Jackets for the Steampunk Girl

Such amazing, adorable steampunk potential, for kids.  The famous GAP jackets by Stella McCartney.

It might just be that I am a product of the 80's, but one wardrobe essential for my kids is a good jean jacket.  Denim jackets go with everything, and are my preferred jacket for more dressy outings, like Sunday morning services.  They are good for three seasons of the year, and can be shoved under van seats and into backpacks and come out looking fine.   They are easy to care for, and hide dirt well, and hold up to years of use--which allows me to justify getting the cutest jackets available, since they will be worn by all three of my Mini-Minnies.  

I was ecstatic this past year when my eldest daughter needed a new jean jacket, and I actually found one on eBay that was wonderfully Real-World Steampunk:

Found currently at this listing--but fortunately I found my daughter's NWT for about $40, which is a far cry from the $140 (with ship) this seller is asking!  I would not pay that much for any jacket for a kid--esp. because kids are still kids and sometimes things get lost--but I absolutely love the jacket itself.  So so so cute on.  And even better, my eldest Mini-Minnie now fits adult shoe sizes, so look what boots I also found on eBay for a fraction of the store prices, which she wears with the jacket:

Merrell Tetra Strap--adorable and waterproof leather

 So steampunky together!  

Esp. if you are trying to assemble a pseudo-steampunk wardrobe for kids, it is definitely worth keeping an eye on the offerings on eBay.  You can often find excellent pieces that are sold out elsewhere, and at great prices, too.  My daughters don't need another denim jacket at the moment--but I am keeping a lookout for a great jacket for the next size up, since my eldest is shooting up like a reed. 

Another cute denim jacket, also by GAP.  I much prefer copper/brass/antique metal tones for steampunk, but since brass buttons on dark denim look as much 1970's as anything else, the silver tones of these are crisp and attractive.  Found on eBay here.

This one is on the sugary end of the spectrum, but the coppery-toned buttons and stitching, the distressed edging, and the shaped waist and peplum suggestion in the back all lend themselves well to steampunk.  By Hillary Duff, found on eBay here.

Very cute denim jacket by Ralph Lauren, found on eBay here.

Adorable military/band style from The Children's Place, on eBay here.  If all those big buttons were on a women's jacket, it would be too much--too clownish.  But on a little girl's jacket, the effect is whimsical, and I approve.

Victorian-esque denim jacket by Limited Too, found on eBay here.

This one I am not linking because the eBay listing is over.   It is also by GAP and is just too adorable.

Grey denim, and lovely military feel, found on eBay here.  I enjoy the shaped hem, and the tone of the buttons.

Of course, a cute and practical jacket for a steampunky girl does not have to be denim.  There are some excellent jackets in twill and other jean-weight fabrics.  This grey one is by GAP, found on eBay here.

And it looks like the same jacket comes in brown corduroy too.  Found on eBay here.

And this one is a fine-wale corduroy.  I just love those buttons, and it has very cute peplum detail in the back.  Such a cheerful mint green would not be ideal for a woman's steampunk look, but on a girl it is sweet.  By GAP, found on eBay here.

A knit version, found on eBay here. For a steampunk jacket, this is pretty boring. But a boring steampunk jacket is still more interesting to me than any other style!

This knit jacket is not nearly the quality I would normally buy my kids (as far as I can tell from the pics) but it is so adorable!  Even the silver zipper does not hinder the look overmuch. So if you need a light-weight, will-show-dirt-easily, likely-won't-last-through-three-girls steampunk jacket, here you go!

A cute khaki version.  The ruffle detail around the bottom (which extends all the way around the back) is just the right amount of girlie. Like the brass toned snaps too, and that high collar.  Found on eBay here.

You can even find such adorable little steampunky jackets for babies and toddlers!  Look at this wonderful camel jacket--I so wish that was in the next size up I need for my eldest.  I'll keep a look out!  Found here.

And here is another sweet little baby jacket.  If I had a little little one again, it would be so hard to resist!  Another listing that ended, so no link.

Steampunk boots at Zappos, Fall 2012--The Last Hurrah, Pt. 4

The last post of steampunky boots available this Fall at Zappos!  I know there are other places to look, and I have already found some other boots to share, but those will be another day.  *And I promise to post some other things in between, for those of you who are not as obsessed with boots as I am.  Even I am starting to gloss over at all the buckle and brown.

Matisse Pepper

So pretty!  One of my favorite tall boots I have posted.  Seems like most of the steampunky tall boots tend to be variations on the lace-up combat/airman ; this pair starts with a basic equestrian and adds all those lovely buckles up the side.  Notice how the buckles subtly alternate sizes, which adds visial depth.

MIA Roam

Another little western low boot; I love the rich chestnut leather, and the squared buckles crossing the vertically-detailed goring is stylistically lovely.

Old Gringo Ardora

Not at all steampunk.  And yet, the distressed leather really lends to steampunk. Any Steampunk feminista in need of boots?

Ugg Piera

The heel on this bootie is WAY too high for me, but these are stylistically versatile enough for a Real World Steampunk wardrobe. Esp. with striped tights and a short bustle skirt.

Wolky Saltzburg

Very cute modern variation on the spat bootie--the shapely Victorian-esque heel is what saves it from being too clunky.

Mojo Moxy Heiress

Now these do come in other, more traditionally steampunk colors, but this was the first time I ever saw a red boot that I think would work really well with steampunk, so of course I had to share it.  So glad they went with the cool-toned metal instead of bright brass--otherwise would have looked too costume-y, and would have cheapened the leather.

Two Lips Jade

Another basic boot--not my favorite in this series, but I like the buckles and how they are clearly functional for adjusting the boot to the wearer's leg.  The soft gathered leather under the buckles adds interesting visual texture too.

Diesel Give 12

I really like the combination of glossy leather and rich suede, and the shades of both are lovely in this boot.  So glad they used brass grommets--this are so beautifully current but with the most iconic steampunk tones.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Another biker boot--but what tips these over to steampunk are the brass-toned buckles--and the sheer number of them.

Frye Julia Lace-up

Very pretty lace-up boot, in another more unusual shade of brown.

Durango Philly Shortie

Another Western low boot--but also quite workable with a Western-themed steampunk wardrobe.

Timberland Boot Company Lucille Snap

Ok, these are not at all my favorite.  Frankly, they are pretty ugly.  BUT I am posting them as more pseudo-steampunk fodder for those of you who want to work steampunk elements into your wardrobe, but who need some serious snow footwear.

El Naturalista Nido Ella

Same with these--a steampunky duck boot! 

Bedstu Annabelle

Why are there so many adorable Western-flair boots out right now?  I'm not at all attracted to the ones that are pure country, but the ones that have a subtle edginess, a little punk touch--just love them.  I think the laces in the back are an adorable feature, and would undoubtedly be more comfortable than the zippers I keep seeing there.  The sweet little wrap-around buckle detail is another lovely design element.  I am not a fan of that heel, but at least it is wood-look, and not screaming molded plastic.  Nothing is worse for breaking a Real World Steampunk aesthetic than plastic. 

Fugu Malibu Bajan

Another basic riding boot--but I really like the tone of the leather, and its subtle distressing.  The metal tones are quite lovely too.

And I really, really like them in the green version!  This exact pair of green leather boots would be soooooooo stinkin' cute with the right steampunk ensemble.  I wish I had the $ and closet space to experiment!

And on that note, we wrap up the final installment of the steampunky boots on Zappos series.  I hope you found this research interesting, and even helpful.  If so, of course I would love to know! 

Steampunk boots at Zappos, Fall 2012--The Last Hurrah, Pt. 3

Besdtu Jade

There is a fine line to leather distressing--too much and the boots end up looking cheaper, and like they are trying too hard to be trendy. These boots are borderline--I would have to see them in person to pass a final judgement.  But from here, I think they just made it; and I really enjoy the way the distressing brings out the line of detail that runs up the side and around the back.  And those cord fasteners are a lovely, unusual addition.  I am not at all crazy about the way they tied the cord up at the top, but assume one would just lace it so the cord is tied with a bow on the outside, like most boots.  Too bad it is not some kind of button or buckle fastener up there at the top--that would really have been attractive.

Ugg Adela

This is another boot that almost seems to be trying too hard. . . I like all the elements of this boot on their own, and think it might be the pebbly texture of the golden leather that sends the look just over the top.  And yet, it is cohesive, so I still kinda like it.  Another boot with the twisted zipper (I wonder how those are to actually use?) and really nice strap and buckle detail.  I also like the two tones of golden and reddish browns together.

And yet I almost like them better in this blue-whale color combo.  It is so unusual, and could be quite striking with the right outfit.  Would really complement a more fantastical steampunk look.

Eric Michael Willow

Another lovely Ingalls-esque boot, a basic boot with just the right feminine shaping and detail.

Miz Mooz Claudia

Funny, but the grommets are just a little too tiny on these booties for my taste; they seem hesitant, unsure of themselves.  This is one case where a little bolder would have been stylistically better.

Eric Michael Lena

And I absolutely loathe the heel on this boot.  Seriously wrong.  But the scalloped edging with that two-ring buckle design is very pretty.

Ariat Sheffield

This boot has a lovely shade of rich chocolate leather, and I really like how it contrasts with the dark mental toned "buttons."  I'm not a fan of the way the design elements meet the shape of the toe, but at least the elegant shaping at the top of the boot draws the eye away from the toe.

Spirit by Lucchese Annie

This boot I also featured in one of my earliest boot posts, but in the black leather.  This shade of brown is quite attractive, and I like the antique nickel metal tones against it.

El Naturalista Anji

Now, these boots are not at all steampunk.  And yet, they have an usual, creative design that I think would complement a Real World Steampunk wardrobe.  The wrapped leather ties are so feminine too. I wish that green tag wasn't there, and that heel would be really putting me off if it did not have a slightly dystopian feel.  But still, a boot that is stylistically worth considering.

Kalso Earth Outlier

Another quirky boot, kinda Steampunk/biker/Inuit.  Looks like it would have good tread for snow, and that liner would be warm, but it is not waterproof, or I would have added it to this post.

Naya Virtue

I'm really enjoying how many of these steampunky prairie-flair short boots are out there.  So many attractive little boots!  I really like these, but think the heel would be a bit high for my every day around town needs.  Still, you realize I blog about these boots so I don't forget them.  Who knows, I might look back and decide these would be perfect for my needs!
 

Vince Camuto Dassia

I'm also enjoying the number of grey leather steampunk-compatible boots I have seen. Most of them are available in brown and black too, but grey could be a really nice way to stay neutral and versatile.

Aldo Rouisse

These remind me of this Merrell boot I tried out, and am still tempted to get myself.  The Merrell boot was waterproof leather, so nicely made, and very comfortable.  This one is similar enough that of the two, I would probably go for the waterproof.  But I included these because I like the itty-bitty buckle running vertically underneath the ankle buckle--I enjoy detail.

Frye Campus Lug

This is another boot you have likely seen already, but it is just such a classic I had to post it too.

Matisse Renegade

I really like the different buckle styles on this one, and they wisely left the rest of the boot plain, to draw attention to the quality and sheen of the leather, and to keep from making the boot too busy.

Vaneli Vivid

This boot reminds me of this one I blogged about previously in this series, but with a much nicer suede finish. But the other boots had a slightly more feminine shape that I liked--these are a little too stumpy.

Love Moschino

Another pretty basic tall boot, not overtly steampunk, but definitely compatible with it.

BC Foorwear Cub

This one is not steampunk, and runs a little too mom-boot, esp. on the bottom (oh, to have an edgy, more combat heel to nicely bring out the strap detail on the side).  But still, I like the subtle piecing and tone of the grey leathers.  I can see this boot working really well with some Real-World Steampunk looks.