Saturday, January 31, 2015

8 Fashion Rules I Actually Believe from Gail Carriger


I'm not your standard size 4 fashion blogger, Fashionable Reader. And most of the time I don't really agree with the posts I see on the current rules to obey in the narrow style word dominated by New York and Paris. (Yawn.)

But I do agree with some rules, and here they are...

1. No one looks good in square toe shoes.
2. If you're a guest at a wedding: no solid black, no solid white, and no overly sexy. No excuses.
3. Neutral colored shoes with pointed or almond toes will make your legs look longer.
4. Proper fit is the most important thing to shop and pay for. 
5. Everyone should have one outfit that makes them feel chic and expensive.
6. It's worth spending good money on: cashmere, leather, and comfortable shoes.
7. On the other hand: it's worth hunting for a reasonably priced tailor and dry cleaner.
8. Never buy anything that cannot be worn immediately (right size, color, fit, and condition).

psychotic-art-tumblr Dutch website NSMBL´s collection of images that show the “before” and “after” of digital colorization

This Chart Shows Which Clothing Brands Run Too Big or Small

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

quotes Gail likes


“Sophronia had no idea why Felix was so intent upon her. She had not yet received lessons in seduction, or she might have understood the appeal of sharp confidence, a topping figure, and green eyes. All Sophronia’s intellect was directed at something other than attracting male companionship. These things combined to make her particularly appealing to gentlemen.
Soap could have told her that.” —Gail Carriger


Thursday, January 29, 2015

Then & Now ~ Red with Black Overlay


Then

07 1877  Whitaker Auctions

Now

1877  Whitaker Auctions
I also found this one on eShakti...


I was so tempted (because you can custom the sleeves and tailoring), but I really don't need yet another red dress. Sigh. I do want it.
Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Then & Now ~ Cream Embellished



Then 


Irish Lace Gown  1908  Augusta Auctions
 
Now
2013 Armani
Retro Rack is also on facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.

quotes Gail likes


“She was no closer to determining who might want her dead. There were just too many possibilities.” —Gail Carriger


Then & Now ~ Cream & Silver



Then

Mrs. Dunstan evening dress, 1907 via fripperiesandfobs tumblr

 Now

2014 Angelina-Jolie-Elie-Saab

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

quotes Gail likes


“La criatura se quedó inmóvil, con una intensa expresión de sorpresa dibujada en su bello rostro, y luego cayó de espaldas sobre la maltratada tarta de melaza, desplomándose con la flaccidez de un espárrago cocinado en exceso.” —Gail Carriger


Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Book Cover Inspiration ~ Red from Germany's Changeless by Gail Carriger


You all know, Fashionable Reader, that I love red. If I had to pick a favorite color to wear it would be red...  But I would hate to have to pick.


Here's the German cover of Changeless for inspiration: Alexia and her... umbrella.

And here we go, dressing my characters in red...

For Dimity...


1865-1868  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Bangle  1840  Christie’s

For Alexia...


1887  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1890s  The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

For Baroness Tunstell...


1879  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1905  Antique Dress

1885  The Museum at FIT

For Countess Nadasdy...


1884 Evening dress via The Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

For Quesnel...


1890s Ascot  The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1895 Pocket Watch  Patek Philippe,  Sotheby’s

For Prudence...


1892  The Metropolitan Museum of Art
1891-1892 Evening Dress The Museum of the City of New  York

1900  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1895-1915  The Victoria & Albert Museum
1880-1885  Bonnet  The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

1910  The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

And after my books...


1912  The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

1920s Hostess Gown  The Frock

1925 Brooch  Tiffany & Co.  Doyle Auctions

1925 Evening Shawl  Madeleine Vionnet, The Metropolitan Museum of Art

1930s  Timeless Vixen Vintage
 1930 Suit  Edward Molyneux, 1930s  The Victoria & Albert Museum; 1938  The Arizona Costume Institute

1935 Cartier  Christie’s
1938 Suit  Coco Chanel  The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Coat  1940s  Timeless Vixen Vintage

Earrings  Doyle Auctions


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

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Then & Now ~ Black Lace Over Cream

Then



1898-1899  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Now

Nichole on the red carpet
in Oscar de la Renta

Random fashion tip of the day: 
"Simply place a safety pin on the inner hem of your garment. This will dispel the charge and leave you cling-free."

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

Thursday, January 22, 2015

Then & Now ~ White Gold

Then

Wedding Dress 1881 Manchester City Galleries

Now


Oscars 2013 Jessica Chastain

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

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Gail Carriger's New Acquisitions for 2015


Here, Fashionable Reader, are some practical purchases I've recently added to my wardrobe. I'm trying to be sensible, although, frankly I didn't need a new coat.

Cashmere hat from TJ Max $30

 I will spend bank on cashmere. Wool and angora make me itch like no ones business, which means cotton is generally my best option in knits, alpaca if I can get it. But cashmere is my favorite, love the little goats, love them good. Occasionally I will happen across something that is so soft and warm I cannot resist.

Cashmere scarf $90

And there was a matched scarf! Of course I had to have the scarf. It's massive enough to almost be a throw, which makes it darn near perfect for flying. (I don't use the airline blankets. Nastiness.)  And entirely outside of budget but... cashmere. Also I have been super into dove grey recently. 

French Connection mixed media asymmetrical coat, $80.

Ok, how do I justify this coat?  Well it's wool, but fully lined so it doesn't bother me. I've been hunting for something not black for a while (although I did want red) and to find anything slimming that goes over the Rack is a blessing. I has nice deep pockets and I like how high I can zip the neck, it means if I forgot a scarf I don't get too cold. Also it makes me stand up really straight to get my chin up above the collar.
Ombre red hat $11.

Found this at Bed Bath and Beyond, of all places. Had the obligatory coupon and it was on sale. Needed to replace my favorite red hat that I got in Melbourne in 2012, it's stretched and pilled out of all usability. This one is a range of red from true red to burgundy, which is nice because it goes with quite a range of red clothing.

Black scarf from TJ Max $20

I just needed a plain black scarf. I wanted something a little more interesting, perhaps with a brocade pattern or something but this one was soft and nice and good enough for a holding.

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

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Then & Now ~ Ecru Lace

Then

Evening Dress  1910  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Now

Michelle Williams Red Carpet

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

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Then & Now ~ Blue Spackle Dresses

Then


1880-1882 Dinner Dress The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Now


 Original source unknown, runway show screen shots

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