Retro Rack

Its happened again, but this time with feeling. Time for a closet purge.


My darling Fashionable Reader, can you believe it's been 10 years?

Well not in this exact blog but pretty much I've been talking about retro fashion and my love of it here on the interwebs for a decade.

And something has happened. I've changed shape.



I not going to shilly-shally around the point, I'm not precisely happy about this. However, I cannot expect to stay the same size that I was at university. I've become settled and I'm content with my life. But the life of being an author and is largely a stationary existence. I'm not tromping around the Andean Highlands anymore.

And I do love the occasional cream puff.

Perhaps more than occasional.

All these things have added up to a widening in certain areas. Not to mention the fact that I got a breast reduction several years ago. My shape, such as it is, has changed.



I am not going to substantially alter my lifestyle anytime soon. And even if I were, I am a believer in:

 never keeping clothing in one's wardrobe that doesn't fit. 

Quite apart from everything else, losing weight is an excuse to go shopping. And sometimes that makes it a motivation. Keeping too small clothing, on the other hand, is just depressing.

So accepting all these truths as self evident, I went through my closet recently and took a good long look at those dresses that really don't fit me anymore. Without too much surprise most of them are pencil dresses with no stretch to them.


Which leads me onto the next point:

I am also at a stage in my life where I want to change my style slightly. 

So I am shifting away from bodycon, tight, bombshell outfits towards things that are a little bit more relaxed and comfortable and that travel well.



I've been doing fewer events over the last couple of years, in an effort to protect my sanity and improve my production, but when I do travel it does tend to be greater distances which means the clothing that I have for events needs to pack well, not wrinkle, and pack small.

With all these restrictions in mind, here are a few of the items that I'm going to be getting rid of...

Black Velvet Jacket 1980s (1930s revival) CLAIMED

You have never seen me in this jacket because I've never worn it.

What? 
Beautiful black silk velvet swing jacket, with feather cuffs, 2 large velvet buttons at the top only.
Why?
It still fits. But it's still isn't right over the boobs. I thought if they were smaller it would look better, but it just isn't suitable for someone the my rack, the next owner needs to be less endowed and probubly taller too.

Has gone to a new home.

Grey Check Pencil Skirt (modern) CLAIMED

What?
Windowpane plaid, grey with teal stripe, fish tale kick pleats. BCBG size 4. (I originally owned 3 of this skirt in different patterns, this is the last one.) Modern materials, lines, has stretch.
Why?
Too tight in waist and hips, doesn't photo well, just never seem to wear it.

Claimed to a new home by my lovely Z.

Red & White Suit 1980s

What? 
Two piece cherry red suit with white birds, peplum top with button front, pleated fitted skirt, silk.
Why?

Too tight at waist, shirt is really for someone with a short waist and smaller boobs. Doesn't pack well.

Red Dotty Dress 1950s

1958 Red Pencild Button Front Dress

What?
Fitted and pleated red pencil dress with tan spots, silk, wonderful vintage seaming in neck and sleeves, matched belt. Satin wash poplin, no stretch.
Why? 

Too tight at hips, doesn't pack well.

Black & White Check Suit 1960s CLAIMED

What? 
Check sheath dress with matched crop jacket, skirt above the knee, flattering cut, bit of stretch.
Why? 

Too tight at hips and waist, too short for my taste.

Claimed to a new home by my lovely Z. 

The Pink Floral Maxi 1960s

What? 
Maxi dress with chiffon top with tiny pink bows and train, linen skirt with hand painted flowers. Probably bridesmaid. No stretch.
Why? 

Too tight in torso, requires assistance to get into, linen doesn't travel.

The Marigold Cocktail 1950s

What? 
Dupioni cocktail dress in a marigold color, low neckline, bra strap keeper, very flattering cut and seaming. No stretch.
Why? 

Too tight in shoulders and hips and sleeves, bit too long, needs someone taller than me with less broad shoulders.

I'm checking with local friends to see if they want 'em. If not then I'll probably consign them.

If you're super interested in buying any of them, you can ping me via my website calling card and Kelly and I will see what we can do for you. The usual warning about these being vintage.

I am sorry but it's too complicated to ship clothing overseas, given manifold troubles with customs and the high expense of postage, not to mention Kelly's time standing in line at the Post Office.

Be aware most of these are a size 2-4 and I'm 5'7" in flats and almost always wearing high heels.

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.

Without further ado, Fashionable Reader, here are the outfits I wore in 2017!


In Detroit, I went pretty low key and practical. I also was starting to test some of my clothes to see if I really wanted to keep them. Both this skirt and skirt have now gone on to new homes so this is the last time I wore them.


I love this outfit (although this is the cold weather variation). I'm really getting into steampunk pin-up as a look.


Resurrecting an old favorite dress and remembering how much I love it.


Changing up the way I wear my corsets now that I have the reduced rack and modified corsetry.


A new corset with an old dress, another one that I decided not to keep (the dress, not the corset).

Reminder! 

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.

I love tweed, Fashionable Reader, here I am in a tweed pencil skirt in 2013, early on in my career as a public speaking authorbeast...



Today I made a big decision and got rid of this tweed pencil skirt. I've been doing a lot of purging recently and I just wasn't wearing it enough. (I still have that shirt.) It's sad really, it was one of the last tweed items in my closet.

Symptom of begin a California girl, I suppose. Not much use for tweed.

Still in honor of its demise I though I would post a few tweed-related images:

For Prudence

Walking Dress  1893  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

For Primrose

1895  The Los Angeles County Museum of Art

For Gail

Ensemble  Utility, 1942  The Victoria & Albert Museum

Suzy Parker; photo by Nina Leen, 1951

If you want to be inspired by tweed I HIGHLY RECOMMEND the movie Cold Comfort Farm. This is hands down one of my favorite movies of all time and I want every single one of her outfits.

Cold Comfort Farm

And here is a fun new bit of merch!

Teapot in an Octopus Cameo Steampunk T-Shirt

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.

Hello Fashionable Reader!

Here's my most recent event outfit. I went to Borderlands for their Mass Signing 20th Birthday Celebration!

(And then stayed for the Sponsor Social.)


The funny thing about this outfit is that I was having such a hard time deciding what to wear, I had Twitter vote on it.


Here's the break down of what they chose and how I put it together.


The velvet blouse is part of a 1940s suit (the skirt is no more). Like all black velvet, it photographs poorly, but it has tons of lovely little details like buttons and cuffs. You'll just have to trust me that they are there.

The bag, gloves and shoes are all modern but I bought them 10 years ago. The bag came from a thrift store, the shoes are aerosoles, and the gloves H&M.

However, still available are...

• The leopard turban ($8)
• The red pencil trumpet skirt (c. $40)
• The obligatory necklace pen ($20)

Next to the amazing Katherine Kerr (I was a little star struck).

I'm afraid, since it was at night, the light wasn't awesome

 
Finally here I am in my special Borderlands Sponsor sweatshirt...


Take a good hard look, this is the only time you will ever see Gail Carriger IN A HOODIE.

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.

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.

It is a truth universally acknowledged, Fashionable Reader, that a lady in want of steampunk and warmth will struggle to pack lightly.


It wasn't as cold as I expected but it was cold. I'm wearing leggings and an undershirt and flat boots (because I didn't bother to pack any heels, I know, but it happens sometimes). 



From the top down I am wearing:

Black and red facinator from Amazon for $15 (lots of colors, packs well).


I actually added a knitted ladybug to the center. From a newly discovered crafter Borealis Baubles, more on her later.

Vintage gold costume earrings & necklace and the obligatory pen necklace $20.

That's a new lipstick I'm not sure about. CoverGirl Outlast All-Day Color & Lip Gloss, Richest Red $10.50. This is the base coat and then it has a darker gloss to go over it. I like long last lippy, and I like a glossy look, but as is always the issue is the gloss gets on everything - teeth, food, etc. So I'm not sure I'll keep up with this brand, but for a performance or special occasion it's a great option.



That's a little gold shrug I got on a whim from Ross for like $15 and wear all the darn time. I forget how useful a metallic neutral is. Similar $17-23. 

That's my Dark Garden Corset, the Class 5 custom with custom leather details.  Here's a costume alternative, for $35-$53:



I'm wearing it over a Max Studio silk cross over full sleeved blouse (similar $16).

And that's one of my favorite skirts, the Power Broker from Amazon c. $30.

I'm wearing some leather and suede black button gloves I picked up in Germany a few years and and my Pilner leather and suede gaiter riding boots $75. They're a few seasons old but there are some still out there. Also come in brown. I got mine at Nordstrom Rack.



 That's the first outfit round up. I've one more from this event and then a great look at a fantastic cosplay from Alaska.

Pip pip!

Miss Gail

Retro Rack is also on facebook 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.

I recently returned from Confusion, a lovely little convention on the outskirts of Detroit. My first outfit was a new one for me, I pair an old pin stripe fish tale pencil skirt with a top I usually wear under steampunk stuff.


I put on vintage black gloves (similar $40), a cream headband flower, black purse (no longer avaiable, but I love the Lux De Ville purse line), and my grey and black Via Spiga cut-out spectator derby pumps. (Want more on how I came by this description? My favorite post on the fine art of Oxford shoe identification.)

 I'm not sure about this outfit. I feel that the shirt untucked isn't flattering yet the skirt isn't high wasted enough to tuck or wear with a vintage sweater. I won't be getting rid of the shirt, for steampunk reasons, but I'm not sure about keeping the skirt. Much as I love it, I just don't wear it very often. No mater what the case, I won't be wearign this particular combination again.


FYI, I am running a Goodreads Giveaway on Imprudence.

Retro Rack is also on facebook 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.

So I have been into the trumpet/mermaid skirt recently, Fashionable Reader. Why? Because I liked the red outfit I wore at Gaslight Gathering so much. I figured it might behoove me to have more of this style skirt for away steampunk conventions. They go well with corsets and pack small.

Let the shopping trials commence.

Before we start, FYI: I'm a size 6.

First up, here is the one I have:


This one is listed as: The Power Broker- 30s Vintage Style Retro Double Button Skirt - USA Stock! in Small/Red and it is $30. The material is stretchy and relatively thick, I really love it. The buttons are sewn on well, there is a little black lace round the bottom and a back zipper. It also comes in black.


Because it would work with my accessorizes I went ahead and ordered (what I thought was) the same skirt in teal. However, this one is listed as VfEmage Women's Elegant High Waist Party Work Mermaid Bodycon Pencil Midi Skirt 120 BLU S 4/6 (size no longer available) for $24. Now this is listed as blue, it is absolutely teal. The Small 4/6 was way too small for me. Also the material was a great deal thinner (which gives nice movement), the zipper didn't go down as far, and the buttons not as well sewn on as my red version. Despite all of this I would have ordered the next size up but it's not offered.

Returned it.


I ordered the Partiss Women's Vintage High Waist Wear to Work Bodycon Mermaid Pencil Skirt $28 in Medium instead. It's a Chinese manufacture which means I can't make returns (it says you can but it's usually too expensive) so it's a risk, particularly on color. But the same skirt comes in white, and so if it works I have more future options. So I decided to take the risk.

It arrived in reasonable time. It's more blue than pictured, on the turquoise end of teal. The fabric is a soft cotton blend, slightly ribbed body-con. It's a tiny bit loose on me, but because of the fabric (which shows all sins) I don't mind that, although not sure how it will work with a corset. It's not nearly so flow-y as pictured above, looking a bit more like the skirt below with obvious hem seam. It's mid-calf (a bit longer then I like). It'll work for now, but it isn't nice enough for me to buy the white version.

I don't think it's worth the $28 price tag.


Next I ordered this Women's Vintage High Waist Wear to Work Skirts Wine Small $17. It's fine, fits well and very plain. I wanted something without black trim/buttons so I could wear it with my fancy corset. Unfortunately, it's better for the Spoon corset than the Fancy, which to say the color is more burgundy than raspberry (on the brown end rather than the pink end of the wine spectrum). It'll do for now and I'll keep an eye open for a pinker more special option going forward as I thrift hunt.



So there it is: one highly recommended, one difficult to deal with and lukewarm, and one recommended with reservations. 

Retro Rack is also on facebook 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.

My last day at Gaslight Gathering I had one outfit planned to go with this corset which turned out not to work out. It was to go over a vintage dress that ripped asunder. Don't cry, I'll use it as an excuse to whittle down the wardrobe. Never a bad thing. So instead I wore my Fancy corset with this...


This is my other Alyscia Dark Garden corset. You can see it's different, there's princess cross over straps (I should have gotten a photo of the back). I gave this fabric to Autumn to use. That's how I have excess for the reticule, hat, and the shawl. Yes I made those three items. I can't remember where I got the fabric, but I know it was a pain to work with. It had to be fused. I love patterned fabric that has a geometric or Deco feel. I tend to go for that (where possible) over something like paisley or brocade. I had this corset made specifically with an eye toward evening fancy events, like the opera. It has a satin iridescent skirt to match, and a bustled overstrict for steampunk, but neither travel well. (At the time I was dating an opera singer.) I'll look into a wine pencil skirt for this in future, for ease of travel.

Here, I'm wearing it with the underskirt of the cream outfit from the night before. Which really DOESN'T travel, the crinoline got all squished and refused to obey me for the whole con. Won't to that again!

Retro Rack is also on facebook 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.

For Saturday night's ball I wore my favorite cream outfit. This one doesn't transport easily so I rarely wear it away from home. I'm working on a travel modified version, you'll likely see me in that next year at Steampunk World's Fair.


This corset had to be made over because I used to use it for waist training and, frankly, I've given up on that malarkey. In other words, it was too small. Because Autumn knew I'd be using it for steampunk in the future she improvised a second busk which allowed her to widen it at the front and then she took a little out of the bust (rack reduction, you know?) and wha la! I'm sorry the picture is so bad. I promise to have better in future.


From the top down...

1. Vintage 1950s lace applique headband, similar $17
2. Matched pearl necklace and earring set, similar $30 
3. Shrug, cotton and lace from Newport News years ago, similar knitted multiple colors $17 or lace and pearl small jacket $19
4. Lace cami, similar $18
5. Double breasted corset, variation on Dark Garden's Victorian
6. Corset busk covers from Ruby Blackbird (discontinued)
7. Brocade skirt, thrifted wedding dress modified by me with a crochet coverlet as trim, similar $80

Retro Rack is also on facebook 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.