Monday, December 30, 2013

Then & Now ~ Cream & Gold

Then


1893 Evening Dress 1893  The Museum of London

Now


 Marchesa SS2013

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Men's Fashion Retrospective ~ After 1900 by Gail Carriger


 1920s

 1904 Boating Suit  and 1906-1908 Driving Coat both via The Victoria & Albert Museum

1901 Bonnetfedora  The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

1905 Motoring Cap  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1915-1925 Overcoat  Brooks Brothers The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1915-1925 Balmorals The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1920 Boater The Philadelphia Museum of Art

Cap  1st quarter of the 20th century
 1923 Tuxedo  The Victoria & Albert Museum; 1929 Smoking Suit  Nasjonalmuseet for Kunst, Arketektur, og Design; 1927 Tuxedo  Jeanne Lanvin, The Metropolitan Museum of Art



1925 Sporting Suit  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Man’s Dressing Gown  1925  The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1920s-1930s Necktie The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1924 Raccoon Coat The Museum at FIT

1925 Knickerbockers The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1930s


1937 Fedora   The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1939 Fedora  The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1930 Derby The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1930s Homburg  The Philadelphia Museum of Art
1931 Suit The McCord Museum

1935  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

  1940s


1940 Men’s Trench Coat  1940s  1stdibs.com


Modern Looks


Jim ParsonsScreenActorsGuild
Male mannequin in Paris Department Store 2013

Men's Accessories in Paris Department Store 2013
Cow shoes
ralph-lauren-collection-spring-2013

How A Man’s Suit Should Fit – Visual Suit Fit Guide – Proper Fitting Suits Chart

 How to Buy a Good, Versatile Suit for Any Occasion


Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Then & Now ~ Red Maxi Dress

Then

1810 Redingote  The Kyoto Costume Institute

Now

Valentino-Embroidered-Lace-Gown
Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Friday, December 6, 2013

Gail Carriger's Latest Acquisitions


Over the past few months, Fashionable Reader, these have been newly integrated into my wardrobe...


I got this skirt (thrift store $15) to go with a corset of mine for a steampunk outfit. Not that I need another one, but it went so well. I've been meaning to make a skirt to go with, but just have to face up to the fact that I will never have the time. I wish it were longer but I can wear it over one of my other black skirts. I like it, it'll be good, and easy for those smaller long distance steampunk events. I've repalced the buttons and tailored in the waist, I'm considering further details and decorations.


Quick transport, waterproof, folding black flats. My little black oxfords are beginning to go and I really am leaning in favor of the smaller the better for conventions. I picked these up at Ross for $10, they aren't the greatest for long walks, but they save my feet from heels on the cement at cons int he short haul, they travel light, and they fold up small ~ these days that's worth $10.


Grey cashmere sweater from consignment shop for about $40. Yes, it's brutally plain, but I do love cashmere. I bought it thinking I could add a collar to it to pretty it up and make it feel more vintage. Then I realized the neck has to stretch over my head and adding anything would be a hassle. So I just wear it with broaches on top or a collared shirt under or a big necklace. It's so lovely and light weight and warm and fuzzy it traveled with me several times this winter and I pretty much live in it at home.


Aerosoles Leopard sandals. I'm just getting too old for uncomfortable feet, which means I'm investing more and more in Aerosoles and Clarks flat sandal slides (I don't wear flip/flop AKA thong shoes). I bought these at the end of the summer when it seemed like the heat would never end. I wore them all the time. I do love a less chunky flat sandal, with nice thin straps and open toes. I consider leopard a neutral and these are great filler in the brown/tan department. My only complaint is the light colored insole which just shows all the dirt and grime, why oh why is it not black?


Navy Cardy from Juicy Couture, bought on consignment, $15. I have never managed to quite make my peace with navy and I've no idea why I gravitated to this sweater. It fits over the Rack, but something has to go underneath. I haven't worn it much so far, we shall see how it goes this spring.


Parasol shirt. How could I resist? I'm not one for blowsy shirts as a rule as even when I tuck them in I look top-heavy because of the Rack. I found this on consignment for $50, it's very boutique chichi, blended raw silk and all that rot. The few times I have worn it I have gotten compliments, though I'm not sure if that's the shirt or how different it is from all my other stuff. Wore it with a long fitted Goth skirt for Thanksgiving and people liked it.


I got this both to transport toiletries for $14 and other small stuff and act as a backup evening bag for events I travel to with the red accessories. I haven't had a chance to use it for this yet, we shall see if it was a good investment or not. Right now it is holding cat toys.


Vintage tap pants, for under various skirts when biking, $20.


And lastly this new pin was a gift from a friend.

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Monday, December 2, 2013

Then & Now ~ Black Evening Dress with Lace Details

Then

Evening Dress  Jean-Philippe Worth, 1898-1900  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

 Now

Dolce & Gabbana SS2013

Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.