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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

The Violet Hour

Outfit Details:
wool trench // Tulle
fisherman's cardigan // Tulle
denim skirt // Kellie Falconer
purse // Cath Kidston
fingerless gloves // made by Winnie
boots // Sorelia Earhart
This wool olive green trench coat is absolutely positively Kellie perfection.  I've always wished for a trench coat, and though I'm still looking out for the right khaki one to jump off a thrift shop rack at me (yikes... now I'm going to be terrified of the coat rack when I walk by.  I meant that figuratively!), this winter number will serve me well for many years, and I adore everything about it.  It makes me feel like Barbara Stanwyck or Greer Garson... all Christmas in Connecticut and Random Harvest-ish.

Something about the gray, dark times of the war that came after the war to end all wars, so harsh and bleak yet shot through with light and heroism, never fails to thrill me.  Hollywood's golden era during the 40's, with Fred and Ginger waltzing across the screen in matchless lighthearted perfection, often fools us into thinking that those times were the pinnacle of progress, fashion, talent, and opportunity.  But those films were made as a stark juxtaposition, an escape, to the realities of privation,  uncertainty, and even death that so many faced daily around the world at that time.  

I wonder what it was really like.  I wonder what they really thought about - what they dreamed of the future looking like as scrap metal drives canvassed down the streets or bombers flew overhead.  The ordinary people - in America, in England, in Germany.  
The only way we can discover the key to that world is from their writings, their films, their newspapers and photographs.  Perhaps from the remembrances handed down from people still alive who belonged to that world.  My Great Grandmother was there in England, as a young girl, during the bombings.  I heard her stories from her own lips... some funny, some inspiring, some tragic.  I will always treasure those stories as my own key to that world, a personal link in my own life to that time in history.

And I love the way a simple coat, a piece of music, can carry one away into that world, remembering and pondering and searching for clues by studying history, culture, and art.  It's like time travel in a way.

12 comments:

  1. I too love the erra of the 1940's/50's. While the war part does not captivate me, the frocks and hairstyles sure do! Speaking of which, have you ever heard Vera Lynn on YouTube? She sings a lot of songs for the soldiers during the 1940's time period. She has the most amazing voice.
    Have a wonderful day! B.T.W. I'm enjoying all your blog post lately! Merry from eachlittlebird.blogspot.com

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    1. I haven't heard of her... thanks for sharing. So glad you stopped by!

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  2. Army Green or issued clothing they used to call it according to my husband. His Dad served in the Pacific in WWII. My Dad, was too old to serve but did special work for the government through his statistical background. There is a wonderful series of WWII that you can get on DVD called Band of Brothers and The Pacific. Band of Brothers is about the european front and The Pacific is about the war with Japan. Based on stories of living veterans, theses two series were the best sets of history and the impact on lives. They are real, graphic, heartwarming, and nail biting all mixed together. If you wish to know more about the Greatest Generation, I highly recommend them. I believe there is also a book for Band of Brothers by the same title. My mom used to tell me all about how she used ration tickets and raised her young family during those years. People were brave, constantly worried, and ready to do whatever they could to support America. This summer in Norway, Warren's cousin told us how the Nazis took over their house while they occupied Norway and forced their family to flee. They lived with another family till the war ended. When they went back to their home, it had been ruined. Furniture had been used for fire wood and everything was broken, filthy or burned. His cousin said her mom just fell to her knees and wept. The war was ugly and and people still live today with memories of the horror. US Army Green was the most welcomed site in the world. It was their last hope for protection and freedom.

    I love your new coat, and join you in your fascination and admiration for the story of Army Green.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing this story, Winnie. I loved reading it. I've herd of that series, and will have to look it up again!

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  3. Very pretty outfit and song! How do you do your hair? It's always so pretty! :D
    ~Ellie

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    1. Thank you, Ellie! It's parted in the back and coiled into two buns. I'll put it on my tutorial list! :)

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  4. That trench coat looks absolutely lovely on you!
    I don't comment much at all on your blog, but I read every post. =) You have a beautiful blog.

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    1. Thanks, Samantha! I love stopping by your lovely blog as well.

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  5. Loverly outfit as always, lassie, and that trench coat--what great lines! Wear it in good health and enjoyment!

    God bless,
    ~"Tom Wild Rose"~
    P.S.
    You have just been tagged!
    http://wildroseleblonde.blogspot.com/2014/01/elevensies-tag-or-tom-breaks-radio.html

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  6. i love your purse/bag because it's blue my favorite color and the little flowers that go with it!!!!!!!! i want like right now!!!!!

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