Guest Blogger #1 for "Absolutely Me" Month - Callista Rugo
Jen has been asking me to collaborate with Love Your Bits for quite some time now. Over at Superlesque, I'm writing weekly on my adventures as a burlesque dancer, retro lifestyle maker, and crafter so I have always loved the idea of teaming up with such a positive blog.
Then a few weeks ago, she sent me a request to write something for "Absolutely Me" Month, naming me a local fashion icon. I was really flattered and honored to be invited to write for Love Your Bits with my 50s housewife meets hipster flair.
I have a list of questions to answer in no particular order:
How do you describe your style?
For the most part, I go for 1950s housewife but on my off days I have a tendency to go hipster or modern chic. My wardrobe is mostly dresses and skirts with some functional jeans and t-shirts. Every day is occasion to dress up, except for my No Make Up Tuesdays (because Tuesdays suck).
The bulk of my pieces I make myself. I grew up doing medieval recreation and learned how to sew and costume construction about 15 years ago and have kept it up ever since. I get my fabric at JoAnn's but my current obsession is getting bed sheets at thrift stores like Goodwill and making dresses out of them. It's economical and good for the environment! I also have a pile of dresses that are 80s-tastic sitting at home, awaiting repurposing.
The pieces I buy are typically standard pieces like leggings, camisoles, and cardigans that you can pick up pretty much anywhere. I love the cropped cardigans from Old Navy and the price for leggings and camisoles are excellent at Walmart.
Specialty pieces are few and far between. Since I have a much narrower waist than my bust, I have a hard time finding clothing that fits. I have a series of dresses from Charlotte Russe that are a bit retro and great with a pair of jeggings. However, my current favorite obsession is eShakti.com. I have had to stop going there and looking at dresses or I would be forever poor. This company makes a ton of retro-style dresses that are wash and wear up to size 36(!!!). If that's not enough for you, for about $10, they will custom fit the dress to your measurements. They also have sales going on almost all the time so it's worth a peek.
My make up is a motley crew of drugstore finds and Sephora buys and I have to admit, my favorite items are ones that I spent more on. They stay the longest and have the cleanest look.
Who or what inspires your looks?
I am constantly inspired by the 1940s and 50s. With my narrow waist and ample hips and bosom, modern boho chic or street wear don't exactly flatter my figure. My ideal silhouette is the Dior New Look hourglass with fitted tops and big, voluminous skirts. Lately I'm getting more into 1940s fashion, World War II, etc. I grew up with the classic musicals and movies of the 40s and 50s so those were always my fashion icons as a kid.
With my adventures in burlesque, naturally the pinup comes up. AND I LOVE IT and consider it a big inspiration in my style.
What responses do you receive in society when people see you out and about & how do you handle it (be it positive or negative)?
The overwhelming response to my outfits has been positive. My Callista dress and its sisters have gotten me many a shout out in the mall or walking down darkened streets. I have actually been stopped a couple of times by strangers to compliment me. When you think of how many people ignore each other in public, I call that a massive achievement.
The only time I have ever negatively been impacted by my clothing decisions is from a house down the street from me, but the people who live there are a little off so I don't take it too much to heart.
Any tips?
1) You don't have to go to a repro site like ModCloth in order to find retro finds. I have a swallow sweater that I got from Hot Topic (and I love it). I have a pair of retro white shoes that I got at Famous Footwear, not to mention my heels from Payless. Keep an eye out and you'll find great vintage-inspired designs.
2) Buy only clothes that you like and want to wear. Staples are always going to be necessary and relevant to your style so an extra tank top or pair of jeans will likely not go amiss. But that shirt that you think you *might* be able to pull off? Let it go.
Here's a perfect example:
I used to go to Tee Fury every day and see what shirts they had. And I loved it. I bought my Asgardian Absinthe and Invader Flakes shirts and reveled in my possession of them. Every day I was looking at t-shirts and every once in a while buying them on a whim.
And then I stopped and thought about it.
I don't *actually* wear t-shirts. Most days I'm in a dress or a skirt and, though that women's cut Doctor Who t-shirt is gorgeous, I'm not going to wear it. Maybe you shouldn't be tempted to buy it and just stop going to the website.
Then I funneled my money into Goodwill and get a lot more for my $12.
3) LEARN TO SEW. This is a skill that will get you far if you want unique pieces, even if you don't want to go retro like me. If you want something unique, figure out how to make it and do so. You will always have something no one else has if you made it. Once you learn how to sew, the possibilities are endless. I made my niece a dress for her fourth birthday and told her she was the only girl in the world to have this dress. According to her mother, it's always in the wash because she's always wearing it. If something you make becoming a prized possession isn't enough for you, I can't convince you to sew any more.
Why do you do what you do?
Because I like it. I dress up for no one but myself. This is a style that for years I had mentioned that I wanted to do either in passing or in serious conversation with friends and family. I finally sat down and decided to do it and couldn't be happier. My style brings me joy and recognition and it truly feels like a reflection of my inside brought out. I am only met with smiles so if one girl dressing timelessly is my price to pay for a sunnier Burlington, I'm okay with making that sacrifice.
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