Rouge My Knees And Roll My Stockings Down

Photo by Corbis Images

Fun fact for the day:  September 7, 1921 was the date of the very first Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  Actually, back then it was called the Atlantic City Pageant, and was created as a way to keep tourists in town after Labor Day.  Today, the pageant prides itself on being a scholarship opportunity for the talented and intelligent young women who win the crown, but back in the day, the "beauty contest" simply featured bathing beauties competing for a 3-foot tall Mermaid trophy.  The word "quaint" comes to mind.  The picture to the left is of the very first Miss America (though, she wasn't actually given that title till 1922), Margaret Gorman, in all her flappery glory.  Check out the knees--how scandalous!   

Really, though, Miss America is a great program.  I only competed locally, but they helped pay for a good chunk of my college education, and I have fond memories of playing dress-up and hanging out with the other contestants.

So, in honor of the program's birthday, I thought I'd cull together some flapper finds for my lovely readers.

Photos by Unique Vintage

These gorgeous gowns come from Unique Vintage.  These are not Halloween costumes, folks. The green dress is a reproduction and features a bias cut and glass beading.  The champagne satin dress features a drop waist and beaded fringe.  There are dozens more on the site, plus accessories, and they're all absolutely amazing.  Pricing varies by dress.

Photo by Sephora

No flapper outfit would be complete without killer-diller makeup, and I found a tutorial that makes applying so easy I can do it.  It's available at eHow, and chances are, you already have everything you need. 

If you're looking for a more modern version, though, Buxom has a set that will give you a retro look without veering into costume.  Buxom Betty includes foundation, shadow, liner, mascara, lip color, and the tools to apply them all.  Hurry, though, it's on sale at Sephora, so when it's gone, it's gone.  $30 (regular $42), Sephora.com.

Alrighty, time for the magic bag o' samples.  Today's pick:  Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss.  $15, Sephora.com.  According to Sephora:

Bare Escentuals 100% Natural Lip Gloss is an all-natural, preservative-free formula that contains a healthy infusion of 100% pure bareMinerals that provide sparkling color. Natural oils and Cupuacu Butter deliver lasting hydration, protective antioxidants, and superior shine—sans the stickiness—and the trailing scent of natural vanilla will tempt your palate.

This stuff feels really good.  I was a little disappointed in color pay-off, though.  The shade I tried, Wild Honey, is a peachy pink, but blended in with my natural lip color so well that I couldn't tell I was wearing anything.  It's also not a "glossy" gloss, so I really think I could have gotten the same effect with some Burt's Bees for a fraction of the cost.  I do have another color to try tomorrow, and it's a bit darker.  I'm refraining from giving my verdict until then.  If any of you have tried this and have an opinion you'd like to share, or have another lipgloss you swear by, I'd love to hear about it in the comments.