How I Became a Flapper in Much Fewer Steps

I've been having so much fun getting into flapper style and daydreaming over old photos on Flickr so I decided to try it out for myself. I wanted to do it in a way that didn't look like I was wearing a Halloween costume and I didn't want to veer into goth territory with too much kohl eyeliner.

So this is kind of a two-on-one post; part makeup, part imitating a style icon. First the makeup! I shot the makeup pics on multiple days to try subtle variations and kinda whittled down the photos to these three. There may be some slight difference, sorry!




I used a deep wine colored cream eyeshadow up a little past the crease and smudged a little along the lower lash line as well. Then I used a black cream eyeliner on the top and bottom lash lines to create a dramatic take on the traditional smokey eye. I also used a plum mascara and filled in my brows.

Here's a close-up...


Bonus tip: Plum eye makeup is universally flattering and intensifies every eye color. My eyes are very brown but my makeup brings out green tones.

I wasn't fully satisfied with this effect because it didn't photograph dark enough to get the look I wanted and I just wasn't thrilled with the eyeliner. so I tried it another way.





These photos don't do it justice, but my changes made a dramatic difference. I did my eye makeup the same as above but then went OVER it all with more the deep wine color. It made the black eyeliner more subtle and "smokier" and just intensified my eyes. I took these pics on different days and I guess various stages of lighting and flash, so I do apologize.

And here's how I styled it...




The eye makeup: Cream shadow/liner in Stiletto (wine color) and Towne Car (black); Bad gal Plum mascara, Just Browzing eyebrow kit...all by Benefit

Cheeks and lips: Thrrrob powder blush by benefit and Revlon colorstay in Lasting Peony (See! I told you I wasn't a makeup snob) I wanted to use pink to keep the look fresh and summery and to provide levity to all the intensity on the eyes.



I wasn't brave enough to bob my hair so i sort of tucked it up and under to create a similar but temporary effect. I donned a lovely pink drop waist dress, loads of white and "black" pearls and assumed a cheeky pose. Viola!

How to be a flapper in ten easy steps!

I love flapper attitude and style and I think this look should be adopted for more than a lazy Halloween costume. It's free spirited and fun and sexy in a darkly glamorous way. So let's try it for a night out.

1)Bob your hair! This may be hard for some people. I am not willing to cut my hair at this time but I've had bobbed hair in the past on several occasions and always loved it. If you can't bob it, try an Uma Thurman circa Pulp Fiction wig, or, I don't know, try to pull it up in a way that looks rebellious and possibly finger waved. Would that work?




2)Watch some fun 1920s films that helped popularize the look and made stars of actresses like Clara Bow and Louise Brooks. It'll help you channel your inner vixen, inspire your look and had some pepper to your slang. The following flicks are the cat's pajamas! I mean, the bee's knees. Uh, you know what I mean....
A couple of suggestions are It and Diary of a Lost Girl




3)Curl up on a rainy day and read one of my favorite books, by my favorite author: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Scott and his wife Zelda also helped the flapper look and personality reach the masses through their writing and antics. Then read a bio and feel terrible.


4)Well, come on girl, you have to rebel! But do it old school style and drive a car and swear. If that's not enough I guess you could attend a petting party, but, eww.


5)Drink gin. Lots of it. In an illegal speakeasy. But don't forget: Gin makes you sin. Could be helpful for tip no# 4.


6)Very long pearls are an iconic flapper staple. Also try accessorizing with a cloche. Or a beaded handbag. Some well accessorized flappers:


7)And don't foget the jazz! Jazz music was often the scapegoat for all the loose morale but so very tame by today's standards. Hit up itunes for Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, and Earl Hines.

8)And if there's music you gotta dance. Try shocking the public the flapper way by exposing your knees during the Charleston.
Video

9)Most importantly you have to have the perfect flapper dress: dropwaisted, slenderizing, and short. Fringe and beads are bonuses.



10)Complete your look with heavy makeup. Dark eye makeup is a must as well as rouge--put it on your knees too!