Living In Mr. de la Renta's Fifties Fantasy

"Only You", which was a major hit when it was released in 1955, played during Oscar de la Renta's recent Spring 2011 Fashion Show. http://runway.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/16/fifties-prom-at-oscar-de-la-renta/. 
Apparently, Mr. de la Renta was trying to let us know that his collection was inspired by the decade in which that song was released, just in case we didn't recognize that from the silhouettes, fabric choices, and styling (complete with dainty little gloves and polka dots) of his garments, most of which could have been worn by extras from Back to the Future.

While Oscar's collection may have been too literal for some, we are more than willing to explore the fifties fantasy with the maestro. In fact, we found a dress for any situation the female living a stereotypical fifties lifestyle might encounter. And so friends, let us hop into our DeLoreans, hit 88 mph, and travel back to the decade of pastel kitchen appliances and convertibles.

Senior Prom 1955. Here we are at your senior prom, darling.Your mom actually made this dress. She is, in fact, a spectacular tailor and has modeled your gown after the latest Parisian fashions. We know your steady, Johnny, will love it!

The Search for Mr. Right 1956-1957. Unfortunately for you, when you decide to put out that night, Johnny breaks up with you and tells everybody in school that you are fast. As such, your plan to marry your high school sweetheart crumbles (what else were you going to do, really?) and you end up having to get a secretarial job at the bank nearest to your home.

Baking Cookies for Mr. Right 1957-1958. But you keep your head held high (or low...) and your boss, of all people (imagine) is the absolute most! In fact, he ends up being Mr. Right.  Next thing you know, you two lovebirds are married and you end up baking cookies for him most days, which you don't mind so much, as you have found a nice white wine that goes really well with sugar cookie batter.

Gossip with the Girls 1957-1958. Sometimes, you even have time for lunch with the ladies who lunch (is there any other kind, dear hearts?). That Mary Ann Jones down the street is such a...well, you can't say, because that just wouldn't be ladylike at all, would it? Let's just say she's been seen with the pool boy inside her home.And we know what that means, don't we?

Date Night with Mr. Right 1957-1958. On some Friday nights, Mr. Right often takes you to Joe's Beef Joint for three dollar New York strips (you really wish you could go for lobster instead as that is your fave, but you'll take a break from cooking anyway you can get it). Afterwards, you go to the Salty Dog down the street for dirty martinis.By your third martini, you are finally able to remember the last time Mr. Right made you laugh (It's not tonight that's for sure. Snooze).

Impressing the Boss 1957-1958. Other Friday nights, Mr. Right even trusts you to plan big dinner parties for his boss. You know, in your heart, that your tuna casserole was the primary reason for Mr. Right's latest promotion! Seriously, you've seen his work product. He really shouldn't have been promoted.

Mr. Right's Boss is Up to No Good 1958-1959. Soon, you and Mr. Right are even invited to the Boss' house for cocktails and deviled eggs. You're not completely certain, but you're about 99% sure Mr. Right's Boss tried to grab your derriere. When Mr. Right finds out about his Boss' indiscretion, he starts staying at the office much later than usual...You're concerned, but you (have to) believe him when he tells you the red smudge on his collar is red ink.

Happily Ever After 1959. Unfortunately, you were right to be suspicious. One day Mr. Right comes home and asks for a divorce, telling you that he's in love with his secretary Janet. But all is well, darling. Why? Because before Mr. Right is able to file for divorce he keels over from a heart attack, you find out his real last name is Rockefeller, and you inherit millions. And now, you are an utterly fabulous widow with all the money and time in the world.

Congratulations fabulous fifties gal! Although things have been difficult, you've survived the decade and you've looked amazing doing it. Ciao!