[ click for a larger view & my rambling comments. ]
I had plans to show you some of the outfit I spent the weekend sewing, but my camera battery decided to die. So while it’s being recharged, I thought I’d share some inspiration with you! I went through a phase (well, I think I’m still going through it; just with a slight lull) a few weeks back where I couldn’t watch enough Ginger Rogers movies–especially those from the 30s. Part of it was the movies themselves (I love those sometimes witty/silly 30s flicks!), and part of it was to see what Ginger was wearing. I flip flop around a lot as to what classic movie starlet’s wardrobe I’d love, but right now if you asked me I’d go back in time and steal her wardrobe! hehe!
Also, a slightly off-topic question: what music are you enjoying right now? I have an iTunes card I’ve been hoarding since Christmas, unable to decide what it is I’m really in the mood to buy, but desperate for something new. lol! I listen to a little bit of everything (early jazz to 70s hard rock and beyond), so I’d love to know what is on heavy rotation in your music right now!
As most of my viewers/readers know, Ginger is my NUMBER ONE style icon. I absolutely ADORE her fashion sense, especially in the late 30′s films and early 40′s candids. She had just the right mix of tomboyish charm and drop dead elegance to rock my world! These photos are fantastic…some of them are new to me. The plaid gown is one of the greatest things I’ve EVER seen. I want it for to wear!
As far as music goes, I am on a Swedish kick. Those Swedes have some MARVELOUS talent for authentic rockabilly and r & b sounds. ‘The Domestic Bumblebees’ and ‘Li’l Linn and the Lookout Boys’ are my current faves. I also love me some boogie woogie…Mike Sanchez gets me all hot and bothered. The old man and I enjoy getting cuddly to ‘Gizelle’ and her album Devil or Angel. I’m also really enjoying the great 70′s rock sounds of Monotonix, the old crooning favorites of my childhood by Perry Como, and I just can’t get ENOUGH Les Paul and Mary Ford.
That’s just for ‘now’.
She & Him have a new album that you may enjoy. Also, Pink Martini had a new one last year.
Right now I am listening to a very eclectic mix of music, but my favorites have to be:
1. Michael Buble
2. Carla Bruni (French folksy pop singer)
3. The Killers
4. The Puppini Sisters (Great jazzy remakes of new and old songs)
5. The Glee Soundtrack
Oh, and I happened to watch a Ginger Rogers film this weekend! Swing Time had some good 30s fashion in it
oh, i love ginger so much! she’s always wearing beautiful things. i especially always enjoy her outfits when her and fred are dancing together.
also, that gown is beautiful, i bet you’d look so pretty in something like that!
Oooh! I’m reading Ginger Rogers autobiography right now as I too am somewhat obsessed with her. Turns out the costume designer on a lot of her movies with RKO was Bernard Newman whose designs she loved to wear outside of the film lot too. In fact, she wore her own gown for a scene once and it happened to be a Bernard Newman who was also the costumer designer for the film! I’d have to find the exact reference again, it was some chapters ago.
I adore that plaid gown and the shot of her at the soda counter
Music! If you want some interesting-sounding modern rock, check out the Japanese Voyeurs – their lead singer has an amazing voice and is a really sweet girl.
If you want folksy stuff with balls, it’s gotta be Mumford & Sons, who are also lovely and great live – saw them last night in London.
And my favourite of all, ever – if you want some really good singer/songwriter stuff, by a man who has such a raw, pure musical talent it could reduce you to tears, who’s not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve without being stupidly sentimental, please go listen to David Ford. He’s amazing – and currently touring the US…
Enjoy!
x
I’m de-lurking to gush over Paolo Nutini’s music. I am totally in love with it and can’t listen to it enough. It’s well worth checking out!
This hair-do of Ginger Rogrs is so nice! I wish I could do something like that on my head
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Music – right now I’m listening over and over Coldplay or Amy Winehouse. I also listen to web radio – smooth jazz. I just love this melancholic melody.
some of the things I’m loving right now
is good too
1. Metric “Fantasies” album is AWESOME! I can’t get enough
2. I love all Buble
3. the Killers
4. Juno soundtrack
5. Glee soundtrack (I like volume 1)
Cute Ginger pics…lately I been listening a lot of Cole Porter, Imelda May and Sharon Jones & the Dapkins.
Oh – I just LOVE all things Ginger. She is one of my absolute favorites!
For some reason Annette Hanshaw’s Volume 6 1929 mp3 download has been in heavy rotation in my ipod over the last few days. Something about the music makes me feel like Spring is here. I have an incredible urge to go on a picnic when I listen!
Awesome Ginger Roger pics, I love old movies too!!
Music: Pomplamoose! They have a fantastic sound,and do great covers too. They mix like every single instrument out there in their recordings…its so neato.
http://www.youtube.com/user/pomplamoosemusic?blend=1&ob=4
That lounging outfit is fantastic! Oh yes, let me change into that, fix me up a martini, won’t you?
I’m usually not a music-discusser, to each their own, I say. (Especially since, like you, I listen to a wide range of things.) But, I must agree with Carina, above. I cannot stop listening to the new album from Mumford and Sons, “Sigh No More”. Slightly folksy, slightly bluegrass, but with a big, full rock sound at times. Their lyrics are powerful, and the rhythms have me stomping the ground and singing along. Great music to listen to while crafting/sewing.
Currently it’s Michael Buble, the country stations on the radio, She and Him, and a lot of my old jazz and swing records. I never get tired of Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby…. and on my record player they are better yet!
Oh that photo of her fabulous hair, the one you love too, it’s just divine! Can’t says I blame you here. She’s so darling. Darling! I’ve been on this Neil Diamond kick lately. Oh I LOVE him. He sings me the best ballads. Fainting…..
I’ve been all about Gerry and the Pacemakers, Herman’s Hermits, and Terry Stafford’s “Suspicion”!
I love nautical stuff too, but I’m wondering if I shouldn’t look for inspiration from an *aero*nautical source, haha.
I love Ginger!!!!!
As for music I’m stuck in a rut too! Have you listened to The Flaming Lips? I love a lot of their music…
Mostly, Sinatra, Martin, Holiday…yeah and um Elvis, lol!
I’ve never seen any of her movies, but I will have to! Her outfits look amazing!
Right now I’ve been listening a lot of The Who. Baba O’Riley and My Generation are probably the greatest songs ever written and recorded.
You should make a plaid dress like that one! She and him is great band that I think you might like. And what can I say I love Billie Holiday.
Top Hits of the 1930s! It’s so good. And there are like fifty trillion songs on there…seriously a good deal.
I got mine on iTunes. http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/ellafitzgerald/albums/album/24962828/top_hits_of_the_1930s
I’ve been on a bit of a folk music kick this weekend. Jigging about my room to a band called Mad Dog Mcrea (who are really unknown unless you live or have friends who live in Devon I think). Other than that I was listening to a combination of David Bowie, Belle & Sebastian, The Velvet Underground and any old favourites on iTunes. Sometimes I press random buttons on Spotify until I find something I’ve not heard before – but I think that might be a UK only service.
Have you heard the Portland band Stolen Sweets? I think you would really like them. http://www.stolensweets.com/index.php
I really like this new Icelandic indie/folky band called Seabear. The music is quiet and beautiful, sung in English. http://www.myspace.com/seabear
I’m also really excited about the new Amanda Palmer project, Evelyn Evelyn. http://www.myspace.com/evelynevelyn
awww…you know I love Ginger! I think a plaid gown would be awesome for the Navy Ball would be awesome!
I’m so capricious when it comes to music – but right this instant I’m obsessed with Laura Veirs new album July Flame (you can get two free songs at her website: http://www.lauraveirs.com/ ) And the debut album by Lana Del Ray aka Lizzy Grant (http://lizzygrant.com/ )
I love Ginger, if only because she’s so spunky!
I’ve been getting into a huge folk kick recently, with a little Wailin’ Jennys, the new Brandi Carlile (give up the ghost), my standard Fleetwood Mac, plus some Jenny Lewis, and the Frightened Rabbit.
Flyleaf “Memento Mori” (Latin for Be Mindful of Death)
Rebecca St. James “Lion” from Music inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia
Skillet “Comotose comes alive”
Love the pics!
B
I have Dorothy Ashby on high rotation at the moment! She is a jazz harpist (yes, the stringed instrument, not harmonica) who was popular from the 50s to 70s. I think the only recordings of hers you can get on iTunes at the moment are her later records that are more on the soul and funk end of things. They’re all very good and just that bit different.
I heart Ginger.
I have seen the suggestion already, but The Killers! I didn’t like Anberlin at first, but they’ve grown on me, and now my 6 yr old always wants the “heart” song, which is actually “Breaking”. I am getting into Metric (a casualty of living near Canada), and the band is especially neat b/c it’s a chick rocker.
And I am always up for Franz Ferdinand. I am always an Elvis fan…and always love to hear a Roy Orbison pop up in between Green Day & The Offspring in my shuffle. 
Thanks for these pics – long live high waisted trousers! Music wise, I’m looking forward to hearing the new Joanna Newsom album, which has already been released in the US but not yet in the UK. Until then I can’t stop listening to Regina Spektor, Wild Beasts, Gene Pitney and the Anthology of American Folk Music.
I have been dancing around the living room listening to classics on vinyl! Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Lionel Hampton and Benny Goodman to name a few!
i’m ashamed to say this, but i’ve never seen a ginger rogers movie, and i love me an old movie, so i’m gonna have to get n that soon!
as for the music, not sure if you’re into country, but lady antebellum is freaking awesome. i just got the new album off itunes a few days ago and i can’t stop listening to it!
I LOVE GINGER ROGERS! I remember I was obsessed with her when I was 12 years old and wanted to be a tap dancer after watching a bunch of her 30s films and reading her autobiography (which is pretty funny! You should check it out!). My favorite outfit of hers has always been that nautical satin outfit she wears in Follow the Fleet, and I have always wanted to recreate it but haven’t found the right pattern or the time. I also love everything she wears in Stage Door!
I love Ginger! She is so beautiful. The outfit ahe is wearing with the bike is similar to one on anthropologie.com!
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?subCategoryId=CLOTHES-PANTS-CROPS&id=020018&catId=CLOTHES-PANTS&pushId=CLOTHES-PANTS&popId=CLOTHES&sortProperties=&navCount=25&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=072&colorName=YELLOW&isSubcategory=true&isProduct=true&isBigImage=&templateType=
I am feeling long overdue for a Rogers/Astaire film watching extravaganza. And thanks to the wonderful photos you posted, I’m longing for Ginger’s wardrobe & wishing I could just go find it at Macys (on sale).
Here’s my current favorites playlist (I’d love to hear yours if you ever care to post it):
Afraid of Loving You – Devics
Queen of Quiet – Erin McKeown
Harbor – Vienna Teng
Do the Living – Lorna Hunt
Take Me Home – Holly Cole (cover of Tom Waits song)
One April Day – Stephin Merritt
Going Up the Country – Kitty, Daisy & Lewis
Linger – Jonatha Brooke
Better – Regina Spektor
Sweet Sweet Song – Anna Tsuchiya
Leeds United – Amanda Palmer
Sing – The Dresden Dolls
Mean Little Seed – Califone
Sunflower River Blues – John Fahey
Stewart’s Coat – Rickie Lee Jones
Who’s My Pretty Baby – Elizabeth Mitchell
On the Right Track – Pippin 1972 Broadway soundtrack
On The Street Where You Live – My Fair Lady soundtrack
I love listening to
-Wild Beasts
-Grizzly Bear
-Lisa Mitchell (ADORABLE “Australian Idol” winner.)
-The XX
-Passion Pit
all sooooo so so so good.
oh, and West Indian Girl! Dreamy synthy-hippie pop.
Ginger!!!!! Ooh, I hadn’t seen most of these photos, and I love how you broke down the looks! Ginger’s so adorable . . . . I had something against her for the longest time before I saw her movies, I don’t know why. But then I saw Top Hat, and now she’s one of my favorites.
You can definitely pull off that hairstyle! She looks kind of Casey-ish in that photo.
My musical tastes are really boring because I just listen to the same thing over and over again . . .right now I’m on a little Iggy Pop kick.
Buddy Holly, Juice Newton and the New Monkees.
Don’t ask.
Well, I’m afraid I don’t have any suggestions for you, as that would take up way too many characters and too much energy from my fingers
But would just like to say that it was thanks to you that I discovered my love for Beirut! 
i too have been anxious for new music! like others, i am really looking forward to she & him’s volume 2 later this month. i also second seabear…and better yet, they have a new album coming out soon as well. and i’ve really been wanting to give the new beach house album, teen dream, a listen but my local record store sold out of the vinyl so i am waiting.
besides those new release gems, i adore fleet foxes, SO GOOD. and i really recommend the innocence mission. very charming and lovely. i find it fits many seasons, but right now it is perfect for romanticizing serene summer evenings filled with soft light. soon it will be upon us! and the decemberists always make me think of summer.
ps. loved your blog for some time now, but always remained silent. what you do is a daily inspiration and i so appreciate it!
Ik think you should check out Caro Emerald, she’s a singer/songwriter from the Netherlands, and her music reminds me of the old jazz with a modern twist. This is how it’s described on her website:
“A voice so seductive and sultry it’s hard to believe she just recorded her debut album, a mix of 1950′s inspired ballroom jazz, cinematic tangoes, groovin’ jazz tracks, infectious mambo’s and banging beats.”
This was her first single.
And this song was used for a Martini commercial.
Hope you like it.
And I enjoyed this post, Ginger definitely has a fantastic wardrobe!
I think I know the perfect band if you are looking for something new: “The Baseballs”. It’s a german cover band. Sounds dull? They are playing swing music, so I think you would really like them. Check out “Umbrella”, “Love in This Club”, “Crazy in Love”… (Would love to know if I was right.)
Lovely pictures, as always. I find it amazing how she manages to look so elegant and glamorous, and at the same time so relaxed and comfortable.
Right now I’m listening a lot to traditional jazz, lot of Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. Nobody has a voice like Ella, and nobody swings like Basie =)
I’m a BIG Ginger fan, and I agree with you, she has the best wardrobe!
I’m late in commenting about the music, but among many others, I’m a fan of Brandi Carlile, k.d.lang, Joe Strummer, Carbon Leaf, Pearl Bailey, Billie Holiday, The Wailin’ Jennys, The Duhks, Chris Trapper, and The Be Good Tanyas.
Music is where I get all weird and arcane. Balancing the obvious (Lyle Lovett, Lucinda Williams, Cowboy Junkies) with the hopelessly regional and/or outdated (Lost Bayou Ramblers, Scott Biram, Patsy Montana, Bessie Smith), I listen to a lot of (in no particular order):
1) Hot Club of Cowtown: Modernized, amped-up, Western swing.
2) Slaid Cleaves: Country/folk-rock.
3) Wayne “The Train” Hancock: The [self-proclaimed] King of Rockabilly Swing.
4) Colin Gilmore: Jimmie Dale’s son. What Buddy Holly would have sounded like had he been a Gen-X’er.
5) The Devil Makes Three: Gothic jug-band.
6) Red Stick Ramblers: Cajun/swing/jazz/country/whatever they feel like playing. But they are brilliant.
sarah jarosz! she’s kind of bluesy folk, from texas hill country, and only 19. great cd.
And, of course, Ginger was a Texan. Texas women are renowned for their ability to pull off “earthy yet elegant.” (Not that I’m biased. Is my lone star showing?)
Music? Love the duo Buffalofitz from Oklahoma–acoustic, twangy, folky.
And, a bit of a new crush on a Canadian named Matt Epp. Came to my kid’s school (friend of a parent) and played practically a whole set for them. Utterly charming,really talked with the kids, not a hint of condescension. And, great music besides.
I posted a comment yesterday, but it seems to have vanished. Apologies if you get this one twice ^_^;
I love Ginger Rogers (especially when paired with Mr. Astaire)
Here are some of the older artists I’ve been listening to lately:
1)Dean Martin (<3!)
2)Buddy Holly
3)Everley Brothers
4)Harry Belafonte
5)Nat "King" Cole
6)The Beatles (White Album)
And some newbies:
1)Sigur Ros
2)Maiya Robbie (a friend of mine, who can be found on MySpace. Also check out Shane Koyczan and the Short Story Long, of which she is a part)
3)Dan Mangan
4)Metric
5)The Acorn
Pomplamoose!
I have one hell of a suggestion for all you. April Smith and the Great Picture Show.
Sweetie, you’ll love it. I love unsigned artists and she is one of the ones that I adore. Her music is a little ragtime and old fashioned but with a modern twist.
Very singable, very sassy and great lyrics
http://www.aprilsmithmusic.com/
Ginger is one of my style icons as well!
A perfect mix between glam fashion, casual style and funny ideas. There’s a youtube-clip that I love; “Hard to handle” where she dances playfully with Fred in black, high-waisted tuxedoslacks, a silky white blouse with long, puffy sleeves and gorgeous, tiny tapshoes with high heels and lace-up. It’s so stylish but still, so relaxed!
The first picture makes me think of a picture I have on my grandma, when she’s about 17 and on a bikingholiday with her dad and brother. She’s wearing short-shorts, her hair just like that and a little “suntop”, just made out of a square piece of fabric. She’s really tall and slim, and so cute! But it’s so crazy, because she always thought that she was to skinny, and no one talked about her as pretty or beautiful. Today she could have been a model!
It’s crazy how the ideals been changed…
Anyhow, great post! And I’m looking forward to a result of that “I’d love to have a plaid gown like this for the navy ball next year”-thought… I love that style, and I’m sure you would pull it off great!
Oh, Ginger’s wardrobe is just adorable, isn’t it? Though, I gotta admit I’m more of a Bette Davis fan. Still, anyone who shares screen time with one of my all-time favorite leading men (Astaire) is good in my book.
As far as music goes, I can’t get ultra-modern ElectroPop type music out of my head. I’m certainly not complaining, though! Love Gaga, and luckily she’s all over the radio. The TingTings are fun to listen to as well, and the YeahYeahYeahs. But if sultry old-time jazz/pop is more the mood you’re in, definitely check out British songstress Paloma Faith(?). Her style is inspiration all on its own!