Style icon: Religious ladies from the 19th Century

Here's a lovely accessory that popped up on Craft the other day: a Reversible Folkloric Felt Bonnet. A bonnet!


The regular reader(s?) of my blog will know that I am very interested in ironic fashions and I love referencing things that are deeply uncool, hence my penchant for librarian chic, etc. For some reason when I think of folksy fashion I think of Chloe Sevingny, who everyone loves and knows is the indie style queen sans equal - maybe the folk thing is because of her recent-ish role in Big Love, although she's obviously a New York gal all over, so who knows how my mind is making these connections. My point is, if Chloe Sevigny is wearing a pastel-coloured, high-necked, long-sleeved, ruffly blouse made by a little old seamstress in a teeny tiny town in Utah then...uh.... so can you?? oh forget it.

These modest dresses and freaky 19th century undies for the conservative Mormon in your life are being sold without irony all over the Internets right now, although my sources are unable to verify if anyone is actually buying them.


It all seems a bit too matchy-matchy - where's the individuality? Oh, right, of course. I am quite partial to maxi dresses, but I think this takes it a bit far. And ladies, let me dispel a myth for you: brushing your hair a hundred times won't make it healthy, and just because it's long doesn't mean it's pretty. Sorry, but I had to say it.

Librarian chic

For whatever reason, sometimes I like to dress like a librarian. Sensible skirt, prim blouse, vest, flat shoes. An obvious accessory would be a book, or maybe glasses. (Which is easy enough if you can already read, but if you wear glasses anyway you probably get mistaken for a librarian all the time. There there.) Wear your hair in a ponytail and, when the moment's right, undo it and shake your hair free in a sensual manner. Work that stereotype! Brainy is in!!!