Who: Gail Carriger (and, oddly enough, the main character in the movie People I've Slept With)
What: 1950s influenced dress by Zara Basics.
When: Purchased sometime in 2009.
Where: Haight Street, San Francisco. Added little steampunk clock buttons to pockets and collar. Total cost c. $25.
Why: Because I love plaid and I thought it could serve triple duty to regular events, steampunk events, and in my everyday life. I have, in fact, worn it to all three.
To What Degree: Added a vintage 1960s brown velvet bow hat with net (AKA the tarantula hat), cream gloves, vintage cream bag, gold pen necklace, So Danca character shoes with added feather modification, and vintage cape for the Romantic Times Convention in April 2011. Switched to a leather Newport News jacket, brown belt, and brown parasol for the Nova Albion Steampunk Exhibition in March 2011. Also wore it last year for a reading at Borderlands. (Can you tell I love this dress? It has a pouch pocket!)
What Works: Graphic pattern is even throughout the dress, slightly larger windowpane good for curvy girls. Higher neckline with wider shoulders draws attention upwards. Some issues with this dress are that it is quite tight over the chest and a little loose in the waist (a marker of non-vintage) so I always wear it belted. Also it is a little long, I don't recommend skirts that hit a few inches below the knee so it must be word with high heels.
Vintage Looks: Here's a peek into history, a similar dress worn by Lauren Bacall with Very Large Sleeves in How to Marry a Millionaire in 1953 and a fashion pattern. (Yes, I have a blouse with Very Large Sleeves which I have once worn with this dress.)
Runway Looks: Can't remember where the first one came from, but the second is Bottega Veneta Fall 2011.
Street Look: Here's a street look for the modern world incorporating a similar dress.
Give Away: Leave a comment bellow if you would like to enter a contest to win the following cute little plaid purse filled with assorted swag! Swag includes Parasol Protectorate related jewelry, brown gloves, and a signed copy of Soulless. Contest open for the next week, winner will be announced in this blog.
