Real-World Steampunk Style: Winter Boots

I have been meaning to post about Steampunk Fashion IRL ever since starting this blog--and while the perfectionist in me wants to start with a more general overview of how steampunk looks can be achieved with comfortable and practical everyday clothing, I just can't wait to share what I found this morning while combing through Zappos.com:

Timberland Boot Company Lucille Tall Boot

Just the right heel!  Just the right height!  Full-grain leather and organic canvas!  Totally Steampunk!  $340. 

Timberland Earthkeepers™ Bethel Buckle Mid Lace

Also a wee bit steampunk and yet still practical.  And a much more reasonable $175.

Merrell Tetra Launch Waterproof

Oooooh, reliable brand, original design, full-grain leather, waterproof, and would dress up nicely.  Much more modern in feel because of being so streamlined, and that heel, but the military-feel detail allows them stylistic versatility. $160.

Born Sage

Another good brand and interesting design.  $190.

Betsey Johnson Rally

These boots get the award for the most creative design I've come across today--and which I can't decide if I like or loathe.  Even the person who wrote the description for these boots on Zappos was not sure: "This undeniably feminine Betsey Johnson™ boot is a sight to behold."  Why, yes.  And I think a creative Steampunk gal could work these into her ensemble really well.  In fact, I'm not quite sure who else could. . . a modern-day saloon showgirl on her day off?   $180.

     

Ariat Highland

These boots are well-named, but are still a wee bit steampunk simply because of the leather tones and the buckles.  Oh, yes, steampunks love buckles.  $240. 

Sofft Bachet

These are a little more modern in feel, and less rough/distressed, but I could see these really working with a steampunk outfit.  Buckles and straps, yes please!  $200.

Jessica Simpson Bombai

Not that I think these boots will be as well-made as some of the others, but they get kudos for original design--and if there is anything steampunks like more than buckles and straps, it's grommets.  $170.

Frye Melissa Tall Lace

On the other hand, a simple and lovely pair of neo-Victorian boots is always steampunk.  These are beautiful--probably my favorite of all of these.  And, of course, $398. 

Fossil Gayle

Another attractive, similarly Victorianesque boots.  Unfortunately, still $238. 

Frye Rogan

The vintage airman look to these would perfectly complement a ladies' steampunk airship ensemble.  $398.

Frye Jenna Cap Toe Lace Up

These is just something about these I really like, even though they are so stylistically ecclectic they are not quite one particular genre.  I think with these it's the distressed and neo-punk and color scheme and almost cobbled-together look about them that I could see working really well with steampunk.  But any prospective buyer had better have as much money as flair, because these boots will set her back $428. 

Lucchese Annie

I like how simple these are, and the detail along the side that has a vintage/military feel.  $336.

Mojo Moxy Bravo Luggage

More brass and buckles, with a cool vintage toe design.  $170.

Nine West Waggin

Interesting mix of black straps and brass buckles on the brown boot.  $180.

Boutique 9 Floyde

Another really creative style, and pretty easily adapted to a variety of looks, including steampunk. $240.

Vintage Shoe Company Bastrop

Also really nice vintage toe and lace detail on this one.  $389. 

This morning's search was for mid-calf or knee-high leather Steampunk-esque boots on Zappos.  (I'll make posts on other Steampunk style footwear as time goes on.) As you can see, the things that made a boot particularly good for steampunk are material (leather, canvas), metal detail (brass is most steampunk), color (a rich brown with brass detail is quintessential steampunk), and embellishments like front laces, buckles, straps, and grommets.  I would say the toe should be slightly pointed too.  The type of heel is not as important--although it should not be too modern.  Most important is how the elements of the boot all work together. 

Any readers, please feel free to share links to other Steampunky winter boots in the comments!

Torturously alluring

I have been meaning to continue my "Steampunk Style" series for a long time now--focusing posts on steampunk delights for the hair, for the guys, for kids and babies, and even for dining rooms and boudoirs--but as I comb through etsy looking for the best bits to share, I can't help but be diverted by my favorite feminine Steampunk fashion accessory: the corset.

Which, at least on etsy, are typically gorgeous.

Custom Steampunk utility corset  by LillysWorkshop

Which instantly make a woman--any woman--look more elegant, sexy, interesting and playful.

Steel-boned Renaissance Paisley Corset by Innerversion

Which explains why any woman would buy and/or wear one, considering how completely impractical and, let's face it, distinctly uncomfortable they are as articles of clothing.

by loriann37

I mean, c'mon--can you see a mom like me lifting her toddler in any of these, or bending over to help a child tie her shoelaces. . . ?  

Which makes me wonder if Kate Beckinsale had two corsets, which she alternated wearing during the filming of Van Helsing; one to strut in. . .

. . . and one with more "give" to wear during her swashbuckling action scenes.  Because if she really was doing all that running and dodging and sword-swinging in the steel-boned real deal, she is either a wee bit masochistic or demonstrates a dedication to her art that leaves me in awe.

Typically, the steampunk women who put on a corset have nothing more strenuous planned than lifting their parasols or adjusting their goggles--their full intention is simply to stroll around and be marveled at in all their full feminine fabulousness.

Pirate Wench Faux Tooled Leather Underbust waist Corset by Sarlume

Or maybe to roll around and be marveled at. . .

Gothic black corset by labellefairy

But beyond cosplay and foreplay, it seems as if corsets have also become popular for wedding ensembles--a PERFECT use for them, since all a bride wants to do on her wedding day is stand around looking unique and ravishing.  (I wonder if any of them consider the symbolism of taking on such a restricting, self-crushing manifestation of femininity during the ceremony ushering them into matrimony. . . mmmm, probably not.)

Gold Dust Falls CUSTOM Victorian Steampunk Bustle Corset Gown by battyazac 

Oh, those dresses are fantastic.  Maybe someday when Dear Husband and I celebrate some major wedding anniversary we can have some kind of renewing of the vows ceremony. . . Steampunk style (you better believe DH would be all for it--he's waiting for an excuse to gear-up as much as I).

Mermaid Steampunk Corset Wedding Dress, also by labellefairy

corset wedding gown coral steampunk, also by labellefairy

Especially for a wedding, a corset can be steampunk or not, depending upon the fabric, the colors, and what else the bride is wearing; in fact, neither of these two examples are steampunk to me, just beautiful corsets that would naturally translate to steampunk if they were worn with the right accessories.

Look at the copper shimmer on this corset--so, so pretty, and would be lovely for a formal event, and subtly steampunk all on its own:

Black and Copper Lined Ladies Steampunk Corset by TreadleTreasures

On the other hand, some corsets scream Steampunk:

Striped Victorian Circus with Skeleton Cameo Corset by Louise Black

I don't usually go for the macabre Steampunk, but this one manages to be elegant and shows a sense of humor (although I say those ribs look way more comfortable than they would really be in a corset).

steampunk steel boned corset-alessa black detachable strap corset by Innerversion

Ooooh, I like the pinstriped version of that one even more!

Pinstripe steel boned waistcoat corset, moll lace front corset also by Innerversion

Adorable juxtaposition of straight-laced (ha!) and playful.

 Steampunk Neo Victorian Corset, Steel Boned Copper Overbust by Battieclothing

Corsets--the painfully playful side of Steampunk.  If I ever have the need for jaw-dropping fantasy clothing--you know, like when I am nominated for an Oscar for that screenplay I am writing,* or when Minnie Zephie's latest line of haute couture children's clothing takes the runway in Milan**--you better believe I'm building my ensemble around a corset. 



*no, really, I am. Or I was before kiddos took over my life ; )

**I have excellent taste and am brimming with ideas.  Now I just need to learn to sew

Accessories for the (Steampunk) Lady: for the Shoulders

black satin and organza neck corset by decadentdesignz

I posted last about beautiful and creative ways a woman could get some Neo-Victorian/Steampunkish style to her neck.  The neck is such a great place to add a little style.  Depending upon the item you choose for your neck, it can help you stay warm in the winter while lending you some texture and beauty;  it can instantly and easily give your outfit a touch of class, drama, or whimsy;  it can help you allow you to accessorize while keeping your arms and hands clutter free; it can be easily worn with shirts and jackets you already own.  If I decide to ask for a piece of Steampunk beauty for my wardrobe for a birthday or Christmas gift this year, it will most likely be something for the neck.

But I also love the less practical but just as beautiful shrugs and capelets and little jackets that can give an outfit subtle Steampunk style:

dusty pink burlesque retro romantic shrug by blackmirrordesign

She looks gorgeous. A damsel in a story of love and adventure.  I'll bet she's just about to load up the kids in the Dodge Caravan to drive across town, and drop off the older kids at martial arts while she runs to Costco with the little ones for milk and pizza so there's something to throw on the table for dinner.  Or maybe that's just what love and adventure look like around here most days.

Here are more by the same etsy seller:

I think this is the cutest jacket.  I would so wear it--it would dress up a t-shirt wonderfully.

And it comes in black too, which is a little more child-friendly (although I prefer the rough cut of the edging on the bone jacket, for its nice texture).

This one is dressier, and less practical, and is a little more goth, but still cute--and I like that tank underneath too.

More from other etsy sellers:

I have lost the info for this seller--but so fancy! and steampunky!

 

cute crop top by hhfashions

That one is a similar jacket, but not photographed as well.  But I really, really like the textured look of the black mesh around the neck and bottom.

short sleeve shrug by decadentdesignz

steampunk shrug with hand crocheted gothic trim by steamgothneovictoria

shrug 003 by pookaqueen

green stripe and lime silk bolero jacket by dashandbag

poison black raw sink bolero by maryandangelika

cotton brown knit sleeves shrug by KnitSleeves

armor bolero by ButterflyOfTelepathy

I am really attracted to that last one--looks so comfortable, and is unusual--and could be so fun to wear. . . but I have a feeling it would terrible on me, hiding my now miniscule bosom but showing off my belly.  Yeah, probably as attractive as it sounds.

grey and lace patched cropped bolero by malam

That adorable shrug I would totally wear--so cute. But this appears to be by one of the etsy haute couture designers, and laughably expensive ($140).

If I was ever going to spend that much $ on a steampunkish jacket, it had better make me look like this:

madness shrug hoodie by aNGrYGiRLGear

And by that I mean ravishingly strong and sexy.  Except in a slightly more wholesome way.   Like a sexy but righteous-hearted superhero.

Re-imagining yourself.  The heart of Steampunk.

Accessories for the (Steampunk) Lady: for the Neck Pt 2.--the Delicate

As I made that last Steampunk fashion post, I realized there were just too many fun bits I have gathered over the past 6 months for one post.  

So here is Part 2!  Steampunk jewelry for the neck--the usual necklaces and chokers, but with Steampunk icons, or ideas, or materials:

Hot Air Balloon Necklace by chinacherie

Lace Applique Collar in Black Cotton by MaryNotMartha

Romantic Stylish Elegant Ribbon Choker by twoknit

vintage teeny tiny miniature skeleton key necklace by GwenDelicious

Skeleton key necklace by GwenDelicious

oval keyhole pendant by GwenDelicious

black lace nightfall beaded crochet necklace by irregularexpressions

miss prim and proper victorian choker by steamgothneovictoria

fly away pendant by MisfitGirl

bunny and the toy pony round silver pendant by sarahogren

silver bee victorian heart by CosmicFirefly

victorian style filigree pocket watch necklace by lunashineshine

upcycled necktie maria necklace by lilian asterfield

For some reason I absolutely love that last one.  I would wear that necklace with that exact top and shrug in a heartbeat.  If I could afford it, which I can't.  So I'll just enjoy looking, and mentally stick the idea away for sometime when I have the urge to get creative with old men's ties!