Jezebel: Southern Belle Fashion

Before Gone With the Wind, there was Jezebel.



The 1938 film stars a very young Bette Davis as the stubborn spitfire, Julie, who refuses to obey social conventions.



Although the New Orleans southern belle is very much in love with her fiance, her egotistical antics create a barrier between the couple.



It is eventually a wrong fashion decision that costs her the man she loves.



Her selfishness swallows her up into a sea of despair and scorn.



I'm not going to lie. This is one of the most frustrating films I have ever seen. There were numerous times where I wanted to reach my hand into the television and slap some sense into each character. The lack of communication needed for the plot is painful to endure.

I was also disappointed that the film was released in black and white. A spectacular scarlet dress is the center of the entire film and believe me, the silver screen does not do it justice. (The Wizard of Oz came out a year after Jezebel, so I know color was around during this time period).

Plus, I am not a big fan of the South when it comes to the Civil War. Racism and slavery put a bad taste in my mouth.

But I have to admit, the American South during the 19th century, given all its flaws, was incredibly beautiful.

It must be magical to live in an enchanting world where you can be swallowed up by willow trees and lush green meadows. Chivalry was admirable back then. Ladies were respected. Politeness was key. Elegance was social order.

And the fashion.

Oh, the fashion...

Here is a taste of what Bette Davis has to offer in this film:









Wouldn't it be a dream to be a Southern Belle for a day?

Bette Davis is absolutely divine in this film. I'm not surprised she won the Best Actress Oscar for her performance.



Here is a polyvore I made to honor the main character's spectacular fashion faux paux: