“Elegance is elimination.”–Balenciaga
Ngaio Marsh by Henry Herbert Clifford (1935).
This 85-year-old photograph of New Zealand writer Ngaio Marsh proves that elegance, coziness, and individuality can be as stylish as anything out of the pages of a 21st-century fashion magazine.
Embellishments are minimal: an eccentric shoulder, a few buttons, an indifferently tilted hat, a bit of pattern and texture here or there.
Clean lines. Confidence.
She is, more than anything, mysterious.
How appropriate.
The cover of Eliza by Barry Pain, 1904:
Eliza by Barry Pain , 1904. Illustration by Wallace Goldsmith.
Fashion Illustration by Pierre Brissaud (April 1914)
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”–Clare Booth Luce
English writer Margery Sharp definitely knew that, way back in 1945.
Margery Sharp (1945) by Bill Brandt
Sure, you could classify her look as a bit severe or buttoned-up. Even austere (the photo was taken at the end of WWII, after all). I think she’s…sharp (pun intended and unavoidable). The pointy shoulders on the blouse, simple skirt, and round glasses are timeless and, through some weird alchemy, almost edgy. All the bonus points: Margery Sharp also gave the world that superior fictional mouse, Miss Bianca, who has style for days.
My sweet cousin bought me this book for Christmas. As most of you know, I do an occasional feature about dead writers’ style, so this is up my alley.
Legendary Authors and the Clothes They Wore
“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”–Yves Saint-Laurent
Iconic children’s book author Margaret Wise Brown had style to match her writing: timeless, straightforward yet unique, and unforgettable.
The stripes and strong shoulders, though clearly from the 1940s, are streamlined, edgy, and relevant:
Margaret Wise Brown Writing
Her bouncy, easy-going hairstyle is impeccably modern, and is the perfect accompaniment to her sleek, minimally accessorized dress:
Margaret Wise Brown
Some would say that a favorite doggo is the best “finishing touch” of all:
Margaret Wise Brown by Consuelo Kanaga, circa 1940-1950
It’s no secret that Margaret Wise Brown was very outdoorsy and active, a lifestyle which effortlessly merged with her sophisticated and relaxed dress sense. She’s wonderful inspiration for anyone who values style, practicality, and a dash of whimsy.
Five O’Clock Tea by Leo Rauth, 1911
Easter Bonnets, 16 April 1911 (The Sun, New York)
I read 82 books in 2016, but fell 28 short of my (rather ambitious) goal of 110. My year was way too busy to read as much as I would have liked. I finished the majority of the books during the first half of the year, as life obligations slowed my pace after summer. On the bright side, 2017 will get off to a good start reading-wise, as I am close to finishing half a dozen books.
Here’s a list of every book that I finished in 2016, with some very loose ratings.
KEY:
*=Read as research for my novella
**=This designation means that I liked the book in spite of myself, but as such find it too hard to assign a fair grade
1=You are my enemy
2=We’ll stay acquaintances, thanks
3=I like you, but I don’t like you like you
4=You are my friend, but not my best friend
5=You are my love match, but don’t expect fidelity Continue reading
Harper’s, June 1896 Cover by Edward Penfield
A Small Press Life: Books. Art. Writing. Life. Tea. 