorrow is officially the first day of Spring (hooray!) and I was looking around for some fashion inspiration. I love this photo of Irene in a soft, off-the-shoulder, pleated blouse and I wanted to find something that replicates the look. As you know, I am a huge fan of finding modern interpretations of vintage looks -- pieces that are inspired by Classic Cinema without quite verging into cosplay. 

StefanieCosman_SheWoreStars_IreneDunn

 

This top by Alexander Wang looks like it would do the trick!

Footnote here: Mother's Day is coming up, and I also love her Irene Dunne in I Remember Mama. In fact, it is one of my all-time favorite classic films. I hope you get the chance to watch it with your own mom!

Until then, xoxoxo -- Stef

 

looking for more fashion inspiration from the golden age of cinema? read on!

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I am here to clear the air — classic Hollywod was on to something with their choices. Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, and Grace Kelly became iconic for a reason, and I am sure they knew how to choose perfumes that didn’t chase their fans away.

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The science of fashion is always a curious thing. I recently learned that cheetah/leopard prints make you more attractive. The scientific term is "Misattribution of Arousal" ... but since you probably don't want to sift through a bunch of medical journals, I will boil it down the main points: Ravenous wildcats have sharp teeth and want to eat you, therefore when one wears wildcat print men think of sharp teeth and being devoured, inciting a fear reaction, which somehow also increases feelings of attraction. 

1930s Fashion Inspiration: Irene Dunne
1930s Fashion Inspiration: Irene Dunne

I love this photo of Irene in a soft, off-the-shoulder, pleated blouse. This is very on-trend right now, and rumor has it that Spring 2017 will be all about layering this kind of top over a simple tank top. The Alexander Wang top pictured below is perfect to do just that. 

Leopard Print [Science of Seduction]
Leopard Print [Science of Seduction]

The science of fashion is always a curious thing. I recently learned that cheetah/leopard prints make you more attractive. The scientific term is "Misattribution of Arousal" ... but since you probably don't want to sift through a bunch of medical journals, I will boil it down the main points: Ravenous wildcats have sharp teeth and want to eat you, therefore when one wears wildcat print men think of sharp teeth and being devoured, inciting a fear reaction, which somehow also increases feelings of attraction. 

 

If you buy from the above links, I may get a portion at no cost to you. :)

Classic Cinema, Fashion, Irene DunneStefanie CosmanIrene Dunne, Fashion, InspirationComment