Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Skeleton Closet: The Golden Ages of Fashion

One of the things I love about vintage clothing is how well it is able to represent class and beauty while ultimately being timeless.
The thing I love the most about it, though, is how well many articles stood the test of time. It's a reminder of the days when many garments were sewn with thought and care; unlike our highly automated built-to-break present reality.

Sometimes, though, vintage can mean a way of thinking and it's not always a good thing.
I often hear people say "I was born in the wrong era"... well for me, I was born in the right era. An era when I can enjoy all fashions pre 1980's, and all the civil liberties that comes along with a more socially evolved one. Before the 1960's, I would be pelted with stones for even thinking about joining in matrimony with my husband-- interracial relationships were highly frowned upon.

Despite all the social barriers and fights for equality in the past (women and person of color alike), I still choose to dress as though I travel to the past to buy my clothing-- but with a touch of the present.
I own many items that would be considered antique/vintage; I love the charm of old items. Sadly, such as it is right now, they are all back in Canada (mostly).
Most of my books are vintage, some I actually have with me and already posted about.
Some of my clothing is vintage, and the ones I currently have with me are posted about here and here.
But I just love and cherish the music of the past:


(Blogger wouldn't post my favorite version by Tommy Flanagan
so Benny carter will sub in-- not that it's any less good mind you)

I found Mrs. Kitty's challenge to be a most timely one; a dress that has been in my wardrobe for a few years has somehow made it with me to the South-- I recently unearthed it during some spring cleaning. This recent discovery, and the fact that I didn't know what to post about next, well... it certainly came to my aid.

I never had an opportunity to wear it since finding it those years ago at a thrift shop display.




It's not vintage, but it was obviously inspired by the empire waist detailing of the regency period.
I think the biggest reason for not wearing it is that I didn't feel slim enough to flatter the empire waist; I still feel that way, but perhaps a little less than before thanks to my increased physical activity.


In fact nothing about my outfit for you all today is vintage; all of it is just inspired by it, even my glasses.
But I hope that my contribution (and my blog) somehow reflects how much I adore history and all its braces, especially in fashion.

P.S. Have a look at my 1920's glam inspired outfit

What I am wearing:

  • Dress: thrift
  • Gloves: Claire's
  • Necklace: Self-made


9 comments:

  1. Not slim enough, you say? First of all, this dress is fabulous! I love the clothing style of the regency era, and the splitting lace layer adds a little fantasy - flavour to it too. And it hugs your figure beautifully! ;)

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    Replies
    1. Why thank you heh =)
      I've feared empire waists because they're notorious faux-baby-bump makers, but the regency era has such lovely gowns and dresses that sometimes it's hard to resist.

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  2. You don't flatter the empire waist? You should come over to this side of the computer screen, Madame MM - from here, you look absolutely beautiful. :o)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, you're very kindly *blush*
      I'll be honest though, I was wearing a control top haha. The polyester material accentuates the wrong curves without one, eheh.

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    2. And that's exactly why God invented Spanx, my dear girl! :D

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  3. Beautiful dress! It reminds me of the one Kate Winslet was wearing to the dinner in the movie Titanic.

    How are you doing otherwise? I'm still not entirely sure what your intentions for April are, but I hope you get there!

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    Replies
    1. Oh my, you're so right! It looks very close to the one she was wearing. Perhaps I should add beading to mine; I adore hers. Thank you for the inspiration =)

      I actually have been feeling more inspired since posting this; I began writing my contribution to your monthly challenge just last night.

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  4. Very pretty! I love the overall feel of this outfit, you pull it off very well.

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  5. That's a lovely dress and you pull it off beautifully.

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