Swing and Sway

Born Anna Sandowsky in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 1917, Arlene Sands was one of the swing era’s “unsung” female vocalists. Known for her throaty voice and broad range, Arlene was admired from coast to coast for her work with the Harvey Hall band. As Hitler marched into Poland, Arlene sang for crowds up and down the East Coast and blessed her citizenship, which allowed a Jewish woman like her to appear in public, an equal citizen whose religious heritage and beliefs were not as important to them as her beautiful voice and glamorous look.

Anna/Arlene is brought to life with this gorgeous dress from Neferia Abel. Neferia has been making dresses in SL based on her historical research for over five years. At one time. she was the only place go for anything vintage, and she is still the best for historical accuracy in 20th century women’s fashion. This pretty green sheath—just the right color for the holidays—includes a sculpty bow.

My skin, from Mae Liamano, cuts it for this look with its sophisticated face and lighter makeup. I really appreciate how Mae sells a base skin with makeup addons she has made, so she lets you choose her makeups or someone else’s. I chose her lip stain, and this coral is delicate and lovely. The eyebrows and eyes on this skin also get me—just gorgeous. My hair is a vintage piece from Kin Keiko that I always seem to run to for thse shots because of its beautiful curliness. And my gorgeous necklace is from Mouse Mimistrobell—not quite dripping in diamonds but certainly wearing something vintage and beautiful.

(Photo dated 1939, Arlene Sands singing with Artie Shaw’s band. Please note Arlene in front.)

When they begin
the beguine
it brings back the sound
of music so tender
it brings back a night
of tropical splendor
it brings back a memory of green

~ “Begin the Beguine” by Cole Porter, as done by Artie Shaw

Hair: Kin-Jennifer-[Brown] by Kin Keiko for Kin

Skin: (love) skin – Emma Medium/Dark (dk eyebrows) with (love) lip stain – coral by Mae Liamano for (love)

Eyes: FASHISM ‘Sunrise’ Eyes – Deep Absinthe (ML) by Ikon Innovia for FASHISM *

Dress: ~Ivalde~ Gilda collection by Neferia Able for Ivalde *

Necklace: Dark Mouse Deco Squared Necklace – Silver by Mouse Mimistrobell for Dark Mouse *

Ring: DIAMOND COCTAIL RING WITH GEM CHANGER by caLLie cLine for caLLie cLine *

Shoes: [ glow ] studio Benelli Pumps (TDRgreen) by Linka Demina for [ glow ]

Microphone with poses: *Naina Props {Vintage Mic Set1} and *Naina Props {Vintage Mic Set2} by Naina Brune for Naina Props

P.S. Arlene Sands did not exist, but Helen Forrest did, and the story is loosely based on her personal history.