Holiday Style Guide for the 1940's Winter Ball with The Hop

 

Can you believe it’s that time of year again? ‘Tis the season for hot toddies, holiday parties, cookies and cheer. 

Growing up, it was a tradition in our household to throw a holiday party and invite over friends and family for libations of the Tom & Jerry sort (I'm from WI).  That tradition came from my mom's childhood where they would have a huge party on Christmas Eve.  My grandpa would make a fresh batch of Tom & Jerrys and the party would kick off at midnight (yes 12am), but I digress. I'll blog more about that later.  These holiday party's were done right.  Everyone dressed up, drinks flowing, music playing and plenty of laughter and cheer.  My point is this, did you know here in Colorado that we have one of the biggest and best holiday parties right in our own back yard? What better way to bring on that holiday cheer, than attending the must do event of the season, the 1940’s Winter Ball! Still need a ticket?  Hurry, because they sell out every year, click here to get yours. 

Step back in time this Christmas for an unforgettably magical 40s & 50s holiday party that will bring back all the warmth & nostalgia of a more simple time!

- 1940's Ball

 

Adam and I have been attending the ball for several years now.  I remember us going to our first Winter Ball (before our business when we got to just enjoy the events) and walking into such a magical scene! 

(Adam & I with our shop last year)

 

Everyone is dressed to the nine in their vintage (or reproductions) best. You feel like a movie star on the set of a holiday classic like White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story.  This year is the 10th Anniversary of the Winter Ball and the theme is White Christmas: The Movie and the Music!

The movie White Christmas holds a special place in my heart.  I remember watching it every year, wide-eyed, as Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen glide across the screen in their beautiful flowing gowns.  What a warm cozy holiday feeling it gave me... it was (and still is) the best way to start the holiday season.

When the 1940’s Ball asked us if we would create this STYLE GUIDE for the Winter Ball, I was more than happy to oblige! 

We pulled together some great looks inspired by White Christmas- the movie and music. We also threw in some classic, can’t-go-wrong looks from the 40's & 50's.  All outfits shown are from our shop and include pieces from our vintage collection as well as new reproduction styles.  True vintage pieces are hard to find in good condition (and they tend to come in extremely small sizes- like Vera Ellen small). Our shop carries a mix of true vintage and reproduction styles from the 40's - 60's.  We like to show people how to mix and match true vintage with new pieces to give you a wide range to choose from. 

Let us be your personal shopper with this Holiday Style Guide! We pulled together some great looks inspired by White Christmas- the movie and music. We also threw in some classic, can’t-go-wrong looks from the 40's & 50's.   

We won’t have Tootie (our shop) at the Ball this year, but don’t worry- Let us be your personal shopper with this Holiday Style Guide!  See something you like? Click on the picture to shop the entire look! Looking for something specific that is not included here? Contact us and we will be happy to help or even set up a private shopping party!  

First things first. You need a fab 'do!

In the 40’s and 50’s hair care was a time-consuming task!  Needing to stay home to wash and set your hair was no joke!  Many women turned to beauty salons to wash, set and style their hair on a weekly basis. In between appointments they would do a wet set with pin curls at home or cover up messy hair with a scarf, turban, or hat. 

Tip! My mom said she and her friends used to wrap their hair in toilet paper at night to keep their set from getting ruined while they slept.

Some popular styles are listed below. You can see some tutorials on our YouTube page for quick styling ideas and how to tie our turbans.

• Poodle or Half Poodle
• Pompadour 
• Victory Rolls
• Hollywood Waves
• Pageboy

    
For makeup you can keep it simple and classic.  Use a foundation close to your skin tone and loose setting powder.  Make the apples of your cheeks nice and rosy. For eyeliner use brown or black.  In the 1940’s they did not wing their eyeliner. That became popular in the 50’s. Use mascara to create long dark lashes and top it off with a nice matte red lip.  

    

Gentlemen typically were clean-shaven and combed their hair with a wet look using pomade.

    

 

Now, bring on the style! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Enter to win!

Don’t have a ticket to the Ball? Need something to wear?  You are in luck! In conjunction with this Holiday Style Guide, The Hop partnered with the 1940’s Ball to host a HUGE GIVEAWAY with a prize package worth over $600! 

One lucky winner will receive: TWO (sold out) VIP tickets to the 1940’s Winter Ball PLUS a $50 Gift Card to the Hop and a free Women’s Vintage Hairstyling Session! 

Be sure to follow us on facebook and instagram to be the first to hear who won!

Click HERE to enter!