The Roaring ’20s at Palais Royale

By Irene Gomes @PetitePlusMeow

The most familiar symbol of the “Roaring Twenties” is probably the flapper: a young woman with bobbed hair and short skirts, excessive makeup and jewellery, who drank, smoked and said  “unladylike” things … and more sexually “free” than previous generations.

Some of the lovelies behind the Toronto Vintage Society

The fashions of the ’20s are one of my faves…but sadly extremely difficult to find in my size, and even harder to make look good on my body shape.  The drop-waist isn’t something that I can pull off.

But I love me some fringe & feathers!!!  So when I found this getup on sale at an online costume shop – it had to be mine! <3"><3"><3"><3

And there was finally a reason to wear it as Toronto Vintage Society hosted a Selfie Photo Booth at Palais Royale’s Winterlicous night of dinner and dancing!

I have to admit, this might be the most glamorous venue in Toronto!!!  The Palais Royale Ballroom has been around for 92-years.  This space is oh-so magical.

Winterlicious diners enjoying before the dancing begun.

Since I’m not the best with makeup application – I googled what a flapper in the 1920s would do and then tried to replicate it with what I had on hand.  Here’s what I found and my results…

Volia! Me trying my hand at Gatsby makeup: base from PURMinerals, eyeshadows and blush from E.L.F., lipstick from MakeupForever, mascara from Younique 3D Fiber Lashes  (please ignore the hair curlers)

The best part of flapper wear…is all the accessories!!!

T-strap shoes from Naturalizer; feather headband came with the dress; earrings from Necessities; pearls and bracelets picked up at Toronto Vintage Clothing Show

And…with all the pieces together – TAH-DAH!!!

I was pleasantly surprised how well my hair worked out.  There was a sh*t-ton of hairspray to keep these waves in.  And I’m happy to report that the doo lasted pretty much the whole night…including post-event libations in the wee hours of the AM…which is pretty impressive with my thin hair, blustery winter weather and Lindy Hopping all night. :)

Now that I had the hair, makeup and outfit all done…..it was time to dance my feet off to the music of Alex Pangman!

Swing dancing to Alex Pangman + an excuse to get dressed up in 1920s garb – what better way to end the work week!

The Toronto Vintage Society had a fabulous Selfie Photo Booth set up, complete with fabulous authentic props!!!

Here’s a selection of moments captured “TVS-Selfie-Photo-Booth” style:

Dapper swing dancers romancing me for the camera – Giddy Up! ;)

All the fabulous vintage props at the TVS Photo Booth….

This fab pic of the Toronto Vintage Society gang – at our fab Selfie Photo Booth — tons more on Instagram #palaisroyaleballroom

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Keepin’ It Klassy!!! ;)