The Fabulous Forties!

The revival of 1940’s fashion styles continues to go from strength to strength. It never ceases to amaze me that the era of frugality and rationing also produced one of the most fashionable periods in history. British women put their red lipstick on with pride, stained their legs with cold tea when hosiery was hard to come by, and put their best foot forward. It was the age of bravery - women did what they needed to do to cope with the daily reports from the front line, hearing of brothers, husbands or lovers far away, and made sure they looked their best when they came home.

I still can’t fathom the hair styles of the period, but here in London there are lots of vintage hairstylists like Lipstick and Curls springing up to help you finish off the look with some amazing victory rolls!

A good way of getting the true look of the 40’s is to watch lots of old movies such as ‘The Philidelphia Story’ (1940) starring the ultra stylish Katherine Hepburn.

‘Rebecca’ (1940) directed by Alfred Hitchcock or ‘Mrs Miniver’ (1942) starring Greer Garson.

Cinema saw a spike in popularity during the Second World War due to the human need for escapism. Ordinary women would emulate the hairstyles and fashions of their screen idols, and in those days most women were capable of making their own dresses!

If you are wanting the 40’s look there are a few easy ways to bring it together.

1. seamed stockings

2. Red lipstick and nails. 

3. A vintage handbag.

Whether you prefer authentic vintage or reproduction dresses, forties shapes flatter all figures, from the pencil to the classic tea dress. I love the 'Satin Sweetheart Dress' by Tara Starlet for a glamorous evening look.

Stop Staring's Majorette Dress in Army Green.

Or for a softer daytime look, this fab floral 40s style wrap dress from Blue Velvet Vintage.

A great way to achieve a high impact look is the headscarf. With a few Victory Rolls peeping out it gives instant glamour to any outfit. Read the Vixen Vintage blog for an easy to follow tutorial.

It is thrilling to note this Summer in London will be full of plenty of opportunities to show off this fabulous 40s look! Starting with Blitz Party on Saturday 14th May, The Chap of the Year Ball on Saturday 21st May, Swing for Skin on 4th June - a 40s style tea dance fundraiser on the deck of HMS Belfast, and The Chap Olympiad on Saturday 16th July. So you see, investing in some key 1940s pieces for your wardrobe will not go to waste!

This article was written by Rebecca McWattie, founder of Stop Traffic Clothing for the Swing for Skin blog.

Get your tickets for 'Swing for Skin'

Stop Traffic Clothing is proud to lend it's support to 'Swing for Skin,' a 1940's themed tea dance which will be held at the terrific H.M.S.Belfast on Saturday 4th June in aid of DEBRA UK.

'Swing for Skin' is being organised by Amy Fleming (see glamorous picture below) and Melissa Smith who is herself a sufferer of EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) - a genetic disorder which causes extreme skin blistering. Melissa was born with completely raw feet and has bravely battled with this condition all her life. Melissa is an inspiration and 'Swing for Skin' is her extraordinary way of saying 'thank you' to DEBRA for all their support over the years. This event will raise lots of money for the charity, whilst still being a good old knees up in true 1940's fashion!

Melissa: 'Last year, I went to Tart at 40 Winks with three of my closest friends and my mum, and I really fell in love with vintage....(Melissa is seated in the middle)

Melissa: 'I finally felt able to be part of a community I had always admired from a distance. From there, I became friends with Naomi Thompson of Vintage Secret who helped me to discover the best vintage styles for me, my body shape and the demands of EB.'

'Tart' at 40 Winks

At 'Swing for Skin' everyone will be getting into the true Blitz spirit, uniting to overcome EB and having jolly good fun doing it! The amazing 'Polka Dot Dolls' a 1940's style girl group, have also volunteered to sing!

Melissa: 'the Blitz brought out a real spirit of uniting to overcome adversity. I love the idea of people singing in the air raid shelters, and 'Keep Calm and Carry On' had become my mantra through some very trying times!'

We would love to see you there to support a fantastic charity, and dance on the deck of a London landmark.

Stop Traffic Clothing will be contributing to the 'ration book', full of exciting discounts, and to the raffle which sounds out of this world, with prizes of a Pashley bicycle (WOW I want!)...

Hotel Chocolat have donated a 'Luxurious' & super-yummy hamper, there is a fantastically lethal gin hamper from BLOOM and Lulu Guinness has kindly donated a 'Lips' handbag! There are lot and lots of other marvellous donations including a Helen Rochfort handbag (you can vote for your fave on the Swing for Skin website) Lily Lewis Milinery and Hendrick's gin (yes more alcohol!) not to mention all the people who will be volunteering their time to make this a very special event. If any of you would like to offer your services or donate something get in touch with Melissa@swingforskin.com

Visit www.debra.org.uk for more information about the charity and how they help EB sufferers, and check out www.swingforskin.com for news on the event and to reserve your tickets now!

Tickets are £30 (£35 on the door) inclusive of two free drinks, food and vintage hair and make-up styling for the ladies! Plus there will be the chance to tour the magnificent H.M.S Belfast (which would normally set you back £13 alone).