Taylor Momsen: Grunge Queenette

So, admittedly, I have never watched an episode of Gossip Girl in my life, but someone who's style has caught my eye recently is Taylor Momsen.  Yes I'm talking about that ratty tall blonde 16 year old with the smudgy eye makeup.


So what actually brought her to my full attention was her band The Pretty Reckless and their new single 'Make Me Wanna Die'.  Firstly, she has such a mature sounding rock voice, and she writes all of her songs and plays guitar, having already been a part of the Warped Tour and signed to Interscope Records, and of course there is the TV show she's on, all at the age of 16.


Her band's sound, like her look, channels a little bit of Courtney Love (but with a better voice) grunge princess style... I thought I'd share some of my fave looks.

Taylor on her look:

"I'm actually designing all of my costumes. It's a rock band, so there's not costume changes but there's definitely a look."

Decades of Fashion: 1940s

Once again I bring you an amazing decade in fashion!  The 1940s, or the Big Band era as it is often referred to, like the 50s boasted highly feminine full skirts, nylon and petticoats.  Music was a big influence, hence the appropriately named Swing skirts and dresses so popular in the decade.  

Wartime brought the need for utility clothing for women, we saw a peak in ensemble outfits and smart business attire.  Many historical accounts indicate that during the war textiles were quite scarce which led to a ban on evening dresses at one point; but we do know that it was very common for clothing to be rationed during this time.  Christian Dior is well known to have been a heavy influence over the "New Woman" look of the time.

Much like the current trends, there was a focus on shoulder details such as butterfly and banjo sleeves, zips became more widely used and 'sunburns' were becoming highly fashionable.  Hemlines became longer than previous decades, and waistlines raised to formerly fashionable heights.

How do you become the proud owner of a beautiful 1940s vintage piece?

Try some of the following fabulous stores both online and local:

• Dresses & Drawers - Port Road, Queenstown
• Nadia's House of Serendipity - 2/4 Partridge Street, Glenelg 
• Bowerbird Vintage Online
• Vintage Clothing Online
• Irving Baby - Twin Street, City