More Steampunky Coats

Just sharing a few more lovelies from Ebay this week:

Spin Doctor Gothic Black Velvet coat

This is a beautiful coat, stylistically speaking--but I don't think it is lined, so might not be warm enough for a true winter coat. Also, the design is very subtly specific--see the skeletal gent in a top hat?  Lovely--but perhaps not the mood I want to convey with the one coat I wear all winter.  The buttons appear cheap, so I can't tell what the workmanship will be either.

Spin Doctor Dandy Black Velvet Coat

Another velvet coat from the same maker, also likely not lined. Lovely all purpose and elegant look, though!

Laura Petites black velvet coat

Someone is bidding on this beautiful coat--oh, and I'm tempted to go against her. The open front is my only concern--but as long as I have a neat velvet scarf to tuck inside, I'd be fine.

Tara Jarmon military style olive wool coat

This one is intriguing--lots of interesting detail and the overall design is lovely. But those buttons--they sure look cheap from here. Same with the belt design on the side. So I have a feeling this might be a piece that looks more faux than I like.

Black velvet and taffeta long military coat

And this one is really interesting. . . .  Can't say the overall effect work for me--a little too costumey. ButI love the overall textures--the vintage gloss of the coat fabric, the creamy dull highlights, the style of the buttons. . . would love to see this in person. Doesn't look like something you would want to wear a lot, however.

Hell Bunny Imma Grey coat

And this one--love the dark grey with the copper buttons!  I can't tell if those are real metal buttons, but considering the coat fabric is polyester, I have a feeling those buttons would be so disappointing up close. So sad--this is a lovely style, and if it was in wool I likely would have tried it out!

And so the hunt for a beautiful but practical winter Steampunk coat continues!

Don't forget--if you see any coats to share, please do in the comments.

Long Steampunky Coats

The weather is getting cold--well, as cold as it ever gets out here on Monterey Bay.  But cold enough that I realize I need a proper winter coat.  I've been making do with thinner coats, and that's been fine overall, but I either have to layer up underneath or I don't linger outside.  So I've started to look and see what is currently available out there that might be warm enough and add a new element of everyday Steampunk to my wardrobe.

Years ago now I saw and tried on this coat in the Free People store in San Jose:

It was so pretty, so neo-Victorian--and more $ than I am used to spending. But now, after looking for several years for something similar. . . I'm kinda kicking myself that I did not get it.  A combination birthday and Christmas present.  I could have been enjoying it all these years.  Sigh. Well, I've looked on Ebay ever since then, seeing if that coat will come up at a good price.  It did once, in my size, shortly after I had seen it in the store, but the price was still really high, so I didn't jump on it. 

So, now I'm looking for what else is out there that would keep me nice and warm this winter while appeasing my inner Steampunk. Here's some of what I found today with some looking on Ebay:

Long velvet coat by Marvin Richards 

This one might be a little too much on the Goth side for me, and I'm not sure it is actually all that warm. But so pretty!

Newport News black velvet coat

Same with this one--beautiful coat, but not sure how warm.

Long wool blend coat

A wool coat--maybe even a nice quality wool blend--would be ideal. This is a lovely option.

Vintage Long Ladies Full Military Jacket Floor Length Coat

This and the next two coats are all gorgeous designs--but also smack of cheap Chinese labor, and I would worry about the workmanship.  See the slightly skewed buttons on the coat?  They were like that in all the photos of different coats, all slightly off with one another.  Yes, I know the high-name brands probably have their clothes made in the very same factories--a popular name (Free People, I'm looking at you) is not a guarantee of good workmanship.  But at least when there is a well-known company putting its name on something there is usually much higher quality control.  That's why I look at these inexpensive but highly fashionable items and admire the design--and then just keep on scrolling.

long military-esque coat

New Bloomingdale's Khaki Double Breasted Military Buttoned Long Coat

This coat is not heavy enough for me, but it looks like it is constructed like a real coat--and looks like very nice workmanship.  Beautifully and effortlessly Steampunk.

Ralph Lauren

Same with this one--a beautiful, warm coat.  A little too "perky" for what I envision of Steampunk, but definitely compatible with the themes. 

by Free People

Pretty, but again, not sure how warm.

by IKHAN

Pretty, and not at all warm looking. But deliciously fun!

Free People

This one looks warm and practical. I would prefer a long coat, but this one is a possiblity. 

A pretty good start. If anyone knows of some good long Steampunky coats I should look at to consider, please share links in the comments.

More Military Cardigans

Cardigans are one of my favorite wardrobe staples--comfortable, practical, so easy for layering during transitional seasons, and so warm for winter. I had several cardigans I wore pretty much non-stop for years, and just this winter retired, because they had grown pretty baggy and worn.  If they were my favorite cozy sweaters, they might still be worth keeping just for around the house; and yet, I am getting of an age where it's too easy to feel frumpy, so even around the house I would prefer to wear only things that make me feel good.

Of course, anytime I need something new in my closet, I always first check to see if I can find it the least bit Real World Steampunk!  Pseudo-Steampunk to enliven an otherwise boring jeans outfit--perfect.

Here are some things I saw on Ebay today:

by Free People, found here

I love the texture, color, buttons and angled front.  Not so crazy about where the sweater would fall on my own midriff, but it would still work over a tunic dress and tights.  The overall look would not be neo-Victorian, but would be cute, and a nod towards Real World Steampunk if paired with steampunky accessories and tall boots.

by Rubbish, for Nordstrom, found here

Again, just a basic little sweater for layering.  This is the kind of thing that would be useful when you are going to be wearing jeans but want to have a vaguely steampunky vibe otherwise.  I can see this with a brown and white skinny stripe top over dark denim or brown skinny jeans, with steampunky tall boots.

by Love Culture, found here

The sweatshirt fabric of this one is not ideal, but again--a fine choice for an otherwise boring jeans day.

 Marc by Marc Jacobs, found here

I featured this one in the last cardigan post, in a mossy brown.  The same sweater in black is much more formal, and would look equally good with jeans or skirts.

by Free People, found here

Now, if you are like me and would prefer to wear tops and cardigans that de-emphasize hips when in skinny jeans, this is a nice option.  I'm not crazy about the neckline, however, which is a little too slumpy--a more fitted or stand-up collar like most of the previous cardigans have would not only be more flattering, but more neo-Victorian.

by Leifsdottir, found here

This one has a lovely drape--which is, alas, quite modern in look.  However, I love the ruffly millitary-esque detail down the front, so feminine and a little edgy.  This one too would look really good with skinny jeans over a tunic-length top.

by Bravo New York, found here

Oooooooh, so lovely!  What a flattering, ultra-feminine shape--I almost can't believe it is a sweater and not a jacket.  And it is a beautiful shade of brown, and is cashmere to boot! This one would look great with jeans and really dress them up, but I would like it best with a long skirt in some kind of stripe pattern, with little black granny boots peeking out underneath.

by Roz & Ali, bidding ended

Talk about ultra-feminine!  This is so over-the-top luxe, and so darn pretty.  I am not a fan of faux fur, but this is the way to do it--the color and texture really work well together. This would be so flattering on the right woman, and could be worn with all manner of clothes, from jeans to long Victorian style skirts, to knee-length knit dresses, and could be dressed up or worn casually. So fun!  The right woman could really play up the punk in this cardigan too--if she swapped out the buttons for something dark metal toned.

If you have a favorite cardigan that would work in a Real World Steampunk Wardrobe, please do share in the comments!   This was a fun, quick search today, but so far nothing perfect for my own wardrobe.  I always welcome your ideas!

Steampunk Boots for the Winter Apocalypse

Sorel Conquest Carly

OK, not really.  But some of these Steampunky boots are so over-the-top, winter-squall-ready they crack. me. up.  Don't get me wrong--I find almost all of the boots in this post quite attractive.  But they are made for people who take winter weather very. seriously.  (And some of them are proof that Steampunk aesthetics are truly working their way through the fashion industry.  If you can find Steampunky squall boots, you can find anything.)

So if you are a steampunk from Maine, or if you are looking for boots to complete your Abominable Snowmonster hunting expedition cosplay ensemble, well, here you go.

Sorel Conquest Carly Short

Khombu Birch High 2

UGG Madelynn

UGG Belcloud

Sorel Slimpack Riding

Sorel Slimpack Riding Short

UGG Barolo

Sperry Top-Sider

North Face Brianna II

Patagonia Tin Shed Buckle

North Face Shellista Pull-On

Pikolinos Lisboa

Sorel Sorelia Earhart Mid Lea

Sorel Sorelia Earhart

Real-World Steampunk Style: Winter Boots to Beat the Elements

So, as I shared in my last "Pseudo-Steampunk Sunday" post, late last Spring I finally found my perfect pair of Steampunk dress boots:

Here in California, winter means rain.  This means I really wanted at least one pair of dressy boots (i.e. look great with skirts) that were waterproof.  When I saw these in a little shop downtown I fell instantly in love--but they did not have my size, and could not order more since it was the end of the season.  I immediately scoured the internet, and after much searching found *one* other pair, in a little mom and pop store, in my size, in this lovely chocolate brown.  I felt the thrill of a successful hunt, and elation at finally finding one pair of practical, totally neo-Victorian dress boots.  I eagerly anticipated the turning of the seasons once more, when I could pull them out and finally wear them.

Of course now that cooler weather is upon us once more, you can find these boots everywhere, even on Amazon!  I'm glad I did not gamble on them being available this year; you never know what styles are going to be discontinued.  But I am so glad for all of you too, since how you have the option of finding them, if you need such a boot in your Steampunk wardrobe. 

I am also so glad that my research familiarized me with the brand La Canadienne. Not only are they beautifully made, quality boots, most of their styles are waterproof leather, and many of them are Steampunk compatible!  

Tahra in black

Ramona

This boot is very similar to Tahra, but is a little more modern/neutral/subtle in the detailing.  (Be sure to click on the images to see them larger, for best detail comparison.) So this is an excellent choice if you want a boot that is vaguely Victorian, so it is compatible with your Steampunk ensembles, but also want it to be as flexible as possible in working well with other styles. 

Palmina

A basic granny-boot style, but with a good heel for slippery sidewalks.

Stefanie

A basic riding boot is almost always good for Steampunk, esp. if it has nice buckle detailing.

Camilla

Caleb

Galaxy

I do not at all like the heel on this boot, but do like the detail at the top.  I can see this working well with Steampunk, despite the heel.

Shane

Michelle

Rimes in the "black neptune leather"

Too bad the lovely little ankle detail on this boot is not brass--that would be ideal.

Kaylie

What an elegant boot!

You can even find a great selection of La Canadienne boots on eBay, sometimes NIB with excellent discounts!  All the following are what I found on eBay today, in various sizes:

found here

found here

found here

found here

found here

All of these boots are real leather, should be waterproof, and are perfectly compatible with a Real-World Steampunk wardrobe.