tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31664533799581595602024-03-07T02:28:39.276-08:00The Girl in the Vintage DressThe many lives of second-hand clothes.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-2420467748377954702011-05-03T14:54:00.000-07:002011-05-03T15:13:02.227-07:00BumbershootAs I write this, there's a torrential downpour just outside my window. Which is, I should mention, an enormous picture window in the third story of a circa-1900 office building. I have an excellent view of downtown Asheville, including a gloriously gaudy art deco cafeteria and, beyond that, the blue-patina copper on two church steeples. I can also see the ankle-deep water running riot down the streets, and people scurrying helplessly from the onslaught. Which, of course, led me to think of umbrellas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sY0fKntVBbUYmqlHTCeMZGTOdmPXpZoPfIEw8PSPRJO9RMQMze0aWZuH3vOy7P2mPuzwx-WqmuqI-kJOcl8pn8XbSmVJT4NoAfiqvyXHnvj9XHYB8Co2GAzjN7KrVqLcARRdCgr0XUY/s1600/unebricoleuse.blogspot.com+-umbrella.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sY0fKntVBbUYmqlHTCeMZGTOdmPXpZoPfIEw8PSPRJO9RMQMze0aWZuH3vOy7P2mPuzwx-WqmuqI-kJOcl8pn8XbSmVJT4NoAfiqvyXHnvj9XHYB8Co2GAzjN7KrVqLcARRdCgr0XUY/s400/unebricoleuse.blogspot.com+-umbrella.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602612522212982658" /></a><i>Image from unebricoleuse.blogspot.com</i><br /><br />I always have an umbrella in my over-sized bag, though it's nothing particularly charming or fashionable. It gets me to work and back relatively dry and it's black so it goes with everything. But (like most things) there used to be an artistry to umbrellas — back before they were $9 items to be picked up at Walgreens and buried in a purse. This image is from the delightful <a href="http://theblackapple.typepad.com/somegirlswander">Some Girls Wander By Mistake</a> blog by Ms. Emily Winfield, who not only has charming things to say about life and an exquisite eye for design, but is also a fabulous artist:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsHi8X8MSewA2acUPxvpwmkhoLgGZ6HDlKpT9-uFOkxyjtCfrKVlRWUK-si0VnVTnFzAsxtSQb_q5FcLwN2ffpbMyibSnLfRdyPNp-R9DeEsksb62yYYyIWe1LwBNvna5hu7kx7zN5dE/s1600/6a00d83451d81c69e201156fe64cbd970c-300wi.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsHi8X8MSewA2acUPxvpwmkhoLgGZ6HDlKpT9-uFOkxyjtCfrKVlRWUK-si0VnVTnFzAsxtSQb_q5FcLwN2ffpbMyibSnLfRdyPNp-R9DeEsksb62yYYyIWe1LwBNvna5hu7kx7zN5dE/s400/6a00d83451d81c69e201156fe64cbd970c-300wi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602613595607031602" /></a><br />And finally (as the clouds part a bit, even as the thunder continues to rumble and lightning sparks the sky) a brass band tires of waiting out the storm and a shrill trumpet blares beneath my window. A bit of bold color on a dark May afternoon:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FHrSYh52QG4UfiEkjZjQDzlLy-kP4mgcfLxChyphenhyphenkQoqpGauobVcbnoURH9QrFOO6puFKbbUZzKJncM8aubheTpeDd3VC6FcgE1XsUpb_c0YzWo8-nStH6OJT1Y0dAx2N1vQ6q6ZyhwHo/s1600/glamourai_spidersilkenweb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FHrSYh52QG4UfiEkjZjQDzlLy-kP4mgcfLxChyphenhyphenkQoqpGauobVcbnoURH9QrFOO6puFKbbUZzKJncM8aubheTpeDd3VC6FcgE1XsUpb_c0YzWo8-nStH6OJT1Y0dAx2N1vQ6q6ZyhwHo/s400/glamourai_spidersilkenweb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602615394194680482" /></a><i>Image from theglamourai.com</i>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-14236524101963184562011-04-20T10:29:00.000-07:002011-04-20T10:54:58.176-07:00Slip streamNow that it's warm and lovely (and, on certain days, hinting at <i>summery</i>) I've been thinking about slip dresses. The kind that are, indeed, actual vintage slips worn as dresses.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt68VmGXbvDVOXjFGNodofNVM8VPXECqBwdJtw65a82cq6VRFypRTiZsHU7muQb5hctaIdssw0BluDdvQBNpU1Xdb5rNm6dhz03dfAguX5v82pEAWhtpQrBliUCjhxdbtAOYl_0GQH3gM/s1600/lauralevine.com.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt68VmGXbvDVOXjFGNodofNVM8VPXECqBwdJtw65a82cq6VRFypRTiZsHU7muQb5hctaIdssw0BluDdvQBNpU1Xdb5rNm6dhz03dfAguX5v82pEAWhtpQrBliUCjhxdbtAOYl_0GQH3gM/s400/lauralevine.com.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597720602546201874" /></a> <i>Image from lauralevine.com</i><br /><br />Here's my story: The summer I graduated from high school I borrowed a knee-length off-white cotton Victorian slip to wear under my acetate graduation robe. The slip was my mother's — at the time she was an avid fan of estate auctions where she sought out Victorian relics. Kid gloves, high button boots and the like. The slip likely came in a grab box — a cardboard carton full of random ephemera that the auctioneer sold for a few dollars. Mom bought those, hoping for hidden treasure.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX8qNj1YHsSmJFppEMYl5S4p6p-6Qw9B0TxUL7EMkBaZ6b8VsUjJQPrh3LEO8_8aPIX0RGw1Cw6z5nhrNdEXFR1worfCd28JQhQ274mVuzZYY4PbkksGYskQnmH9rcI1K-SAE-mbZRIM/s1600/syriekovitz.com.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 361px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibX8qNj1YHsSmJFppEMYl5S4p6p-6Qw9B0TxUL7EMkBaZ6b8VsUjJQPrh3LEO8_8aPIX0RGw1Cw6z5nhrNdEXFR1worfCd28JQhQ274mVuzZYY4PbkksGYskQnmH9rcI1K-SAE-mbZRIM/s400/syriekovitz.com.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597721902177552770" /></a><i>Image from syriekovitz.com</i><br /><br />I might not remember that slip at all, except that 1) the acetate robe was so horrific that the vintage cotton and lace was all that saved the say. And 2) my fashion hero <a href="http://www.michaelbastiannyc.com/">Michael Bastian</a> was there. At the time he was yet to become a designer. He was probably 25 and still mainly just the big brother of my classmate. But he'd always encouraged my enthusiasm for clothing and that day he commented on the Victorian slip. And so, there it is.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp872G-PTnQVzz0Nqeu91htNm0WuGzAyeHkMqyYCMWgwpWSZAj-LyVGzbAeAgVeNZWMQrwsb_r5n1Kw87jFCgtSy0BQJhxhvK21tP9geGoFb68BXeaIRZEgYha-BtRD90EGLuZdOsC60/s1600/www.weardrobe.com.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUp872G-PTnQVzz0Nqeu91htNm0WuGzAyeHkMqyYCMWgwpWSZAj-LyVGzbAeAgVeNZWMQrwsb_r5n1Kw87jFCgtSy0BQJhxhvK21tP9geGoFb68BXeaIRZEgYha-BtRD90EGLuZdOsC60/s400/www.weardrobe.com.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597723994506171874" /></a> <i>Image from weardrobe.com</i><br /><br />That's my slip story (indeed, it's recently worked its way into the story of a vintage-obsessed character I'm working on in a novel-in-progress); I hope this summer many other vintage-obsessed fashionistas write their own stories in slip dresses. One more picture for inspiration:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP5syQXDysrGA_IQjEfePT7mp8Dw8l3xPGN175-SG1UiteoKdjIHNddenryVP91Of-8MlYKElgQLEr5HhCyawWtvIyjdFFPZ0rE01H8c-W500rHi8tjxZ06tM2YjHR9rO1cGIWW0D_eM/s1600/houseofvintage.net.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoP5syQXDysrGA_IQjEfePT7mp8Dw8l3xPGN175-SG1UiteoKdjIHNddenryVP91Of-8MlYKElgQLEr5HhCyawWtvIyjdFFPZ0rE01H8c-W500rHi8tjxZ06tM2YjHR9rO1cGIWW0D_eM/s400/houseofvintage.net.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597724604587990690" /></a> <i>Image from houseofvintage.net</i>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-73321788708657385472011-03-28T11:28:00.000-07:002011-03-28T11:38:01.803-07:00Pendantic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGTzMxS13myGrhXCbRc_NUQtXFnQETh7tLH7svAmSqhoR4E0zuIpA_H70N-4e4MaNNKXWTWSjkzw6h92KmyZfSW1flvZLtQ36nX6ojK9ILDNCDSjlvKXAVys_SAjm02rRNb8D760bVfk/s1600/NestingNomadKey.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGTzMxS13myGrhXCbRc_NUQtXFnQETh7tLH7svAmSqhoR4E0zuIpA_H70N-4e4MaNNKXWTWSjkzw6h92KmyZfSW1flvZLtQ36nX6ojK9ILDNCDSjlvKXAVys_SAjm02rRNb8D760bVfk/s400/NestingNomadKey.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589201226958017810" /></a> <span style="font-style:italic;">Skeleton key pendant from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/NestingNomad">Nesting Nomad</a></span><br /><br />Having been a scarf girl all winter, the warming days have got me thinking about how I'll decorate my neck for summer. For the past couple of years I've been resolutely anti-necklace, but there were phases in the past when I'd pile on strands of beads or Indian-import pendants of amber or lapis.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rlsBQpFzcw_CeleA1t17u3N2DajNtL1x6S6XH_umbJJgovxlyeWRd6xGigJxx4oDtJKL1UTsrpwP9QC4CIJY5B4T701DeRKAl0KsDDsgErBHdZWb7k6M0xBIwZzFZWObkPjAsOpWqyE/s1600/Lyonesse4gems+mourning+locket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rlsBQpFzcw_CeleA1t17u3N2DajNtL1x6S6XH_umbJJgovxlyeWRd6xGigJxx4oDtJKL1UTsrpwP9QC4CIJY5B4T701DeRKAl0KsDDsgErBHdZWb7k6M0xBIwZzFZWObkPjAsOpWqyE/s400/Lyonesse4gems+mourning+locket.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589200010399955250" /></a> <span style="font-style:italic;">Mourning locket from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lyonesse4gems">Lyonesse 4 Gems</a></span> <br /><br />It's the pendants that are calling to me now, though in vintage shapes rather than exotic baubles. Things that speak of darkened attics, secret compartments, treasure chests and dusty velvet boxes. So, I did a little Etsy window shopping.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzmivqMtrIfsZyOy_KzEqRtmWnxPpFCgtEsH3yFQyIBE1qB4U5twL-PGEWcVy-HHG10h_MfgAZZaYyz1tWUcGTJp-j1A4mBIfv1QcIHczi4LXIMFouCIU7O2tpX0zjPQHayn4G-AZOzo/s1600/stixandstonesvintage+french+pendant.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzmivqMtrIfsZyOy_KzEqRtmWnxPpFCgtEsH3yFQyIBE1qB4U5twL-PGEWcVy-HHG10h_MfgAZZaYyz1tWUcGTJp-j1A4mBIfv1QcIHczi4LXIMFouCIU7O2tpX0zjPQHayn4G-AZOzo/s400/stixandstonesvintage+french+pendant.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589200580345228114" /></a><br />This circa-1962 "Limoges Jewels from France" pendant (above) from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/stixandstonesvintage?ref=ls_profile">Stix and Stones Vintage</a> is both spooky and pretty, the dark-haired beauty floating all ghost-like in a silver bezel. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm61iREAGjyFF5a3DLZRr020lYeXRBbnXshIl5dXFJjmDRjGKuEg8Nb9sZoAbCWoGc-EdUOQrDBxMb-b3wC-1XJ1Z90vwryJMJ55Fc1CIroQkV1O6SEt51EPxvVx_wzUi7wHKfJ46b6o8/s1600/VintageVanityCameo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm61iREAGjyFF5a3DLZRr020lYeXRBbnXshIl5dXFJjmDRjGKuEg8Nb9sZoAbCWoGc-EdUOQrDBxMb-b3wC-1XJ1Z90vwryJMJ55Fc1CIroQkV1O6SEt51EPxvVx_wzUi7wHKfJ46b6o8/s400/VintageVanityCameo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589200918329418306" /></a><br />Another take on the cameo comes from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/thevintagevanity">The Vintage Vanity</a>, based here in Asheville. I've bought jewelry from this shop before and love how the artist reuses old and cast-off pieces in new ways. Above, it's "a vintage butterfly pendant, vintage cameo pendant, vintage floral earring with rhinestone centers, vintage glass cut bead, and vintage/reused chain."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSGtTPOtH0Mb_aHjSJHQToFSRnvHXOZoLvx0ykDKSuZjFSQaSe-wKeAt4LJAnHMQyQCYXXuCoYcdWgIb-eiDnQQY34J2T0FEKqKbq0rw3WZYAM6xsuueOzPHoFkFPf9NJ_iUM3QlHp5E/s1600/NestingNomadLocket.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjSGtTPOtH0Mb_aHjSJHQToFSRnvHXOZoLvx0ykDKSuZjFSQaSe-wKeAt4LJAnHMQyQCYXXuCoYcdWgIb-eiDnQQY34J2T0FEKqKbq0rw3WZYAM6xsuueOzPHoFkFPf9NJ_iUM3QlHp5E/s400/NestingNomadLocket.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589201517058993906" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/NestingNomad">Nesting Nomad</a>, also from Asheville, is one of my favorite jewelry designers. She also uses vintage and antique found items, though some (skeleton keys, pieces of old maps, copper coins) were never intended as jewelry. This antique brass locket <i>was</i> meant as decoration. With a brass chain and an attached aqua bead, it seems other-worldy and magical.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-18911863951601368442011-03-24T13:57:00.000-07:002011-03-24T14:27:44.347-07:00Of Goth and Peter Murphy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2UX3ZqdkPCWvszyUhSehoLMf400f32kNk4DUqWUvPt8Arktyy3xDJ3hzh5eT_TdWnOQGChzOROYdIoCRRLpOYSaf-mYj5GwbojRYY7c_Tr8krts-eOpd-OoXXQLRIuwruBD2eSuxuBo/s1600/art_petermurphy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 342px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq2UX3ZqdkPCWvszyUhSehoLMf400f32kNk4DUqWUvPt8Arktyy3xDJ3hzh5eT_TdWnOQGChzOROYdIoCRRLpOYSaf-mYj5GwbojRYY7c_Tr8krts-eOpd-OoXXQLRIuwruBD2eSuxuBo/s400/art_petermurphy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587754728019506466" /></a><br />I recently had an interview with Peter Murphy (above) of Bauhaus. One of the things he told me was that Goth was never his thing and he kind of wants to refuse the whole "Father of Goth" title, but he also takes it as a compliment.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWH79-3sEPLb5cNapMCw9r21PY1MFvoa3768jldOmgUrvlk987DZ2smkuBb4OIE3cOsbjNsxCzXI3O6CViF3yARb6EsqUAqh_OE5XrWhZhxVkFJx5pfI83E7Sh7f2VYb1M8N5bre92qNw/s1600/1577856_f520.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWH79-3sEPLb5cNapMCw9r21PY1MFvoa3768jldOmgUrvlk987DZ2smkuBb4OIE3cOsbjNsxCzXI3O6CViF3yARb6EsqUAqh_OE5XrWhZhxVkFJx5pfI83E7Sh7f2VYb1M8N5bre92qNw/s400/1577856_f520.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587753768242604146" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Image from <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/GothicClothingGothicFashion">HubPages</a></span><br /><br />I get that, but I also get the sleepy, sexy draw of Murphy's iconic voice. Within his own heart, Murphy may be all things light, but his music emanates a seductive darkness. Murphy's velvet purr alone carries all the drama and intrigue of an interview with Lestat himself; on stage the singer's carved cheekbones, luminous gaze and the narcotic embrace of his baritone are spellbinding. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPICztPiO5uybW9JrM6eFUzKIYrpK3fdrQpuy6lnEofmNAzoOl7iI_4h5LhOEztnbcq6X2MZ-hKV8r8k3-Sbufq_fYEsSa2UQ5Yznj_MMDW9oSJVQanhIaCPB1nFaldaQ-q8FNPsxAk4k/s1600/goth-graveyard1-715935.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPICztPiO5uybW9JrM6eFUzKIYrpK3fdrQpuy6lnEofmNAzoOl7iI_4h5LhOEztnbcq6X2MZ-hKV8r8k3-Sbufq_fYEsSa2UQ5Yznj_MMDW9oSJVQanhIaCPB1nFaldaQ-q8FNPsxAk4k/s400/goth-graveyard1-715935.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587754953201952162" /></a><br />Needless to say, I've been thinking about Peter Murphy a lot lately. And about how, even if he didn't set out to create the Goth scene, we still owe him a dept of gratitude for a haunting and achingly-lovely soundtrack.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70LspgNT2YVrvY1y0cxCYE28aSwVEaSuWi-126GevBWZjAlqetLUzOX25HF6VjH4At1xlip_fCMoXXFjxZeHdFfD1PlrRVgYCIYMNlVW3VNzubbskcdIQ5PEIyYl3fotUPXAZ2IaTXC0/s1600/chictopia.com.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70LspgNT2YVrvY1y0cxCYE28aSwVEaSuWi-126GevBWZjAlqetLUzOX25HF6VjH4At1xlip_fCMoXXFjxZeHdFfD1PlrRVgYCIYMNlVW3VNzubbskcdIQ5PEIyYl3fotUPXAZ2IaTXC0/s400/chictopia.com.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587756171154032994" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Image from Chictopia.com</span><br /><br />My earliest gothic intrigue was when I was 16, still in high school but living away from home. It was a snowy winter, I had a corner in a garret apartment with mattresses on the floor a white pet rat named Valentine who chewed her way out of her cage and became feral behind the appliances. A strange time of writing poems huddles under blankets in the kitchen and strolling through the sparse browns and grays of the cemetery in a leather jacket and frayed black skirt. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-EH39PXGj2mViJrlbF_6FCSy42SA_JFeXg6EbYkq40zmsUMCRlIwELZ7Z31SvzdXB4X55Ppi0y4aPt_2sasw892FRiUX8viLRtVsPh1FjiE0NxlhkpVjxwJDFMv_bZu2n0P6sLKvtuQ/s1600/NYPress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 218px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-EH39PXGj2mViJrlbF_6FCSy42SA_JFeXg6EbYkq40zmsUMCRlIwELZ7Z31SvzdXB4X55Ppi0y4aPt_2sasw892FRiUX8viLRtVsPh1FjiE0NxlhkpVjxwJDFMv_bZu2n0P6sLKvtuQ/s400/NYPress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587757518021239746" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Image from NYPress.com</span><br /><br />Only later — in warmer and better furnished apartments — did I come to realize the artistic integrity and the elegant aesthetic of goth. It's not only a style to be adopted by girls in black nail polish, clutching Ann Rice novels to their chests. It's not only a uniform of torn fishnets and fussy chantilly lace. Nor is it the mass-produced commercial property of Hot Topic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXnbwuhzwzuTc1NL6jaDY4MvbatiIPCVd1a_QIw0fJObI2LsR5Nly1VA_MarKSNoyGydkzYA2rhkNbNFHW3B58ZmOMEYYkYjqS028eN7nE3kpuhpfW6IpD6fu8bgXjKchuOCJ7DhtfQA/s1600/usedandabusedvintage.com.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXnbwuhzwzuTc1NL6jaDY4MvbatiIPCVd1a_QIw0fJObI2LsR5Nly1VA_MarKSNoyGydkzYA2rhkNbNFHW3B58ZmOMEYYkYjqS028eN7nE3kpuhpfW6IpD6fu8bgXjKchuOCJ7DhtfQA/s400/usedandabusedvintage.com.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587758917114058178" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">Image from <a href="http://usedandabusedvintage.com/">Used & Abused Vintage</a></span><br /><br />Today, even those of us too old and/or too ensconced in the establishment for full goth attire can still adapt a piece here and there. Thanks to steampunk, Coraline, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Helena Bonham Carter there's plenty of mainstream-ish inspiration. A handmade pieces from Etsy, a Victorian frock coat, a pair of button shoes, and antique broach and maybe a Bauhaus album for atmosphere...allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-47991666395259635472011-03-23T17:30:00.000-07:002011-03-23T17:43:41.180-07:00The timelessness of trousers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6SmsaeqyqUEeRJjVwy7NPEAuTd8bv6BqQ0vmiQd6YFv27O7AKSLSuFcaNC1Hmq4VgwHgvoF45Igo9dHPLlHMWH1MI76Fr8sknYJJ-bjtrruRKXoElNdD-XGWLrtVDxk2_cGYznOIRK8/s1600/4523-KatharineHepburnWomanoftheYear.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6SmsaeqyqUEeRJjVwy7NPEAuTd8bv6BqQ0vmiQd6YFv27O7AKSLSuFcaNC1Hmq4VgwHgvoF45Igo9dHPLlHMWH1MI76Fr8sknYJJ-bjtrruRKXoElNdD-XGWLrtVDxk2_cGYznOIRK8/s400/4523-KatharineHepburnWomanoftheYear.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587439294632087394" /></a><br />According the <a href="http://www.fashionencyclopedia.com/fashion_costume_culture/Modern-World-1930-1945/Women-s-Suits.html">Fashion Encyclopedia</a>, "Like many of the popular fashions of the 1930s, the pants suit was associated with a Hollywood starlet. Actress Marlene Dietrich (c. 1901–1992) wore men's clothes in many of her movies, but she was especially known for wearing masculine suits in her public appearances. Women's pants suits generally had flared or bell-bottomed trousers, and the jackets were tailored in slightly softer versions of men's styles."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZgihGcof2iy_8ru3UNKTa5kVEYM4dttmk0jf-yihQq12a8LHbLl708QXMU-MvWbWA47u-UhSMXATILWFHyl4kq7cMoHKWkBMESXJnYZgUoTLHUsHVUzKCaGijyC95vP2nrvetyIJ8Sg/s1600/mccalls+1934.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfZgihGcof2iy_8ru3UNKTa5kVEYM4dttmk0jf-yihQq12a8LHbLl708QXMU-MvWbWA47u-UhSMXATILWFHyl4kq7cMoHKWkBMESXJnYZgUoTLHUsHVUzKCaGijyC95vP2nrvetyIJ8Sg/s400/mccalls+1934.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587437825768557842" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">McCalls pattern from 1934</span><br /><br />French designer <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Poiret">Paul Poiret</a> is credited among the first to create women's pants — his were harem pants in 1913, inspired by the opera <span style="font-style:italic;">Sheherazade</span>. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coco_Chanel">Coco Chanel</a> also did much to further women's trousers into mainstream fashion, though it was sheer practicality that was probably the swiftest harbinger of the change in female style.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArOSuZs0Bu9zCmMXNCSLNsdiOM-0CMMbUP5u2RdFzr3Td6c5PSuwy7nTB2xIwfSTYEiv475JMp_G2jV8uBp25nAbHaPpkB810ulFuWjRqpiesfdncoS7p6hCh97D3VJvhNUPZaT_EOg8/s1600/vintagerebel.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArOSuZs0Bu9zCmMXNCSLNsdiOM-0CMMbUP5u2RdFzr3Td6c5PSuwy7nTB2xIwfSTYEiv475JMp_G2jV8uBp25nAbHaPpkB810ulFuWjRqpiesfdncoS7p6hCh97D3VJvhNUPZaT_EOg8/s400/vintagerebel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587438445169596674" /></a><span style="font-style:italic;">1940s-era photograph from <a href="http://www.fashionising.com/">FashionRising.com</a></span><br /><br />First during WWI and then again — and more so — in WWII, women had to pick up the slack in the American work force. Trousers were preferred (and accepted) as work wear. Watch the 1984 Goldie Hawn/Kurt Russell film <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088213">Swing Shift</a> for inspiration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE17uIAaMoGmJg6GOhNzYMUk-RMCDrvlXKbpm8_U0TtLoShMeiGX9Wggn4A-GQuG61jXbljLw5Jq5_sp8pk-MMmb_g5pLs7F2G8Fmg-cAhSYPxGvDGPFfgIAK8qaiUsMkMMveuLTtJ5bw/s1600/430px-Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-14627%252C_Marlene_Dietrich.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE17uIAaMoGmJg6GOhNzYMUk-RMCDrvlXKbpm8_U0TtLoShMeiGX9Wggn4A-GQuG61jXbljLw5Jq5_sp8pk-MMmb_g5pLs7F2G8Fmg-cAhSYPxGvDGPFfgIAK8qaiUsMkMMveuLTtJ5bw/s400/430px-Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-14627%252C_Marlene_Dietrich.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587438943891750098" /></a><br />But certainly it was icons like Dietrich (above) and the fabulous Katharine Hepburn (both born during the Edwardian era — when corsets were still being worn) who elevated trousers from workwear to chic apparel. Both women emanated such self-possessed cool and glamor, both portrayed femininity with a hint of androgynous magnetism. Hepburn (top of the post) especially embodied timeless allure. That quality, of course, had everything to do with her comportment, her grace and her magnificent talent. But those trousers certainly didn't hurt.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-71939704177610546292011-01-12T14:20:00.000-08:002011-01-12T14:31:00.957-08:00An Oxford educationThere's something so perfectly put together and elegant about an Oxford shoe. Like the trench coat and the fedora, the Oxford is a classic that defies trends (though, like the classics, it's often readopted and reinterpreted under the auspices of trend).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhOhZq2vGHM58aMdkOieFYJNM3fuHuaWY_jymFk7pvhqzTHqQ2iuD2aWbGixjJVYfgMeyD_48LPc_pjv6r5Fjr4WT1ISpqTED2J0EUfnTChoqNUVPbyx_wnDNUHvbwdd_usXjZsRJxfc/s1600/oxford4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhOhZq2vGHM58aMdkOieFYJNM3fuHuaWY_jymFk7pvhqzTHqQ2iuD2aWbGixjJVYfgMeyD_48LPc_pjv6r5Fjr4WT1ISpqTED2J0EUfnTChoqNUVPbyx_wnDNUHvbwdd_usXjZsRJxfc/s400/oxford4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561428163286658450" /></a><br />According to Wikipedia (which one should always take with a grain of salt), "Oxfords first appeared in Scotland and Ireland, where they are occasionally called Balmorals. In France, Oxfords are better known under the name of Richelieu." Brogues refer to a low-heeled style of shoe traditional to menswear and are "characterized by multiple-piece, sturdy leather uppers with decorative perforations (or 'brogueing') and serration along the pieces' visible edges." <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rxcUQOzC7e8xQF_MEJSmvQCrkFDBzocod7uDcxd-jZqIcKcAx24jx7mLXp51x1X62gnRqVa-Up5Ot6NZbEtMTb5p5Y2qNKMs_paW-dI1x7rUXCezwW_GwG7MhWU6L83IoZZowpXvBRQ/s1600/oxfords3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6rxcUQOzC7e8xQF_MEJSmvQCrkFDBzocod7uDcxd-jZqIcKcAx24jx7mLXp51x1X62gnRqVa-Up5Ot6NZbEtMTb5p5Y2qNKMs_paW-dI1x7rUXCezwW_GwG7MhWU6L83IoZZowpXvBRQ/s400/oxfords3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561428658920821490" /></a><br />The shoes evolved out of a rough, outdoor footwear fashioned from untanned leather; their modern counterparts are almost universally appropriate (we're still talking menswear here) and often associated with refined locales and activities.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLct40kG3qLjEsVqYr2L5TYSO-ZHlpM3mkfBRSEXRVpJw3qKBxw2COmFMCJrOSqMSyKQ-QzJOKItpH9mZnhrYutsQVbeYgi0ipCuSyXXHY7MJqulbK3c_nJz8BVIHxEXuxRjFU2_ysv0/s1600/oxford1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 399px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicLct40kG3qLjEsVqYr2L5TYSO-ZHlpM3mkfBRSEXRVpJw3qKBxw2COmFMCJrOSqMSyKQ-QzJOKItpH9mZnhrYutsQVbeYgi0ipCuSyXXHY7MJqulbK3c_nJz8BVIHxEXuxRjFU2_ysv0/s400/oxford1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561428395096281378" /></a><br />Says fashion blogger Yangjing21, "During the 1960s men’s brogues got a further makeover by becoming available to buy in two-tone rather than just in browns and blacks. By this time they were even being adapted to be worn by women." A decade early, Saddle Shoes — a relative of the Brogue or Oxford — rose to popularity for both males and female (typically teens and children). Menswear details have made their way into women's wear since early in the last century — a 1908 advertisement that sold on ebay illustrates a unisex pair of oxfords.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFyW7iLXVgtcqqWL-iUQV7JvBKq1ePkypTbzBUcFUN3UYk2arwnzWw7cNrCYLMoos2PXhuvnfUq2Xq2tDGpvqTrbK0yq1Dt1nw9VhINb52qVLQ4kNSqK4w-GxR1TbP0nJKa2v9OqCZ0A/s1600/1908+oxford.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 273px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFyW7iLXVgtcqqWL-iUQV7JvBKq1ePkypTbzBUcFUN3UYk2arwnzWw7cNrCYLMoos2PXhuvnfUq2Xq2tDGpvqTrbK0yq1Dt1nw9VhINb52qVLQ4kNSqK4w-GxR1TbP0nJKa2v9OqCZ0A/s400/1908+oxford.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561429011412640066" /></a><br />My personal favorite Oxfords (search for them on ebay or etsy as "Granny Shoes") have a little heel, some toe detail (a wing tip or a cap) and rich leather in cordovan, chestnut or caramel.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyg5UyRo984gN3Rj_Z80STwJ2OvBALdgjz4PxatBv9i4OirxCcDnmulp-VkjGmvYVXX_W3gj7X8kEOdM5JxaRCP5cDu4hByS-bUUL9-Z4FMYDacQB5R8e0TTyrrrfs1fb_uXV0zlEn9k/s1600/oxford2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisyg5UyRo984gN3Rj_Z80STwJ2OvBALdgjz4PxatBv9i4OirxCcDnmulp-VkjGmvYVXX_W3gj7X8kEOdM5JxaRCP5cDu4hByS-bUUL9-Z4FMYDacQB5R8e0TTyrrrfs1fb_uXV0zlEn9k/s400/oxford2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561429645072978754" /></a>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-67584665960722548142010-11-04T11:25:00.000-07:002010-11-04T11:31:32.461-07:00Monk strap shoesOne of my all-time best back-to-school purchases was a pair of monk-strap shoes made by GAP. I'm not sure what inspired by mother to let me buy the shoes — we didn't have tons of money so there were usually just a few nice, new things from the mall each fall, and then the rest of my back-to-school wardrobe came from Goodwill and places like Fashion Bug or Deb's, or the vintage stores I frequented.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9xJ-DsoYtaGrDrWTR-DP1BiFveQ9mkqpPmFrghZbb_Q0KQhbJ8BZwUEuXF6TXWMC1h04BaC011ew3PQ7uzpbesq8u3c4g1byIJRpg0yuwgPELrpjqp2-Mxfh5wGv6Ml9belrwf-TPc4/s1600/bontoni+1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 361px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9xJ-DsoYtaGrDrWTR-DP1BiFveQ9mkqpPmFrghZbb_Q0KQhbJ8BZwUEuXF6TXWMC1h04BaC011ew3PQ7uzpbesq8u3c4g1byIJRpg0yuwgPELrpjqp2-Mxfh5wGv6Ml9belrwf-TPc4/s400/bontoni+1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535762863823908946" /></a><br />The monk strap shoes were chestnut brown, if memory serves, with a chunky heel. And no one else was wearing them. Must have been around 1989; not a big year for menswear-inspired womenswear. According to <a href="http://www.mens-fashion-authority.com/mens-monk-strap-shoes.html">Men's Fashion Authority</a>, "Kilted loafers have nothing to do with kilts and monk straps have nothing to do with monks. The name of the loafer relates to the style's characteristic feature: a side buckle which is is purely decorative. You won't have to be fiddling with straps and fastenings, these are infact loafers and the strap and buckle are not intended for function. The buckle, which can vary considerably in size and style, gives the loafer a slightly medieval feel, which is probably the origin of the name."<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDJVOMJ9v-OrUxqTqao5zdp2tna53m6HRKk3DeYOrP4biR5Ynz56i641cINkbPm3gf2VQa6hGp4KujhnRMS8KSLojmEZ6IrLqiciPipHNgzW3OEMPB4C94XwB6_Pu3MWHrrusqKaFoXY/s1600/Sigerson+Morrison+suede.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 203px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDJVOMJ9v-OrUxqTqao5zdp2tna53m6HRKk3DeYOrP4biR5Ynz56i641cINkbPm3gf2VQa6hGp4KujhnRMS8KSLojmEZ6IrLqiciPipHNgzW3OEMPB4C94XwB6_Pu3MWHrrusqKaFoXY/s400/Sigerson+Morrison+suede.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535762980790535458" /></a><br />For me, they were a beautiful shoe, and a classic — though just different enough to not be a penny loafer (preppy) or a wing tip (menswear). I loved the clean line, the elegant simplicity, the way they made jeans a little bit dressy and dresses a little bit reigned-in.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKQaly48DU7goFHqdeuFRiN3uni5Aup6L0p5AHq-TA6oGmaflJ8-8GCXDGskwluFPeN6R10WQlr_BcmrWliRJnf52xkiwvRLOUAQ4kLxbvQgr3s0ycLBEk_13F1t5Oa3tj_5E3xuET18/s1600/Bass+Elisa+slip-on.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJKQaly48DU7goFHqdeuFRiN3uni5Aup6L0p5AHq-TA6oGmaflJ8-8GCXDGskwluFPeN6R10WQlr_BcmrWliRJnf52xkiwvRLOUAQ4kLxbvQgr3s0ycLBEk_13F1t5Oa3tj_5E3xuET18/s400/Bass+Elisa+slip-on.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535763121931691362" /></a><br />Later, after college and getting ready for a job interview, I revisited the monk strap. It was black this time, in supple leather with silver hardware and a thick, two-inch heel. I didn't get the job, but the shoes quickly became a wear-with-everything staple in my wardrobe. To work at the front desk of a hotel, out to drinks afterwards. Bare-legged with skirts in the summer, paired with sweater tights and turtlenecks when the weather turned cold.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu19eRaJ8H4VYFWVWp3icQq6kl-yBD9FvdhskAs1inyIjQ24OGRet3tQBNYfKsuWoDQ8lFuuJgx8r4ugWu02aMXj6tPmaOPbAPdujaDt3QHu3v8RBwV39WXz-b08Q97aOGSwFf16-426U/s1600/il_570xN.164584382.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 378px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu19eRaJ8H4VYFWVWp3icQq6kl-yBD9FvdhskAs1inyIjQ24OGRet3tQBNYfKsuWoDQ8lFuuJgx8r4ugWu02aMXj6tPmaOPbAPdujaDt3QHu3v8RBwV39WXz-b08Q97aOGSwFf16-426U/s400/il_570xN.164584382.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535763675801804370" /></a><br />Now that fall is here, I'm thinking about past apparel successes and wondering if it's time to revisit this classic.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-48875183047027140872010-09-28T16:14:00.001-07:002010-09-28T16:28:22.864-07:00The Halloween DressI'm not a fan of tarty Halloween costumes, though I get it: It's the season of the alter-ego and, lurking in many of us, lives a tarty nurse or tarty pirate wench or tarty Strawberry Shortcake (yeah, I saw that in multiples last year) or, heck, just a tarty tart. But the buttoned-up spinster in my head rails against the idea that every costume has to involve stilettos and a mini skirt.<br /><br />So, a few years back, I found this dress at Goodwill:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-W1lMk4QcobmANg_RCHyKntCIndPwIXDejJkeS-FiXtZ_YLn2RCzQ46olUrep3QdpoPRWoTPSRAuv8ZhCwNnmdElXDg8CQxjYadpjIKZsvkvr56_XnGJCmYWayckQtuxbqoXEHHW3Gw/s1600/black1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix-W1lMk4QcobmANg_RCHyKntCIndPwIXDejJkeS-FiXtZ_YLn2RCzQ46olUrep3QdpoPRWoTPSRAuv8ZhCwNnmdElXDg8CQxjYadpjIKZsvkvr56_XnGJCmYWayckQtuxbqoXEHHW3Gw/s400/black1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522107763789012578" /></a><br />It's '70s-retro and also Morticia Addams-slinky. Add a long black wig and a little Gomez arm candy and you're good to go. Bonus: The long sleeves and maxi length allow for layering underneath in case Halloween falls on a cold night.<br /><br />Here's another take on the seasonal dress — Halloween/Day of the Dead without actually going all-out costumey:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoxMfcFK8YScci9I8_oGLQKAztG1LCx_wgw2s54t8eYL2064GgToUUsfyGWbvaXdszDn2aimj5glcIYvDM3UuOcG8Sjee7TVLe_-sdA-j7Xi2DnyHeAL4zWQjrd4Qvvth6-ed-K9lKPM/s1600/goth1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoxMfcFK8YScci9I8_oGLQKAztG1LCx_wgw2s54t8eYL2064GgToUUsfyGWbvaXdszDn2aimj5glcIYvDM3UuOcG8Sjee7TVLe_-sdA-j7Xi2DnyHeAL4zWQjrd4Qvvth6-ed-K9lKPM/s400/goth1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522108794848412546" /></a><br />This dress is a '70s/80s vintage pieces found on ebay. It doesn't have a label, but looks like a Gunne Sax gown from that era. It's almost a prairie dress, with it rows of tiny, emboridered, sorbet-colored flowers. But the dress itself, a sheer gauze layer over rustly taffeta, borrows enough Victorian elements (the high neckline, the gathered cuffs) that, in black, it's more Goth than Laura Ingalls. Pair it with high-button leather boots and an imposing hat and cut a spooky/intriguing figure at any party.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-40280391127920465882010-06-02T18:00:00.000-07:002010-06-02T18:29:56.535-07:00The floppy hatIt was, while searching for my own floppy sun hat, that it occured to me to write about this iconic summer item. I've always been a sun hat girl. Too much sun in my eyes gives me a headache so, even as a teen when no one was worrying much about SPF, I was going around in my offbeat collection of caps.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05N3JtCc7Llv72V_xFDgu-75XqYy4ZeO_XDTmZI8XmooUeWCbmlZT-mg2S5LnzyGV3SBCXu-mp3X0cLP8zmZ4qfLIUFxuzsBuTpdMGXV36lGH07Es7_zZI4enjtvWbmfr6rLFmNGpxc0/s1600/chrisbeetles.com-FASHION+STILL+FOR+VOGUE+ENTITLED+%27SUMMER+LIFE%27,+1957.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh05N3JtCc7Llv72V_xFDgu-75XqYy4ZeO_XDTmZI8XmooUeWCbmlZT-mg2S5LnzyGV3SBCXu-mp3X0cLP8zmZ4qfLIUFxuzsBuTpdMGXV36lGH07Es7_zZI4enjtvWbmfr6rLFmNGpxc0/s400/chrisbeetles.com-FASHION+STILL+FOR+VOGUE+ENTITLED+%27SUMMER+LIFE%27,+1957.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478350444812716882" /></a><i>Fashion still for Vogue, 1957, from chrisbeetles.com</i><br /><br />These days, hats are "physician endorsed" which means if you actually need a doctor's note to convince you to wear one, the time has come. If, on the other hand, you've been looking for an excuse to get all Hollywood starlet and parade about in the biggest brim and most oversized sunglasses you can find, well, your moment has arrived.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw8BxliOptLc0YPwiXX1E5lC9L5fDiRyY5hRzfmnxUIpZdyIVPcdGLEy8L0baB42Rv-NHqF-lKQtbPVtO9yKyEtdvGpO9I0fOVS5BplIPpWO2A4PkXadYqv_mBU_arydyf0yoCQGeTVM/s1600/summerhat_07.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 348px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw8BxliOptLc0YPwiXX1E5lC9L5fDiRyY5hRzfmnxUIpZdyIVPcdGLEy8L0baB42Rv-NHqF-lKQtbPVtO9yKyEtdvGpO9I0fOVS5BplIPpWO2A4PkXadYqv_mBU_arydyf0yoCQGeTVM/s400/summerhat_07.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478350875493560962" /></a><br />Floppy hats are everywhere. You can buy new ones, of course (they take their cues from the wide-brimmed styles of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, like this embroidered straw beauty), or you can seek out one-of-a-kind vintage hats.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi5-cIZPmr0BSGTca8KxrvcvSsU1XbaropF82UtikKi68X__9G-Whiz5JHXwi2wvpMgbRiIbfRi9Bj2hJSdtLRAFl2LS8MhqfnhWJIMlBYTBExR2IBOUQOMKF0z-2-CxAYorIlbtNHZU/s1600/033-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi5-cIZPmr0BSGTca8KxrvcvSsU1XbaropF82UtikKi68X__9G-Whiz5JHXwi2wvpMgbRiIbfRi9Bj2hJSdtLRAFl2LS8MhqfnhWJIMlBYTBExR2IBOUQOMKF0z-2-CxAYorIlbtNHZU/s400/033-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478351377565076482" /></a><br />My favorite hat — the one I can't find — is mauve and crocheted. I bought it from a shop that specialized in handmade gifts and though it was new, it had all of the charm of a pool hat from back in the day when palazzo pants and espadrilles equalled a sexy summer outfit. Here's hoping that look — like the floppy hat — comes back around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVw8hAX-HGaoS1myJ3xuBxBIFKEr3dDUiS5_lMdqcRAu7Dqqza0R3CyqD_Ih_hyd8TsUFXBINSohDSK7TWxhzKavUt2BWrl0ED13QOsV6tTSDWXInPj4h7FhmMIAiDSmRJxgPvoD06Tc/s1600/1930s_vogue+2.bp.blogspot.com.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVw8hAX-HGaoS1myJ3xuBxBIFKEr3dDUiS5_lMdqcRAu7Dqqza0R3CyqD_Ih_hyd8TsUFXBINSohDSK7TWxhzKavUt2BWrl0ED13QOsV6tTSDWXInPj4h7FhmMIAiDSmRJxgPvoD06Tc/s400/1930s_vogue+2.bp.blogspot.com.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478352265458377170" /></a><i>Image from 1930s Vogue</i>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-42195812173639501612010-04-25T14:46:00.000-07:002010-05-04T12:45:22.540-07:00A few of my favorite thingsThe thing about collecting vintage is that pieces sometimes reveal themselves slowly. Sometimes they come with an obvious narrative — a velvet cloche says 1920s and winter; a pair of long satin gloves speak of elegant ballrooms. Othertimes they are without the specifics of time or place and, out of context of history, seem timeless and poised for the next adventure. Personally, I like the latter best, and among my finds those pieces that have stubbornly demanded that I give them new stories rather than accepting well-worn cliches — those are the ones that become my prized possessions.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The western boots</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY3dDmnsGRWIIW7XhxahxDrRl9fW7jUGyBNR1wLRsHZz8FuooPMji99Kd40KhwgEsdyklxl5ZVC2mRWfaf83bvZtQiX_SEo76PJx8yhTpjrETj40qkrv7augpE9Xe7_Rv8u7Yeh1_1yg/s1600/boot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 312px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtY3dDmnsGRWIIW7XhxahxDrRl9fW7jUGyBNR1wLRsHZz8FuooPMji99Kd40KhwgEsdyklxl5ZVC2mRWfaf83bvZtQiX_SEo76PJx8yhTpjrETj40qkrv7augpE9Xe7_Rv8u7Yeh1_1yg/s400/boot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467501591944756610" /></a>Found these in a vintage store in the East Village in New York last spring. My birthday present to myself.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The silver bangles</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMonzKbcSCxyoiPoaFfqh-GZNMdntNc3ICIaqP6GxQaGZ-vEeMbiJ2zFJA8QSuBrJCMx8fNDUTUWt6-yAPjREBU82aaL8kNUxcxRlVjYmKITGlDK5l5QKIzB26J1pwY92R_SJKH8YebpY/s1600/bracelet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMonzKbcSCxyoiPoaFfqh-GZNMdntNc3ICIaqP6GxQaGZ-vEeMbiJ2zFJA8QSuBrJCMx8fNDUTUWt6-yAPjREBU82aaL8kNUxcxRlVjYmKITGlDK5l5QKIzB26J1pwY92R_SJKH8YebpY/s400/bracelet.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467501916420748482" /></a>These belonged to my mother; I believe she brought them back from San Francisco during the 1970s. I inherited them as a teenager and have worn them ever since.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The dashiki</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8_AasqcMnOq4iHOXkNyivc7Gu-QPp4B_6gBAk-yl9I5K5NNZ1oqcUlD9V3JrhSFCDv3W6_I1Am0tpeiExUvdYWEKe3x7z0vJn43XEgb2WVE0xTe7lM4xk3yRC8EPeoZqyxMAsTPj6hY/s1600/dashiki.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8_AasqcMnOq4iHOXkNyivc7Gu-QPp4B_6gBAk-yl9I5K5NNZ1oqcUlD9V3JrhSFCDv3W6_I1Am0tpeiExUvdYWEKe3x7z0vJn43XEgb2WVE0xTe7lM4xk3yRC8EPeoZqyxMAsTPj6hY/s400/dashiki.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467498196422896610" /></a>This belonged to my husband during his brief Rasta phase. Now I wear it as a summer coverup.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The hand-tooled leather belt</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll-MgGJjDhxar5sNVWh8WaMKxdVkZqyDWLB8VPcBWO_mtr4YhEN9pF1j04GglxaXjiJec9oP3FkGjeIXbxccpL6AK_8Lw4JcC5Na1KLB0R487JsYD0t0JwrybBksg920YkF2ls87Fo6M/s1600/belt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjll-MgGJjDhxar5sNVWh8WaMKxdVkZqyDWLB8VPcBWO_mtr4YhEN9pF1j04GglxaXjiJec9oP3FkGjeIXbxccpL6AK_8Lw4JcC5Na1KLB0R487JsYD0t0JwrybBksg920YkF2ls87Fo6M/s400/belt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467501245621099154" /></a>Found in a Goodwill years ago. It's the perfect size for me and goes with every pair of jeans I own.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The textured clutch</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8pjNUawdjCIRHnym1TtWgbUY6Q5sZQ5Emgi6NtX25o-EA425bSp3AY3EDXxsgJHsY8EmWUlsQPbNXGrJB5X5Et30oQAwufUXBS0pVnytSW-VupcbkevHIXXhk7covMqKLkxBneKDXPY/s1600/clutch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8pjNUawdjCIRHnym1TtWgbUY6Q5sZQ5Emgi6NtX25o-EA425bSp3AY3EDXxsgJHsY8EmWUlsQPbNXGrJB5X5Et30oQAwufUXBS0pVnytSW-VupcbkevHIXXhk7covMqKLkxBneKDXPY/s400/clutch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467501389047894818" /></a>A recent purchase, this bag is both tough and girly (like me).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Marc Jacobs trench</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD8qqAJ6MgVHC-RgfVtXJ0UjPxoObNW58ayQs-49HbmCD_1NZIcEmoZn9ftvmZ6vrB36Elt3x7yIZN-dwZhmdaS3Q86AwjT-C6nYpPtYYMT1UoEAESdapcAYJNmHpLgnlaT9ZuFNOGo8/s1600/trench.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQD8qqAJ6MgVHC-RgfVtXJ0UjPxoObNW58ayQs-49HbmCD_1NZIcEmoZn9ftvmZ6vrB36Elt3x7yIZN-dwZhmdaS3Q86AwjT-C6nYpPtYYMT1UoEAESdapcAYJNmHpLgnlaT9ZuFNOGo8/s400/trench.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467497846895338274" /></a>An ebay find; love it for its military styling and the slightly preppy blue and white striped lining.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The canvas handbag</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVyO7Zp7KqXCCqBo6yiA7OJLyRTy-s1xbdqZIAuV2HWX5YAzDaH9jmj9ci7N4p36kJAt8AHKRTIY5PcL4sHwdqQCg8xVzek3Oz5hhRts4Y2LHBtW_XfdpaF9JwB8ijXAw_5G-kE-cQoc/s1600/bag.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 399px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVyO7Zp7KqXCCqBo6yiA7OJLyRTy-s1xbdqZIAuV2HWX5YAzDaH9jmj9ci7N4p36kJAt8AHKRTIY5PcL4sHwdqQCg8xVzek3Oz5hhRts4Y2LHBtW_XfdpaF9JwB8ijXAw_5G-kE-cQoc/s400/bag.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467498504145253666" /></a>Charmingly preppy — the decorative whale-print strip is on velcro and meant to be interchanged with other designs — yet also a little boho with the wooden handle. I bought this on ebay when I was looking for a kelly green handbag. This wasn't what I had in mind, but the manufacturer was from Asheville (where I live), probably during the 1960s when the textile industry was huge in North Carolina.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The satin t-strap pumps</span>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvadue-YMkFjT_Hz3mqkbfOZuGMl6YsFuLbC716mMHAVHJqfdVwTx76CtgC84mCTfApDXWRA6akQUg8JYb17eywVaiN_pUw7gGmb5s2TLln6OSO4UMSNoGTji9oZQLXUJcQuZIIMyS2s/s1600/tstrap.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvadue-YMkFjT_Hz3mqkbfOZuGMl6YsFuLbC716mMHAVHJqfdVwTx76CtgC84mCTfApDXWRA6akQUg8JYb17eywVaiN_pUw7gGmb5s2TLln6OSO4UMSNoGTji9oZQLXUJcQuZIIMyS2s/s400/tstrap.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467501118904624354" /></a>I bought these for my wedding — and wore them with a 30s-era silk dress — but they've come in useful so many times since then. The brown color goes with everything and the t-strap style is timeless.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-19319027519381778132010-04-19T14:28:00.000-07:002010-04-19T14:36:35.725-07:00The great clog comebackWhen I was in third grade, clogs were all the rage. Every girl had to have a pair, which resulted in a year of clomping through the elementary school's green-tiled halls. It also resulted in a rash of sprained ankles, which kept the school nurse busy. Lesson (not that anyone bothered to learn it): 9 year-old girls lack the balance and coordination to gracefully manage clogs. (By the next year it was on to mini skirts and tentative crushes on Eric Estrada.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Dd3DLV8NCmc8fLGVMyzDDlpDogBeFeWFpehPke_LYV-nI3qgjCXe5a9_OItCINfpp0RMBVaKzTdFYwLXQ4scdFDfbwc2XLT0EOkAJzd9VTkah3fATuhHEb771LW1nZJmQPTVgfIx8qE/s1600/70s+vintage.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Dd3DLV8NCmc8fLGVMyzDDlpDogBeFeWFpehPke_LYV-nI3qgjCXe5a9_OItCINfpp0RMBVaKzTdFYwLXQ4scdFDfbwc2XLT0EOkAJzd9VTkah3fATuhHEb771LW1nZJmQPTVgfIx8qE/s400/70s+vintage.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461964279069200578" /></a> <i>70s vintage clogs from <a href="http://www.thebluekimono.blogspot.com/">The Blue Kimono</a></i><br /><br />My mom had clogs then, too — and she could actually walk in them. Hers were dark reddish-brown leather with a stylized toe cap and an ankle strap that buckled. She wore them with India-print wrap-around skirts. We were only just out of the 70s, after all. I coveted them, sitting in her closet strapping them on over my knee socks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRYQG28n22IxcXZFZU2nfY6-403mGYzMzepg5e7gs5VMDbrwfIcJW0k2w44DGJPXz5BFFzqU93XcuDNNP_PROaSWwk3VUtAORWQ9YzO7Q3S5beJ56k8t_AGEAQACheW1cjL6v_8qhZqw/s1600/blue-clogs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRYQG28n22IxcXZFZU2nfY6-403mGYzMzepg5e7gs5VMDbrwfIcJW0k2w44DGJPXz5BFFzqU93XcuDNNP_PROaSWwk3VUtAORWQ9YzO7Q3S5beJ56k8t_AGEAQACheW1cjL6v_8qhZqw/s400/blue-clogs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461964810907371554" /></a> <i>Ankle-strap clogs from <a href="http://thefabledneedle.blogspot.com/">The Fab Needle</a></i><br /><br />I think that the <a href="http://www.dansko.com/">Dansko</a> company almost single-handedly kept the dream alive for all the clog girls out there. Kind of ironically, the shoe maker has veered off into thin-soled sandals and a matronly line of heels just as the fashion world is ready to embrace clunky clogs again. <a href="http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2009/10/chunky-clogs-arethe-new-stilet.html">Glamour magazine</a> ponders the effect of this trend while <a href="http://www.chicintuition.com/?p=7782">Chanel</a> sends clogs down the runway and vintage savvy girls trawl ebay for delightfully retro 70s and 80s wood-and-leather originals.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-26214657348997780832010-04-15T11:56:00.000-07:002010-04-15T12:04:39.422-07:00The white sundressI have this vision of the perfect summer outfit. It's both boho and crisp, rockerish and girly, floaty and subtle. Actually, the outfit takes on myriad shapes depending on the day, the event at hand and my mood. But it always involves a vintage white sundress.<br /><br />Here's a fave from the now-defunct vintage shop <a href="http://maidenrapture.blogspot.com/">Maiden Rapture</a>. Sweet eyelet and a sweetheart/crossover neckline allow for lots of interpretations on how to wear it. Cute flats and a picnic basket? Shortie harness boots and a straw fedora? <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJCDcAEwG0lBAqGuf-IkgglmvQzUHWrwdneunWZxFS-8zVwp98YKkFwJXdA3tn-K_xSy10YLxkNEgrPzpQCMbS77pfKrmtFNrXWDZU7HbIEgNi7NRcibJJUe1711MgVi6c-ze7IqsQiw/s1600/maidenrapture.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGJCDcAEwG0lBAqGuf-IkgglmvQzUHWrwdneunWZxFS-8zVwp98YKkFwJXdA3tn-K_xSy10YLxkNEgrPzpQCMbS77pfKrmtFNrXWDZU7HbIEgNi7NRcibJJUe1711MgVi6c-ze7IqsQiw/s400/maidenrapture.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460440331608554098" /></a><br />Exhibit B: The floaty dress paired with Western boots. Blog <a href="http://www.cowboybootreview.com/campfire/?tag=/sundresses">The Cowboy Boot Review</a> gets it just right with these two outfits worn by Ashley Olsen (left) and Kate Bosworth. High/low pairings tend to make for easy glamor, so the more feminine and lacy the dress, the more rugged the boot.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RlPy-OPgiULsQnBV0vCPkAqTY1uo16mywqV4VbW3Rt4Gs6Nqgn3xEc4mmxmZm3bwcdu1R6epParEYlUMajXDhsSFjM41Wwiu5EU-mVO1QNraBFtCJYDwpOFTpN7T1FxfUlLHjhkpkCc/s1600/cowboybootsreview.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_RlPy-OPgiULsQnBV0vCPkAqTY1uo16mywqV4VbW3Rt4Gs6Nqgn3xEc4mmxmZm3bwcdu1R6epParEYlUMajXDhsSFjM41Wwiu5EU-mVO1QNraBFtCJYDwpOFTpN7T1FxfUlLHjhkpkCc/s400/cowboybootsreview.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460440519058282690" /></a><br />Next up: Crochet. <a href="http://www.chictopia.com/AandA">Chictopia</a> ran this image of a 3/4 sleeve dress Zara back in the fall; the loose crochet makes this a multi-season dress. Throw it over a bathing suit or a cami and jeans, or fancy it up over a pretty colored slip for a night out.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgFYx-saw-dkLzdtFl2SkV4m9ipw4Ux5WEPhdF9eXkHjhSu4qELBg9AfqrZD1FDgaw7MuZacwwIrVJCkIyeeOZ_C16Uj9r5XL-AIWAbGPvkpuPCTYmXXx1L3DYmbEhSLOQ_BbTXwS_pk/s1600/chictopia.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpgFYx-saw-dkLzdtFl2SkV4m9ipw4Ux5WEPhdF9eXkHjhSu4qELBg9AfqrZD1FDgaw7MuZacwwIrVJCkIyeeOZ_C16Uj9r5XL-AIWAbGPvkpuPCTYmXXx1L3DYmbEhSLOQ_BbTXwS_pk/s400/chictopia.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460440750498382226" /></a><br />Moving on to stappy. Here's a disco-y version found on <a href="http://www.vintagejenny.com/index.php?cboCategory=2&Go=true">Vintage Jenny</a>. Yeah, it's probably polyester but think how great it will look with tall cork and leather wedges. Or clogs. Or peaking out from under a herringbone menswear vest.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfSWM7MLMHYheZsRbu5nyc_oN_umE1qsskb-f24i21iaZUU8rcMPrgmSDacnt9qf0uFfdH1B1pxd5hd8XtrchHSCrA-Tdxk4JvyhDg1bYUw4RTuQgRAUpaMjJaCYmMnX8hSO3Nl_Ucps/s1600/JCPenny.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 141px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGfSWM7MLMHYheZsRbu5nyc_oN_umE1qsskb-f24i21iaZUU8rcMPrgmSDacnt9qf0uFfdH1B1pxd5hd8XtrchHSCrA-Tdxk4JvyhDg1bYUw4RTuQgRAUpaMjJaCYmMnX8hSO3Nl_Ucps/s400/JCPenny.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460440941694032946" /></a><br />Finally, there's the tube dress. Seems like every decade has its version, from pouffy and corseted to slim and Hawaiian-printed. Terry cloth has made a comeback, thanks to Juicy Couture, but look for a vintage 70s version of that theme, with a color block waist band and (if you're lucky) kangaroo pocket. Here's an 80s-reminiscnet version from ebay. Wear it alone with flip flops for a beachy look, or make it an easy piece under a boyfriend blazer and loose scarf.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFg3u85ukZlL9fMVxQovBUbkd9psnjL_Nq04Duj1-Gorotc1kk3xyJGqBXgquugDM6_caQqQFnyhZcmZ08HojFZctLgs_-5SIXrMQL7wNOXWzOj_tgIVuZaeF0X-bMMXcMK2ti00-J0/s1600/tube+dress.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 350px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIFg3u85ukZlL9fMVxQovBUbkd9psnjL_Nq04Duj1-Gorotc1kk3xyJGqBXgquugDM6_caQqQFnyhZcmZ08HojFZctLgs_-5SIXrMQL7wNOXWzOj_tgIVuZaeF0X-bMMXcMK2ti00-J0/s400/tube+dress.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460441244669501618" /></a>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-66333582997429224722010-04-04T14:31:00.000-07:002010-04-05T11:10:25.837-07:00Rodeo booties<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSeblOyCZ36_6IPNCa2ZTX7hNtnes6Pb2kGOJ5wvh04niuQqXlSwY88mq2EAlS5jEtIOPXQa2YlyYpqFkky1g8P_rGDpX48ZyxkdRRrpnYIhShFKXbD37RLvtDxI6ZRlB33YoaGZ_0KE/s1600/100_5047.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitSeblOyCZ36_6IPNCa2ZTX7hNtnes6Pb2kGOJ5wvh04niuQqXlSwY88mq2EAlS5jEtIOPXQa2YlyYpqFkky1g8P_rGDpX48ZyxkdRRrpnYIhShFKXbD37RLvtDxI6ZRlB33YoaGZ_0KE/s400/100_5047.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456399225433679202" /></a><br />This is my answer to the current Oxfords trend: vintage '80s western shoes. Under jeans they look like cowboy boots, but they're only ankle high. <a href="http://www.ninewest.com/Shoes/5,default,sc.html">Nine West</a> made 'em. So did <a href="http://www.inthe80s.com/clothes/ZodiacBoots.shtml">Zodiac</a> — along with a number of other footwear companies — but if you want to start searching for your own pair among online vintage shops (check ebay and etsy, from where these images were culled) Nine West and Zodiac are good starting points <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTqwYATo2Wxfb1DxqEvQK0EDy4I3nWnmRCgkvm3CMPsgGR9RlBfgmXe_eUb6NxlZgW25CXdXx8N_YcaAyq7kdMcwgRcdFmlzEPzF6ni51JUCgao7w6cLofgMHCV4_ddRmfkvKcaJgDxg/s1600/il_430xN.115104077.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTqwYATo2Wxfb1DxqEvQK0EDy4I3nWnmRCgkvm3CMPsgGR9RlBfgmXe_eUb6NxlZgW25CXdXx8N_YcaAyq7kdMcwgRcdFmlzEPzF6ni51JUCgao7w6cLofgMHCV4_ddRmfkvKcaJgDxg/s400/il_430xN.115104077.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456399502331067426" /></a><br />Oxfords are great — don't get me wrong — but when everyone jumps on a trend I sometimes like to steer clear. These rodeo booties are a great way to pull off a similar result: The floaty above-the-knee summer dress paired with a sturdy menswear shoe. And the bonus: You get just a little heel, a little cowgirl edge, a sexy pointy toe, and a shoe that will look great with your bootcut jeans come fall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIh_NnO3fkSrUPwtuoTcK8HvNAyo9w7-IykF8fvZHCe0u3VemDBi73PZQptkKVhuhPYl9BaRDmxjqouGa3dPKgdvr_sI6Ye1a3mkr4QlK5b6RCqF8n3MsTvO7BGd6aktHieb4QCXydpI/s1600/il_430xN.112393811.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKIh_NnO3fkSrUPwtuoTcK8HvNAyo9w7-IykF8fvZHCe0u3VemDBi73PZQptkKVhuhPYl9BaRDmxjqouGa3dPKgdvr_sI6Ye1a3mkr4QlK5b6RCqF8n3MsTvO7BGd6aktHieb4QCXydpI/s400/il_430xN.112393811.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456399487848004562" /></a><br />Rodeo booties aren't as sought-after as full-height boots, so seek them out in vintage stores. Because they're not in demand, they're reasonably priced. Because they don't have 15-inch shafts, you can stash dozens of pairs in your closet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EtVsKHzQZl9q8DpisvobO-S87wRKas_P1bCK2oG8b0BNCX_w_mBLhS3fFiPAFZQhizKBChK51eerO8QqOxntNbRjl_Mb1VAmQPhVrAKKrmaz4WQ0JmxDnwgqn1-33WlgED-0ANj49Cc/s1600/DC68CD02B37844F4979D69CC0E1B1F98.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EtVsKHzQZl9q8DpisvobO-S87wRKas_P1bCK2oG8b0BNCX_w_mBLhS3fFiPAFZQhizKBChK51eerO8QqOxntNbRjl_Mb1VAmQPhVrAKKrmaz4WQ0JmxDnwgqn1-33WlgED-0ANj49Cc/s400/DC68CD02B37844F4979D69CC0E1B1F98.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456399243116088594" /></a><br />My suggestion: Start with a neutral pair. Brown or black (I have a pair of navy blue ones and they with nearly everything) make for a great first pair, and then you can collect the wilder, embellished models. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0aA7J3Tp7X4UOuL7Rbvxo8GJp5UKfl0Q8xPQt-DlPQzB2sJp1c_YKgIJ3lGjKraBWOscGx7v8wS5uf1yFJJewCrvF2ZyqnZs6Ac0qvFAf8dSi4N-4gNeV4iRBWWW6jX6ehbESduCK6E/s1600/il_fullxfull.129452476.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0aA7J3Tp7X4UOuL7Rbvxo8GJp5UKfl0Q8xPQt-DlPQzB2sJp1c_YKgIJ3lGjKraBWOscGx7v8wS5uf1yFJJewCrvF2ZyqnZs6Ac0qvFAf8dSi4N-4gNeV4iRBWWW6jX6ehbESduCK6E/s400/il_fullxfull.129452476.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456712936161682098" /></a><br />I did try doing some research on these ankle boots and haven't come up with much as far as when they were popular and what kicked off the trend. I can, however, totally imagine <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000106">Drew Barrymore</a>'s character, Julia, in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120888/fullcredits">The Wedding Singer</a> sporting a pair with a white sundress and a faded denim jacket. Or <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000524">Mary Stuart Masterson</a> as Watts in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094006">Some Kind of Wonderful</a>. (Watts, by the way, was wearing black Oxfords with her cut-off jeans. Seriously. Rodeo booties would work!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CUt2StviXL3g2N81QOGbTdEHx7eLNnaQ-0wRlW5umdBPNpBmfhz4mY81WVi3biD7sGKNSEyjv-ojfE0lGrr2XKd8UUT1TXQehgKZJ8lzFANXJ5J3kX3c2lnQCWrTtwZU7L6_D5-Rvh4/s1600/0402_1_020.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CUt2StviXL3g2N81QOGbTdEHx7eLNnaQ-0wRlW5umdBPNpBmfhz4mY81WVi3biD7sGKNSEyjv-ojfE0lGrr2XKd8UUT1TXQehgKZJ8lzFANXJ5J3kX3c2lnQCWrTtwZU7L6_D5-Rvh4/s400/0402_1_020.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456399227698675986" /></a><br />Personally, I'm not a huge fan of 80s retro. I lived through it the first time around. I'm horrified by the return of acid wash and stirrup pants. And the huge zippers on everything this spring... yikes. But cute western ankle boots: now that's a revival I can get behind. You heard it here first.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iBq1MvG206X6id5Qh4ZjyEY5z88Rzz3JTOWllXJkUk9c8vuuK6gGPXgJ_S2l7BYRWlhjCB1ST_SOGt4YGW7bpF8wnANPQQXQ_xET48Drp-dbGZTS4uaWyCD4A8uJtQcL2aXGp9VxcyU/s1600/38CE58E0652B4B008E1ED07A843B32C2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iBq1MvG206X6id5Qh4ZjyEY5z88Rzz3JTOWllXJkUk9c8vuuK6gGPXgJ_S2l7BYRWlhjCB1ST_SOGt4YGW7bpF8wnANPQQXQ_xET48Drp-dbGZTS4uaWyCD4A8uJtQcL2aXGp9VxcyU/s400/38CE58E0652B4B008E1ED07A843B32C2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456399220764634626" /></a>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-60438929447823879782010-04-01T14:05:00.000-07:002010-04-01T14:20:25.508-07:00Viva la touristTrain cases are, for me, little portable parcels of glamor. And, though I rarely get to take a train, carrying a train case seems to imply adventure. That's just me: I like to imagine, as often as possible, that I'm on the set of period film. Like travel isn't just homogenized rest stops, chain hotels and all-inclusive packages. Instead, it's the dream, the world in between worlds where nothing weighs heavy and everything is possible. I'd like to say travel is the time when we're <span style="font-style:italic;">free</span> of all of life's baggage, except that it's actually the occasion when we're dealing with <span style="font-style:italic;">literal</span> baggage.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_wfPL3dpeg-O6_mVfqDLymdEP-etMdXrVJwpv3VaZra9BI4qKMfsPLc6CBvt_3RuJfFxDnpZBplb6yPKeL9p-Lqh0I7KUoqKUXXE2sL5sznItsYA-h1zNuF_R9e6HYq7fxcjQbXwbdo/s1600/vintage4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 375px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_wfPL3dpeg-O6_mVfqDLymdEP-etMdXrVJwpv3VaZra9BI4qKMfsPLc6CBvt_3RuJfFxDnpZBplb6yPKeL9p-Lqh0I7KUoqKUXXE2sL5sznItsYA-h1zNuF_R9e6HYq7fxcjQbXwbdo/s400/vintage4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455279754455900594" /></a><br />A train case is travel-lite. Not that the women who carried them, historically, would have traveled lightly. They would have had stacks of luggage. Sets of suitcases, perhaps a garment bag, definitely a hat box. But the train case, small and tidy, hard-shelled and impervious with its snap-latch, holds the necessities.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nEScIoWqNf02gqx4QQKhAnx21e5ffvjh3FTqZBCRyLMOYTIiUFSuuf3wEsKaTETLfzuLv_j1E_qkHtO0L4jJDOOd-7tvzs8dvvXp_CwHwoG9T8OxwWaed8QMlNwPJlXMOHm_xjJOBMc/s1600/train_cases_collage+polymorphicstudio.blogspot.com.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nEScIoWqNf02gqx4QQKhAnx21e5ffvjh3FTqZBCRyLMOYTIiUFSuuf3wEsKaTETLfzuLv_j1E_qkHtO0L4jJDOOd-7tvzs8dvvXp_CwHwoG9T8OxwWaed8QMlNwPJlXMOHm_xjJOBMc/s400/train_cases_collage+polymorphicstudio.blogspot.com.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455280378517991506" /></a> <i>Collage from <a href="http://www.polymorphicstudio.blogspot.com/">Polymorphic Studio</a></i> <br /><br />And even though train cases are a thing of the past, I love finding them. They're on ebay — nice ones with port of call stamps — and they're in antique stores, over-priced and polished up. But I like discovering them, abandoned and sort of sad, in the corners of thrift ships. Usually they're a little scratched up and have been used to store crafting materials or as sewing kits. (Check for pins stick into the satin lining.) Give them a second life as makeup kits, carry-ons or (if you're a very light packer) day bags. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBMGIWpyOaj9mVXw5MKCuA3tzorU07Fq4VROtkvpsbzKe0MIGQUcZxeO8r3nNgvYi2gdKq1wEoMfHz17ZiidBZXwmUWwbmg_0g3Wgnd8nj8bhvRXdVqg8dQGgfOPDpBLPfrCH5ATnwmA/s1600/SherlockHolmes_TrainCase.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBMGIWpyOaj9mVXw5MKCuA3tzorU07Fq4VROtkvpsbzKe0MIGQUcZxeO8r3nNgvYi2gdKq1wEoMfHz17ZiidBZXwmUWwbmg_0g3Wgnd8nj8bhvRXdVqg8dQGgfOPDpBLPfrCH5ATnwmA/s400/SherlockHolmes_TrainCase.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455281290291933394" /></a> <i>Upcycled train case found on ebay.</i>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-71255693987571020842010-03-28T14:47:00.000-07:002010-03-28T15:14:04.384-07:00My new favorite vintage storeThis weekend I discovered <b>Vintage Attict</b> at <a href="http://downtownmarketasheville.com/">The Downtown Market</a> (45 S. French Broad Ave., Asheville, 255-8858). The shop is run like a booth in an antique market: it's a square of space jam-packed with all sorts of clothing, art, accessories and ephemera and the proprietors are on hand to answer questions and strike bargains.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsKbpR46jy8xwGQWoGzI4BHqAyr_BoETALM-9UhBpwDTl4ty7YSzsR-Bga05mSuvY7ATd1CTpiivGvQJo5NICMl8MtZbDRfK69UPhiiBBgqctrxbpmkoRjFFpb9pSSJfTDzwYijDwIZs/s1600/vintage2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCsKbpR46jy8xwGQWoGzI4BHqAyr_BoETALM-9UhBpwDTl4ty7YSzsR-Bga05mSuvY7ATd1CTpiivGvQJo5NICMl8MtZbDRfK69UPhiiBBgqctrxbpmkoRjFFpb9pSSJfTDzwYijDwIZs/s400/vintage2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453806359124667858" /></a><br />This particular stall spoke to me because I liked both the style of the owners (pictured here) and the whole 70s-electic-country rock point of view.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTqrpJfYXHuGu9wijUmGcfifzYTLeQpXLqJvbccxE6CeYj0mE7jHDTF6XVvmk3yHo7rDdwN4tpITVHzd5mxGNBAlrCMpOA7KDKmO555VmCGvN-sGHTZKEpcRhQoTQAYmz6dn2AotufL4/s1600/vintage1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipTqrpJfYXHuGu9wijUmGcfifzYTLeQpXLqJvbccxE6CeYj0mE7jHDTF6XVvmk3yHo7rDdwN4tpITVHzd5mxGNBAlrCMpOA7KDKmO555VmCGvN-sGHTZKEpcRhQoTQAYmz6dn2AotufL4/s400/vintage1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453806843063450850" /></a><br />In order to work, a vintage store (whether it's a boutique in the East Village, a booth in an antiques mall or a few racks set up at a street fair) has to have a clear POV. Some of my favorites have included Cleopatra's in Rochester N.Y. (beaded gowns, 20s apparel, film noir); J.W. Bunker in Pittsford, N.Y. (overdyed military wear) and Vintage Moon in Asheville (shawls, beaded purses, fringed leather, Stevie Nicks). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6297plLsewfUzX8il0VLp2S7S-NBSRj1FZLbj28FPgm_Xx0r1PCakkbapHvhQ-rFaWb-NH0DC1-pDlZ96VDKZIbhCObPycjAVk0KR3_boFl84L0cPIe2X8HAJVHJ6aJ7WN6AP7yrGBQE/s1600/painting.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6297plLsewfUzX8il0VLp2S7S-NBSRj1FZLbj28FPgm_Xx0r1PCakkbapHvhQ-rFaWb-NH0DC1-pDlZ96VDKZIbhCObPycjAVk0KR3_boFl84L0cPIe2X8HAJVHJ6aJ7WN6AP7yrGBQE/s400/painting.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808925544529602" /></a><br />In a space no larger than a walkin closet, Vintage Attict delivers that same sort of step-back-in-time narative with artfully stacked, heaped, hung and displayed treasure ranging from a tissue-thin Bon Jovi concert tee and feather earrings to strappy leather wedge sandals and prfectly distressed biker jacket (below).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1FQ7aWC1a0GFt7sIJnccvxRFB9mjDd98xTnKDiVytde22eW2LgJEfZTO8I4qLFcnXOLxW9L_qybWNoZvUUfkAeleMj10aXpV-PvNU5zRWQaTM0R0iXTAwAVkyn9dAAnS2XQYnYAH20A/s1600/leather.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1FQ7aWC1a0GFt7sIJnccvxRFB9mjDd98xTnKDiVytde22eW2LgJEfZTO8I4qLFcnXOLxW9L_qybWNoZvUUfkAeleMj10aXpV-PvNU5zRWQaTM0R0iXTAwAVkyn9dAAnS2XQYnYAH20A/s400/leather.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808914825298098" /></a><br />Other finds: An embroidered denim shirt<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjqGnMtW65KcjYbynwfzyugG-oE3eT3E6AjXfKbj7nxpGXep0XhhAd957IavwSnOHGfR3B9ZmPbKOpoYDFBPQLoQyvFmq43enDKTbobWXVmS2kyCza5CHM6NK8CX9MSZdw_9Zwq41OAU/s1600/denim.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLjqGnMtW65KcjYbynwfzyugG-oE3eT3E6AjXfKbj7nxpGXep0XhhAd957IavwSnOHGfR3B9ZmPbKOpoYDFBPQLoQyvFmq43enDKTbobWXVmS2kyCza5CHM6NK8CX9MSZdw_9Zwq41OAU/s400/denim.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808911064166354" /></a><br />retro train cases<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33rGUnR3Bv6g6Oa25uxE0dmqkGVsgOhLJTE0j7JT9vJrhjsLdjp1998KSNA6S8E5sZBz9ySwVRd6H4jmZxRDGcRHf3B_8lcZ1CLQQh96fTM0Q_YQJ2UFhOTxwYoePqOZx0mNsD3OGS9M/s1600/cases.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33rGUnR3Bv6g6Oa25uxE0dmqkGVsgOhLJTE0j7JT9vJrhjsLdjp1998KSNA6S8E5sZBz9ySwVRd6H4jmZxRDGcRHf3B_8lcZ1CLQQh96fTM0Q_YQJ2UFhOTxwYoePqOZx0mNsD3OGS9M/s400/cases.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808908298639506" /></a><br />metallic belts<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-COgW944eo4prNyrWo9QGpp1qXNRcGkqlBqUeKl1TRbOsfVU3cOxzhgc0NvZT2_opMaqWCLQfn-k0YrG__joN-VohqyvhLFr2Ze-IEsFRf6XcFgWQgqWhKFX5hoU2uf0VF7jopH10sU/s1600/belts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1-COgW944eo4prNyrWo9QGpp1qXNRcGkqlBqUeKl1TRbOsfVU3cOxzhgc0NvZT2_opMaqWCLQfn-k0YrG__joN-VohqyvhLFr2Ze-IEsFRf6XcFgWQgqWhKFX5hoU2uf0VF7jopH10sU/s400/belts.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453808896280682770" /></a><br />boots, heels and mules<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixppi_hCnCmbPYJr9WonxK8Z20_futx7Wfl9s0DQUA2d0E1jxCtvfXGIG29L_LhG8-V8aqBWBzWC14coIrZdtFl-suEdifl7XXG4MFWXYslKSd7flM_Uo3TZDMoOSPby8xoeQwSxFVV9o/s1600/shoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 359px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixppi_hCnCmbPYJr9WonxK8Z20_futx7Wfl9s0DQUA2d0E1jxCtvfXGIG29L_LhG8-V8aqBWBzWC14coIrZdtFl-suEdifl7XXG4MFWXYslKSd7flM_Uo3TZDMoOSPby8xoeQwSxFVV9o/s400/shoes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453810695492429282" /></a><br />And hand-tooled leather.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiriTnQX_u0fTE-WalYyY6J-YGfxe_DaV-mLvtOEWoRoA8phyphenhyphen9R1jtJpyJJJV9rOLE-XCWi9WFyAYhDkXa6zjvesSlt4Dd42QuPgT-WQRtAaCZih9AnglyYLijVmNCDjvKNdopwGLZ6KI/s1600/rooster.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiriTnQX_u0fTE-WalYyY6J-YGfxe_DaV-mLvtOEWoRoA8phyphenhyphen9R1jtJpyJJJV9rOLE-XCWi9WFyAYhDkXa6zjvesSlt4Dd42QuPgT-WQRtAaCZih9AnglyYLijVmNCDjvKNdopwGLZ6KI/s400/rooster.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453810702623245794" /></a>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-46226526014272924492010-03-25T12:01:00.000-07:002010-03-25T14:17:44.678-07:00Bathing beautiesEven slender girls have body issues. When it comes to trying on bathing suits, I practically need psychotherapy. Going into a dressing room with a handful or bikinis knowing I’m about to come face to face with every stretch mark cellulite ripple: Ick. It’s enough to make a girl just want to turn back to her corduroys and tunics. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUa_12aky1kiLWXdo6M-6n420x9wjNla3iYGdwz9FHFN4BYG5Cd0R4BUlLqbgVK-_ljVOI3Ng6_UjPEki87u_tD3-ZGiEhx0dn0HD_EOlNKFvfAvaAUmpmWaC6SDiMj0MEa7qnJlcG-M/s1600/Pinupgirlclothing.com+vintage-swimsuit-marilyn-swimsuit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 331px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUa_12aky1kiLWXdo6M-6n420x9wjNla3iYGdwz9FHFN4BYG5Cd0R4BUlLqbgVK-_ljVOI3Ng6_UjPEki87u_tD3-ZGiEhx0dn0HD_EOlNKFvfAvaAUmpmWaC6SDiMj0MEa7qnJlcG-M/s400/Pinupgirlclothing.com+vintage-swimsuit-marilyn-swimsuit.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452650547837133314" /></a>(<i>Marilyn swimsuit from PinUpGirlClothing.com</i>)<br /><br />Okay, not really. But I have gazed longingly at the matronly skirted suits in the Land’s End catalog from time to time. And I have thought, “Too bad those high-waisted, boy-legged pinup suits of the 1940s and 50s don’t come back into style.”<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvXbpxmVzT6d5rfLSjx2HVEgcIoBB7eq4b5uL6_BctXaj76K2r8ZS23bexCjnjKQKiQTRpInnDN47KHLrC8VtESw09jFrQuQP7IFvaRyUkNU4DC91ioHdo_gFHVEgFbgvVi_jl2oR_tY/s1600/annfunicllo03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 347px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvXbpxmVzT6d5rfLSjx2HVEgcIoBB7eq4b5uL6_BctXaj76K2r8ZS23bexCjnjKQKiQTRpInnDN47KHLrC8VtESw09jFrQuQP7IFvaRyUkNU4DC91ioHdo_gFHVEgFbgvVi_jl2oR_tY/s400/annfunicllo03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452651099862882770" /></a><br />Here’s the good news: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alberto_Vargas">Those Vargas Girl</a> suits of yore — the ones with the supportive chests and full coverage seats, the ones that are at once prim and sexy — are back in style. At least among some vintage revivalist labels like <a href=http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com/bikinis1.html>Pin Up Girl Clothing</a> (natch) and <a href=http://www.squidoo.com/skinny-dip-swimwear>Squidoo</a>. (<a href=http://www.babygirlboutique.com/vintage-swimsuits.html>Baby Girl Boutique</a> even sells the real vintage thing, like this “1950's Hawaiian Tiki Print Bombshell Swimsuit Bathing Suit,” below.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEmr2KK5_1edJCKJ96_iE4hCH1c5hItXhIrvXytxX1jGDwSUfg9B5zDQmDMkKJdldgEfRZAZybmqLuA6xFavtxtcDXgCHG6YX9uWuJA5QuHYR236Gvds5kKFnhSfM3gQxZZmv_e3vITc/s1600/yhst-45547213099599_2099_3051887442.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpEmr2KK5_1edJCKJ96_iE4hCH1c5hItXhIrvXytxX1jGDwSUfg9B5zDQmDMkKJdldgEfRZAZybmqLuA6xFavtxtcDXgCHG6YX9uWuJA5QuHYR236Gvds5kKFnhSfM3gQxZZmv_e3vITc/s400/yhst-45547213099599_2099_3051887442.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452651277494116290" /></a><br /><a href=” http://www.hipreplacementsclothing.com/”>Hip Replacements</a> (one of my favorite stores) sells some of these super-cute, super-flattering suits. (Below: Fables by Barrie, Yacht Bikini.) <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKAHt4Et8ia252ZaEr6gWkMDNVGvWG4HCfmpkWk0gs7I20n6luRo3EC2uqEUjxVg7U0M5_eSN0XusItWm5fjuASiAD_NeSaJjyoSMCx9gHV55nkjlyi9G5X7vkQ23x_7W2olAA1TsXu0/s1600/yachtbikini.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKAHt4Et8ia252ZaEr6gWkMDNVGvWG4HCfmpkWk0gs7I20n6luRo3EC2uqEUjxVg7U0M5_eSN0XusItWm5fjuASiAD_NeSaJjyoSMCx9gHV55nkjlyi9G5X7vkQ23x_7W2olAA1TsXu0/s400/yachtbikini.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452651485310793730" /></a><br />Take a wardrobe lesson from <a href="http://www.marilynmonroe.com/">Marilyn Monroe</a>? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gidget">Gidget</a>? <a href="http://www.bettiepage.com/">Betty Paige</a>? Don’t mind if I do!allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-17661901087438606142010-03-24T13:53:00.000-07:002010-03-25T11:34:18.378-07:00In honor of hatsThe sun has returned and (as I reminded myself with the last post) it's time not only crack open the sunscreen but to break out the hat collection. The sun makes us happy and healthy, but it also brings wrinkles. And worse. Enough of the lecture, the preventative is simple: slap on a hat for instant protection <i>and</i> style. Here's some inspiration, culled from my personal pics and <a href="http://www.mountainx.com/streetstyle">Asheville Streetstyle</a> (the street fashion blog I created with the <i>Mountain Xpress</i>).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-o0TAMHPlRRu2dDUiYNkBUoKYSXKl3Ho4zmyrKkP3R6k1th_WRdrd0Mq9UbhknOMX2aOfEvX3X4VObUJ86V-q2Yw3hGaelmtHM3PVgCaP1L5xkiL9Al-QAe17za2AkEUvmHvL2QKrq4/s1600/hat1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht-o0TAMHPlRRu2dDUiYNkBUoKYSXKl3Ho4zmyrKkP3R6k1th_WRdrd0Mq9UbhknOMX2aOfEvX3X4VObUJ86V-q2Yw3hGaelmtHM3PVgCaP1L5xkiL9Al-QAe17za2AkEUvmHvL2QKrq4/s320/hat1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308002296864050" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoicYJJ5rMDCmo5nFq1SPNAIgyhzg1fEuPFJaM5ii2GT4RISPGagO_258WpjTLoQBSsQPmWQrVHjufQXBj2QvDpQGpzd1VACF8X1jnBC87tq8EEBiaWZvOLIrnzLpePcsWRqOjBQeeuI/s1600/hat2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHoicYJJ5rMDCmo5nFq1SPNAIgyhzg1fEuPFJaM5ii2GT4RISPGagO_258WpjTLoQBSsQPmWQrVHjufQXBj2QvDpQGpzd1VACF8X1jnBC87tq8EEBiaWZvOLIrnzLpePcsWRqOjBQeeuI/s320/hat2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308010951264626" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfXBC6MSThRoI7QO2-0qugoP9CAL7LgZUlMJ6ZPGdLTkHqjkkUzySI5l3pnujjR5MHR-AIe50B4_aUKDSg4aU03nUjrkUBubuxA0zpgwB0oKXCr0g6d7GOSrQlfAtCYSx3zdx1vfluws/s1600/hat3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghfXBC6MSThRoI7QO2-0qugoP9CAL7LgZUlMJ6ZPGdLTkHqjkkUzySI5l3pnujjR5MHR-AIe50B4_aUKDSg4aU03nUjrkUBubuxA0zpgwB0oKXCr0g6d7GOSrQlfAtCYSx3zdx1vfluws/s320/hat3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308016312363938" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNix4Bc8_ydN_VHLLo_qQkxzHPLjb6weeRq8VrO_5_wysJ2oQCU-VOD_ZwlNxDP2m68Dpb-J6nwHzPXsLwwQupNVBleiKFJYapf16I6OhM-ry_7GxCoX0qtkWzd9xQ0H-u6LAICZxFweo/s1600/hat4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNix4Bc8_ydN_VHLLo_qQkxzHPLjb6weeRq8VrO_5_wysJ2oQCU-VOD_ZwlNxDP2m68Dpb-J6nwHzPXsLwwQupNVBleiKFJYapf16I6OhM-ry_7GxCoX0qtkWzd9xQ0H-u6LAICZxFweo/s320/hat4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308018123585138" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AEbSR6Gu8YLrcBgIgzl2QOSRAzKthegDsbQMT4abHwVFOhUaigudQ7Qh2sOXoZRQboFzyr5cieJTFdQfZdj78YtoNsFGGqRW6kUes98vQYl_-0gjrQQF1bMkVyQEp3FsHOFjHiAXEnk/s1600/hat10.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AEbSR6Gu8YLrcBgIgzl2QOSRAzKthegDsbQMT4abHwVFOhUaigudQ7Qh2sOXoZRQboFzyr5cieJTFdQfZdj78YtoNsFGGqRW6kUes98vQYl_-0gjrQQF1bMkVyQEp3FsHOFjHiAXEnk/s320/hat10.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308640548887138" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUFZ3FUN7pW3aWA-JFxZ3FNb4lvwE3Slh8viAHGNHaWuGrtTvsAQPifOFDptjWSdQ37hKMxF2jqtXvTlsOL0KKr56cehyphenhyphen0-bldBIf0UpFGuz5eux6wFdsBxi4XPObkxhflbjFJ_TyrWM/s1600/hat9.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUFZ3FUN7pW3aWA-JFxZ3FNb4lvwE3Slh8viAHGNHaWuGrtTvsAQPifOFDptjWSdQ37hKMxF2jqtXvTlsOL0KKr56cehyphenhyphen0-bldBIf0UpFGuz5eux6wFdsBxi4XPObkxhflbjFJ_TyrWM/s320/hat9.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308637298011826" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHtv1sbY_uBEvJVINv-TSDv3z9Fypd5PC3Wv3c7V2bK5HNRRXZ_VfWJod6X8B1AaZgC2NSkprS0jrj6jIJju70SBaIkR-5DrGA2p4sjve_QxJ9Yu7HCRC9nRmX5CBTxjVZf3rOdpq5hs/s1600/hat8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHtv1sbY_uBEvJVINv-TSDv3z9Fypd5PC3Wv3c7V2bK5HNRRXZ_VfWJod6X8B1AaZgC2NSkprS0jrj6jIJju70SBaIkR-5DrGA2p4sjve_QxJ9Yu7HCRC9nRmX5CBTxjVZf3rOdpq5hs/s320/hat8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308633288195714" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYxmTCdNS5XlaWbfn9pZ4n2fBPFVnQX66w97Ihg4U7vwUVkiDczhuZCLRiYC3VhB49aCJbpaXhfhl1wJMJF23ZG3fTnov8omiwtmMkhwLOJCS7UAlWqptOIZzyxNhKBLu8FiD15z25YE/s1600/hat7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYxmTCdNS5XlaWbfn9pZ4n2fBPFVnQX66w97Ihg4U7vwUVkiDczhuZCLRiYC3VhB49aCJbpaXhfhl1wJMJF23ZG3fTnov8omiwtmMkhwLOJCS7UAlWqptOIZzyxNhKBLu8FiD15z25YE/s320/hat7.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308626985421410" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypejod7rqFlhyphenhyphenHyiIvUdh4YF-JAsYTI56cnXK5xYM5lSqVuV2trsY7oSFz-nNiVCPew6XRkfwhSy_jLPpVCCjpifuwVgYcUoiqdnvdLfSChqyM0QvdheGFAe-FOo5lHEF2Eg8HIIJDPs/s1600/hat6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 276px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjypejod7rqFlhyphenhyphenHyiIvUdh4YF-JAsYTI56cnXK5xYM5lSqVuV2trsY7oSFz-nNiVCPew6XRkfwhSy_jLPpVCCjpifuwVgYcUoiqdnvdLfSChqyM0QvdheGFAe-FOo5lHEF2Eg8HIIJDPs/s320/hat6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308621316149010" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhl-KWNAq9M4XTEiw3LETxACaPUV_ThI80wfRVym92VGFw4wsjKqeB57bai8h__cWqeDJguDPfO-vkA0uoDJZXsi10Ib4JlJ5Pm3Bmxc6uIoduTer6Oxn98xgdUy23wbvHck39hbKInQ/s1600/hat5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijhl-KWNAq9M4XTEiw3LETxACaPUV_ThI80wfRVym92VGFw4wsjKqeB57bai8h__cWqeDJguDPfO-vkA0uoDJZXsi10Ib4JlJ5Pm3Bmxc6uIoduTer6Oxn98xgdUy23wbvHck39hbKInQ/s320/hat5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452308027746699698" /></a>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-66700729432300217102010-03-24T09:35:00.001-07:002010-03-25T14:23:35.129-07:00Can I wear a fedora?This is my question of the week. Which is not to say I haven’t tried yet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVn1EiEdpQo4RsdyvX4KQGYZ_DFf_PQggrLjsjaJHnNFnNJghwVvha4IvEVeyG8K9JD3QZuoKZ46Qs-BHN0OkCSCx-9RE-JYGNBsza8Kczg8B6zZQp1JHe0alf-yY8yaZugQTsDA3oIU/s1600/goorinlondon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 371px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkVn1EiEdpQo4RsdyvX4KQGYZ_DFf_PQggrLjsjaJHnNFnNJghwVvha4IvEVeyG8K9JD3QZuoKZ46Qs-BHN0OkCSCx-9RE-JYGNBsza8Kczg8B6zZQp1JHe0alf-yY8yaZugQTsDA3oIU/s400/goorinlondon.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452240055421093570" /></a><i>Goorin Bros. plaid hat from www.crimsoninthecity.com/store/Hats_HairAccessories.html</i><br /><br />I love men’s hats—especially fedoras—and have casually experimented for years. Had a pretty good look going on for while, when my hair was long: I’d wear two braids and my vintage plaid fedora with jeans and a t-shirt. Instant cool.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FkzMB4KmSSP0ZsD1AUYQBESGNkwpAYzHzpx6jXoCFKPM6yhLQLWWaF7IaL-P9bBpoPcvS-fcaSxlSiQmZFI3kWEgnvJBxdEiYJ9BD26QxNHc-v1D6jPzfHwghEFtCZ31tHWzKWCpA0k/s1600/thelover_feat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FkzMB4KmSSP0ZsD1AUYQBESGNkwpAYzHzpx6jXoCFKPM6yhLQLWWaF7IaL-P9bBpoPcvS-fcaSxlSiQmZFI3kWEgnvJBxdEiYJ9BD26QxNHc-v1D6jPzfHwghEFtCZ31tHWzKWCpA0k/s400/thelover_feat.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452240390220757410" /></a><br />I think I got into men’s hats when I saw the movie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lover_(film)">The Lover</a> (film still above), based on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marguerite_Duras">Marguerite Duras</a>’ memoirs of growing up in China. The actress <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001506">Jane March</a> (and possibly Duras in real life) wore a fedora (and two braids) with her drop-waist sack dress and worn-down shoes. T-straps, I think. She was just so offhand-cool, so effortless. The hat gave her a free pass when it came to the threadbare dress. The hat, such a simple thing, made being young and poor and foreign into something terribly romantic.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxDi2Q1DFe7xDOIlyceC0Gqj97eXeQvPlU4pwPl9biJwR-8hm5UwtMzzH_OHW4OFozrMfl2RKO6RuuNRbRN5zAuJnodzD7dLWXVM6Lc2NUHiSWDxTLGknaxj5FzRjhCsWtrhx5oAB4Fs/s1600/alicia-keys.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxDi2Q1DFe7xDOIlyceC0Gqj97eXeQvPlU4pwPl9biJwR-8hm5UwtMzzH_OHW4OFozrMfl2RKO6RuuNRbRN5zAuJnodzD7dLWXVM6Lc2NUHiSWDxTLGknaxj5FzRjhCsWtrhx5oAB4Fs/s400/alicia-keys.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452240923374875426" /></a><br />Later it was <a href="http://www.aliciakeys.com/us/home">Alicia Keys</a>, circa <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Songs-Minor-Alicia-Keys/dp/B00005JXS6">Songs in A Minor</a> who inspired me in her videos, wearing a fedora at a rakish angle over a bandana over a nest of braids gathered at the nape of her neck. The hat conveyed urban savvy, a spontaneous spirit and a connection to some deep groove.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_lNkG1GEM0rm59GHGZPV8v-GFkerhCWh_XgDTUFhnJ7EILa4Hoj3C-Med7TKwgy9QIc-DJlr9Zwr3xm7gS5RAlHFedc2V9tRIfkupTzjup-zyIMrR0PYhE6QB_b5gXVdODiJv7ttILA/s1600/dscn2842.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_lNkG1GEM0rm59GHGZPV8v-GFkerhCWh_XgDTUFhnJ7EILa4Hoj3C-Med7TKwgy9QIc-DJlr9Zwr3xm7gS5RAlHFedc2V9tRIfkupTzjup-zyIMrR0PYhE6QB_b5gXVdODiJv7ttILA/s400/dscn2842.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452241300407894290" /></a><i>Photo from AshevilleStreetstyle.com</i><br /><br />I know other girls in fedoras have come and gone. Miley Cyrus has probably sported one (if so, please don’t tell me). I need for my fedora girls to be a little less Disney, a little more subversive. Hats aren’t mere accessories, after all. They’re pieces of armor. They protect—from the sun, the rain, the cold; they also protect from unwanted attention or detection. A fedora girl is both incongnito and commanding notice, only she’s in control of what sort of attention she gets. The hat serves as cloaking device and alter ego: Pretty big trick for one small item of clothing.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBlIHDn_MV9ojhoy2-LG6sRNntp4lUhA7OkID9dbviKk5LKCUNABBA_OTTIqoi4oFZXrzQu8DNY4sI3GOKyJeWKfGME5Qt-bv54zKsYaRtBEaJiwbtLQ6cjnGCsbQNo9Fe2t5-kcF6-0/s1600/fedora-voicesincolor-com.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBlIHDn_MV9ojhoy2-LG6sRNntp4lUhA7OkID9dbviKk5LKCUNABBA_OTTIqoi4oFZXrzQu8DNY4sI3GOKyJeWKfGME5Qt-bv54zKsYaRtBEaJiwbtLQ6cjnGCsbQNo9Fe2t5-kcF6-0/s400/fedora-voicesincolor-com.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452241509727874930" /></a><i>Fedora collage from VoicesInColor.com</i><br /><br />So, back to my initial question: Can I wear a fedora? I no longer have the two long braids and I’m not a teenager in a foreign country. I’m also not a soul singer in carefully choreographed video (though that’s pretty much what my fantasy world looks like). I do know that summer is just around the corner and smart girls wear hats, so why not a fedora? Time to start shopping for the perfect vintage hat to pair with sundresses, sandals and cutoffs.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-62496989751897633042010-03-24T09:33:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:49:15.526-07:00The leather car coatHere’s my question: Is this oxblood leather car coat, circa late 1970s, vintage-cool or just costumey?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOdSa7Ejgixgk4p9-DvnJ9qkwh-zplgV1K5Xb7TCxisP5yfnJ5egs-t1we6PSeCwu1UnbZ8Hit3HwBanq19xAtuHOsSetwWTCBKJsgxQ_tXXVPPCySEjV7T5SvVah_RYVLrIZhw8a0pw/s1600/coat1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOdSa7Ejgixgk4p9-DvnJ9qkwh-zplgV1K5Xb7TCxisP5yfnJ5egs-t1we6PSeCwu1UnbZ8Hit3HwBanq19xAtuHOsSetwWTCBKJsgxQ_tXXVPPCySEjV7T5SvVah_RYVLrIZhw8a0pw/s400/coat1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452239359640389010" /></a><br />I found it (the tag reads “Berman’s, the leather experts”; the company has since been absorbed by Wilson Leather) in a resale shop on one of the “special finds” racks, which often means someone who doesn’t necessarily know a Missoni from a Mossimo slaps inflated prices on a bunch suede skirt suits and jewel-toned mermaid dresses. But this coat — in mint condition and featuring stitch work on the cuffs and yoke, a tie belt and the extra button <i>still hermetically sealed in plastic</i> — was a steal at $10.<br /><br />And yet, as much as I love all things 70s, this is a hard coat to pull off. Not sure if it’s the color, the cut, or my own overly active imagination, but when I’m wearing it I can’t help but feel like an extra on <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062589">The Mod Squad</a>. (The following picture is from the 1999 movie version staring Claire Danes.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiEWeGJRMgROcZXnFzpj9NLGT5J0HX3fEzGHq3qr3Yg_WWF9gzoiM3rS0rYpeFD7wF8t6zY6JsVAusb6_3W6ynfQUSuvemhkdOOParlOfic_POJgaBlr-lVwt5AQKs-vNm6XVKu_kuEo/s1600/modsquadpost.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiEWeGJRMgROcZXnFzpj9NLGT5J0HX3fEzGHq3qr3Yg_WWF9gzoiM3rS0rYpeFD7wF8t6zY6JsVAusb6_3W6ynfQUSuvemhkdOOParlOfic_POJgaBlr-lVwt5AQKs-vNm6XVKu_kuEo/s400/modsquadpost.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452239655520456658" /></a>allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-46736667608723334812010-03-24T09:31:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:49:30.732-07:00The found dressIt came from Goodwill in the harried days — hours, if I’m going to be honest — leading up to the Arts Council’s fundraiser ball. The theme of the ball was red (“the red ball” — that got lots of mileage) but I didn’t think I looked good in red (I’ve since changed my mind) and decided to play it safe in a black dress paired with a red feather boa. The dress was chosen hastily from the racks of the thriftshop, where it hung among a slew of floral pattered perfect-for-church dresses in an array of synthetic fabrics.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzTmmmvsjb64DhMmQOkrhs3Ut9w1BWqzY24cs-Et0EtjpIYnBv9aLxbWpUzlE5RzS1nXHVmaOpgUL1fcJIjtp8Xqw0iez0XOXlHGKuJRD44PZs_E1ZISzx1c_jE9WgrTgzo1lgChEe6k/s1600/dscf1345.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguzTmmmvsjb64DhMmQOkrhs3Ut9w1BWqzY24cs-Et0EtjpIYnBv9aLxbWpUzlE5RzS1nXHVmaOpgUL1fcJIjtp8Xqw0iez0XOXlHGKuJRD44PZs_E1ZISzx1c_jE9WgrTgzo1lgChEe6k/s400/dscf1345.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452239011467425330" /></a><br /><br />This dress is a prize. The needle in the haystack. I suspect it’s synthetic (like its Goodwill rack mates), though the tag (and thus the manufacturer) are long gone. It’s likely a poly-blend knit, fabricated like a thin sweater dress and styled like a long sheath given shape only by its body-hugging drape. It’s a bit of an anomaly: When has a sweater dress ever been eveningwear, let alone glamorous?<br /><br />This might be the rare garment that crosses over, and its ability to do so is thanks to two fairly minor design features: 1) an inconspicuous but oh-so-important silver thread is woven into the knit, lending sparkle subtle as a wink. And 2) it’s held up by four delicate straps that create visual interest by crossing in the back.<br /><br />I found the dress again last week while trying to throw together (again, last minute) an Oscar party look. I’d decided on a rather garish silver and black Betsey Johnson cocktail dress when, reaching into the recesses of my closet, my hand grazed the knit gown. Same color scheme, totally different effect. It turned out to be the perfect dress for the event.<br /><br />Not sure that celebs will follow my lead and start wearing sparkly knits on the red carpet, but if it happens, remember you read it here first.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-74951106544900297092010-03-24T09:26:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:50:11.879-07:00Semi-precious: unexpected adornmentA significant portion of my youth was mispent in found accessories. Some of it was pretty bad: Plastic spider rings, rubber rats (the cat toy type) safety pinned to my jacket, dog chains as necklaces.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4xOztgQFn7ju-Rt9GUprNoDV-HqApgPGrame0PzpKRKYeMtmYGtkOAVL1piBH2PfEGKHVswRBD-wKqOAaI87G9_OcibCHeKZJzGrbg4YTj50cZ-27Gx51XO3Y9eL-YOJz_9JAOoHt1k/s1600/384225757_6286e0b8b7_o.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO4xOztgQFn7ju-Rt9GUprNoDV-HqApgPGrame0PzpKRKYeMtmYGtkOAVL1piBH2PfEGKHVswRBD-wKqOAaI87G9_OcibCHeKZJzGrbg4YTj50cZ-27Gx51XO3Y9eL-YOJz_9JAOoHt1k/s400/384225757_6286e0b8b7_o.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452237766072091458" /></a><br /><br />But there were some good efforts, as well. The 1980s brought wristsful of black rubber bracelets (“Madonna bracelets”) and cheery friendship pins — the DIY project that involved threading seed beads onto safety pins and then wearing them like metalic tassles from one’s shoelaces.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtI9xRhrlu4znflsYA9wBB4N2jvT8FmBaiAigFB4hnOguNV9NmrFSJiXoQaZHrIDowtKT35I1K500PCMiUJ2nC3h-QeDNE9Yr5ErKNMME17gKaqJs8jpyN39HjYMHl6vPi58mDqSmu5Y/s1600/friendship-pins.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtI9xRhrlu4znflsYA9wBB4N2jvT8FmBaiAigFB4hnOguNV9NmrFSJiXoQaZHrIDowtKT35I1K500PCMiUJ2nC3h-QeDNE9Yr5ErKNMME17gKaqJs8jpyN39HjYMHl6vPi58mDqSmu5Y/s400/friendship-pins.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452238045478328722" /></a><br /><br />My personal tastes were a little more obscure: I’d comb thrift stores for intersting bits of castoff jewelry. Earrings without matches, random brooches, anything shiny that could be strung on a chord for a necklace. Recently, while reading the excellent and inspiring blog <a href="http://www.theuniformproject.com/">The Uniform Project</a>, I came across a photo of blogger Sheena wearing an <a href="http://www.theuniformproject.com/home/daily/Friday-I-m-in-love-.html?month=May">antique beaded purse as a necklace</a> (below). Brilliant. And far smarter than I ever was, with my rhinestone bits and pieces. But still, the idea shares a genesis: Take something lovely if impractical/unusable and repurpose it as decoration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1NahzQf3Rju6yJ4Q8ZHBuiMf3zZJ1ArIjmQmwzGvaTpIv-tRXxHYR2_sytok2cFJiTrq5MuLvB-Hq2B4hIo-uhrawL4FgbfmdGAacsoKtLRvrPShzt17-y9uRbn6yMllLhucWwLmEHw/s1600/f69deca5-2ae0-48ca-9a57-b26b75d27809_may_08_v4_d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1NahzQf3Rju6yJ4Q8ZHBuiMf3zZJ1ArIjmQmwzGvaTpIv-tRXxHYR2_sytok2cFJiTrq5MuLvB-Hq2B4hIo-uhrawL4FgbfmdGAacsoKtLRvrPShzt17-y9uRbn6yMllLhucWwLmEHw/s400/f69deca5-2ae0-48ca-9a57-b26b75d27809_may_08_v4_d.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452238293338834098" /></a><br /><br />With that in mind, I plan to go through my jewelry box and look at all the odds and ends with a new eye. Necklaces to be worn as bracelets or hat bands, skeleton keys as amulets, broken lockets strung like charms on a chain.<br /><br />And who knows, maybe friendship pins will make a comeback this year, too!allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-47624690383978478552010-03-24T09:16:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:53:23.372-07:00Scarves: from Vera ladybugs to McQueen skullsOnce, when I was photographing streetstyle at a thrift shop, a woman told me the blue scarf she was wearing was a <a href="http://www.theveracompany.com/">Vera Neumann</a> from the 1950s. The savvy shopper (Maria Blakeman) regularly trawled second hand stores for the vintage collectible scarves. Made me think I should pay attention to those wads of silk (and, more often, polyester) in the wire bins reserved for tights, socks, hats and neckware.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk6C66TEqrcJwm1eDxgC09fr52RyxB-qWGS8dL3L6ewFb8eZ2yTgxEvsn2hhUygFOt4sB4SpZ_mHI42tNT3B7-Rbq0ELeSfxD755NHGAFhpX-RrXGl6X0i4NLYJLMSZS2Yndzi-wvKhE/s1600/0315fashion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 160px; height: 349px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk6C66TEqrcJwm1eDxgC09fr52RyxB-qWGS8dL3L6ewFb8eZ2yTgxEvsn2hhUygFOt4sB4SpZ_mHI42tNT3B7-Rbq0ELeSfxD755NHGAFhpX-RrXGl6X0i4NLYJLMSZS2Yndzi-wvKhE/s400/0315fashion.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452235419780667554" /></a><br /><i>Maria in Vera, from AshevilleStreetstyle.com</i><br /><br /><a href="http://fashionsfinest.fuzzylizzie.com/vera.html">Fuzzylizzie Vintage Clothing</a> has a bio for designer Vera Neumann (better known as simply “Vera”), along with some great photos of the print scarves. Says Fuzzylizzie, “The earlier pieces from the mid 1960s will often have 100% Cotton, or 100% Silk on the label. Also, the earlier pieces have the ladybug logo, and Vera printed on it, usually in the lower left corner.” Good to know.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzx-0cqeGhe1vNDYjMBzzgTyEGipxmsiBxDXliEoyC4OHpIywMGoLjtLYulNxowiY9BPvz8zd5MiN-sXk7_Oh8wPr1AJLFHMKweg6mCGwzat_W59Vesbgv0WiIz27IG-ViylKoHpLJL8/s1600/vera1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 349px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizzx-0cqeGhe1vNDYjMBzzgTyEGipxmsiBxDXliEoyC4OHpIywMGoLjtLYulNxowiY9BPvz8zd5MiN-sXk7_Oh8wPr1AJLFHMKweg6mCGwzat_W59Vesbgv0WiIz27IG-ViylKoHpLJL8/s400/vera1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452235871312854466" /></a><br /><i>Vera at Fuzzielizzie</i><br /><br />So far, I’ve yet to find a Vera in a thrift shop (not that I’ve been looking that hard). I do like to peruse the assortment of scarves, though, since patterns come and go and some of the decidedly vintage prints are just so unique. Plus, scarves are a great way to add interest to a basic outfit.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOamrzqOjwcnDnJM5EnnBKixhdAEC3NCKjfORcTGAeG8gzHE29Rni67KZrfW_00yvWK3yEkVQx8KXG0QEu7YxT1aipSx9VSXV8gk2oYBJy0TxombN8bMep4htHLhyphenhyphenGXMl0wpXoPhWZ4k/s1600/usekeef.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOamrzqOjwcnDnJM5EnnBKixhdAEC3NCKjfORcTGAeG8gzHE29Rni67KZrfW_00yvWK3yEkVQx8KXG0QEu7YxT1aipSx9VSXV8gk2oYBJy0TxombN8bMep4htHLhyphenhyphenGXMl0wpXoPhWZ4k/s400/usekeef.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452236156572150082" /></a><br /><i>Keith Richards, master of the scarf.</i><br /><br />“In the 40s and 50s, scarves were an important fashion accessory worn around the neck, over the head and even on a wrist,” says The Vintage Scarf Blog. “With a twist and a knot, you can quickly and effortlessly turn a bad hair day into an eye-catching hairdo or transform an ordinary T-shirt and jeans outfit into a personal fashion statement.”<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ4Zq7gkgat6Q79u1JCt9rK-B0g86bPCheyDCNxB1_R-Vs-2pFXZkj4PKPwdBjkCFS2_q9HnXm6VktQFMe-rp9c6aW1Y-BOlBDgHBjPKyIWaqBrwNW_RGie8NXHs-k9TSAw4WOKTkhJU/s1600/sfq-victoriabeckhamscarfonbag-0-0-0x0-549x427.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ4Zq7gkgat6Q79u1JCt9rK-B0g86bPCheyDCNxB1_R-Vs-2pFXZkj4PKPwdBjkCFS2_q9HnXm6VktQFMe-rp9c6aW1Y-BOlBDgHBjPKyIWaqBrwNW_RGie8NXHs-k9TSAw4WOKTkhJU/s400/sfq-victoriabeckhamscarfonbag-0-0-0x0-549x427.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452236562697355682" /></a><br /><i>Victoria Beckham with scarf on bag.</i><br /><br />Personally, I haven’t found mastering the art of the scarf to be quick or effortless — the way French women and rock stars wear scarves with casual cool: Nope, I can’t pull it off. But I have found that practice helps and, if all else fails, a great scarf can be tied around the shoulder strap of a handbag for a Boho look.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdDZDv9uaXZ2NYlKdUYERISgGZX2_N7bK6J7TItPlCIOGi4rRzhvSK0u9U9xj7P79yKmzCtyL-UKd_qkm-cG5ryavOYbCSQrMIaXEV81zJO_O3xc8x3t5Np0R6aH1FicQU-q54QCJdS4/s1600/skullscarf.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdDZDv9uaXZ2NYlKdUYERISgGZX2_N7bK6J7TItPlCIOGi4rRzhvSK0u9U9xj7P79yKmzCtyL-UKd_qkm-cG5ryavOYbCSQrMIaXEV81zJO_O3xc8x3t5Np0R6aH1FicQU-q54QCJdS4/s400/skullscarf.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452236870821638226" /></a><br /><br />That, and the <a href="http://www.alexandermcqueen.com/">Alexander McQueen</a> skull scarf (above) trend of several years back provided plenty of fodder for my own scarf-wearing.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-7989233036094975972010-03-24T09:10:00.001-07:002010-03-24T09:53:23.372-07:00Poncho Villa!<i>(This post was originally published on WordPress, Oct. 2009)</i><br />Are vintage ponchos making a comeback? My fingers are crossed. (Okay, maybe “comeback” is overly optimistic. Unless the Olsen Twins start parading about in fringey ponchos, the part-blanket-part-sweater 70s throwback isn’t exactly a shoe-in for the next trend. But I can dream, right?)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFhtlNk95QWYLkJ3tbKfXwCF4ZDFMF495x5U2aGNOGgrjV-v_Gpq5VA026a3ILRdCPElXQ9nyzIqifOjNuh4QutZc5ZGdX2nWfQqIepIRVRfzes0Nf4esoOePOqwW-NW30VaPHD0T42o/s1600/pancho1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFhtlNk95QWYLkJ3tbKfXwCF4ZDFMF495x5U2aGNOGgrjV-v_Gpq5VA026a3ILRdCPElXQ9nyzIqifOjNuh4QutZc5ZGdX2nWfQqIepIRVRfzes0Nf4esoOePOqwW-NW30VaPHD0T42o/s400/pancho1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452233468990380306" /></a><br /><i>Poncho look from ashevillestreetstyl.com</i><br /><br />If you want to jump on the poncho band wagon, here’s a great place to start: The vintage coffers of <a href="http://www.rustyzipper.com/shop.cfm?type=Clothing&search=Poncho&gender=Womens&rank=new&begin=135439">Rusty Zippper</a>, which offers ’60s, ’70s and ’80s models, raging from woolen wovens to cobweby crochets.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiH6Y1ZQrBD8q0MZac9mOGEneNU_b3C7miEQbiwsWRe-SAWcc6lQDDbMCFSyJdZFUiUWKM5NIHfCAMAI_wjUNJTwxHVG6rM6X2admp_-CvOlXufxRj6LyDE1rb-vtOc6nm3OP1YkD1pM/s1600/pancho2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpiH6Y1ZQrBD8q0MZac9mOGEneNU_b3C7miEQbiwsWRe-SAWcc6lQDDbMCFSyJdZFUiUWKM5NIHfCAMAI_wjUNJTwxHVG6rM6X2admp_-CvOlXufxRj6LyDE1rb-vtOc6nm3OP1YkD1pM/s400/pancho2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452233853436103266" /></a><br /><i>Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes in a 2009 concert; photo by LydiaSee.com</i><br /><br /><a href="http://www.vintagetrends.com/vintage/thumbnails.asp?MC=Vintage&CA=Women&SC=Jackets%2FCoats&ST=Cape%2FPoncho">Vintage Trends</a> includes 52 (count ‘em!) ponchos for purchase and on <a href="http://www.monstervintage.com/Vintage_Clothing/Womens/Outerwear/Capes+Ponchos/list_120_000.html">Monster Vintage</a> a vintage fanatic can find everything from the psychedelic-bright Nordic patterns to a black and grey number with an elk motif.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-75025609377088424662010-03-24T07:59:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:51:20.976-07:00On deadstock and vintage jeansI recently read in <a href="http://www.wmagazine.com/fashion/2009/09/current_elliott_deadstock">W magazine</a> about <a href="http://www.currentelliott.com/">Current/Elliot</a>’s newest line: a collection inspired by deadstock denim. (Photos are from WWD.) What’s awesome about the 10 women’s style and six men’s styles — all based on 50s and 60s era jeans — is that instead of using the original denim, they’re made from soft, thin Japanese denim.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2leEVH5tbpUwJe0TZ_vNPJWuE2EfgKOMWHdETiZJsXxtJxs9nkZEsolotAk19g71rtA7PKjlmaPGTjXcmZ3wOzpDQtM2y0PFAq_a7ZlPZIeP255QpP4eIRuQh2OFyDeyyBfL9XTpPLQ/s1600/2009_06_12_deakstock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2leEVH5tbpUwJe0TZ_vNPJWuE2EfgKOMWHdETiZJsXxtJxs9nkZEsolotAk19g71rtA7PKjlmaPGTjXcmZ3wOzpDQtM2y0PFAq_a7ZlPZIeP255QpP4eIRuQh2OFyDeyyBfL9XTpPLQ/s400/2009_06_12_deakstock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452217136887987650" /></a><br /><br />The thing about vintage jeans is that — while they maintain their romantic allure and yes, Virginia, Levi’s are eternal — once the style is passe it rarely ever feels right again. I’m going to stick my neck out here and say it: High-waisted, pegged-ankle pleated 80s jeans. I don’t care if <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001721">Chloe Sevigny</a> can pull them off, no one else can. And<a href="http://www.chloe.com/#/en">Chloe</a> (the design house, not the actress) needs to come to that realization as well.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzbuVDZPgl7hjNpSETH6ReT4AXphHLpM_kwVmvMgxtlGtC4JP99C6X5dVhi3_AAVyO25nVkhJl9LVh1E1K6EHVtnnkKuojIpgVLL6J4LVeks3BB0nd-YcfLCgQNGI055Yl5R9TjbEF2E/s1600/jeans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKzbuVDZPgl7hjNpSETH6ReT4AXphHLpM_kwVmvMgxtlGtC4JP99C6X5dVhi3_AAVyO25nVkhJl9LVh1E1K6EHVtnnkKuojIpgVLL6J4LVeks3BB0nd-YcfLCgQNGI055Yl5R9TjbEF2E/s400/jeans.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452217581959220722" /></a><br /><br />But just because, in my experience, most dated styles of jeans no longer suit our contemporary fit aesthetic, that doesn’t mean I don’t still love vintage jeans. I love the way denim ages — the way some indigo dyes fade, like Cat Stevens sang, “faded blue up to the sky.” I love how other dyes patina in gray and brown tones. I love the clean edge of selvage denim and the inky hand of dry denim.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKXkCJapzDkO11uZKSqJ2KzoN1kcPcMgsWyx5DhhucZqDFVcRVRaMAAF3rbsjGUB-es_2nE0cR34EGr40DSFPv6NDyHkIQ2REDiPLb-LL0xXsu54hdz1Gw-l__lZ9Qqw24EXpxOek_7I/s1600/levis+double+stitch.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 389px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKXkCJapzDkO11uZKSqJ2KzoN1kcPcMgsWyx5DhhucZqDFVcRVRaMAAF3rbsjGUB-es_2nE0cR34EGr40DSFPv6NDyHkIQ2REDiPLb-LL0xXsu54hdz1Gw-l__lZ9Qqw24EXpxOek_7I/s400/levis+double+stitch.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452217770095938530" /></a><br /><br />When I was in high school, I’d trawl the Salvation Army for Levi’s red tab jeans. The designer <a href="http://www.michaelbastiannyc.com/">Michael Bastian</a> (who was, back then, just the big brother of my friend Amanda) taught me how to realistically destroy the knees by rubbing them with a piece of pumice.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUs2MTDmEpGb3lD2tbgc7n8F671YXMqSyBJT9Ob5IkqLRHZvmXyFANY3Y61Gt04EC59nrQjvNvy1VqETVSezPE7Ird0eobabuBp5JuBSS87j0HNs5W9GJjEGDrqodSq0d58MxdxFtwK8/s1600/holy_jeans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 325px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgUs2MTDmEpGb3lD2tbgc7n8F671YXMqSyBJT9Ob5IkqLRHZvmXyFANY3Y61Gt04EC59nrQjvNvy1VqETVSezPE7Ird0eobabuBp5JuBSS87j0HNs5W9GJjEGDrqodSq0d58MxdxFtwK8/s400/holy_jeans.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452218128720486994" /></a><br /><br />In my punk period I wore my jeans with the extra fabric below the knees folded tight against my shin and secured with a row of safety pins. In college, I liked my jeans to be several sizes too large and hitched up with an Indian scarf, boho-style. One of the thrift shops I frequented was manned by an older African-American lady who had learned my tastes. ‘You like ‘em with a big rear end,” she’d say.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ncLsnslUpVj3uag1IU-tq3__Id_u4aQiWZ5Xnh_fY5EZgAqjXgGdHTGEqtbxz7xSPJh5QRDt-L2ERwboeqRUFUDjgH60NlQEGyOMfUxbM4TqxctnIf7nLpZY-nb4hD85ooksk7u646Q/s1600/jeans1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ncLsnslUpVj3uag1IU-tq3__Id_u4aQiWZ5Xnh_fY5EZgAqjXgGdHTGEqtbxz7xSPJh5QRDt-L2ERwboeqRUFUDjgH60NlQEGyOMfUxbM4TqxctnIf7nLpZY-nb4hD85ooksk7u646Q/s400/jeans1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452218762310503986" /></a><br /><br />Back to Current/Elliot. Because of my love of old jeans, I got goosebumps reading the article about their deadstock collection, and not so much because it’s cool that those styles are being remade, but because the very word deadstock is so freaking cool. It makes me think of the old dry goods stores that seemed to linger years, even decades past their heydays in the American landscape. Growing up in rural upstate New York, I used to seek those places out: collecting dust on the back shelves, behind gardening supplies and insulated flannel shirts, were boxes of Converse low tops and stacks of stiff carpenter jeans.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2Yhyphenhypheni2aoDy-s_wnITBtI7GV1Ir_GqAuB5DunQBbQU8incXB3-yEpbrC-ME265Bd6S6ZWysvBjLTqyQtZXy1zpA9NESyvc9pdcQhCnqAcdGwOdukLi3O2e1so4AJlSAbJUOWq3Bgziso/s1600/deadstock+funkandjunk.com.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 390px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ2Yhyphenhypheni2aoDy-s_wnITBtI7GV1Ir_GqAuB5DunQBbQU8incXB3-yEpbrC-ME265Bd6S6ZWysvBjLTqyQtZXy1zpA9NESyvc9pdcQhCnqAcdGwOdukLi3O2e1so4AJlSAbJUOWq3Bgziso/s400/deadstock+funkandjunk.com.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452218988051649458" /></a><br /><i>Image of deadstock from funkandjunk.com</i><br /><br />I bought both, making furtive trips back until the stores eventually gave up the ghost. Face it, by 1990 it has been like 30 years since they’d seen serious foot traffic. But despite the obvious coolness of owning such obscure treasures (stuff my classmates in their Gitanos didn’t understand in the least), the jeans were never actually comfortable. Not the way jeans should be. They were too short, the waist band cutting me off across my abdomen and the fly freakishly long.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd75-mllBfZ-qT1lKP3oosaALCJFiS5ht3RNWdXbiic9_n1AlsHqWJBSLKMRKgmtjXwizwQN0xram0Cg7igIw5tJ43_PywIWJfXg3r74sfNc4nr6HkokESQ9ViDuHh7BQpKBoyCmMOVIU/s1600/me+in+roxy+jeans.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd75-mllBfZ-qT1lKP3oosaALCJFiS5ht3RNWdXbiic9_n1AlsHqWJBSLKMRKgmtjXwizwQN0xram0Cg7igIw5tJ43_PywIWJfXg3r74sfNc4nr6HkokESQ9ViDuHh7BQpKBoyCmMOVIU/s400/me+in+roxy+jeans.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452219345020732066" /></a><br /><i>Wearing Roxy jeans found (for free) at a clothing swap.</i><br /><br />I still love old jeans. And the idea of deadstock. If I had the space, I’d collect antique jeans. (According to the <a href="http://www.levisguide.com/">Vintage Levi’s Guide</a>, “a collector paid $60,000 USD for a pair of the oldest jeans on eBay, June 15,2005.”) But when it comes to wearing what I want to wear, I like my jeans to second hand (so someone else does the breaking in) but in a current enough model that they fit right. No strangling waist bands, no costume-y bellbottoms. All Goldilocks like: not too big, not too little. Just right.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3166453379958159560.post-14331476496037288572010-03-23T14:57:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:51:39.625-07:00Shoes!While there is, admittedly, something icky about wearing second hand shoes, I'll make exceptions for special cases. Why? Mainly because I love shoes (full disclosure: I love boots and sandals; I like other footwear but we're not exclusive). There is nothing quite like the perfect pair of shoes. I'll wear jeans an t-shirts every day as long as I can pair 'em with killer boots. That song "New Shoes" by robo-babe Paolo Nutini: yes. Hell yes. Because you know he's not talking about just out the box new shoes; he's talking about wearing the right thing at the right time. "Hello new shoes, bye bye blues."<br /><br />The other thing about second-hand shoes — not blown out, beat down second hand, but gently worn and of-an-era — nothing modern can compare. Frye boots are the best and the company makes some drool-worthy contemporary styles bu the reason Frye is so good is because they know enough to keep cranking out the campus boots. The tall, boxy, boots-were-made-for-walking that recall Ali McGraw in Love Story, Emmy Lou Harris with Gram Parsons. You can't get that in 2009. Nope. You've got to go back to the 70s.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpu7Zdw7X4Um3eReISJjMqbB5jdquHdWK7DusqeDbdWK93ReOgv29hUex5biVUUGXyEgd-QIwUPniK7Y1mnCd_G5GbW-jG2OvhO3Lb3o8ZpMFiy8NT-2lR3ynde8tho5ICTHH8JSUqOE/s1600/vintage1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpu7Zdw7X4Um3eReISJjMqbB5jdquHdWK7DusqeDbdWK93ReOgv29hUex5biVUUGXyEgd-QIwUPniK7Y1mnCd_G5GbW-jG2OvhO3Lb3o8ZpMFiy8NT-2lR3ynde8tho5ICTHH8JSUqOE/s400/vintage1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452211097488775954" /></a><br /><br />This pair is a 70s-era throwback that I scored on ebay. I bought 'em because they remind me of a pair I owned when I was about 10 and carried a Holly Hobby lunchbox to school. I love the Prairie-style details: the orangey-brown leather and the toe-to-knee laces. I also like the snug fit — hard to find when you have skinny legs (like me). Soon after I got the boots, one of the soles fell off. That's a hazard of vintage wear. Dry rot, age, the passage of time. Time's not all that kind to any of us and certainly not leather goods, but for about $30 a local cobbler fixed me up with happy new soles.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5sz5BqiiDZOicLb6w_VAEXYWOlzD8vDOA0trIfN0jOdrAhyphenhyphenmubGtfQ8Adka2ebNK-ArnQyAqb3K3x1wBVCuiMczXtF-tSbTzDMHgWICIJ1-lGitvp3wOwW8l1DfCFGgSC-pjlc7y0AU/s1600/vintage3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 357px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5sz5BqiiDZOicLb6w_VAEXYWOlzD8vDOA0trIfN0jOdrAhyphenhyphenmubGtfQ8Adka2ebNK-ArnQyAqb3K3x1wBVCuiMczXtF-tSbTzDMHgWICIJ1-lGitvp3wOwW8l1DfCFGgSC-pjlc7y0AU/s400/vintage3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452211105642632962" /></a><br /><br />This pair doesn't belong to me. I spotted 'em in a vintage store and had to snap a photo. Platform boots are easy enough to find, but these are special. Good quality leather (no pleather!) and double wooden soles. Though I wouldn't want to walk a mile in these shoes, I'd love to hear the stories they'd tell if they could speak. That, and I have to say they cross that line between footwear and art. These are a testament to the 70s, a piece of history and a work of sculpture. Why not collect such shoes and display them like weird pottery or art glass?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRtO3JVT5HJTofJ2GvWkOzXIo1nQcHMSvwxEVl9XyLO-oaF4F1bZqEeaMuE4SgmbJOIsWZzYDpMYe9HzdfabN8h0Uv3WQL96aUMM7liO5FC0RFYVdCuo9HEBDah-APldtSdDrLUMBdhA/s1600/vintage2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRtO3JVT5HJTofJ2GvWkOzXIo1nQcHMSvwxEVl9XyLO-oaF4F1bZqEeaMuE4SgmbJOIsWZzYDpMYe9HzdfabN8h0Uv3WQL96aUMM7liO5FC0RFYVdCuo9HEBDah-APldtSdDrLUMBdhA/s400/vintage2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452211646737211586" /></a><br /><br />Finally, this pair. Like I said above, boots and sandals are my passion, but this adorable 30s or 40s era pair caught my eye. They're the thinnest chocolate brown suede with gold trim and kitten heels. I tried them on and (surprise!) they pretty much fit. Vintage shoes, especially those from decades ago, tend to be a tight squeeze for modern feet, but the buttery suede had give and the craftsmanship was so impeccable I was sure the shoes had plenty of life left in them. But... where to wear them? Since I don't happen to have nooks and shelves in my tiny house for displaying object d'art, buying these shoes wasn't an option. But I took a photo for posterity.allimarshallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08590954149072165235noreply@blogger.com0