First things first, I went out and got a mani-pedi to match the book cover. Because that's how I roll.
Then, for my 6 cities in 6 days
Prudence tour I tried to wear all outfits that (if they didn't match) at least went well with the cover of the book. All of the dresses on this tour were from
eShakti with custom sleeves, necklines, hemlines and fittings. I had the same shoes while I was away from California, cream colored Miz Mooz (
similar) from last season or BP wingtip oxford flats from Nordstrom. The sweater, purse, and gloves you see in some of the pictures are all vintage. The
long pen necklace is available on Amazon in both silver and gold.
1. San Diego ~ Mysterious Galaxy
Lavender with lace overlay. I love this one. And it packs beautifully.
Earrings are vintage discovery at a thrift store in college, I used them for Rococo and Regency costumes but they are more likely 1950s. Hat also vintage, can't remember where I go tit but it's one I wear all the time.
2. Portland ~ Powell's
As you can see in the original eShakti picture above I had sleeves added on, right is via Kathryn Dressler on FB
Vintage head band plus shell fan earrings (gift from my mum), and lace choker with parasol drop (gift from a reader).
via @GeekyLibrary on Twitter and Sarah Gulde on FB
This dress wrinkles a little much for me. I did iron it before the event, but one car ride later... I do love the cut, neckline, and the pockets, of course.
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| via Sarah Gulde on FB |
Back shot of the applique vintage hat I am wearing, and the lovely purple one I was gifted with from Sarah at the event.
3. Denver ~ Tattered Cover
Right is from Sally Wright via FB
Above you can see what I look like all bundled up with the bag and all.
via Jade N. Goodnough at Tattered Bookstore Colfax
This dress is probably one of my new favorite dresses, it is very dark navy over black. It travels beautifully, works for both modern and vintage, doesn't need ironing, looks good with a belt, with flats or heels, has pockets, and fits like a dream. Given the inclement weather, I paired it with a vintage felt hat (a very early one from my collection). In addition there is a modern snakeskin belt, and simple faux pearl drop earrings (modern but old to my life) and a faux pearl family heirloom necklace piece I was gifted with as a child.
4. Dallas ~ Barnes & Noble
This dress is what eShakti calls "
orchid" and navy color block, and not normally a color combination I would go for. But it matched the cover so nice I couldn't resist. I was actually hesitant about keeping it but I've decided to like it. It's another one the wrinkles a bit much for my taste.
Photo on the left by Joeseph Hernadez on the right by Matt Bowerman via FB
I paired it with the same vintage hat I wore in San Diego and new purple necklace I picked up in the dealer's room at London Worldcon last year.
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| With and from Melissa Coker via FB |
5. Houston ~ Murder by the Book
Right if from and with Natasha Glass via FB
This dress was one of my whimsey purchases, it's chambray with a kind of southwestern pattern, that if I had really seen it on the site I might not have gotten (reminds me of my youth in the wrong way). However, because it is chambray and patterned it doesn't show wrinkles, the cut is great, and it travels well. The way the pattern is different over the boobs only emphasizes the Rack, but what can I do? It is what it is. I did have to ad the brown lace trim at the neckline (and to the sleeves) because it was a little too low.
from Natasha Glass via FB; from Vicky Satterwhite via FB
The necklace is an old costume piece (annoying that it goes wonky like that) with matched earrings. It also has a matched bracelet but I rarely wear bracelets because when they aren't invisible under the gloves, they are busy causing my stockings to run. I think I picked this suite up in college at the same place and time as the bow pearl earrings in the first outfit.
The hat is a new one off
Amazon for only $15. This is the
grey, although it has a blue tinge to it. It also comes in black, pink, red, blue, and purple. The feathers stick out a little, making it a tad difficult to pack, but it was still easier to travel with than my larger hats and it might work for steampunk in a pinch.
6. Borderlands ~ San Francisco
Because this bookstore is basically home turf, I didn't have to worry over packing or size of hat or only one pair of shoes or anything: so I branched out and had fun with a full on
New Look style.
The hat is the vintage felt burgundy teardrop that I died black with fabric paint. I'm wearing the same necklace and earring set that I wore in Dallas. The blouse is made from a vintage 50s black dress that I cut and hemmed into a peplum shirt because I thought I would wear it more that way (I was right). The skirt is the bottom half of a vintage early 50s sweater suit. Those are vinatge black kid leather gloves that have seen better days. But, really, kid is the easiest and most functional thing to wear.
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| Borderlands via @Jessieclapon Twitter |
You can see the shoes in the above picture. They are
Irregular Choice pin stripe wedges with embroidery and lace detailing. I love the look of them but they are murder on my feet for any length of time. Irregular Choices always are, for me. I envy
Nicole Peeler who can wear them with complete impunity. Still, I continue to wear these just enough to not get rid of them.
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via Christina Velasco
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Oh, and yes, I am indeed wearing this outfit over a corset. That's why it looks so good.
So which was your favorite tour outfit? Sorry I don't have really great fashion shots of some of them. I'm terrible about remembering to pose if I don't have someone there to remind me.
Thoughts on the various eShakti dresses? You can see how all the different cuts and necklines and colors look on my top heavy figure.
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| AMAZING HATS! |
Retro Rack is also on
facebook where I post additional images and fashion thoughts.
“Lady Maccon.”
“By George, Boots! How the deuce can you possibly tell that there is Lady Maccon?” queried the other top-hated gentleman.
“Who else would be standing in the middle of a street on full-moon night with a raging ruddy fire behind her, waving a parasol about?”
“Good point, good point.” —
Gail Carriger
