Life is not a dress rehearsal. Make it count and do it in style.
On Friday we dressed up 1920’s style for a murder mystery dinner party.
I made the hair pin. I used to sell items like this in my Etsy shop. Sadly there isn’t much of a market for fancy hair pins/brooches.
Dress is 1980’s bought in a vintage store.
This is the first time I’ve ever worn makeup below my lower lashes. Looks great, feels awful.
The murder mystery dinner was a spoof on Downton Abbey put on by the talented group at Mysteriously Yours with Lieutenant Carumbo in attendance to solve the mystery.
We had a blast, lots of laughs and the actors were a scream. I especially liked Carumbo who also played Lady Edith, a gal on the hunt for a husband who had her eyes on Ray a dapper young man sitting at our table. I think Ray was quite shaken up relieved when Edith didn’t make it past the second act.
I adore it when other people make an effort and get dressed up for an event such as this.
We really lucked out at our table. I think between the six of us we were the best dressed in the room.
I’ve decided next time I dress 1920’s style I’m getting a headband with a feather. So dramatic!
Sophia also had a long cigarette holder.
Brilliant!
Carmela, and Franca (in other photo next to Robert wearing a black hat) turned out to be really interesting, fun Italian ladies with plenty of juicy stories. You can just tell by Carmela’s adorable smile what a character she is!
Robert wore his whole outfit sans the hat to work.
How do you like the addition of my feather boa? It was a last minute thing I managed to pick up in the morning prior heading downtown.
I know, most of you are shocked I didn’t already own a feather boa, or three.
Obviously for blogging, cleaning house or walking the dog one simply must wear a feather boa.
How is it possible I’ve lived this long without one?
*Warning!* If you are wearing a feather boa wrapped around your neck in a fierce cold wind be prepared for small errant feathers to stick to your lipstick. My lips looked like they were moulting and husband didn’t even notice.
#sadbuttruestory
Call me demanding but I’d like to know that someone has my back when it comes to;
- feathers on my lips
- lipstick on my teeth
- food in my teeth
- toilet paper hanging out of my tights/pants
- tears in my clothing
- skirt getting caught in my underwear
- buttons undone
- zipper undone
- hem coming down
- food on my face
- smudged make-up
- and any other kind of embarassing appearance faux pas or wardrobe malfunction.
Isn’t that a law between spouses and friends? Or is that like the warranty on my car that expired after five years?
Do you tell people when something is off with their appearance? Or do you suffer in silence trying to look elsewhere but inadvertently staring directly at that green spinach covered tooth wondering just how long it can hang on for?
Inquiring minds want to know.
Linking up with Visible Monday, I Will Wear What I Like
What a great outfit! You guys are doing such a great job with the 20th century costumes! And how great that other dinner guests also dressed up according to the theme!
I would definitely tell you about lipstick on your teeth or toilet paper hanging out of your skirt because I feel I know you by now! I do always feel very awkward telling people I don’t know though… But telling is definitely much better than not telling (for both parties)…
Wow! You look great! Such a fun thing to do.
Sure, I’d tell a friend (maybe not someone I’ve just met) if something was wrong with their appearance.
Monica.
Ha! You can usually find me by following the trail of feathers from my moulting assortment of boas!
You look incredible. Love the eye make-up despite the discomfort and that black bob looks absolutely stunning on you. Maybe you should come over to the dark side? xxx
I had my hair dyed black many years ago. It wouldn’t really take the colour. It only lasted 2 days and then faded to a gross greige colour.
I like how it looks but think it would be even higher maintenance than the red.
Suzanne!! Your hair? Is it a wig? It’s absolutely darling! And this is the first time for makeup under your eyes—inconceivable!! You look absolutely beautiful in that close up shot!!
As for the boa feathers on your lips—it is written in the husband rule book to make you aware of these things—the problem is most men just don’t notice these small details! I would have definitely plucked them off for you–no worries!! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Ah…I needed you there with me Jodie!
Yes, it is a wig : )
WOW! You look stunning Suzanne…very Phryne Fisher! Happy to hear you had a good time!
We had lots of fun. We may even get together with one of the gals from our table again. She was so nice.
You two are amazing in your 20’s gear. Yes, the boa was called for. And you make a gorgeous brunette, no surprise there. I like for my loved ones to tell me, nicely, when I have goo on my face, etc. What are friends for? thanks for linking up your awesome look, xox
-Patti
http://notdeadyetstyle.com
First can I just say how beautiful you look in your Flappery!
I was blown away!!
Wow!!!
As for telling people if something is amiss….I (almost always) do.
I tell friends, family, colleagues and even strangers (unless they look like they might kill me).
Occasionally, people are not too happy about being told about an embarrassing piece of spinach (or similar) but I think it is better for a fleeting moment of embarrassment than to walk around all day in a mess.
I would always want to be told.
Now for a confession…….
The only time I would not let someone know that their lipstick was on their teeth, or their skirt was in their knickers, or they had a bogey hanging (yuck)… would be if they had done me a major injustice and then I would think …”Oh well, life is a bitch” and leave them blissfully unaware.
Very Bad, but true!
:oP
XXX
Samantha
Ha ha! Too funny. I might be apt to do the same as you.
Gorgeous! You look like a movie star. I applaud your willingness to dress up and play like this. You’re always welcome to borrow one of my feather boas. 🙂
Ha! I should have known you’d have a collection : )
Ooooh very Clara Bow, Suzanne!
I love you in a dark bob!
And yes, everyone needs a feather boa in their life. That dress is one heck of a show stopper. The shimmer, the peacock colours and then the ring on the outside of the elbow length gloves – oh yes, well played!
And Robert just looks so dapper in his suit.
http://petitesilvervixen.blogspot.co.uk/
This dress was such a score. I saw it online from one of my favourite vintage shops that is about 45 minutes from here. Turns out I took her in some of my vintage that I didn’t want anymore and did a trade for the dress. It cost me $20 in the end.
wouuu, you Rock more than I can express!, love your dress, 80’s doing the 20’s is a favorite style! and your hairpin looks beautiful! and you look so delightfully flapper and cute, and so amazing to see you like a sassy brunette!, gorgeous!!
And I should like to be told if I have lipstick on my teeth or whatever, so I have to tell tool!!, but I always try to speak discreetly, without being noticed by anybody else than the people who is involved, so we can avoid any embarrassment!
besos
The hair does make quite a difference doesn’t it?
I know I can depend on you to let me know what is amiss : )
Feather boas are also really warm, and the colour will sweat off onto your skin – beware! One’s husband also does not notice this!
Love your dress, the wig – both of you did great outfits!
Oh…good to know about the colour!
I appreciated the warmth of the boa when we had to walk 3 blocks to the car in the -5 C and blowing wind.
You both are stunning and gorgeous, and clearly so much fun! Wish we lived closer so we could go to some of your fab events with you! I hope you were wearing the feather boa when you wrote this post!
I must move back west : )
I love your hair! The bob style suits you, actually. Since I decided short hair is my thing, fancy flower/feather hair clips are my main way of ‘dressing up’ my hair. I don’t have any clips quite as awesome as yours, though, but I do have a smaller one with a feather and flower that are in the similar peacock/teal type color scheme.
This sounds so fun! We’ve been to a murder mystery party once, for Angel’s work, years ago, and I absolutely loved it. I hope we get another chance to be a part of one again, especially a retro-themed one like this!
This was the first wig I ever bought and my favourite. I should try wearing a few more on the blog though. Sure makes “doing the hair” easy.
Do you like to wear necklaces? I have a few that might suit you.
I would definitely tell the person, while being painfully English and embarrassed about it all… Your outfit is fab – rocking a black bob wig as well I see 😉 They are much fun!
Yes, you inspired me : ) I had the wig for years but have never worn it out of the house. TMI? ; P You inspired me to wear it out of the house for a change.
Aww how absolutely splendid – I know dress-up isn’t for everyone but I’m always delighted by it and you both look in your element too 🙂
It is nice when someone signals a wardrobe malfunction – but tricky to do. Loo roll stuck to your shoe heel is easy – but lipstick teeth, a spotty eruption or anything to do with lingerie is difficult. I make do with a hand waft (when appropriate) in the general direction of an impending disaster/oopsie – or the offer of a share of a handbag mirror whilst I ‘fix’ something (usually a pink forehead where my hairdye has transferred for that ‘just-had-a-lobotomy’ look).
Having said that, I’ve done the tucking your skirt in your pants thing and the undone zip and cleavage height button that popped. Roaring with laughter dispels most of the resulting embarrassment – it also gives the effect of extreme confidence (even if you do feel like sinking through the floor!!).
Oooh…the “just had a lobotomy look”…it’s all the rage!
Quick … someone get Vogue on the phone lol
Being a brunette suits you! Such a dramatically different look but a wonderful one, and the dress and hair clip are stunning. I love it when people go all out for a costume event – what’s the point of a half-arsed attempt? You and Robert are always a spectacularly well-dressed pair – good for you! Xxx
We do love an opportunity to dress up. I’m lucky that my husband likes it as much as I do.
I say it again, you look fabulous with black hair wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwww The contrast with your eyes is beyond fantastic. Love, love, love it.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Thank you! : ) If it weren’t so difficult to get this look with my own hair I might keep it. Wearing a wig is much easier.
Isn’t getting dressed up for a vintage event fun? It’s one of my favorite things to do. Husband not as into as I am though. Wish he was. Your guy looks very spiffy in that suit. And you look like you walked off the set of Boardwalk Empire in that dress! Great find. The dark hair and bob style is really becoming on you as well.
As far as embarrassing moments, I once saw a woman the exiting the ladies room at a restaurant, trailing toilet paper that was stuck to her shoe. I debated whether to tell her, since she was a complete stranger. But I thought, if that happened to me, I’d certainly want someone to tell me immediately, instead of watching me drag it across the floor for all to see. So I quietly pointed it out and she was very grateful!
Ah the old toilet paper stuck to the shoe. Everyone’s nightmare. I’m glad you told her.
I’m lucky my husband enjoys dressing up as much as I do. He also loves going to vintage shops or shows.
Wow, you do have yourself a gem! My husband will go to vintage shops and shows, but his attention span is very, very limited. But I can’t complain because I did get him to swing dance with me and now he loves it. He just doesn’t enjoy dressing up for vintage themed dances. I’m working on him though!
http://www.vintagestylefiles.com
Suzanne, I didnt think it was possible for you to get more foam, stylish and beautiful than you are already but you did! This is an incredible look, I love the black bob wig! So glad you had a nice time. I’m quite sad because this time last year, we went to a 3day Lindy hop festival and we had balls every night and I wore a 1920’s look on the Friday night but we can’t go because of moving this time round. Therefore I must live vicariously through you!!!x
Foam! There is an adjective I’m going to steal from you : ) Love it.
How I *wish* I could get my husband to love Lindy Hop as much as I do.
And balls every night? That is heaven.
Ha, it wasn’t supposed to say foam, it must’ve been chic or something!@! But foam is fine, we can invent new words!!
Ha ha! Too funny! Here I thought it was some new “hip” (yes I’m old) word I didn’t know about yet.
Oh, & I’d definitely tell you!
First off: To answer your question, I would tell my loved ones about all of those things you mentioned. Your black and gold flapper sparkly dress is awesome. I have heard great things about murder mystery parties and I would love to go to one, one day. I have never owned a feather boa but I own a couple of fun, bold and unique feather hair pins, peacock feathers and all. I even have a fun fascinator. So cool that you made hair accessory. And I must say you look fabulous in a bob.
you look amazing! xxx
stylentonic.com
You both look divine! Interesting how you don’t mention the hair in the blog post, which for a moment left me thinking -“did she cut and dye her hair???” The cut and colour suits you so well – you should take that wig out for a spin occasionally with other outfits.
Looks like a fun evening – it’s so much more fun when people get into the spirit of a thing and take time to put together costumes.
I’m thinking after this outing when everyone at my table thought it was my natural hair I might take it out a bit more often. The one turn-off with the wig is that it requires me to wear more makeup than I would normally.
Damn it, I just spent time typing a comment and suddenly, it went POOF and disappeared! As I said, you two look divine, and I found it interesting that you don’t mention the wig in your post – it made me think, “did she cut and dye her hair???” The cut and colour really suit you – you should take that wig out for a spin occasionally with other outfits.
It always makes an event like that more fun when people are willing to put an effort into dressing up.
Oh my goodness- I love the costumes!!!!
Oh my gosh this is so fun! I’ve always wanted to do a Murder Mystery party like this (love the outfit too, obviously!)
It was a blast! I’d highly recommend it, and of course it is even more fun when you dress up.
You look SO perfect and amazing. Total radness. Your dude is always on point, too. 😀
– Anna
http://www.melodicthriftychic.com
I know…I’m lucky. He loves getting dressed up as much as if not even more than I do.
Ravishing, such a ravishing couple! I love the shot of you with Carumbo. And I’m with Sue, Phyrne looks like you. This looks like so much fun. Food, mystery, murder, new friends, not necessarily in that order. I’m glad so many people made an effort. Now we’ll all be posting photos of ourselves in wigs and feather lips as the next in thing.
Yeah, I would tell a friend. Definitely!! Hopefully at the time it happens and not a week or months later.
I really was surprised to hear that you didn’t already own a feather boa! 😉 You and your husband both look beyond fab! Love your hair/wig!!
I know right? Ha ha. Well, I’ve remedied that blaring oversight now.
You look CRAZY awesome! Stop one-upping me on the themed clothing! You’re murdering me and it ain’t no mystery!
Hahahahaha! Oh I do love it when you make me laugh : P
Such fun! I’m sure I’m not the first to notice your resemblance to Miss Fisher, right? And, yes, I do tell people if they’ve got food in their teeth, etc. I’d want to be told, so I tell them too.
http://www.sublimemercies.com/
Everything has already been said.and I agree… This is such a stunning look. The dress is sooo rich, so in character and the wig and boa just vlose the deal. Was it not itchy and/or warm wearing a wig all night? And to top it off you meet nice people and have good laughs the whole evening… I say a terrific night.
As for warning people…. of course I do, I am Dutch, very direct.
Greetje
PS I have a dress-up party, theme charleston, April 1… Haven’t got a single thing yet…
It wasn’t itchy at all, which was surprising. Also it is very cold here and was nice to have a hair hat. I think if I had been dancing all night long in it, it might have been a different story.
This type of costume/clothing is quite popular so I’m sure you will find something for your costume party. Ask Anja! I’m sure she has something you can borrow : )
I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get around to commenting on this fab post – and THAT outfit, seriously Suzanne, you’re like a flapper extraordinaire in that getup. Smoking hot.
It sounds like a fun night, I would LOVE to have more events to go to and dress up, but where I live that kind of involves a road trip and a hotel for the night. So, pricey.
YES tell me if I have something weird going on. Once i was in the queue at the post office and the girl in front of me was wearing a brand new dress with the price tag hanging out the back. I tucked it in and unfortunately she went tomato red and everyone turned to stare….
P xx
Wow, you both looked amazing!
Me too, i love it when people make an effort and I love dressing up.
I DO love headbands, feathers and boa’s and have them in abundance.
And I also DO tell people when they have lettuce between their teeth and such. One of the perks of being Ducth, I guess. Being blunt and all.