J is for Jazz Baby: Flapper Joan

Most people associate Joan Crawford with her roles in the 40s, 50s and 60s, but what they usually forget is the fact that she was, originally, a true-blue 20s gal.

Yes, you read that right. Before the world saw her getting slapped by Ann Blyth (Mildred Pierce, 1945) or kicked in the head by Bette Davis (Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, 1962), she was just like any flapper during the Roaring Twenties: young, wild and free.

Joan was the epitome of a real jazz baby in the 1920s. The period also had Clara Bow, Louise Brooks, Colleen Moore and many others, but Joan rose to the top when she portrayed Dangerous Diana in Our Dancing Daughters (1928). The role reflected her off-screen persona and showed the audience what real flappers are like— always dancing, always partying… but still decent.

(From the film Our Dancing Daughters, 1928)

She’s also remembered as the young flapper who’s always dancing in night clubs (one of them being the famous Cocoanut Grove), Charleston-ing her way to many, many trophies— proof that she is the one and only Charleston queen.

(With her Charleston trophies, 1926)

Even the famous F. Scott Fitzgerald took note of Joan’s embodiment of the free-spirited flapper. According to him:

Joan Crawford is doubtless the best example of the flapper, the girl you see in smart night clubs, gowned to the apex of sophistication, toying iced glasses with a remote, faintly bitter expression, dancing deliciously, laughing a great deal, with wide, hurt eyes. Young things with a talent for living.

Let’s not forget the young, vibrant, and energetic All-American dame that Joan was before. She truly is one of Hollywood’s (and America, in general) legendary flappers.

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

(All photos from Joan Crawford Best. GIF by Theodora Fitzgerald)

I is for Impeccable Style: Fashionista Joan

I think most OH fans will agree that Joan Crawford was one of the most important style icons of the long-gone era. Known not only for her gorgeous face and unbelievable talent, she also set the trend for whatever decade she was in— whether it’s the jazzy 20s or the swinging 60s.

Joan always looked her best, as her pictures clearly suggest. She cared for her appearance as much as she did for any aspect of her life. In her book, My Way of Life, she shared five tips that will surely bring out the fashion-savvy in everyone:

1. Find your own style and have the courage to stick to it.
2. Choose your clothes for your way of life.
3. Make your wardrobe as versatile as an actress. It should be able to play many roles.
4.  Find your happiest colours – the ones that make you feel good.
5. Care for your clothes, like the good friends they are!

To prove my point even further, here are some stylish Joanie pics for you to enjoy (note: I didn’t pick staged, studio shots because I want to present what Joan wears aside from designer gowns and dresses):

(Lovely dress and shoes in the 20s)

(That houndstooth coat, though!)

(Freckled and beautiful!)

(Fur always by her side)

(That 30s swag <3)

(Joan was a hat girl— she loved different kinds of headpiece, which will continue until the 70s)

(Told ya she loved hats!)

(I honestly love this 40s ensemble!)

(Awesome summer outfits)

(Glamorous number, perfect for the queen)

(Hat and nets… she seemed to like it though haha)

(Pretty and elegant headpieces and sleeveless dresses for the queen!)

(Everything’s on fleek here— the turban, the dress, the eyeliner… everything!)

(That hat looks kinda heavy…)

(Simple dress + stunning fur = perfect)

(In most of the 70s, Joan kept her hair simple inside caps like this)

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

(Photos from Joan Crawford Best)