Style Icon: Bunny Yeager

I've been wanting to feature Bunny Yeager on my Style Icon series for quite a while now. Upon hearing the sad news last night that she passed away in Florida at the age of 85, I set out to not waste anymore time. 

Bunny was born Linnea Eleanor Yeager in Pennsylvania. Her family moved to Miami when she was 17. With her 5'9" frame, she quickly became a sought after model. 

Her interests didn't stop there. She soon went behind the camera. She loved to photograph nudes and women in bikinis that she would make herself. Being a woman and used to being on the other side of the camera, she made it easy for her subjects to pose. Bettie Page is her most famous model. She helped launch Bettie's career showing a softer side, than the bondage photos she had previously taken in New York. 

I really love her self portraits. Bunny is gorgeous and embodies the complete look of her photography. You get the feeling that it was a complete lifestyle. Her photos are not contrived. 

With her bleach blonde looks she is the epitome of 1950's beach style. 

Beyond her style, Bunny will always remain an inspiration. 

Happy July 4th!

For my American readers, how will you be celebrating? 

Enjoy!

My Vintage Vanity: Striped 1960's Bikini and Cover-Up

I have to admit, I'm a little nervous showing my un-photoshopped 40 year old self here in a bikini but this vintage suit is way too cute not to share! From the 60's, this pistachio and soft white striped suit is complete with a matching cover-up and Gidget stylin' top and shorts. Perfect for Coney Island, where these photos were taken. 

I thrifted this amazing un-worn find a few years ago and I love wearing it on my rare days off at the beach (warning: pale skin alert!) 

I love chevron the stripes! 

The 1960's bra shaping here, is the best! 

Detail!

And let us not forget my vintage rhinestoned pink plastic sunnies from ArtDecoDame! 

Would you wear a vintage swim suit? Do you have a vintage suit that is your favorite? 

Fashionable History: At The Beach in the 1920's

These looks are adorable. Can we bring back Mary Janes as beach shoes? 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Grace Kelly at the Beach

Love the bandeau top. She looks lovely.

For more inspiration any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest. 

Fashionable History: Swim Wear By Decade- 1960's

In the 1960's surfing, surf music, and beach party movies are all the rage. The main focus drops down from the decolletage and bust line of the 50's to the midriff exposing the belly button. Bikinis become popular and mainstream. They range from the sweet "Gidget" like to the super sexy and barely there. With the more popular use of Lycra, zippers are no longer needed. Suits are fitting closer to the body and become smaller. The monokini is also introduced.

Bikinis are so mainstream now, teens are wearing them.

Sweet vs. sexy.

The iconic Bond Bikini. Ursula Andress in Dr. No, (1962).


Bold and Bare! LIFE Magazine, 1967, shows the monokini. The "peek a boo" nature of the very low cut back of the one on the right did not make it onto the cover. Yes, it exposes bum cleavage!

The original topless monokini designed by Rudi Gernreich.

Mid-Week Inspiration: Esther Williams

Is it obvious I'm ready to go swimming? I've been posting a lot about vintage swimsuits, beach accessories, and the cover up I'm making. It's time to hit the beach! If only I could be as graceful as the lovely Esther Williams is here in this photo. Beautiful!