fashion for faith in four colors: 1840s
Showing posts with label 1840s. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 1840s. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Comic Con Outfits ~ Day Four Red Gingham

Gingham always seems to have a bit of a retro feel to me, no matter what you do with it. It says homey country kitchen, apple pie, picnics.


Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day,
I've got a wonderful feeling,
Gingham is coming my way.

A hem, sorry, getting a little carried away there. Where was I? Oh yes, gingham. A member of the check family, I believe. Most often seen in black and white, red and white, or blue and white.


 It took me a long time to come around to gingham. Like pink it felt to girly and sweet to me. It just seems very very difficult to make gingham edgy.


But I cam around to gingham when I spotted this adorable tennis dress in a local vintage shop. It was muslin and looked very cool and light, and something that woudl pair with flats. All top concerns for my wardrobe and upcoming Comic Con.


 It was labeled 1970s but I think it might be more late 1960s. Here's a range of vintage red and white gingham from 1940 ~ 1970.

 1940s; 1950s Red & White Gingham Summer Dress

 1960's mod red & white gingham dress; 1970s gingham summer dress mod drop waist box pleats

Mine would seem to slide in at late 1960s but I suppose it could be 1970s.


It's actually meant to be tighter and shorter on someone a bit larger than me, but I liked it so much as a more 1920's loose feel (and this way it fit the Rack). I walked away from it the first time and then went back after contemplating it for a couple weeks, luckily it was still waiting for me.


I wore it with cream accessories and cream flats. I made a silly little hat out of a knitted pettit four that a reader gave to me in Portland. (More on that in a separate DIY blog to come.)


As I said, gingham as been around forever. Here's a little retrospective . . .

Before the turn of the century:


 1840-1845  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The 1930s


The 1940s







The 1950s







The 1960s 




And some modern takes on gingham. 

 Some even manage to be almost not retro.





Right is a pink gingham from Rusty Zipper.



 Left also from Rusty Zipper.



 Words cannot describe how much I want this outfit.


Next up, silly DIY hat. I leave you with self much appreciating a lovely cup of tea at Comic Con mid day. Small pleasures make all the difference.


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

Friday, June 29, 2012

Currently Craving ~ Cuffs

I love cuff bracelets, particularly the ones you can squeeze shut. 


I have these little boney wrists (the only thing boney about me ~ well, and my nobly ankles) and bangles never ever fit me. I know I could take links out but I'm terribly lazy. A nice flexible cuff is wonderful and I'm seeing these fab graphic styles all over the place.
 Pierre Hardy cuff via vogue.it

 I'm hoping the style trickles into Target and JC Penny and the like in the not too distant future. (I am very fickle in my jewelry taste, so I tend to buy cheap and costume so I don't curse myself for the expence when I suddenly go off a piece, loose it, or get bored with it.)

 $15 from a consignment shop

In fact, I have a mad passion for those cheep elasticized bracelets because they are the only ones that fit properly. I also love the stretchy rings because I can wear them on my bare hands or over a glove.

Ring, $6, It's a Wrap, Burbank

 But we were talking about cuffs. I also think they are very elegant and slimming and make for a great unexpected statement piece. So many opt for the necklace for an event but I think a cuff can make for a very nice touch.


I tend to think a solid shine cuff is a little too wonder woman, and you shoudl be wary of wearing one on each wrist for the same reason.


So I like the cut through better, and one large one, on one wrist.

Jessica Ricci Abundant French Lace Cuff Bracelet at jessicariccijewelry.com

Pamela Love cuff visit pamelalovenyc.com

And some cuff inspired other jewelry:

Watch.

Boot thingies from the runway.

Shoes.

Earrings. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Necklace.

And something metallic for Sophronia to wear.

Afternoon Dress  1848  The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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