“When I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better!”
In the interest of the impending Hallmark Holiday of St. Valentine, I thought it’d be appropriate to use this edition of Mock a Style Icon about the uber-sex bomb, Mae West.
Mae West’s (Mary Jane’s) [b. 1896] super sex appeal started early, but not in a creepy way, at age 5 when she began her career in vaudeville performance. Having studied dance instead of the typical studies of that time (circa 1910), at 14, her act of choice became “The Baby Vamp.”
She explored playwriting after her dancing ceased, and produced her first play entitled “SEX” in 1926, which ended up introducing her to the likes of a jail cell for obscenity charges.
The woman was constantly covering herself in sensual fabrics like lace, silk, and… well, “tight” is not a fabric at all, but she was definitely wrapped in the style at all times. The woman had curves to envy, and she made sure everyone had a fair opportunity to do so.
Her unfortunate death in 1980 robbed us of a woman proud to be sexual, comfortable with her amazing curves, and ready to stand up to anyone in her way, using incredible wit, feminine allure, and best of all – her blatant, beautiful sexuality.
“It’s not the man in your life that counts. It’s the life in your man.”
Click “Read More” to see some Mae-inspired garb…
In our current world of “a-line”, “boho” and “breathe-ability” – I think Mae West would have started a revolution. She loved those curve-hugging frocks that grazed the floor, and big, luxurious coats that slipped from her shoulders… So finding Mae West-inspired garments are a little tough to find. The fabrics, however, are easy to find and – with the infused attitude of history’s favorite sex kitten – you’ll surely be able to pull ANY of these off (literally…):
Samantha Treacy Virgine Dress
$462.00 $168.60
This is lovely… Shows off your beautiful shoulders and beautiful legs… And hello – silk!
Beau Soleil Beau Knot Dress
$325.00 $97.50
Bonus to all eco-activists!: This dress is 100% organic cotton! It’s one-shouldered, which is hot now, and was extremely elegant then… And it’s got a ton of room for experimentation! Note to vegans: the rose on the strap is leather… so it’s not perfect.
Sans Souci Ruffle and Lace Mini Dress in Champagne
$35.00
Ruffles & lace… What better combonations exist?
Rachel Leigh Enamel Faceted Ring
$88.00 $26.40
A must have for the Mae West – COCKTAIL RINGS! This trend originated in the Mae West era…
Check out B&B’s other article all about the luxurious cocktail ring.
Franco Sarto “Irony”
$89.95 $49.99
You’ve gotta have a great pair of open-toe t-strap shoes. They elongate your leg, flatter your ankles, and let that little bit of red polish show through…
White Jeweled Drop Earrings
$7.00
Shoulder-grazing jewels (fake OR real!) amp up the massive Hollywood glamour that embodied Ms. West.
And last, but certainly not least, the face:
Too Faced Quickie Chronicles Make a Wish
$13.80
This includes some eyeshadows, essential blush, and the ever-necessary deep rouge lipsticks… For the vamp-esque appeal!
Remember to add your sass and smirks! Make the eternal sex kitten proud!
xoxo.