Vintage Beginnings & School Girl Vibes
The question that I'm often asked is, "How'd you get into vintage?" or "Why are you into vintage style?" I never know how to answer the question because it requires a lengthy answer. For those of you who may not know, I am a recent graduate in Costume Design (Theatrical Production) and I think a lot of my beginnings down the path of a vintage lifestyle began with my love for costume. (Click here to see my post on my final show I designed at my college!) I always loved watching the Old Hollywood starlets on the silver screen via Turner Classic Movies. But before I got into film, my style was very eccentric to say the least.
In ninth grade, I will never forget the unique way that I'd plan my outfits every day. I would change my style completely every day based on the music I listened to or a film I watched the night before. I remember I would think to myself, "Today I'm gonna dress like a rocker" and I'd put in my fake lip ring from Hot Topic (how embarrassing!) and dress in all black or I'd think, "Today I'll be a princess" and I'd dress in a pink tutu with a tiara on my head. I'd somehow have to make it work with my school uniform but that was the beauty of it, working around the uniform! Today I decided to dress in a theme reminiscent of my ninth grade days and the theme of the day is School Girl.
I'm an admin on a Facebook group called "Vintage Tips and Tricks" ran by the lovely Miss Bee Town who is a vintage style YouTuber who holds vast knowledge on makeup and fashion of the 1930s-60s. I discovered one day on a post by one of the lovely ladies of the group, that many of the vintage and retro style ladies of the group evolved into their style after morphing from scene trends or goth style. My transition was more scene kid and theme based but I think one of the main reasons that I like dressing vintage is that there's something still costume-y and over the top about it.
I like to think of life as a film or television show in which I am a character playing a part. I don't necessarily stick to a theme the way that I used to but sometimes I'll catch myself doing a nautical theme on say Fourth of July or I'll dress like a character in one of my favorite films. Some days I'll feel like Mary Poppins other days I'll go for something more Diana Ross a la The Supreme days. Whatever floats my boat for the day. I like for my hair to match the vibe of the clothing as well!
The coolest part about vintage/retro style is that there are many different styles that one can go with. There's rockabilly, vintage purists, decade specific individuals, pin up, cosplay, and so on and so forth. I like to think this look is more in the realm of cosplay and thrifty. My main inspiration for piecing this look together was my Catholic school days and Sailor Moon.
My crisp white button own shirt was taken from my mother whom I'm sure thrifted it. The green, red, and yellow plaid school girl skirt was borrowed from my best friend (it was thrifted as well). I opted for woolen black knee high socks and my favorite and comfiest black Mary Janes. I cut my bangs into a fringe to give it a more retro vibe!
It's funny how things come into full circle over time! I started off as a shy and artsy child, morphed into an odd costume wearing middle schooler/early high schooler, fell in love with old film and vintage style, and only a couple years ago began studying Costume Design in college! Life makes more and more sense the longer you live!
Hope you all enjoyed this post filled with throwback vibes and I'll see you all next Friday!
Photographs taken by Briana and Ashley Young.