close

Retro Rack | category: flats

home

Retro Rack

Vintage Style In A Modern World

retrorack.blogspot.com

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.

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

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


For summer I got some new sandals:

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

Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons

I'm still in Reno, Fashionable Reader, and about to set out but I thought I might say a little word on the subject of shoes. 

Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons
I have skinny feet. Which is to say: narrow (but not _that_ narrow) but also not very thick, so shoes with straps always require extra holes. The end result is that most shoes made for the American market I simply can't buy. I opt for Italian 90% of the time and leather if at all possible. I need to be able to break a shoe to fit my foot, and man made will break my foot (with blisters) to fit the shoe.

I've ended up with two mandates . . .

1. spend good money on shoes and bras, get everything else cheap
2. invest in shoes that will last for a long time

Currently most of my shoes are: Via Spiga, Miz Mooz, modified dance shoes, (%50 of the collection) with a few Me Too, BP, and Franco Sartos. I have one pair of Lambs and one pair of Irregular Choice both of which I love but which KILL ME to wear. I just can't get rid of the cuteness.

If you are not a skinny foot like me, consider Fluvogs (expensive, but you can at least try them on to see), Clarks, Blowfish, or Aerosoles. If you have an average shape, Me Toos are a good between option, but, of course you will have plenty to chose from.

Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons

Word on the street is Irregular Choice, no matter how wonderful they look, are never comfortable. Same holds for Lamb, allthough I will say my sky rockiting booties might be painful but they sure are the most stable 7" stilletos I've ever owned.

Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons

One of my biggest tips as a high-heel aficionado to those more cautious with their feet, is to try dancing shoes. They can run very expensive but they break easily to mold to your foot. I have a lovely Shoe Guy I visit regularly who not only puts on walking soles to dance shoes and makes repairs but dyes shoes for me at a very reasonable rate ($5 ~ $10).  I figure if I am going to get more wear out of the shoe with a few adjustments it is worth the money.

I learned the lesson at the Denver WordCon that I should have both flats and heels in all accessory colors. That way, I wear flats to walk to the convention center and then heels once I have a arrive. I have one of those little collapsible totes so I can carry the heels there, then I fold up the tote and the flats. I buy flats small enough to fit into my handbags and handbags large enough to hold both the flats and one mass market paperback.

Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldConsGail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons
Via Spiga & thrifted flats; Via Spiga & dance shoes.
Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons
Haight St fancy & dance shoes & Aerosoles & Me Too flats.
Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons
BP flats & fancy pumps & dance shoes & Via Spiga
Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons
Miz Mooz & Via Spiga & Via Spiga & Miz Mooz & flats
I arrived in good time and wore red with white accessories all day Thursday. Unfortunately, I did not take into account the fact that it was so warm I did not wear stockings. This, even with flats, results in blisters when the shoes are not leather. It's hard to find good white patent leather.
Gail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons
I suppose this is basically a defense of stockings. I ended up spending the rest of the weekend in them, despite the heat, and also blister band-aid (which I buy in bulk). The secret, by the way, is to cover the blister band-aid with an industrial strength fabric band-aid.

Some have asked me before but I don't wear vintage shoes as a rule. They tend to be in very poor condition and, unlike clothing, that's not something I have the skill to do anything about. I do modify my shoes though, with attachments and dyeing, expect a future blog on the subject.

Pictures of the Reno outfits to come, I promise. I remembered to take a full length shot of all six! I'm ridiculously proud of this accomplishment. Trust me, I can barely remember my brain at a convention. I left my room key in my room three times! Taking a photo of each outfit (for which I have to pigeonhole some unsuspecting patsy once I hit the convention) is like presenting a dissertation it's so complicated.
Gail Carriger talks her Latest Aquisitions: Convertable Bra, Flat Sandals, Versitile ScarfGail Carriger's New Acquisitions ~ Bits and Bobs, Top and ShoesGail Carriger: 13 of My Favorite Things Right Gail Carriger's 8 New AcquisitionsGail Carriger Talks About Shoes, Flats, Heels, & WorldCons

Report "Retro Rack"

Are you sure you want to report this post for ?

Cancel
×