The 1920’s is probably my favourite era – the glamour, the glitz, the quick step of the Charleston and the iconic fashion flaunted by the notorious flapper girls. It was such a flamboyant and creative time in history, with the rise of jazz music, the emergence of the art deco movement and the sheer existence of Coco Chanel. The roaring twenties was awash with decadent parties, toe-tapping dances and rising hemlines, all fuelled by an intoxicating mix of cocktails and spirits.
To celebrate the launch of Penhaligon’s new fragrance, Juniper Sling, I decided to immerse myself in the fun and frivolity of the 1920’s and show you how I would prepare for a 1920’s themed party. This new scent is inspired by the most iconic and atmospheric of spirits, London Dry Gin, a favourite tipple of the flapper girls and a much sought after spirit in many a Speakeasy during this time.
Not one to miss an opportunity to get creative, I thought I would show you how I would go about transforming myself fit for any 1920’s knees-up. I am fascinated with the makeup, fashion and hairstyles of the 1920’s. Shorter hair styles began to emerge and the bob was the most popular style for ladies to wear, crimped and pinned, usually adorned with a jewelled band or feathers. I softly waved my hair using my Enrapture Amplify Jumbo Waver and then profusely pinned it back, and finished it off with a plaited bando.
The makeup of the 1920’s focussed heavily on darkened eyes, defined brows and coloured lips, often dark pinks or reds. The face was often left powdered but bare, with maybe a smudge of rouge on the cheeks. I used false lashes (Blink+Go Temptress) to creative a dramatic and playful eye look accompanied by a berry-pink lip (MAC Petals and Peacocks) and softly contoured cheeks (MAC Peachtwist)
As for fashion and accessories, my number one accessory would be pearls, obviously! You could also embellish yourself with feathers or ornate headbands, a cloche hat, or a silk scarf nipped together with a jewelled brooch.
Simply sling in a gin fizz cocktail, blast out some jazz, get your dancing shoes on and you’ve got yourself a 1920’s party!
Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling Eau de Toilette is available now at Penhaligon’s boutiques, concessions and online. I have had a sniff of the new scent and it is wonderfully intoxicating, crisp and fresh. It is laced with juniper, black pepper, brown sugar and black cherry making it a complex but rather compulsive fragrance!
Penhaligon’s have also created a really clever, tongue-in-cheek ‘mock-umentary’ to celebrate the launch of their new fragrance. I personally love things like this; the grainy film, mechanical voiceover and the frenzied flappers dancing is just brilliant.
I will leave you with this quote I found which I think perfectly sums up the 1920’s;
“The restlessness approached hysteria. The parties were bigger. The pace was faster, the shows were broader, the buildings were higher, the morals were looser, and the liquor was cheaper; but all these benefits did not minister much delight.”
-F. Scott Fitzgerald
this post is sponsored by Penhaligon’s however ideas and creations are my own, unlike my lashes!
milly you look absolutely amazing!
I absolutely adore the 1920s, too! The look completely suits you, I loooooove those eyelashes.
x Michelle | thefeatherden.net
So cool! 🙂 You even re-created the hair!
I love Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella. After reading it I've changed my mind about 1920s – I thought it's boring and OLD, when in reality so many things were born then… X
http://www.mademoiselle-lala.com
Ive never been a fan of the flapper look but ive got to say, you do look amazing! xo
ahh this/you is so pretty x
You look absoluely gorgeous! You really do. This suits you!
You look absolutely gorgeous Milly! Love your hair!
The Deer Head
x
You should've been born in the 1920's! It suits you so well.
I went to a party in August with the flapper theme. I loved the fringed dresses and headbands. Thinking about it now I should have put together a better costume!
x
Beautiful Milly! x x x
p.s. Please excuse the plug but couldn't not mention that you might also like my 1920's inspired vintage forehead bands made from genuine vintage gems, all one-of-a-kind!: http://www.blancheandlola.com/userimages/SHOP–Vintage-Forehead-Bands(2245053).htm
I absolutely like the 20's look! And you look gorgeous!!!
http://www.laestetica.com.ph
Love this post, you look fab!
dammit milly you look BEAUTIFUL. you'd have been the prettiest belle at the ball back in 1920 <3 xxx
this look is absolutely stunning. your eye lashes look amazing & got hair envy!xxx
this is amazing, you look gorgeous!!! I want to be a flapper please x
Wow. This look is amazing!! 🙂
Love this! You look fab! xx
Coincidentally, I've just today finished reading a book called 'Twenties Girl' by Sophie Kinsella – which is what I was instantly reminded of, seeing this post. I'd recommend it 🙂
http://www.heart-shaped-bruise.blogspot.com
LOVE! What did you curl your hair with?! ♥
Lovely ! I like your blog !
http://itsluckynumberseven.blogspot.com
LOVE the eyelashes ! They look SO insane (in a good way) ! x
the lashes look amazing… i love the 20s look on you it is amazing 😀
http://www.missmathful.blogspot.com
Ah this is great Milly! You look so pretty.
I'm going to a 1920's murder mystery soon, and can't wait to get all dressed up. Got a lace outfit from ebay and jewelled brooch made into a hairclip. Exciting!
xx
Those eyelashes are immense! You look amazing Milly! 🙂 x
You would fit in the 1920's perfectly, gorgeous!
Could you help a fellow blogger out and help get my blog off the ground?
http://soozyslookbook.blogspot.com/
Would be greatly appreciated
Ta x
Your hair is perfect. x hivenn