Vintage Styles: Oddfellows Oddities

Recently I've stumbled across some strange finds on ebay for oddfellows items. Sure the typical robe and regalia passes through ebay... but these items are something else.

The top mask is listed as 1890s ODD FELLOWS painted mesh mask By DeMoulin Bros. I'm not quite sure what its use would be, perhaps some kind of ceremonial object? Very strange and very creepy.

Regalia is fairly easy to come by, but this particular collar is unique to what I normally see listed. Silver color and metallic prints is fairly uncommon, as opposed to the typical red with embroidery.

What a beautiful book! I couldn't resist putting it up here despite the staggering price.

And my favorite... these comical numbered "watch" uniforms! (oddfellows have different classes, such as guard, watch, king, high priest, ext. Depending on what class you are you where different uniforms). I like trying to imagine what kind of scenario would call for such a uniform. I can only hope its the oddfellows extended version of Dr. Suess's thing one and thing two.

Style Guide: Modern Stores

I'm crazy about vintage and antiques, especially how many items are one of kind. However, there are many opportunities to find brand new, mass produced clothing that have an intricate antiqued feel. It is also a safe and easy route for people not keen on the idea of wearing second hand clothes.

Some more upscale stores that definitely have a classic feminine feel: Anthropologie, Free People, Modcloth, and Lucky Brand jewelry.

These are the more common stores you will find at your mall and have a lot of things applicable, especially with spring rolling around: Forever 21, H&M, Macy's, Charlotte Rousse, Wet Seal, and shoes from Urban Outfitters.

In this post I'm featuring Forever 21 because this stores in particular change stock constantly and have a wide variety of styles they cater to, so anyone can find something perfect for their own style.

Currently, white lace dresses and scarves with layers of lace and crochet are in style for spring and are great for layering. I haven't seen any examples in online stores, but if you visit the various shops in person you're bound to find some.

You never know when you'll see something you like, so generally its best to peep into every store you can. Some of my favorite shoes and dresses I've found at stores you wouldn't necessarily go out of your way to visit like: Target, Sears, and Kohls. In my experience, for some odd reason usually the most unique and interesting stuff is in clearance.

Rule of thumb: If they sell clothes and isn't owned by the Abercrombie Company, Gap, or American Eagle, check out what they have!

Vintages Styles: Seashell Purses

I first discovered this particular style of retro purses while at an old warehouse turned vintage shop near my college and was looking through a giant box of vintage purses. I was surprised to see a wicker basket with a facade of glue on sand and seashells.

As I've been searching through vintage finds online, I was pleasantly surprised to repeatedly come across different variations of this design! Some of the pictures above link to recently posted seashell basket purses. 

Perfect for the upcoming summer and going to the beach. I also think it would make for an interesting DIY project.

Welcome to my Dolly Kei, Cult Party, Otome, Mori Girl, Vintage, and Antique Blog!

"The Tao that can be followed is not the eternal Tao.

The name that can be named is not the eternal name.

The nameless is the origin of heaven and earth

While naming is the origin of the myriad things.

Therefore, always desireless, you see the mystery

Ever desiring, you see the manifestation.

These two are the same-

When they appear they are named differently.

The sameness is the mystery,

Mystery within mystery;

The door to all marvels." --Tao Te Ching

If I could make a melting pot of every place in the past I've ever thought was beautiful, and take back a piece of clothing home with me, that is my wardrobe.

One of the most influential style for my wardrobe is dolly kei, originally a japanese street fashion. What is dolly kei? Similar to how Britain's Orientalism art period romanticized the Middle East and Eastern hemispheres, this cult of street fashion romanticizes old world Europe. Dolly kei uses different elements of vintages clothes and ethnic/folk costume to create an entirely new and fresh look.

I know what drew me to this style was the history behind the clothes, and have lived a second life before you ever came across them. However, it is your hand that selects them and gives them a new meaning, and a new life. It is also the appreciation of detail in handmade, and rustic feeling of artisan made objects such are paintings, embroidery, crochet, lace, tapestries, pottery, and metalworking. These objects does what our current mass production culture tends to turn away from: encrusting with detail.

Don't get bogged up on trying to emulate style icons, or even follow everything that I'm telling you. Dissect what pieces you like from an outfit, and from there build your wardrobe with clothes that are flattering on you and suit your personality.

This blog's goal is to give advice on how to find your own inspiration through exploring the beauty and energy of world's past.