Oliver B. is back--and it is good to be back--with a renewed joy today for fashion. Just when you thought you had grown up, done all your book reports for school, and put H.G. Wells on the bookshelf never to be looked at again, fashion said "Flams!"
Hopefully you all get the Victorian era references because that is the essence of steampunk fashion, although that term wasn't coined until 1979. Steampunk fashion has no set guidelines, but tends to synthesize modern styles influenced by the Victorian era. This may include gowns, corsets, petticoats and bustles; suits with vests, coats and spats; or military-inspired garments. Steampunk-influenced outfits will often be accented with a mixture of technological and period accessories: timepieces, parasols, goggles and ray guns.
This haute cant of togs is very much up my alley. Even though the Victorian era was about propriety and morality, there is something so S&M about the corsets, dark makeup, images of steam steam STEAM!! It's dark, it's edgy, it's sexual ... and I am excited that it has made its way to the forefront of fashion. Period clothing can be a very fun way to experiment with your style. You can acquire pieces from certain eras and give them the modern twist to make them relevant now.
Take a look at this woman's coat for example. Notice the buckle detail at the shoulder. I LOVE that! I have been on a hunt for a men's coat that looks like this for years. There's something simplistically complex about the design that I just adore.
And do I really need to say anything about this look? I am all about little touches like the buckles, the buttons, etc. that you just don't see often on garments. And my absolute favorite essential from the Victorian era is a cameo. The belt above has a cameo, and I have been on the hunt for cameo accessories: belts, rings, necklaces, whatever I can find. I did find this for you ladies out there:
Thanks to Holly for bringing this trend up. I think it is a wonderful lesson in style. Period pieces are a great way to add a uniquely personal touch to trendy fashions. I am personally a fan of the 60's retro look for men. I think it was a great era for men with wonderful tailored suits, vibrant colors, and cocktails! And you know that was my James Bond era as well ... enough said. So, some of my accessory choices such as hats and sunglasses reflect that era. I'm also a fan of the Victorian era for the details in the clothes ... so I am always on the hunt for a jacket with extra buckles, fabric pieces or odd zippers. So when I wear those pieces they reflect me because people see those details and say that's definitely something Oliver B. would wear.
And can we all just take a moment to admire these boots.
I just think these babies are on fire! That is the kind of boot that can only say one word: SEX. Notice all the little buckles and things on the boot. They're like little treats along the way. This is the boot of sex and fear and danger and signs that say "Do. Not. Enter." All my favorite things in life. Did anyone get that reference? Look to the hell my fans. The sex is in the heel ... lurking, hiding, stalking. Lesson learned.
Here's to style. Cheers!
