Ava wants you...

[Ava Mouse]

to help with my Halloween costume this year!

I was tossing about ideas for Halloween, and a CD friend suggested I go as a 1940's starlet. Now I REALLY like 1940's fashion (which I saw elements of in the 80's in my teens.), but I'm not too familiar with the movies of the 40's.

I chose my name, Ava, from Ava Gardner, btw. I like the classic pic of her in 'The Killers" (Attached) I could do this, but how many would recognize me as Ava Gardner?

My most favoritist do-able costume of all time would be Marion from Raiders of the Lost Ark. (I'd have to get the dress made.) I could wear Indy's hat or carry a bull whip or a torch,... "Indyyyyy! The torch is going out!" LOL...

I was thinking perhaps of carrying around a replica of "The Maltese Falcon." That would be an obvious hint. But the costumes I've seen in the pics aren't all that Ava... hmmm..

The easiest route would be a medium skirt, with seamed stockings, white blouse, teeny jacket, hat with netting, lace gloves and a thin box purse... But that's kinda generic...?

But perhaps there's a better movie or actress? Any notable actresses & outfits from the 40's that you think I could make a reasonable fascimile at?

I would love to hear your suggestions & point me to some pics, if possible...

Thank you all so VERY much!

:D

[Paula T]

How about an army WAC. Rent a wwII wac (womens army corp) uniform. I have thought of doing that for haloween this year. Then do your hair in a 40's style.:eek:

[Ava Mouse]

How about an army WAC. Rent a wwII wac (womens army corp) uniform. I have thought of doing that for haloween this year. Then do your hair in a 40's style.:eek:

Intersting idea! This is cute...

[Deborah]

God i love the 40's look. So beautiful and glamorous. I love the first picture. Wish i looked like that lol.
Ava you could always Google ww2 pinup girls to get some more ideas. They used to put pictures up on the side of their aircraft in ww2. ;)

[sparks]

I wanted to do a witch's costume with spiders going up my garters! The wife said slow down girl you shouldn't even where a bra in front of our friends!

So I was flat chested unattractive witch. Could have gone out as myself for crying out loud!

My costume is now your costume run with it. But don't trip on those ruby slippers!

[Jasmine Ellis]

I would love to go out dress as a witch

20540

[Teresa Amina]

Will you be amongst classic movie fans? Shouldn't be a problem being recognised as Ava G. if you are. Not sure if most people would get it otherwise, but the Raiders idea would probably work.

[KarenNY]

Something along the lines of Ingrid Bergman or Brigitte Bardot would be really cute, if you're looking for a 1940s starlet look! :)

[rhondasxycd]

Hi Ava !! Hers a link that has some very cute vintage style retro dresses..www.daddyos.com

[Victoria-Marie]

Something along the lines of Ingrid Bergman or Brigitte Bardot would be really cute, if you're looking for a 1940s starlet look! :)

Brigitte Bardot was not acting during the 40's. Her first movie was in 1952 when she was 18 years old.

But Ingrid Bergman is a good idea. For example, in Casablanca (1942).

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/photogallery

[Julie York]

OK I had a think about this. I have the answer!

What you need is a retro thingy that is actually an icon image of its age.

Marlena Deitricht.

Ok you spell it then!


That bit in the film, stockings, corset and benders....gold top hat? That one. Someone nudge DanaJ and get a photo.

Anyway that would be perfect as it is stylish wonderfully CD and recognisable to film buffs.

And a bundle of fun all round!

[melissacd]

Ava,

I feel that you could pull off a very good Audrey Hepburn.

Melissa

[Shelby]

Audrey is a definate good choice. And that DaddyO's site is awesome looking, I may have to rethink my halloween costume choice. I was gonna go as a bride, but they have some really cool dresses.

[KarenNY]

Victoria-Marie said:

Brigitte Bardot was not acting during the 40's. Her first movie was in 1952 when she was 18 years old.

Thanks for the refresher! I flubbed up on that one! lol

Ingrid Bergman and Vivian Leigh are two of the actresses I was thinking of -- two of the most beautiful actresses of the time!

Audrey Hepburn would be a nice choice as well...

[Julie York]

this one

[Wendy me]

Rita Hayworth http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/6326/bf1b2pj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Jennaie]

Seems like a difficult task to try to pull off something that very few people would recall, unless you are going to a party that was mostly people in their 50's I absolutely love Audrey Hepburn, but wow, what a look to try and emulate.

I think I would tend to be a little more original and go for a look that is fem but expressed in fun. Like a pregnant Nun.

[Jacqui]

all you have to do is tilt the hat right...

[Victoria-Marie]

Audrey Hepburn would be a nice choice as well...

Audrey Hepburn is also a 50's actress. Her first speaking role was in 1951 and her first big role ("and introducing Audrey Hepburn" in the credits) was Roman Holiday in 1953.

So far, the best suggestions to Ava have been Ingrid Bergman, Vivian Leigh, Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich (correct spelling!).

In my opinion, Ava looks more as a Vivian Leigh.0.02

[Jacqui]

I was talking about Lauren Bacall. Get someone to go as Bogy.
Don't know why the picture didn't load.

[mhenry]

Hhmmm, "Wonder Woman" fighting those evil Nazis. :)

[mudanjel]

Funny you should mention that, Ava; I was just wandering thru pattern catalogues and found this vintage party dress :D

Girls, please remember me if you need a reasonably priced dressmaker; I can customize and fantasize anything you can dream of to fit you in all the right ways!

[Laurie Ann]

How about Ingrid Bergman in the Bells of St. Marys. Jane Russell comes to mind and of course the incomparable Katherine Hepburn. The 40's is such a rich goldmine for beautiful actresses and with how pretty you are you could look like anyone of them. Although I do think you would make a beautiful Audrey Hepburn. Think Breakfast at Tiffanys now all you need is a George Peppard to escort you.

[Ava Mouse]

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions!!! Now I'm even more excited! You've all given some great ideas! Thanks, I appreciate it! :D

Deborah: I would LUV to be a pinup, but that'd be a bit too revealing. I need some fabric to hide the padding & other... techniques... LOL

Teresa: Yup, that might be recognizable, with a prop or something. OTOH, might be nice to keep them guessing... ;) I might be able to get the dress made. Been dreaming about it for years, just need $$$ and the right seamstress...

KarenNY: Thanks! I'll oogle, er. Google those gals & see if they match my style!

rhondasxycd: WOW! THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR THAT SITE! GREAT stuff there!! You might see one of those dresses on me soon! AUGH! Can't make up my mind... This one is my favorite so far: http://www.daddyos.com/retro/ndrs4.html

Julie: Cool! I look up some good pics of her... Problem is going to be wig styling... I did find some 40's wigs... http://www.broadwaywigs.com/1940s_collection.html and http://www.style-beauty-barber.com/Costume40s.htm

MelissaCD: Wow, thanks for such a high compliment! But I could NEVER be as cute as her.. She's the goddess of cuteness! Short hair might not look all that great on me... But I do plan to visit a big wig shop soon, I'll bring a pic with me & see how it goes...

Wendy, wow, you really think I could do a Rita Hayworth? Definitely need some false lashes there! ;)

Victoria-Marie: Vivien Leigh? Wow, another great compliment! Any particular movie/outfit you might suggest?

Mudanjel: I'll PM you shortly... ;)

Laurie Ann: Bells of St. Marys'... I'll check it out! Thanks for the suggestion!

And everyone else, thanks! VERY interesting & helpful info! :D

So many costumes, only 1 Halloween per year! sigh...

-Ava

[Victoria-Marie]

Victoria-Marie: Vivien Leigh? Wow, another great compliment! Any particular movie/outfit you might suggest?


I particularly like this one, from Gone with the Wind:

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1337/1112_0143.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Leigh,%20Vivien&seq=26

However, some simpler outfit, such as

http://www.imdb.com/gallery/mptv/1431/Mptv/1431/1112_0141.jpg?path=pgallery&path_key=Leigh,%20Vivien

may be easier to find. You'll find many photos of Vivien Leigh on imdb.com

I hope to see you at Esprit in May.

[JeanneF]

How about an army WAC. Rent a wwII wac (womens army corp) uniform. I have thought of doing that for haloween this year. Then do your hair in a 40's style.:eek:

That's my plan for Halloween this year. I'm thinking along the lines of Bette Midler in "For the Boys".

Another good 40s/50s clothing site is http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/. Cool accessories there too.

[Lauren Richards]

Ava,
No matter who you go as, I'm sure you will be fabulous. I like the Ava Gardner notion, and can see that you would look great as her. What a woman. Audrey Hepburn also gets a vote. Yum! I have to also pull for a favorite, like Jacqui suggested, Lauren Bacall. You are right, so many choices, so few Halloweens! Good thing you have a while to decide. Let us know what you finally decide, and yes, we expect pictures.

Lauren

[Sam-antha]

Well now, which way is your mind drifting ? Audrey or Marlene style? Not, please not, Schoolgirl of St ts.
Tell us and then something more could arrive.

[Ava Mouse]

Sam-antha,

Well... actually, I've just decided on a costume. And I'm going to work with someone here on having it made... But it's our little secret till it's ready! ;)

BUT you can be SURE that this forum will be the FIRST place I share it with!

Till then, thanks for the ideas!

PS. I may be going to Sakura-Con on Saturday... Any other gals going?

[windycissy]

Ava,

I guess you've already made up your mind, but I'd be remiss not to mention the Hollywood star of the 40's that you most resemble:

http://www.reelclassics.com/Actresses/Judy/images9/judy_harveyg_solotrain.jpg

Have fun,

Windy