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Studying the Lost Generation in Luminosity
By Choice Sliter | September 28, 2006
Yes. I admit it. I was an English major. Still am, seeing as how I’m still two classes away from finishing my degree. But, I digress. It’s funny how an image can strike you so intensely. The moment I saw this new release from Luminosity, my mind immediately went to The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway. The story is about a couple on safari. Well, it’s about much more than that, but you don’t come here for literary analysis. Suffice it to say, that when I read in Sol’s blog that she was inspired by 1940’s era fashion, I understood the connection I’d made immediately.
Where do I begin to tell you how sublime I find this set?
Well, let’s start with the fact that this is a variation on a common theme: safari. What don’t you see here: Animal print. Nor, for that matter, do you see a camera vest. Instead, you get a tailored linen vest with wood buttons, and a satin back. You get a lustrous, olive green blazer with a boiled wool texture, sueded collar, and (oh yes!) princess seams on the front. You get marled, wool socks. Did I forget to mention the semi-sheer, tintable, lace blouse with shell buttons? Did I forget the braided belt (with a shadow!), the deliciously-shadowed khaki pants, skirt, and shorts?
This is not a safari set for the rugged mountain climber. No, this is a safari set for a woman of the Lost Generation. A woman who had enough money to escape the Depression. A woman who wears boiled wool to the desert, not because it’s practical, but because it looks so damn good.Yes, she will pick up a rifle and shoot a wildebeest for fun, but she’s never leaving her tent without mascara and lipstick.
In other words, this is a collection with a built in story. I’m attracted to narrative. I’ve already shared with you my love for this brand. But it is not love for love’s sake. Details matter. Highlighting and shadowing matter. Texture choices matter. Would the blazer look nice without princess seams? Sure. It would still have the boiled wool texture, but it wouldn’t be as refined. It wouldn’t have the personality, the depth. Even in casual clothing it’s the details that determine whether you look pulled together, or thrown together.
And now, the images. In the middle and the left I’ve styled the outfits relatively vintage. I’ve been waiting for a chance to wear my first Kin Keiko hair (far left) and I think it works well with this look. For those of you who are not inclined to go retro, I created the look on the far right. It’s sassy, modern schoolgirl, and autumn perfect. However, all of the pieces in the set are neutral and lend to easy mixing and matching. So you shouldn’t shy away from this, even if desert chic is not your thing.
New items featured:
Sahara West by Luminosity
Seen in world: Yes
Review copy: Yes
Friends list: Yes
In this photo: [All] Eyes: Deep Brown by
Celestial
Studios; Nails: Dark Pack in Merlot by Tete a Pied; Earrings: Pearl Earrings by Raven’s Creations; Glasses: Metro glasses by Luminosity; [Left and Middle] Skin: Bronzage Dark Sophisticate 1 by Tete a
Pied; [Left] Hair: PinUp in brown (darker tinting added) by Kin Keiko; Blazer, Vest, Shirt, and Skirt: Sahara West by Luminosity; Hosiery: Everyday Silk Stockings in brown from OPIUM by Alaska Metropolitain; Shoes: Vintage strappy shoes in olive by Shiny Things [Middle] Hair: Sleek Bob in black brown (darker tinting added) by Elysium Emporium; Vest, Shirt, Pants, and Socks: Sahara West by Luminosity; Shoes: Lollies in cream by Shiny Things [Right] Skin: Skin: Bronzage Dark Peach Sorbet by Tete a Pied; Blazer: Sahara West by Luminosity; Sweater: Root beer sweater by Luminosity; Skirt: flexi skirt in brown w/black belt by Luminosity; Hosiery: Olive Plaid stockings by Luminosity; Shoes: Lollies in olive by Shiny Things
Topics: Full Outfits |
Mmmm the jacket. It looks great with the brown Sephule skirt from Nyte N’ Day. And the gray Tart trousers. Sol just needs to keep making jackets. And I need to get my pictures of it edited so I can blog it.
Posted by: CronoCloud Creeggan on September 28th, 2006 at 3:33 pmOooOO. I’d love to see photos of that. But you’re right, the woman works magic with a blazer and a belt. Each one becomes my favorite.
Posted by: Choice Sliter on September 28th, 2006 at 5:01 pmIt’s blogged. :-)
Posted by: CronoCloud Creeggan on September 29th, 2006 at 3:44 am