tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post6471059576273077649..comments2024-03-14T16:03:32.434-04:00Comments on Gertie's New Blog for Better Sewing: Beware! The Dreaded "Costume-y" LookGertiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04314542159287533507noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-17205180393905268042012-09-19T18:04:22.532-04:002012-09-19T18:04:22.532-04:00That was really nice, I agree that there is such a...That was really nice, I agree that there is such a thing as retro looking costume for all pretty girls. Thanks for sharing a nice information about that.Doveyhttp://www.fantasycostumes.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-35240032375743788132012-09-10T08:03:34.721-04:002012-09-10T08:03:34.721-04:00I fear 'the costume'. And will try anythin...I fear 'the costume'. And will try anything to make it look like everyday wearable rather than fancy dress. I find to do that its about mixing and matching 'retro' with modern and not to go too obvious with hairstyling.<br />I'd like to go all out with victory rolls and 40's shirtdress...but I know if I did that it might look like a costume. So keep the dress and tone down the hair into half up half down with a pin curl fringe. <br />I also find old family photo's (Seems to involve a lot of knitwear.....) from the era give a much better wearable inspiration than lets say a film 'costume' would. M'ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02697943030492173302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-58407907108965033952012-08-10T05:39:54.184-04:002012-08-10T05:39:54.184-04:00This is pretty idea for Halloween parties.Pink col...This is pretty idea for Halloween parties.Pink color is my favorite.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thecostumeland.com/" rel="nofollow">Zombie Fancy Dress Costumes</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17530237470333540606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-29428368902319035712010-04-05T21:20:25.164-04:002010-04-05T21:20:25.164-04:00What annoys me is when the lindy hop crowd show up...What annoys me is when the lindy hop crowd show up to a rockabilly show and try to dress "50s." The difference to me is that they're trying too hard. There could be twenty girls at that show all wearing vintage dresses and the ten lindy hoppers would still stick out like a sore thumb.<br /><br />Anyway, I say wear it if you like it and are comfortable. But if you're trying too hard to fit into a genre then it's going to look like a costume and maybe you should try something else.Miss Subhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06807393272869913743noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-17207466286095117342010-04-03T12:51:28.006-04:002010-04-03T12:51:28.006-04:00When I see people out about in vintage style, driv...When I see people out about in vintage style, driving vintage cars, or furnishing solely with antiques, I don't really think "costume-y" or "theatrical" -- I just think "anachronistic."<br /><br />Because it is, and that's what makes it so great IMO! <br /><br />Anyone who adds to the visual diversity gets a big thank you from me. And of course looks/questions/derision may occur -- while I'm drooling over someone's old Mustang (and hoping they've got some aftermarket seatbelts), someone else is turning up her nose.<br /><br />In my own life I like to mix things up more: 50s furniture in a 1905 house; inexpensive vintage costume jewelry mixed with non-spectacular modern basics; new items with a vintage flavor worn with whatever; custom clothing with either a "timeless" silhouette and a print that evokes another era OR an iconic shape made from decade-bending material. [The latter made for rather than sewn by me, alas!] <br /><br />But anyone who exposes me -- virtually or IRL -- to some amazing vintage or repro style makes my life a bit richer. So I have to hope those who want to go more in that direction will lose any self-consciousness and go for it!Vixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08676924453001061927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-33916321414248043802010-04-03T00:13:42.330-04:002010-04-03T00:13:42.330-04:00FYI---the poodle skirt is, in fact, just a costume...FYI---the poodle skirt is, in fact, just a costume. It never existed in real life streetwear. I know because I was a tweener in the late 50's. We had circle skirts, but not with silly stuff appliqued on them!!!<br />RenitaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-13035098805178223522010-04-02T01:41:06.408-04:002010-04-02T01:41:06.408-04:00I wear vintage a lot and sometimes I worry about b...I wear vintage a lot and sometimes I worry about being too costumey. I think what we don't like about costumey looks is that they seem corny and contrived. I recall one of your earlier posts when you talked about Dita von Tease and mentioned how you wear scuffed shoes, dark framed glasses, and other less hard core vintage elements to tone down a look. I think that this is spot on. You don't want to seem over done or contrived, like a performer, but to mix up serious and playful piece, polished and casual looks. <br />Then again, depending on the context, who cares if you might look costumey if you like the way you look? Maybe not for a super formal work setting, but for a casual setting, why not?Radhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01946279879863336523noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-90335852306433144792010-04-01T23:05:32.648-04:002010-04-01T23:05:32.648-04:00I just studied costume construction for two years ...I just studied costume construction for two years and there is a difference between 'fancy dress' aka the macalls pattern and costume.<br /><br />It surprises people sometimes to learn that to make costumes you use an amazing amount of couture techniques. You study how it was made during that period, refernce the social times of the era etc That is why many films inspire current fashion designers.<br /><br />I do reckon however that if you feel comfortable just wear it any way you want. I however like to wear vintage with a modern edge... the costume of tomorrow :)Minnietheminkshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11107466485091649724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-48527142694114103502010-04-01T22:15:56.410-04:002010-04-01T22:15:56.410-04:00I think if you can forget your clothes - are not e...I think if you can forget your clothes - are not exulting in the effect you have created and watching for people's reactions - it won't look costume-y.Vildyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10729809197382483220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-69749035469279829442010-04-01T21:07:07.758-04:002010-04-01T21:07:07.758-04:00I agree with 'nora about the quality of the cl...I agree with 'nora about the quality of the clothes. I have a "look" for work that's pretty uniform (jacket, slacks, blouse) and often wear a 40's look without anyone noticing it's vintage. That said I helped my sister make a dress to wear to a wedding that was straight out of the Thirties and the only comments she received were that the color was very flattering and the dress looked comfortable. If you're wearing comfortable clothes that suit you, it shows in your demeanor and you can pull anything off.1912 Suffragettehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05400228383660911132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-91046493537999888442010-04-01T19:54:42.526-04:002010-04-01T19:54:42.526-04:00I'm actually a little surprised to see so many...I'm actually a little surprised to see so many women here talking about how they don't want to look like they came out the era they normally profess to love so much.<br /><br />I probably look costumey a lot of the time (depending on your interpretation of the word, I guess) but I think that people don't realize when they add one or two 'modern' pieces to 'tone down' their look out of fear of this, they're just watering down their personal style in a way until it becomes acceptable to the tastes of others. And by creating this 'rule' that vintage must always be slightly modernized, the pressure to stick with modern influences spreads. If one isn't a die hard retro fan who just likes to bring some retro elements into their style, that's understandable, but a lot of people dress vintage because they don't -like- modern styles. To me, it's like asking a goth to wear one or two pieces of colour to make themselves socially acceptable! <br /><br />Perhaps society's view of fashion is so narrow minded that they can only see clothes as 'normal' or outlandish, and vintage straddles an uncomfortable area between the two, so we constantly read articles encouraging us to "avoid the costumey look" in order to lure people back to the side of normality.Miss Emmihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07251628463640473391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-83363025361185159972010-04-01T17:20:52.286-04:002010-04-01T17:20:52.286-04:00Costume-y usually means 1) cheap materials, 2) bad...Costume-y usually means 1) cheap materials, 2) bad fit and 3) *every* iconic bit of an era in one outfit (like poodle skirt AND pink ruffly crinoline AND saddle shoes AND high ponytail with ribbon AND peter pan collared white blouse AND bobby-socks). I find even those people that dress in an era head-to-toe, but do it with a deeper knowledge of the style of the era, rarely look truly costume-y. For me, I sew 40s dresses, but usually mix that with more modern hair and whatnot.jeneenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04289248663568591590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-57780243501302300382010-04-01T16:04:43.327-04:002010-04-01T16:04:43.327-04:00Great question and wonderful answers!
As an aside...Great question and wonderful answers!<br /><br />As an aside: My Mom graduated High School in 1956. In all 4 of her high school yearbooks there is not one poodle skirt! Not ONE! She and her gal pals wore pencil skirts or a slightly full skirt. She grew up in the northwest corner of North Carolina. <br /><br />That said, my "look" has always leaned toward the straight lines and simple curves of the 50's. Some would call it a preppy look. I love the cardigans, peter pan collar shirts and shirt-dresses. Like so many others here, to avoid the costume look, I mix modern pieces with vintage or vintage looks. So glad 3/4 sleeves are "in" right now! <br /><br />Keeping my make-up and hairstyle simple and "modern" also helps me and my attitude ;)Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01495309815825183088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-32973726759957033672010-04-01T14:36:35.454-04:002010-04-01T14:36:35.454-04:00I feel costume-y when I wear authentic vintage. L...I feel costume-y when I wear authentic vintage. Like people are rolling their eyes behind my back wondering how I can leave the house in what obviously came from the Halloween section of Goodwill. I don't feel cosume-y when it's a retro look that I made myself. Probably because the eye-rollers don't have the talent to sew their own clothes so they can suck an egg if they don't like my outfit.Twill Jillhttp://www.peoplearentflat.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-53805347608070524822010-04-01T13:52:07.442-04:002010-04-01T13:52:07.442-04:00I think the "costume-y" look probably ha...I think the "costume-y" look probably happens when the person trying to emulate a certain style - be it 50s housewife, hip hop, or cowboy - isn't very educated about that style or the people who wore/wear it, so they pull at stereotypes or bits and pieces from pop culture. See: Kenley's hip hop outfit from PR Season 5.<br /><br />I don't like attention so while I don't want my clothing to look garish or from a cheap theater production, I also don't care about any stranger's opinion of how I dress, because I do it to make myself happy. The very fact that my skirts fall below my knee is enough to garner stares, but I'm not going to shorten or 'modernize' them to avoid it. I don't actually want to mix vintage with modern, I'm rejecting modern fashion for a reason. I will still get stares for my tattoos, anyway.<br /><br />That's all me, though. I don't care for telling other people how to dress (besides my own parents), so if they're into rockabilly or emulating Ann Margaret I could care less if it isn't "timeless" if they're doing something that makes them happy.reillyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12776283905130149324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-74887793454072866752010-04-01T13:29:33.523-04:002010-04-01T13:29:33.523-04:00I agree with the other comments that state confide...I agree with the other comments that state confidence as key in wearing vintage well. You also need to be comfortable in the fashion style. If you feel as if you a wearing a costume, it will look that way.<br /><br />I like the site pinupgirl.com and absolutely love buying their clothes, but have to really hold back on purchasing some of the items. While they look completely gorgeous on the model, I would look like a complete freak in a full leopard print 40's dress suit. (And where would I wear that to anyway? I am actually trying to think of a reason so that maybe I can justify wearing it comfortably.)<br /><br />My fiance is a complete inspiration in respect to just wearing what you want and wearing it with confidence. He looks amazing in his 1930's suits or 50's letter man's sweaters. But he will get people that comment on them (good and bad) when we go out. But he wears it with such comfort and ease that he looks great and people's stares or comments never break his confidence.honeybeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09649111317528918305noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-55212178773581960682010-04-01T13:23:57.367-04:002010-04-01T13:23:57.367-04:00Hi, Gertie... This is totally off the subject, bu...Hi, Gertie... This is totally off the subject, but I saw this post on Ann's "Gorgeous Fabrics" blog and thought of you... http://gorgeousthings.blogspot.com/2010/04/i-think-i-found-pattern.html<br />Wouldn't that look pretty with your red roses fabric?Marybethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12803496066046543701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-2379558168148482822010-04-01T12:21:47.304-04:002010-04-01T12:21:47.304-04:00At the grand old age of 38 I think I'm too old...At the grand old age of 38 I think I'm too old to get away with the more outlandish interpretations of vintage that could be labelled costume-y. I don't live in fear of this look because I think I know what I can get away with and if it doesn't look right I'll forget it. My blog has cherry print on it but that's as far as I can go with that pattern! These days I favour pared down classics more Audrey Hepburn and Katherine Hepburn as you refer to in your blog.Charliehttp://charlie-cococouture.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-16617584116672153032010-04-01T12:14:12.312-04:002010-04-01T12:14:12.312-04:00The issue really comes down to what the clothes do...The issue really comes down to what the clothes do for the wearer. If they distract from her personality, her uniqueness, then they are a costume in the truest sense of the word because they mask her personality and replace it with an idea of what the person might be.<br /><br />However, if the clothes make the wearer stand out and enhance her personality, then they mask nothing and serve only the purpose of framing the picture.<br /><br />This is best illustrated by the difference between say, the Lady Gaga/Katy Perry vintage look and the outfits of Chloe Sevigny and Sarah Jessica Parker. Arguably, the former are always "in costume" and you really have no sense of who the woman behind the get-up is. <br /><br />In my estimation, that is when a look is too "costume-y" and when clothes become things that are hidden behind instead of simply things that are worn.Steviehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10813189842747989338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-65561180983312200752010-04-01T11:42:39.737-04:002010-04-01T11:42:39.737-04:00stitchywitch--I wear hats fairly regularly, though...stitchywitch--I wear hats fairly regularly, though for going out in the evening, not just to work. The key for me is to wear with the hat with an otherwise modern outfit. Usually, I put on jeans, a plain top, and my sparkly hat--my jewelry is usually giant and wacky during the day, but toned down with a hat. Cute shoes and a patent bag or a clutch and I'm good to go.carolinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10565283055532855827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-79869713587932081982010-04-01T11:26:57.149-04:002010-04-01T11:26:57.149-04:00I have worn vintage clothes for many years and fou...I have worn vintage clothes for many years and found that combining vintage with modern keeps the vintage from looking costumey.<br /><br />However, it can be fun to dress in a vintage outfit that is "costumey" for the right event. If I go to a 1920's event, I dress in 1920's clothes which will look costumey but so does everyone else. <br /><br />Both have their pluses.Ritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02201661697973537974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-23400175099426408872010-04-01T10:49:17.794-04:002010-04-01T10:49:17.794-04:00To me, it's the timelessness issue. "Cla...To me, it's the timelessness issue. "Classic" implies that the style has lasted over a length of time into the current day. "Costumey" is when a style very clearly applies only to a specific time in the past. Which by it's definition is then "costume" because it's not current style.<br /><br />Whether or not that's a BAD thing is a completely separate issue. I think that totally depends on your personality and your intent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-6106756904900016302010-04-01T10:47:58.615-04:002010-04-01T10:47:58.615-04:00Perhaps this is why Emma Pillsbury is so successfu...Perhaps this is why Emma Pillsbury is so successful...she manages to convey her vintage love but not also pigeonhole herself into a particular era by mixing everything. Costumes to me always seem to use really cheap fabrics to knock off these old looks and seem to be the cliche sort of thing you think about (or are told EVERYONE wore) then...like poodle skirts (ick). If you showed up to a party dressed like the Baroness from The Sound of Music, I doubt anyone would accuse you of looking weird or too costumey...her look transcended all that and she's not the only one.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-25580527549303886182010-04-01T10:46:13.757-04:002010-04-01T10:46:13.757-04:00I've just recently started looking at vintage ...I've just recently started looking at vintage patterns and what has shocked me the most is the number of patterns that are from the 30s, 40s and 50s that would actually be considered very appropriate for today's style standards. In fact, my first vintage pattern is one that could easily be hanging in Anthropologie, selling for well over $100. And this pattern is over 40 years old! <br /><br />I think you're right that when most people think vintage or retro, they are thinking of whatever is stereotypically thought to portray a certain decade. Sure, the 70s had some crazy polyester prints and some wide-ass bell bottoms, but that is also when the wrap dress was born as well as several other styles that have stood the test of time.amberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12029076436322883513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3259455441759015869.post-71945773476276100852010-04-01T10:37:55.856-04:002010-04-01T10:37:55.856-04:00Isn't it interesting that most of us automatic...Isn't it interesting that most of us automatically understand "costume-y" as something negative?<br /><br />(It's OK to wear a little something vintage, but not to look like you stepped out of "The Women.")<br /><br />Aren't all clothes costumes, however? Is it a question of looking too "theatrical?"<br /><br />Maybe that's an entry for another day...Peter Lappinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05109154527996679077noreply@blogger.com