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

How to Wear Pantone's Spring '09 Color Report

When I saw the colors (and the awesome retro vibe) in Pantone's spring '09 color report, I couldn't resist whipping up some outfits!

Fuchsia Red on Polyvore
Go casual chic with harem pants and gold accents.

Salmon Rose on Polyvore
Mix tough accessories with this girly shade.

Palace Blue on Polyvore
Pair this color with white for smooth sailing.

Lucite Green on Polyvore
Pair with shiny blacks and whites for a mod look.

Super Lemon on Polyvore
This is an ideal color to try with another trend - florals.

Dark Citron on Polyvore
Shiny shots of this color would make The Little Mermaid proud.

Lavender on Polyvore
Wear with stripes for a look that's pretty but a bit punk.

Vibrant Green on Polyvore
This color will perk up the laziest sweats day.

Slate Grey on Polyvore
Pair with other muted colors for a look that's dark and mysterious without being all black.

Rose Dust on Polyvore
This is the perfect neutral to try with some wild accessories.

Details on Polyvore
Bonus set: Pieces that feature one or more of the colors from the report.

♥Anna

Daily Polyvored Outfit: 24 January 2009

Polyvore for details

Today y'all don't get a picture of me, because I never actually got dressed. Nope, I woke up with awful back pain that somehow came in the night. >:( I stayed on my back in bed all morning, then rolled out to go to Pilates in my pajamas. On my way out I grabbed a banana for breakfast and a hat to cover my manky hair in public. Pilates made my back feel a little better, but I'm still nursing it with a hot pad. Had. Chinese takeout for lunch. Now I might go in the hot tub...

How is your day going? I hope it's a little better than mine!

♥Anna

How to Break Out of the Geek Uniform

Picture by benjamin.todd

No, this isn't about what you wear to work!

As a geek, I am often in the company of other geeks. I have noticed that many of us seem to cling to a certain, very simple type of casual outfit—usually a t-shirt and jeans. This is the aforementioned “geek uniform”. If you or someone you know dresses like this and you want to step it up a level, here are some easy tips.

• Get a cool pair of kicks.

Polyvore for details

Either a pair of cool sneakers or boots will add a shot of comfy, functional style to your outfit. Invest in quality materials like leather (which you can even find for cheap at thrift stores). If you want a huge selection, try Converse Chuck Taylor sneakers. I own them in numerous different styles to go with every outfit, because it's often possible to find them for on sale for $20 or less.

• Invest in a good watch.

Polyvore

Whether it be a traditional multi-dial analog or a sleek digital, a quality watch always looks classy. (Plus, you’ll know what time it is. Conversation starter, anyone?) I like Tokyoflash’s watches—tricky to read but so cool-looking.

• Add sunglasses.

Polyvore

Instant cool…what else can I say? There’s a reason they wore them in The Matrix and The Blues Brothers. Anything goes - even if you pick a really ugly pair, you'll probably just get mistaken for a hipster. ;>

• Add outerwear.

Polyvore

Track jackets, casual sports coats, zip hoodies, sweaters—When properly fitted, any of these can make you look pulled-together.

• Review your shirts.

Polyvore

I’m all for t-shirts with nerdy references, but rethink those freebies that you got from past employers or local businesses. Does it have a cool picture; is it in a nice color; is it amusing without being trashy? If the answer to these questions is no, it probably isn’t doing anything for your ensemble.

• Accessorizing is not the enemy!

Polyvore

It’s not just for fashion nerds. Any “extras”, like scarves, hats, jewelry, or a nice bag will enhance your look.

• A few tricked out Geek Uniforms:

Polyvore

Polyvore

Polyvore

Polyvore

Links:

• One of those geeks who always sticks with black? Don't know what colors look best on you? Read this article from Gala Darling.
  

Now: go forth and be stylish!

♥Anna