Party Like It's 1939!
August 26, 2009 9:58 AM Subscribe
Sartorial inspiration for anachronistic atavists: Rhiannon, The Black Apple, Johanni, Solanah, Casey Brown, Strawberry Lemonade, Fleur de Guerre, The Freelancer, and Elinkan.
Some of these looks are just adorable. I too, in another life, am dressing like this.
posted by Sova at 10:31 AM on August 26, 2009
posted by Sova at 10:31 AM on August 26, 2009
I used to like The Black Apple, but the quality of her prints is crap. Like color copies, but not priced accordingly.
posted by pinky at 10:51 AM on August 26, 2009
posted by pinky at 10:51 AM on August 26, 2009
For god's sake, woman, lay off on the T-straps.
posted by darksasami at 10:56 AM on August 26, 2009
posted by darksasami at 10:56 AM on August 26, 2009
I like design, I dislike conspicuous consumerism; fashion, especially girly-girl "vintage" often leaves me conflicted. (I also really dislike poor photographs, but have been known to take some, so can't hate on that too much. Still, Fleur de Guerre's elaborate preparation—something else that I can find deeply alien—would be much better served by a photographer with a better grasp of lighting. Those circus photos are incredibly ineptly shot and processed, and really emphasize the stagey nature of the endeavor. Good vintage shots appear effortless, those look tortured.)
posted by klangklangston at 11:11 AM on August 26, 2009
posted by klangklangston at 11:11 AM on August 26, 2009
Cute, but I do have one tweak of their little anime noses:
Why the I'm-so-helpless-that-my-toes-have-to-touch-as-I-slouch-helplessly pose in so many of the shots? Hasn't Avril L. played that one out, yet?
Reminds me of my tenure at technical college, where us computer types shared a campus with the fashion students.
And, yes, this comment proves I am old.
posted by clvrmnky at 11:12 AM on August 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
Why the I'm-so-helpless-that-my-toes-have-to-touch-as-I-slouch-helplessly pose in so many of the shots? Hasn't Avril L. played that one out, yet?
Reminds me of my tenure at technical college, where us computer types shared a campus with the fashion students.
And, yes, this comment proves I am old.
posted by clvrmnky at 11:12 AM on August 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
I'm not a huge fan of vintage fashion but these are cogent and attractive and one of the blogs linked to this (Mad Men fashion analysis, which, just, wow) so, thanks a millions.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:13 AM on August 26, 2009
posted by Potomac Avenue at 11:13 AM on August 26, 2009
Rhiannon's great, but my favorite fashion blogger remains The Cherry Blossom Girl.
let your twee flag fly
posted by oinopaponton at 11:19 AM on August 26, 2009
let your twee flag fly
posted by oinopaponton at 11:19 AM on August 26, 2009
...and for men?
Time Traveler Practical. Fitted Worsted brown twill jacket, white oxford dress shirt with alternating blue-yellow pinstripes, red pocket square, dark blue jeans or light linen pants, bright red and white sneeakers, green 1960s army shoulder bag.
In the winter, you can add a sweater vest.
posted by The Whelk at 11:25 AM on August 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
Time Traveler Practical. Fitted Worsted brown twill jacket, white oxford dress shirt with alternating blue-yellow pinstripes, red pocket square, dark blue jeans or light linen pants, bright red and white sneeakers, green 1960s army shoulder bag.
In the winter, you can add a sweater vest.
posted by The Whelk at 11:25 AM on August 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
As a dude, I feel comfortable in my masculinity saying that these outfits kick ass, particularly Rhiannon's.
Also as a dude, I can't help but point out that these ladies are HAWT.
posted by hifiparasol at 11:29 AM on August 26, 2009
Also as a dude, I can't help but point out that these ladies are HAWT.
posted by hifiparasol at 11:29 AM on August 26, 2009
I really like the ones (Black apple, Rhiannon) that seems like they're just really cool girls with really good fashion sense.
The contrast is kind of jarring with some of the others, who seem to be self-consciously playing dress-up.
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:30 AM on August 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
The contrast is kind of jarring with some of the others, who seem to be self-consciously playing dress-up.
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:30 AM on August 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
It's a lot harder to find men's vintage fashion, for a lot of reasons:
-men generally aren't so into the "dress up and take photos of yourself!" scene
-men's clothing used to be incredibly formal
-there are certainly men who use vintage style as an inspiration for casual clothing but a lot of those looks seem rather timeless to me, or at least less obviously retro as the pincurls and petticoats crowd
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:32 AM on August 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
-men generally aren't so into the "dress up and take photos of yourself!" scene
-men's clothing used to be incredibly formal
-there are certainly men who use vintage style as an inspiration for casual clothing but a lot of those looks seem rather timeless to me, or at least less obviously retro as the pincurls and petticoats crowd
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:32 AM on August 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
In the year or so that my girlfriend and I have been hanging out with Emily, I have seen her in pants once, and never in sneakers. Walks the walk.
posted by droob at 11:33 AM on August 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by droob at 11:33 AM on August 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
-men's clothing used to be incredibly formal
And not nearly as fun. You can go the Previously-This-Was-Cool route, but you'd fall into a pit of silk flame-patterned bowling shirts and never emerge. If could wear a "relaxed" 1940s outfit today and it would look a little dressed up and not nearly as cool (some nagging things about tailoring aside, which only I would notice and would be almost the same as good fitting.)
posted by The Whelk at 11:37 AM on August 26, 2009
And not nearly as fun. You can go the Previously-This-Was-Cool route, but you'd fall into a pit of silk flame-patterned bowling shirts and never emerge. If could wear a "relaxed" 1940s outfit today and it would look a little dressed up and not nearly as cool (some nagging things about tailoring aside, which only I would notice and would be almost the same as good fitting.)
posted by The Whelk at 11:37 AM on August 26, 2009
The Whelk: Time Traveler Practical
One of the things I've long longed to do if I had more time and money would be to start a blog with practical tips for Time Travelers, including photoessays on how to dress for different eras.
posted by Kattullus at 11:42 AM on August 26, 2009 [3 favorites]
One of the things I've long longed to do if I had more time and money would be to start a blog with practical tips for Time Travelers, including photoessays on how to dress for different eras.
posted by Kattullus at 11:42 AM on August 26, 2009 [3 favorites]
Snarf! No... more like little essays about very specific details of different eras, presented as if they're from a guidebook for Time Travelers. There was a series of kid's history books that I greatly loved as a kid that featured a time traveler (but no practical guidelines for time traveling) and the idea is inspired by that.
posted by Kattullus at 11:48 AM on August 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 11:48 AM on August 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
I would read that blog every day, Kattullus.
posted by hifiparasol at 11:49 AM on August 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by hifiparasol at 11:49 AM on August 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
Yeah, Kattullus, you better hop on that steam train before someone steals your ticket. I am expecting to see it posted to projects within a fortnight.
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:56 AM on August 26, 2009
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:56 AM on August 26, 2009
"What To Do When You're Accused Of Being A With."
"Chemistry 101 or No, Your Lighter Isn't Impressive."
"Weinmar Berlin on 40,000 Marks A Day."
"Pre-Antiquing For Fun And Profit."
"Everyone Kills Hitler: Common Mistakes From Veteran Time Tourists."
"Sex With Someone you Love: Revisiting Your Teen years."
"Fortune-Telling: The hidden costs."
"1001 Fake Noble Titles: Northern Italy Post-Black Death."
"Reading: when to reveal you can."
"Oedipus Wrecked: What To You When your Dad Comes On To you."
"What To Do When You're Accused Of Being A With: Female Edition. Now with 100% more home-made explosives."
posted by The Whelk at 11:56 AM on August 26, 2009 [9 favorites]
"Chemistry 101 or No, Your Lighter Isn't Impressive."
"Weinmar Berlin on 40,000 Marks A Day."
"Pre-Antiquing For Fun And Profit."
"Everyone Kills Hitler: Common Mistakes From Veteran Time Tourists."
"Sex With Someone you Love: Revisiting Your Teen years."
"Fortune-Telling: The hidden costs."
"1001 Fake Noble Titles: Northern Italy Post-Black Death."
"Reading: when to reveal you can."
"Oedipus Wrecked: What To You When your Dad Comes On To you."
"What To Do When You're Accused Of Being A With: Female Edition. Now with 100% more home-made explosives."
posted by The Whelk at 11:56 AM on August 26, 2009 [9 favorites]
Huh...I idly clicked that Black Apple link and realized I'd met that woman at a friend's art show a couple weeks ago. Funny thing, the internets.
These looks are cute, but as I say to myself when I encounter girls dressed like this, "Too damn much bother." Also, I am old.
posted by medeine at 11:59 AM on August 26, 2009
These looks are cute, but as I say to myself when I encounter girls dressed like this, "Too damn much bother." Also, I am old.
posted by medeine at 11:59 AM on August 26, 2009
And finally
"The Future Is A Foreign Country: Why Nobody Comes Back From the 31st Century."
posted by The Whelk at 12:00 PM on August 26, 2009
"The Future Is A Foreign Country: Why Nobody Comes Back From the 31st Century."
posted by The Whelk at 12:00 PM on August 26, 2009
The Whelk: WITCH.
WEIMAR :)
Oh, and if someone else wants to start a Time Travelguide blog, feel free. I've been killing projects left and right over the summer as I seriously overburdened my projects donkey so I'd hate to start another time-intensive project that I'd have to euthanize somewhere down the road. Though I'd love to be an occasional contributor to a blog like that.
posted by Kattullus at 12:05 PM on August 26, 2009
WEIMAR :)
Oh, and if someone else wants to start a Time Travelguide blog, feel free. I've been killing projects left and right over the summer as I seriously overburdened my projects donkey so I'd hate to start another time-intensive project that I'd have to euthanize somewhere down the road. Though I'd love to be an occasional contributor to a blog like that.
posted by Kattullus at 12:05 PM on August 26, 2009
These looks are cute, but as I say to myself when I encounter girls dressed like this, "Too damn much bother."
I appreciate them more for that very reason -- like "Wow, you went through all that? Awww..."
posted by LordSludge at 12:06 PM on August 26, 2009
I appreciate them more for that very reason -- like "Wow, you went through all that? Awww..."
posted by LordSludge at 12:06 PM on August 26, 2009
I really like the ones (Black apple, Rhiannon) that seems like they're just really cool girls with really good fashion sense.
The contrast is kind of jarring with some of the others, who seem to be self-consciously playing dress-up.
I think I understand that view, and possibly agree. But I also see a fair amount of women's fashion as just dress-up anyway. Indeed, it's probably more fun that way. I certainly enjoyed it as dress-up when I used to bother.
posted by Sova at 12:13 PM on August 26, 2009
The contrast is kind of jarring with some of the others, who seem to be self-consciously playing dress-up.
I think I understand that view, and possibly agree. But I also see a fair amount of women's fashion as just dress-up anyway. Indeed, it's probably more fun that way. I certainly enjoyed it as dress-up when I used to bother.
posted by Sova at 12:13 PM on August 26, 2009
Let it be known from this point on that I am stealing Kattullus' idea fair and square.
posted by The Whelk at 12:14 PM on August 26, 2009
posted by The Whelk at 12:14 PM on August 26, 2009
One of the things I've long longed to do if I had more time and money would be to start a blog with practical tips for Time Travelers, including photoessays on how to dress for different eras.
Reminds me of this short story.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:18 PM on August 26, 2009 [4 favorites]
Reminds me of this short story.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 12:18 PM on August 26, 2009 [4 favorites]
Aww, man, I was gonna steal his idea, at least part of it. Collab?
posted by klangklangston at 12:25 PM on August 26, 2009
posted by klangklangston at 12:25 PM on August 26, 2009
Also, as someone who regularly has to stage fashion-y photoshoots for her knit designs & stuff, I have to say that most of these are really quite impressive for something that isn't (I assume) an full time job for these people.
Emily's Pirate Girl print is currently sharing space in our living area with an original Derek Hess print, an Alan Moore Highbury Working poster, paintings by Cynthia von Buhler and Arabella Proffer, a Rogier van der Weyden medieval woman poster, and a Shag poster for a Bomboras/Hentchmen show with a giant tiki dude about to bite a girl, so really, I suppose eclectic = me in terms of decorating, even if I can't pull it off in clothes...
posted by bitter-girl.com at 12:29 PM on August 26, 2009
Emily's Pirate Girl print is currently sharing space in our living area with an original Derek Hess print, an Alan Moore Highbury Working poster, paintings by Cynthia von Buhler and Arabella Proffer, a Rogier van der Weyden medieval woman poster, and a Shag poster for a Bomboras/Hentchmen show with a giant tiki dude about to bite a girl, so really, I suppose eclectic = me in terms of decorating, even if I can't pull it off in clothes...
posted by bitter-girl.com at 12:29 PM on August 26, 2009
This will be in my time machine wardrobe...Whoa.
posted by Kronos_to_Earth at 12:35 PM on August 26, 2009
posted by Kronos_to_Earth at 12:35 PM on August 26, 2009
I favorited Katulluses idea first so i get dibs. I do know a lot of photographers and cute girls (one of those is a lie) so i'm uniquely equipped to help.
But instead why doesn't someone start a group tumbler and make us all rich? I call mid-60s Paris, late-80s Seattle, and Minoan Crete.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:41 PM on August 26, 2009
But instead why doesn't someone start a group tumbler and make us all rich? I call mid-60s Paris, late-80s Seattle, and Minoan Crete.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 12:41 PM on August 26, 2009
I sell vintage clothing, and have sold to some of the women in the above mentioned blogs. It is GREAT to see them wearing it!
As for the shortage of men's vintage - I think it's because men wore stuff until it was in shreds. And unlike many women, who got new outfits with every season most men had a few good suits that lasted them through their adult life.
Fantastic post!
posted by suki at 12:56 PM on August 26, 2009
As for the shortage of men's vintage - I think it's because men wore stuff until it was in shreds. And unlike many women, who got new outfits with every season most men had a few good suits that lasted them through their adult life.
Fantastic post!
posted by suki at 12:56 PM on August 26, 2009
...and for men?
Not exclusively vintage fashion but may I suggest:
A Continuous Lean, Ivy Style, A Suitable Wardrobe, The Selvedge Yard, A Time to Get, The Simple Connoisseur, and The Sporting Life
posted by 1f2frfbf at 1:42 PM on August 26, 2009 [3 favorites]
Not exclusively vintage fashion but may I suggest:
A Continuous Lean, Ivy Style, A Suitable Wardrobe, The Selvedge Yard, A Time to Get, The Simple Connoisseur, and The Sporting Life
posted by 1f2frfbf at 1:42 PM on August 26, 2009 [3 favorites]
I think I'm in love.
posted by paradoxflow at 2:21 PM on August 26, 2009
posted by paradoxflow at 2:21 PM on August 26, 2009
I think it's totally hot when women dress like this. Just goes to show that you don't have to wear something revealing to look hot.
posted by Afroblanco at 2:55 PM on August 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by Afroblanco at 2:55 PM on August 26, 2009 [2 favorites]
I think I'm in love too.
The Rhiannon link is amazing. very Zooey :)
They're all great! Except - the Freelancer. The tattoos just make it seem like she is trying too hard.
But I'm picky. These are the only kind of tattoos I like.
posted by vronsky at 3:18 PM on August 26, 2009
The Rhiannon link is amazing. very Zooey :)
They're all great! Except - the Freelancer. The tattoos just make it seem like she is trying too hard.
But I'm picky. These are the only kind of tattoos I like.
posted by vronsky at 3:18 PM on August 26, 2009
This is probably a rough fit on the men's question, but I actually have a paper copy of The Chap (gift from a friend) in the magazine rack
posted by cgk at 6:59 PM on August 26, 2009
posted by cgk at 6:59 PM on August 26, 2009
Kattullus: ... photoessays on how to dress for different eras.
Matt Groening did it.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:39 PM on August 26, 2009
Matt Groening did it.
posted by Greg_Ace at 9:39 PM on August 26, 2009
...and for men?
There's nothing stopping men from wearing any of the fashions in the FPP.
posted by darksasami at 11:22 PM on August 26, 2009
There's nothing stopping men from wearing any of the fashions in the FPP.
posted by darksasami at 11:22 PM on August 26, 2009
Whoever's jacking the time-travel blog idea, I have a first post for you.
posted by Juliet Banana at 8:52 AM on August 27, 2009
posted by Juliet Banana at 8:52 AM on August 27, 2009
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posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:15 AM on August 26, 2009