Five Things Inspiring My Wardrobe Into Fall

The most lovely Jessica of Chronically vintage recently wrote a great post all about the 8 things that have been inspiring her style this year and I promptly asked to steal such a great idea for a blog post! <3 It can be interesting how certain styles, motifs, and even colors seem more inspiring throughout the year than others and can begin to influence your style even if only indirectly. I know as I have been planning my fall sewing projects I have had a few particular things in mind...

Gothic Vibes

(1)(2)(3)

Is it the impending Halloween season (yes, Halloween season, all of October is Halloween time) that has been making me feel extra inclined toward gothic styles? Perhaps so, but then again I have always liked fashions that lean darkly romantic. I think I'll be trying to acquire some more black lace and playing with layering textures of black to create some more retro gothic ensembles for the fall ahead. Then of course there are the two spider web projects I have in the works that I mentioned earlier this week. It will be fun to try and come up with outfits that keep my usual vintage aesthetic but incorporate more gothic elements as well. I have already found a new lace blouse that I can't wait to wear (it hasn't arrived yet so here's hoping it fits!).

Japanese Design

(1)(2)(3)

Like I mentioned in a recent outfit post, I am going crazy for Japanese design right now. The elegant asymmetric botanical motifs, the geometric designs (so often borrowed during the Art Deco period), the subtle play between muted and saturated colors! It can sometimes be hard to find the line between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation, but it is an important thing to be conscious of when you fall head over heels for a specific culture's traditional styles and clothing. I won't be donning a kimono any time soon here on the blog, but goodness aren't kimono so so gorgeous? I have been lucky to study Japanese silks up close in a museum setting before and I promise you the most amazing brocades I have ever seen were formal Japanese obi.

Shades of Red

(1)(2)

I have noticed a bit of a pattern forming in my sewing room, I keep working with red. First I made a crimson dress back in June, then I made my red linen wrap dress, and now I'm working on two different red skirts! It's about time I added more items in such a rich warm hue to my wardrobe as red is definitely one of my "colors" (have you ever had your "colors" done, I've been told I'm a winter...whatever that means). I do need to stop with all the red soon though, as I've got a bunch of red sweaters too and things could get very unbalanced in my closet quite easily! ;)

Wool and More Wool

(1)(2)

Harris Tweeds, boucle, plaids, and herringbone, give me wool and more wool because fall is coming! Wool sweaters with wool skirts, with a wool coat on top. Goodness it's a good thing I'm not allergic to wool isn't it? There is just something rather British and Downton Abby-esk about a proper wool ensemble that I find endlessly enviable. I have some prince of wales plaid wool fabric set aside for a suit jacket (the skirt is finished and has been hanging lonely in my closet for over a year) that I simply must put together this season! Of course I'm always on the hunt for more vintage suiting too, but it can be hard to find in my size. I'll be keeping a keen eye on Etsy in the hopes something pops up!

Forties Opulence

(1)(2)(3)

I mean I always love the 1940s, it's a bit obvious if you have been reading this blog! There is a certain kind of 40s style that has got extra opulence and glamour though, the over accessorized, large shouldered, extra wild hat sort of 40s style. I suppose the decade just continues to inspire me and I mean to make more of an effort to recreate the whole look this upcoming season. I think its time I acquire or make a 40s coat worthy of throwing over my shoulders like Marlene and Rita have their furs styled above! Then of course I have my reproduction 1940s shoes from Royal Vintage coming in this fall too! Now if I could only find nice colorful gloves for my large hands *grumble*


What about you all? What in particular has been inspiring your style lately or for the season ahead? I can't wait to show you my sewing plans for the upcoming fall, if only I could some how find some more time to make them all up with time to spare for prancing in the leaves once they turn. Fall, glorious fall, I can't wait!