Retro Rack

For my last Etiquette & Espionage event I wore a plaid dress over a blouse with Very Big Sleeves. 


This particular outfit has some steampunk notes and since the event was listed as a "Steampunk Reception" I thought I should nod in that direction. Normally, I use this blouse (1970s I think) for my Victorian recreation outfits, but I happened upon the idea of putting it under this pencil dress when watching How to Marry a Millionaire (for the millionth time).


Sorry I don't have a bigger screen shot. How to Marry a Millionaire is one of my favorite fashion movies of all time and I would like to own every outfit that each of the ladies wears. So good. Anyway where was I? Oh yes, plaid with steampunk touches.



Since it was a relatively cool day I paired the dress with a vintage fur wrap.


Sadly the poor wrap ripped during the course of the day so it's gone off to Goodwill. It's pretty near impossible to repair fur and certainly more effort than I have time for. Especially as I've owned this one for three years and only worn it 2x. I picked up this wrap from Bon Marche Thrift Store for $15, so I'm not too upset about the loss. I'll do a little blog to morn its passing shortly.


However, back to plaid. I've written on a number of occasions about my love affair with this fabric. I think it goes back to my goth roots. It's one of those patterns that bisects both the alternative scene and the tweed toffy country set. Tally ho the nightclub and all that.

It's funny but even though I have a whole lot of plaid already in my wardrobe it's something I gravitate to whenever I am out shopping. Plaid and and color red. I'm powerless to resist.


Hope you all have lovely plaid filled days!

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

I had so much fun at the Alameda Vintage fair last time that I went back again last weekend. I was on the hunt for some very specific items: a pair of green and gold earrings and a bangle to match, some emerald green gloves, emerald green shoes, replacement red knit top, black and white gingham petal pushers, cream lace top, cream cardy. I ended up with a little green ring and an embroidered/beaded cashmere cream sweater, both of which you will certainly see me wear at an event soon. I had a wonderful time, went with friends and ran into old friends there.


Part of the fair's theme this time was steampunk. I didn't feel like going the whole hog, because I thought I might want to try stuff on, so instead I just wore my plaid 1940s dress which has some steampunk elements. My dear friend Rach took a similar approach, although don't you just love her jacket?


We encountered various actual old vintage pieces, mostly from close to the turn of the century, more Prudence than Alexia. But fun to see. Nothing that would fit my Rack, of course.


Mostly we had fun browsing the wares, trying on hats and giggling.


We developed a plan of attack for next time, gossiped a lot, and generally enjoyed ourselves. This time they had nibbly bits instead of absinthe drinks, a marked improvement if you ask me. I loathe absinthe. Perhaps next time they will have tea!


You may recognize the plaid dress I wore from a few other occasions. I donned it on the first day of the last Nova Albion Steampunk Exhibition.


I also wore this plaid dress to RT in LA one year. I like this dress, the fit is good and because it is a modern piece it has a bit of stretch to it, a front pocket (!), and packs well. Yet it still fits over the Rack.


And it's the one Locus shot me wearing for the Steampunk edition cover and used again for the film announcement recently.


Plaid has been showing up all over the runways for Fall 2012. Plaid alwasy seems to show up in some form or another in the autumn.


And how about something in plaid for Alexia to wear?


And just because it's so pretty:


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