swanky updo’s

updos01

[ click for a larger view. ]

If there is one thing that I love and never tire of, it’s the vintage updo. Truth be told, I wear my hair up in some configuration the majority of days; it’s just easier to have it out of the way (not to mention cooler not to have it against my neck!). Something I have been doing in spare moments lately is scanning through my image files for new vintage updo inspiration! A girl can never have too many ideas for new ways to arrange her hair…

  • 01. alida valli, I love this simple, almost Grecian inspired chignon.
  • 02. madeleine carroll, a simple wave at the front with a crown (or “Heidi” braid)–so very elegant!
  • 03. evelyn venable, a variation on the previous style with a twisted crown braid, rather than a plaited braid (try a hair extension for this one).
  • 04. lauren bacall, a casual updo in this context, but just haphazardly piling curls atop your head would look sweet with a more modern cocktail dress!
  • 05. joan bennet, another “curl pile” ‘do, but this one is a little more purposefully balanced and arranged.

updos02

[ click for a larger view. ]

So many of these are deceptively simple. But even for those that aren’t, just the concepts are good in that they can be imitated with a little hair know-how. Even if you’re not game for doing an updo on a regular basis (my everyday ones are never anything special!), they are great for special occasions that crop up!

  • 06. lena horne, a simple center part with a triple layer of braids piled atop the head–so dramatic! (again, hair extensions would be key for this one.)
  • 07. jane wyman, a fun idea for incorporating a string of pearls (or any other costume jewelry–chain necklaces, brooches, or even bracelets!) into the hairstyle.
  • 08. audrey hepburn, I love this modern, sleek updo; it would go with so many party dresses!
  • 09. deanna durbin, when in doubt, add flowers! one can never have too many, imho.
  • 10. ginger rogers, a bit more involved than some of the other styles, with a rope of hair hanging down the back. still, an adventurous style for the more hair adept!

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11 lovely thoughts to “swanky updo’s”

  1. Polly Farthing says:

    November 30th, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    Your blog is so fantastic Casey! I love your hair inspirations they are stunning. Too tricky for me I think, I sort of got for the birds nest look myself. But seeing those does make me think that if I were patient I could look that glamorous. Lena Horne looks amazing – extensions would be a must have for that one!

    Polly x


  2. Mel says:

    November 30th, 2009 at 3:35 pm

    Love these updos! If only my hair would stay on top of my head like that!


  3. Amy says:

    November 30th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    I can’t wait until my shoulder length hair grows out some.Thanks for sharing your inspiration.


  4. Sydney says:

    November 30th, 2009 at 5:03 pm

    Beautiful images, I love to look at pictures of Vintage hair sets!

    P.S- You have a blog award on my site!

    ~Syd


  5. Nancy Solla says:

    November 30th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Wow, this makes me want to grow my hair longer! I especially love the Lauren Bacall shot.


  6. Rosie says:

    November 30th, 2009 at 8:31 pm

    This makes me wish I could have long hair, without it pulling out my curls. Oh well, I will just have to admire them from a far.


  7. Rebecca says:

    December 1st, 2009 at 11:57 am

    WOW makes me want to grow my hair long!
    I’ve been reading your blog for about 18 months and you’re such an inspiration! I’m hoping to get a sewing machine for Christmas and I’ll be sure to look through your previous blog posts for tips!
    I’m currently studying for my masters in Interior & Spatial Design and I decided it was time to start my own blog to keep track of my interests. I’d be really interested to see what you think: http://cubicdreams.blogspot.com/
    Take care! Rebecca x


  8. Alex Anisimow says:

    December 2nd, 2009 at 2:08 am

    Deanna Durbin loved changing her hairstyle. She even changed it in the middle of a movie production. For her, changing hairstyles brought the same happiness as buying a new hat. Happy Birthday to Deanna who turns 88 on the 4th of December, 2009.


  9. Erika says:

    December 2nd, 2009 at 5:44 am

    Thank you for the lovely photos! I love updo’s as well, it makes such a huge difference to the overall impression of an outfit. I’m a bit of a beginner on vintage hair, but I practice alot =) Oh, it makes me wish for spring! Updo’s don’t do well under warm hats and bike helmets…lol!


  10. ASHLEY says:

    December 2nd, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    Hey there. I love these up-do’s as well. They are the reason I decided to grow out my ‘Middy’. Can’t wait to try some of these babies on my channel. :)


  11. Mandi says:

    December 2nd, 2009 at 8:15 pm

    I love Lauren Bacall’s updo. In highschool I used to try to do my hair like hers. Although, it wasn’t an updo. She’s just too beautiful.



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