Inspiration: Retro-Futurisim (Or I'm Watching Too Much Star Trek)

I am hugely into retro-futurism at the moment, probably because I've been rewatching Star Trek TOS (The Original Series) like a madwoman. Quick-and-dirty explanation of what I mean:

You're watching a sci-fi movie or TV show set in the future (or a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far, away, whatever). Despite efforts to make the costuming "futuristic" the styling is still reminiscent of a certain era. Voila, retro-futurism.

Fig. 1: OH IT MUST BE THE SIXTIES BECAUSE THIS MINIDRESS DOESN'T EVEN COVER MY CHOCHA HALF THE TIME.
[Note from a Trekkie: Concerned citizens; be reassured by the fact that every such Starfleet dress comes with standard matching panties.]

Other trademarks of retro-futurism:

• Shiny stuff.
• Geometric cuts. Oooh, so modern!
  
• Superfluous design elements. Who cares if it has a function? We have the technology!
• Etc.

I made some sets; none of which would look too out of place in TOS:

♥

Outfit To Watch Space Boys In by The Stylish Geek featuring Roger Vivier shoes

You think that wig is major?

Meet Janice Rand, who totes should have made it into the new movie.

♥

ray guns are not just the future by The Stylish Geek featuring Lanvin shoes

trekkin by The Stylish Geek featuring Lipsy

A couple outfits suitable for exploring the planet's surface (in the future, women also tend to be scantily clothed).

♥

Commander by The Stylish Geek featuring Miu Miu accessories

Emissary by The Stylish Geek featuring Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti shoes

These two seem like outfits a stylish Romulan might enjoy.

♥Anna

Gaming Fashion Inspiration: Metal Gear Solid

Those of you who know your way around a console (or two, three, four, and more) no doubt are excited for the upcoming Metal Gear Solid games.

C'mon, more Big Boss? You know you want this.

I know I am. In anticipation (and general admiration of the series itself) I made some sets on Polyvore inspired by characters from the preexisting installments.

♥

Meryl Sylverburgh by The Stylish Geek on Polyvore.com

I would be remiss if I didn't include Meryl, the most popular female character in the series. Outfit based on her character design from Metal Gear Solid 1 and 4.

♥

Sunny Gurlukovich by The Stylish Geek on Polyvore.com

Though she's just a kid, I think Sunny (from Metal Gear Solid 4) has the maddest style of any character from the entire series. Those socks? Awesome.

♥

Otacon by The Stylish Geek on Polyvore.com

Ah, the anime nerd-turned-hero we know and love. Otacon's character design started out basic and casual in Metal Gear Solid (top picture in the set) but classed it up by MGS 4 (bottom). Do you know any geeks who can pull off an all-white ensemble?

♥

Big Mama by The Stylish Geek on Polyvore.com

Eva, AKA Big Mama, also went through a winning transformation. Check her out circa Metal Gear Solid 3:

Uh, yeah. I think her later look in MGS4 (see Polyvore set) was rockin'.

♥

Vamp by The Stylish Geek featuring Nike

Vamp's a creep, but I like the whole futuristic-Victorian thing he's got going on in Metal Gear Solid 4. (P.S.: Look at the belt in that set. Is it not the best thing you've ever seen?)

♥

Revolver Ocelot by The Stylish Geek on Polyvore.com

Finally, the poster child for stylin' MGS characters. Young Revolver Ocelot, as he appeared in MGS3, is simply fabulous. Color coordination FTW.

♥

Which video game characters' style do you admire?
♥Anna

On Summer Boots

Photo by Texas to Mexico

Boots are my most beloved type of footwear - so much so that I absolutely cannot give them up for the summer. Yes, it can be so hot that my eyebrows feel like they're melting into my eyes, but I will still voluntarily encase my feet in leather. Call me crazy if you want! (I don't count that as an insult, anyhow.)

Things to consider if you're looking for a pair of "summer" boots:

• Material.

For the love of everything, get boots in a breathable fabric! Otherwise, your feet will probably end up in moist hell at the end of the day. Good materials to look for are leather or (cotton/hemp) canvas. I know there are also some fancy new synthetic, vegan leather substitutes that are breathable, but I'm not sure of their names.

• Socks.

Unless you are wearing cutout or open-toed boots, absorbent socks (preferably in good ol' cotton) will help keep your feet dry and comfortable. Skipping socks will create a sweaty, slippery mess and make your boots smelly!

• Height.

Common sense. An ankle boot covers less skin than a thigh-high and therefore will give you less heat troubles.

• The rest of your outfit.

Since you're covering your feet and lower legs, let the rest of your body breathe a bit, mmkay? Showing bare skin above your boots is particularly effective, as it allows the hot air inside to escape.

• Type.

Certain types of boots will serve you better in hot weather, and some are even designed for it.

• Cowboy boots: Originally designed for desert conditions. Usually made out of breathable leather. The loose shaft provides some ventilation.
• Jungle/Desert boots: Designed for troops fighting in hot conditions. Find them at an army surplus or army/navy store.
• Hiking boots: Usually constructed out of breathable materials. Short shaft.
• Cutout boots: For obvious reasons. Also, they're so darn pretty.

Polyvore for details

Do you wear boots in the summer? How do you wear them?

♥Anna

Androgyny

[Source]

I feel that "androgyny" is a word often thrown around haplessly by the fashion community. Androgyny is "in", a magazine may tell you, only to advise you to not dress too much like the opposite gender. I can't pull off the androgynous look, fashionistas claim, because I have too many curves, long hair, a very feminine face, etc.

That isn't the case. I can't stress enough that you should wear what you want. "Pulling off" an outfit has little to do with what you wear; it's how much confidence you wear it with. Wear what you want. Wear what makes you comfortable. Wear what makes you feel like the fabulous being you are.

That being said, the outfits below are merely a starting point - some androgynous looks that I find inspiring.

♥

Polyvore

This outfit is inspired by small children, who we can all learn some lessons from! Wear what is comfortable, bright, functional (a fanny pack leaves your hands free), and okay to get messy.

♥

Polyvore

I can see almost anyone wearing this; it's slightly polished but comfy. Are you on a boat?

♥

Polyvore

Inspired by street fashion...and ninjas.

♥

Polyvore

A visible bra and a fake mustache: gender confusion FTW!

♥

Polyvore

A little bit function; a little bit fashion; a little bit Sniper. Happy camping!

♥

Polyvore

Hipsters may be the source of much disagreement, but you must admit - some of 'em got style.

♥

Polyvore

Another outfit of contrasts. Incidentally, I'm a huge fan of accessories that claim an obviously different identity. Think "World's Greatest Grandpa". Hilarious!

♥

What does androgyny mean to you (in a sartorial context or otherwise)?

♥Anna

P.S.: The androgyny Flickr pool is an excellent source of this type of inspiration.

Alternative Inspiration

If you've been reading my recent Things I Love Thursday posts, you know that as of late I've been inspired by gothic and nu rave fashion. So, without further ado...

Ten Alternative Looks and the Imaginary People Who Rock Them!

♥

Polyvore

Irina is a huge fan of Batman comics, and thinks that they're best enjoyed in the garden with a cocktail or two. She doesn't leave home very often, but can sometimes be found in the early hours of the morning haunting 24-hour Chinese buffets.

♥

Polyvore

Daphne was named after the zooplankton Daphnia, not the water nymph. (Thank her biologist parents for that one.) Although she adores military clothing, the closest she would ever get to joining the service is playing a particularly intense round of Gears of War. Her tough image is completely blown whenever she talks to anyone, because she is one of the sweetest girls you'll ever meet.

♥

Polyvore

Zora spends her nights at clubs, but works at a nursing home during the day. She often gets compliments on her platinum hair and colorful accessories. Although her primary duty is waitressing in the dining hall, she sometimes brings in her ukelele to serenade the residents.

♥

Polyvore

Emily's mother is a traditional victorian goth, but Emily hates wearing skirts and dresses. Her dream is to be a children's librarian. She loves the smell of old books, the circus, and being mistaken for a boy.

♥

Polyvore

Gabriel works a 9-5 office job in sales, but his true loves are poker and his weimaraner. If he didn't like chatting up clients over expensive dinners so much, he'd probably quit his job and move to Germany.

♥

Polyvore

Bridget works at a canoe rental company in the Adirondacks. In her spare time she roams the trails picking up trash, making friends with through-hikers, and getting high with her new friends. She's currently planning her trip to Burning Man.

♥

Polyvore

Alice was kicked out of her modeling agency after appearing at photoshoots plastered and unwashed one too many times. She's currently living off of her friends from her roller derby team. She hates modern music and calls her mother every day.

♥

Polyvore

Elizabeth has everyone call her Daisy, after Daisy Buchanon from The Great Gatsby. Indeed, she lives up to Daisy's social reputation, but she is no pushover. Anger her and she'll say it to your face - and notify her entire network of friends.

♥

Polyvore

Sayuri is half Japanese. Every other year, her family visits her grandparents in Japan. She loves it there and intends to move there permanently as soon as she turns eighteen. Until then, she spends her time attending anime conventions, planning her cosplays, and logging endless hours on the computer.

♥

Polyvore

Courtney has three older brothers who taught her how to fight at a very young age. She has a fierce temper and is a track star at her university. When she does poorly at a meet, she goes to her favorite diner and orders a slice of every type of cake from the revolving dessert case to make her feel better.

♥Anna

Inspiring Yourself to Get Dressed

Photo by perszi

"How do you motivate yourself to look awesome every single day?"

First off, as a sort of disclaimer, I don't really look "awesome" every day. There are days when I don't even get out of my pajamas, days when I don't think my outfit is photograph-worthy, and days when I do take pictures but none of them satisfy me enough to post them on the internet. So yes, there are several things that have to go right for you to see an outfit on this blog.

But never fear! There are steps that I take to ensure that I have more "awesome" days, and they're pretty easy to implement in your routine.

• Tidy your wardrobe.

Once or twice a year, pull out all the clothes in your closet. Try them on, and toss (meaning donate or sell!) all the ones you don't like/don't wear. (This article may be of assistance.) Organize the remaining clothing however you like (by color/article/date last worn, whatever's most helpful to you). The point of all this is that you will actually know what clothing you have to work with! An overcrowded closet is a good way to lose a fabulous piece or overlook a funky new combination. In a rush, you might even throw on something that doesn't flatter you or that you don't like, since it's the first thing handy! Don't let this happen to you.

Another advantage of cleaning your closet is being able to see your entire wardrobe as a whole. When you look through everything, you can see what items you tend to overstock on (e.g. do I really need more graphic tees?) and which basics you are missing (I really don't have a pair of black pants?)! Keep a well-organized list of these items and take it when you go shopping.

• Collect images that inspire you.

I used to do this with fashion magazines, but now in the interest of the environment (and my budget) it is all on my computer. The basic idea is: whenever you see an image that inspires you aesthetically or looks like something you'd like to wear, save it. There are over a hundred (!) fashion blogs that I follow via Google Reader, but you can start small. (I've listed a handful at the bottom of this article.)

Although the process of finding and saving images on its own will give you lots more ideas of what to wear, I go a step further. I put each image into a Word document and underneath type what I find so alluring about the ensemble, plus whether there are any items in it I want to buy or DIY. This allows me to use Word's Find option if I'm having trouble thinking up what to wear around a certain piece, style, color, whatever (t-shirt, military, yellow, etc). Instant inspiration!

(Oh...and make sure to weed out images you don't care for as your style concept evolves!)

• Plan your outfit the night before.

This is a must, especially if you often find yourself waking up five minutes before you have to leave for work/school/whatnot. (I know everyone does it sometimes!) Plus, your brain might not be at its most functional or creative in the morning.

Don't forget to use your inspiration images to help you put together an outfit! As I said previously, you can look through them for ideas of how to wear a certain item, or let the collection inspire you when you're completely clueless.

• Document outfits.

For me, this (obviously) takes place in the form of daily outfit photos. I strongly suggest that everyone trying to develop their personal style follow suit. (You don't have to post them on the internet!) If you don't have a camera, the alternative is to write down (and/or sketch) what you are wearing. Take notes throughout the day about how you look, how you feel, what kinds of reactions you get, or whatever else influences the way you dress.

Through this process you create a library of outfits that you've worn which you can refer to on days you're stuck or don't feel like trying. The advantage of photos is that you can really see how an outfit looks on--sometimes peering into a mirror or trusting others' opinions just doesn't cut it.

A few notes:

• Document inspiration whenever it strikes! Carry a notebook and jot down a note if you see someone wearing something spectacular or if you have a sudden flash of sartorial insight.
• I wrote an article about one of the (weird) ways I put together outfits: randomization.
• Gala Darling's articles on the advantages of daily outfit photos: Part One - Part Two
  

I hope this is helpful!

♥Anna

P.S. Some inspirational sites:

• wardrobe_remix
• HEL LOOKS
• LOOKBOOK.nu
• Foto Decadent

Bad Movies

Okay, okay. This post isn't really related to fashion (but I mention Gareth Pugh, so it's okay).

I love bad movies. Perhaps better than actual good movies. To fall into this elusive "so-bad-it's good category" takes some skill and/or luck - every bombed film isn't going to cut it. Trust me, these ones are terribly awesome, so check them out via YouTube or Netflix.

♥

Just Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy

If you couldn't tell from the title, this movie is plain Bad Idea. Summary: Scrawny Jewish boy falls in love with a girl who grew up in a family of professional wrestlers. Hijinks and trouble ensues. Oh yes, don't forget to add in every stereotype about every minority ever, an appearance by the writer (who is playing herself...meaning herself the writer in a scene that shatters the fourth wall), and grade-A movie cheese like an extended flashback into the main characters' childhoods. You have to try really hard to make a movie this bad.

♥

Godzilla: Final Wars

If this film marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Godzilla series (2oo4) then why do the special effects look so bad? Seriously. You'll laugh at the nonsensical English lines, gasp at the appearance of every Godzilla monster ever created, and marvel at Don Frye, god among men. (Trust me, he's a badass. He's also in Just Another Romantic Wrestling Comedy, amusingly enough.) I'm pretty sure there's aliens in this too. Does the plot really matter? Here there be monsters!

♥

The Tingler

1950s horror. Giant rubber centipedes that live in your spine. Vincent Price takes LSD. FOR SCIENCE.

♥

Spiderman 3

You probably saw this because you expected it to be good. Watch it again without expectations, and you'll find it's a comedic goldmine of awkward and plain WTF moments. How can you forget a strange gothic pimp Peter Parker strutting down the streets to a jazz tune? The pie scene? How hot James Franco is, even with half his face melted off?

♥

Aelita: Queen of Mars

This Soviet sci-fi is a silent film, so you'll have to READ. Don't let that deter you. Some crazy man dreams of visiting Mars, where (surprise) the queen Aelita waits. Sadly, she doesn't quite approve of him raising up the Martian proletariat against the monarchy. Who would've guessed? The blatant propaganda is lol-worthy. Also enjoy the Gareth Pugh-like costuming.

♥

Starcrash: The Adventures of Stella Star

This blatant (but extremely garbled) rip-off of Star Wars is probably best described as a bad porno - without the porn. It's simply a work of art. With David Hasselhoff. Yep.

♥

Wizards (reviewed by Josh, as I have yet to see it)

"Wizards is a 1977 movie that combines Scooby-Doo quality animation with found footage & psychedelia. The movie takes place in a post-nuclear-holocaust world, where elves and faeries and Avatar, the good wizard, use magic to fight off the technology-wielding Nazi mutant forces of the evil Black Wolf, Avatar's brother. Watching the film, as I did, while bedridden with a fever is not advisable; the movie is best viewed in the company of MST3K fans, or perhaps while under sedation. It can be found in pieces on YouTube, at least for now. I recommend it; you will laugh, you may cry, and you might just learn something. Maybe."

♥

Twice Upon a Time

To give it the credit it deserves, this film's form of cutout animation is quite visually stunning. To give you an idea of what is odd about it, here are a few tidbits: -There are long sequences of pointless banter because the producers could only afford improvisation comedians. -The movie was made in several versions, one of which contains adult language (now on YouTube). -The antagonist creates bombs that explode and create nightmares. Acid trip much? -Is it for children or adults? No one knows.

♥

What are your favorite bad movies?

♥Anna

Style Tips: Easy Mode

Photo by riot jane

I know that some of my readers already have a fabulous sense of style, but my blog was started for...well, myself, but also for sartorial n00bs. Hopefully this post will serve as a guide for funking up a case of the common outfit (or a refresher for those of you who've been there, done that).

• Scarves, scarves, scarves. I'm talking about lightweight silk scarves, shawls, winter scarves, bandannas, anything; in all materials, sizes and shapes. They're everywhere, they're cheap, and they're probably the easiest sartorial tool to utilize. Fold a square one in half and put it on your head or wear it around your neck (point forward like a cowboy or in back like Hank Venture). Use a long one as a belt or a headband. Experiment with where & how you tie it (brush up on fancy knots). Tie one on your belt loop, around your arm, a tank top strap, a purse, your ankle...anything. A piece of scrap fabric works just as well, too.
• Layering. I've been rocking the short-sleeves over long-sleeves look forever (and also getting compliments) but only recently diversified my layers. Plain ribbed tanks are a good lightweight alternative to sweater vests over sleeved shirts. Contrasting socks look awesome over bright tights or leggings. Putting a shirt on over a dress turns it into a brand new skirt. If you need help, there are innumerable articles on this.
  
• Belt loops are not just for belts. Attach a scarf, necklce, ribbon, keychain, bracelet, toy...anything. Great for a fun look and also an easy way to tie in an isolated color somewhere else in your outfit.
• Simple color coordination works wonders. For example, you can go nuts mixing patterns if they all contain the same few colors. If a color looks too out of place in an outfit, find a place for a small accessory in the same color. Sometimes fashion magazines will tell you to avoid being all "matchy-matchy", but I personally think it's crap. Coordinate items most people wouldn't think of, like umbrellas to your outfit or towels to your bathing suit. It really makes you look like you know what you're doing.
• Don't seperate your dress-up clothes from your casual clothes. Wear super-fancy pieces with the basics. Why have a bunch of pretty clothes you never wear? I occassionally even dress down my old prom dresses!
• Name your outfits. I think the key to unique outfits is almost treating them as costumes. I constantly dress up (subtly) as video game characters. I'm not talking about full-on cosplay; just try to capture the essence of something in the outfit. Examples of (non-video game- or pop culture-related) outfits I've worn and named: Indie Farm Girl, Tough Love, Ninja Skater, Semi-formal Beach, Hipster Jock, Russian Bombshell. It seems silly, but it really helps. And no one has to know the theme of your outfit but you! Try dressing with the essence of a hybrid sartorial stereotype, your favorite song, a best friend, an animal...anything.

More "advanced" style tips coming soon!

♥Anna

How To Be Sick

by psyberartist

'Tis the season, at least in my hemisphere. It's late winter, the time to get the virus en vogue if you didn't get it over with earlier. This time around, it seems to be a nasty little number that masks as a common cold but lasts a gross ten days to two weeks. Oh yes, life is hard, but if you become a sicky there are ways to ease your psychic pain, if not the physical.

♥

Stay home from work/school/what have you.

It seems obvious, but I see all of you out there going in sick! Whether it's to save up your "sick days" for a vacation, avoid makeup work, or just plain denial, it's probably best for all parties involved if you just stay home. In certain circumstances, this means skipping your exercise routine. If your symptoms are below the neck, like fever, chills, chest congestion, or a hacking cough, exercise could make them worse. But if you only have a runny nose or a sore throat, you're probably okay. Just listen to your body and tone down the workout if necessary.

♥

Eat healthfully.

You may not have much of an appetite, but if you can eat, try to have a balanced diet. Mild fruits (so the citric acid doesn't bother you) and vegetables are always good. If solids don't excite or agree with you, load up on 100% fruit juices to avoid low blood sugar. (My friends can confirm that I LOVE apple juice.) In any case, drink tons of liquids/water so you don't get dehydrated, especially if you are vomiting or have diarrhea. Dehydration is seriously awful; my mother once had to go to the hospital because of it. Take heed!

♥

Have rituals.

I think this is the most important habit for retaining your sanity, but alas, many of us adapted it in our childhood only to abandon it as adults (or near adults). I'm talking about dropping your daily routine in favor of rituals that make it more pleasant when you're ill. Mine look something like this:

• Play video games all day.
• Stay in my pajamas.
• Take decadent baths.
• Refuse to clean up my room. (This usually results in the floor collecting a mess of used tissues and dirty dishes, which I clean up when I'm feeling better. It feels like a fresh start!)
• If I happen to be at home, my mother brings me juice in a sippy cup. :)

Here are some other ideas:

• Meditate.
• Learn to knit. Wear all of your new creations...at the same time.
  
• Reorganize your books by color/author/title/genre/cover height/Dewey decimal system/whatever strikes your fancy.
• Fill up a sketchbook with doodles (even if you can't draw).
• Enlist your significant other/friend/child to bring you food in bed.
• Keep a list of everything you want to do but can't because you're sick. When you get better, look at the list and act accordingly.
• Read trashy magazines.
• Make yourself huge smoothies.
• Watch your favorite movies and TV shows over and over again. Throw used tissues at the characters you don't like. Recite the parts you've memorized.
  
• Give your best friend money and have them pick out a new set of pajamas for you.
• Make a tent over your bed.
• Steal extra pillows and bring all your stuffed animals in bed with you.
• Order some relaxing bath treats from Lush for the next time you're sick.
• Write letters to all your friends pretending you're on vacation in some exotic locale.
• Talk to yourself more than is considered normal.

Hope you're feeling better already!

♥Anna

Noncheesy Valentine's Gifts For Everyone On (and Off) Your List

Sure, Valentine's Day is a big commercial mess, but that doesn't mean giving gifts isn't fun! Here are some gifts available online that anyone would be thrilled to receive.

♥

Item: a softer world's Truth and Beauty Bombs t-shirt
Get it for: Your best friend; the war protester on your street corner; a death metal-lovin' pacifist.

♥

Item: A sleek compact with a secret condom compartment (and if you get the red one, 10% of your purchase goes to help the fight against AIDS!)
Get it for: Yourself; your *ahem* experienced friend; your little sister (set a good example!)

♥

Item: Julia Pott's All the Boys print
Get it for: Your best guy friend; your brother; your dad.

♥

Item: stoopidgerl's You and Me pendant
Get it for: Your raver friend; the girl you babysit; the classmate that always brings in cupcakes.

♥

Item: Tilly Bloom's Cupid's Revolver print
Get it for: An emo kid; a writer; a friend with a tumultuous love life.

♥

Item: The Kissaholic Kissing Kit (contains aphrodisiac lip gloss and breath mist!)
Get it for: A budding makeup artist; a natural remedy enthusiast; yourself!

♥

Item: A Half a Conversation t-shirt
Get it for: A hipster; a player; a typographer.

♥

Item: The Nice Jewish Guys calendar
Get it for: Anyone single; anyone Jewish; anyone with a sense of humor.

♥

Item: A pair of glittery TOMS
Get it for: A displaced Kansas native; a walking Barbie who needs some flat shoes; a disco dancer.

♥

Item: A Wishlist necklace
Get it for: Your PoMo girlfriend; a web designer; anyone who expects bling from you in these hard economic times.

♥

Item: dazeychic's Where We Will Sparkle Forever print
Get it for: Your intended; your child; the wall at the workplace of your dream job.

♥

Item: Kama Sutra condoms
Hand them out to everyone you run into on Valentine's Day!

♥

Item: Threadless's "Friday I'm In Love" t-shirt
Get it for: Your rock jam partner; a (wannabe or original) '80s goth; a fan of The Mighty Boosh.

♥

Item: queenBlingerie's Vixen bra
Get it for: Your girlfriend; your mistress; your favorite drag queen.

♥

That should just about cover it! But if you're broke, try these three cheap, easy, foolproof DIY gifts:

• Art
  
• Writing
• Baking

Just give them from the heart and you can't go wrong.

♥Anna