Retropeepers Blog Post on @1940sElla

This Peeper's Profile is dedicated to our fabulous customer Vintage Girl Ella, otherwise known as @1940sella. We adore her style and love all her amazing photos she takes wearing our glasses. Here is what she had to say when we had a chat with her.

Can you describe your style? What is your favourite era and why?
I would describe my style as being a mix between the 1940s and 1950s. The 1940s was the first decade I fell in love with, and I adore the simplicity and glamour of the time. I love the 1950s for the movies, the silhouette and elegance. I adore both decades, and so why be confined to just one! I believe that my style is classic, elegant and simple, and I always add accessories, such as sunglasses, berets, brooches...
Who are your style influences?
My style influences mainly come from Old Hollywood as I've always been in awe of movie stars from the 40s and 50s. I was introduced a lot more to Old Hollywood as a 7/8 year old, and a movie I was always drawn to was 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. I remember thinking the lady in the black dress was the most beautiful person I'd ever seen. From there, Audrey Hepburn became not only my style icon, but my inspiration in life. She was the kindest soul, and her movies always brighten my mood. I always loved how elegant and mesmerising she would look in something as simple as a black dress, or a turtleneck and capri pants. She is my #1 style inspiration.
What kind of glasses do you like to wear?
My favourite types of sunglasses are typically styles from the 1930s - 1950s. I adore cat-eye shaped ones, and even round glasses! My favourite Retropeepers are the Betty Cat Eye sunglasses in Green. I wear them all the time!
How do others react to your vintage style? Most people react very kindly towards my style, with compliments and encouragement. I get approached very often when I go out, by people telling me they like my style and asking which decades I dress in. However, occasionally of course, I will receive verbal insults and judgemental glares, but I really don't mind! I'm very happy and finally confident to be the way I am, and I'm just very grateful to have such a supportive group of people behind me, both online and in person.
What do you do for a job? Do you have to change your style for work?
Being 16, I don’t have a job. Instead, I am a student currently studying for my A-Levels at a Sixth Form and I study Fine Art and Graphic Design. I've always been a more creative person, and I enjoy my subjects, although I certainly wish I had the option to study fashion! I dress in the same way for school as I do everyday, and online. I no longer need to wear uniform at Sixth Form, therefore I take the opportunity to dress for myself and embrace my style. Most people are very kind, and teachers are very sweet about it. I wouldn't dress any other way!
If you could own one vintage piece what would it be? Ideally, I'd give anything to own a vintage item of clothing from an Old Hollywood movie. I think that would become my most treasured and prized possession. To own something, worn by someone you love and look up to, and seeing it on the movie screen would be a dream come true!
What tips would you give to someone who wants to try the vintage style?
My advice to anyone wanting to start dressing vintage, would be to just go for it. I wasted years and years of my life waiting and postponing it. I was told by teachers and classmates that dressing in styles of the past was silly and I would only be laughed at. Finally, I decided to forget them, and be myself. It's the best decision I've ever made. Don't let anyone stand in your way and believe in yourself. It will be a long journey and will take time, effort and dedication, but It will all be so worth it!