steampunk fashion

Clockwork Ink!

2009-07-11T05:42:18Z

Body Art is fashion, isn't it?

I may just still be endorphin high, but I'm loving my new tattoo!

Love the original design (my concept sketches realized and freshly inked by Greg Ross of Blue Rose Tattoo, Huntsville, AL); a fanciful Victorianesque design of clockwork gears with an ornate windup-key. Love the colors too.

fyi: the number "46" on the key refers to the number of miles I finished in a 12 hour ultramarathon race back in March. (ie--wind me up, and I'll keep going!)

So, who else has steampunk ink?

Tesla Day

2009-07-11T01:18:36Z

Top: my own design, made it myself
Bloomershorts: my own design, made them myself
Socks: Bonnie Doon
Spats: my own design, made them myself
Boots: Kickers
Bag: Christmas present from my sister

Steam Up the Legs

2009-07-11T01:18:20Z

Following a link from an ad, I discovered that Plasticland has these adorable spat-inspired legwarmers. I'm planning on knitting or crocheting my own, but at 19 bucks, these babies wouldn't set me back too much. There's also a snazzier black and white pair available, but they look more like socks. They've also got some interesting retro-inspired skirts and blazers that would probably fit everyday/office wear standards and still be steamy.

Reading Enthusiasts!

2009-07-11T01:17:40Z

In honor of Nikola Tesla's birthday, the Alternia Comics site is launching today!

Stories in five worlds update as follows:

Mondays: After the Collapse - Post Apocalyptic, near-future
Tuesdays: Crossworld - Steampunk? Historical fantasy? Modern magic? You name it!
Wednesdays: Ex Machina - Corporate cyberpunk future
Thursdays: Mystic Frontiers - Classic fantasy
Fridays: World of Heroes - Superheroes, present day.

Each world will alternate updates between long term serial stories and one shot short stories. World-building articles and artwork will be posted on weekends and at random.

The purpose of Alternia is to entertain and inspire. We welcome you to submit your own stories and ideas for inclusion on the site - in the absence of canon, make it up!

Visit the Interactive Introduction to explore all five worlds - or even suggest your own.

Abney Park Next Friday at The Church,. Dallas!!

2009-07-10T21:46:57Z

a few pics from a while back

2009-07-10T20:49:26Z

I was going to post this a while ago, but i got lazy and did not. so here it is....an updated version of my western

Without the hat?

With the hat? A different hat?

Without the gloves?

With the gloves?

Any suggestions or comments are welcome :)
thanks in advance

Sentimental Jewellery

2009-07-10T19:48:58Z

Since so many beautiful pieces of jewelry get posted here I thought this book would be of some interest :

This and other titles of interest are available to purchase here : http://crimsonbooksinc.storesecured.com/

Sentimental Jewellery : Antique Jewels of Love and Sorrow – Ann Louise Luthi

“The reasons for wearing jewelry are more complicated than a basic desire for self-adornment.”

Before the 17^th century the wearing of jewellery associated with mourning served as a kind of warning to the individual that death was coming for them as well as for the one who had passed. This changed with the execution of Charles I, the romantic cult that formed around his memory in both Britain and Europe, and the coming of the Restoration. Soon the custom of wearing rings with paintings of the dead king, or crowns, became common enough that soon it became fashionable to wear a ring upon the death of a family member or close friend.

These early rings are fairly morbid, and look like something that a biker (or others…) would wear today. Usually decorated with skulls or bones, they were touched with black or red enamel as well.

The Georgian period changed all of that. The era preferred lighter, French-inspired styles, and images associated with death were more romantic and less direct : a draped urn, a willow tree, a young girl leaning on a plinth, her head bowed in sorrow.

The period also saw the rise of jewelry as a sentimental love offering. Some pieces used the language of gemstones to express feelings, while others used symbols such as padlocks to show a heart already taken. Miniatures of the beloved were typical, but more interestingly :

“A curious variation on the miniature was a single eye painted in delicate colors, often with an eyebrow and a wispy curl of hair…an eye had the advantage of mystery and anonymity, it is said that the Prince of Wales gave a locket with a miniature of his right eye to his morganatic wife Mrs. Maria Fitzherbert.”

With the Victorian era, and its romantic young Queen, new fashions arose quickly (although many of the old ones remain which Luthi details nicely). Serpents were popular with Victoria and she wore a bracelet shaped like one for many years. Serpent rings symbolizing eternity never went out of fashion during her time. Hands, carved from various materials, offered love and friendship.

As always in the ear technological innovation changed all things, even personal adornment. Although gold was always popular new alloys such as pinchbeck and mercury-gilt were common and easy to work with.

It is also during this time that jet, black enamel and elaborate pieces made of hair became universal mourning wear. When the Queen lost both her mother and husband in 1861 she went into mourning for remainder of her life. As she drew comfort from the elaborate rituals surrounding death the Empire and much of the rest of the world followed.

Because of the demand for mourning jewelry high volume at a variety of prices were needed, and the delicate, personal pieces of the past were replaced with large, heavy looking necklaces, brooches and rings, usually in Whitby or French jet.

For romantic purposes jewellery was still more individual, and the tradition of offering a gemstone ring for an engagement and a plainer style band for the wedding comes from this time, although the forms those would take would change radically with each generation.

All of the many images of the period jewels are quite interesting, but most astonishing are the pieces made from hair. Earrings of every shape and style, bracelets – including one charm bracelet representing several dead family members (how practical), even a charming brooch with a cupid cameo. For less sentimental purposes (or balding relatives I would guess) horsehair was substituted.

Black lacquered iron-work called Berlin became very popular for a time, as was cut-steel. Because they were hard to preserve few pieces of either still exist, but the images that Luthi shares show that much was lost, the heavy metals making surprisingly lovely, detailed adornments.

By 1887 the nation, and the jewelers, were sick to death of black, heavy pieces, and the Queen even agreed to wear a little silver every once and a while. Suddenly silver, smaller sentimental pieces shaped like hearts, or inspired by the language of flowers were wildly popular.

Luthi mixes a true sense of the culture of the 19^th century with a collector’s passion for detail. Anyone interested in costuming, craft, or social history could benefit from this tiny book.

“At the end of the century tastes and styles were changing again…jet, hairwork, onyx, black enamel and all forms of mourning jewellery were now viewed with repugnance."

Happy Birthday Nikola Tesla, in audio form

2009-07-10T14:47:32Z

Google has a brilliant salute to Nikola Tesla as their default image today, if you haven't seen it already. If you're looking for a way to celebrate Nikola Tesla's birthday my sister and I of the Clockwork Cabaret put together a show last year with songs all about electricity, inventions, Edison and of course Tesla himself. There are a surprising number of songs that mention Tesla! Available for listening or download here, episode number 24 entitled "Happy Birthday, Nikola Tesla!"

So this isn't just a big chunk of words, below is an image Lady A of StrangeFiction.net drew for my birthday. Ladies, avert your eyes if a cartooned shirtless Nikola Tesla might offend your delicate sensibilities!

Lady A is pretty much the most amazing person ever for having drawn Tesla jumping out of a birthday cake.

Tuba Army!

2009-07-10T13:27:27Z

I just had to share this with you ladies and gents... Okay, so it's not fashiony, but it's rather steam-ish, and I thought it might bring smiles to faces. :)

(Image courtesy of Picture is Unrelated.)

Found these sale

2009-07-10T07:25:14Z

These are things on sale.
http://shrinestore.com/store/catalog/index.php?cPath=56
Shrine is well made and these things are so one sale there stupid cheep.
The sale things are well made and can be things that be worked in to other outfits for what ever look your looking for.
http://www.shrinestore.com/store/catalog/index.php
Has a lot of stuff that can be mixed in to outfits to get that look your looking to get.

First SteamPunk attempt

2009-07-10T04:03:22Z

This is my first steampunk attempt. I wore it to Akon20 in Dallas, Texas.

Here's the pics!

PLEASE LEAVE SOME COMMENTS OR CRITISM PLEASE :D Sorry for spelling

In the Hotel

A picture someone took of me

Detail shot1

Detail shot 2

Goofing off

Some of the latest work...

2009-07-10T02:15:29Z

I've been busy with building inventory for conventions,renfests, etc., and haven't had much chance to post of late. But here's a coupla new items I'm introducing on my table this weekend at Polaris in Toronto.

I'm not a massive fan of steampunk bracers per se, but the market demands it...

...and journals!

I picked up a broken brass clock a while back at an antique market, and the metal case of it went to another project (pics to come of that piece later). I kept staring at the innerds, and finally made an embossing die out of some of the bits this week. I'm suspecting I'm going to have a hard time keeping the journals in stock...

Thanks for looking!

Clockwork key jewelry

2009-07-09T17:32:44Z

Hello all! I'm a longtime lurker who has very much enjoyed seeing all the wonderful costumes and accessories people have posted in this community. Since last fall, my wire wrapped jewelry has tended heavily towards antique keys and watch bits, which I hope might be of interest to people here. I keep a gallery of photographs of everything I've made at my website, silverowlcreations.com, but there are details of many of my currently available items in my Etsy shop:

http://silverowlcreations.etsy.com

Thank you!

Boots!

2009-07-09T17:07:07Z

I found these boots on Zappos, what do you think?

http://www.zappos.com/product/7489966/color/72

http://www.zappos.com/product/7420248/color/332

Steamy Idea Help

2009-07-09T16:49:59Z

While looking for a pattern to make a friend a winter coat I stumbled upon this pattern.

I'm looking to make the lady's coat to add to my winter wardrobe. This would be a coat I would wear daily so I'm trying to figure out how to make this into an everyday sort of coat. Mostly what I'm looking for are color ideas. I tend to be a "stick to black" sort of person and I want to get out of that with this. If you were making this what base color and what contrast color would you make it in?

steamfashion @ 2009-07-09T11:02:00

2009-07-09T16:49:38Z

Something I was thinking about late last night... Is anyone going to their local midnight showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince dressed in their steamy finest?

I mean, though Harry Potter is definitely modern, there are elements of the Hogwarts universe that are steamy. Take, for example, Mad Eye's attire. Or much of the formal attire of the professors.

As for myself, I'll be dressing up. Since my steampunk outfit straddles a Hogwarts professor's clothing, I'll technically be going as an Original Character from the universe, but I'll be steaming it up, too.

By the way, if anyone's up to meeting up for the showing, I'll be going to the one at the Marcus Fox in Elgin, IL.

Crossposted between gears_and_steam, central_steam, and steamfashion.

hat suggestions

2009-07-09T15:51:17Z

I've just made an 1880's polonaise gown and now would like to tackle a hat. Any suggestions? Pattern suggestions would be great too.

First Project

2009-07-09T08:48:21Z

Hey guys!
I just joined up and figured I'd say hello by posting my first project ever. I made it for a friend's birthday who is into both Cyberpunk and Steampunk.

I made it out of an old TV remote, old clock, and computer bits and pieces.

*WARNING photos are very very large...I like them that way. If you have slow internet, my take a moment to load*




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Short notice I know, but for people in the CT, Mass or RI area in the USA

2009-07-09T06:34:34Z

For the first weekend of August in Oxford, CT, I have a two day out door event looking for you humans
: http://www.midsummermagickfaire.com/
They are looking for clothing, jewelry and whatever vendors of the Steampunk persuasion. They are also looking for performers, music acts, etc for the two days as well.

If this sounds like something you're up for, email me at Jaborwhalky@gmail.com with the subject "I want to be in CT"
Then I will put you in touch with the people running the shin dig so they can give you more details and hook you up with the good stuff.

For you who this post bores, I will not bore you any longer.
Look at the neat top hat one of my pals found:

http://www.lostcoasthistpatterns.com/mehitoinst.html

Steampunk Picnic at the San Jose Egyptian Museum- July 18

2009-07-09T05:59:05Z

Walk Like An Egyptian

The St. Clair Aeronauts will be heading to the San Jose Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum for a Summer Picnic Lunch, Far East photo shoot and of course for our own edification on all matters Egyptian. Won't you join us for this delightful Steampunk Outing?

When: July 18th, Arrival and walk the grounds from 11:00 - Noon. Luncheon from Noon - 1:00, Museum and photos from 1:00 on. Join us for the whole day or just a part...

Where: Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum & Planetarium - http://www.egyptianmuseum.org/index.html
1664 Park Ave
San Jose, CA 95191

What to Bring:

Friends and Family
Small Children (if you have them)
Your Best Summer Steampunk Fashions
Goggles (so we know you are one of us)
A Camera
Money for Admission ($9.00 general admission*, $7.00 seniors 55 and older and students with I.D., $5.00 children ages 5 - 10, free children under 5, * $1.00 discount on general admission for members of AAA, AAM, KQED, and Military)
A Box (or basket) picnic lunch
Thermos of tea (Can't have the Steampunk without the Steam)
China teacup (if you dare!)
Something sweet to share (fruit, cookies, cake, etc. enough for 4 people)

This is a Great photo opportunity and the St. Clair Aeronauts will be taking their formal portraits for the web page. Don't miss the reproduction of an Egyptian tomb (History Alive People!) and the lovely Egyptian architecture and grounds.

As always, All are welcome!

Let us know if you need a ride from Public Transit.
3rd Saturday of the Month at the Rosicrucian Museum: Games and Leisure in Ancient Egypt
Life was not all work and no play in ancient Egypt. Learn how the ancient Egyptians spent their free time. Try your hand at various popular games such as Senet, Mancala, and UR.

steamfashion @ 2009-07-08T21:17:00

2009-07-09T05:05:34Z

you can find more gibbous at

..our website

.. online shop

.. flickr

..myspace

thanks for looking!

love & stitches,

miss must

Steampunk etiquette

2009-07-09T05:05:22Z

Hey everyone!

I've just got a bit of an awkwardness question that i'd like to address, and I figure this is the place to do it.

Shortly, Winterfest will be going on here in Sydney, which is a Medieval fair. Sadly, my one good going out bit of medievalness is currently still packed, and also a bit chilly to be wearing in the middle of our winter.

My steampunk gear, however, is unpacked, and getting more and more fabulous every day as I find new gloves and necklaces. I was just wondering if this was a gross breach of etiquette. I hear stories about people going to Ren Faires and being warmly welcomed, but i'm just not sure.

Advice?

Thanks!
=^..^=

Assitance required in the outfit planning type area

2009-07-09T04:37:25Z

I have been invited to a steampunk wedding, and I was wondering if you wonderful people would be able to suggest ideas for an appropriate formal look.
(I've been interested in Steampunk fashion for a good bit before receiving this invitation, just by the by, so I understand what this whole glorious culture is about. Have I been lurking around here? I think the answer is yes.)
Anyway!
Important detail business:
The wedding is in September, and I am capable of sewing an outfit for it. (Also I am female... that seems important to mention.) I consider myself of an average height and build as well.

I would appreciate highly all suggestions and advice. Thank you!

For Your Home or Airship

2009-07-09T01:30:18Z

Wooden Gear Clocks

Plans and kits, or plans and hardware for the handy woodworker. There are a few different styles available, but they do seem like an elegant and graceful alternative to the readout on the kitchen microwave or the VCR.

steamfashion @ 2009-07-08T21:01:00

2009-07-09T01:29:40Z

As a poor student, every time I go into All Saints I feel physically ill. Beautiful steamy (or steamable) clothes that I literally can't afford. There is currently an "Up to 70% sale" going on in Selfridges, and an "Up to 50% sale" on their website, which I thought I would alert you guys to.

In particular:

http://www.allsaints.com/product/?all=1&page=1&category_id=335&&prod_desc_id=5051214417226&position=17&filter=

http://www.allsaints.com/product/?all=1&page=1&category_id=25&&prod_desc_id=5051214452654&position=12&filter=

http://www.allsaints.com/product/?all=1&page=1&category_id=26&&prod_desc_id=5051214355306&position=60&filter=

http://www.allsaints.com/product/?all=1&page=1&category_id=334&&prod_desc_id=5051214418018&position=16&filter=

http://www.allsaints.com/product/?all=1&page=1&category_id=334&&prod_desc_id=5051214393728&position=14&filter=

http://www.allsaints.com/product/?vintage=1&page=1&price_id=&category_id=&sub_category_id=117&&prod_desc_id=5051214266190&position=2&filter=

Also came across Dorothy Perkins' new "Saints of Soul" range, which seemed to be going along a similar aesthetic. This dress in particular is very similar to a lot of All Saints shapes: http://www.dorothyperkins.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=20552&storeId=12552&categoryId=173013&parent_category_rn=&productId=1288148&langId=-1