Oh, For The Love of Bob! Get Creative People!

Oh, For The Love of Bob!

Get Creative People!

All too many times I see the ol' Brooks Bob, It's more cliche than the Ford f-150 is in Texas (and that is saying something). Like the tasseled dress, The Brooks Bob has become inseparable from the traditional flapper costume. Well I'm here to tell you that there were flappers, beautiful ones too, who (gasp) didn't sport a Brooks Bob. My greatest wish (when it comes to bobs) is that when your planning your flapper Halloween costume you think to yourself "ya know, I don't want to do a Brooks Bob, I want a _______(insert new name here) Bob!" That is my only request. I have nothing against the Brooks Bob, Its just that that's the only thing you see when you thing of flappers, and no decent flapper would ever stand to be lumped in under one cookie cutter definition of flapperhood. So without further ranting, I'll show you the goods.

Some Awesome Flapper Bobs

Bow Bob

This is one of my all time favorites, it was Clara Bows own invention. The Back of the Bob is puffed up slightly, making it look larger while the face looks slimmer. This is my number one suggestion to anyone who wants to try a bob.

Now some people think that if you bob your hair you'll never be able to do anything with it, that's Bullsh*t. Bobbed hair was invented so that you could do things with it, instead of just tying it up in a Gibson girl bun. My favorite bob accessory is a scarf, they can be what ever color you like and can go with just about any outfit. I love the versatility of this look in comparison to the Brooks Bob, which is hard to do anything different with.

Clara Curls

 If you want a bob, but not a serious cut down, the Clara Bow curls are for you. they are relatively simple and look great with slim outfits like sundresses. You can also frizz it up to do a fuller look that leaves you neck looking slimmer

Bow Brooks Bob

Now before you fire up the comments saying that this is a brooks bob, understand that; A.) this is too long to be a Brooks Bob, B.) the hair is too puffy for a brooks bob, and C.) this was sported by Clara two years before Louise even arrived in Hollywood. This is a good compromise between the hard angles of Louise and the puffiness of Clara.

Greta Swish

One of my all time favorite bobs is the Greta swish. I love the way she made short hair look so beautiful, even by today's standards. If your unwilling to go the route of Clara, please try the trail of Greta. I don't know why more people don't, this look is so beautiful.

Again, this is less fluffed up, but still gorgeous. Please consider this look before you just jump to Louise.

Non Brooks Bob, Brooks Bob

If you simply must have a Brooks Bob, then have one, but have an original one. Like this one where she has combed her bangs back, its lovely and (more importantly) original. 

Thirties Joan Bob

If you want a hair cut that's kind of short, but not all the way a bob, Id recommend the Joan Crawford of the early thirties look. Its simple, not too dramatic, and a good compromise between a Greta and a normal haircut.

This is just a slightly shorter version of the one above. I love the clear fore head. The fact is most flappers didn't even wear bangs, they were usually a hastle to keep in order.

Twenties Joan Bob

Now this is a Joan of the twenties look. Its looks hard to create, but absolutely gorgeous. I would strongly advocate this along with the Greta, Josie, and Clara.

Josie Cut

The Josie look is best on someone with a slender, delicate face and head. Since the hair is plastered down, it gives you an ultra chic look, but can be disaster if done half way. This bob isn't for the faint hearted.

This is another example of bob accessories, gold decorations would look great in any bob, especially the Josie.

Anna Mae Tie Back

Now if you want bangs and long hair, Anna Mae has the bob for you. You just tie your hair back and let the bangs fall. It looks gorgeous and the right faces.

Joy Bob

Leatrice Joy has one of the most beautiful Bobs Ive seen, very short, but not flat. I love it, but again this is best on a slender face.

Swanson Swirls

The central part combined with the side waves is one look that can either be great (like it is here, on Gloria Swanson) or terrible (I wont give an example, I'm not that mean).

Pola Swish

The Pola is, essentially, a less fluffy version of the Greta, but please note that Pola was sporting this years before Greta. Its good for first time bobbers.

LaMarr Technique

Now if worse comes to worst and you hate your bob, You can always pull a Barbara Lamarr and wear a big, classy hat and a gausie, sleek gown. I think Ill do a bio on her soon, tell me whatcha think.

Don't get all Upset so Fast
I know this may have sounded like a total Louise Brooks slamming, but its not. I adore Louise Brooks, but she is not the be all end all of flappers. I don't think that I have really insulted Louise, I'm just trying to let people know that they have options. I hope y'all enjoyed the post, and I hope you'll think about this next time your deciding on a bob.