What do I NOT like about Vintage? Q&A Part 2

[@josephinekromer2827]

Totally agree with you about the the whole vintage and sexy pinup being lumped together. They are very different!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Josephine! It's the most frustrating thing about wearing vintage for me!

[@MrsYasha1984]

interesting, that never happened to me. I get a lot of compliments, and I know some men find it sexy, but I was never called a Pin Up (or if it was called pin up, then out of a lack of a better word for it, not in a lewd way.) For my husband the allure of the style is me looking like a lady, elegant and well fitted. I know men who find me attractive because I have a very innocent face, and the soft curls and pretty dresses do play into that. Never got a "oooh, Pin Up style! sexyyyyyyy!" kind of response. But I guess central europe may tick a little different than america I guess.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Hopefully central Europe is better than America, because if I walk around downtown I get a lot of inappropriate cat calls and the like. A guy once yelled at me on a street corner "hey there snow white, can I be one of your dwarfs?" which was very strange. I got the most comments when I was working at a retail shop, and often they weren't necessarily about my outfits looking "sexy" but it would be men telling me "don't you wish it was still the 50's?" "it was such a better time back then right?" in a very "back when women would stay in the kitchen and look pretty" implying way. I'm not sure they even meant it to come off that way, but telling a woman you wish it was still the 50's, when women were expected to put up with a looooot of sexist stuff and be nothing more than a good little homemaker back then, still comes off as really weird. I just hate the idea that people might assume because I dress vintage that I think in a vintage way too, but such presumptions are unavoidable I imagine.

[@josephinekromer2827]

TheClosetHistorian yah I use to work at a 50s restaurant and had to wear poodle skirts and it was NOT fun...... I actually am a homemaker and stay at home mom but that's kinda just a funny life thing..... it's cause I choose it and can, not because of any I wish it was the 50s lol it just works for me and my family at the moment

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Being able to choose is the best part! Living your life the way that is best for you and your family is awesome, weird people out there oddly fetishizing having a perfect pin up housewife is not awesome, essentially ;)

[@theotherheather4520]

I love your answer to which decade you would choose to live in! I applaud!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Heather! Here's hoping for a better future!

[@ilahjarvis]

I found the book "Gertie Sews Vintage Casual" by Gretchen Hirsch to be a good place to start for sewing comfortable 50's styles. The first 125 pages features instruction on common techniques with illustrations, it includes a bunch of printed patterns you can trace, and she includes suggestions on ways to modify the patterns in interesting ways, i.e. how to modify a button down shirt into a jacket. There is still the issue of modifying the patterns to fit, so you still need either a sewing block, a dress form or a friend to modify the fit. As a short, narrow shouldered woman I found the shoulders to be too wide and the torso too long, but this is always the case with commercial patterns.

[@gabbyraja]

I realize this is an older video, but you can get vintage and repro, particularly Collectif, for less on Poshmark. There are lots of ModCloth and Anthropologie brands that are repro-like. I've bought several Aryeh dresses that are straight up 50s cotton tea dresses in floral prints on PM for $10-15. I get compliments every time I wear them. Also, since it's not well known for vintage, the way that Etsy is, you can sometimes get a better deal there. Especially since you can make offers.

[@shelbypurdy5315]

I love that you make your own patterns! I’ve learned soooo much and I’m definitely going to apply these techniques to my future creations.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Shelby!

[@TracesOflnk]

I'm only three minutes in right now but I am SO happy to hear you're ace too! One of my biggest problems with how I dress/want to dress is that people do think it's to do with being perceived as sexy when it really isn't, but somehow that seems hard to believe. I really don't care if other people (specifically men) find me sexually appealing and I wish I didn't feel like I have to run my appearance through a filter to make sure it's not 'too sexual'. But even apart from the fashion aspect it's just lovely to see other aces out there

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jo! I know just what you mean. I think a lot of this sort of idea comes from the false belief that women only wear make-up or try to look nice in general for the benefit of men, when that is just not the case. The world has a long way to go!

[@BandEater]

To be honest, this is just a misogyny thing. Not specific to aces at all really. All women have to deal with being sexualized against their will and it's not easier or somehow less gross if you're not asexual

[@nancylord9923]

Hi I am a plus size, if you go on any pattern website like vogue, butterick and type in vintage they have patterns plus size. I also find them on amazon and eBay. I hope this helps.

[@damogranheart5521]

Thank you for the information 🙏 😊

[@bluejay5531]

While watching all your videos from the start, I got back to the place where I did watch and am going through them again and it's always a joy and I am also remembering more tips, links, ideas you shared all over again!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Blue Jay!

[@juliehunter1168]

I completely identify with the reluctance to start wearing vintage and following a more vintage-styled life. I have always struggled 'fitting in' and never felt comfortable in High St trends and makeup. I finally realised in my late twenties that I really wanted to wear a more retro look and identified strongly with the 1920-1940 period. I have always adored very high end fashions of that time, Dior...Givenchy...Chanel...Schiaparelli...just heaven! But translating it...actually being brave enough to dress that era-specific, took me a long time after that. I'm now in my 40s and just got to a point where I thought, "You know what? Life's far too short to not be happy in my own skin! I will wear what I bloody well like!" (Except formal hats! Still not brave enough!) I'm very fortunate to have learned both sewing and knitting and I'm just gorging myself on all the lovely things...finally! Congratulations on a wonderful Vlog (and Blog too!) Bianca. Currently feasting on all the archives. :) Particularly loving your earlier historically inspired dresses you made...absolutely wonderful to find a blogger who loves both the 18th century and vintage too. (I'm writing my first book too....it's been 2 years now! And 3/4's of that time was editing! Lol!!! Why can't we freeze time??) Take care, lovely lady x

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much for this lovely message Julie! Life is indeed too short to not wear what you bloody well like, I quite agree! I wish I had more time and funds to continue work on costuming. I do still love 18th century gowns!

[@MissMVintage]

I'm Miss M! Thank you so much answering my question about the sewjo. I love the idea of 'just do one step'. I think that will help me slowly push through a couple of projects that I've lost interest in. Love your videos! :D

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I need to build up some sewjo currently myself, as I'm totally stalled in my sewing summer plans ;)

[@evilgeniusy]

About the pin-up-ization of vintage wear: after menopause, no one looked at me sexually anymore. It made me realize that as a young woman, EVERYTHING I wore, did, or said was viewed under the sexuality lens. It is so freeing to escape that. And I don't know what to tell young people, except - it goes away eventually.

[@lilysaintjames2240]

I loooovveeee that you specify the difference between pinups and vinties. I am not even remotely pinup. I feel awkward in pinup. But I dress exclusively vintage. It can be difficult for people to understand.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I have nothing against pin up of course, but the conflation of the two styles is indeed often irritating!

[@lilysaintjames2240]

For sure. And as you were talking about having vintage friends... and I have TONS of pinup friends. Everyone I know loves PUG. But finding someone willing to scour thrift stores with in order to find one vintage item is impossible. My vintage collecting extends to my entire home and not just my wardrobe. And most pinups I know prefer repro to true vintage. Which is cool. Some of it is amazing. But its kind of hard to convince them to get up at 6am to go dig through some old ladies estate sale when most of the stuff they love they can order offline.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I feel like repro is more expensive almost too! Depends on the items in question I guess, but I'd rather rummage for gems or sew something most of the time :)

[@lilysaintjames2240]

Ha. Thats funny. Thats why I got into vintage. Because it was cheap. I started with thrift stores and yard sales. Ive ventured into slightly more expensive places like flea markets and swap meets. The occasional antique store. But Im still a thrift vintager. Looking for grandmas castoffs and the things no one else wants. I never did bring myself to be comfortable buying online or in vintage shops for retail prices. The search is half of the fun for me.

[@kathyjohnston4337]

❤❤❤, thank you so much for talking about positive body image. So many people are stricken with fear, doubt and loathing. This MUST change and you are CORRECT!!! You are such a fabulous person. Thank you so much for putting out the positive vibe!🎉🎉🎉

[@elizabethgiliberto8932]

What I'm no too keen about vintage is the occasional creeps/weird people that flock to me, but only once in a while, thank God. I've been dressing vintage inspired for about 5 years and I believe I've encountered literally only 3 men that made me vastly uncomfortable. One guy reached out to caress my gloves without even asking first...another middle aged man (who looked like a typical strip club patron) placed his hands on me from behind and spoke to me creepily with his mouth pretty close to my ear..basically treating me practically like a stripper. I was dressed in a sleeveless vintagy dress that was not low-cut at all not even sexy. Just cute. (but even low-cut ensembles shouldn't warrant salacious behavior ) ...another man sat really close to me at a mall fountain and was just being quite rude.. but first said I looked like a victorian princess then asking if I didn't care that people made fun of me. :/ I realize I will attract the 'wrong' kind of attention once in a while. But I shouldn't be treated like an object lol .. I'm a regular lady. ...I've never felt threatened, or felt as if somebody wanted to hurt me, ....but I believe there are times when 'toning it down' is highly necessary. Example - Like never ride the NY city subway in the late hours dressed up..because of some derelicts/mentally disturbed people might come up and harass you. My brother told me about that and he's right to just dress regularly. Dressing up in vintage is a ton of fun...but at times..it pays to be cautious while doing so. ;)

[@glennabushe39]

Love your videos. I also dress vintage and none of my friends wear vintage and I have always love the vintage since I was a little girl.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Glenna!

[@Timetraveler1111MN]

Ohh I like the idea around 6:01 for sewing 🧵 motivation / MOJO. In my mind I get overwhelmed to say I can’t do all that, complete that today, ease your way into it, giving a small piece.

[@22mendonca]

Super stoked that you answered my question.... I've really enjoyed listening to every Q&A! Thanks a million beautiful doll! Xxxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jo! :)

[@22mendonca]

TheClosetHistorian Always a joy!😘

[@iluvzevon]

your rant about this administration 😂😂😂😂 I'm dead

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks! Some people on here got mad at me for that one when this video came out...too bad! I like vintage style, not vintage values ;)

[@india239]

That’s how I get through sewing droughts. Just one step a day. Usually end up doing more but if not it’s ok

[@WhisperingWitchASMR]

Gigantic congrats on hitting 5K!!! What an awesome accomplishment! Adored both halves of this video. Thank you for sharing so much more about yourself with us here. Soooo true about the serious dearth of more "realistic" mid-century style repro garments. That is something that has always vexed me as well (and is no small part of the reason why I've long leaned heavily on "1980s does 1940s and 50s" pieces, as well as "vintage appropriate" modern ones). Great suggestions in terms of brands that can come to the rescue sometimes. A few more that sometimes offer up an assortment of more real world-ish yesteryear styles include Heyday, Vivien of Holloway, Rock Steady (particularly their skirts), Heart of House, Trashy Diva, and Jitterbuggin' Clothing Company. Here's to the next 5K and beyond!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jessica! Thank goodness for all the 80's does mid-century stuff out there, and as a plus it is usually more affordable too. I have a Heyday blouse that I just adore, I wish I could get my hands on more of their things! It seems like the more "vintage" as opposed to "pin up/lolita-ish" brands tend to be UK or European based, which isn't the best for shipping charges!

[@WhisperingWitchASMR]

My pleasure! So true about the prevalence of less "pinup/lolita-ish" brands in Europe. We have exceedingly few shops (let alone homegrown brands) for vintage style/repro clothing here in Canada, so steep shipping and import charges are, sadly, a fact of life most of the time one wants to add to their wardrobe from online shopping (a teeny number of vintage/repro/pinup/alt clothing e-shops do exist, thankfully, but there really aren't many and unfortunately one of the main ones shut it doors a few months ago). It's awesome that you have a Heyday blouse. I adored, and frequently wore, the pieces I had from them pre-fire - especially the 1940s style wide legged trousers. I'd really love to be able to invest in a pair (or three!) of those again one day. Thank you for your reply. Hope your month is going well, lovely lady.

[@shannonprouse9976]

You are the first person I have heard comment on having a friend to compete with when shopping for vintage! This has actually been a real challenge for me this year! It’s one of those things that’s hard to talk about because you don’t want to resent your friends or compete with them 🙁 I have been sewing for over 2 years and recently my bestie (who l live with) wanted to start learning so I started teaching her the basics. This was a fun process as I like to pass on my knowledge to help others. However we ran into problems when it came to thrift shopping. We are different sizes and have enjoyed thrifting together for over 8 years now, I’m vintage styled and she isn’t really so no competition there BUT, now we are competing over FABRIC!!! I have been thrifting about 99% of my fabric I use for vintage dressmaking for the last 2 years and now she has started doing the same thing and it’s a real issue 🙁 for e.g. I had been looking for some blue and green tartan for about 6 months and she knew about that and then she found some which she kept for herself. I can deal with that no matter how jealous I felt at first. First in first serve and all that. Then she found another piece. Now I know if I had been in her position I would have offered to do a stash swap or something but she didn’t and it actually really hurt my feelings 😞 I have been putting in a lot of time to teach her how to sew and sometimes I keep thinking it’s just going to backfire and might ruin us thrifting together . This probably sounds like an overreaction but it’s really hard to come up with a fair solution. With thrifted fabric there is only 1 piece and usually not enough to share. Anyway, that’s my life story 😅 if anyone has any suggestions I would be open to them!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Aw yeah see this is my worry! When it comes to vintage and thrifting there is usually only one of something and it's a risky business! I am surprised you are able to find nice fabrics often out thrifting to begin with, but I definitely would have been hurt in your position as well. It's a real bummer if she totally knew/knows you have been after that specific fabric and didn't offer to let you have/get at least one of the pieces! Not sure how I would handle this one myself since it is indeed quite complicated, on one hand it would be good to just talk it out, but I can see how if that backfired it would be bad since you guys live together! Good luck out there!

[@shannonprouse9976]

TheClosetHistorian Thanks 🙂 I will persevere 😊 And I guess living in New Zealand must be quite good for fabric thrifting! I have found some amazing fabrics but I am noticing the prices are going up a bit now. Still cheaper than new fabric but still, I prefer a good bargain you know 😅 Also it would be awesome if you did a range of patterns one day! That’s what I plan on doing if I can 🙂

[@tiffanytomasino335]

I’m also (mostly) Italian, and while I cannot speak the language, I can cook. Also an introvert but all of my job experience has required me to fake extroversion. Food, retail, and I’m currently working on getting certified as a dog trainer. I’m a crazy dog lady, even if (or maybe because) my boy makes me do things like go outside. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@lisabowvintage5864]

Thank you for answering my question! Was a delight listening to your answers in both videos 😄

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Of course! Thank you Lisa!

[@rachelverhoff2544]

Finally subscribed today and wanted to let you know how much I, and my son, are enjoying your videos. I collected a lot of vintage (1940's) in my twenties, back when it wasn't quite so scarce or expensive! I'm also a published author, so if you have any questions about the 'biz', let me know and I'll contact you via my 'real' email.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you so much Rachel! :)

[@talosheeg]

Holy crap you answered my question and said my name the right way!!!!! Yay!! Thank you bianca!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

I'm glad I said it right! :)

[@damogranheart5521]

I discovered Cowboy Bebop because I had Nik at nite at one time. Loved that! I have read Manning Coles because my parents had their books. Two people who were in British intelligence. Excellent spy books with the British tongue in cheek!

[@dreamscape405]

AGREED: Alexander McQueen was the King of design! I still watch his fashion shows on YT and am still in awe over what he was able to create with the simplest fabrics. Congrats on your milestone! How Exciting! And shopping with other real life vintage style women would be a blast for me; just because you might share a liking to a certain era doesn't necessarily mean you would like the same things. Personally, I don't like wearing hats so there would be no fighting over that. 😊 While I enjoy wearing vintage style, I'm not fully committed to it; being a painter(artistic painting), I like to change things up when it comes to personal style. But seeing your videos are inspirational and rekindle my enjoyment for vintage style. 😊🌈🌹🌸

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I watch old McQueen shows on KZbin too, they remain as inspirational to me as they did when I waited all fashion week to watch them when they debuted back in the day.

[@yulmiyabi3701]

Yay, thank you for answering my question! I follow those Instagram accounts, too. Great minds think alike, eh?😅 And I’m with you on hoping for a better future. Fingers crossed 🤞🏽😒

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Of course! I'm hoping too, and voting, and hopefully everyone else will vote too...yikes.

[@yulmiyabi3701]

TheClosetHistorian I should have said “voting fingers crossed!”🤞🏽😉 I know I’m flexing my patriotic rights/duty. I mean, how much worse can it get? Hmmm... maybe shouldn’t have said that🤣😂😅🤬

[@samblack727]

Me and you would be the best of friends!!... Except that I'm super introverted too... And I don't like to go out or socialize... So we'd never hang out... But maybe we'd run into each other at the thrift store every once in a while... 😹🖤

[@erindyson5194]

I am in college and I am looking to move towards simple casual 1950s fashion. Idk what to start with what could you consider some "essentials"? Also I have a brown and black pair of normal doc martens(not boots), do you think they could be incorporated?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Hello Erin! I always have a hard time answering questions like yours about essentials, as I always figure what MY essentials are may be very different than what someone else's are/should be, because personal style is so individual and unique. I was really considering your question, as many other people have asked me this same sort of thing before and I think I have finally figured out a way to answer, and so I have put an entire video answering this onto my schedule for this next week! So look for that coming soon. But in general, I always recommend starting with basic skirts (high waisted pencil skirts and circle skirts) and blouses or sweaters which can be mixed and matched. Plus I think modern tops worn with vintage style skirts still comes out looking quite vintage in style overall, so it is a good go-to when transitioning ones style. As for docs, I certainly think they can be worn with vintage style, especially oxford style ones, but even the boots too. Oxford style shoes were very commonly worn in the 40's and 50's, though usually with more casual (jeans/capri's/coveralls/pantsuits) clothing or for work-wear. I think they would be great for a more tomboy-ish 1950's almost greaser outfit for example (either rugged and "cool", or made super femme with set hair, pin-up make up, and big jewelry). There are no rules of course! Mix and match modern and vintage as you like :)

[@EAG369]

Would you ever consider doing a sew along for a pencil skirt from the drafting process through finishing? Or do you know of a KZbinr who has at least the step by step of the math and drawing of the drafting process? I was able to find a handful of really solid teachers for the circle skirt I just finished, but it seems like everyone I've run across doing pencil skirts is going off of a pattern, which I find far more intimidating than just fiddling around with some numbers and getting a true fit the first-ish go round.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

While I certainly would like to make more sewing and pattern drafting style videos in the future, they do take a lot of time to set up and put together and unfortunately I just do not have the time myself right now. I don't really follow the sewing side of KZbin much either, so I really am no help here! I will say that a standard darted pencil skirt pattern from any of the big pattern companies shouldn't be too scary, but also I always recommend the book Patternmaking for Fashion Design for those who want to draft their own patterns. www.amazon.com/Patternmaking-Fashion-Design-Joseph-Armstrong/dp/0136069347/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=fashion+pattern+drafting&qid=1557028700&s=gateway&sr=8-3

[@EAG369]

@@TheClosetHistorian Thank you so much for the info!

[@celestedouville2529]

OMG - yes to the answer you gave "...when this administration is prosecuted...and it's all behind us." SUBSCRIBE.

[@kathyjohnston4337]

Hahahahahahahaha😂😂😂 you are absolutely awesome, sometime in the future, where everyone has been prosecuted !!! YOU TOTALLY ROCK!!!

[@KetogenicKim]

Even Harry could have been Slytherin 😅. JK "I can't dance, don't ask me" 🎶🎵🎹🎼

[@marjoriethompson3790]

I’m late to the game, but my friend Rare Device does some plus sized sewing! She will adjust patterns but she does use them. She has a blog-withararedevice.wordpress.com/2018/07/30/a-little-moonlight/

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Come into the game anytime! Especially wish lovely suggestions :)

[@michellevillanueva3847]

Love the lipstick! Which one is it?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle! It's the shade ribbon ultra matte liquid lipstick from Colourpop

[@annahorton650]

Ok loved you until you went political.

[@rosaliegarza4952]

anna horton Ok loved you MORE because of your politics