Now & Then

I was looking at all of the Now and Then comparisons over the weekend and put together a few of my favorites. It's been a while since I've done one... any suggestions? Go here to see all of the lovely ladies- there have been 20! 

Now & Then: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

If Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong were still alive, they'd be wearing Steven Alan's Spring 2011 Collection.

When I came across this picture of Ella and Louis I knew a "Now and Then" post had to be done and Steven Alan immediately came to mind. I love how casual and summery their looks are  here and I love getting a behind the scenes peek at the king and queen of jazz at work together- amazing.
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Now & Then: The Unsinkable Molly Brown

If Molly Brown were still alive, she'd be wearing Christian Dior's Fall 2011 Collection
More commonly known as "The Unsinkable Molly Brown," Molly was one of the survivors of the Titanic.  A big personality, she was most widely recognized as a socialite, activist and philanthropist, but her first passion was the theatre and acting. Her clothing matches the personality behind it- everything she wore seemed a bit grand and over the top and who's a better fit for that than Christian Dior? To see the rest of the "Now and Then Gang" go here. 

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Now & Then: Sonia Delaunay

If Sonia Delaunay were still alive, she'd be wearing Hermes' Fall 2011 Collection.

Sonia Delaunay was an artist who was most widely recognized as one of the co-founders of the Orphism art movement (the use of bold color and geometric pattern within art). Besides painting she also worked in stage and textile design and was the first living woman to have a retrospecitve exhibition at the Louvre in 1964.  Many of the Fall 2011 collections have taken a page out of Sonia Delaunay's book using bold colors, and geometric patterns. This look from Hermes looks right up Miss Delaunay's alley.  Thanks to to Seesaw for the inspiration. If you have any recommendations for a "Now and Then Girl" leave a comment and if you'd like to see the rest of the "Now and Then Gang" go here. 
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Now & Then: Marilyn Monroe

If Marilyn Monroe were still alive, she'd be wearing Elie Saab's Spring 2011 Couture Collection.

Every single dress that came down the runway of Elie Saab's Spring 2011 Couture Collection was shatteringly beautiful. I had been looking for a designer to match Marilyn for a while with no luck. Then I saw Elie's, form fitting, low cut evening gowns and knew there had to be something there for Marilyn (who was notorious for wearing tight, low cut dresses). It's a perfect match. If you haven't seen this collection it's definitely worth a look. And if you haven't seen the other "Now & Then" ladies they're also worth a look- you can go here to do that. 
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Now & Then: Eleanor Roosevelt

If Eleanor Roosevelt was still around, she'd be wearing Ralph Lauren's Spring 2010 Collection.

True fact: Eleanor Roosevelt and her husband Franklin Roosevelt were fifth cousins, once removed. Another interesting fact, Eleanor Roosevelt's uncle was President Theodore Roosevelt. I'm not sure if the first lady would wear pink, but I think this look from Ralph Lauren's Spring 2010 collection, which drew a lot of inspiration from the 1930's, is right on. I love the jacked and hat paired with the formal dress. If you'd like to see the rest of the "Now and Then Gang" go here.
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Now & Then: Audrey Hepburn

If Audrey Hepburn were still alive, she'd be wearing Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2011 Collection.

I'm pretty sure every designer would love to dress Audrey Hepburn. I'm also pretty sure Audrey would love to wear Oscar. His clothing has a classic beauty that appeals to women worldwide. Sounds and looks like a perfect match. To see the rest of the "Now and Then Gang" go here.
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Now & Then: Marlene Dietrich

If Marlene Dietrich were still alive, she'd be wearing Paul Smiths Spring 2011 Collection.

Funnily enough in almost every picture I saw of Miss Dietrich she was either wearing a man's suit or an evening gown. (She looked lovely in both.) But she gets points for calling the menswear as women's wear trend WAY ahead of the rest of us. I've never seen one of her films but it's now on my to do list- suggestions welcome. To see the rest of Now and Then Gang go here and up next week... Audrey Hepburn.
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Now & Then: Joan of Arc

If Joan of Arc were still alive, she'd be wearing Balenciaga's Spring 2008 Collection.


Joan of Arc's life was remarkable. Born a peasant girl in France, she ended up leading the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years War. And she did all of this when she was still a teenager. Balenciaga's Spring 2008 collection gives off a very strong warrior feel, with it's structured dresses (reminiscent of armor) and gladiator inspired lace up boots. I think we need more girls in the world like Joan. To see the rest of the "Now and Then Gang" go here. 


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Now & Then: Marie Antoinette

If Marie Antoinette were still alive, she'd be wearing John Galliano's Spring 2009 Collection.



To my surprise I had a hard time choosing just one look for Marie Antoinette. Leave it to the French designers to create a multitude of dramatic fashions, full of ruffles, frills, color and lace; all which seem to be right up the Queen's alley.  Although she wasn't French by birth, she did make her home there and if anyone could pull off a look like this it would be the French...and Marie.  To see the rest of the "Now and Then Gang" go here and as always I welcome suggestions!


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Now & Then: Jackie Kennedy

If Jackie Kennedy were still alive, she'd be wearing Proenza Schouler's Spring 2011 Ready to Wear Collection.


Jackie Kennedy oozed style. After all we have her to thank for bringing over sized sunglasses into our lives- a personal favorite of mine. She is most widely known for her role as First Lady of the United States from 1961-1963. However, besides being First Lady, Jackie Kennedy also had a very successful career as a book editor in the later part of her life and was known for her contributions to the arts and historic preservation. And all of this equals a lot of dressing up and a lot of events to attend for this girl.  I love the modern edge Proenza Schouler has given to the classic two piece suit, incorporating interesting lines and a fresh color pallet. It reminds me of the very best Jackie Kennedy brought to fashion. To see the rest of the "Now and Then Gang" go here and if you have any requests- leave a comment!


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Now & Then: Katharine Hepburn

If Katharine Hepburn were still alive, she'd be wearing Nanette Lepore's Spring 2011 Collection.



Katharine Hepburn is probably my favorite movie star of her time. Growing up I loved watching her old movies- she exuded such spunk and smarts. Fun fact about Katharine Hepburn: she holds the record for the most best actress nominations at the Academy Awards- winning four Oscars out of twelve nominations. Katharine's signature pieces seemed to be high wasted bottoms and collard blouses. She also consistently wore pants decades before it ever became fashionable for women to do so, much to the annoyance of the movie studios. Nanette Lepore's Spring 2011 Collection suits Katharine well- taking many classic styles common in the 30's and 40's and giving them new life and a modern edge. To see the rest of the "Now and Then" Gang go here and if you have a suggestion about someone you'd like to see featured please leave a comment! Oh, and please look at Miss Hepburn's shoes in the old black and white photo- amazing.


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Now & Then: Simone de Beauvoir

If Simone de Beauvoir were still alive, she'd be wearing Rachel Comey's Spring 2011 Collection.


I've been wondering what famous woman in history would wear my favorite designer's clothing...turns out it's French writer, philosopher, and feminist, Simone de Beauvoir. A free thinking lady of her time, Simone came of age in Paris during the 1920's and 30's. Wrapped up in all things academic, social and political, Simone was almost as famous for her personal life as she was for her professional one. Rachel Comey's laid back, city bohemian vibe suits Simone's aesthetic well- keeping things loose and free just like Simone herself. Thanks to Catherine from wolf eyebrows for the suggestion and if you'd like to see the rest of the Now and Then Gang go here.  


image 1: Wiebke Mueller  image 2: style.com

Now & Then: Eva Peron

If Eva Peron were still alive, she'd be wearing Carolina Herrara's Spring 2011 Collection.



An important political figure in Argentina during the 1940's, Eva Peron's wardrobe was full of classic, beautifully tailored, structured, and colorful pieces. I think this dress from Carolina Herrara embodies the bold spirit of Eva Peron while staying true to the style she wore most often. What do you think? If you'd like to see the rest of the "Now and Then" gang go here and as always I welcome suggestions!


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Now & Then: Grace Kelly

If Grace Kelly were still alive, she'd be wearing J. Mendel's Spring 2011 Ready to Wear Collection.


What do you get when you cross a movie star and a princess- one amazing wardrobe. Because Grace Kelly was both Hollywood royalty and real life royalty, I imagine that her closet was filled with racks and racks of amazing dresses. Flowing, white gowns that draped beautifully seemed to be a favorite of hers, so when I saw J. Mendel's stunning, Spring 2011 Collection I knew I had hit the jackpot. I think his gowns are a modern take on what she wore while she was with us- maybe a little more sexy but certainly elegant and stunningly beautiful just like Miss Kelly herself.  P.S.  how much do she and January Jones from Mad Men resemble each other! 
***To see the rest of the Now & Then gang, go here***

Now & Then: Jane Austen

If Jane Austen were still alive she'd be wearing Erin Fetherston's Resort 2011 Collection.

I have to admit, this one was hard. I decided to go with this look from Erin Fetherston because it felt like something one of Jane's characters would wear if a modern day Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility were being filmed. I think Jane put a lot of herself and her acquaintances into the characters that she wrote about. In her real life, she loved to dance, take long walks in the country, read, and most of all she loved to study people. Does any of this sound familiar? I could definitely see Jane wearing this outfit while picnicking in the English countryside. What do you think? Thanks to Diana for the Jane Austen suggestion and to see the rest of the Now and Then gang go here.

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Now & Then: Amelia Earhart

If Amelia Earhart were still alive she'd be wearing Charlotte Ronson's Fall Ready to Wear 2010 Collection.

Amelia Earhart was a bit of a tomboy, always flying, always racing and always working on planes. She was pictured a lot wearing pants and jackets and generally clothing that would let her move around easily, but they always seemed to be beautifully tailored and perfectly in touch with what was at the height of fashion at the time. Charlotte Ronson's Fall 2010 Ready to Wear line seems to fit the bill perfectly. If you have a suggestion about who you'd like to see next, let me know and if you missed Frida Kahlo, Georgia Okeefe, Marie Curie or Emily Dickinson go here!

Images: Amelia Earhart, Charlotte Ronson

Now & Then: Emily Dickinson

If Emily Dickinson were still alive she'd be wearing Marc Jacobs Fall 2010 Ready to Wear line.

So it turns out, Emily Dickinson was a bit of a recluse. She preferred to stay at home, bake bread, stare out windows and oh yeah- write over 2,000 pieces of poetry. I think if she were alive today she'd be a librarian by day and poet by night. This Marc Jacobs look has Emily written all over it. Can't you just see her in the heels with socks? If you missed what Frida Kahlo, Georgia O'keefe, or Marie Curie would wear, go here, here, and here. And as always- I welcome suggestions!

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Now & Then: Marie Curie

If Marie Curie was still alive she'd be wearing Rag and Bone's 2010 Fall Ready To Wear Collection.

Marie Curie had a bit of mad scientist vibe going- the crazy unkempt hair and all. The Victorian touches in Rag and Bone's Fall ready to wear collection- fitted jackets, high necklines and dark colors are just perfect for this brilliant, Nobel prize winning scientist. Let me know if you have any requests and if you missed Frida Kahlo or Georgia O'keefe go here and here.

In other news- we made it to the U.S. safely and it's been wonderful! Had a great homecoming dinner with friends and family last night. Headed to the beach for the afternoon but I'll definitely be posting regularly while I'm here!

Now & Then: Georgia O'keefe

If Georgia O'keefe were still alive, she'd be wearing Chloe's Spring 2010 Collection.

So I did a little research and it turns out Georgia O'keefe was a bit of a monochromatic bohemian, drawing much of her inspiration from the South West. From what I can tell, she was a classic artist/creative, painting bright, bold images but keeping her personal style to blacks, white's and neutral colors. Neutrals- a girl after my own heart. Next week- Marie Curie! And if you missed my interpretation of what Frida Kahlo would be wearing go here.

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