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Vintage Style In A Modern World

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Black With Pink Print Maxi 1930's Style Dress from eShakti on Gail Carriger


So I have worn this dress 3 times, Fashionable Reader, but each time I forgot to take a photo. So this time I dragged the AB into the backyard to get one before I even LEFT for the event.

Black With Pink Print Maxi 1930's Style Dress from eShakti on Gail Carriger

Outfit Breakdown

  • Vintage hat (blog post about changing the color to black here)
  • Flower, gift from a reader. 
  • Glasses mirrored cat eyes, purchased in Ashland. Similar $8
  • Necklace, gold chandelier with pink stones, thrifted. Similar but a jellyfish, similar but pearls.
  • Chiffon eShakti maxi dress customized with added sleeves. Black with pink ballerinas (I like that they looked like fans) this dress no longer available but here is a lovely blue version. (Which I have ordered with elbow sleeves because I have no will power).
  • Black flats, I'm wearing simple pointed toe ones.

Black With Pink Print Maxi 1930's Style Dress from eShakti on Gail Carriger


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.

Getting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)


One of the questions I get a lot is where to find and buy a new bra (with modern measurements) but that will give the conical pointed shape of the 1950s.

Well darling fashionable reader, I am here for you.

Getting a Vintage Shape With a Modern Bra


First there is a vintage bra re-creation company out there called What Katie Did. Their bullet bras run small (I've never managed to fit one so gave up) and have little to no stretch to them. But they even have a circle stitch one for $64. Their return policy is draconian. Try at your own risk.

Getting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)


Second, one of my personal favorites is the Freya Dotty Nursing Bra ($72 30D-40G). Yes I know, it's a nursing bra, but the design means that it's a good shape for vintage. However, the band is a little narrow and unsupportive, so it can cut in at the ribs. But this is the single biggest range bra for those of use with tiny rib cages and want a retro shape.

Getting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)


However, if you are going to buy one vintage style bra for multiple purposes it should probubly be a neutral color. Plus $72 is pretty steep for a show bra.

So I went on a tear recently looking for a good one and here are a few options I found and tried out. (Keep in mind I run at about a 32DDD - 34DD these days) which means large boobs and small ribs...

Exquisite Form Fully Women's Original Full Support Bra #5100532 


Getting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)



This puppy is only $15 (in my size) and honestly it is the most like an actual vintage bra that I have found made modern from material to design. For $15 it's obviously not very well made but it will certainly do the trick for light use. For me it ran a whole size too big in both band and cup, and unfortunately it doesn't come in a 32. I now have the 34 D to wear on the tightest band setting and that's OK. But still sizing is kind of a pain with this one.

The vintage shape once you get the fit though? That is spot on.

$9-28 Comes in white, black, and light beige. 34B - 48DD Cup sizes only go up to DDD. But like a said, runs large.

Playtex Women's 18 Hour Original Comfort Strap Bra #4693

Getting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)

Great support and good shape but the lace edging is HELLA sharp. Seam line is rather prominent, but really hard to beat this kind of support PLUS a good vintage shape. Also a silky material is nice, things don't cling to it. I ended up keeping it as a fall back, despite the lace. Mostly because in my size it was only $18. Oh yeah it ran true to size. 

 $11-95 Comes in multiple colors. 34D - 54DDD Cup sizes up to G. 

Carnival Women's Full Figure Longline Camisole Strap Soft Cup Wire Free Bra (no lace)


Getting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)
This one is VERY vintage but the cup sizes run larger. I found it more comfortable than the lace version (see next) and so I returned this one for the smaller size cup. Because it is a long line it is a bit warm. The support is great though. This is the first bra I've owned in a long time that really doesn't rely on straps AT ALL. In fact, this could easily be a strapless on me.

$25-112 (I paid $42) Comes in white, black, and champagne. 34B - 48DDD Cup sizes only go up to DDD.

Carnival Women's Full Figure Longline Padded-Strap Soft-Cup Wire-Free Bra (Lace)


Getting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)

Oddly enough, this one, while the same company and size as the previous long line, ran exactly true to size on me. I like it and it looks lovely on, BUT the lace is a bit sharp. Also the support isn't awesome, so if you need a lot of help, this bra isn't for you. Finally I had to wear the straps on the very shortest setting, rare for me. So if your boobs are high, this may not have short enough straps for you. Although the shoulder padding is nice.

I gotta say this bra does one thing REALLY well, it gives GREAT sweater.

Getting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)


So if "sweater girl" is the look you are after, hard to do worse than this. Very little over-boob seam line showing on my lightest weight knit top.

$25-112 (I paid $41) Comes in white, black, and blush. 34B - 48DDD Cup sizes only go up to DDD.

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 Carriegr wears a 1930s Style Breezy Blue Maxi Dress for RWA Nationals i2018 in Denver


I was recently in Denver at RWA. Oof, I forgot how hot Denver could get so I was delighted I'd packed this new acquisition of mine...

Gail Carriegr wears a 1930s Style Breezy Blue Maxi Dress for RWA Nationals i2018 in Denver

I've gotten really into maxi dresses these days.

Honestly? Because I don't have to shave my legs. But also they have this tall drink of water feeling, and I don't have to wear high heels with them. Which means I'm not really that tall, but I feel like I look that way in a maxi dress. Make sense?

Anyway this one came from Nordstrom Rack, and I'm not usually one for the Shoulder peek, but it had a 1930's thing going for it, so I couldn't resist.

Here's something similar that has that breezy see-through thing...

Gail Carriegr wears a 1930s Style Breezy Blue Maxi Dress for RWA Nationals i2018 in Denver

Sorry the original dress is no longer available.

So what else am I wearing?

Gail Carriegr wears a 1930s Style Breezy Blue Maxi Dress for RWA Nationals i2018 in Denver

Outfit Breakdown! 


Cream embellished turban - $15
White gloves - similar $10
Octopus earrings - similar $22
Teapot bag - Etsy $69

Gail Carriegr wears a 1930s Style Breezy Blue Maxi Dress for RWA Nationals i2018 in Denver

Check out this fantastic blog post on What to Wear to a 1930s Wedding

Gail Carriegr wears a 1930s Style Breezy Blue Maxi Dress for RWA Nationals i2018 in Denver
 

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 Wears a 1950s Style eShakti Gold Cocktail Dress for Competence Book Launch in Denver


I neglected to get a good photo of this one, but frankly given how fast everything was on this particular day, I'm glad I got any photos at all. It was all my author friend Lea Kirk, she rocks. She also writes some sexy sci-fi, if that's your thing check her out.

Anyway where was I?

Oh yeah, gold dress.

Here it is...

Gail Carriger Wears a 1950s Style eShakti Gold Cocktail Dress for Competence Book Launch in Denver

Me with awesome reader fans!

I paired the dress with some turquoise jewelry (to better match the cover), a vintage shell hat, gold sandals, and a big old octopus ring.

Gail Carriger Wears a 1950s Style eShakti Gold Cocktail Dress for Competence Book Launch in Denver


The dress in it's original form:

Gail Carriger Wears a 1950s Style eShakti Gold Cocktail Dress for Competence Book Launch in Denver

As you can see I lengthened the hem, added short sleeves, and changed the neckline, making it way more retro looking, because, you know, that's my JAM.

Gail Carriger Wears a 1950s Style eShakti Gold Cocktail Dress for Competence Book Launch in Denver

Here I am hamming it up as we marched down the street to Tattered Cover. Yes I'm wearing flats to walk a mile, I'm not a complete idiot. Of course when I got there I changed into gold sandals.

Outfit Breakdown! 

Gail Carriger Wears a 1950s Style eShakti Gold Cocktail Dress for Competence Book Launch in Denver

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 Wears Black & White 1950s Polka Dots at Phoenix Comic Con 2018


This was my first outfit in Phoenix recently, Fashionable Reader!


Gail Carriger Wears Black & White 1950s Polka Dots at Phoenix Comic Con 2018


This is an old favorite dress because it's polyester and packs easy (no wrinkles) and is relatively cool. Because there were lines in the sun to get into the event, I paired it with a check umbrella as a parasol, and walking sandals (no heels for me this day).

Outfit Details


Gail Carriger Wears Black & White 1950s Polka Dots at Phoenix Comic Con 2018

Mini Black & White Umbrella as Parasol: $15
Knitted Octopus as a hat: Gift
White Sun Glasses: (many colors available) $11
Bumbersnoot Necklace from Badali Jewelry
Gold Pen Necklace: No longer available. Similar
Steampunk earrings: Similar $12
Polka dot A-line dress: Very old, similar $30
Straw Bag: Ross, out of stock, similar $25
Mesh gloves: $16
Flat black walking sandals: No longer available. Similar $30-60
I'm wearing my new dark wine pink lippy. 


Gail Carriger Wears Black & White 1950s Polka Dots at Phoenix Comic Con 2018


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 discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style


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

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

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.

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

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

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

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

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

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

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

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

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

More playing with corsets and day dresses. Just swinging up my steampunk style.

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

I resurrected this dress to see if it still fit. And it did! It's pretty outrageous, does not pack well, and I don't wear it often so I am not sure how much longer it will stay in my wardrobe. But for now, still here.

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

All the outfits I wore for San Diego Comic Con. Battling heat and crowds made this a bit of a challenge, and always does. But I was happy with the results, and the AB was with me to take photos.

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

Borderlands events ended my year, making this red skirt my most frequently worn piece for 2017. Money well spent if you ask me.

There were a few other events in there where I didn't get a good outfit shot. I'm bad about remembering to ask someone to take a photo.

I did one major crating project in 2017, which was painting this corset. Other than that no sewing or tailoring or anything. Just some basic repairs.

Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro Style

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Outfit Details

Lets go from the bottom up, just for a change of pace.
Gail Carriger in Red Steampunk Pin-Up At San Diego Comic Con 2017Gail Carriger in Red Steampunk Pin-Up At San Diego Comic Con 2017

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 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.

Gail Carriger in 1950s Retro Red Pedal Pushers and Leopard

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.)

Gail Carriger in 1950s Retro Red Pedal Pushers and Leopard

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

Gail Carriger in 1950s Retro Red Pedal Pushers and Leopard

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

Gail Carriger in 1950s Retro Red Pedal Pushers and Leopard

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.)
Gail Carriger in 1950s Retro Red Pedal Pushers and Leopard
Gail Carriger in 1950s Retro Red Pedal Pushers and Leopard 

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.

Gail Carriger Things I'm Picking Up for Prime Day


So I keep a long list of items that interest me, Fashionable Reader, but that I'm not sure if they are worth it or not. Prime day, for me, is an excuse to try out some stuff at a lower price point.

So here is what I am picking up...


Gail Carriger Things I'm Picking Up for Prime Day

Angerella Vintage Retro Pin Up Halter One Piece Swimsuit Monokinis for $9.99 comes in four different patterns, sizes are kind of restricted. I'm trying the L & XL (6 & 8) respectively. (I know, right?)

Gail Carriger Things I'm Picking Up for Prime Day

Pretty Polly Womens Nylon Backseam Tights for $14. Like all other denizens of the nude with black back seam (who can't wear Leg Avenue), I used to buy American Apparel. They discontinued their version years ago. I've been hunting for a replacement since. We shall see how these fit.



Things on sale that I have, love, and recommend...



Gail Carriger Things I'm Picking Up for Prime Day


Life's perfect silk head scarf for $13 There is something about this scarf, the colors just seem to always go with everything in my wardrobe and its thick enough to be full cover, but still light-weight, and it's the right size to tie in pretty ways without too much excess.

Gail Carriger Things I'm Picking Up for Prime Day



Life's perfect sleep mask $9.99. Super-smooth with the all important Two Straps.
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 a Vintage 1950s Black Coat Dress with Red Accessories at BayCon 2017


BayCon used to be my con, you know way back in the day when I was first bouncing about in fandom (lots of comic book marvel cosplay). It was the first SF/F con I ever attended (not counting Star Trek). I haven't been back in years since it always takes place over the three day weekend in spring and that's a popular weekend for events. I am usually trundling about elsewhere. However, this year my local RWA chapter was invited down, and I happened to be in town, so I figured: why not?

Gail Carriger in a Vintage 1950s Black Coat Dress with Red Accessories at BayCon 2017

The dress is a black 1950s coat dress with big pockets, lined in red, as are the cuffs of the sleeves. Because it's satin it doesn't travel well so you'll usually only see me in it at local events. I do love it, though. I'm wearing two crinolines under it to give it volume, but it could take more.

Gail Carriger in a Vintage 1950s Black Coat Dress with Red Accessories at BayCon 2017
Me and my BFF RWA girls! Lea Kirk & Tess Rider

I've accessorized it with the following:

1. Vintage 1950s beret style felt hat.
2. Double strand of red beads with matching earrings, similar set for $25
3. Obligatory pen necklace, $20
4. Wide red vinyl belt, similar $30 (also comes in dark red)
5. Shoes of Prey pumps, wing tips, leather and patent designed by me, $200 (for my concerns working with Shoes of Prey please read this blog post)
Gail Carriger in a Vintage 1950s Black Coat Dress with Red Accessories at BayCon 2017

There it is. This is certainly a favorite outfit of mine. I'm hoping to get to wear it again soon.

Gail Carriger in a Vintage 1950s Black Coat Dress with Red Accessories at BayCon 2017
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.
Black With Pink Print Maxi 1930's Style Dress from eShakti on Gail CarrigerGetting a Vintage Shape with a Modern Bra by Gail Carriger (Blog Post By Request)Gail Carriegr wears a 1930s Style Breezy Blue Maxi Dress for RWA Nationals i2018 in DenverGail Carriger Wears a 1950s Style eShakti Gold Cocktail Dress for Competence Book Launch in Denver Gail Carriger Wears Black & White 1950s Polka Dots at Phoenix Comic Con 2018 Gail Carriger discusses her Year in Outfits! Vintage and Retro StyleGail Carriger in Red Steampunk Pin-Up At San Diego Comic Con 2017Gail Carriger in 1950s Retro Red Pedal Pushers and LeopardGail Carriger Things I'm Picking Up for Prime DayGail Carriger in a Vintage 1950s Black Coat Dress with Red Accessories at BayCon 2017

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