Fashion Rations

I love nothing more than sitting on my grandmothers font porch with a dusty box of old photographs and costume jewelry.

The stories that she tells of when she was a newlywed during World War II represent the absolute height of glamour to me.

The women in their waist-cinching dresses, delicate gloves and sophisticated curls, are images of class and charm that I can only dream of emulating.

Now that I am older, I realize that though the images and strands of pearls seem to reference a care-free glamour, my grandmother, like many women of her era, was left home to work and raise three children while her husband was abroad in the U.S. Navy.

Fashion during this time was influenced by Hollywood glamour, which provided escapism.

When clothing was rationed, the famous

“little black dress” was the go-to choice, much like it is now, and leather shortages caused shoe makers to experiment with wood and cork which let to the stylishly elevated platform shoe still popular today.

Looking to the past

The current economic climate is causing women to consider their investment in fashion. But like times before this, it is important to stay inventive and true to your style, if that is what brings a bit of happiness to you.

The fashions of the moment are reflective of a very eclectic escapism. Rich colors such as orange, turquoise and red are a perfect complement to sun-kissed skin.

Jewelry is bohemian and bold, and rarely expensive. The “Spring Naturals” collection at Target.com is all under $20 and has pieces such as a multi-strand turquoise bracelet and necklace which dresses up a work suit or jeans and a plain white top.

For a more polished look, it is nice to infuse a little Hollywood Glamour into your look. While many of us are not in the market for a beautiful Chanel purse, a vibrant Chanel lipstick in a screen-siren red and a few loose curls in your hair can bring a little Ava Gardner glam into your life – and who doesn’t love that?

One of my favorite models and philanthropists, Iman, has been quoted saying “It’s a risk, but I believe that the best investment you can make in anything is yourself. Invest in yourself, and then back it up. Back it up with what you do.”

I feel that this is especially relevant right now.

Though we cannot have much control over the economy, you always have the ability to add to your life and happiness.

Whether you get a smile from wearing a lovely dress, by taking a moment to lie out in the beautiful summer sun, or by reminiscing with your grandmother on a lazy Sunday afternoon, one of the best investments that you can make in anything is your personal happiness – which is eternally glamorous.