Dressing mid century vintage and cancer recovery.....

I am very excited to share a guest post with all my regular readers today.....the lovely Jackie Clark has a passion to inspire and help women who are suffering from and recovering from cancer to feel beautiful, valued and treasured. Jackie has kindly written this wonderful post for Alice Jean's detailing how 1950's fashions can help the female cancer patient attain a feeling of classic beauty once more.....in the light of cancer, fashion can seem awfully frivolous, and yet the other side of the coin is that we all desire to look and feel beautiful, no matter what brick walls and hurdles life shoves in our way. I do hope you enjoy this article ! Thankyou dear Jackie !

The Fabulous 1950s Help Cancer Patients Look and Feel Beautiful

By: Jackie Clark

Looking good can play a big role in helping cancer patients feel good. Although it’s tempting to throw on a pair of baggy sweats, the ultra-feminine look of the 1950s can help women battling cancer to feel less like a patient and more like a young Elizabeth Taylor. The fashions of this era are all the rage; thanks to the cult TV show “Mad Men.” Here are the main features of 1950s style, starting at the head and ending at the toes:

Side-swept bangs and curled hair

Marilyn Monroe hairstyles, with softly waved bangs gracing the forehead, are an alluring style for wigs worn during chemotherapy. Flipped-up curls give a contemporary look. For some cancers, chemotherapy is the primary treatment option, and hair loss usually results. Mesothelioma treatment, for example, almost always requires chemotherapy. After treatment, a short, Audrey Hepburn hairstyle eases the growing-out phase.

Scarves

Scarves wrapped around the head and tied neatly at the back were popular in the middle of the last century. This is a cute, comfortable alternative to a wig during chemo or the growing-out stage.

Button Earrings

Button earrings with colored faux gems are back in style. For work, button earrings with swirly loops are tastefully elegant.

Scoop necks, V-necks and square necks

Fifties necklines are feminine but leave cleavage to the imagination during the day, a feature that breast cancer survivors appreciate. For evening, necklines can dip lower for those who dare, a la Jayne Mansfield.

Fitted bodices

A fitted bodice with princess lines flatters every figure. Another classic look is a gathered bust that narrows to a slim waistline.

Full skirts and cinched waists

This style accentuates or gives the illusion of an hourglass figure. Circle skirts are a pretty variation, but the poodle skirt is best reserved for costume parties. This curvaceous look is especially flattering for women whose cancers have caused them to lose weight, especially common in mesothelioma, pancreatic cancer and gastric carcinoma.

Pencil skirts

A pencil skirt that hits somewhere around the knee is a sleek classic. A kick pleat, slit or French vent in the back adds a flirty twist. For work, a matching jacket gives a smart, Joan Crawford look.

Pedal pushers and wide-leg pants

Now known as capris, pedal-pushers originated in the 50s with cyclists trying to keep their pant legs out of the bicycle chain. Wide-leg pants reminiscent of Katherine Hepburn slim the legs.

High-waisted, two-piece swimsuits

These swimsuits are flattering to women of all ages, and the high cut hides most surgical scars. Women everywhere are rejoicing that they’re back in style.

Medium-heeled pumps

Fifties’ pumps get their sexy look from toe cleavage and kitten heels, not ankle-twisting stilettos. Fun variations are peep toes, sling-back heels and ankle straps. For casual wear, choose a fun take-off on the saddle shoe.

No matter what you prefer the 50’s style has something to fit all of your needs. It is important to remember that despite having cancer you can still be fashionable and confident. Looking and feeling confident in how you dress will help for an overall recovery.