Vintage 1970s Black Teared Maxi-Dress with Pussy Cat Bow and Gold A Retrospective with Gail Carriger

Today, Fashionable Reader, I'm do a retrospective on one of my all time favorite pieces, a 1970's polyester black maxi dress. I picked this up in Haight Street in San Francisco, and it's not normally the kind of thing I would go for. Except, of course, that it has a pussycat bow at the neck.

But the fit on the stress is just amazing, it makes me look tall and elegant. Which, with my curvy figure, is a really challenging. It's this crazy polyester fabric, and I imagine it will last forever. However if it does ever die, I have plans to take it to a seamstress and have it remade in other fabrics.

Here I am wearing it three ways. The first image is the most common way I wear this dress, with gold accessories. The second is a steampunk variation that I use when I'm traveling and need both a evening gown and a steampunk costume on the go. The final is the dress with a 1940s style velvet jacket over-the-top.

 Well my address is clearly from the 1970sseventies, there is no doubt about that. This style of dress was common in the 1930s. Here I have a retrospective of this dress style for your entertainment. Enjoy.

Teared Black Maxi-Dresses of the 1930s

Charles James, 1930s  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Evening Dress  Lucien Lelong, early 1930s  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Coco Chanel, 1933  Augusta Auctions

Evening Dress  Madeleine Vionnet, 1936  The Museum at FIT

Evening Dress  Coco Chanel  1937-1938  MET

And here is a modern variant...

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

You can shop my recommendations via the following lists:
Steampunk, Retro Jewelry, Makeup, Retro Clothes, Lifestyle

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I get a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

Vintage 1950s Versatile Black Dupioni Suit - Daytime, Evening, Everytime Many Ways with Gail Carriger

So one of my most worn wardrobe pieces is a little black dupioni suit, Fashionable Reader. Here I am wearing it over the years in various different ways. It's basically a sheath dress with a little short jacket over top.

 

ALA in Las Vegas. 

I call this my Dior suit (and it might be, hard to tell as someone tore out all the lining at one point including labels). I'm thinking, from the cut and the length, that it's late 1950s.

Here is is not on my body...

"Dupioni (also referred to as Douppioni or Dupion) is a plain weave crisp type of silk fabric, produced by using fine thread in the warp and uneven thread reeled from two or more entangled cocoons in the weft. This creates tightly-woven yardage with a highly-lustrous surface."

~ From Wikipedia

Dupioni's biggest flaw is that it wrinkles, so this is one of those pieces I always have to plan time into my schedule to iron before wearing, and it's not for sitting still for long times.

The suit is basically a simple v-neck sheath dress...

The skirt is pencil and to below the knee. It's hard to tell with black fabric, but the seaming is to die for (so flattering, that image is BEFORE reduction) especially in the bodice. This is one of those deceptively simple dresses that I really wish eShakti would get hold of and deconstruct because I would buy it in a million different colors and patterns.

I find the arm holes a little high (or perhaps that's because of my swimmers shoulders which pull the bottom of the arm hole up).

With a short jacket...

It comes with this little short jacket, one big button and a very wide lapel and the much-coveted half length sleeve. (I adore this sleeve.) Also super versatile.

Here I am wearing the whole suit as an evening look. (I met Mercedes Lackey in this outfit!) I have a fancy hair bob in, a nice jet beaded tassel necklace ($20), peep-toe wing tip stilettos, and long red gloves ($8).

All I need to do is change the hat & gloves and this look works fine for daytime too. I love that kind of versatility.

Here it is with shorter gloves and no gloves, and more casual accessories.

If I want to turn it super daytime I put a shirt on underneath it, like so...

See? I am even wearing it with flats. (I try to avoid flats with a pencil skirt but sometime the feet just hurt too much.)

And here is one of my favorite versions...

So there you have it, so many different outfits out of one vintage suit.

Any preferences on which one you like the best?

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

You can shop my recommendations via the following lists:
Steampunk, Retro Jewelry, Makeup, Retro Clothes, Lifestyle

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I get a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

Gail Carriger talks her Latest Aquisitions: Convertable Bra, Flat Sandals, Versitile Scarf

I put in a new order at eShakti recently, I'll let you all know how that goes, Fashionable Reader. I haven't purchased anything from them in over a year. Just haven't felt the need but I went on a big maxi dress purge recently and decided to use eShakti to update may wardrobe with replacements. The ones I was finding in shops just didn't have the vintage feel I was looking for. (Nor, for that matter, did they have sleeves & pockets.)

One of the things I like about eShakti is that most everything they make has pockets, and because I am putting in custom measurements anyway and paying the $10 extra for alterations, I tinker with neck lines, sleeves, and skirt length so I look at each dress with this in mind. Also they have added to option to put in a back zipper (instead of side) which I LOVE. That way putting the dress on isn't a makeup worry.

Anyway, I've a number of posts on advice when shopping with eShakti if you are going to try.

Meanwhile here's a few things I have added to my wardrobe recently.

Ekouaer Women's Strapless Convertible Padded Underwire T Shirt Bra 32B-42DDD $20

I already owned this in nude. My new size is 32DDD (at least in this bra). I like it. Not too much padding, just enough for shape and the convertible strap is great, two different spots to fasten on the back so it accommodates different cuts of straps and it can also be a halter, single strap or cross back. Here's the kicker, it's $20. It's so amazing to be spending so little ona  bra I like, and that fits. I supose after a lifetime of this the surgery will have paid for itself.

For summer I got some new sandals:

Aerosoles Women's Chronichle Flat Sandal $30

Man do I love these sandals. I now have them in nude and silver as well as black. I wear them all summer. I don't like flip-flops (the thing between the toes bothers me and I'm not happy with how casual they look) these are perfect. Little bit of bling to bring them up in the world and a bit of a squish to the sole so they really are comfortable. 

Kobwa(TM) Women Flower Mulberry Silk Square Scarves Bandana Scarf with Keyring $7

This is the first scarf I've found that is in the size I prefer for tying about the head and has a steampunk pattern in colors that will work with my wardrobe. So yeah, pretty chuffed about that!

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

You can shop my recommendations via the following lists:
Steampunk, Retro Jewelry, Makeup, Retro Clothes, Lifestyle

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I get a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

Dress the Cover: Poison or Protect in Purple with Gail Carriger

A year ago, Fashionable Reader, Poison or Protect released into the world. Now, finally the audiobook is also available.

Here for your fun an entertainment are some fashionable items that match this cover...

 1880 Mourning dress, 1880-85  From Kerry Taylor Auctions

 For Alexia...

Worth day dress, 1880’s  From the State Hermitage Museum

1890s  Sotheby’s

 For Prudence...

Day Dress  1895  Augusta Auctions

For Quesnel...

1890s Ascot The Metropolitan Museum of Art

For Gail...

Earrings  Cartier, 1920  Sotheby’s

  Suzy Perette, 1950s  Mill Street Vintage

 Jabot Pin  1925  1stdibs.com

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

You can shop my recommendations via the following lists:
Steampunk, Retro Jewelry, Makeup, Retro Clothes, Lifestyle

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I get a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

Gail Carriger in 1950s Vintage Pink Flowered Tiki with Cream

For the final day of SDCC, which was also my spotlight panel, I wore one of my favorite vintage dresses. This is a 1950s tiki faux-wrap dress in pink and cream, cotton, comfortable, and super flattering. (Here's the closest I could find from Sourpuss $30-50.)

I'm wearing it over the new Dark Garden foundation corset.

Frankly they might have been made for each other. Well, to be honest, the corset was, in fact made to go under this kind of dress.

Outfit Details

• I'm wearing a crochet octopus hair piece I picked up in Alaska. You can find similar on Etsy.
• Some fantastic cat eye glasses I found on Amazon for $11.
• Pearl drop earrings with bows, vintage (similar $9).
• Stacked multi-strand faux pearl necklace vintage (similar $9).
• Obligatory pen necklace $15, looks like it's only in silver these days.
• White cotton gloves with pear details (similar $15).
• Vintage cream bag with octopus broach (similar $11) added for details. This one is on it's last legs so I have my eye on this one instead $32. 
• Sofft stacked heel strappy sandals (similar $24).

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

You can visit the following shopping lists: Travel Dork, My Steampunk, My Wardrobe.

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I gets a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

Gail Carriger in Red Steampunk Pin-Up At San Diego Comic Con 2017

For the Saturday of SDCC, Fashionable Reader, I wore what I'm calling my red pin-up steampunk.

This is turning into a new favorite outfit. I also had on gloves but I forgot them in the photo, and a parasol for when I went outside.

Outfit Details

Lets go from the bottom up, just for a change of pace.

• Those are Shoes of Prey custom pumps $200 or so, I talk about them in this blog post, I can't recommend them. Their shoes will look EXACTLY how you want, but they won't be comfy. 
• That's my favorite pencil skirt from Amazon, around $30. Also comes in black.
• Barrel bag with button details and tassel $17. I LOVE this bag. It's the perfect size for me and I adore a super quirky shape. It comes in red & gold too, I might have to go for the gold, but those are remote sellers, so I'm nervous. 
• The corset is a Dark Garden couture Amazon (style no longer offered but the Alexandra is similar) with custom leather details and cross-back straps. The bracers are matched to the leather applique work, both Oberon Design. 
• Necklace is vintage and was a family heirloom (similar $10). 
• Obligatory pen necklace $15, looks like it's only in silver these days.
• Steampunk earrings (similar $17).
• Red sunnies $9 (they seem out of the red but the red and black are killer).
• That's a tiny red top hat that I went crazy on with a hot glue gun (similar $10).

One more to come!

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

You can visit the following shopping lists: Travel Dork, My Steampunk, My Wardrobe.

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I gets a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

Gail Carriger in Retro 1930s Silver Flapper Cocktail Gown at SDCC

For Friday evening of SDCC I wore one of my more comfortable dresses - a late 20s style flapper number.

Because it's not fitted and I'm a curvy lady, this isn't the most flattering of gowns, but it sure is comfy. There isn't much like it out there to recommend you buy (if you see something like this and it fits, my advice is to snap it up, always elegant and timeless.) However, there are a whole lot of fun 20s style dresses lurking about Amazon these days, here are some options. If I were in the market for a new cocktail dress I'd go for one of these.

Outfit details

• I'm wearing a scarf tied about my hair in the 30s style, this is my favorite size head scarf $10.
• Those are cut jet earrings with a matched tassel necklace (similar $20).
• Opera length black satin vintage gloves (similar $8).
• Flat silver sandals from Aerosoles $30 (I LOVE these and have them in multiple colors). (I basically live in Aerosole sandals all summer $30-60 many colors and styles.) Err on the smaller side if you're an in-between.

Next up... more from SDCC!

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

You can visit the following shopping lists: Travel Dork, My Steampunk, My Wardrobe.

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I gets a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.

Gail Carriger in 1950s Retro Red Pedal Pushers and Leopard

For the second day of San Diego Comic Con I wore my coolest outfit (literally and figuratively). For this one I went pure pin up.

I like red and leopard together, but then I love red, so... Leopard is so very versatile.

Here is another way to do Leopard, although, not in Canada. (One gets mistaken for local comedic talent, as it turns out.)

And here is the last time I wore red and leopard together, on the Sword & Laser podcast & video.

Right, now where was I? Oh yes... Comic Con.

Outfit Breakdown

• Turban style hat. I've gotten really into these lately and am planning on buying more (I already have red, white, and leopard). They come in quite a range of colors, styles, fabrics, and prices, this one is $8. I want to try one of the ones with a bow next.
• I paired it with a leopard flower hair clip (similar $8).
• Steampunk earrings (similar $17).
• Red sunnies $9 (they seem out of the red, but the red and black are killer). 
• I'm wearing the Bumbersnoot necklace from Badali jewelry that they SOLD OUT at Comic Con. There are more on their website, $23-48 depending on material. (I'm currently giving one away to a lucky winner via my newsletter, The Chirrup.)

• Obligatory pen necklace ($15, looks like it's only in silver these days).
• Those are leopard gloves I got from H&M years ago (similar $11).
• Black & leopard wedges (similar $25).
• That's a bathing suit top from Target, if you'd believe it. No longer available. But if I had to find something to fill the same role I'd go for this one $48.
• Red high wasted pedal pushers (similar $20).

 

Next up, more from Comic Con!

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

You can visit the following shopping lists: Travel Dork, My Steampunk, My Wardrobe.

Product links on this blog are usually to Amazon using my associate code. At no additional cost to you this means I gets a slight kick back if you make a purchase. Thank you! This allows me to continue to produce this blog without sponsors.