X is for X Factor: What Joan Had

Have you ever looked at someone so deeply and wonder why you’re so amazed by him/her?

Yeah, that’s how I feel about Joan. All. The. Time.

I know what her awesome qualities are that made me love her very much, but still, there is this certain thing that ALWAYS makes me in awe of her.

Maybe it’s because… Joan. Had. IT.

Yes, I know what “it” stands, especially back in the good ol’ days. Haha. But in this post, that “it” means x-factor. It may be Joan’s ethereal beauty, admirable strength and determination, grand expression of gratitude to her fans, or the fact that she held on to her Hollywood stature for almost 50 years. I don’t really know… I guess no one will ever know.

But I’ll tell you what I know: no one can look at Joan and not be mesmerized every time. That’s the way it is. 😉

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

(Photos from Joan Crawford Best)

W is for When She Dances: Joan Got Groove

Dancing was the only area of my life in which I was superior.

– Joan Crawford

Most Old Hollywood fans already know that Joan was a recognized dancer during her time.

Aside from being a legendary actress, she also became famous for her tap dancing, Charleston, jitterbugging, and other dancing skills.

And she had lots of trophies to prove it.

Joan actually started her career as a dancer, not as an actress. She was a chorus girl for J.J. Shubert’s plays before she became the star of the screen.

To those saying she can’t dance, I suggest having your eyes fixed. Lol. A better option is to watch this video and see for yourself:

(Gotta thank the genius who made this super awesome video!!!)

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

(Photos from Joan Crawford Best and Parachutes Away, video from Youtube, gifs from Pinterest and Fuck Yeah Joan Crawford)

V is for Voice: When Joan Sings

Joan is mostly known as a bonafide actress and dancer, but I think only few people know that she could sing, too.

Yes, Joan was a triple threat!

I’ve come across comments attacking Joan’s voice, but it wasn’t really that bad. It’s rather good, in fact. She wasn’t trained to be a singer, but she had a truly unique and enchanting voice.

The world heard her sing for the very first time in the all-star, all-talking picture, The Hollywood Revue of 1929:

In her later movies, she was dubbed by singers like India Adams, but in her late 20s and 30s pictures, her own singing voice could be heard.

(Untamed, 1929)

(Possessed, 1931)

(The Bride Wore Red, 1937)

Here, listen to her. We may have mixed opinions, but for me, she had the voice of an angel— natural, soothing, and real. Contrary to those who say she can’t carry a tune, well I think you need to adjust your earphones:

(Montana Moon, 1930)

(Mannequin, 1937)

(Private recording of I See Your Face Before Me, 1938)

(Something’s Gotta Happen Soon, from The Ice Follies of 1939)

(Flamingo Road, 1949)

(Torch Song, 1953)

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

(Photos from Joan Crawford Best, videos from Youtube)

U is for Underneath the Makeup: Joan’s Freckles

I think it shocks people to see how many freckles I have. I’ve never counted them. I tried, but I lost count.

– Joan Crawford

Joan’s beauty is incredible… and I’m not even exaggerating. Haha. When you look at her photos, it’s impossible not to be mesmerized and enchanted under an ineffable spell.

But, underneath all that cosmetics on her face, lies an even more beautiful truth: Joan had freckles.

Lots of them.

But to us (her fans), her freckles only made her more angelic and gorgeous.

What’s more, these tiny spots on her face constantly remind us that she was a human being, too, who possessed perfect imperfections.

Her freckles are there to remind us that she was real… she existed.

To us, Joan is a queen. She is above there, not only literally, but also figuratively. We look up to her as if she had been wearing a sparkling crown all along. But when we see her freckles, we feel like her feet is still on the ground. They are an indication of her being real, her existence, and her similarities in all of us.

God, I love her freckles so much. How I wish she didn’t cover them up with makeup, but she had to because of her job. According to her, she didn’t want to be photographed under light as much as possible because of her freckles. Maybe she kinda hated her freckles. Oh well, we don’t!

Happy blogging (and fangirling!)

(Photos from Joan Crawford Best, Classic Film Scans and We All Had Faces Then)

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)

P is for Postmodern Jukebox

Remember my A-Z Blogging Challenge post about the 1940s version of Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance?” Well here’s the group that’s responsible for that sweet, sweet rendition: Postmodern Jukebox.

(Photo: kiss925.com)

Postmodern Jukebox is known for their vintage renditions of famous pop songs. They can turn any modern song into a legit, classic oldie-but-goodie. These are my favorites:

(We Can’t Stop – Miley Cyrus)

(Careless Whisper – Wham!)

(Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke)

(Gentleman – Psy)

(Sk8r Boi – Avril Lavigne)

Well, not all versions are vintage. There’s Avicii’s “Wake Me Up,” Mariachi style, Lorde’s “Royals,” mellow style, and many more. Do visit their website for more information. I’m tellin’ you, they’re great!

(Photo: facebook.com/postmodernjukebox)

Happy blogging (and listening)!
Jane