Steal a Page from The Notebook in ‘40s-Flavored Fashions.

By Erin Donnelly
August 11, 2008 

This week we continue our trip down Lovey-Dovey Lane with the movie that launched a billion tears and a sudden obsession with that kid from ''The Mickey Mouse Club.'' We speak of course of The Notebook, that heart-wrenching saga about a rich girl, a loner guy, and the sexiest rainstorm ever captured on film. If that doesn’t get your heart pumping, perhaps the ‘40s-era fashions worn by Rachel McAdams will. From structured shoulders to flirty hemlines ready to jump, jive, and wail, we’ve rounded up some retro-inspired pieces to add to your modern-day wardrobe.

Let’s kick off the time-traveling with a vintage-style two-piece swimsuit to help you wind down the dog days of summer. In the film Allie frolics in the surf in a garnet- and gray-checked halter top, high-waisted bottoms, and a dramatic headscarf that might be best left to the Roosevelt administration. Popina Swimwear is a great resource for retro suit styles, or you can hit the waves in Cripple Creek’s bandeau and boy shorts combo. Cover up in style with Brette Sandler Swimwear Sydney Ruffle Cover-Up Dress, which could easily pass as a sundress.

Allie also had a flair for floral-print dresses with a swingy hemline, which can be worn with or without a cardigan. And since the floral trend is continuing to pick up steam for fall, there’s no reason to pass up a petal-heavy piece or two. Nanette Lepore Lisa Marie Dress and Anami & Janine’s Angel Print Wrap Dress sport soft, antique-looking sprays of flowers, while Betsey Johnson’s Red Bow Jersey Keyhole Dress features a flirtier cut and a playful bloom-like bow print.  

Structured, squared shoulders were another hallmark of '40s-era style, as evidenced by the vintage reproductions made by the Red Dress Shoppe. The Memphis Blue dress in periwinkle recalls the blue dress Allie wears in The Notebook’s famous downpour kissing scene, and the apple green Bessi day dress is straight out of a Judy Garland flick.

To round out your '40-something look, play up your pout with a creamy red lipstick and add just a touch of liquid black liner on the lids. Part hair to one side and pull it up in a soft chignon, or place a barrette on the opposite side and use a wide-barreled curling iron to create fat curls. Accessorize with pearls (either in necklace or earring form), a structured frame handbag, and statuesque, chunky ankle-strapped heels, like these Charles David Mojave pumps.

Lisa Marie Dress ($395.00)

Exquisite embellishment takes a sweet floral dress into chic new territory. Print silk dress with faceted-bead, rosette, and wrap detail at front. Hidden zipper at back. Cap sleeves. Lined. 38" long, measured from center back. 100% silk. Dry clean. Imported. - Antique White