There’s a homeless man I pass every so often when enroute to work. It’s a random event that has happened often enough over the last couple of years that we’ve passed the nodding stage and occasionally exchange a remark or two.
This week he looked me up and down, clapped his hands together, and gave me two thumbs up for my ensemble.
“A fine vintage look.” He said with obvious approval.
Now I don’t know Ed’s backstory. I’m not even convinced Ed is his name since he’s also offered up Vincent and Michel at various times.
Regardless, I understand his appreciation for vintage looks. Intrigued, I wanted to know more but he indicated his preference for a couple of bucks and some solitude.
I have to respect that.
“Next time wear a hat.” He called after me as I returned to my car.
That seemed an excellent idea. I love hats. I wish hats were more popular. Men in hats, women in hats, cats in hats…er, okay, kids in hats. Can’t you just see a little straw boater on that toddler?
Ah, nostalgia.
Fashions come and go. I’m sure there are good reasons why some styles last and others don’t.
At heart, I’m a comfort dresser, and that’s the basis of any style I profess to extoll. It works on occasion though. I know this because there’s a guy named Ed or Vincent or Michel, who told me so.
What do you choose to round out the perfect outfit? Which accessory finishes off your favorite ensemble? Is there a part that makes you feel naked if you leave it behind?
Tags: vintage style, old fashioned clothing, hats, nostalgia, the way things were
Lesann Berry 
#1 by Annalise Green on December 2, 2011 - 5:54 pm
I generally feel pretty naked if I forget my pants. Otherwise, I'm okay.I love vintage jewelery though. It tends to be a lot more…lovingly crafted, than some of the cheaper modern stuff.
#2 by Lesann Berry on December 2, 2011 - 7:11 pm
Y'know, rumor has it that pants are somewhat optional for writers. I'm skeptical of this myself…but the scuttlebutt persists.I too love vintage jewelery. Once upon a time I attended an antique jewelery show…OMG, I just remembered my friend and I saw Fabio there – instantaneous flashback of long flowing hair and lots of squealing women (not us!). Sorry, I digress.There was this stunning yellow gold band, surely someone's wedding ring. It was that rich luster of pure 22-24K gold, and the entire surface was set with a scattering of tiny rubies, each one centered inside a delicately carved starburst. I don't even wear yellow gold but man that was pretty. I still regret not buying it and have since given it to several characters over the years.I have a post on antique jewelery scheduled in my queue…
#3 by Angela Orlowski-Peart on December 2, 2011 - 10:40 pm
You are right, fashions come and go, but we can always keep a thing or two from our favorite style and incorporate it into a different look 🙂 I love that photo of the laceup shoes. Wish I had a pair — it would be a blast to wear it around town.
#4 by Lesann Berry on December 2, 2011 - 10:54 pm
I'm fond up lace-up boots too, although I'm glad we have lots of options today. So many of the Victorian clothing for women was teribly uncomfortable. I remember seeing a pair of my great grandmother's shoes from the turn of the century and they were so tiny.