Today's Funky Fashion Experiment - 1970s

I bought this polyester 1970s dress in the "old grandma section" at Human (local charity thrift shop) for 2 Euros. It was so extremely ugly, yet strangely charming and it called my name.

I took on the challenge.

I added a simple belt from H&M which I altered a bit to fit me better and vintage 1970-80s Givenchy earrings that I purchased online about 10 years ago.

When I wore this ensemble, I received many enthusiastic compliments from ladies that only wear couture. When I told them where I had bought the dress and the price I had paid for it, they looked at me in disgust and confusion.

Experiment was a success! LOL 

Aunt Angela's Earrings - Paper Jewelry

My aunt’s apartment in Heidelberg is filled with old books and antiques. I especially love the view from her living room window. So for her birthday I made her earrings of "her view". (I secretly took the photos during my last visit ).

The Red Silk Japanese Kimono - “Costumes Then And Now”

I purchased this red silk Japanese Kimono when I was 13 years old at a garage sale at the Old Town Fairfax (Virginia) fire station. I remember the original owners had been stationed in Japan and they sold it to me for a few dollars. I’ve moved around so much in my life but it’s one of those items I just love and could never part with. It has been worn on many occasions. In the first picture I’m 14 years old and wearing it during a photo shoot with my late photography mentor John Mendenhal. (He was a friend of my mother’s and we had an arrangement that I modeled for him and in return he supplied me with a 35mm camera and gave me photography lessons). The other pictures are of a LARP this year in which I played an “Evil Peking Opera Star” (I know it’s a Japanese Kimono…shhh don’t tell! ;-)).

 

Photo by John Mendenhal 

 

Photo by Andreas Lorenz

 

 Photo by Andreas Lorenz

Paper Jewelry

I've taken 1000s of photos of architectural details throughout the years and have been wondering what to do with them. This lovely face is from a building in Heidelberg, Germany that I used to walk by every day. I've decided to make paper jewelery out of my photographs.

Vintage Christian Dior Turban

I found this vintage Christian Dior Turban 15 years ago at a Goodwill shop in Virginia for $2.

For me it has a “Sunset Boulevard” feel. I wear it as a character in a Victorian LARP. I play an eccentric old Lady named Theodora Popeacock. 

She is haunted by her late, beloved pet - a yelping, psychotic Pekinese named “Pookie”. ;-)

Today’s Funky Fashion Experiment – “Cherry Lady” 1950-60s

I found this dress at Humana (local charity gift shop) on the sale rack for 4 Euros.

It was nearly floor length and even though it had a funky print with little umbrellas, it looked a bit “matronly”. I shortened it and added a petticoat – and voilà it’s a swing dress now!

I found the puppy purse “Chopin” at the Liechtenstein Palace flea market for 5 Euros and the cool cherry earrings are from C&A's children’s department.

Who remembers these?

I spotted these roller-skates at the flea market at Liechtenstein Palace, Vienna the other day. They brought back so many happy memories. I remember you could pull them apart so they would fit your feet. They felt a bit wobbly in comparison with later roller skates but the sense of freedom I had when they were on my feet gave me a rush! :)

Today’s Funky Fashion Experiment – 1970s

I found this funky 1970s dress at Humana (a local charity thrift shop). It reminded me of the types of dresses my mother wore when I was a small child. I also love the feminine cut of the dress and the row of buttons up the front. To me it feels like a 1970s revival of a 1940s dress - a bit shorter, funkier polyester fabric with a bold flower print.