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

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Hayward in Brown Gingham

So recently, Fashionable reader, there was a little gathering in Hayward at the Golden Tea Garden with members of The Book Shop round the corner. I chose one of the dresses I purchased for Comic Con but didn't end of wearing, a brown gingham.


As you can see, others were also dressed for the occasion. This dress is similar to my brown plaid, but different enough in cut and fabric that I decided it was worth having two dresses both in the same color pallet and check family.


One of my favorite things about this dress is the bow detail at the neck. You can't see it in the photo above because it was off the dress while I made some repairs. But trust me, it's cute.


Often vintage dresses have bow details at the waist.


Which I must say I also adore, but it's always fun to find a dress that has some kind of neck line interest, I feel it detracts from the Rack and draws the eyes up to the face.

Geoffrey Beene, 1960s  Augusta Auctions

This particular dress is back to my old standard of pencil dresses.


I like full skirt day dresses, and I wore many of them at Comic Con. The full skirt balances out my top half, and I think it looks better with flats than most other styles.

 Vintage and retro takes on the check skirt and top.

 Wallis in a day dress with blue accessories (so chic) and a retro take on a drop wasted day dress.

That said, and even knowing the practicality of a day dress, I have always preferred the pencil. Could be the sexy librarian aspect, could be that the day dress sometimes seems too sweet for my personality.


The pencil dress is more aggressive, more va va voom. I like to imagine that's more me.


1952

I always try to wear pencil dresses with heels but my ankle is still not mended. (I hate being old!) So I am confined to flats. I am inordinately upset about this. I'm loosing the beautiful summer months and my lovely lovely collection of heeled sandals is languishing because of this stupid ankle. I might have to do a bit of an Ode to the Unworn post soon, just to stay sane. So for this tea, I had to wear my oxfords, again. Ho hum. I seem to be living in these shoes these days. Thank goodness I have six pairs, a color for every possible outfit.


Back to the tea. The company was charming, the tea admirable, and the food tasty. I thoroughly enjoyed myself.


I selected an English Breakfast, because I have no imagination when it comes to tea and every time I sally forth into another blend I'm disappointed. And of the nibbles the roast beef and horse radish was my favorite by far.


After chattering away about books and writing and such I signed really quickly and then scuttled off back into the night, or whatever.


Here,jsut for amusement sake is decorating with brown gingham. Not really to my taste, I'd rather wear it.


I often get questions about a modern take on my ultra-retro looks. If I were to modernize this dress I'd probably pair it with an off print, like argyle, or go tough with a black leather jacket and boots.


Lastly I leave you with a hat for Ivy, inspired by my seat mate at the tea.


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

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Lust Objects ~ Retro Neutral

 1952 Valentina  The Metropolitan Museum of Art


Bondage purse. How fun, the bits all move around and can go on the purse or one the wrists. It's like a transformer bag! (The good transformers, the ones from the cartoons.)


These tights are very like a pair I used to own, there were gifted to me by a bride afer her wedding. I was 10. It began my life-long love of hosiery.  I adore the dress, I could see it on many different figure types. No certain about the belt but it is lovely.

Graphic print neutral peep toe pumps? Yes please.
 1920  Christies

 Infanta  Charles James, 1950  The Metropolitan Museum of Art


Neutral Mary Janes are nice and practical.


Adorable pink blazer. I already have one of a different cut but I love the retro color wit the slightly modern cut.


I have a passion for clutches, although I rarely use the ones I have and they aren't practical because the occupy a hand.

 By We Love Yan's Cakes

I love love love this printed dress, although the cut isn't great over a Rack. And the grey peplum jacket with the military detailing works multiple duty for everyday, event, and steampunk.


1950s faux book bag.


This season's retro look.


Fantastic cherry blossom nail art. I've never had or done nail art on my nails but the more I see it the more appealing I find it.


 I am on the active hunt for this slip. I have one already like it but it's about to die and it is endlessly useful.


Cutest most impractical little purse ever!


I've been hunting for and craving the perfect cream colored suit for a very long time but the blue sure is lovely. Perhaps I shoudl switch loyalties.


Not in my size but so adorable.


Perhaps better in ideal the actuality, this kind of ring gets caught on everything.

 By Melania's Exquisite Cakes

Such a cute little spare stool, I'd like a whole little collection for company. Except that we rarely have company because out apartment is so tiny.




Too expensive for what it is, but the idea is sound. I'd like something like this for travel, would work for both the computer transport for convention events and for tourist trotting about foriegn climes.


I covet these scissors. How amazingly cool are they?
 

And, something for Prudence.


 1890  The Metropolitan Museum of Art
 1906  The Indianapolis Museum of Art


From the Mum's Lady's Tea. 



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